The Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee convened Monday for the first formal discussion of the new draft law, led by Committee Chairman MK Boaz Bismuth. At the opening of the session, Bismuth delivered an unusually expansive and emotional address, emphasizing both the security needs the bill aims to address and the spiritual significance of Torah learning within the Jewish people.
Bismuth began by noting the weight of the moment. “On this day, the entire Jewish people are watching us,” he said. “I would dare say, even the generations before us and those that will come after us. This is a rare moment in the history of the nation. The Knesset is being asked to decide not only on a law — and not only on a historic law — but on a correction.”
He insisted that the bill should not be viewed through a partisan lens. “The draft law we bring today is not an issue of coalition and opposition. It belongs to the entire State of Israel. It was born from the existential need to strengthen national security, while preserving the delicate social fabric, the world of Torah, and the ability to live together.”
Bismuth went on to describe the sense of responsibility he feels not only as a committee chairman, but as a Jew. “At this time, my ancestors are also looking at me — those who gave their lives to preserve the Torah of Israel and our ancient heritage. Beyond the urgent security need, this law reflects a resounding statement: the study of Torah has immense value, because it guards the spiritual core of our nation.”
He argued that the legislation, even with the changes expected throughout the committee discussions, would ultimately reveal a simple truth: “Whoever votes for it is voting for the future of the State of Israel. Whoever opposes it shows that he prefers small political games over the security of the country — positioning over national interest.”
According to Bismuth, the law represents the first time the government is presenting a clear, stable, data-driven framework developed in coordination with the IDF. “This framework gives certainty — to the army, to the Torah world, and to every citizen. Finally, there will be order.”
He said the proposal will “restore trust, restore fairness, and ultimately strengthen unity among us. The era of confusion is ending.” He added that future generations will judge how today’s leaders fortified the army, strengthened society, and unified the country.
Bismuth acknowledged that critics will continue to argue that the law either does too little or imposes insufficient sanctions, but warned against absolutism. He referenced the painful lessons of history, noting that national ruin often followed an inability to compromise. “The zealots always rejected imperfect solutions; they drew their vitality from division,” he said.
Reflecting on recent years, he recalled “three turbulent years — one of internal conflict, and two of war against cruel enemies who committed the worst atrocities since the founding of the state.” The public, he said, now seeks calm, clarity, and truth. “We cannot leap from zero to one hundred after decades of delaying a decision.”
Bismuth also addressed the relationship with the chareidi community, urging reconciliation. “There are those among us who spent years urging peace with our most bitter enemies. All the more so, I expect them to make peace with our chareidi brothers. The world of Torah is central to our identity. We should not clash with them; we should advance together toward our shared goal, with mutual respect.”
He concluded his remarks with a prayer that the nation overcome internal divisions “to put an end to our troubles and suffering, and to enact — together, coalition and opposition — a historic correction for the good of the entire nation.”
Bismuth then closed with the verse, “Vehi noam… May the pleasantness of Hashem our G-d be upon us, and establish for us the work of our hands; yes, establish the work of our hands,” and the committee officially opened deliberations on the proposed law.
{Matzav.com}
It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of Rav Yaakov Sofer zt”l after a difficult illness. Rav Sofer served as the Rav of the Erlau community in Beitar Illit and was the son of the previous Erlauer Rebbe, the Imrei Sofer. He was 77 years old.
Rav Yaakov was born in the town of Erlau, Hungary, on the 10th of Iyar 5708 (1948), to his illustrious father, the Erlauer Rebbe. He was a sixth-generation descendant of the Chasam Sofer. At two years old, he was brought to Eretz Yisroel together with his parents.
He received the foundation of his Torah from his father, learning in the Erlau yeshiva, Ohel Shimon, where his brilliance and diligence were already evident.
Upon reaching marriageable age, he wed Rebbetzin Sofer, the daughter of Rav Mordechai Davidovitz of Beis Meir.
The couple initially settled in Yerushalayim, where they raised their children in the mesorah of their forefathers. In 2003, he accepted the call to serve as the Rav of the Erlau community in Beitar Illit. There he established his beis medrash as a beacon of Torah for the entire region. Residents from all backgrounds flocked to him to hear halachic guidance, seek his counsel, and receive his warm blessings.
Several months ago, he was diagnosed with a severe illness and hospitalized in Hadassah Ein Kerem. His brother, the current Erlauer Rebbe, visited him nearly every day, offering encouragement and heartfelt support. Despite his suffering, Rav Sofer continued learning with remarkable strength and dedication.
Late last night, surrounded by brokenhearted family members and close talmidim standing by his bedside, he was niftar, leaving behind a grieving community and an immeasurable void.
His aron was brought to the Erlauer beis medrash in Beitar Illit.
The levayah took place today at the Erlauer beis medrash on Hisorerus Teshuvah Street in Beitar Illit and proceeding to Har HaMenuchos in Yerushalayim. He was buried beside his father, the previous Erlauer Rebbe.
