The Hamas terror organization asserts that it is still struggling to locate the remains of deceased hostages, even though Israeli intelligence holds that the group is aware of nearly all burial locations.
Senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya told Al Jazeera on Sunday night that the organization had already informed mediators months ago of the difficulties they were facing in finding the bodies. “We told the mediators months ago that there are problems in searching for them because Israel has changed the landscape in the Gaza Strip, even in areas where the dead were buried. In some cases, it is no longer known where they were buried. There is American understanding of this issue, and we have made it clear,” he said.
He added that on-the-ground work to recover the remains has been ramped up: “Over the past week and the week before, after the release of the live hostages, there has been intensive and unusual work. Israel is monitoring these efforts.”
Al-Hayya also charged Israel with misusing the burial retrieval issue as a bargaining chip in cease-fire negotiations. “The problem today is not a real problem, but an excuse on Israel’s part,” he contended. “Our brothers are working in broad daylight, digging with outdated and very weak equipment, and continuing to dig more than 20 meters underground. Even US President Donald Trump himself understands this and is asking for more time.”
Meanwhile, a senior Israeli official declared last week that it is in fact Hamas that is deceiving Israel, the mediators, and the United States. The official asserted that Hamas is capable of returning at least eight more bodies, but is deliberately postponing to gain leverage. In recent days, the group conveyed that it would deliver more remains, then repeatedly failed to follow through.
{Matzav.com}President Trump made it clear Monday that he won’t consider joining Vice President JD Vance’s ticket as a running mate in an effort to bypass the Constitution’s two-term presidential limit. However, he left no doubt that his political ambitions are still alive—hinting at a possible return to the campaign trail in 2028, where he mused about facing off against New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The question arose aboard Air Force One, where a reporter asked about comments made by Steve Bannon suggesting a covert strategy to challenge the 22nd Amendment’s restrictions. Trump laughed off the idea but admitted his continued enthusiasm for politics. “I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever, it’s very terrible, I have my best numbers,” he remarked while en route to Tokyo for meetings with Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
With his approval rating hovering around 45.1% according to RealClearPolitics, Trump has repeatedly toyed with talk of another run. He’s even distributed “Trump 2028” hats to visitors, blending humor with a clear message that his influence within the Republican Party remains strong.
Meanwhile, Bannon, Trump’s onetime chief strategist, fanned speculation with bold predictions. In an interview with The Economist, Bannon claimed, “he’s going to get a third term… at the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is. But there’s a plan.”
Trump, however, rejected the notion of skirting the Constitution by running as Vance’s vice president and later stepping in as president through resignation. “I think the people wouldn’t like that. It’s too cute. It wouldn’t be right,” he told reporters.
He went on to praise potential future Republican leaders, saying he could envision a ticket featuring Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling them “unstoppable.” Still, Trump kept the spotlight partially on himself, taking aim at prominent Democrats. “All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, which they don’t. They have [Texas Rep.] Jasmine Crockett, a low IQ person. They have AOC who is low IQ. You give her an IQ test, have her pass the exams that I decided to take when I was at Walter Reed, I took very hard,” he said.
“Let AOC go against Trump. Let Jasmine go against Trump,” he added confidently.
Although Trump told CNBC in August that he would “probably not” pursue a third term, his March interview with NBC told a different story, when he stated he was “not joking” about running again.
During the same flight, Trump also mentioned undergoing an MRI scan as part of his annual medical checkup, assuring reporters that “it was perfect.” If he does make another bid for the White House, he would be 82 at the conclusion of his current term and 86 at the end of a third term in 2033.
{Matzav.com}
Documents exposed by Kan News have revealed that Israel was fully aware that much of the Qatari money funneled into Gaza ultimately ended up in Hamas’s hands. Despite this, Israeli officials continued to maintain and even deepen their cooperation with Qatari intermediaries responsible for transferring the funds.
One of the central figures in these dealings was Maj. Gen. (res.) Kamil Abu Rukun, who at the time served as the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). Abu Rukun reportedly held regular meetings with senior Qatari officials in coordination with the cash transfers to Gaza.
The first document revealed by Kan was a 2020 letter signed by Ronen Levy — known by his nickname, Ma’oz — who then held a senior position within Israel’s National Security Council and previously served in the Shin Bet. Levy, appointed by then–Foreign Minister Eli Cohen as Director General of the Foreign Ministry, was described as the key liaison managing the flow of Qatari funds.
