Feed aggregator

GHF says it distributed nearly half a million meals today across two distribution sites in Rafah.

President Trump dismissed any interest in reconnecting with Elon Musk on Friday, stating clearly that he had no intention of engaging in a conversation with the tech mogul, despite earlier reports that White House officials had been working to coordinate a phone call between the two.

“You mean the man who has lost his mind?” Trump told ABC News when asked about reports he was slated to call Musk at some point on Friday.

Trump further clarified that he had little desire to speak with Musk, whom he referred to as a former ally, despite believing that Musk was seeking a dialogue with him.

“I’m not particularly” interested, Trump said, emphasizing that the interest in communication was one-sided and not mutual.

This followed a statement from a White House official who claimed the two were expected to talk later that day, suggesting preparations had been underway for a discussion.

However, a different White House staffer contradicted the earlier report, stating that no such call was actually scheduled to take place.

The confusion over the possible conversation surfaced as Trump tried to minimize the fallout from his public rift with Musk, a man he once regarded as a close associate.

“Oh, it’s OK,” Trump told the outlet when asked about the very public spat. “It’s going very well, never done better.”

He went on to highlight his current standing in national polls. “The numbers are through the roof, the highest polls I’ve ever had and I have to go,” he added as he touted his ratings.

The clash between the two escalated after Trump, speaking from the Oval Office on Thursday, slammed Musk for attacking his administration’s legislative centerpiece, the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.”

The disagreement soon turned hostile, with veiled threats over government funding and Musk calling for Trump to be impeached.

Musk also accused the administration of hiding information about Jeffrey Epstein, alleging that Trump was implicated in those records.

“Time to drop the really big bomb: Trump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. Have a nice day, DJT!” Musk posted on X.

Later that evening, Musk appeared to soften his tone after Bill Ackman, a high-profile hedge fund manager, urged the two to reconcile, suggesting that their cooperation would be a net positive for the world.

“You’re not wrong,” Musk wrote in response to Ackman’s tweet.

{Matzav.com}

Germany’s Lufthansa airline group announced it will restart flights to and from Tel Aviv on June 23, following a suspension last month. The decision impacts Lufthansa, Austrian, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, ITA, and Lufthansa Cargo. The group stated that services will resume “gradually” for operational reasons, marking a cautious return to the region.

TWICE IN ONE WEEK: Rabbi Elie Lemmel, a Jewish outreach leader, was violently assaulted on Friday morning in France – for the second time within days. On Friday morning, an Afghan national threw a chair at him in Neuilly-sur-Seine for wearing a Yarmulka. Passersby apprehended the suspect, and Rabbi Lemmel, with minor injuries, was hospitalized. On May 31, three drunks attacked him in Deauville, remaining at large.

Maj. Gen. David Zini, who was appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to head the Shin Bet security agency, officially left the military this week. On Wednesday, a ceremony was held to bid Zini farewell after 33 years of service in the IDF.

HY’D: The Southern Sharon Regional Council announced today that IDF soldier Staff Sergeant Yoav Rever, 19, from Sde Warburg fell in battle in the southern Gaza Strip.

The Southern Sharon Regional Council reported on Friday the tragic loss of IDF Staff Sergeant Yoav Rever, who was killed during combat operations in the southern region of the Gaza Strip.

Rever, just 19 years old, was a soldier in the elite Yahalom Unit of the IDF’s Combat Engineering Corps.

“Yoav is the son of Lior and Gili Rever and the brother of Tamar and Omri. He is a graduate of the Ami Asaf School. The heart breaks, the Southern Sharon Regional Council family bows its head and shares in the mourning of the entire family, the Sde Warburg community, and the Ami Asaf School community during this unbearably difficult time. May his memory be blessed forever,” the council stated.

{Matzav.com Israel}

In a landmark development for Israel’s rabbinical court system, seven veteran dayanim were officially appointed last night to serve on the Beis Din Hagadol, the highest rabbinical court in the country. This comes just two weeks after 21 new dayanim were appointed to regional rabbinical courts, marking a sweeping reform effort across the entire system.

