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At the state ceremony held Wednesday evening at Yad Vashem to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israeli President Isaac Herzog used his address to issue a heartfelt call for unity, warning that the internal fractures within Israeli society are becoming dangerously deep. “I call upon you from the bottom of my heart: Let us unite together, the entire House of Israel,” Herzog implored. “Let us turn these days – the Ten Holy Days – from now until Independence Day, into a moment of National responsibility. Let us lower the flames. Let us mend our hearts.”

Herzog described his frequent interactions with Holocaust survivors, many of whom share painful memories. Despite the trauma, their messages always center around a plea for harmony. “President, please, we beg, we demand — the division within us is terrible. Let there be unity in the people,” he quoted them as saying.

The president also issued a stark warning to those he believes are contributing to the unraveling of the nation from within. “History will not forgive those who behave irresponsibly and dismantle us from within,” Herzog declared. “We must not allow the poison of social media, and the experts in smearing and polarization, to take over the soul of the people and destroy us from within.”

His speech was delivered against the backdrop of escalating domestic tensions fueled by prolonged conflict and divisive judicial reforms, which have drawn widespread protests and criticism for allegedly eroding democratic foundations.

This year’s memorial service marked 80 years since the Holocaust ended, commemorating the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. The theme, “Out of the Depths: The Anguish of Liberation and Rebirth,” guided the ceremony.

Referencing the atrocities of October 7, Herzog noted that while no tragedy can equal the Holocaust in scope and systematic cruelty, the echoes of horror experienced on that day are hard to ignore. “It’s impossible not to be exposed to the terrifying testimonies from the heart of the horror on October 7… and not be shocked by the echoes of that historical catastrophe.”

Nonetheless, Herzog expressed a sense of collective triumph in the continued existence and resilience of the Jewish people. “I talk to [survivors] and am exposed to incomprehensible life stories. And suddenly I find myself saying – sometimes silently – to myself, sometimes aloud – to them: Here – you won. Here – we won.”

Following Herzog’s speech, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu addressed the crowd, comparing the Hamas terror organization to the Nazi regime and pledging to bring back those held hostage in Gaza. “Indeed, They are exactly like the Nazis, just like Hitler,” Netanyahu stated. “They wish to kill and destroy all of the Jews, and they openly declare their intention to destroy the state of the Jews. They say so out loud, but it’s not going to happen. We are determined to annihilate the monsters of Hamas, these monsters who committed the worst massacre that we’ve experienced since the Holocaust.”

Netanyahu defended his government’s actions, pointing to last year’s operation in Rafah as an example of Israeli resolve in the face of international pressure. “Exactly a year ago, I stood in this very same place, and I spoke adamantly against those elements in the international community who sought to tie our hands. They warned us that if we enter Rafah, they will impose an arms embargo on Israel,” he said. “I said that, as the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, no one will prevent us from defending ourselves. No one will tie our hands. If we need to stand alone, we shall stand alone.”

He contrasted the helplessness Jews experienced during the Holocaust with today’s strong, independent Jewish state. “During the Holocaust, we were like dust carried away by the wind,” he said. “Today, we have a powerful force that protects us, respected by the whole world. We have a country, we have an army, we have security forces.”

“We will never surrender,” Netanyahu asserted. “Victory demands resilience. Thanks to the resilience and unity of all of the citizens of Israel, we have already achieved great achievements, and we will achieve further achievements until victory comes.”

Netanyahu reflected on a recent visit to Hungary, where he and his wife stood at the Shoes on the Danube memorial. “What a terrible sight, what a terrible monument,” he said. “My wife and I looked away momentarily to the stickers with the images of our heroes, from the reminders of the Holocaust to the Israeli flags and the yellow ribbons demonstrating to the whole world our commitment to bring back all of our hostages.”

Reaffirming his determination, Netanyahu added: “We will bring back all the hostages. We will triumph over Hamas, and we will prevent Iran from achieving nuclear weapons. We will fight the zealot regimes threatening the entire world, we shall fight forcefully against those regimes threatening the whole world, and to do so on time. That is the main lesson learned from the Holocaust.”

He described the Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions as a danger not only to Israel, but to all of humanity. “The struggle between us and the terror empire in Tehran will decide the fate of all free societies.”

“If Israel, God forbid, loses this campaign, the Western countries will be next in line,” Netanyahu warned. “The tide of fanaticism will overtake them, and it will happen much faster than they think. But Israel will not lose. Israel will not give up. Israel will not surrender.”

