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Heavy Police Presence at DNC Headquarters After Reported Incident
Netanyahu Abruptly Rushed to Government Building in Jerusalem
FBI Offers $100K Reward in Charlie Kirk Assassination Manhunt
Nadine Menendez Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Bribery Case
Rifle Used in Charlie Kirk Assassination Found With Fingerprints
IDF Detains Terrorists After Convoy Attack in Tulkarm
F.B.I. Shares Images Of Person Of Interest In Kirk Killing
The FBI has made public two images of a person they are seeking in connection with the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk.
The blurry pictures reveal someone dressed in dark clothing, including a long-sleeve black shirt, pants, a hat, and sunglasses.
In a statement accompanying the photos, the FBI requested assistance from the community. “We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” the Salt Lake City field office posted on X.
Later in the day, the FBI announced it is putting up to $100,000 on the table for information that can help lead to the capture and identification of the killer.
The announcement came not long after officials revealed that significant evidence had been collected from the crime scene at Utah Valley University, including the firearm used in the killing and clear surveillance footage.
According to FBI agent Robert Bohls, a “high powered, bolt-action rifle” was discovered in a wooded location the shooter ran toward after carrying out the attack on Kirk.
Bohls, who heads the FBI’s Salt Lake City office, also reported that investigators retrieved “a footwear impression, a palm print and forearm imprints for analysis.”
He added, “We’re not sure how far he has gone yet.”
Utah’s Commissioner of Public Safety, Beau Mason, confirmed, “We do have good video footage of this individual.”
However, Mason explained that “we are not going to release that at this time,” unless the suspect cannot otherwise be identified.
Although police declined to share detailed characteristics of the suspect, Mason noted the man “blended in well with the college” and “appears to be of college age.”
Mason further described how the gunman showed up on campus just before noon, positioned himself on a rooftop overlooking the area where Kirk was speaking, and after firing the fatal shot, moved across the building, leapt down, and escaped into a nearby neighborhood.
That same morning, law enforcement clarified that two individuals initially taken into custody were no longer considered linked to the shooting.
“There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said Wednesday night.
“There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter,” the agency added.
The fatal bullet was fired from roughly 200 yards away, striking Kirk in the neck as he addressed the crowd from a tent on campus, according to Utah Valley University.
President Donald Trump was the one to deliver news of Kirk’s passing, honoring him as a “truly Great American Patriot.”
{Matzav.com}
Disgraced Former Sen. Bob Menendez’s Wife Gets 4½ Years In Prison For Role In Bribery Scheme
The Only Thing Keeping Him from Torah? A Bus Ride.
[COMMUNICATED]
Every morning, thousands of children across Eretz Yisroel wake up with excitement. They put on their yarmulka, pack their seforim, and long to learn Torah.
But for over 20,000 children from secular homes and communities, the day ends before it begins. Not because they don’t want to learn. Not because their parents don’t care. But because without a bus, a Torah school is out of reach.
That’s where Chinuch Atzmai steps in. Every single day, we bring these children from irreligious neighborhoods to Torah schools — their only chance to grow up with Torah and mitzvos. Without it, they remain in public schools, cut off from Yiddishkeit.
For just $1 a day, you can sponsor a ride. You can be the reason a child doesn’t stay home. You can be the reason he brings home parsha, mishnayos, gemara, and the warmth of Yiddishkeit to his family.
Your $1 a day fills the gap — and puts a child on the bus to Torah.
https://www.chinuchatzmai.org
Trump: Awarding Kirk Posthumous Medal of Freedom
During his remarks at the 9/11 memorial, President Donald Trump revealed that Charlie Kirk will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“Let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt,” Trump said in his speech before turning his focus to the anniversary of 9/11. “Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.”
The president extended words of comfort to Kirk’s family. “Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children: Fantastic people they are. We miss him greatly.”
Trump emphasized that Kirk’s message would continue to influence generations despite his tragic death. “Yet, I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
He concluded by announcing the forthcoming award. “I’m pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The date of the ceremony will be announced, and I can only guarantee you one thing. That we will have a very big crowd. Very, very big. Thank you.”
{Matzav.com}
Ramot Terror Victim: Rabbi Yosef David, Hy”d, Father of Four
Trump Administration Takes First Steps To Restore Harvard’s Funding, But Money Isn’t Flowing Yet
Israeli Hamodia Criticizes Chareidi Parties Over Split Vote on Defense Budget
The Israeli Hamodia newspaper launched a sharp attack this morning following the split within the chareidi factions during Wednesday’s Knesset vote on the “defense funding package.”
The divide was evident within Agudas Yisroel: party chairman MK Yitzchok Goldknopf cast his ballot against the budget, while MKs Meir Porush and Yisroel Eichler chose to abstain — a move that allowed the bill to pass by a narrow margin.
