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A CIA whistleblower told senators that internal intelligence assessments pointing to a lab leak as the most likely origin of COVID-19 were repeatedly sidelined by the Biden administration, raising new questions about how the government handled early conclusions about the pandemic.

Testifying before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, James Erdman III — a veteran CIA officer with more than 20 years of experience — alleged that key findings from agency scientists were excluded from official reports and never shared with Congress.

Committee Chairman Sen. Rand Paul said Erdman came forward despite significant personal risk, emphasizing the importance of transparency.

“According to his testimony, CIA scientific analysts concluded multiple times between 2021 and 2023 that a lab leak was the most likely origin of COVID-19,” Paul said in his opening statement. “Yet those conclusions never shaped the official narrative, never made the intelligence report. Congress was never told.”

Paul further claimed that the timing of a later CIA assessment raised concerns about political motivations.

“It was not until after the 2024 election that the outgoing Biden administration directed the CIA to issue an assessment, not because of new intelligence, but so officials could walk out of the door claiming there was nothing left to find,” he said. “That is not analysis. That is a cleanup operation.”

Erdman appeared publicly despite objections from the CIA, which criticized the hearing as politically driven. Agency spokeswoman Liz Lyons said lawmakers acted improperly in compelling the testimony.

“The witness testifying today is not appearing as a whistleblower in pursuit of the truth, but instead in response to the subpoena issued by Chairman Paul,” Lyons said.

Erdman’s attorney, Carol Thompson, said her client had concerns about possible retaliation but declined to elaborate further.

During the hearing, Erdman also pointed to the role of former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci in shaping internal discussions about the virus’s origins.

“It was significantly influenced by Anthony Fauci, injecting himself into the IC [intelligence community],” Erdman said when asked whether the CIA minimized the possibility of a lab leak.

His testimony prompted calls from several Republican lawmakers for criminal action against Fauci.

“We just heard testimony that he intervened behind the scenes to try and get our own intelligence agency, CIA, FBI to change their assessment of the lab leak,” Sen. Josh Hawley said. “Why? Because he helped fund the Wuhan lab. He supported and funded gain-of-function research, and then he tried to cover it up, and then he worked to cover it up from the American people.”

“I hope he’s indicted,” Hawley added.

The hearing came shortly after the statute of limitations for certain potential charges related to Fauci’s prior testimony expired, though Paul signaled he intends to continue pursuing the matter.

“I’ve sent several criminal referrals on Anthony Fauci to the Justice Department,” Paul said. “And I hope they will be pursued at this time.”

Paul has long argued that Fauci misled Congress regarding research connected to Wuhan, an allegation Fauci has denied.

Former President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Fauci near the end of his term, though President Donald Trump has said the pardon is invalid due to how it was signed. That claim has not yet been tested in court.

Separately, a former Fauci adviser, Dr. David Morens, was recently indicted by a federal grand jury on allegations tied to concealing information about the origins of the pandemic.

Tensions also flared between Republican senators and the CIA during the hearing, particularly over the agency’s characterization of the proceedings.

“This proceeding amounts to nothing more than dishonest political theater masquerading as a congressional hearing,” Lyons said in a statement.

Sen. Ron Johnson sharply rejected that assessment.

“This is not political theater,” Johnson said. “I have years and years and years of built-up frustration of agencies like the CIA, Department of Justice, the FBI, HHS snubbing our oversight, giving us the big middle finger.”

Paul also defended holding the hearing in public, arguing transparency is essential.

“Closed-door testimony doesn’t provide oversight. Public testimony provides oversight,” he said.

Democratic members of the committee did not attend the hearing, drawing criticism from Republicans who said the absence undermined the seriousness of the issue.

“Nothing shocks me anymore with our colleagues from the other side of the aisle, but I’m shocked that not one of them showed up here,” Johnson said.

“This is serious oversight work,” he added. “This is what the American people need to see. And I just wish our Democrat colleagues had any level of curiosity about what’s happening inside the deep state.”

Sen. Bernie Moreno argued that Democrats avoided the hearing to sidestep accountability for pandemic-era decisions.

“This isn’t about politics, but somehow it’s become about politics because the Democrats don’t even want to hear the conversation about what obviously was a grave error that this country made during COVID,” Moreno said. “There’s never been a situation, certainly not in my lifetime, where you had decisions made that affected generations of Americans, kids that were absolutely deprived of their childhood, businesses that were destroyed, families that were torn apart, memories that you’ll never get back, trillions of dollars of economic loss.”

Erdman also accused the CIA of obstructing the investigation into COVID-19’s origins and retaliating against those involved.

“The CIA did not comply with lawful oversight during the DIG’s investigation,” he testified. “The CIA refused to provide information necessary to understand why analytic standards at the CIA were violated.”

He further alleged that agency officials monitored communications involving investigators and whistleblowers.

“These were Americans being spied upon illegally while executing duties directed by the president and under the authority of the Director of National Intelligence,” Erdman said.

According to his testimony, at least one contractor who cooperated with the investigation was dismissed.

Thompson said she hopes the public testimony will encourage others to come forward.

“There has been obstruction by those intelligence agencies, precluding those individuals from being able to conduct the investigation,” she said.

Hawley echoed those concerns, warning about broader implications.

“We have basically a systematic effort to violate the laws of Congress, to lie to the American people, to mislead the American people. And it’s still going on,” he said. “If you’ve got people who will just not follow the laws of Congress and lie openly to the American people, I don’t know how you can hope to preserve our country.”

{Matzav.com}

Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voiced support for President Donald Trump’s recent remarks prioritizing stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, even as those comments drew attention for downplaying concerns about Americans’ financial struggles.

In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Fetterman said Trump’s statement had been taken out of context and that the president’s core message was centered on preventing a nuclear-armed Iran.

“He said something that got clipped … saying, ‘I’m not thinking about [the] American people financially,’ but what he really was saying — he did say, is, ‘I’m really thinking that we can’t ever let Iran [build] a bomb,’” Fetterman told Fox News host Sean Hannity.

“That’s the essence of what that is, and to hold that line,” the Pennsylvania Democrat continued. “I mean, how could we just walk away and … let that happen?”

Fetterman, who ran as a liberal during his 2022 campaign, has in recent months found common ground with Trump on several major issues, including the conflict with Iran, border enforcement, and even plans related to the White House.

Despite that alignment on certain policies, Fetterman made clear he is not changing his political affiliation. Writing last week in a Washington Post opinion column, he said he would remain a Democrat, explaining that he would “be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats.”