In his flattering letter to Doha, Levy praised Qatar’s efforts:
“Qatar is tirelessly working to assist in the rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip by providing economic support to its residents and leading civilian projects in electricity, infrastructure, healthcare, and general humanitarian aid.”
He further wrote:
“Humanitarian assistance continued throughout the coronavirus crisis. It was essential and improved the humanitarian situation in Gaza during that difficult period.”
That statement, Kan News noted, encapsulates the policy framework adopted by the Israeli cabinet in 2018 when it approved the transfer of cash suitcases into Gaza — a move strongly defended at the time by then-Prime Minister Netanyahu.
In addition to Levy, Abu Rukun played a critical role in maintaining contact with Qatari envoys. According to the report, a second document obtained by Kan 11 shows that Qatari officials even issued Abu Rukun a type of “invoice” totaling six million dollars.
“The document serves as proof that the Qatari Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza completed all the procedures according to the agreements,” wrote senior Qatari official Mohammed al-Emadi, who invited Israeli representatives to contact him directly with any further inquiries.
{Matzav.com}
President Trump renewed his warnings Sunday against the use of Tylenol by pregnant women and young children, urging Americans to avoid the common pain reliever “unless absolutely necessary” and to space out certain childhood vaccines across separate medical visits.
“Pregnant Women, DON’T USE TYLENOL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, DON’T GIVE TYLENOL TO YOUR YOUNG CHILD FOR VIRTUALLY ANY REASON, BREAK UP THE MMR SHOT INTO THREE TOTALLY SEPARATE SHOTS (NOT MIXED!), TAKE CHICKEN P SHOT SEPARATELY, TAKE HEPATITAS B SHOT AT 12 YEARS OLD, OR OLDER, AND, IMPORTANTLY, TAKE VACCINE IN 5 SEPARATE MEDICAL VISITS! President DJT,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post linking to a Daily Caller article accusing the FDA of ignoring warnings about the medication’s risks.
Trump’s latest post follows remarks made a month earlier in which he and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, could be tied to a heightened risk of autism. They announced that the FDA would begin revising the drug’s label and alerting doctors about what they called “a very increased risk of autism.” The claim, however, has not been supported by new scientific evidence.
Medical experts have long considered acetaminophen the safest over-the-counter option for pregnant women to manage pain. That reputation has been reinforced by groups including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, both of which have stated the medication remains appropriate for use under medical guidance.
In contrast to mainstream medical opinion, Trump and his health chief have continued to question its safety. Jim O’Neill, the acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, publicly backed Trump’s recommendation to divide the MMR vaccine into separate doses—despite a lack of data supporting such a practice.
The World Health Organization and European Union both swiftly dismissed the claim that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism or ADHD. The FDA, while acknowledging it continues to monitor the issue, reaffirmed that “a causal relationship has not been established.”
Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, recently urged the FDA to reject any new warning label. The current packaging already advises pregnant or breastfeeding women to “ask a health professional before use.” In a statement responding to a citizen petition filed by the Informed Consent Action Network—an anti-vaccine group linked to Kennedy—the company said the “expansive scientific evidence developed over many years” does not show a connection between acetaminophen and developmental disorders.
“Acetaminophen is one of the most studied medicines in history, and scientific evidence regarding acetaminophen use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes has been continuously evaluated by FDA and industry for more than a decade,” Kenvue said. The company added that adding new restrictions would be “arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law.”
Kenvue also revealed that it had met with Kennedy and other HHS officials in early September after Kennedy requested discussions about an alleged Tylenol–autism link. During that meeting, Kenvue said it emphasized that existing research does not support any causal relationship—either for prenatal or postnatal acetaminophen exposure—with autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
{Matzav.com}
With the government shutdown dragging on, millions of Americans were at risk of losing access to vital nutrition assistance programs, leaving families anxious about how to put food on the table in the coming weeks. More than 40 million recipients of SNAP benefits stood on the brink of missing payments as November approached, while millions more receiving aid through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — known as WIC — faced the same threat if the stalemate continued.
WIC, managed federally by the Department of Agriculture but operated by individual states, serves as a safety net for low-income mothers, expectant women, and children under five. Eligibility typically applies to women who are pregnant, recently gave birth, or are nursing, as well as caregivers of young children. Nearly 7 million Americans currently rely on it, according to the National WIC Association (NWA).
