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It began in Room 119 of the Irv dorm in Lakewood. To the casual eye, it was just another bochur’s room. But behind the door was something unusual: a “dating gemach.”

Not the kind that lends money — the kind that lends everything a bochur might need for a smoother date. Board games to break the ice. Watches to keep track of time. A Waze device for stress-free navigation. Even a notebook of budget-friendly venue ideas.

The concept was simple but brilliant. Elimelech Weinreb, then just a bochur himself, realized that the hardest part of dating often wasn’t finding a suggestion — it was figuring out the details. Word spread quickly, and soon Room 119 became the stop before the date — and sometimes the phone call during it.

What began as a dorm-room project became the Dating Resources Network: a hotline guiding thousands of dates each year, gemach branches in 16 cities, and a lifeline of reassurance for bochurim navigating shidduchim.

But another need soon emerged. Boys weren’t just asking where to take a girl — they were admitting they sometimes couldn’t afford to take her anywhere at all. Gas, tolls, meals, activities — the hidden costs of dating were stalling shidduchim before they even began.

That’s why the Dating Resources Network created a financial aid program. Today, hundreds of bochurim are able to date with dignity because of it. Each year, the network quietly covers hundreds of thousands of dollars in dating expenses so promising shidduchim can move forward.

Because every boy who dates is also a girl who dates. And when the pressure of cost is lifted, both can focus on what really matters.

From a dorm shelf in Lakewood to a nationwide network, the mission is the same: removing obstacles so that shidduchim can blossom.

Click Here to Donate 

Agudath Israel of America, today, shared a Kol Korei from the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America:

[Free Translation]

The situation of Acheinu Bnei Yisroel everywhere has become increasingly perilous, with rising waves of anti-Jewish hatred around the world. In our Holy Land, the danger is even greater, with the looming threat of war. Moreover, we still have precious souls who remain captive in the hands of our enemies, Rachmana litzlan, and we pray that Hashem will have mercy upon them, deliver them from their suffering and captivity, bring them from darkness to light, and from oppression to redemption.

At this time, terrible decrees have been issued against the world of Torah and the yeshivos in our sacred land. There are ominous plans, chalilah, to draft those who dedicate themselves to Torah learning, those who sit on the benches of the batei medrash. Our gedolei Torah ztvk”l have already declared unequivocally that any form of army conscription poses a profound spiritual danger. In addition, there are numerous other decrees and persecutions threatening the Torah world, both spiritually and physically. Tragically, hundreds of yeshiva bochurim have already been conscripted into the army, and several avreichim and bochurim are currently imprisoned in military jails.

Am Yisroel’s strength lies only in prayer. It is our sacred duty to plead before the Borei Kol Olamim and to arouse Divine mercy upon His people. Therefore, the Gedolei Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel have proclaimed a special day of tefillah this Thursday, 27 Menachem Av, to coincide with Yom Kippur Katan, observed early this month.

We therefore call upon every Jew, wherever they may be, to join together in tefillas rabbim, a united outpouring of heartfelt prayer, beseeching Hashem for the protection of the Torah world in our Holy Land and for the salvation of every single one of our brothers and sisters wherever they are. Avinu Malkeinu, abolish from upon us all harsh and evil decrees.

Throughout the Jewish world, communities are urged to gather for the recitation of Tehillim and the special tefillos of Yom Kippur Katan. In addition, praiseworthy is he who undertakes to fast (even if only for a few hours) as is the custom on Yom Kippur Katan. Whatever one offers, much or little, what matters most is that the heart be directed to Shomayim. The bnei hayeshivos are encouraged to add extra hours to their Torah learning, and we should elevate our collective tefillos on behalf of the Olam HaTorah and all of Klal Yisroel who are facing suffering and captivity.

May Hakadosh Boruch Hu have compassion upon us, redeem us from all our troubles, and grant us the merit to be written and sealed for a year of geulah and yeshuah.

