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Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the launch of a $36.9 million infrastructure overhaul now underway in Brooklyn, targeting the aging Fort Hamilton Parkway bridge that spans the Gowanus Expressway (I-278). This vital crossing, originally constructed in 1964, connects the communities of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Windsor Terrace. The project is designed to significantly strengthen safety, resilience, and multi-modal accessibility along this busy corridor.

The extensive rehabilitation will include full replacement of the bridge deck and approach slabs, as well as upgrades to the steel superstructure, bearings, piers, and abutments. In a notable enhancement for commuters, a protected bike lane will be added to the span, linking up with existing bike paths on Fort Hamilton Parkway and 7th Avenue. Travel lanes will be redesigned to accommodate the new cycling route while preserving both the sidewalk and a dedicated parking lane. Curb ramps will be upgraded for ADA compliance, and both street and underdeck lighting will receive modern enhancements.

Governor Hochul emphasized the broader goals behind the investment, stating, “New York State continues to make historic investments that will create safer, more resilient roads and bridges that will help keep our communities connected and our economy growing. The rehabilitation of this important bridge along the Fort Hamilton Parkway will help preserve a vital link in Brooklyn’s transportation network while also making it easier for people to get out of their cars and travel by bike across the borough.”

Fort Hamilton Parkway functions as a one-way, northbound arterial stretching from 101st Street in Bay Ridge to Machate Circle near Prospect Park. With this project, its bridge is expected to gain at least another 40 years of service life.

Work will be completed in multiple stages through summer 2027. During the first phase, the bridge’s left lane will be closed for long-term construction, followed by closure of the right lane during the second phase as traffic shifts. The parking lane will also be closed temporarily, and traffic on the Gowanus Expressway below will be impacted by necessary lane shifts.

The initiative is backed in part by federal infrastructure funds and has received enthusiastic endorsements from Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as Council Members Justin Brannan and Alexa Avilés, who highlighted its impact on safety, economic growth, and improved access. Community Board 10 hailed the long-anticipated project as a much-needed investment in Brooklyn’s future.

{Matzav.com}

Tomorrow is Primary Election Day!Tomorrow is the last day we can cast our vote for Josh Gottheimer, and ensure a friend of the Jewish community becomes the front runner of the Democrat party. Polls open at 6:00 AM, and close at 8:00 PM. Registered Democrats and unaffiliated/independent voters can vote in this Democratic primary election. You can check your affiliation status and voting location by texting 732-503-3052 or at LakewoodVotes.com. Lakewood Rabbonim and Roshei Yeshiva are urging the community to vote!This election has become crucial- Lakewood is being watched for voter turnout. If the community comes together and votes we become a population that must be worked with. https://jewishinsider.com/2025/05/josh-gottheimer-new-jersey-democratic-gubernatorial-primary-jewish-voters/ https://newjerseyglobe.com/governor/lakewood-vaad-backs-gottheimer-tells-unaffiliated-voters-to-vote-in-dem-primary/ Please take a few minutes and cast your vote.

California has launched a legal battle against President Trump over his recent decision to place the state’s National Guard under federal control. The lawsuit, filed Monday, seeks to overturn the administration’s actions following unrest in Los Angeles related to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Governor Gavin Newsom, along with Attorney General Rob Bonta, contends that Trump violated the U.S. Constitution by invoking a statute designed to be used only in cases of “invasion” or “rebellion.” They argue that such a classification does not apply to the current circumstances and represents a misuse of executive power.

“Donald Trump is creating fear and terror by failing to adhere to the U.S. Constitution and overstepping his authority. This is a manufactured crisis to allow him to take over a state militia, damaging the very foundation of our republic,” Newsom declared in the statement accompanying the legal filing.

Newsom further called on governors across the political spectrum to condemn the decision. “Every governor, red or blue, should reject this outrageous overreach. This is beyond incompetence — this is him intentionally causing chaos, terrorizing communities, and endangering the principles of our great democracy. It is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism. We will not let this stand.”

