A heavy pall has descended upon the Torah community of Rechasim with the petirah of Rav Yehuda Sharabi zt”l at the age of 91. One of the elder talmidim of Yeshivas Knesses Chizkiyahu and among the founders of the Torah settlement in the northern community, he embodied a lifetime of unwavering dedication to Torah, avodah, and mussar.
Rav Sharabi zt”l was counted among the devoted students of the great roshei yeshiva and baalei mussar of earlier generations. He learned under the guidance of the mashgiach Rav Eliyahu Lopian zt”l, Rav Noach Shimonowitz zt”l, Rav Eliyahu Meiselsky zt”l, and the mashgiach Rav Dov Yaffe zt”l.
From his earliest youth, his heart burned with a love for Torah. Under the direction of Rav Avraham Tzadok zt”l, he was sent to Yeshivas Tiferes Yisrael in Haifa, where he grew in Torah and yiras Shamayim and forged close bonds with his rabbeim. Later, at the instruction of his rebbi Rav Eliyahu Meiselsky zt”l, he transferred to Yeshivas Knesses Chizkiyahu in Zichron Yaakov to learn under Rav Noach Shimonowitz zt”l. It was there that his character was shaped as a profound learner, a man of deep thought and refined mussar.
After his marriage, he established his home near the yeshiva and remained there until his final day, fulfilling in the most literal sense the description of “an elder who sits in the yeshiva.” He fixed his place of tefillah in the yeshiva’s beis medrash and was meticulous in attending the mussar seder and shmuessen. In his later years, he even maintained chavrusos with younger bochurim, studying matters of mussar and avodas Hashem. He was known as a living example of deference to rabbeim, exactness in halachah, and purity of speech. Not a word of disparagement about another person was ever heard from his lips.
For decades, he transmitted Torah at Yeshivas Ohr Chadash, under the leadership of the mara d’asra Rav Moshe Tanaami, alongside his close friend Rav Yaakov Ben Shoshan zt”l. There, he invested heart and soul into bringing his students into the world of Torah, raising many talmidim with mesirus nefesh and a profound sense of responsibility for their spiritual future. His talmidim recalled that his firmness and strength were always coupled with warmth and a shining countenance, and that every demand he made of them was purely lesheim Shomayim.
Rav Sharabi was among the founders of the community in Rachasim and contributed greatly to establishing its Torah character and spiritual fabric. Together with his devoted wife, the rebbetzin, he built a faithful Torah home founded on deep mutual respect. He merited to see sons and sons-in-law who are marbitzei Torah, and all his descendants continue in the path of Torah and yirah.
The family is sitting shivah at his home at 3 Rechov Hazayit in Rechasim.
Yehi zichro boruch.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said Monday night in Yerushalayim that Washington and Jerusalem are fully coordinated in confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while also addressing his upcoming interview with Tucker Carlson and last week’s White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.
Speaking at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Huckabee first commented on his planned sit-down with Carlson, explaining why he agreed to the interview.
“This Wednesday I’m doing a long interview with Tucker Carlson. Many have asked why. I figured instead of him talking about me, he should talk to me. I don’t recognize the Tucker of the last few years. But we do not change the narrative by being silent in the face of misinformation. We change the narrative by pushing back. Silence is agreement. It is why some of the horrific things in human history have happened. Because people were silent in the face of blood libels and lies.”
Turning to the recent meeting in Washington between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu, Huckabee described the discussions in highly positive terms.
“The meetings I felt were extraordinary, in many ways historic.”
Focusing on the Iranian threat, Huckabee emphasized what he called complete strategic alignment between the two allies. “The US and Israel are absolutely aligned on Iran. Iran cannot continue their nuclear and ballistic program. Iran is not Israel’s problem; it is the world’s problem. For 47 years, Iran has said death to America – they preface that with death to Israel, but only because Israel is in the way.”