{Matzav.com}

Google on Wednesday unveiled a new line-up of Pixel smartphones injected with another dose of artificial intelligence that’s designed to do everything from fetch vital information stored on the devices to help improve photos as they’re being taken. The AI expansion on the four Pixel 10 models amplifies Google’s efforts to broaden the use of a technology that is already starting to reshape society. At the same time, Google is taking a swipe at Apple’s Achilles’ heel on the iPhone. Apple so far has only been able to introduce a few basic AI features on the iPhone while failing to deliver on last year’s promise to deliver a more conversational and versatile version of its often-blundering virtual assistant Siri. Without mentioning the iPhone by name, Google has already been mocking Apple’s missteps in online ads promoting the four new Pixel models as smartphones loaded with AI technology that consumers won’t have to wait for more than a year to arrive. Google, in contrast, has been steadily increasing the amount of AI that it began to implant on its Pixels since 2023, with this year’s models taking it to another level. Taking advantage of a more advanced processor, Google is introducing a new AI feature on the Pixel 10 phones called “Magic Cue” that’s designed to serve as a digital mind reader that automatically fetches information stored on the devices and displays the data at the time it’s needed. For instance, if a Pixel 10 user is calling up an airline, Magic Cue is supposed to instantaneously recognize the phone number and display the flight information if it’s in Gmail or a Google Calendar. The Pixel 10 phones will also come with a preview feature of a new AI tool called “Camera Coach” that will automatically suggest the best framing and lighting angle as the lens is being aimed at a subject. Camera Coach will also recommend the best lens mode to use for an optimal picture. The premium models — Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL — will also include a “Super Res” option that deploys a grab bag of software and AI tricks to zoom up to 100 times the resolution to capture the details of objects located miles away from the camera. The AI wizardry could happen without users even realizing it’s happening, making it even more difficult to know whether an image captured in a photo reflects how things really looked at the time a picture was taken or was modified by technology. Google is also offering a free one-year subscription to its AI Pro plan to anyone who buys the more expensive Pixel 10 Pro or Pixel 10 Pro XL models in hopes of hooking more people on the Gemini toolkit it has assembled to compete against OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The prices on all four Pixel 10 models will remain unchanged from last year’s Pixel 9 generation, with the basic starting at $800 and the Pro selling for $1,000, the Pro XL at $1,200 and a foldable version at $1,800. All the Pixel 10s expect the foldable model will be in stores on August 28. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be available starting October 9. Although the Pixel smartphone remains a Lilliputian next to the Gulliverian stature of the iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy models, […]

The Israel Police announced that an internal investigation has been launched after an incident in which a police officer was caught on video stomping on the head of a chareidi demonstrator during a protest. Authorities stated that the officer “likely” acted improperly during the confrontation.

The altercation happened yesterday at a protest against the drafting of chareidi men into the military, where participants blocked sections of Highway 4 in central Israel, causing significant disruptions.

In video footage from the scene, a border policewoman is seen forcefully kicking a protester who was lying on the ground, before stepping over him and walking away.

According to a statement released by the police, cited by Channel 12 news, “The video shows a border cop during a protest in Bnei Brak that was declared illegal and against which a dispersal order had been issued. Her action, as seen in the clip, likely deviates from the values and protocols of the organization. Accordingly, the incident has been handed to the authorized officials for examination.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Trump administration has announced a new round of sanctions targeting four additional members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over their involvement in cases seeking to prosecute Israeli and American officials.

Among those sanctioned is Judge Nicolas Yann Guillou of France, who last year approved arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Also included are deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal, both cited for supporting the warrants against the Israeli leaders.

Judge Kimberly Prost of Canada was also designated, following her ruling authorizing the ICC to move forward with its investigation into alleged actions by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.

These four officials now join another group of four ICC members who were sanctioned by the Trump administration in June, two of whom were likewise tied to the warrants targeting Netanyahu and Gallant.

The sanctions announced today will freeze any U.S.-based assets belonging to the designated officials and bar them from entering the country.