At the onset of the shutdown, the NWA warned that funds were limited, estimating that benefits could continue for only one to two weeks. The USDA’s contingency plan permitted the use of leftover grant money from the prior fiscal year, but that measure was only a short-term fix. On October 7, the White House provided temporary relief by directing $300 million from President Trump’s tariff revenue into WIC to sustain operations through the end of the month.
That financial cushion was now nearly gone. “The National WIC Association is grateful for the emergency funds that kept WIC running this month. However, without additional support, State WIC Agencies face another looming crisis,” said NWA President and CEO Georgia Machell in a press release. She warned that many states could exhaust their reserves by November 1 and “may need to start making contingency plans” immediately.
“NWA is calling on the White House to make additional emergency funds available to avoid a short-term crisis for the millions of American families who count on WIC while Congress negotiates full-year funding for FY 2026,” Machell added. Her remarks came as pressure mounted on the administration to prevent interruptions in aid.
By Friday, 44 national organizations had joined the NWA in sending a joint letter to the White House urging swift intervention. The letter emphasized the need for action “to avoid major disruptions to WIC” when the new month began. Without emergency funding, Machell cautioned, state offices “may be forced to take drastic measures that prevent families from accessing the services they need, such as halting food benefits.”
Several states were scrambling to fill the gap. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced that his state would draw from reserve funds to keep WIC operational. In North Carolina, officials said the Department of Health and Human Services had enough money “at least through November 15th.” Kansas health leaders said their WIC program could likely continue into November but noted that formula distribution at clinics had been paused due to the shutdown.
California’s Department of Public Health told participants to continue using their benefits “unless your local WIC office tells you otherwise,” noting that the state expected to stay “fully operational through November 30, assuming no unexpected changes at the federal government level.” WIC programs in Utah and Minnesota also confirmed continued service into November.
Meanwhile, officials in New York and Michigan said their programs remained unaffected, and both states continued operations as normal. Colorado Governor Jared Polis said WIC access in his state was extended, with the program reporting it could “continue through at least October 2025.”
For those unsure about their benefits, officials advised contacting local WIC agencies directly to verify whether services would continue uninterrupted. Without quick action in Washington, however, millions of families nationwide could soon face empty shelves and dwindling options.
{Matzav.com}LISTEN:
https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bitachon4Life-Shiur-1614-Chikuy-Part-14-Thank.mp3For more info, email bitachon4life@gmail.com.
The former Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, delivered a sharp public rebuke against Rav Tamir Granot, rosh yeshiva of Orot Shaul in Tel Aviv, following remarks Rav Granot made in support of universal army enlistment.
In an audio clip released by Radio Kol Chai, Rav Yosef expressed outrage over Rav Granot’s statements and questioned his standing as a Torah authority. “Some roshei yeshiva attacked me. There’s one rabbi, I don’t know if he’s really a rabbi – Granot, the dean of a Hesder yeshiva. The way he spoke out against us on television. Are you not afraid of disrespecting a talmid chochom?” he asked.
Rav Yosef drew upon a passage in the Gemara to highlight the severity of such rhetoric. “The Talmud says: ‘What is a heretic? Those who say, ‘What do Torah scholars do for us?’” he quoted. “He says – ‘Everyone to the military.’ What do you mean, ‘Everyone to the military’? The same way there is the Air Force, there is the G-d Force, which sits and studies Torah and defends the entire people of Israel.”
The Rishon LeTzion went even further, making a bold statement about certain figures within the religious Zionist world who, he said, have crossed a red line. “I think there are a few of them (religious Zionist rabbis) who, if they come to join a minyan, you can’t count them toward the minyan. They are classified as heretics.”
{Matzav.com}In a political shift, longtime community leader Dov Hikind — once one of Curtis Sliwa’s loudest backers — has announced he’s throwing his support behind Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race, saying only Cuomo stands a chance of defeating Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani, the NY Post reports.
“I have nothing but good things to say about Curtis. But at the end of the day it’s very clear that Curtis can’t win,” Hikind told The Post, explaining why he’s turning away from Sliwa, the red-bereted founder of the Guardian Angels.
The former Brooklyn Assemblyman, who represented the Orthodox neighborhoods of Borough Park and Midwood from 1983 until 2018 and later founded Americans Against Antisemitism, said his decision came down to a simple calculation — stopping Mamdani, whom he called a dangerous extremist. “I don’t want New York to disappear. Mamdani is a threat to the well-being of every New Yorker. He will destroy New York.”