He cautioned that Iran’s influence extends well beyond the Middle East, pointing to the global reach of Tehran’s allied groups. “The proxies of Iran alone are a threat not only in the Middle East and Israel, but they are already in the western hemisphere. If you think it’s only the Middle East at risk, you fail to understand the threat is global.”
On the question of ongoing negotiations, Huckabee acknowledged uncertainty about whether diplomatic efforts would succeed. “Talks are taking place. But can anything come from the talks this week that will bring peace? I honestly don’t know. There is significant doubt as to whether the Iranian nuclear threat, ballistic program, and funding of terror will be removed. But if they were willing to do that, because they realize the consequences of not doing so, I’d be delighted.”
He further revealed that he had conveyed both hope and resolve in conversations with President Trump. “As I told the President, I hope that, miraculously, something can happen to thwart a military confrontation.
But I also told him, Mr. President, if it has to happen, I’m willing to be in the middle of it, because for the future of my children, to remove this threat. At some time, the United States has to say enough is enough. Either they make a radical change, or they experience ‘the second kick of a mule’. I think the President has made it clear that a military action is not his first choice, but it is his desire to make sure they can’t wreak havoc in the world.”
Qatar is reportedly evaluating whether to take on the largest financial share of rebuilding the Gaza Strip under a new international framework initiated by President Donald Trump, according to a report aired Monday night on Kan News.
The initiative, referred to as the “Peace Council,” is expected to oversee funding for Gaza’s reconstruction. Under the proposed structure, each participating country would contribute roughly $1 billion toward a broad recovery plan. The effort would not only cover rebuilding infrastructure in Gaza but would also finance a peacekeeping force tasked with operating in the territory.
Qatar, which already provides substantial funding for fuel deliveries into Gaza via Egypt, is said to be seeking a leading role in the new reconstruction effort as a way to expand its regional influence. According to Qatar’s approach, “He who holds the money holds the power,” reflecting its reported interest in becoming the primary financial backer of the project — a move seen by some as an effort to preserve Hamas’ governing position.
At the same time, Israeli officials are encountering obstacles in attempts to coordinate postwar arrangements with Hamas. The group has rejected proposals to hand over authority to a technocratic committee that would manage Gaza’s civilian affairs once rebuilding begins.
In messages conveyed to Arab governments, Hamas has indicated it prefers a model resembling Hezbollah’s position in Lebanon — retaining political control in Gaza while agreeing to surrender only part of its weapons arsenal.
Israeli leaders, however, have made clear to U.S. officials that they firmly oppose any arrangement that leaves Hamas involved in governing Gaza, insisting the organization must be excluded from any future administrative structure in the territory.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said Monday that President Trump is expected to determine in the coming weeks whether the United States will pursue a military response to Iran’s violent crackdown on its own citizens and its continued destabilizing actions across the region. Speaking at a press conference during a visit to Israel, the South Carolina Republican described the current moment as pivotal for both Iran and the broader Middle East.
“I’m back. I come here every two weeks, whether I need to or not. Why did I come this time? To put a fine point of where we’re at as a world regarding the Iranian regime,” Graham began.
He argued that Iran’s ruling leadership is facing unprecedented internal and external pressure. “The Iranian Ayatollah, and his murderous regime are at their weakest point since 1979. Their economy is in shambles, their military has been degraded, there are people in the streets, Iranian people in the streets, demanding an end to oppression. All these forces are coming together,” he stated.
Graham pointed to Israel’s response to the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas, which he described as a key factor in weakening Tehran’s grip on power. “We must beat the moment. If this regime falls in the coming weeks or months, two things will [be] attributed to it: October 7th. Without October 7th, I do not believe this regime would be as weak as it is today. What happened on October 7th was horrible, and it will be part of the Israeli, the people of Israel’s history as long as they’re the people of Israel. But your determination out of the ashes of October 7th to give new meaning to never again, to go on the offensive to weaken the Iranian regime and their proxies, is paying dividends. The response of Israel after October 7th to make sure never again was credible has led to the weakest regime in Iran since 1979.”