Trump’s original comments came before his departure for Beijing earlier this week, when he was asked whether Americans’ financial conditions influenced his approach to negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.

“Not even a little bit,” he told reporters when asked about motivations.

“The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran, they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he added. “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situations. I don’t think about anybody.”

“I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

The ongoing conflict with Iran, which began following U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, has had economic repercussions at home, particularly in rising fuel prices linked to instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.

As of Thursday, the national average price for regular gasoline has climbed above $4.53 per gallon, according to AAA. Just two days before the conflict began, prices were below $3 per gallon.

Inflation has also ticked upward, with consumer prices rising 0.6 percent between March and April, pushing the annual inflation rate to 3.8 percent, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That marks a 1.4 percentage point increase since February.

Although a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in place, no final agreement has been reached to bring a permanent end to the hostilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said over the weekend that significant threats still remain despite the pause in fighting.

“It’s not over, because there’s still nuclear material, enriched uranium that has to be taken out of Iran,” he told Major Garrett on CBS News’s “60 Minutes.”

“There are still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled,” Netanyahu added. “There are still proxies that Iran supports. There are ballistic missiles that they still want to produce. Now, we’ve degraded a lot of it. But all that is still there, and there’s work to be done.”

Meanwhile, Trump is in Beijing for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During his appearance with Hannity, Fetterman argued that China, along with other global powers, should join the effort to pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

“The whole world should join us, stand with us. China … Europe, all these other countries should say, ‘We should demand Iran end their nuclear ambitions, and now we can all get back to building up all of our nation and parts of the world,’” the senator told Hannity.

{Matzav.com}

Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota said that marijuana use may be more widespread among lawmakers than publicly acknowledged, as she also renewed calls for broader legalization nationwide.

Speaking to TMZ in Washington, D.C., Omar — who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus — addressed ongoing discussions surrounding medical and recreational marijuana research. When asked whether it was surprising that no members of Congress openly identify as regular marijuana users, she suggested that advocacy and personal use are not necessarily connected.

“I will say –– advocacy for legalizing doesn’t necessarily mean that you are a user, so everybody can be an advocate to legalizing it because we understand that it is not OK for us to spend the billions of dollars we do now in incarcerating people for smoking a joint,” she said.

Pressed further on whether lawmakers themselves use cannabis, Omar laughed and indicated she believes such behavior is not uncommon on Capitol Hill.

“I think there are a lot of people who smoke cannabis in Congress,” she said, flashing a peace sign before ending the exchange.

Omar also argued that federal law should catch up with state-level changes, noting that many states have already legalized marijuana in some form. She pointed to President Donald Trump’s role in shifting Republican attitudes on drug policy and encouraging more dialogue within the party.

“I think any step forward is a good step, but we need to go farther than where we are yet,” she said. “We need to continue building the coalition, we need to continue to have people speak to the president. He has the power, Congress has the power, and it’s time for us to come together and get this done.”

Recent actions by the Trump administration reflect a broader shift in federal policy toward marijuana and psychedelic drugs. Last month, Trump signed an executive order easing restrictions on research into psychedelic substances, particularly for treating conditions such as depression and substance abuse.

The order also instructed the Food and Drug Administration to accelerate its review process, leading to approvals for certain psychedelic-based treatments. Several Republican lawmakers, including Reps. Morgan Luttrell of Texas and Jack Bergman of Michigan, have advocated for making such treatments available to veterans.

Shortly afterward, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche directed that state-approved medical marijuana be reclassified as less dangerous, aligning with what officials described as the president’s “promise to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options.”

The move reduced regulatory burdens on medical marijuana and introduced tax benefits for licensed providers.

“These actions will enable more targeted, rigorous research into marijuana’s safety and efficacy, expanding patients’ access to treatments and empowering doctors to make better-informed healthcare decisions,” Blanche said in his announcement at the time, posted to the social platform X.

While these developments have not significantly altered the legal status of recreational marijuana at the federal level, they represent a notable departure from the strict enforcement approach that defined the decades-long “war on drugs” launched during the Nixon administration.

{Matzav.com}

Cuba’s government acknowledged Wednesday that the country has exhausted its fuel reserves, with officials warning that worsening shortages are crippling the national power grid and deepening unrest across the island.

Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy said Cuba has completely run out of both oil and diesel, blaming the crisis on ongoing U.S. sanctions and disruptions to foreign fuel deliveries.

“We have absolutely no fuel, and absolutely no diesel,” Vicente de la O Levy said on state media, according to The Guardian. “We have no reserves.”

The minister said the country’s electrical infrastructure has entered a “critical” phase, with residents in some parts of Havana now enduring rolling blackouts lasting as long as 22 hours each day.

Cuba relies heavily on imported Venezuelan crude, but officials said the island has received just one shipment of oil since January. United Press International separately reported that de la O Levy said a 730,000-barrel shipment delivered by a Russian-flagged tanker had already been depleted. According to officials, Cuba’s power grid is now being sustained only through locally produced crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources.

Cuban authorities pointed to U.S. economic pressure following this year’s American military operation in Venezuela as a major cause of the deepening energy emergency. President Trump has also publicly warned foreign nations against maintaining commercial ties with Cuba.

“This dramatic worsening has a single cause: the genocidal energy blockade to which the United States subjects our country, threatening irrational tariffs against any nation that supplies us with fuel,” Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel wrote in a Wednesday post on the social platform X.

“It is a perverse design whose main objective is the suffering of the entire people, to hold them hostage and turn them against the Government,” he added.

Trump administration officials have repeatedly signaled support for political change in Cuba. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously indicated that Washington could reconsider parts of its economic campaign if Cuba were to install new leadership.

Rubio, whose family emigrated from Cuba, has long taken a hard line against the communist government. One of his earliest actions after taking office last year was reinstating sanctions targeting entities tied to Cuba’s military and government. Last week, the State Department announced additional sanctions against two Cuban organizations and one individual accused of supporting the regime.

“Cubans leave Cuba, they go to other countries and become successful,” Rubio said during an interview with Fox News aboard Air Force One this week. “The only place in the world where Cubans can’t seem to prosper and succeed is in Cuba.”

As fuel shortages worsen alongside an expanding humanitarian crisis, demonstrations have begun erupting in the capital. Reuters reported that hundreds of Cubans gathered in Havana on Wednesday night, blocking roads, banging pots and pans, and demanding electricity.

Reuters noted that police officers were deployed heavily around the protest areas, though authorities reportedly avoided major confrontations with demonstrators.

De la O Levy said Cuba continues trying to secure imported fuel supplies, but global energy markets have become increasingly unstable because of the conflict involving Iran and the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which has driven up both oil and shipping costs.