{Matzav.com}

British lawmakers were set to deliberate today on a proposal that seeks to prohibit shechitah without prior stunning—a practice central to both kosher and certain halal dietary laws. According to a report by The Independent, the petition that triggered the debate has amassed over 109,000 signatures and characterizes the method as “barbaric,” asserting that it clashes with what it calls “modern British values.”

If the proposal were to move forward, it would revoke religious exemptions that currently allow shechitah and specific halal practices to proceed without stunning animals beforehand. Proponents of the ban insist that animal welfare should take precedence, while opponents argue that both kosher and halal methods are deeply rooted in religious tradition and incorporate strict standards of humane treatment.

Under current legislation in the UK, stunning animals before slaughter is generally required. However, religious slaughter is granted exceptions. In actual practice, the overwhelming majority of halal meat is stunned before slaughter, while kosher meat is not. These practices are all carried out under government supervision, with the Food Standards Agency ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Many critics of the petition have voiced concern that banning non-stun slaughter would threaten the religious freedoms of both Muslim and Jewish communities in the UK. They stress that observance of religious dietary laws is a fundamental component of their cultural and spiritual life.

Ahead of the parliamentary session on June 9, supporters of religious slaughter have urged the public to reach out to their Members of Parliament. Meanwhile, the Halal Monitoring Committee has signaled its intention to engage with lawmakers in an effort to provide a clear and factual explanation of traditional slaughter techniques.

{Matzav.com}

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has recently engaged in private talks with prominent chareidi political leaders in an attempt to persuade them against backing the collapse of the current Israeli government, according to a Channel 13 News report aired Monday evening, which cited both political and diplomatic insiders.

Over the past several days, Huckabee reportedly stressed to these figures that maintaining a stable Israeli government is critical in the ongoing confrontation with Iran. The ambassador is believed to have conveyed a message asserting, “Government stability is essential to address the Iranian issue,” portraying this position as representative of the U.S. administration’s perspective.

These discussions are taking place as the Israeli coalition faces growing uncertainty and potential disbandment of the Knesset. Huckabee is said to have reached out to various senior chareidi officials and community influencers, highlighting the dangers of triggering elections during this sensitive period.

In a weekend exchange with one chareidi political veteran, Huckabee again expressed his concerns about the regional situation, saying, “Stability of the government is important for dealing with the Iranian issue.” Whether Huckabee’s outreach was initiated at the directive of President Donald Trump or conducted independently remains uncertain.

Officials close to the Prime Minister acknowledged that he had been informed of Huckabee’s efforts. The ambassador’s office issued a statement in response, saying: “The ambassador meets with a wide range of Israeli officials. The content of the conversations remains private.”

{Matzav.com}

A new psak was released Monday by some of the most prominent poskim affiliated with leading Chassidishe groups, firmly reiterating a total prohibition on joining the Israel Defense Forces.

In their declaration, the rabbanim assert clearly: “According to Torah law, it is strictly forbidden to enlist in the army, which serves as a melting pot for the gravest transgressions and for casting off the yoke [of Torah and mitzvos].”

This psak was issued in light of inquiries from members of the chareidi public who are not exclusively dedicated to full-time Torah learning and includes references to military programs specifically designed for the chareidi community.

“The prohibition also includes haredi enlistment tracks, whether existing or future,” the statement reads. “These frameworks have proven to be deceitful, and they aim to alter the character of the Torah-observant public. Furthermore, they are subject to secular authorities, among other concerns.”

The ruling bears the signatures of the rabbonim of several of Israel’s largest Chassidishe courts, including Gur, Belz, Vizhnitz, Sanz, and others.

Rav Mechel Zilber, lending his endorsement, shared a personal recollection: “I personally heard from the Gaon of Tchebin, of blessed memory, who ruled based on the Gemara that even Dovid Hamelech would not go to war without consulting the Sanhedrin and the Urim VeTummim. The Gaon, of blessed memory, asked: how can one send a Jewish youth to the army and to war when there is no Sanhedrin and no Urim VeTummim? This applies to any young man, whoever he may be.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The family of kidnapped Israel Defense Forces Sgt. 1st Class Matan Angrest on Monday released new video footage showing his abduction by Palestinian terrorists during the Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border massacre.