Hikind has long accused Mamdani of antisemitism, citing the candidate’s vocal support for the BDS movement and his pledge to have Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu arrested as a “war criminal.” Those positions, Hikind said, have deeply shaken Jewish New Yorkers. “The Jews I know are in an absolute panic,” he said.
Despite years of clashing with Andrew Cuomo and publicly calling him “not a good guy,” Hikind said the choice this time is painfully clear. “Cuomo is not a good guy but he’s the only one who can stop Mamdani. If it’s Mamdani or Cuomo, it has to be Cuomo,” he declared, warning fellow voters not to sit this election out. “Wake up New York!”
Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in June’s ranked-choice primary, has been campaigning as the only viable alternative to the Democratic socialist. Hikind’s endorsement gives him an influential ally in the Orthodox community, where fears of Mamdani’s rise have intensified.
Recent surveys show Mamdani maintaining a solid double-digit lead over Cuomo, with Sliwa lagging in third. Pollsters suggest that in a head-to-head matchup, the race would tighten significantly — but for now, Mamdani continues to benefit from Cuomo and Sliwa dividing the anti-Mamdani vote.
{Matzav.com}Zohran Mamdani brushed off growing calls from Republican lawmakers to revoke his U.S. citizenship, defiantly declaring that he remains “a proud democratic socialist.” The 34-year-old mayoral candidate said the accusations against him are politically motivated and rooted in distortion, not fact.
“No matter how many times these Republican Congress members or the president of this country calls me a communist, it doesn’t make it true,” Mamdani told The NY Post on Sunday, accusing his critics of focusing on him instead of solving the ongoing government shutdown. “I think it is telling that in a moment where their Republican Party has shut down the federal government out of an attempt to throw four million Americans off their healthcare, a moment when active duty military families are forced to line up at food banks, they would rather focus on my citizenship.”
The controversy centers on allegations that Mamdani failed to disclose his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) when filing his 2018 naturalization paperwork. Opponents say that omission amounts to lying on official documents and could invalidate his citizenship. Mamdani has repeatedly denied those claims, insisting he has never been a communist. “I’m proud to be a democratic socialist,” he said, rejecting the idea that belonging to the DSA should raise legal questions.
The push to challenge Mamdani’s citizenship gained traction after Rep. Randy Fine of Florida reignited the issue last week, joining Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee in urging federal authorities to investigate and possibly strip him of citizenship. Both Republicans argue that because some DSA members identify as communists, the organization falls under a “totalitarian” umbrella that should disqualify members from becoming U.S. citizens.
Legal experts note that this argument is tenuous at best. The DSA is not an officially designated communist party, and membership in it has not previously been treated as grounds for disqualification under U.S. immigration law. Still, the controversy has provided fodder for political opponents eager to cast Mamdani as radical and un-American.
Born in Uganda, Mamdani immigrated to New York at age seven when his father joined Columbia University’s faculty. After two decades in the U.S., he became a naturalized citizen in 2018 and soon after joined the DSA, which he describes as a progressive organization fighting for economic and social justice.
Republicans’ attacks on Mamdani’s political associations are not new. In June, Ogles sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi asking the Justice Department to investigate Mamdani’s citizenship based on lyrics from an old rap song in which he allegedly voiced sympathy for Hamas terrorists. The campaign quickly dismissed that episode as another baseless smear designed to stir outrage.
Despite the onslaught, Mamdani continues to lead the mayoral race, polling ahead of Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa just days before the November 4 election. His supporters say the latest wave of accusations only proves that Washington Republicans see him as a threat — and that, far from weakening his campaign, the controversy has strengthened his appeal among progressive voters.
{Matzav.com}
The Sea Gate and Coney Island communities were enveloped in grief with the passing of Rabbi Mayer Chaim Brikman zt”l, who was niftar today. He was 58.
For more than three decades, Rabbi Brikman dedicated his life to serving as the Rov of Congregation Kneses Israel – Chabad of Sea Gate, where his leadership and compassion shaped the spiritual life of countless families. Since beginning his shlichus in 1991, he became a central figure in the Sea Gate and Coney Island neighborhoods, known for his unwavering commitment to Torah, chesed, and the welfare of every Jew he encountered.