“Cuba is open to anyone that wants to sell us fuel,” he said, per Reuters.

President Trump also referenced possible communication with Cuban officials in a Truth Social post Tuesday, ahead of a state visit to China.

“No Republican has ever spoken to me about Cuba, which is a failed country and only heading in one direction – down! Cuba is asking for help, and we are going to talk!!!” he wrote ahead of a state visit to China.

{Matzav.com}

Leaders in Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s Likud party are working to revive the stalled draft law in an effort to keep the right-wing bloc intact, even as tensions with chareidi parties continue to rise.

Coalition chairman Ofir Katz placed a series of calls Thursday to Likud Knesset members, seeking to gauge their positions on the draft legislation. The goal, according to reports, is to maintain the bloc under all circumstances, even as political instability grows.

According to reporting by Amit Segal, Likud wants to head into potential elections as a unified and recognizable bloc, rather than being forced to explain how Netanyahu could piece together a coalition after the vote. The message being conveyed to United Torah Judaism is direct: even if the draft law does not pass — due to the war or other complications — Likud wants the party to publicly commit to remaining part of the bloc.

The effort comes against the backdrop of a dramatic directive from Rav Dov Landau, who instructed Degel HaTorah representatives to work toward dissolving the Knesset as soon as possible. In strong terms, Rav Landau made clear that from this point forward, the only consideration would be “what is good for chareidi Jewry,” adding that “the concept of a bloc does not exist” — a statement that significantly weakens Likud’s attempt to project unity.

Attempts to pass the draft law have failed repeatedly in recent months, despite Netanyahu’s earlier assurances to chareidi party leaders that a finalized version would be presented. The delays ultimately led to growing frustration. “We have to admit, there will not be a draft law in the current Knesset. We failed,” a senior chareidi Knesset member said at the time.

At this stage, United Torah Judaism has not committed to returning to the bloc. Still, Likud is continuing to push forward with efforts to advance the draft law, effectively offering to try to pass it in exchange for political loyalty.

The move reflects a broader concern within Likud about maintaining political stability ahead of possible elections, while trying to prevent the chareidi parties from seeking new alliances. However, in light of Rav Landau’s sharp remarks and the evident lack of trust in Netanyahu’s commitments, restoring the previous partnership appears to be a complex and uncertain challenge.

{Matzav.com}

The Justice Department announced Thursday that an investigation lasting more than a year concluded that Yale School of Medicine unlawfully considered race in its admissions decisions, despite the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling prohibiting race-conscious admissions policies in higher education.

In a statement released by the department’s Civil Rights Division, federal officials accused Yale administrators of deliberately factoring race into admissions choices and attempting to rely on what the department described as “racial proxies” in order to work around the Supreme Court’s decision.

Investigators said admissions records indicated that Black and Hispanic applicants were accepted at higher rates than white and Asian applicants who posted similar academic credentials and test scores.

“Yale has continued its race-based admissions program despite the Supreme Court and the public’s clear mandate for reform,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said in a statement.

“This Department will continue to shed light on these illegal practices, and demand that institutions of higher education comply with federal law.”

Federal officials also said their review found that Black and Hispanic applicants were “admitted with consistently lower academic qualifications” than white and Asian applicants, which the department said constituted intentional discrimination prohibited under federal law.

The findings represent another step in the Trump administration’s broader campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at colleges and universities across the country.

Following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, conservative legal organizations and federal authorities have intensified scrutiny of admissions procedures at universities, including medical and professional schools.

The Justice Department emphasized that institutions receiving taxpayer funding are obligated to follow federal anti-discrimination laws while educating future doctors.

“Medical schools use substantial federal financial assistance to train the next generation of doctors,” the department said.

“The Department is continuing its focus on eradicating illegal race politics from admissions at medical schools, where quality and excellence are vitally important to public safety.”

Although the department did not announce any immediate penalties or lawsuits against Yale, officials said efforts would continue to ensure colleges and universities comply with federal civil rights requirements.

Yale did not immediately issue a response Thursday after being asked for comment.

The Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling struck down admissions systems used by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, with the justices determining that race-based admissions practices violated the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause.

That decision prompted schools across the nation to overhaul longstanding admissions policies that had considered race as one factor in evaluating applicants.

{Matzav.com}

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri said that the appointment of Rav Yitzchak Edelstein as chief rabbi of Ramat Hasharon fulfilled a personal commitment he made years ago to the new rov‘s father and uncle, two of the most prominent gedolim of the previous generation.

Speaking to close associates after the selection, Deri described the moment as the culmination of a long-awaited pledge. “Thank G-d that I merited to fulfill the promise I made to his father, Rav Yaakov Edelstein, and to his uncle, Rav Gershon Edelstein. This was their special request to me, and for years I waited to carry out this wish. Thank G-d we worked toward his election, and today he was chosen.”

The story behind the commitment dates back to the final days of Rav Yaakov Edelstein, the longtime rov of Ramat Hasharon. While on his deathbed, he asked Deri to come see him and personally requested that he do everything in his power to ensure that his son, Rav Yitzchak Edelstein, would succeed him as the city’s rov. According to those close to Deri, he gave his word at that time that he would work to make it happen.

Ramat Hasharon Mayor Yitzchak Rochberger also praised Deri’s efforts, saying the outcome would not have been achieved without his involvement. “If not for Rabbi Aryeh Deri, who acted and stood like a rock for the election of Rav Edelstein, we would not have reached this day.”

The pledge was strengthened further during the shivah period following Rav Yaakov Edelstein’s passing. Deri came to comfort the family, and Rav Gershon Edelstein was also present. After offering condolences, Rav Gershon asked to speak privately with Deri in his car, where he again urged him to work toward appointing his nephew, Rav Yitzchak Edelstein, as rov of Ramat Hasharon in order to continue his father’s legacy and the spiritual transformation he led in the city. Deri again assured him that he would act on the request.

Sources within Shas said that throughout the recent round of rabbinic appointments across the country, the Ramat Hasharon position was effectively reserved for Rav Yitzchak Edelstein. According to those familiar with the matter, Deri worked together with former minister Michael Malkieli and Religious Services Ministry Director-General Yehuda Avidan to advance the process and secure his appointment.

After the results were announced, Rav Yitzchak Edelstein held an emotional conversation with Deri, thanking him sincerely for his efforts and for honoring the wishes of his father and uncle.

{Matzav.com}

A controversial proposal to tax luxury second homes in New York City may end up affecting far more homeowners than initially expected, after Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office unveiled a plan that lowers the threshold for some properties from $5 million to just $1 million in assessed value.