In the video recording, Angrest can be seen being forcibly taken from his tank in the Nachal Oz area and beaten by a Gaza mob while unconscious.

Alongside the video footage, the Angrest family also published an audio recording from inside the tank, capturing the moments before the crew’s face-to-face encounter with the Palestinian terrorist mob.

In the tank with Angrest were IDF Sgt. Itay Chen and Capt. Daniel Perez, who were killed and whose bodies are currently being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and Sgt. Tomer Leibovitz, who also fell in the line of duty.

In the chilling audio, Angrest can be heard shouting in panic after the vehicle is hit and his fellow soldiers are injured: “What is this? A terrorist! Stop, stop! Behind him! Perez! Is anyone hit? Perez?”

“For 611 days, I avoided watching the full video. Last night, I forced myself to see it for the first time. We have no choice. Matan’s life is in danger,” the captive IDF soldier’s mother, Anat, wrote in a statement.

“We were compelled to release another segment of the video to the public. We wish we didn’t have to,” continued the Israeli mother.

“Matan is in life-threatening danger, wounded and bleeding. We must not abandon him (again) and leave him behind. We’re sorry, our Matan. Don’t give up, because we are not giving up on you,” Anat Angrest said.

In April, the Angrest family made public for the first time pictures of Matan’s abduction. The photos, which were reportedly recovered from the Gaza Strip by the IDF, showed Angrest being taken from his tank.

Hamas released a propaganda video on March 8 in which Angrest called for the Israeli government to agree unconditionally to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian terrorist organization.

The 42-day first phase of the deal expired on March 1. Hamas refused a U.S. proposal to extend Phase 1 during the Islamic month of Ramadan.

“Please, I beg you, bring us back alive, not in a coffin,” Angrest stated in the video. The family authorized the video’s presentation to the public.

The family said in a statement, “We are shaken by the video we just saw, in which we see our Matan looking drained and desperate after 518 days in Hamas’s tunnels.”

“Beyond the severe psychological state evident in the footage, his right hand is nonfunctional, his eyes and mouth are asymmetrical, and his nose is broken—according to testimonies from those who have returned, all due to interrogations and torture in captivity.”

A resident of Kiryat Bialik, one of Haifa’s bayside suburbs, Angrest enlisted into the IDF as a combat soldier after graduating from high school. He was due to be released from army service in April 2024.

“Matan kept telling us not to worry because a tank is the safest and the most secure place in the army,” Anat Angrest told JNS in July 2024.

Fifty-five hostages remain in Hamas terrorist captivity in the Gaza Strip after 611 days, including the body of Matan’s comrade, Sgt. Itay Chen, a dual U.S.-Israeli national. Jerusalem believes that at least 20 captives taken on Oct. 7 are alive. JNS

{Matzav.com Israel}

REPORTER: “Was she (Greta Thunberg) kidnapped by Israel?” TRUMP: “I think Israel has enough issues without kidnapping Greta Thunberg”

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday approved an extension of legislation allowing the emergency call-up of IDF reservists.

The lawmakers authorized Defense Minister Israel Katz’s proposal to allow the Israel Defense Forces to call up additional reservists under Section 8 of the Reserve Service Law, 2008, through midnight on June 26.

The committee held a confidential discussion during which Knesset members received a security and intelligence briefing regarding the fighting in Gaza, after which they were asked to back Katz’s proposal.

Nine MKs voted in favor, while seven committee members opposed the further emergency call-up of soldiers by the IDF, according to the Knesset website.

The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee had previously approved the issuing of Tzav 8 (“Section 8”) emergency orders by the IDF through May 29.

Israeli soldiers continue to operate—under the direction of the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Shin Bet—against terrorist groups in Gaza as part of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” the IDF said on Sunday.

The offensive, launched on May 16, is a wide-scale IDF campaign targeting remaining Hamas and Islamic Jihad strongholds.

The campaign aims to establish lasting security control throughout the entire Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said on May 21. JNS

{Matzav.com Israel}

BREAKING: According to US officials, the U.S. military is set to deploy a battalion of about 700 Marines to Los Angeles temporarily while more National Guard troops arrive.