Both the U.S. and Israel have rejected the ICC’s pursuit of Israeli leaders, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction because Jerusalem is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC. Washington also maintains that the Palestinian Authority does not qualify as a sovereign state with the authority to request such prosecutions.

Israel has further denied all allegations against Netanyahu and Gallant.

“The United States has been clear and steadfast in our opposition to the ICC’s politicization, abuse of power, disregard for our national sovereignty, and illegitimate judicial overreach,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement announcing the latest designations.

“The court is a national security threat that has been an instrument for lawfare against the United States and our close ally Israel,” Rubio added.

“It remains the policy of the United States government to take whatever actions we deem necessary to protect our troops, our sovereignty, and our allies from the ICC’s illegitimate and baseless actions,” Rubio continued. “I urge countries that still support the ICC, many of whose freedom was purchased at the price of great American sacrifices, to resist the claims of this bankrupt institution.”

{Matzav.com}

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Hope for Nechama: Help Save Baby Nechama’s Life

Your Compassion Can Change Nechama’s future

This is Nechama. She’s a bright-eyed, giggling baby who loves to be cuddled and listens wide-eyed to any song or music.

A few months ago, her family was dreaming of her first steps and first words—never imagining she’d be fighting liver cancer.

Nechama’s days are now spent in hospital rooms instead of playgrounds.

The treatment she desperately needs is her only hope for a healthy future, but the costs are overwhelming for her family.

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Name: Nechama  

Mother: Michal  

Age: 1 year  

Residence: Israel  

Treatment Location: Houston, USA  

Diagnosis: Liver cancer (Hepatoblastoma)

Nechama has been sick since she was just a few weeks old and has already survived twice after doctors lost hope. She has a very high chance of beating the disease, but the treatment spans over 20 months — with each cycle lasting 6 months.

To begin treatment, at least 25% of the total cost is required — not including living expenses.

Her mother is facing this battle alone but is fighting with everything she has and promised her daughter she will do whatever it takes to get her the treatment she needs.

Please support Nechama

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, appointed by President Joe Biden as the first African American woman and the first woman of color to serve on the Board, is now reportedly under scrutiny in a potential mortgage fraud probe.

“Cook must resign, now!!!” President Donald Trump declared in a Truth Social post on Wednesday morning.

Trump’s statement could strengthen his administration’s position in reshaping the makeup of the Federal Reserve Board.

According to Bloomberg, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, a strong Trump supporter, has formally requested that Attorney General Pam Bondi investigate Cook’s handling of two mortgages.

Republicans have criticized Cook as a DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) pick, and she now joins others like Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and New York Attorney General Letitia James — both frequent Trump adversaries — who are facing similar investigations over alleged mortgage-related misconduct.

In a letter sent on August 15 to Bondi and Justice Department official Ed Martin, Pulte accused Cook of altering financial records and property documents to secure better loan conditions, actions that could amount to mortgage fraud. Bloomberg reviewed a copy of the letter.

The supporting documents cited in the referral show that on June 18, 2021, Cook obtained a $203,000 mortgage for a property in Ann Arbor, Michigan, agreeing to live there as her primary residence for at least a year. Just two weeks later, she took out another loan for $540,000 on a property in Georgia, under the same occupancy requirement. Pulte claims Cook then listed the Georgia property for rent, implying it was purchased as an investment rather than a residence. The letter identified four federal statutes that may have been violated.

At this stage, no charges have been filed, and it is not yet known if Bondi plans to move forward with a formal investigation.

Neither Cook, the Federal Reserve, the Justice Department, nor any other involved party has issued a response to Bloomberg’s requests for comment.

Cook was reappointed by Biden to a full term that runs through 2038. Her position has become increasingly significant as Trump allies put mounting pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates and potentially leave office before his term concludes next May.

This push comes on the heels of Fed Governor Adriana Kugler’s unexpected resignation, another Biden appointee. Trump has already taken steps to place economic adviser Stephen Miran in an interim role, a move that could give him an earlier opportunity to influence the central bank’s direction.

