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There is so much currently happening on the political scene in Eretz Yisroel. Aside from the burning issue of the hostages and the ongoing war in Gaza, there is an entire ruckus over the dismissal of the head of the Shin Bet among other issues.   The Gedolei Yisroel and the Charedi community, as a whole, are very worried and disturbed over the ongoing efforts to try drafting bnei yeshivos.   Much effort has been expended both publicly and through quiet diplomacy to try dissuading the powers that be and those in the legal system from their attempt to curb the koach of today’s “Shevet Levi”. After all, in this fraught period, Klal Yisroel, more than ever, needs the zechusim of limud haTorah to enable us to overcome our enemies.  The Gedolei Yisroel have been focusing on explaining the Charedi position, hoping to impress upon influential figures in the government and the legal community a better understanding of the the role that Torah learning plays in ensuring the future of the country.   Recently, the Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter was in Eretz Yisroel. As a prominent resident of chutz la’aretz who leads the largest Torah organization in the world, Rav Hofstedter has been involved in the hishtadlus effort. Rav Hofstedter held numerous meetings at the homes of several senior Gedolei Yisroel. The Gedolei Yisroel all urged him to use his influence to try finding common ground with decision- makers in Eretz Yisroel regarding this difficult, critically important issue.  As a prominent figure in the diaspora, Rav Hofstedter also conversed with Mr. Yitzchak Herzog, the President of Israel. Rav Hofstedter discussed the underpinnings of the Charedi outlook regarding limud haTorah and the fact that the avreichim who devote their days and nights to learning do so most altruistically, forgoing many of life’s comforts and living extremely frugally so that they can continue to learn Torah. Rav Hofstedter spoke about the value of Torah learning and its exalted role in shielding and preserving those living in Israel, and Judaism as a whole.   President Herzog was very receptive to Rav Hofstedter’s words and commented that despite the incitement that we are witnessing in some quarters, he had, in general, noticed that the secular and traditional Jews in Eretz Yisroel have strengthened themselves in observance and recognizing the integral role that Torah has in the lives of the Jewish People.  “Without a doubt, the secret of the survival of the Jewish people throughout the ages has been the role played by the Torah. I feel that the Torah is what unifies us as a people and serves as our spiritual backbone.” Herzog told Rav Hofstedter that in a telephone conversation with Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, he had expressed similar sentiments. President Herzog concluded, “I join together with you in calling on all parties to lower the temperature, cease with the incitement, and coalesce around what unites us, not what divides us.” 

[COMMUNICATED]

The widespread distribution of kimcha depischa to hundreds of kollel students studying through the Migdal Oz Torah network, headed by the distinguished Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Yechezkel Etrog Shlita.

The Kollel network distributed generous food baskets and checks to allow the students to celebrate Pesach in comfort.

The investigation into the events that unfolded in Kibbutz Re’im on October 7 has shed light on the extraordinary courage shown by the local civilian defense team, who fought off a massive terrorist assault with no outside assistance for hours.

At the time of the attack early that morning, eight members of the kibbutz’s ten-man emergency response unit were on duty. When the initial sirens went off, the squad’s security coordinator instructed them to report to a designated meeting location. By 7:20 a.m., they had assembled and split into three groups, each assigned to a different area to observe and defend.

Roughly ten minutes later, survivors fleeing the massacre at the Nova music festival began reaching Kibbutz Re’im. At 7:51 a.m., between five and ten terrorists breached the kibbutz’s southern gate. A firefight broke out between the attackers and the security team, resulting in one terrorist being neutralized while the others pulled back.

By 8:01 a.m., a much larger wave of roughly 40 armed terrorists stormed in through the northern entrance, some of them riding in vehicles as they made their way toward the HaTza’irim neighborhood. It was during this stage that the kibbutz was subjected to widespread violence, including murders, kidnappings, looting, and fires. At 8:14 a.m., five residents were abducted, and five others were killed.

The local squad continued to resist with immense bravery, repositioning themselves constantly to counter infiltrating terrorists. They set up makeshift barriers at the northern and western gates in an attempt to stop further incursions. At 9:00 a.m., another group of 20 terrorists entered the western part of the kibbutz and set homes ablaze.

Soon after, specialized units from the Israel Police’s Special Patrol Unit arrived and joined forces with the defenders. IDF troops also began to reach the area via Route 234. By 9:30 a.m., security personnel had killed at least six more terrorists at the kibbutz gate and the nearby Re’im junction.

As the morning wore on, the battle intensified. At 9:47 a.m., local defenders and police regrouped at the southern entrance to confront yet another round of attacks. They heroically pulled residents from burning buildings in HaTza’irim, repelled new infiltrations, and intercepted terrorists attempting to move toward the center of the community.