The vote took place in a special recess session after Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu applied heavy pressure on coalition partners, focusing in particular on United Torah Judaism. Within Degel HaTorah, all MKs abstained in line with the directive of their leadership, Rav Dov Landau and Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, who ruled that a security budget could not be toppled because of pikuach nefesh considerations.
Behind the scenes, MK Moshe Gafni was in direct contact with the Prime Minister’s Office while simultaneously consulting with the gedolim, who instructed him to abstain “demonstratively.”
Agudas Yisroel, however, showed a more divided front. Goldknopf had publicly declared in advance that he would vote against, but Porush and Eichler, after consultations with their rabbonim, opted instead to abstain. The result was a serious internal rift within the party.
Hamodia’s report accused Netanyahu of exploiting these divisions: “Netanyahu succeeded in splitting the chareidi representation, and the budget law passed — despite his failure to honor the written and signed commitment to secure the status of Torah learners.”
The newspaper went further, asserting that the Prime Minister “achieved his goal without advancing the legislation that would safeguard the position of yeshiva students.”
In addition, Hamodia announced that, as a result of the Knesset vote, the nationwide prayer rallies planned in protest of the draft law were being postponed. “It is impossible on the one hand to abstain or support the government’s budget, and on the other hand hold demonstrations against that same government,” the paper wrote.
{Matzav.com Israel}
Military Police Raid The Homes Of Chareidi Hesder Students
Matzav Inbox: Does Parnassah Prove My Aptitude?
Dear Matzav Inbox,
While learning today’s Daf Yomi, I was struck once again by how timeless Chazal’s words are. In Maseches Horiyos (10a), Rav Yehoshua turns to Rabban Gamliel with a sharp reminder: “You have two talmidim — Rav Elazar Chisma and Rav Yochanan ben Gudgeda. They are capable of analyzing the most intricate details of tekufos and gematrios — yet they have no bread to eat, no clothing to wear.” Their brilliance was unmatched, yet their pockets were empty.
Rabban Gamliel, recognizing the truth of this, immediately elevated them, appointing them to positions that gave them honor and support.
I believe that the Gemara is teaching us far more than a historic anecdote about two great Amoraim. It’s reminding us of a fundamental principle: mezona lo bizchusa talya milsa, ela b’mazala talya milsa — sustenance does not come because of one’s merit, but because of one’s mazel.
This is such a vital perspective for our generation. How often do we — consciously or subconsciously — equate a person’s financial situation with their worth, their intelligence, or their diligence? Someone with wealth is assumed to be successful, clever, or even blessed with special favor. Someone struggling to make ends meet is, unfairly, thought of as less capable, less deserving, or simply not trying hard enough. But Chazal tell us: that is not how the Ribbono Shel Olam runs the world.
Parnassah is not a barometer of chochmah. It is not a measuring stick of madreigah. The same Gemara that records Rav Elazar Chisma’s brilliance also records his poverty. The Torah world is filled with people of immense talent and burning dedication who carry the crushing burden of financial hardship. And it is filled with people of modest learning who live with great material wealth. Neither extreme is an indicator of merit or lack thereof.
This should humble us. It should also soften us. When we meet someone struggling with parnassah, let us not cast silent judgments about their “choices” or their “worthiness.” When we meet someone with great wealth, let us not assume their spiritual standing is higher or lower because of it. Mezona lo bizchusa talya milsa — parnassah is in Hashem’s hands, determined by His will, His mazel, His cheshbon.
And perhaps most of all, it should remind us to treat every Yid with respect and dignity, whether they walk in with an expensive suit or worn-out shoes. Rav Yehoshua’s call echoes across the generations: see the greatness in others, even if their pockets are empty.
Y. D. K.
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{Matzav.com}
Watch: Former Israeli PM Bennett Defies Trump And Says Israel Would Attack Qatar Again
A former Israeli prime minster has warned Israel will attack any country that harbours anyone it sees as responsible for the death of Israelis. Naftali Bennett told Yalda Hakim there would “no safe haven”, adding: “You cannot kill Jews and think you can get away with it.”
WATCH:
Matzav Inbox: The Incredible Klal Yisroel
Dear Matzav Inbox,
There are moments in life when words fail to capture the depth of gratitude one feels. I recently experienced such a feeling, and I feel compelled to share it, not because my story is unique, but because it is yet another testament to the boundless chesed of Klal Yisroel.
Several weeks ago, my family and I faced a crisis that shook us to our core. My teenage son was suddenly rushed to the hospital with a medical emergency. It was late at night, my husband was out of town, and I found myself overwhelmed, sitting alone in the emergency room with fear gripping my heart.
And then Klal Yisroel stepped in.