New details released Thursday by Hochul’s office outlined a complicated two-part framework for the proposed pied-à-terre tax, developed alongside Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The proposal could eventually reshape major aspects of New York City’s long-criticized property tax structure.

Under the proposal, the tax would apply to second homes in condos and co-ops assessed above $1 million, while one-, two-, and three-family homes would only qualify if assessed at more than $5 million.

The proposal, first reported by the New York Times, also caught lawmakers by surprise even as Albany continues prolonged budget negotiations requiring legislative approval for the measure.

“This budget process is broken. It needs to be fixed,” an exasperated state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) said, griping that lawmakers learned the proposal from the media instead of the governor.

“We should know these things. It shows a level of disrespect.”

The latest proposal represents another concession by Hochul to Mamdani and progressive allies who have pushed aggressively for higher taxes on wealthy New Yorkers.

The pied-à-terre concept gained traction after Mamdani’s broader proposal to tax millionaires lost momentum, largely due to opposition from Hochul.

Instead, the governor agreed to support a targeted tax on luxury second residences, originally describing it as a levy aimed at homes valued at $5 million or more — approximately 13,000 properties citywide, according to her office.

Hochul and Mamdani estimated the tax would generate roughly $500 million annually, though city Comptroller Mark Levine disputed those projections, estimating revenue would likely fall between $340 million and $380 million.

Real estate experts warned that implementing the tax would be extraordinarily complicated because of New York City’s notoriously confusing property tax system and the challenge of determining which residences qualify as second homes.

The framework released Thursday appeared to be an attempt to address those concerns.

Under the proposal, second homes classified as one-, two-, or three-family residences would still only be taxed if their assessed value exceeds $5 million.

Homes assessed between $5 million and $15 million would face a surcharge of 0.8%.

The surcharge would rise to 1.05% for properties valued between $15 million and $25 million, while homes at the highest tier would face a 1.3% rate.

Officials estimated that a part-time city resident with a single-family home assessed at $11.5 million would owe approximately $92,000 annually under the tax.

The proposal takes a far more aggressive approach toward condos and co-ops, aligning with Mamdani’s campaign promise to target “richer and whiter neighborhoods.”

According to the plan, condos and co-ops with a Department of Finance “market value” of at least $1 million would immediately be subject to the surcharge during the first two years.

Hochul’s office argued that because of the city’s unusual assessment formulas, a property carrying a $1 million assessed value may actually sell for around $5 million in the real market.

During the initial phase, properties with assessed market values between $1 million and $3 million would pay a 4% surcharge.

Units assessed at $5 million or higher would face a 6.5% surcharge, according to the proposal.

“For example, a condo selling for $18.5 million may have a (Department of Finance) assessed market value of only $1.1 million,” the proposal states. “In the first two years, it would pay a surcharge of $45,115, or 4% of its current assessed market value.”

After the first two years, officials hope to replace the temporary structure with an entirely redesigned valuation system for condos and co-ops that would align their taxation more closely with single-family homes.

Under that revised model, officials said the same $18.5 million condo would eventually owe $194,250 annually.

Hochul’s office estimated that the updated tax plan would impact between 8,000 and 10,000 properties.

The release of the proposal came only hours after legislative leaders acknowledged that negotiations over the tax were still unresolved.

“I don’t have any final details. I have an idea of it, but I don’t have the exact details,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) told reporters Thursday.

At the time, Heastie noted that lawmakers were still debating whether the surcharge should be based on assessed value or the more difficult-to-determine market value.

Real estate attorneys predicted the proposal would trigger a surge of legal challenges from property owners disputing their tax bills, according to Erik Zaratin, a partner at Goldberg Weprin Finkel Goldstein LLP.

“There will be more property owners filing grievances,” he said.

James Whelan, president of the Real Estate Board of New York, sharply criticized the plan, warning it would place additional financial burdens on residents already facing some of the nation’s heaviest tax loads.

“On the back of $500 million in a new second-home tax, putting even more costs on home buyers and sellers will further discourage transactions and threaten existing revenue collected by the State, City, and MTA,” he said.

Bloomberg separately reported Thursday that Hochul and state lawmakers had also agreed to another previously undisclosed tax measure — a surcharge targeting cash purchases of homes valued above $1 million.

{Matzav.com}

In a welcome development for thousands of chassidishe families planning to spend Shavuos in Yerushalayim, the Dushinsky kehillah has introduced a formal set of guidelines aimed at curbing the soaring rental prices in the Shmuel Hanavi area and surrounding neighborhoods.

With large numbers expected to travel to Yerushalayim for Zman Mattan Toraseinu to be in the presence of the Rebbe and daven in the Dushinsky beis medrash, askanim in Dushinsky have stepped in to establish a structured pricing system for apartments being rented over Yom Tov.

This initiative follows a similar takanah first put in place during the past month of Tishrei, when prices had risen sharply without justification. At that time, the kehillah emphasized that since Dushinsky is the primary chassidus in the Shmuel Hanavi neighborhood—without the presence of other large chassidishe courts nearby, aside from areas like Arzei Habira and Eretz Chefetz—the tzibbur has the ability, through achdus, to bring prices back down. With a united effort, they expressed confidence that the situation could be corrected.

It has now been learned that the updated regulations were distributed this week among chassidim and posted throughout the Shmuel Hanavi area. According to the official price list, the cost for a two-day stay covering Shavuos and Shabbos will be 1,000 shekel per housing unit, with an additional 100 shekel for each extra bed. A three-room apartment will be capped at 2,350 shekel, while a four-room apartment will go for 2,600 shekel.

The move was carried out with the full backing of the rabbanim and dayanim of the kehillah, following extensive discussions and meetings led by the askanim. It is noted that during Tishrei, a similar effort by Dushinsky successfully brought down rental prices in neighborhoods such as Beis Yisroel and nearby areas, where demand is typically high due to the presence of other chassidic groups including Slonim and Toldos Aharon. Despite the heavy demand, the initiative was widely regarded as a success.

{Matzav.com}

A special gathering took place yesterday in Nes Ziona as the Yenukah, Rav Shlomo Yehuda Be’eri, celebrated the bris of his newborn son, drawing an extraordinary mix of rabbonim, dayanim, marbitzei Torah, public officials, and members of the broader public who came to take part in the simcha.

The event, held in the Amara halls, brought together a diverse crowd, reflecting the unique reach and influence of the Yenukah.

at the bris, the Yenukah himself served as sandek for his son, who was given the name Yoel Menachem.