The appointments were made during a celebratory session of the Dayanim Selection Committee, which convened Thursday in Yerushalayim under the leadership of Minister for Religious Services Michael Malchieli and the president of the Beis Din Hagadol, the Rishon LeTzion Rav Dovid Yosef. The committee unanimously approved the appointments, following the submission of the candidate list by Rav Yosef, which received full consensus from all committee members.

The newly appointed dayanim to the Beis Din Hagadol are:

1. Rav Yigal Lerer

2. Rav Meir Freiman

3. Rav Dovid Berdugo

4. Rav Avraham Shalosh

5. Rav Shneur Pardes

6. Rav Tzvi Ben Yaakov

7. Rav Moshe Amsalem

These appointments complete a wide-reaching judicial initiative in which 28 new dayanim—seven to the Beis Din Hagadol and 21 to the regional courts—have been appointed in under a month. This marks the end of nearly eight years of stagnation in the judicial appointment process within the rabbinical court system.

A formal swearing-in ceremony for all 28 dayanim is scheduled to take place this coming Tuesday at the President’s Residence in Yerushalayim. The state ceremony will be attended by Israel’s President, members of the selection committee, rabbanim, public officials, and the families of the newly appointed dayanim.

Rav Dovid Yosef expressed his satisfaction with the appointments, stating: “This is a momentous day for Am Yisrael, a time of great opportunity for the entire rabbinical court system. We have merited to appoint dayanim who are true talmidei chachamim, God-fearing individuals with refined character, all chosen through unity and cooperation. We will now continue to advance professionally, structurally, and publicly to elevate the status of halacha and strengthen the entire system.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

A devastating incident unfolded in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Friday morning, when a building collapsed on Israeli soldiers. Sources tell YWN that an explosive device detonated inside a booby-trapped building, causing the structure to collapse, killing four  soldiers and injuring several others, with others in critical condition. Israeli forces responded with heavy shelling as helicopters evacuated the wounded. The IDF on Friday afternoon released the names of two of the killed soldiers: Sergeant Major Chen Gross hy”d, aged 33, from Gan Yoshiya, a reserve soldier in the Maglan Unit, Commando Brigade Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver hy”d, aged 19, from Sde Warburg, a soldier in the Yahalom Unit, Combat Engineering Corps   The identities of the additional fatalities have not yet been publicly identified, as IDF forces work to extricate them from the wreckage. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a strong message to Israel on Thursday, warning that the UK is prepared to escalate its response if Israel does not halt its military campaign in Gaza and ease humanitarian access, according to AFP.

The warning came after Starmer hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah II in London, where both leaders reportedly shared deep concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as rising tensions in Judea and Samaria.

Following the meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the Prime Minister’s position, stating, “The Prime Minister reiterated that if Israel did not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, the UK and its partners would take further concrete actions in response.”

The official statement also emphasized the urgent importance of achieving a lasting ceasefire, freeing all remaining hostages, and allowing humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza “at speed and volume” without interference.

The UK’s warning marks the latest in a growing list of actions it has taken against Israel during the ongoing conflict. Just last month, the British government suspended ongoing trade talks with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador to express its dissatisfaction with Israel’s handling of the war.

Shortly thereafter, Britain, along with Canada and France, jointly delivered a warning to Israel that failure to end the conflict in Gaza would result in sanctions.

Responding to that message, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu declared, “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”

Netanyahu continued, “Israel accepts President Trump’s vision and urges all European leaders to do the same. The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarized. No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t.”

“This is a war of civilization over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved,” he concluded.

{Matzav.com}

A serious motor vehicle accident occurred Friday morning in Woodmere’s Five Towns at the intersection of Howard Avenue and West Broadway. A vehicle overturned, leaving one person with critical injuries and entrapped inside. As of 9:30 a.m., the victim remains pinned in the wreckage. Hatzalah Paramedics are on scene providing advanced life support, and sources tell YWN the victim is in traumatic arrest. Emergency crews continue working to extricate the victim. Further updates will follow as they become available.

In the Zutchka-Amsana chassidus, grand preparations had been underway for a joyous Shabbos aufruf and festive forshpiel to celebrate the upcoming wedding of the Rebbe’s son. The chosson, Shalom Rosenbaum, a talmid of Yeshivas Mir, is set to marry the daughter of the Trisk-Tolna Rebbe of Monsey. The wedding is scheduled to take place in two weeks in the United States.