Even after these clashes, and until the IDF arrived around 11:40 a.m., the kibbutz’s defenders continued to operate with courage and resolve. They helped survivors of the Nova festival reach shelter, aided residents trapped in their homes, and fired on terrorists from within residential buildings.

All told, 80 terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Re’im. When the dust settled, 49 terrorist bodies were found in the area. It is believed that those who were not killed managed to retreat to Gaza.

The attack resulted in the deaths of seven kibbutz residents and 15 members of Israeli security forces. Five civilians were abducted and taken to Gaza, but all have since been returned.

The investigating team concluded that the IDF did not succeed in protecting Kibbutz Re’im in the initial critical hours. The civilian response team stood alone at first, and their actions were crucial in preventing a far worse tragedy. Reinforcements from the IDF and police arrived later, some unprepared or lacking proper coordination, but still acted to contain the threat and stop it from spreading further.

The battle at Re’im stands as both one of the most brutal encounters during the Hamas-led invasion and one of the most remarkable examples of heroism shown by ordinary civilians and security forces alike.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump stated that efforts are underway to secure the release of the remaining hostages being held in Gaza and mentioned that he is engaged in discussions involving both Israel and Hamas, though he refrained from offering further specifics about the negotiations.

“We’re getting close to getting them back,” Trump told reporters during a cabinet meeting.

He explained that many hostages had already returned and acknowledged the deep gratitude of those affected. “A lot came back. A lot of people are very grateful. Some came back in pretty bad shape. They’re okay. I think they’re going to be scarred mentally for a long time because if you sit down and talk to them, as I have, what they went through is incredible,” he said.

Despite the difficult circumstances, he emphasized that progress was being achieved. “But we’re making progress,” he added. “We’re dealing with Israel, we’re dealing with Hamas, and it’s a nasty group.”

{Matzav.com}

A group of at least six congressional representatives from New York and New Jersey were on a plane Thursday afternoon that was hit by another aircraft while taxiing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport — the same airport where a deadly mid-air crash claimed 67 lives on January 29.

“Serving in Congress has come with some once in a lifetime experiences … like just now while stationary on the runway at DCA, another plane just bumped into our wing,” Suffolk County Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) wrote on X Thursday. “Heading back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is ok!”

“(And ⁦@RepGraceMeng is handing out grapes!)” he added, giving a shout-out to his colleague, Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) from Queens.

Joining them on the flight were four other Democratic lawmakers from the region — Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Ritchie Torres, and Gregory Meeks from New York, as well as Rep. Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey. The trip coincided with the beginning of a two-week congressional recess for Passover and Easter.

Meng, speaking to The New York Post, said she was “still hoping” to attend a memorial later that day honoring former Hudson Valley Rep. Nita Lowey, who passed away on March 15 at the age of 87.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it has launched an inquiry into the incident, which occurred at 12:45 p.m. on a taxiway. The American Airlines plane carrying the legislators, en route to JFK, was clipped by another American Airlines-operated aircraft — a Bombardier CRJ900 headed to Charleston, SC.

“American Eagle flight 5490, operated by PSA Airlines, made contact on a DCA taxiway with American Eagle flight 4522, operated by Republic Airways. Safety is our top priority, and we apologize to our customers for their experience,” said a spokesperson for American Airlines.

Following the incident, both planes were removed from service due to winglet damage. They underwent inspections and maintenance before being cleared for future flights, according to the airline.

No passengers were hurt, and airport operations continued without further disruption, a DCA official confirmed.

There were at least 143 people on board the two aircraft involved.

Meng later recounted her experience over Zoom, saying, “I’ve been flying for over ten years to Washington. This has never happened to me.”

“We suddenly felt some shaking. The staff and the crew were very professional and kept everything orderly, calm and safe,” she said. “Some of the passengers said that they literally saw it clip the plane. And a little piece fell off, as you can see in the back. They’re fixing it right now. And they’re providing a different, new plane for us to fly back to New York.”

Gottheimer used the event to criticize what he described as dangerous budget reductions at the FAA. “Recent cuts to the FAA weaken our skies and public safety,” he posted on X after the accident.

“While waiting to take off on the runway at DCA just now, another plane struck our wing. Thankfully, everyone is safe,” he wrote.

Meng also weighed in on the broader implications of the event, referring to growing concerns about air safety and the FAA’s staffing levels following the January tragedy at the same airport.

“Glad my colleagues and I are okay! We are safely waiting on the tarmac, but we may need more snacks,” she joked in a post on X. “I’m grateful no one was hurt today, but this incident underscores this urgent need [to] restore all FAA jobs that keep our runways safe.”

A spokesperson for LaLota said the congressman “intends to bring this firsthand experience to his work in Congress, advocating for stronger aviation oversight and enhanced public safety to help prevent similar incidents in the future.”