It began with one simple phone call to a neighbor, just to let someone know what was happening. Within minutes, a cascade of kindness poured forth. A woman I barely knew showed up at my house to stay with my younger children so I could focus on my son. A father from our block drove across town in the middle of the night to bring me food and drinks in the ER, saying quietly, “You won’t have the strength to care for him if you don’t take care of yourself.”
By the next morning, word had spread. Hot meals appeared at my doorstep, every one packaged with love. Friends coordinated rides for my children to and from school. Someone slipped an envelope under my door to help cover hospital parking and expenses. Others texted me daily, not just with offers, but with concrete suggestions—“I’ll pick up your laundry today,” or “I’m taking your kids for Shabbos so you can rest.” Each offer was specific, thoughtful, and practical.
Perhaps the most moving moment came on Shabbos, when my son was still in the hospital. I was torn between staying with him and being home with the rest of my family. Without me asking, a rotation of people volunteered to sit by his side over Shabbos. They sang zemiros, learned with him, and simply made sure he didn’t feel alone. When I walked into the hospital room on Motzei Shabbos and saw my son smiling for the first time in days, surrounded by young men who had given up their own comfort, I couldn’t hold back my tears.
This, I realized, is the heartbeat of Klal Yisroel. In times of joy and in times of hardship, no Jew is ever truly alone. We are bound together not just by shared faith, but by shared responsibility.
I write this letter not only to say thank you to the malachim who carried us through those difficult days, but also to remind myself and others: every act of chesed, no matter how small it may seem, creates ripples far greater than we can imagine. The meals, the rides, the visits….they were not just gestures. They were lifelines.
May we always merit to be on the giving end of such chesed, and may we never forget that in lifting up another Yid, we elevate ourselves and all of Klal Yisroel.
Der greste zach in der gantzeh velt iz tzu ton a tovah far a Yid.
With endless gratitude,
A Grateful Mother
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{Matzav.com}
MTA Lost $1B to Fare and Toll Evasion Last Year, Bombshell Watchdog Analysis Finds
A scathing new report reveals that fare and toll evasion cost the MTA around $1 billion in 2024, far exceeding the already shocking figures the transit authority had admitted to, the NY Post reports.
According to the Citizens Budget Commission, the chronically underfunded MTA is poised to lose another $900 million in 2025 due to subway turnstile jumpers, bus riders refusing to pay, and drivers skirting tolls.
“We still need to ensure that all riders pay their fair share and frankly improving fare evasion improve the public’s confidence in the MTA and the system,” said CBC President Andrew Rein.
At the same time, officials at the MTA have chosen to pile new costs onto paying customers. This year they implemented a $9 congestion toll to drive into Manhattan below 60th Street and are weighing a fare hike to $3 for subways and buses.
Flashy attempts to stem evasion — such as spiked barriers, high-tech fare gates, keeping emergency exits locked, hiring security guards, and even commissioning a $1 million study on the psychology of freeloaders — have done little to curb the problem.
The watchdog group argues that cutting down on fare evasion is crucial to narrowing the agency’s persistent $800 million annual operating deficit.
Yet the analysis cautions that the MTA’s own bookkeeping may underplay the size of the problem.
CBC researchers note that the authority’s published numbers consistently come in lower than their independent estimates.
“The MTA’s estimate, often reported as $700 to $800 million, is lower because it assumes a larger share of individuals who evade the fare would not have paid anyway than CBC’s,” according to the study.
The report explains that the MTA excludes from its tallies certain riders it assumes wouldn’t pay regardless — such as children, students with OMNY passes, or others entitled to free rides.
Broken down by mode of transit, the CBC found in 2024 the MTA lost $568 million on buses, $350 million on subways, no less than $46 million on commuter rail, and about $51 million from unpaid tolls.
All told, the $918 million loss was more than three times the $305 million the agency lost in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted ridership.
“Every minute during 2024, 330 subway fares and 710 bus fares were evaded,” the analysis states, stressing that the MTA and police could never realistically stop every instance.
There was one encouraging sign: heightened enforcement in late 2024 coincided with a steady decline in lost revenue, even as more riders returned to the system.
Still, Rein warned that the progress shouldn’t mask the staggering scale of the problem.
“From one perspective it’s good to see that reduction, from the other perspective we’re still seeing $900 million in losses, which is equivalent to three rounds of fare increases. And frankly these numbers are three times what they were before the pandemic,” he said.
The CBC urged the agency to move faster on installing next-generation faregates, expand proof-of-payment systems on buses, coordinate with the city on policing strategies, and broaden participation in the Fair Fares Program for low-income riders.
“Fare evasion is not victimless,” Rein said. “When people evade fares it really puts more of the burden on everybody else, everyone else who is paying the fare, the toll.”
{Matzav.com}
Moment of Silence Held at Ground Zero for 9/11 Victims
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