{Matzav.com}

An Israeli Air Force strike on the village of Ansar in southern Lebanon targeted a Hezbollah weapons depot, triggering multiple secondary explosions.

U.S. Special Forces raided Syria’s Idlib Governorate today, killing two senior ISIS leaders, including Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, a potential future caliph. The operation, coordinated with Turkey and Syria, ended without U.S. or partner casualties, CENTCOM said.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that he intends to authorize a temporary reduction of customs duties on imported milk starting next week. The measure, set to last for six months, aims to tackle the ongoing shortage of milk in supermarkets and grocery chains while also helping to bring prices down for consumers.

According to the Finance Ministry, the directive will suspend the current customs tax on imported milk — which can reach as high as 40 percent — and will remain in effect until February 28, 2026. Officials explained that the policy is designed to guarantee a steady supply of milk ahead of the upcoming Yomim Tovim and to encourage more competitive pricing within the market.

“This is another milestone in our ongoing fight against the cost of living,” says Smotrich in a statement. “We are removing barriers and tariffs to increase competition – this way we will ensure that there is enough milk at a fair price.”

The ministry also highlighted that this year’s Yomim Tovim — Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkos — fall or begin during the middle of the week. This schedule significantly cuts down on available working and production days for local dairies. Combined with an anticipated surge in demand, these factors are expected to deepen the shortage, prompting the government to act now.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Agudath Israel of America, today, shared a Kol Korei from the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America: [Free Translation] The situation of Acheinu Bnei Yisroel everywhere has become increasingly perilous, with rising waves of anti-Jewish hatred around the world. In our Holy Land, the danger is even greater, with the looming threat of war. Moreover, we still have precious souls who remain captive in the hands of our enemies, Rachmana litzlan, and we pray that Hashem will have mercy upon them, deliver them from their suffering and captivity, bring them from darkness to light, and from oppression to redemption. At this time, terrible decrees have been issued against the world of Torah and the yeshivos in our sacred land. There are ominous plans, chalilah, to draft those who dedicate themselves to Torah learning, those who sit on the benches of the batei medrash. Our gedolei Torah ztvk”l have already declared unequivocally that any form of army conscription poses a profound spiritual danger. In addition, there are numerous other decrees and persecutions threatening the Torah world, both spiritually and physically. Tragically, hundreds of yeshiva bochurim have already been conscripted into the army, and several avreichim and bochurim are currently imprisoned in military jails. Am Yisroel’s strength lies only in prayer. It is our sacred duty to plead before the Borei Kol Olamim and to arouse Divine mercy upon His people. Therefore, the Gedolei Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel have proclaimed a special day of tefillah this Thursday, 27 Menachem Av, to coincide with Yom Kippur Katan, observed early this month. We therefore call upon every Jew, wherever they may be, to join together in tefillas rabbim, a united outpouring of heartfelt prayer, beseeching Hashem for the protection of the Torah world in our Holy Land and for the salvation of every single one of our brothers and sisters wherever they are. Avinu Malkeinu, abolish from upon us all harsh and evil decrees. Throughout the Jewish world, communities are urged to gather for the recitation of Tehillim and the special tefillos of Yom Kippur Katan. In addition, praiseworthy is he who undertakes to fast (even if only for a few hours) as is the custom on Yom Kippur Katan. Whatever one offers, much or little, what matters most is that the heart be directed to Shomayim. The bnei hayeshivos are encouraged to add extra hours to their Torah learning, and we should elevate our collective tefillos on behalf of the Olam HaTorah and all of Klal Yisroel who are facing suffering and captivity. May Hakadosh Boruch Hu have compassion upon us, redeem us from all our troubles, and grant us the merit to be written and sealed for a year of geulah and yeshuah.