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is considered one of the busiest and most intricate airspaces in the country. Experts say this complexity contributed to January’s devastating crash between a commercial jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter — the deadliest American aviation disaster since 2001.

In the aftermath of that tragedy, officials implemented some changes, including altering a helicopter route that previously crossed the airport’s landing approach. Yet since then, DCA has continued to see a number of troubling close calls.

On March 29, a Delta flight carrying 136 people nearly collided during its departure with four Northrop T38 Talons — a military aircraft group scheduled to perform a ceremonial flyover at Arlington National Cemetery.

Just one day later, a United Airlines jet struck a kite upon landing. Aviation experts warned that if the kite had been sucked into the engine, the consequences could have been severe.

{Matzav.com}

There is so much currently happening on the political scene in Eretz Yisroel. Aside from the burning issue of the hostages and the ongoing war in Gaza, there is an entire ruckus over the dismissal of the head of the Shin Bet among other issues.  

The Gedolei Yisroel and the Charedi community, as a whole, are very worried and disturbed over the ongoing efforts to try drafting bnei yeshivos.  

Much effort has been expended both publicly and through quiet diplomacy to try dissuading the powers that be and those in the legal system from their attempt to curb the koach of today’s “Shevet Levi”. After all, in this fraught period, Klal Yisroel, more than ever, needs the zechusim of limud haTorah to enable us to overcome our enemies. 

The Gedolei Yisroel have been focusing on explaining the Charedi position, hoping to impress upon influential figures in the government and the legal community a better understanding of the the role that Torah learning plays in ensuring the future of the country.  

Recently, the Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter was in Eretz Yisroel. As a prominent resident of chutz la’aretz who leads the largest Torah organization in the world, Rav Hofstedter has been involved in the hishtadlus effort. Rav Hofstedter held numerous meetings at the homes of several senior Gedolei Yisroel. The Gedolei Yisroel all urged him to use his influence to try finding common ground with decision- makers in Eretz Yisroel regarding this difficult, critically important issue. 

As a prominent figure in the diaspora, Rav Hofstedter also conversed with Mr. Yitzchak Herzog, the President of Israel. Rav Hofstedter discussed the underpinnings of the Charedi outlook regarding limud haTorah and the fact that the avreichim who devote their days and nights to learning do so most altruistically, forgoing many of life’s comforts and living extremely frugally so that they can continue to learn Torah. Rav Hofstedter spoke about the value of Torah learning and its exalted role in shielding and preserving those living in Israel, and Judaism as a whole.  

President Herzog was very receptive to Rav Hofstedter’s words and commented that despite the incitement that we are witnessing in some quarters, he had, in general, noticed that the secular and traditional Jews in Eretz Yisroel have strengthened themselves in observance and recognizing the integral role that Torah has in the lives of the Jewish People. 

“Without a doubt, the secret of the survival of the Jewish people throughout the ages has been the role played by the Torah. I feel that the Torah is what unifies us as a people and serves as our spiritual backbone.” Herzog told Rav Hofstedter that in a telephone conversation with Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, he had expressed similar sentiments. President Herzog concluded, “I join together with you in calling on all parties to lower the temperature, cease with the incitement, and coalesce around what unites us, not what divides us.” 

During a Wednesday segment on Morning Joe, veteran MSNBC commentator Chris Matthews delivered sharp criticism of the Republican Party, accusing it of being “almost brain dead” for failing to push back against former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

Matthews remarked, “This whole thing with Trump right now — and I take the view that he’s going for real here — you know, when he said last night in a black tie that he won the election in 2020, he’s still lying about that. When he went out there and sold Trump University and the Trump Shuttle — remember, you could go to Washington, to New York, and back again on the Trump Shuttle? — All those things were disasters, the casinos in New Jersey, disaster in Atlantic City. All those times, Trump said, I really believe this, this is really true when he was lying. He was wrong.”

Continuing his critique, Matthews said, “I think this time in the Republicans, what’s different is this time the Republican Party is still almost brain dead in its inability to say, no, you’re wrong, we believe in free trade. As you said a minute ago, the Republicans have long believed in free trade. They believe this is the answer. Interlocking economies around the world.”