Those who knew him remembered his gentle nature and quiet strength. His warmth drew people in, his guidance gave comfort, and his empathy uplifted those in pain. Despite facing his own significant challenges, Rabbi Brikman radiated simcha and bitachon, becoming a living lesson in faith and perseverance for all who met him.
In addition to his rabbinic and communal roles, he gave selflessly of his time as a member of both Hatzalah and the Chevra Kadisha, always the first to respond when someone was in need. Acts of kindness and compassion defined his daily life.
In recent years, Rabbi Brikman fought a difficult illness with remarkable courage and dignity, never allowing his condition to dim his optimism or his dedication to others.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Rivkah Brikman (née Marozov), and their children: Leibel Brikman of Montreal, Rochel Chana Ceitlin of Sea Gate, and Isser Brikman of Sea Gate. He also leaves behind his parents, Boruch and Chaya Brikman of Crown Heights; his siblings, Sara Chana Posner, Mendel Brikman, and Yosef Brikman; and his in-laws, Shneur Zalman and Chaya Sara Marozov of Montreal.
The levayah and kevurah took place today at Old Montefiore Cemetery.
Shivah is being observed at the Brikman home, 3844 Lyme Avenue, Sea Gate, NY 11224, from Monday through Friday.
Shacharis – 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Mincha – 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Maariv – 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
Yehi zichro boruch.
{Matzav.com}
The city of Rosh HaAyin has chosen a new rav — and in a beautiful continuation of legacy, it is the son of the city’s previous rav.
Rav Yechiel Bassis was officially elected today as Chief Rabbi of Rosh HaAyin, winning a decisive majority of 29 votes in the official selection process conducted by the Ministry of Religious Services in cooperation with the municipality and the local religious council.
The announcement marks a moment of nachas for the family and for many in the olam haTorah, as Rav Yechiel follows directly in the footsteps of his illustrious father, the late Rav Azarya Bassis zt”l, who served as the city’s rav for decades and authored the renowned Beis HaEzri series of seforim.
Present at the announcement were outgoing Minister of Religious Services Michael Malchieli, ministry director-general Yehuda Avidan, and several senior Shas officials who played a key role in advancing Rav Bassis’s appointment to the same post once held by his father zt”l.
The vote tally was as follows: Rav Yechiel Bassis — 29 votes; Rav Dovid Uzani — 5 votes; Rav Zohar Okashi — 4 votes.
Rav Bassis currently serves as rosh kollel of Ohel Moed in Bnei Brak and is one of the rabbanim of the Meoros organization, where he also serves as a rav umoreh tzedek in its beis horaah. In addition, he edited and published the collected writings of his father zt”l, ensuring his Torah legacy continues to enlighten lomdei Torah.
The Rosh HaAyin municipality issued a statement congratulating the newly elected rav, expressing hope that “he will succeed in strengthening the city’s spiritual life, deepening its Jewish identity, and leading the community forward in unity, mutual respect, and ruchniyus growth.”
{Matzav.com}
As Israel begins adjusting to life without an active war, the political world is already back in full swing. With elections appearing on the horizon, politicians are testing the waters and the media is busy running new polls to gauge where the public stands.
A new Kan News survey released Sunday evening shows Likud still holding its lead as the largest party, with 27 seats. In a surprising twist, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s new party has jumped to second place with an impressive 21 seats.
Yair Golan’s Democrats follow with 11 seats. Shas, led by Aryeh Deri, stands strong with 10 seats — the same number earned by Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid. Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu scores 9, and the new Yashar! party headed by Gadi Eizenkot comes in with 8.
Both United Torah Judaism and Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, receive 7 seats each. Hadash-Ta’al and Ra’am, the Arab parties led by Ayman Odeh and Mansour Abbas respectively, are both polling at 5 seats.
Meanwhile, several familiar names are struggling to pass the threshold. Benny Gantz’s party registers only 3%, Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party stands at 2.3%, and both Balad (2%) and Yoaz Hendel’s Reservists Party (1.8%) remain below the cutoff.
When broken down by blocs, Netanyahu’s right-wing and chareidi alliance receives 51 seats, while the opposing bloc reaches 59. The Arab parties together hold 10.
Respondents were also asked about extending Israeli sovereignty over Yehudah and Shomron. Thirty-six percent said they support it, 32% oppose it, and another 32% weren’t sure.
In a separate question, 48% agreed with the statement that Israel has become a “protectorate of the United States,” while 29% disagreed and 23% said they didn’t know.
{Matzav.com}