Due to a security matter, Netanyahu arrived late to the ceremony. Initially, organizers considered delaying the start to wait for him, but the decision was made to proceed on schedule. Other officials, including Shin Bet head Ronen Bar — recently at the center of controversy following Netanyahu’s push for his dismissal — were present on time.

On the eve of the event, Netanyahu and his wife met with the survivors selected to light the memorial torches. “Your personal stories are incredibly moving — and they are also our collective stories,” Netanyahu told them, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, Netanyahu referenced a historic debate between British historian Arnold Toynbee and Ambassador Yaakov Herzog, uncle of the current president. Herzog challenged Toynbee’s assertion that the Jewish people were merely a relic of the past. “We are not a fossil. We possess a life force… a great life force that allowed us to overcome the most terrible events in the history of humanity and to return and rebuild our land and our state,” said the prime minister.

He spoke admiringly of young Israeli soldiers he has met during visits to conflict zones. “This generation—your descendants, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren—is simply extraordinary,” he said. “They know they are fighting for our future and the survival of our people… They are ready to fight with immense power.”

“I don’t want people to love us,” Netanyahu added. “I’d be glad if they did, but that’s not my goal. I want them to respect us. Nations may hate one another — but they don’t attack each other if there’s mutual respect. If you are strong enough, you are respected. If you are weak, they may love you — and still destroy you. That’s what they did to the Jews. They eulogized us,” he concluded.

Six survivors were selected to ignite torches in memory of the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust.

Arie Durst, born in 1933 in Lwów, survived by assuming false identities and narrowly escaping death numerous times. After the war, he made aliyah, became a trailblazing IDF doctor, and was instrumental in establishing Israel’s transplant system, leading efforts that inspired the creation of the Adi organization.

Monika Barzel, a Berlin native born in 1937, lived through Nazi bombings, illness, and the loss of her grandmother. She narrowly avoided deportation to Auschwitz while in a Jewish children’s hospital. Following the war, she rebuilt her life, became a dentist, and later settled in Israel, where she continued serving the public for many years.

Felix Sorin, born in 1932 in what is now Belarus, endured life in the Minsk Ghetto, fled alone, and passed as a non-Jewish orphan until liberation. Reuniting with surviving family, he pursued a career in research and education, eventually immigrating to Israel to continue sharing his story.

Rachel Katz was born in Antwerp in 1937. After her father was killed in Auschwitz, she and her family hid with the help of courageous locals and resistance members. She moved to Israel post-war and became a leading figure advocating for Holocaust survivors’ welfare and rights.

Arie Reiter, born in 1929 in Romania, experienced the horrors of forced labor and later joined Zionist youth efforts. After helping his brothers settle in Israel, he joined them in 1951 and built a career in finance while spearheading community initiatives in Be’er Sheva.

Gad Fartouk, born in Tunisia in 1931, survived Nazi persecution after his mother’s death, hiding and enduring hardship. He later joined a Zionist youth group, made aliyah, fought with the Palmach, co-founded a kibbutz, and became a successful photographer. He offered a heartfelt prayer for the hostages before lighting his torch.

Eva Erben spoke on behalf of the survivor community. Deported to Theresienstadt and later Auschwitz, she survived by assuming an older age and being separated from her mother. After forced labor and a death march, she was rescued by a compassionate Czech couple. Erben went on to become a nurse, marry a fellow survivor, and share her testimony worldwide.

Yehuda Hauptman recited the traditional El Maleh Rachamim prayer in memory of those murdered. Born in 1938 in Slovakia, Hauptman’s family fled to Hungary, surviving ghettoization and his father’s forced labor. After the war, he and his sister were taken to Austria and then brought to Israel. He served in the IDF and later settled in Moshav Tkuma, remaining steadfastly connected to the land even after being evacuated during the October 7 attacks.