The convergence of such a broad spectrum of participants — from the world of Torah to the corridors of influence — created an atmosphere that was both elevated and striking.

PHOTOS:

ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס

ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס ברית לבן הינוקאצילום: שלומי אמסלם ובני אטיאס

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Chief Rabbi, Rav Kalman Meir Ber, published a special letter ahead of Yom Yerushalayim focusing on the spiritual significance of the day, the return to the Kosel and Yerushalayim following the Six-Day War, and the unfolding fulfillment of the nevuos of redemption in our times.

In the letter, Rav Ber presents Yom Yerushalayim through an emunah– and Torah-based perspective, describing it as a day established by the Chief Rabbinate as a permanent day of hoda’ah for the miracles and salvations of the Six-Day War.

At the beginning of the letter, the Chief Rabbi writes that Yom Yerushalayim is “a day established by the Council of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel as a day of thanksgiving and praise for generations for the miracles of salvation and deliverance during the Six-Day War. On this day we thank Hakadosh Boruch Hu for the great kindness He bestowed upon us in our return to the regions of our holy land, foremost among them Yerushalayim, our holy and glorious city, the place of the Bais Hamikdosh and the Kosel Hama’aravi, and the other holy sites.”

He continues by recalling the fear and uncertainty that gripped the country in the days leading up to the war.

“Those of that generation remember well the days of anxiety that preceded the war, when the settlement in the Land stood under grave threat and hearts were filled with prayer and anticipation for salvation. And with abundant Heavenly mercy, the fear was transformed into great salvation, and we merited a wondrous victory and to return to holy Yerushalayim and to the Kosel Hama’aravi,” he writes.

Rav Ber then quotes remarks delivered during that period by Mir Rosh Yeshiva Rav Chaim Shmulevitz zt”l, who cited the famous words of the Vilna Gaon in a letter written to his mother while traveling toward Eretz Yisroel.

“In a talk delivered in those days by the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, the gaon Rav Chaim Shmulevitz zt”l, he mentioned the words of the Vilna Gaon zt”l, who wrote to his mother on his way to Eretz Yisrael: ‘If I merit to stand near the gates of Heaven, I will pray on your behalf.’ And he added that the Gaon did not merit this, whereas we merited to stand in that holy place and pray on behalf of Klal Yisroel. This merit is by no means self-understood, and it is our obligation to thank Hakadosh Boruch Hu for the great kindness He bestowed upon us, that we merited to return to those holy places for which so many generations yearned.”

The Chief Rabbi stresses that Yerushalayim is the heart and center of Eretz Yisroel, and that the condition of the city reflects the condition of Klal Yisroel as a whole.

He cites Rav Betzalel Ashkenazi, who wrote, “And if there is no Yerushalayim, Heaven forbid, there is no Chevron,” and brings the explanation of Rav Avrohom Yitzchok Hakohen Kook zt”l that Yerushalayim is the center of the kedusha of Eretz Yisroel, from which spiritual vitality spreads throughout the land.

Rav Ber writes that the rebuilding of Yerushalayim is, in many ways, the story of the rebirth of the Jewish people in their land. He references the famous letter of the Ramban describing the devastation he found upon arriving in Yerushalayim in the year 1267.

“In the year 1267, when the Ramban arrived in Yerushalayim, he described in a letter sent to his son the city’s terrible condition in chilling language: ‘For the abandonment is great and the desolation immense,’ and added: ‘In general, whatever is holier than another place is more destroyed than another place, and Jerusalem is more destroyed than all.’”

Turning to the present era, Rav Ber describes today’s Yerushalayim as a visible fulfillment of the nevuos of consolation and redemption.

“How greatly things have changed from the days of the Ramban until our own times. Since our nation began returning to its land, and especially after the reunification of Yerushalayim, the renewal and ongoing rebuilding of the holy city are clearly visible before our eyes. Anyone who walks through its streets can tangibly sense that the words of the prophets are being fulfilled before our eyes.”

He points to the bustling streets of Yerushalayim, filled with elderly residents and children playing, as a living realization of the nevuah of Zechariah.

“Its bustling streets, filled with elderly men and women alongside boys and girls, seem to bring to life the prophecy of Zechariah: ‘Old men and old women shall yet sit in the streets of Jerusalem… and the streets of the city shall be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets’ (Zechariah 8:4-5).”

He also points to the city’s ongoing expansion and rebuilding as the fulfillment of Yirmiyahu’s prophecy that “houses and fields and vineyards shall yet be bought in this land,” as well as Yechezkel’s vision of the once-desolate cities once again filled with masses of Jews streaming to the Kosel.

Rav Ber further emphasizes that Yerushalayim belongs to every Jew equally, noting the teaching of Chazal that the city was never divided among the shevatim.

He writes, “Great is the power of Yerushalayim to unite hearts,” quoting the Yerushalmi’s explanation of the posuk “Yerushalayim built as a city joined together” as “a city that makes all Israel into companions.”

According to Rav Ber, Yerushalayim today serves as the broadest common denominator uniting all parts of Klal Yisroel, while all brachos and goodness flow to the Jewish people through the kedusha of the city.

Concluding his message, the Chief Rabbi offers a heartfelt tefillah for the complete rebuilding of Yerushalayim and the coming of the Geulah Sheleimah.

“Let us conclude with a prayer that the Almighty will soon merit us to see Jerusalem rebuilt in its completeness: ‘You shall arise and have mercy upon Zion, for it is time to favor her, for the appointed time has come. For Your servants cherish her stones and favor her dust’ (Tehillim 102). And in the words of the Kuzari, that the awakening of hearts and yearning for the holy place is what brings redemption: ‘For Jerusalem will indeed be rebuilt when the Jewish people long for her with the ultimate longing.’ Let us renew our covenant with the Holy City and pray that we merit speedily in our days the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdosh and complete redemption, amen v’amen,” the chief rabbi concludes in his letter.

{Matzav.com}

A subway security guard assigned to curb fare evasion has been accused of doing the opposite, after investigators say she was caught accepting cash from riders and letting them through the turnstiles using a student-issued OMNY card, the NY Post reports.

According to a report released Thursday by MTA Inspector General Daniel Cort, the guard was seen on surveillance footage allowing passengers into a Brooklyn station by tapping them through with a Department of Education OMNY card that had been stolen.

The report did not name the employee, who was taken off subway duty after a commuter at the Eighth Avenue station in Brooklyn reported the alleged scheme last year.

“The gate guards are paid to deter farebeating and provide a sense of security to the riding public, not to improperly sell subway system entry and pocket the cash,” Cort said in a statement.