Given that the wedding is to be held in the U.S., the chassidus had arranged for a major aufruf celebration next Shabbos, as well as a lively forshpiel on Motzoei Shabbos. A large tent was already planned to be erected in the courtyard of the Zutshka-Amsana beis medrash on Rechov Yona Hanavi in Bnei Brak.

However, this week, the chassidus was alerted that if the chosson attempted to leave the country as originally scheduled—after the next Shabbos—he would be arrested at Ben Gurion Airport. He was advised that he would only be able to depart safely if he left by yesterday, Thursday.

In a swift change of plans, the chosson quickly packed his belongings and, together with his father, the Rebbe, boarded a flight to the U.S. on Wednesday. He will now remain in America until the wedding takes place in two weeks.

As a result of his unexpected and expedited departure, all scheduled events—the Shabbos aufruf and the forshpiel—have been canceled.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Rabbi Elie Lemmel, an outreach leader with Lev & Lamed, was violently assaulted Friday morning in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a wealthy suburb of Paris — marking the second time in less than a week he has been targeted in France. According to reports, the incident occurred at approximately 8:16 a.m. EDT while Rabbi Lemmel was sitting on the terrace of a local café. An Afghan national reportedly approached the rabbi and hurled a chair at him, allegedly for the sole reason that he was wearing a yarmulka. Bystanders quickly intervened and apprehended the assailant until police arrived. Rabbi Lemmel suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. This attack comes just days after Rabbi Lemmel was assaulted in Deauville, a coastal town in northern France, by three intoxicated individuals. Those suspects remain at large. Rabbi Lemmel is well known for his work in Jewish education and outreach throughout France. Lev & Lamed, the organization he leads, is dedicated to promoting Jewish learning and engagement, especially among young professionals. Authorities are investigating whether the two incidents are linked and whether the attacks were motivated by antisemitic hatred. The identity of the Neuilly attacker has not yet been publicly released. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israel has assured the White House that it will not carry out a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities unless President Donald Trump determines that negotiations with Tehran have failed, according to a report by Axios citing two Israeli officials familiar with the matter. The reassurance was delivered during a high-level visit to Washington last week by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Mossad Director David Barnea, and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi. The Israeli delegation met with senior U.S. officials amid growing concerns in Washington over the possibility that Israel might launch a unilateral attack on Iranian targets, potentially derailing ongoing diplomatic efforts. While Israel has been actively preparing for a possible strike, its leadership has signaled a willingness to defer to the U.S. on the timing—at least for now. President Trump confirmed last week that he had personally requested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay any action until the fate of the negotiations becomes clear. The discussions come as the U.S. and Iran continue indirect talks aimed at containing Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel views as an existential threat. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Israeli Navy is preparing to intercept a vessel sailing under the British flag and carrying prominent international activists, should it attempt to breach the maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip in the coming days. The ship, Madleen, is part of the latest mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a pro-Palestinian group known for its anti-Israel stance. Among the 12 passengers are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Brazilian campaigner Thiago Ávila, Irish actor Liam Cunningham of Game of Thrones fame, and French-Palestinian European Parliament member Rima Hassan — who was previously barred from entering Israel over her support for boycotts and armed resistance. Israeli defense officials confirmed Thursday that they are closely tracking the vessel’s route. The IDF said it is “enforcing the maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip, and is prepared and ready for a wide range of scenarios that it will handle in accordance with the political echelon’s guidelines.” The ship departed from Sicily on Sunday and was expected to reach the vicinity of Gaza over the weekend. However, the activists reportedly diverted course Thursday to assist a group of Sudanese migrants stranded off the Libyan coast. Israeli officials say that regardless of detours, the vessel will be stopped if it continues toward Gaza. Possible outcomes include towing the ship to Ashdod or blocking it at sea. The mission has drawn the attention of several European governments. A French diplomat told Channel 12 that France is “closely monitoring” the situation due to the presence of six French nationals aboard and stands ready to intervene if needed. Meanwhile, a British official reportedly acknowledged that the UK government was initially unaware the vessel was sailing under its flag and has since asked Israel to ensure the safety of the ship and its passengers. According to the report, Israel had requested that the UK prohibit the Madleen from using the British flag — a request that was denied due to maritime regulations. The Freedom Flotilla’s previous attempt to reach Gaza ended after activists claimed their boat, the Conscience, was hit by a drone strike near Malta. That ship, registered under Palau, was stripped of its flag just before the alleged incident and was subsequently denied docking rights by multiple countries until Malta agreed to repair it. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In a dramatic midday rescue earlier this week, the Chaverim of Rockland Search and Rescue team responded to an emergency involving an unwell hiker deep within the rugged trails near the Palisades, close to the New York/New Jersey border. Over two dozen trained volunteers sprang into action, equipped with specialized gear to handle the challenging terrain. The operation was carried out with the coordination and support of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Orangetown Police Department, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office under the leadership of Sheriff Louis Falco, and the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police of New Jersey. Police Chaplain Rabbi Abe Friedman was instrumental in facilitating communication between all agencies and ensuring smooth inter-agency cooperation throughout the mission. Chaverim’s SAR team reached the hiker and provided immediate medical care, including pain relief, before securing the individual onto a specialized rescue stretcher. After a careful and physically demanding extraction through steep and uneven terrain, the hiker was brought to safety and transferred to Hatzoloh EMS of Rockland County for transport to a local hospital. Thanks to the swift response, expert coordination, and teamwork of Chaverim of Rockland and all supporting agencies, the rescue was executed successfully and safely. (YWN World Headquarters –  NYC)