{Matzav.com}

As the Passover holiday approaches, community leaders from Jersey City’s Orthodox community gathered at the Hudson County Sheriff’s Headquarters today to meet with Sheriff Frank X. Schillari and Commissioner Bill O’Dea. During the meeting, community leaders expressed their gratitude to Sheriff Schillari and Commissioner O’Dea for their decades of service to the community, particularly in ensuring the safety and security of houses of worship during the holiday season. “We are grateful for the dedication and commitment of Sheriff Schillari and Commissioner O’Dea in protecting our community and our places of worship,” said Moshe Eidlis, a school administrator. “We know that they will be extra vigilant during the holiday season to ensure that our community has a wonderful and safe Passover celebration.” Sheriff Schillari reassured the community leaders that the Sheriff’s Office would be taking additional measures to ensure the safety of all residents during the holiday period. “The safety and security of our community are our top priorities,” said Sheriff Schillari. “We are committed to working closely with the Orthodox community to make sure that everyone can celebrate the Passover holiday in peace and safety.” “We have seen a significant increase in the Jewish population here in Jersey City,” said Berl Honig, Hatzolah Coordinator. “Many families have chosen to make Jersey City their home due to the affordability of housing compared to Brooklyn. The community has flourished, and we are grateful for the warm welcome we have received.” Among those in attendance were Berl Honig, the Hatzolah Coordinator of Jersey City; Moshe Eidlis, a school administrator; Moshe Jacobowitz; and Law Enforcement Chaplain Rabbi Abe Friedman. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both community leaders and law enforcement officials to continue working together to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in Jersey City. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A New York City sightseeing helicopter broke apart in midair Thursday and crashed upside-down into the Hudson River, killing the pilot and a family of five Spanish tourists in the latest U.S. aviation disaster, officials said. The victims included Siemens executive Agustin Escobar, his wife, Mercè Camprubí Montal, a global manager at an energy technology company, and three children, in addition to the pilot, a person briefed on the investigation told The Associated Press. The person could not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Photos posted on the helicopter company’s website showed the couple and their children smiling as they boarded just before the flight took off. The flight departed a downtown heliport around 3 p.m. and lasted less than 18 minutes. Radar data showed it flew north along the Manhattan skyline and then back south toward the Statue of Liberty. Video of the crash showed parts of the aircraft tumbling through the air into the water near the shoreline of Jersey City, New Jersey. Witnesses describe the helicopter’s plunge into the Hudson A witness there, Bruce Wall, said he saw it “falling apart” in midair, with the tail and main rotor coming off. The main rotor was still spinning without the helicopter as it fell. Dani Horbiak was at her Jersey City home when she heard what sounded like “several gunshots in a row, almost, in the air.” She looked out her window and saw the chopper “splash in several pieces into the river.” The helicopter was spinning uncontrollably with “a bunch of smoke coming out” before it slammed into the water, said Lesly Camacho, a hostess at a restaurant along the river in Hoboken, New Jersey. On air traffic control radio, an NYPD helicopter pilot can be heard saying, “Be advised, you do have an aircraft down. Holland Tunnel. Please keep your eyes open for anybody in the water.” About five minutes after that, someone asks, “Hey Finest,” a reference to the NYPD’s call sign, “what’s going on over there by the Holland Tunnel?” “The ship went down,” someone else responds. Rescue boats circled the submerged aircraft within minutes of impact near the end of a long maintenance pier for a ventilation tower serving the Holland Tunnel. Recovery crews hoisted the mangled helicopter out of the water just after 8 p.m. using a floating crane. The bodies were also recovered from the river, Mayor Eric Adams said. The flight was operated by New York Helicopters, officials said. No one answered the phones at the company’s offices in New York and New Jersey. A person who answered the phone at the home of the company’s owner, Michael Roth, said he declined to comment. Roth told the New York Post he was devastated and had “no clue” why the crash happened. “The only thing I know by watching a video of the helicopter falling down, that the main rotor blades weren’t on the helicopter,” the Post quoted him as saying. He added that he had not seen such a thing happen during his 30 years in the helicopter business, but noted: “These are machines, and they break.” Emails seeking comment were sent to attorneys who have represented Roth in the past. The Federal Aviation Administration identified the helicopter as a Bell 206, a model […]

The IDF is finalizing plans to evacuate civilians from the city of Rafah and establish a strategic buffer zone along Gaza’s southern border, with Israeli officials saying the move is critical to dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities in the area. At the heart of the plan is the construction of the Morag Corridor, a new security strip that will stretch from the Mediterranean coast through the site of the former Israeli settlement of Morag and connect with the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border, according to multiple Hebrew media reports. The corridor is expected to reach up to five kilometers (about 3.1 miles) into Gaza, effectively encircling Rafah. “Rafah will be evacuated. This area will become a buffer zone to eliminate Hamas’s ability to regroup or smuggle weapons through the southern border,” Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said earlier this week. The buffer zone is being created amid escalating IDF operations in southern Gaza. Updated evacuation maps released by the military show widened clearance zones near the Egypt-Gaza border, signaling a coming expansion of Israel’s presence in the area. Israeli officials say the zone is aimed at preventing the reconstitution of Hamas forces and cutting off smuggling routes between Gaza and Egypt, which have historically been used to import weapons and other supplies. “This operation is not only tactical but strategic. Control of Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor will close off Hamas’s last remaining external supply routes,” an IDF official told Ynet. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)