He identified a second major factor: widespread protests inside Iran. “The second event, the rise of the people [of Iran]. The people in Iran have gone to the streets without weapons, maybe 30,000 or more have been killed to demand an end to their oppression,” he added. “These two events, the bravery of the people of Iran who are saying, I’ve had it, I won’t change, and the response of Israel to October 7th have led to the potential demise of the Ayatollah. I can’t think of a more satisfying event for me personally than seeing the good people of Iran to be able to get their country back, to live in a place where they didn’t have to worry about their daughter being murdered because she didn’t wear the headscarf right on bus, being able to be part of the world, not isolated from the world, being able to embrace the light and not be overshadowed by the darkness. I look forward to a day when Israel no longer has to fear a nuclear weapon being developed by the Iranian regime.”
Graham made clear that he believes a change in leadership in Tehran would be the most effective solution to the crisis. “The best answer to all the problems created by Iran is regime change. The best answer is for the people to take the place of the Ayatollah. I do not believe they’re in the streets to build more nuclear weapons. I think they’re in the streets to have a better life. I don’t think they’re in the streets to purify Islam and destroy Israel and come after us to praise Satan. They’re in the streets to have normalcy and a life that’s not normal. So my view is the risk of regime change is real. There are unknowns, but let me just say this. I’m willing to take that risk.”
He expressed confidence that a post-Ayatollah Iran could align with Washington and Jerusalem. “I think the Iranian people have the potential to be a great ally of the United States, Israel, and the region. I think the Ayatollah, as long as he’s alive and around, will be chaining death to America and will be trying to enact a religious agenda of purifying Islam and destroy Israel and come after us. He’s a religious Nazi,” he said. “Hitler wanted a master race. The Ayatollah wants a master religion, and we’re not going to give it to him. We’re going to fight back.”
Turning directly to Israelis, Graham voiced solidarity and encouragement. Addressing “the brave people of Israel,” Sen. Graham said: “I know you were hurt very hard, very wide and very deep on October 7th. I’m here to tell you we’re on the verge of eliminating the largest state-sponsored terrorism in the region. And with the fall of Iran comes the fall of Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthis. The real effect is [that] normalization becomes far more likely. If the Ayatollah survives, God help the region. So my presence here today is to reassure the Israeli people.”
He emphasized that Washington and Jerusalem are operating in close coordination. “There is no light or gaps between President Trump and Bibi about what to do and how to do it. There are two lines in the water right now. One’s the diplomatic line, trying to find a way to end this regime diplomatically that will advance our national security interests,” he said. “The other line is the military option. I think President Trump is looking for which line can catch the biggest fish. The bottom line is we’re into weeks, not months, in terms of decision-making.”
Graham added that he hopes diplomacy will succeed, but said the United States and Israel are prepared for stronger measures if necessary. Sen. Graham stated that his hope is that “in the coming weeks, if we can’t find a diplomatic solution, that we engage in a great endeavor, supporting the people of Iran, demanding their freedom and the end of their oppression. We have military capabilities second to none. There is no more clever nation on the planet than Israel. There is no more powerful nation on the planet than the United States.”
In a message aimed at Tehran’s leadership, he delivered a blunt warning. Addressing the Iranian regime, he said: “You’re weak because of your ideas. You’re weak because of the way you’ve treated your people. You’re weak because you’re evil. Eventually, good will replace evil in Iran. To those who may participate in this endeavor, God bless you. God keep you safe if that day does come.”
Concluding his remarks, Graham described the current period as potentially historic for the region. “If the regime falls as a result of the pressure put on the regime by Israel and the United States after October 7th, combined with the uprising of the people demanding a better life, then that would be the biggest change in the Mideast in a thousand years. I am leaving here confident of the capability the United States and Israel have called upon to deliver a decisive blow to the Iranian regime. I am hopeful that diplomacy may prevail yet. Either way, our date with history, our date with a new destiny for the Mideast, is upon us,” the Senator concluded.