[Photos below.] The previously reported trip of Rav Azriel Auerbach, rov of Kehillas Chanichei Hayeshivos of Bayit Vegan in Yerushalayim, has officially begun with his departure from Eretz Yisroel and arrival in the United States, where he is scheduled to address the fourth Adirei HaTorah gathering, to be held in Pennsylvania.

Rav Auerbach’s close talmidim escorted him to the Pateh Lounge at Ben Gurion Airport to bid him tzeischem l’shalom.

On the American side, a group of supporters waited at Newark Liberty International Airport in the early hours of the morning to greet the senior posek.

After arriving in Lakewood, Rav Auerbach davened tefillas Shacharis at Yeshiva Nezer HaTorah, then delivering divrei chizuk to the bochurim there.

His itinerary continued with visits to Yeshiva Toras Aharon and Mesivta Or Yisroel, where he delivered additional divrei hisorerus. The day’s events also included a reception at Yeshiva Shagas Aryeh and a visit to the home of Rav Malkiel Kotler.

PHOTOS: {Matzav.com}

Iran has ordered large quantities of material from China used in the production of ballistic missiles, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Thursday. The revelation comes as Tehran continues indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States — and has sparked renewed concerns about Iran’s military ambitions and regional destabilization efforts. Citing sources familiar with the transaction, the Journal reports that Iran’s order includes enough ammonium perchlorate — a key ingredient in solid-fuel missiles — to manufacture as many as 800 ballistic missiles. The materials were purchased by Iranian company Pishgaman Tejarat Rafi Novin Co. from Hong Kong-based Lion Commodities Holdings Ltd., and are expected to begin arriving in Iran in the coming months. Western officials believe portions of the shipment could be funneled to Iran’s proxy forces, including the Houthis in Yemen, who launched ballistic missiles at Israel as recently as Thursday. The bulk of the material, however, is expected to stay in Iran as the regime rebuilds missile production infrastructure damaged in Israeli airstrikes last October. Those strikes, which followed an unprecedented direct Iranian attack on Israel, reportedly destroyed several planetary mixers — industrial equipment essential for blending missile fuel compounds. While Iran has not responded to requests for comment, China’s Foreign Ministry said it was unaware of the transaction and insisted it adheres to strict export controls on dual-use materials. A previous shipment from China tied to a deadly explosion in southern Iran was linked to mishandling by Iran’s Quds Force and also involved ammonium perchlorate. Despite claiming it does not seek nuclear weapons, Iran has amassed uranium enriched up to 60% purity — a short step from weapons-grade — and continues to bolster its missile capabilities through its network of proxies and domestic production. The news comes as Israel warns it is prepared to strike Iran’s nuclear sites if diplomacy fails. According to a separate Axios report, Israeli officials have told the White House they will hold off on military action as long as the ongoing negotiations — proposed by President Trump in March — remain viable. “We calmed the Americans and told them there is no logic in launching an attack if a good diplomatic solution can be found,” one Israeli official was quoted as saying. However, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejecting the latest U.S. offer this week, prospects for a deal remain uncertain. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Israel has provided reassurances to the Trump administration that it will not carry out a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities without a clear signal from President Trump that diplomatic efforts with Tehran have ended, according to two Israeli officials familiar with the matter, as reported by Axios.