National remembrance events continued today with a two-minute siren at 10:00 a.m., pausing daily life across the country. Yad Vashem will remain open for a series of commemorations, with additional ceremonies being held throughout the day, culminating in an 8:00 p.m. memorial at the Ghetto Fighters’ House.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa told a US congressman that he is interested in normalizing relations with Israel, Bloomberg New reported. Al-Sharaa conveyed the remarks to Republican Congressman Cory Mills, while setting conditions for the move, which were not detailed in the report. Mills and Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN)  traveled to Syria on Friday on an unofficial visit arranged by the US-based nonprofit Syrian-American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity, which is lobbying the US government to lift the sanctions imposed on the former Syrian regime. The two US lawmakers, the first to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, held talks with Al-Sharaa about economic sanctions and peace between Syria and Israel. Mills gave A-Sharaa a letter from President Trump detailing US concerns about the new regime. “I am cautiously optimistic and look to maintain open dialogue,” Mills told Bloomberg, adding that Al-Sharaa wrote a letter to Trump in return. Mills spoke with Al-Sharaa about the Trump administration’s conditions for the sanctions to be lifted, including the destruction of any chemical weapons left in the country from the Assad regime and Syria’s coordination with counterterrorism initiatives with US allies. Syria would also be required to provide assurances to Israel, which is highly distrustful of Al-Shaara and is opposed to the US relief of sanctions. The congressman confirmed the remarks in a conversation with the media and said that Syria wants to be a good neighbor and maintain relations with Israel. “They share a border with each other, it’s important that Israel and Syria have strong relations,” the congressman said. “I think Al-Shaara and his government have proven their willingness to work with Israel and prevent weapons from being transferred out through Syria and into Lebanon.” “Al-Sharaa was very clear that he is looking to establish and maintain a strong relationship with Israel, that he wants to be a good neighbor, and therefore I think this is very encouraging, for the American people, and for Trump who established the historic and monumental Abraham Accords,” Mills said. According to the report, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are willing to help Syria financially, but are currently blocked from doing so due to the US sanctions. Mill’s visit came days after the US began to withdraw hundreds of its troops from Syria. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

China has launched three astronauts into space to replace the crew on the Chinese Tiangong space station, marking a further step in the country’s ambitions for a crewed mission to the Moon and explore Mars. The Shenzhou 20 spaceship took off as planned atop China’s workhorse Long March 2F rocket at 5:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT). It will reach the Tiangong about 6.5 hours later. The rocket lifted off from the launch center in Jiuquan, on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China. The spaceship will remain in space before returning the current crew. The Tiangong, or “Heavenly Palace,” space station has made China a major contender in space, especially since it was entirely Chinese-built after the country was excluded from the International Space Station over U.S. national security concerns. China’s space program is controlled by the People’s Liberation Army, the military branch of the ruling Communist Party. The addition of mechanical arms to the three-module station has also raised concerns from some that China could use them to disable satellites or other space vehicles during a crisis. Since first launching a man into space in 2003 — becoming only the third country to do so — China’s space program has advanced at a steady pace. The space agency has also landed an explorer on Mars and a rover on the less-explored far side of the Moon, and aims to put a person on the Moon before 2030. The Shenzhou, or “Celestial Vessel,” 20 mission will be commanded by Chen Dong, who is making his third flight. He will be accompanied by fighter pilot Chen Zhongrui and engineer Wang Jie, both making their maiden voyages, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Unlike previous crews, Shenzhou 20 is entirely male. They will replace three astronauts currently on the Chinese space station. Like those before them, they will stay on board for roughly six months. The space ship is due to be launched into space atop China’s workhorse Long March 2F rocket at 5:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT) and reach the Tiangong about 6.5 hours later. The three-person crew was sent in October last year and they have been in space for 175 days. They are due to return on April 29 after a brief overlap with their replacements. The Tiangong, fully assembled in October 2022, can accommodate up to six people at a time. While in space, the astronauts will conduct experiments in medical science and new technologies and perform space walks to carry out maintenance and install new equipment, the Manned Space Agency said. (AP)

In a rare and stirring display, live sheep were brought into the main Bobov beis medrash in Boro Park this Chol Hamoed Pesach for a special ceremony marking the completion of Maseches Chullin by the Kinyan Torah chaburah. The centerpiece of the event was the presentation of matanos kehunah—gifts from slaughtered animals that are halachically given to kohanim—a mitzvah rarely fulfilled in modern times.

The event drew a massive crowd, so large that many attendees had to watch from an adjacent hall via live feed.

A specially constructed platform was erected in the center of the beis medrash so that all present could witness the unique proceedings.

The Bobov choir, under the direction of Reb Mordechai Wolf Landau, added a melodic backdrop to the event.

rav Aharon Zuberman, maggid shiur of the Kinyan Torah chaburah, offered a detailed and articulate explanation of each halachic step involved in the ritual, clarifying the significance and legal intricacies of the process.

The honor of presenting the reishis hagez—the first shearings of wool, one of the matanos kehunah—was given to Rav Chaim Dovid Bloom, a mashpia in the chassidus. He handed the gift to Rav Menachem Mendel HaKohen Katz, av beis din of Raslawitz in Boro Park, who graciously received the gifts, offered words of bracha, and recited Birchas Kohanim for the assembled.

Two prominent philanthropists, Rabbi Avrohom Aharon Lazar and Rabbi Avrohom Yaakov Rieger, served as representatives of the thousands of participants in the learning program and presented the additional gifts—zeroa, lechayayim, and keiva—to a group of kohanim: Rav Dovid Yehoshua HaKohen Rosengarten, Rav Ben Zion Kadrat, and Rav Avrohom Mordechai Grodzinsky, all distinguished members of the Bobover kehillah.