They are the hurricanes of legend, the bowling balls that cross the entire Atlantic Ocean, menaced ships of yore and make the long, curved lines on the hurricane charts. Cape Verde storms, named for the group of islands about 450 miles (725 kilometers) off the west coast of Africa, typically form from clusters of thunderstorms that move off the continent and into the Atlantic. With thousands of miles of ocean water above the 80-degree Fahrenheit (27-degree Celsius) temperature needed to fuel hurricanes, Cape Verde storms are some of the most dangerous that threaten North America. About 85% of all major hurricanes — Category 3 and higher — start out there, according to the National Hurricane Center. “They are the media stars and certainly get a lot of attention because you can track them for a long time,” said Jeff Masters, a meteorologist for Yale Climate Connections. But they also are a rare threat. Less than one out of every 10 of the storms crash into the U.S. The rest either fall apart or are curved out to sea by the north and east steering winds that normally prevail over the Atlantic. Now is the time to turn to the east Conditions need to be just right for Cape Verde storms to form and grow, keeping them mostly confined to August and September. Hurricane Erin is a Cape Verde storm. The National Hurricane Center is watching two more clusters of storms to the east of Erin that could develop into tropical storms. But the atmosphere is too complex to know how strong those storms can be if they develop or whether any of them will threaten the U.S. Forecasters begin to lose confidence in their ability to predict the future of any specific storms more than a week out. It takes at least 10 days for a potential hurricane to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Warn weather and light winds help Cape Verde storms grow Cape Verde storms start over Africa where the hot dry air in the Sahara and the hot humid air over the Gulf of Guinea clash and create clusters of thunderstorms that move off the continent. The warm water is the first ingredient. Hurricanes also thrive with light winds above them that won’t blow the thunderstorms away from the center. “They are the strongest because they have the most time to develop. The other storms can crash into land too early,” Masters said.) Researchers have spent the past several years studying the ocean and atmosphere in the far eastern Atlantic to get a better idea of why some storms form and some don’t. In recent years, scientists have realized that dry air and dust from the Sahara in Africa blown into the Atlantic from the east can lessen the high humidity hurricanes need and inhibit their development. The dust can travel all the way across the ocean and settle on cars and windows on the U.S. East Coast. “They travel about a mile above the surface, the winds are very strong, and the air is dry and hot. That’s a trifecta that suppresses hurricane activity,” Jason Dunion, a scientist at the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies told the university. 1 or 2 hurricanes a year are Cape Verde storms Some years may not see a Cape Verde storm at all. Some can […]

The Pentagon is asking Congress to sign off on more than $3.5 billion in spending to replace missile interceptors and other equipment used in defending Israel during Israel’s clashes with Iran, according to budget documents reviewed by Bloomberg. The May documents cite “the situation in Israel” and U.S. military actions “executed at the request of or in coordination with Israel for the defense of Israeli territory, personnel or assets during attacks by Iran.” A significant share of the request would go toward replenishing missile interceptors fired during Iran’s April 2024 barrage of more than 300 missiles and drones — most of which were destroyed by Israeli and allied defenses, including U.S. forces. The documents also seek reimbursement for “the movement of new production SM-3 IB rounds,” missiles used to replace expended stockpiles. Bloomberg reported that SM-3 interceptors were also launched by U.S. forces in the June conflict with Iran, which lasted 12 days and included American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The $3.5 billion replenishment request is separate from the $4.2 billion in weapons and equipment Washington provided Israel between Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack last year and May. Both figures are tied to a $14 billion military assistance package for Israel that Congress approved in 2023. Roughly $1 billion of the new request is earmarked for one type of interceptor used in the April assault, Bloomberg said. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Dozens of vicious gang members taken off the streets on Long Island after county teams up with ICE

Israel’s Defense Ministry has announced plans to acquire two additional KC-46 aerial refueling planes from Boeing, expanding its existing order to a total of six. These new aircraft will be added to the four already contracted and are part of an ongoing effort to modernize the Israeli Air Force’s capabilities.

According to the ministry, Defense Ministry director Amir Baram instructed its U.S. mission to finalize an agreement with Washington for the fifth and sixth planes “once approval of the Israel Defense Procurement Ministerial Committee is obtained,” the statement said.