This message appears to have eased anxieties among U.S. officials, who were increasingly worried that Israel might act unilaterally while American diplomats continue to engage in sensitive discussions with Iran.

President Trump said last week that he had warned Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu not to launch any attack during the negotiations, though he added that his position “could change with a phone call” if he concludes the talks are going nowhere.

The commitment from Israel was delivered during a visit to Washington by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Mossad chief David Barnea, and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, according to Israeli sources speaking to Axios.

One Israeli official noted that their team clearly communicated to American officials that Israel had no intention of taking independent military action without prior consultation.

“We calmed the Americans and told them there is no logic in launching an attack if a good diplomatic solution can be found. This is why we are going to give it a chance and wait with any military action until it is clear that negotiations were exhausted and [White House envoy] Steve Witkoff has given up,” a second Israeli official stated.

Although the Israeli military remains actively engaged in preparing for a potential mission against Iran, a senior official clarified that recent IDF activities were mistakenly seen by some in the U.S. and elsewhere as preparations for a strike on Iran, when in fact they were aimed at Houthi targets in Yemen.

The White House is currently anticipating a formal reply from Iran to the latest nuclear deal proposal. Iranian officials have indicated that a draft response is in the works. President Trump, in the meantime, criticized Tehran on Wednesday for dragging its feet, accusing the regime of “slow-walking their decision” after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei voiced objections to Washington’s offer.

According to the Trump administration’s reading of the situation, a two-month window for reaching a deal is about to close next week.

Even so, an Israeli official revealed that Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed doubts to President Trump about the prospects of the negotiations producing a meaningful agreement. This source added that, despite the lack of progress, Iran is likely to keep the talks from breaking down completely. “It could take another several months of negotiations before Trump decides it has failed,” one Israeli official projected.

{Matzav.com}

The International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed strong condemnation on Thursday following the Trump administration’s imposition of sanctions on four of its judges.

In an official statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio detailed the penalties, which affect Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza of Peru, Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou of Benin, and Beti Hohler of Slovenia.

Among the four, two were responsible for approving arrest warrants issued last November for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The other two were involved in authorizing an investigation by the ICC into alleged misconduct by American forces in Afghanistan.

Reacting to the move, the ICC issued a harsh rebuke, declaring that it “deplores” the sanctions, describing them as “a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all corners of the globe.”

The Court also reaffirmed its commitment to its mission, stating that it “stands fully behind its personnel, and will continue its work undeterred, in strict accordance with the Rome Statute and the principles of fairness and due process, with a view to bringing justice to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression.”

Criticizing the American actions, the ICC emphasized the harmful message it sends: “Targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict. It only emboldens those who believe they can act with impunity.” The statement further warned that “these sanctions are not only directed at designated individuals, they also target all those who support the Court, including nationals and corporate entities of States Parties.”

Continuing its denunciation, the ICC said the measures “are aimed against innocent victims in all Situations before the Court, as well as the rule of law, peace, security and the prevention of the gravest crimes that shock the conscience of humanity.”

In contrast, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised the U.S. for its actions. Taking to X, he wrote, “Thank you Secretary Rubio. You are right. The ICC’s dangerous abuse of power and illegitimate infringement of sovereignty and national security of democracies fighting terrorism like the US and Israel must stop.”

The latest sanctions were implemented in accordance with an executive order signed by President Trump in February, authorizing punitive measures against the ICC.

Only a week after that order, the U.S. took further action by placing ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan on its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, thereby subjecting him to direct sanctions.

As a result, all of Khan’s financial holdings within the United States have been frozen.

{Matzav.com}