“I am grateful to the rider who reported this misconduct and appreciate NYC Transit’s thorough response, which led to the guard’s removal from working in the subway system.”

The guard, described as a “gate security guard,” was working for Allied Security Services, a contractor hired by the MTA to help reduce fare evasion.

The incident is the latest in a series involving Allied Security personnel accused of enabling free rides rather than preventing them.

In May of last year, Allied Universal Security Services guards were observed at the Herald Square station opening emergency exit doors on multiple occasions, allowing groups of fare evaders to enter without paying.

The guard at the center of the latest case began working on June 3, 2024, and was stationed at the Eighth Avenue stop, the report said. She told investigators she had received no formal training and had no prior background in the role.

After a tip was received in July, investigators reviewed surveillance footage that showed her, on at least five occasions between July 14 and July 18, taking cash from riders through the security barrier and then using the card to grant them entry.

The report noted that in three separate instances — twice on July 17 and once on July 18 — she appeared to return money to riders after initially taking it.

When questioned, the guard first said she was using her own OMNY card. After being told the card was linked to a student account, she claimed she had found it on the street.

“The Security Guard improperly accepted cash from customers for her personal gain, and by doing so, she stole money from NYC Transit,” the report said.

Investigators concluded that her actions violated Allied Security’s Code of Ethics and “would likely constitute the criminal offense of petit larceny,” though they did not pursue criminal charges due to the relatively small amount involved.

“This guard will never work on MTA property again,” said MTA Chief Security Officer Michael Kemper. “Taking cash to illegally swipe riders into the subway is the exact conduct this person was assigned to prevent.”

The MTA stopped accepting cash payments for fares in April 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 shutdown, shifting to a fully cashless system that relies on OMNY cards, bank cards, or similar methods.

As a result, access to the subway now requires an OMNY card, a MetroCard, or a contactless payment option.

Fare evasion continues to cost the transit system heavily, with the MTA estimating losses of about $900 million annually across its bus and subway networks.

{Matzav.com}

King Charles III traveled to the Jewish neighborhood of Golders Green in London on Thursday, meeting with community members and victims of recent antisemitic violence amid a troubling rise in attacks across the city.

During the visit, the King was joined by Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley as they sat down at a local Jewish charity center with two individuals injured in last month’s stabbing incident, 34-year-old Shloime Rand and 76-year-old Moshe Shine.

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Shine described the encounter with the monarch as deeply meaningful, saying Charles showed genuine compassion for his situation. He said that Charles “was very concerned” about his condition. “The most inspiring thing was that he didn’t let go of my hand, I mean it was amazing, he is the King, but I felt a genuine warmth and concern.”

“We feel we have a genuine friend in the King,” he added.

As part of his visit, the King also met with volunteers from the Jewish neighborhood watch group Shomrim, who were among the first responders to the stabbing. He later spent time speaking with students at a nearby school and was presented with a challah from a local bakery.

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The visit comes in the wake of a series of antisemitic incidents that have shaken Britain’s Jewish community in recent weeks. Since March 23, multiple arson attacks have targeted shuls and Jewish institutions. On that day, four ambulances operated by Hatzolah in Golders Green were deliberately set ablaze.

In another incident last month, attackers hurled two bottles filled with petrol along with a brick at the Finchley Reform Synagogue in London. Authorities later detained two suspects in connection with the assault.

More recently, on Sunday, two separate antisemitic attacks were reported in the capital, including one in which a Jewish woman was struck with a belt and another in which a Jewish child was punched outside a school.

{Matzav.com}

A significant and uplifting development for the kehilla in Ramat Hasharon unfolded Thursday, as the city’s election committee officially selected Rav Yitzchak Edelstein to serve as Rav Ha’ir, continuing the mesorah of his illustrious father, HaGaon Rav Yaakov Edelstein zt”l.

The decision was announced following the conclusion of the vote count by the official selection committee, where Rav Edelstein received a clear majority of 25 votes from the voting body, securing his appointment to the rabbanus of the city.

This appointment is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Religious Services to establish permanent rabbinic leadership in cities across Eretz Yisroel, recognizing the critical importance of steady and rooted hanhaga ruchanis. For the residents of Ramat Hasharon, this marks a meaningful continuation after the petirah of Rav Yaakov Edelstein zt”l, who led the city with distinction for decades.

The election committee was chaired by the former Av Beis Din of Rechovos, HaGaon HaDayan Rav Nachum Gortler, with participation from Rav Mordechai Abramovsky, mara d’asra of Zichron Yaakov, along with additional committee members and representatives of the Ministry of Religious Services. The committee’s proceedings were coordinated by secretary Tzuriel Porat.

With the official tally completed, the committee confirmed that Rav Yitzchak Edelstein had been chosen to assume the role, and is expected to carry forward the legacy of Torah leadership established by his father.

Rav Yitzchak Edelstein, a resident of Ramat Hasharon, is the son of the city’s longtime rav, who served for over fifty years. A talmid of Yeshivas Ponovezh, he continued learning in the yeshiva’s kollel and later served as a maggid shiur in several yeshivos. He also led a kollel for hora’ah and halacha and is among the rabbanim of Yeshivas Torah B’Tifartah in Elad. He holds semichah from the Rabbanut HaRashit and has been meshamesh gedolei hador, from whom he acquired clarity in psak and hanhaga.

Former Minister of Religious Services MK Michael Malkieli commented on the appointment, praising the efforts that led to the outcome: “Thanks to the efforts of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, the revolution in religious services continues in the Sharon region with the selection of Rav Edelstein, who was chosen to fill the place of his great father zt”l. The Shas movement will continue to lead in preserving the Jewish character of the state.”

Director-General of the Ministry of Religious Services Yehuda Avidan also expressed appreciation to the committee leadership and the mayor, Yitzchak Rochberger, and extended his bracha to the new rav: “Through an orderly process initiated by the outgoing Minister of Religious Services, MK Michael Malkieli, and coordinated with all relevant parties, we have merited to reach this moment. I believe that the Rav shlit”a will continue the tradition of his father, the great gaon Rav Yaakov Edelstein zt”l, in leading the city, strengthening its connection to the עולם התורה, and bringing accessible and welcoming Yiddishkeit to its residents. The appointment of a rav for Ramat Hasharon provides spiritual and communal stability and enables residents to benefit from clear and dedicated Torah leadership.”

{Matzav.com}

Rudy Giuliani said he underwent a profound spiritual moment while seriously ill with pneumonia earlier this month, describing a vivid experience that occurred while he was unconscious and fighting for his life.