Rav Yaakov leaves behind a distinguished family carrying forward his legacy, including his sons, Rav Mordechai Yehuda Sofer and Rav Moshe Sofer; his daughters, the wives of the Unsdorf–Modi’in Illit Rebbe, Rav Mordechai Zev Leifer, Rav David Rabinowitz, and Rav Shaul Gelbman; and his brothers, the Erlauer Rebbe, Rav Avraham Shmuel Binyomin Sofer, Rosh Yeshivas Ohel Shimon Erlau, Rav Akiva Sofer, Rav of Erlau in Bnei Brak, Rav Zalman Sofer, Rav of Erlau in Boro Park, and Rav Aharon Sofer, Rav of Erlau in Elad.
He was predeceased by his brother, Rav Shimon Sofer, Rav of the Erlauer community in Tzfas.
Yehi zichro baruch.
{Matzav.com}
A delegation of senior members of the Nevah Tzion Beis Din traveled to Spain in recent days to personally supervise a special round of sheep slaughter, ensuring the highest standards of kashrus for the bnei Torah community. The mission was carried out under the direction of Rav Masoud Ben Shimon, Gaavad of Nevah Tzion and Chief Rabbi of Bnei Brak.
The trip was part of an ongoing effort by Ashpar, a leading kosher meat company, to provide top-quality meat for consumers seeking the most meticulous levels of supervision. Spanish sheep are widely regarded as among the finest in the world, known for their exceptional taste, texture, and overall quality.
The visiting delegation included Rav Yaakov Ben Shimon, son of the Gaavad and son of the late Rav Shlomo Ben Shimon; Rav Chanoch Cohen, Rosh Yeshivas Be’er HaTalmud; Rav Yitzchak Zayat, a veteran member of the Badatz and son-in-law of Rav Shalom Cohen; and Ashpar CEO Rav Yitzchak Ovadia. Rav Cohen and Rav Ben Shimon are among the newest additions to the Beis Din.
Upon arriving at the Spanish facility, the Badatz members conducted thorough, hands-on oversight of the entire operation. They followed each stage of the slaughtering process, ensuring that all procedures adhered precisely to the strict halachic requirements and meticulously applied standards instituted by Rav Shalom Cohen.
The Gaavad personally assembled and approved the team of shochetim, bodkim, and supervisors after an extensive vetting process. Each team member was evaluated individually to confirm both professional skill and uncompromising yiras Shamayim — qualities the Gaavad emphasized as essential.
After observing the process, Rav Yaakov Ben Shimon and Rav Chanoch Cohen expressed deep admiration for the precision and devotion exhibited by the slaughtering teams. They noted that every element was carried out with the utmost hidur, in full accordance with the rigorous standards long associated with the Nevah Tzion certification.
Rav Chanoch Cohen added, “For years we have known that Badatz Nevah Tzion represents the highest level of mehadrin kashrus for bnei Torah. Since joining the Beis Din, I have been overwhelmed by what I have seen firsthand — the level of supervision, the meticulous observance of every stringency, and the care taken to uphold every halachic detail in the most exalted manner.”
The Spanish slaughter initiative is one component of Ashpar’s broader mission to supply premium-quality, mehadrin kosher meat. The company, together with the Nevah Tzion Badatz, aims to deliver the finest products to the community while maintaining the uncompromising halachic standards for which the certification is renowned.
חברי בד”ץ נווה ציון בביקור במשחטהצילום: באדיבות המצלם חברי בד”ץ נווה ציון בביקור במשחטהצילום: באדיבות המצלם
חברי בד”ץ נווה ציון בביקור במשחטהצילום: באדיבות המצלם
חברי בד”ץ נווה ציון בביקור במשחטהצילום: באדיבות המצלם
חברי בד”ץ נווה ציון בביקור במשחטהצילום: באדיבות המצלם
{Matzav.com}
Saudi Arabia has delivered a fresh infusion of financial aid to the Palestinian Authority, transferring $90 million as an installment of its 2025 support package. The latest grant reflects Riyadh’s continued effort to bolster the PA amid ongoing economic pressure.
The funds were handed over in Amman, where Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Jordan, Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan, met with Estephan Salameh, the PA official responsible for planning and international cooperation. During the meeting, the ambassador emphasized that the new allocation is meant “to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian Arab population, alleviate their suffering, and support vital sectors,” with particular focus on health and education.
Deputy PA chairman Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the financial boost, noting that the assistance helps the leadership in Ramallah navigate severe budgetary strain. He said the contribution ensures that key PA institutions can continue functioning and providing services to the public.
This latest transfer follows high-level engagement between the two sides. In November, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held discussions with PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas, reiterating his intention to maintain strong backing for the Authority. During that meeting, the Crown Prince vowed to oppose what he described as “Israeli aggression,” to promote the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and to support efforts toward releasing PA tax revenues currently withheld by Israel.
Alongside its direct support, Riyadh has also been working with global partners in recent weeks, encouraging other countries to step forward with financial contributions. Its goal, officials say, is to help stabilize the PA’s fragile economy and avert a deeper crisis that could undermine governance in Ramallah.
{Matzav.com}