Later, the Bobover Rebbe led a festive tish in honor of Chol Hamoed and the siyum of Maseches Chullin, attended by thousands of chassidim. The guest speaker was Rav Yitzchok Wolpin, a noted mashpia in the Karlin-Stolin community and a rosh mesivta at Yeshivas Kedushas Tzion in Bobov.

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{Matzav.com}

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has formally submitted referrals to the Department of Justice against two individuals she says unlawfully disclosed classified information to media outlets, as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to clamp down on leaks across federal departments.

According to Gabbard, 44, one of the suspected individuals is responsible for providing classified material to the Washington Post, while the second allegedly gave sensitive documents to the New York Times.

“A third criminal referral is on its way,” Gabbard said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that this third person is believed to have also funneled classified content to the Washington Post without authorization.

While the exact nature of the leaks has not yet been made public, Gabbard’s actions are being interpreted as a clear message to others within the government who may consider releasing sensitive data to journalists.

Investigations into internal leaks are also gaining momentum at the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, where some leaders are reportedly weighing the use of lie detector tests to identify those responsible.

“Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nation’s security at risk and must end,” Gabbard said in a statement. “Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

“I look forward to working with the Justice Department and FBI to investigate, terminate and prosecute these criminals.”

Gabbard stated that those behind the leaks are attempting to sabotage President Trump’s policies and hinder his administration’s national security initiatives.

Whether or not charges will ultimately be brought against the accused individuals remains a decision for the Department of Justice.

Earlier this month, Gabbard launched a new internal unit called the Director’s Initiative Group, which is tasked with increasing transparency within the intelligence sector. A key part of the group’s responsibility is targeting the unauthorized release of classified materials.

In recent weeks, Gabbard came under fire from lawmakers on the House and Senate Intelligence Committees following revelations about a Signal messaging group she was part of that had been exposed in a leak.

The Signal chat had reportedly been established by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who unintentionally added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to the group.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed that U.S. forces launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in mid-March.

{Matzav.com}

China on Thursday denied U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that the two sides were involved in active negotiations over tariffs, saying that any suggestion of progress in this matter was as groundless as “trying to catch the wind.” China’s comments come after Trump said Tuesday that the final tariff rate on China’s exports would come down “substantially” from the current 145%. “China’s position is consistent and we are open to consultations and dialogues, but any form of consultations and negotiations must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and in an equal manner,” said Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong. “Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis.” Trump had told reporters earlier in the week that “everything’s active” when asked if he was engaging with China, although his Treasury Secretary had said there were no formal negotiations. Trump had put 145% tariffs on imports from China, while China hit back with 125% tariffs on U.S. products. While Trump has given other countries a 90-day pause on the tariffs, as their leaders pledged to negotiate with the U.S., China remained the exception. Instead, Beijing raised its own tariffs and deployed other economic measures in response while vowing to “fight to the end.” For example, China restricted exports of rare earth minerals and raised multiple cases against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization. China also made it clear that talks should involve the cancellation of all tariffs it currently faces. “The unilateral tariff increase measures were initiated by the United States. If the United States really wants to solve the problem, it should face up to the rational voices of the international community and all parties at home, completely cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China, and find ways to resolve differences through equal dialogue,” said He, the spokesman. Despite the economic measures leveled against China, Trump said Tuesday that he would be “very nice” and not play hardball with Chinese President Xi Jinping. “We’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together,” Trump said. (AP)