The IDF has issued an “urgent” evacuation warning for three Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen, ahead of possible airstrikes.

At ReDeal Conference, Mr. Rubin Schron sat down with Ralph Herzka for a powerful conversation on building a real estate empire with honesty, achrayus, and siyata dishmaya. A true reminder that success doesn’t come at the expense of integrity.

The Jewish world, and especially the world of chazzanus and Jewish music, mourns the loss of R’ Sri (Yehuda Aharon) Klein z”l, a beloved and gifted chazzan who passed away in the United States at the age of 76. He had been in declining health over the past decade.

A resident of Manhattan, R’ Ari was a son of R’ Yirmiyahu Klein z”l. Over the course of many decades, he earned international renown for his stirring voice and heartfelt service as a baal tefillah in prominent batei knesses around the globe. His cantorial career included distinguished posts in Sydney, Australia; Johannesburg, South Africa; and most recently, at the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan.

Endowed with a soaring tenor voice and deep expertise in the art of chazzanus, R’ Ari inspired countless mispallelim through his passionate and uplifting davening. His love for Hashem and his musical talent came together in a way that left a lasting impression on those privileged to hear him.

Beyond his accomplishments as a chazzan, R’ Aryeh played a pivotal role in shaping the career of his brother-in-law and shadchan, Mordechai Ben David. It was R’ Ari who first encouraged MBD to pursue Jewish music professionally, support and encouragement that ultimately helped launch an iconic career that would uplift generations.

He is also remembered for introducing Mordechai Ben David to the saintly Rebbe of Ribniz zt”l, with whom R’ Ari maintained a strong kesher throughout the years.

The levayah will take place today at 4:00 p.m. at Shomrei Hadas Chapels in Boro Park, Brooklyn. Kevurah will follow at the Har Shalom Bais Hachaim in Monsey.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

California Congressman Kevin Kiley: “The scenes we are seeing in Los Angeles right now are absolutely horrifying. California’s radical political leadership has done everything possible to usher in this chaos.”

President Trump discuses the “Trump Accounts” in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill in which the government will provide a $1K contribution in a tax-deferred account for every newborn citizen: “Will make it possible for countless American children to have a strong start at life.”

President Trump on LA and the strength of the National Guard: “Some of the things you’re reading about in Los Angeles, thank goodness we sent out some wonderful National Guard. They’ve done a fantastic job, so I want to thank them very much.”

The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Monday that the Iranian regime had repeatedly refused to provide his agency with credible answers regarding its nuclear activities at undeclared sites.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi told the agency’s Board of Governors meeting in Vienna that he has been seeking explanations from the Islamic Republic regarding the presence of uranium particles found at the undeclared Varamin, Marivan and Turquzabad locations.

“Iran has repeatedly either not answered or not provided technically credible answers to the agency’s questions,” he stated, accusing it of seeking to “sanitize the locations,” impeding the IAEA’s activities.

“The agency also concludes that Iran did not declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at these three undeclared locations in Iran,” Grossi told members of the 35-member policy-making body.

“As a consequence of this, the agency is not in a position to determine whether the related nuclear material is still outside of safeguards,” said Grossi, meaning that the IAEA is unable to verify that nuclear materials are properly accounted for and were not diverted for undeclared uses.

Unless Tehran cooperates with the IAEA to resolve the outstanding issues, the organization “will not be in a position to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful,” according to him.

Speaking with reporters at a press conference after his remarks to the quarterly meeting, Grossi accused the regime in Tehran of having obtained highly confidential documents belonging to the IAEA.

“This dates to a few years ago, but we could determine with all clarity that documents that belong to the agency were in the hands of Iranian authorities, which is bad,” Grossi told journalists, adding: “We believe that an action like this is not compatible with the spirit of cooperation.”

In response to a question about the possibility of Israeli military action against Iranian nuclear sites, Grossi said that his agency was actively seeking to reduce the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

“We are trying to solve this without the use of violence or force,” Grossi stated. “If it’s done correctly, thoroughly, with a very strong verification and monitoring chapter from us, it would give the necessary assurance for Israel and for the world that there is nothing to be feared coming from there.”