Speaking Wednesday during his return broadcast of “America’s Mayor Live!” following his hospitalization, the 81-year-old former New York City mayor recounted what he described as a deeply personal encounter involving his late friend and longtime associate, Peter J. Powers.

“I also had a very, very significant spiritual experience at a time in which I was in a state of like … out of it. I would equate it to a dream of my being on line headed for, I can’t say headed for heaven, headed for a trial by St. Peter,” Giuliani described.

He went on to explain that in this vision, Powers appeared to him in what he characterized as a meaningful and impactful moment.

“There was a very significant intervention by my Peter, I have my own Peter … Peter J. Powers, my friend of my lifetime,” he said.

According to Giuliani, the exchange left a lasting impression, prompting him to document it shortly after regaining consciousness. He said his son Andrew recorded part of his account while he was still recovering in a hospital bed in Florida.

“Peter said some very significant words, and I made sure, as soon as I woke up, I started telling people and recorded it in part,” he added, noting his son, Andrew, recorded his retelling of the dream by his bedside in Florida.

Giuliani indicated that he intends to share further details of the experience at a later time. He also said he consulted with a priest while still in the hospital, seeking guidance after what he described as the apparition.

“I don’t want to embellish it, and I don’t want to deny what was there,” he told viewers.

Powers, who had known Giuliani since their youth, played a central role throughout his career, serving as a trusted advisor, campaign manager, and deputy mayor. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 72 following complications from lung cancer.

The health emergency that led to Giuliani’s hospitalization began on May 3, when he was admitted in critical condition with viral pneumonia. The illness was believed to be connected to lingering respiratory issues stemming from exposure during the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Sources close to Giuliani later said he briefly fell into a coma during the ordeal, though his condition steadily improved afterward.

In a separate appearance Wednesday on “The Rudy Giuliani Show” on Lindell TV, Giuliani said he is now feeling significantly better and continuing to recover.

“It is very nice to be back … I’ve been away about a week and a few days. I had pneumonia, I was in the hospital. I’m going to tell you all about it, not all right away,” Giuliani said.

He described his recovery as ongoing but encouraging, noting that he has resumed physical activity.

“I’m in the middle of making a very, very full and complete recovery. Today, I did physical exercise, walked up and down stairs, and walked all around. I feel 100 percent, but I’m probably not,” he added.

Giuliani also spoke about the support he received during his hospitalization, singling out President Trump for staying in close contact throughout the episode.

“Of course, I have to thank the president, of whom I had a very good conversation after I got into the hospital,” Giuliani recalled.

His spokesman, Ted Goodman, said that Trump’s team remained in regular communication, checking frequently on Giuliani’s condition.

“He was just terrific,” the former mayor said of Trump. “He’s just a godsend to this country.”

{Matzav.com}

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu announced Thursday that Israel plans to take legal action against The New York Times over what he described as a deeply offensive and misleading article accusing Israeli soldiers and military dogs of sexually abusing Palestinian detainees.

The decision follows the publication of a column by Nicholas Kristof in the newspaper, which alleged widespread sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli guards and soldiers.

“They defamed the soldiers of Israel and perpetuated a blood libel about rape, trying to create a false symmetry between the genocidal terrorists of Hamas and Israel’s valiant soldiers,” Netanyahu said as he vowed harsh legal action against the paper.

“Under my leadership, Israel will not be silent. We will fight these lies in the court of public opinion and in the court of law. Truth will prevail.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it is preparing a defamation lawsuit, calling the report “one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel in the modern press.”

The controversial piece, based on testimony from 14 former Palestinian detainees, claimed that sexual abuse was systematically embedded within Israeli military practices.

It also alleged that Israeli forces trained dogs to assault prisoners.

The article quickly spread online and triggered strong reactions, with critics — including some analysts and Jewish organizations — condemning it as anti-Jewish propaganda and labeling it a “blood libel.”

The timing of the report also drew attention, as it appeared one day before the release of findings from a two-year investigation into widespread sexual violence committed against Israeli civilians during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack.

The New York Times stood by its reporter as criticism intensified.

“Nicholas Kristof is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has reported on sexual violence for decades and is widely regarded as one of the world’s best on-the-ground reporters documenting and bearing witness to sexual abuse experienced by women and men in war and conflict zones,” a Times spokesperson said.

“He traveled to the region to report firsthand on the stories of the Palestinians who suffered abuse, and his article collects accounts in the victims’ own words, backed by independent studies.”

{Matzav.com}

In an effort to make the consequences of government shutdowns more tangible for elected officials, the Senate has unanimously approved a resolution that would suspend senators’ pay during any future funding lapses.

The measure, passed by the upper chamber without opposition, is designed to discourage shutdowns by ensuring lawmakers personally feel the financial impact that federal employees have endured multiple times in recent months.

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, who championed the proposal, said the move represents a “shared sacrifice” following periods in which tens of thousands of government workers were left without pay during two shutdowns since last year.

“Last October, we shut down the government for 43 days. That is the longest shutdown in history. And we had FBI agents, national park rangers, CDC scientists, our staff here in Congress — nobody was getting paid,” Kennedy said on the Senate floor.

“And then, three months later, after we finally got out of that 43-day shutdown, we shut down the Department of Homeland Security. It was shut down for 76 days. This is all in one year,” he continued. “We ought to hide our heads in a bag. It’s got to stop.”

Those shutdowns had widespread effects, particularly for travelers, as Transportation Security Administration workers continued reporting to airports without pay during both extended funding gaps.

Under Kennedy’s plan, which applies solely to senators, the secretary of the Senate would be required to hold back lawmakers’ salaries while a shutdown is in effect. Instead of receiving their paychecks, the funds would be placed in escrow until an agreement is reached to reopen the government.

Once federal operations resume, those withheld wages would be released.

Currently, rank-and-file senators earn an annual salary of $174,000, while party leaders receive more than $193,000.

The resolution is one of several steps lawmakers have pursued in response to the recent shutdowns, either to make such standoffs politically painful or to prevent them altogether.

Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has introduced legislation, supported by federal labor unions, that would guarantee pay for government employees during shutdowns. Meanwhile, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma has proposed a bill that would avoid shutdowns entirely by automatically extending government funding in two-week increments.

For decades, shutting down the government was viewed as a last-resort option. However, recent events have suggested a shift, with Senate Democrats increasingly willing to use the tactic as a political weapon.

Even with the backing of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, Republicans remain skeptical that Democrats will refrain from triggering another shutdown ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Notably, the new resolution would not take effect until after the November election cycle, meaning lawmakers will not face the loss of pay during any shutdowns that occur before then.