Whether the threat was abusive Hamas guards, hunger, illness or Israeli strikes, there were moments during Tal Shoham’s 505 days of captivity in Gaza when he didn’t think he’d be alive the next morning. There were “many times that I separated from life and … tried to accept death,” the 40-year-old Israeli, who also holds Austrian citizenship, told The Associated Press. “There are so many ways to die there.” Shoham was one of dozens of hostages released from Gaza in February as part of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel that has since been broken. His wife, two children and three other family members were also kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023, and were freed a month later. Shoham said he spent half his captivity in apartments and the rest in underground tunnels. He was sometimes bound, starved, beaten and threatened with death, and initially didn’t know if his family was alive. After his wife was released, Shoham said, someone identifying himself as a member of Hamas called to warn her not to talk about what she’d been through or they’d kill her husband. So as he recounted his own experience, Shoham said there were details he wouldn’t discuss, fearful of endangering remaining hostages. Shoham was kidnapped while visiting relatives in Kibbutz Be’eri. When Hamas attacked, he and his family hid in a safe room meant to offer protection from incoming rockets. But as the terrorists pried open a window and used explosives to try to break in, the family surrendered, a decision Shoham credits with saving their lives. Shoham was thrown into the back of a vehicle and taken into Gaza, not knowing what happened to his wife or children. Be’eri was among the hardest-hit communities that day. Before being separated, Shoham recalled telling his now 9-year-old son that he didn’t know if they were going to die. “I didn’t want him to hear a lie from me, if it’s the last minutes of our life,” he said. Upon entering Gaza, a terrorist jumped on the car’s roof, pointed his gun at Shoham and told him to kneel. But Shoham refused, not wanting to be killed on their terms, he said. He said the terrorist had “murder in his eyes.” Shoham was first taken to an apartment that his captors said was in northern Gaza. He spent weeks there, handcuffed and confined to a room. About a month later, he was moved to another apartment and joined by Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, hostages he would spend most of his captivity with. The two men were abducted from a music festival in southern Israel where at least 364 people were killed and dozens more taken hostage. Hearing about the conditions of their captivity made Shoham feel lucky about his own. They’d been kept in more uncomfortable zip-tie handcuffs, with plastic bags on their heads, he said, and fed one pita per day. The three lived in that apartment for months, where they endured daily beatings. Guards would taunt and humiliate them, asking how the music festival was and making shooting noises, Shoham said. Forbidden by their captors from speaking, they got to know each other through furtive whispers. To humanize himself in the eyes of his captors, and hopefully make them less likely to kill him, Shoham learned Arabic […]

South Korean prosecutors indicted former liberal President Moon Jae-in on bribery charges Thursday, saying that a budget airline gave his son-in-law a lucrative no-show job during Moon’s term in office. Moon’s indictment adds him to a long list of South Korean leaders who have faced trials or scandals at the close of their terms or after leaving office. Prosecutors allege that Moon, who served as president from 2017-2022, received bribes totaling 217 million won ($151,705) from Lee Sang-jik, founder of the budget carrier Thai Eastar Jet, in the form of wages, housing expenses and other financial assistance provided to Moon’s then-son-in-law from 2018-2020. South Korean media reported that Moon’s daughter and her husband were divorced in 2021. The Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office said in a statement that Lee was also indicted on charges of paying bribes to Moon and committing breaches of trust. The prosecutors’ office said Moon’s former son-in-law was hired as a director-level employee at Lee’s company in Thailand even though he had no work experience in the airline industry. The office said he spent only brief periods at the company’s office in Thailand and carried out only minor duties while claiming to be working remotely from South Korea. The prosecutors’ office said it had not found evidence that Moon directly performed political favors for Lee, but that Lee, who worked on Moon’s campaign, likely expected his assistance to be repaid. Lee was later named the head of the state-funded Korea SME and Startups Agency and was nominated by Moon’s party to run for parliament while Moon was in office. A former Moon aide on personnel affairs was earlier indicted over Lee’s agency job appointment, but prosecutors said she refused to testify during questioning so they were unable to find any direct evidence that Moon helped Lee win that position. Moon’s indictment comes before South Korea elects a new president on June 3 to succeed conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over an ill-fated imposition of martial law in December. Yoon, a former top prosecutor, now stands a criminal trial on rebellion charges connection with his martial law decree. It’s unclear if Moon’s indictment will influence prospects for liberals to win back the presidency. But observers say liberal presidential aspirant Lee Jae-myung is heavily favored to win the vote as conservatives remain in disarray over Yoon’s ouster, although Lee also faces criminal trials on allegations of corruption and other charges. There was no immediate response from Moon. But his political allies at the main liberal opposition Democratic Party criticized the indictment, calling it a politically motivated attempt by Yoon supporters at the prosecution service to humiliate the former liberal leader ahead of the election. Youn Kun-young, a Democratic Party lawmaker who worked at Moon’s presidential office, accused prosecutors of trying to divert attention from Yoon’s “tragic end” by putting Moon on trial to influence the election outcome. A Democratic Party committee separately warned it would hold the prosecution service to account for its indictment. Most past South Korean presidents have been embroiled in scandal in the final months of their terms or after leaving office. In 2017, Park Geun-hye, South Korea’s first female president, was removed from office and arrested over an explosive corruption scandal. Park’s conservative predecessor Lee Myung-bak was also arrested on a range […]