Regarding Iranian claims that the regime acquired sensitive intelligence data through hacking on alleged Israeli nuclear activities, Grossi said that the IAEA did not receive any information regarding the files.

“This seems to refer to Soreq [Nuclear Research Center], which is a research facility that we inspect, by the way,” explained Grossi.

“Normally, people tell me, ‘You don’t inspect Israel.’ Yes, we do … We don’t inspect other strategic parts of the program, but we do inspect Soreq,” added the Argentinian diplomat.

Israeli security analysts have dismissed Tehran’s claims as psychological warfare, while Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib warned on Monday that the seized documents would “soon” be made public.

The United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom are set to introduce a resolution at the IAEA meeting this week that would find the Islamic Republic in noncompliance with its nuclear safeguards obligations.

In May, the IAEA issued a confidential report to its board members, reportedly concluding that Tehran concealed nuclear activities and failed to declare materials at three sites.

A separate report circulated the same day concluded that the regime has enough nuclear material to build approximately nine nuclear weapons, though its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium remains shy of the 90% purity threshold considered “weapons grade.”

The United States and Iran are currently engaged in negotiations for an agreement seeking to curtail the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, according to Hebrew media reports. The premier is scheduled to hold a discussion with ministers on the issue of Iran following the call, the Ynet news website reported.

{Matzav.com}

[COMMUNICATED]

When Akiva Zuravin set out to develop Jerusalem Estates, he wasn’t simply building luxury apartments—he was making a statement. A quiet one, as is his way. But unmistakable. Tucked into the historic Schneller compound in the heart of the frum neighborhoods and within walking distance of prominent Chassidic centers, Jerusalem Estates became more than just a sought-after address. It became a symbol of what’s possible when vision, values, and execution align.

“We weren’t just creating buildings,” Zuravin reflects. “We were shaping something that felt deeply connected to its surroundings—authentic, beautiful, and thoughtfully done.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

It was that mindset that set Jerusalem Estates apart—and that continues to define Zuravin’s approach today. With Ir Olam, his most ambitious development yet, the goal is even broader: not just to build homes, but to shape the rhythm of modern life in Jerusalem.

Located adjacent to Givat Shaul, Kiryat Moshe, and Beit Hakerem, and minutes away from Har Nof, Ir Olam rises from the grounds of the old flour mill—once an industrial area and now envisioned as one of Jerusalem’s most forward-looking quarters for living, working, and gathering.

Where Jerusalem Estates was a residential landmark, Ir Olam is a full-scale quarter:
Three luxury residential towers.
Two LEED Platinum-certified office buildings.
A boutique shopping boulevard.
Green rooftops, shuls, co-working areas, a school, and a central piazza designed to foster everyday connection.

But beyond design and functionality lies a deeper intention: community. At Jerusalem Estates, Zuravin prioritized buyers who shared common values—people who could not only live alongside one another but thrive together. That same care is being applied at Ir Olam.

“When people share the same rhythm of life,” Zuravin explains, “the entire experience becomes more meaningful. The gym, the shul, the party room—they’re not just amenities. They’re points of connection.”

In Ir Olam, where residents will share workspaces, rooftops, lounges, and lifestyle services, community isn’t just a feature—it’s part of the architecture. The goal is a natural, respectful cohesion that allows for privacy and belonging to coexist.

The project was conceived by Yashar Architects, whose signature blends functionality with elegance, and is being built to international standards of environmental sustainability and urban planning. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, with user experience at the core.

Zuravin builds with intention and with an understanding of what Jerusalem is, and what it still can be.

Ir Olam is the next chapter in that story. A new neighborhood for a city that continues to evolve—thoughtfully, gracefully, and always with purpose.
Crafted for those who know.

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The activist boat Madleen, that attempting to break Israel’s Gaza blockade, has arrived at Ashdod Port escorted by a Israeli naval vessel. Detained activists, including Greta Thunberg, are set to be handed over to police for deportation, while Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to screen a video of the October 7 atrocities to them upon arrival.