{Matzav.com}

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is holding firmly to its established Taiwan policy, even as Washington works to maintain a delicate balance with China after recent discussions between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Rubio noted that Xi once again made clear that Taiwan remains “the most important issue” in relations between the two nations, reflecting Beijing’s longstanding position on the matter.

Rubio pushed back by reiterating that the United States rejects any “forced change in the status quo,” cautioning that such an action would create serious instability not only between the two countries but across the global economy.

He emphasized that American policy toward Taiwan “has not changed,” pointing out that it has remained steady through multiple administrations.

Rubio also confirmed that Taiwan was part of the conversation during the meeting between the two leaders, though he indicated that China’s opposition to U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan “did not feature prominently” in those discussions.

“The issue of Taiwan is unchanged as of today and as of the meeting we had here today,” Rubio said, adding that Washington continues to support strategic stability and open communication with Beijing to avoid miscalculation and broader conflict.

According to Rubio, China continues to favor a peaceful political reunification with Taiwan, but he warned that any effort to achieve that goal through military force “would be a terrible mistake” with far-reaching consequences around the world.

He also drew attention to the rapid pace of China’s military development, describing the expansion of its armed forces over the past decade as “without precedent.”

Rubio said Beijing’s intentions appear to extend beyond Taiwan, with a broader effort underway to expand its influence globally in direct competition with the United States.

His remarks highlight the ongoing challenge facing U.S. policymakers as they attempt to manage a complex and sensitive relationship with China.

The United States continues to follow the “One China” policy, formally recognizing Beijing as the government of China while maintaining unofficial ties with Taiwan.

At the same time, under the Taiwan Relations Act, Washington remains committed to supporting Taiwan’s ability to defend itself.

This approach, commonly known as “strategic ambiguity,” is intended to discourage both a Chinese military move against Taiwan and any formal declaration of independence by Taipei, while also preventing a direct military clash between the two global powers.

As China increases its military activity in the Indo-Pacific region and steps up pressure on Taiwan through drills and naval operations, U.S. officials are working to reassure allies, strengthen Taiwan’s defenses, and maintain economic engagement with Beijing without escalating tensions further.

{Matzav.com}

Israeli security forces thwarted a suspected terror plot targeting Yom Yerushalayim events on Thursday, arresting a wanted individual in the Abu Tor neighborhood of eastern Yerushalayim following precise intelligence provided by the Shin Bet.

According to authorities, the suspect had allegedly been planning to carry out an attack during the celebrations. Acting on the intelligence, undercover Border Police units from the Yerushalayim district were deployed to locate and apprehend him.

After receiving the tip, the specialized undercover force was sent to Abu Tor, where they conducted focused operational activity that led them to the suspect’s location inside a car wash complex.

The officers, operating covertly, entered the area, identified the individual, and carried out the arrest without any injuries. The suspect was then transferred to the Shin Bet for further interrogation.

Police emphasized the importance of coordination between security agencies in preventing such threats.

“Joint operations between the Border Police undercover units and the Shin Bet continue to be a significant factor in thwarting terrorism and safeguarding the citizens of the State of Israel, and security forces will continue to act decisively against any threat.”

{Matzav.com}

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after details of his proposed city budget revealed plans to reduce funding for veterans services and eliminate support for certain events, including a planned ticker-tape parade honoring former service members.

Under the proposal unveiled Tuesday, the Department of Veterans Services would see its budget decrease from approximately $7.6 million in the fiscal 2026 adopted budget to about $6.6 million for 2027, representing a drop of more than 13%, according to city data.

Osbert Orduna, a service-disabled Marine Corps veteran, strongly condemned the proposed reductions, describing them as dismissive of those who have served.

“It’s a slap in the face to veterans, to New Yorkers and more specifically to service-disabled veterans — people who have sacrificed their minds and their bodies in service to our nation and live in the city,” Orduna said.

City Council Member Frank Morano, who heads the council’s Committee on Veterans, said he intends to press for answers about the specifics of the cuts and how the funds would be reallocated.

The mayor’s proposal also includes reducing funding for veterans-related events by $60,000 annually from fiscal 2026 through 2030. City officials indicated they plan to turn to private donations to cover the cost of such ceremonies going forward.

Orduna emphasized the importance of these gatherings, saying they serve as a critical support system for veterans across generations.

“Veterans from across every generation — from World War II to the present — the one time that we can all come together, build our community and support one another is at these functions,” Orduna said.

“Many lives have been saved by veterans just coming together and finding comfort in one another, and connecting so that we don’t lose another veteran life — so another veteran does not add the word ‘homeless’ to the title of veteran,” he added.

Among the proposed changes is the cancellation of a “Homecoming of Heroes” ticker-tape parade that had been planned around the anniversary of Sept. 11. In its place, the administration is considering a lower-cost “Remembrance Ruck” march developed in coordination with veterans’ organizations, according to a spokesperson.

Ryan Graham, a former U.S. Air Force serviceman who now chairs the New York City Veterans Advisory Board and is aligned with Mamdani, downplayed the importance of such events, calling them unnecessary.

“Events are fluff. That’s it, plain and simple,” Graham said, adding that he would rather see city money be put towards the Department of Veterans Services to help veterans with housing, mental health and food insecurity needs.

“I don’t want to see another Kyle or any other veterans take their lives because those services were not there,” Graham said referring to his high school buddy who served in the military and later committed suicide.

Within the department’s budget itself, the administration is proposing to eliminate a $585,000 line for “Other Expenses – General,” sharply reduce funding for “Temporary Services” from $441,000 to $15,000, and cut roughly $57,000 allocated for supplies and materials.

Former Queens Council Member Bob Holden, who previously chaired the council’s veterans committee, blasted the proposal, accusing the city of shortchanging those who served.

“Replacing a ticker-tape parade with a cheaper event and then planning these so-called ‘savings’ for years ahead is insulting to the men and women who served this country and sacrificed for New York City,” Holden said. “The city has no problem wasting billions of dollars, but suddenly when it comes to honoring our veterans and 9/11 heroes, they want to pinch pennies.”

A spokesperson for the mayor defended the plan, arguing that the proposed changes would not impact core services provided to veterans.

The City Council will ultimately decide whether to approve Mamdani’s budget proposal.

Morano said that even before the proposed reductions, funding for veterans services remained insufficient.

“I’d love to see veterans become a much bigger priority for lawmakers at every level of government, not just during commemorative moments, but year round,” he said.

{Matzav.com}