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Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services reported on Thursday morning that their forces have gained control of the massive fire that has been raging since Wednesday morning in the forest areas near Beit Shemesh, in the Jerusalem hills. Over a hundred firefighting teams, aided by aircraft,  are still working to extinguish five remaining fires. However, all residents of three yishuvim near Beit Shemesh who were evacuated on Wednesday have been allowed to return to their homes and the roads in the area were reopened to traffic. “The incident is under control,”  Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi announced: “I toured the area and was in all areas. The incident will end in the coming hours.” Many forces operated throughout the night, including KKL teams, the Nature and Parks Authority, security squads and volunteers. The Fire Commissioner praised the cooperation between all parties and emphasized their contribution to saving lives and property. It is estimated that about 10,000 dunams [2,500 acres] of forests and fields have been burned. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

HaGaon Harav Dov Landau was hospitalized on Thursday monring in  Mayanei HaYeshua Hospital for tests after suffering a fall at home overnight. The Rosh Yeshivah, 95, suffered from severe pain after the fall and was not able to attend Shacharis in the yeshivah. After arriving in the hospital, HaRav Landau underwent a series of tests and X-rays, and he remains hospitalized for medical observation for the time being. Members of his household said that the Rosh Yeshivah’s condition is good but called to the public to daven for his general well-being and a refuah sheleimah. The name for tefillah is Efraim Dov ben Devorah b’toch sha’ar cholei Yisrael. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

New Haven, CT – Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir faced a hostile reception during a visit to Yale University on Wednesday, when anti-Israel protesters threw water bottles and chanted slogans as he briefly exited a building, according to footage and statements from Ben-Gvir’s office. The incident occurred during the minister’s trip to the United States, where he was engaging in diplomatic and public engagements. Video evidence shows a group of approximately 200 protesters, some waving Palestinian flags, gathered outside the building where Ben-Gvir was located. As the minister stepped outside, accompanied by aides, the crowd began chanting anti-Israel slogans, including “Free Palestine” and “Shame on you.” Protesters then threw multiple water bottles toward Ben-Gvir and his entourage. No injuries were reported, and Ben-Gvir quickly reentered the building for safety. In response to the provocation, Ben-Gvir was seen making a V-sign toward the crowd, while one of his aides waved an Israeli flag defiantly before retreating indoors. Ben-Gvir’s office condemned the protesters’ actions, describing the incident as an attempt to intimidate and silence a senior Israeli official. “The minister will not be deterred by violent acts or provocations and remains committed to representing Israel’s interests abroad,” the statement read. Yale University issued a statement acknowledging the protest but emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of all campus visitors. Local police were present at the scene, though no arrests were reported. The incident has reignited debates about the boundaries of protest and the treatment of Israeli officials abroad, with some Jewish advocacy groups calling for stronger measures to protect visiting dignitaries. Ben-Gvir’s office stated that the minister continued his schedule undeterred, though specific details about his remaining engagements in the U.S. were not disclosed for security reasons. The episode underscores the challenges faced by Israeli officials navigating increasingly polarized environments on international stages. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

On the occasion of Yom Hashoah, President Donald Trump issued a powerful proclamation paying homage to the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirming America’s commitment to fighting antisemitism in all its forms.

“We honor the blessed memories of the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were viciously slaughtered by the genocidal Nazi regime and their collaborators,” Trump declared, opening with a solemn tribute to those murdered by the Nazis.

He recalled this year’s 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, highlighting the enduring weight of that moment in history. “We memorialized the lives of the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, grandmothers, and grandfathers whose futures were barbarically ripped away in Nazi-occupied Europe,” Trump stated.

Trump emphasized the importance of remembering the lessons of the Holocaust and preserving the testimony of its survivors. “We once again honor every Holocaust survivor who has imparted their wisdom to younger generations. Today and every day, we commit to preserving their stories.”

Reflecting on Jewish resilience, Trump pointed to the establishment of Israel as a powerful response to the horror of the Shoah. “Even in the wake of the Holocaust, a self-determined Jewish homeland rose from the ashes as the modern State of Israel,” he said.

He then turned to the urgent reality of contemporary antisemitism, connecting it to recent events. “Sadly, our Nation has borne witness to the worst outbreak of antisemitism on American soil in generations,” he warned, referencing the horrific Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. “Nearly every day following the deadly…attack on Israel, Jewish Americans were threatened on our streets and in our public square.”

Trump outlined measures he enacted to protect Jews and crack down on hate. “As President, I signed an Executive Order directing the Federal Government to use all available and appropriate legal tools to combat the explosion of antisemitic harassment in our schools and on college campuses — including through the removal of resident aliens who violate our laws,” he said.

He condemned the toxic climate found in many academic institutions. “In leftist, anti-American colleges and universities,” Trump continued, antisemitic attitudes have been given disturbing space to flourish.