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith says he is seriously considering entering the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, signaling that what once sounded like a joke may now be evolving into a possible campaign.
Over the weekend, Smith revealed that he is “giving strong consideration” to pursuing the White House. His remarks came during an interview broadcast on “CBS Sunday Morning,” where he outlined his current thinking about a potential run.
“I will confess to you, I’m giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027,” Smith said. “I’ve got this year coming up, 2026, to think about it, to study, to know the issues.”
Smith’s public musings about a presidential campaign stretch back to early 2025. In March of that year, he appeared on “The View” and characterized the idea as only partly serious, though he did not dismiss it outright.
“If you came to me and you told me I had a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States of America, I would definitely consider it,” he said then.
Not long after that appearance, Smith indicated that conversations with influential figures had prompted him to reflect more deeply on the possibility of running. He said he had heard from “billionaires,” “elected officials,” “pundits,” and, in particular, his “pastor,” all encouraging him to think about a campaign.
Although Smith has expressed a preference for another candidate to emerge, he has also made clear that he would not rule himself out. Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” he said he hoped “somebody else would step up that’s more qualified,” but acknowledged that if it ultimately fell to him, “it is something I would consider. Yes, I would,” he said on ABC’s “This Week.”
President Donald Trump even weighed in on the idea during an April 30, 2025, town hall, offering praise for the sports commentator’s on-air presence.
“I love watching him. He’s got great entertainment skills, which is very important. People watch him,” Trump said. “I’ve been pretty good at picking people and picking candidates, and I will tell you, I’d love to see him run.”
Smith responded by saying he appreciated the president’s comments but emphasized that he was not seeking political backing from anyone.
“I wasn’t looking for any kind of endorsement from anybody, especially him,” he said, “but he is the president of the United States. There is a bit of flattery that comes with getting such words from the man who holds the highest office in the land, and I can appreciate that.”
Smith has built a national profile as a longtime ESPN figure and as the outspoken host of “First Take.” Known for his animated delivery and sharp debate style, he has become one of the most recognizable personalities in sports media across television and radio.
The United States has come out forcefully in defense of three mohalim in Antwerp who are facing criminal proceedings, with the U.S. ambassador to Belgium denouncing the case as “absurd and antisemitic” and urging immediate action to safeguard religious freedom.
U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White sharply criticized the ongoing legal case in Antwerp against the three mohalim, who allegedly performed brisos without official state certification.
The case centers on three mohalim who were arrested and later released in May 2024 after a complaint was filed accusing them of conducting circumcisions without formal government authorization. Their circumcision instruments were confiscated, and they were barred from continuing their work pending a final ruling.
Writing on X, White declared that “antisemitism is unacceptable in any form and must be rooted out of our society,” and called on Belgium “to do a far better job on this issue.” He went on to describe the proceedings as “the absurd and antisemitic prosecution of three Jewish religious figures in Antwerp,” stressing that the men are clergy performing an ancient religious tradition.
The ambassador addressed Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke directly, demanding that legal provisions be established to allow Jewish mohalim to carry out circumcisions in accordance with the law. “This is done in all civilized countries,” White stated, adding that Belgium must ensure religious freedom for Jewish families in the country.
In a separate post, White personally criticized the minister, claiming that during their first meeting Vandenbroucke refused to shake his hand or pose for a photograph with him. The ambassador also referenced America’s role in liberating Belgium during the World Wars and called for the proceedings to be brought to an immediate end. He announced that he plans to travel to Antwerp next week to meet with the mohalim and their families.
The case has stirred strong reactions among Antwerp’s Jewish residents and revived memories of previous European disputes over circumcision, sometimes framed as matters of “the best interest of the child,” but often accompanied by concerns about infringements on religious freedom.
At this stage, however, community leaders — acting on legal advice — have chosen not to launch a public campaign against the individual who filed the complaint. Their stated goal is to resolve the matter without unnecessary damage and to ensure the continued practice of bris milah for generations to come.
{Matzav.com}