The purchase is estimated to cost around $500 million and will be funded through the annual $3.8 billion in U.S. military aid that Israel receives under the 10-year memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries.

Baram emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating that the aircraft “will strengthen the IAF, the IDF’s long-range strategic arm, enabling it to reach distant theaters with greater force and scope.”

Ido Nehushtan, president of Boeing Israel, highlighted the company’s strong connection with the country, saying Boeing “takes pride in its longstanding partnership with Israel, a relationship that dates back to the nation’s establishment.”

The initial agreement for the first four KC-46 aircraft was signed in 2022, but delivery has not yet taken place. That deal included an option for Israel to purchase four additional planes at a later stage.

The KC-46 is a versatile aircraft designed primarily for aerial refueling of fighter jets but is also capable of serving as a transport plane for troops and equipment.

These new planes will replace the Israeli Air Force’s current aging fleet of refueling aircraft, which includes KC-130 Hercules models and modified Boeing 707s. The latter played a pivotal role in Israel’s operations during the war against Iran in June.

{Matzav.com Israel}

A National Guard vehicle collided with a civilian car less than a mile from the U.S. Capitol on Thursday morning as troops continued to take up positions around the city during President Donald Trump’s crackdown. One person was trapped inside the car after the accident and had to be extricated by emergency responders, according to D.C. fire department spokesman Vito Maggiolo. The person was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. It was not immediately clear what caused the crash. A video posted online showed a tan-colored armored vehicle and a silver SUV with a crushed side. The military vehicle was twice the height of the civilian car. “You come to our city and this is what you do? Seriously?” a woman yelled at the troops in the video. The driver was conscious and breathing, and the injuries were not considered life threatening, police said. An estimated 1,900 troops are being deployed in D.C. More than half are coming from Republican-led states that are responding to requests from Trump administration officials. Attorney General Pam Bondi said more than 550 people have been arrested so far, and the U.S. Marshals are offering $500 rewards for information leading to additional arrests. “Together, we will make DC safe again!” Bondi wrote on social media. (AP)

A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 58% of Americans believe that all countries represented in the United Nations should formally acknowledge Palestine as an independent state.

According to the poll, 33% of those surveyed opposed such recognition, while the remaining 9% did not provide an opinion.

The six-day survey, which concluded on Monday, comes shortly after three close U.S. allies — Canada, Britain, and France — announced their plans to officially recognize the State of Palestine.

The poll was conducted during ongoing hopes for a breakthrough agreement between Israel and Hamas involving a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The conflict began after Hamas launched its October 7 assault on southern Israel, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken captive.

Last week, Britain, Canada, Australia, and several European partners stated that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached “unimaginable levels.” Aid agencies have also warned that famine is imminent in the densely populated enclave.

In addition, 65% of those surveyed said the United States should actively provide assistance to help prevent starvation in Gaza, while 28% disagreed. Among those opposed were 41% of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican supporters.

The poll also revealed that 59% of respondents believe Israel’s military response in Gaza has gone too far, compared to 33% who disagreed.

This represents a shift from a similar Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted in February 2024, when 53% believed Israel’s actions were excessive, while 42% disagreed.

The latest poll was conducted online, collecting responses from 4,446 adults across the United States. It carries a margin of error of approximately two percentage points.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President Vance roasts reporter and anti-Trump protesters at Union Station: “Obviously, DC has a terrible crime problem. The Department of Justice statistics back it up…Let’s free Washington, DC from one of the highest murder rates in the entire world.”

Operation Gideon’s Chariots, launched on March 18, has given the IDF control of 75% of the Gaza Strip, isolating forces in Rafah and Khan Yunis via two key corridors, while destroying roughly 30 kilometers of terror tunnels and eliminating 2,000 terrorists.

The IDF has released footage of Hamas terrorists being targeted after they attempted to raid a forward post in Khan Yunis.