The statement concluded with a call for collective remembrance and action. “We cherish the eternal memories of all those whose lives were lost to the deadly scourge of antisemitism. Above all, we vow to never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust. We declare that never again means now.”

{Matzav.com}

President Trump confirmed he was building two new flag poles on the White House lawn after the press captured him surveying the grounds Wednesday afternoon.

“We’re putting up a beautiful, almost 100-foot-tall American flag on this side and another one on the other side, two flags, top of the line,” Trump told reporters.

There are currently no freestanding flagpoles on the White House grounds, but there is an American flag flying from the top of the building.

“They needed flagpoles for 200 years. It was something I’ve often said, you know, they don’t have a flagpole per se. So we’re putting one right where you saw us, and we’re putting another one on the other side, on top of the mounds. It’s going to be two beautiful poles,” Trump added.

“Paid for by Trump,” the president added, noting they are set to arrive next week.

Watch Trump’s announcement below:

Another clip below:

{Matzav.com}

We’ll always have Kikar Hashabbos but the city’s grown There’s a new iconic intersection in Yerushalayim. It’s the vibrant crossroads of Yirmiyahu and Shamgar, where the pulse of the modern city beats strongest. Here Yerushalayim’s past meets its future. Just off this famous corner, Y38, a sophisticated residential building rises.  Designed by the renowned Feigin Architects, whose portfolio includes prestigious projects like the Waldorf Astoria, Y38 challenges conventional Jerusalem architecture while paying homage to the city’s timeless character. The striking 40-unit boutique building features a distinctive façade that harmoniously blends contemporary design with Jerusalem stone, creating an immediate visual impact. Beyond its prime location at the nexus of convenience – with dozens of shuls, bakeries, and trendy boutiques down the block – Y38 offers a living experience crafted for the discerning resident. Each of the 3-6 room apartments boasts thoughtfully designed spaces with high ceilings and full-height windows that frame Jerusalem’s famous blue skies. Large balconies, with space for a sukka, extend living spaces outdoors, while premium finishes and state-of-the-art systems elevate daily life. The building’s amenities rival those of luxury hotels, including a sophisticated business lounge, fully-equipped fitness center, relaxing spa, and a resident’s hall for celebrations. For added convenience a beautiful on-site shul and private mikvas are available all without leaving the building, while three levels of underground parking ensure seamless vehicle accommodation. Y38’s location perfectly serves the English-speaking community that has long favored this neighborhood. From Ganei Romema to Ganei Geula, Shefa and Tnvua the area has evolved into a comfortable enclave where residents connect through shared language and values, united by their love for Eretz Yisrael. The development’s innovative features include VRF air conditioning with individual room controls, smart home technology, electric underfloor heating, and charging stations for electric vehicles. Security and convenience are enhanced through motorized smart locks with multiple access options and a sophisticated intercom system. As a testament to Ir Shalem Group’s commitment to excellence, Y38 represents more than just an address – it’s a statement of arrival, a private retreat in the city’s center where modern luxury meets traditional Jerusalem living. With its perfect blend of location, design, and amenities, Y38 sets a new standard for sophisticated urban living in Jerusalem’s evolving landscape. For more information >>>

At a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony held at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Abe Foxman—who once headed the Anti-Defamation League—delivered a strong rebuke of certain policies seen under the Trump administration.

“As a [Holocaust] survivor, my antenna quivers when I see books being banned, when I see people being abducted in the streets, when I see government trying to dictate what universities should teach and whom they should teach. As a survivor who came to this country as an immigrant, I’m troubled when I hear immigrants and immigration being demonized,” Foxman said, prompting extended applause from those gathered.

Foxman, who served nearly thirty years as the ADL’s leader, made these remarks during his speech at the 2025 Days of Remembrance ceremony, which was organized by the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and took place in the nation’s capital.

Despite his criticism, Foxman also acknowledged the efforts by both President Biden and President Trump to confront the rising tide of antisemitism. “We live in very chaotic times, where our values, our history, our democracy are being tested. As a survivor, I’m horrified at the explosion of antisemitism — global and in the U.S. I’m appreciative of President Biden’s historic initiative on antisemitism and thankful to President Trump’s strong condemnation of antisemitism and his promise to bring back consequences to antisemitic behavior,” he stated.

Foxman turned his attention to growing hate across college campuses and around the world following the October 7 terror attack against Israel, warning of how social media platforms amplify extremist rhetoric. “We look around us and what do we see? Rampant antisemitism on college campuses and in cities worldwide in the aftermath of that horrific terror attack on our cherished Jewish state, Israel. We see social media algorithms that promote extreme views, conspiracy theories,” he said. “Online conspiracy theories are just one click away from antisemitism.”

He described how antisemitic sentiments today are surfacing in shocking new forms. “We also see forms of antisemitism that seemed unthinkable: Holocaust denial, distortion, civilization, exploitation and even glorification. We look around and see here in America antisemitism on both the far left and far right. The 20th-century history of Nazism and communism should be an alarm bell as to just how dangerous this is, and not just for us Jews, but for all of society, for all who care about democracy, individual freedom and dignity,” Foxman emphasized.

Drawing a historical parallel, Foxman warned that the current situation resembles how antisemitic ideology intensified in Europe before Hitler came to power. “Antisemitism [is] not so different from the conspiracy theories that permeated Europe for centuries, long before Hitler was born and helped make the killings of two-thirds of our people possible,” he remarked.

Also addressing the event was Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who drew sobering comparisons between the Holocaust and recent atrocities. He called the Holocaust “a failure of humanity,” placing it in the same moral category as the 9/11 attacks and the October 7 massacre in Israel.

“The Holocaust was a failure of humanity. But as we all know, no matter how hard we try, that kind of hatred continues to exist, just in many, many other forms. It shows up in different ways, and it shows up at different times,” Lutnick said.

He argued that the nature of the October 7 attack echoed past genocides. “The Oct. 7 attack,” Lutnick said, “was carried out with the same genocidal hatred that fueled Auschwitz, and it’s that same disregard for human life that fueled the Sept. 11 attacks. It’s just the same hate, it just comes at a different time with a different name.”

With visible emotion, Lutnick concluded his speech with a powerful pledge of support for Jewish communities. He declared “in very, very clear and plain language” that Trump “will never back down from defending the Jewish people, never.”

{Matzav.com}

In a powerful and emotionally charged address delivered on Chol Hamoed, the Rebbe of Shevet Levi issued a stark warning to parents, urging vigilance in guiding their children to proper chassan and kallah instructors before marriage.

The Rebbe’s remarks came during a special derashah to parents and yungeleit, delivered on the day following the tenth yahrtzeit of his grandfather, Rav Shmuel Wosner zt”l, author of Shevet Halevi.

The talk, deeply rooted in the Torah outlook of his revered grandfather, focused on foundational guidance for building a kosher Jewish home. Addressing the struggles many parents face as their children reach marriageable age, the Rebbe spoke candidly about the widespread delays in shidduchim and the growing phenomenon of older single men and women within the community.

He attributed this troubling reality in part to the sharp decline in the number of active shadchanim. “There’s a serious shortage,” he noted, “and one reason is that people don’t treat shadchanim with the respect they deserve. There’s often a dismissive attitude, and we fail to compensate them fairly.”

The Rebbe implored the public to change their perspective and elevate the status of shadchanim, both in how they are regarded and how they are remunerated. “We must give them kavod,” he emphasized, “and pay them more than what has, until now, been customary.”

Another point of concern he raised was the distorted priorities some parents have when searching for a match. “Many times,” he said, “parents are looking for a shidduch that matches their criteria—status, money, or social image—rather than what is truly suitable for their son or daughter.”

As the drashah drew to a close, the Rebbe shifted his focus to a deeply distressing matter he said had come to his attention in recent months.

“There is a breach,” he stated solemnly, “a dangerous breach. Some chassanim and kallahs are going to instructors who distort the sanctity of the Jewish home. They twist the Torah’s view—both in outlook and in halachah—to align with foreign values, Rachmana litzlan. This is not the mesorah passed down from generation to generation.”

He called upon parents to be scrupulous in verifying the credentials and yiras Shamayim of the instructors to whom they entrust their children. “It is an absolute obligation,” he stressed, “to send our children only to upright, Torah-true, G-d-fearing guides as they prepare to establish their homes.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump is putting his “touches” on the White House with new flagpoles, new artwork, an overhaul of the Oval Office decor and possibly covering up the lawn in the Rose Garden. Trump, a former real estate developer and hotelier, said Wednesday that he’s adding two “beautiful” flagpoles to the grounds to fly the American flag in about a week. The Republican president recently hung new artworks featuring himself, including a rendering of him with his fist raised after last year’s attempted assassination in Pennsylvania. He has redecorated the Oval Office by adding portraits of all of his predecessors, a wall-mounted copy of the Declaration of Independence that is shielded by dark drapes and many golden accents. Trump has also talked about paving over the lawn in the Kennedy-era Rose Garden. He even remarked on the grass on Wednesday, telling reporters he recalled a recent event where “the grass was very wet and it was very hard for people to stand on the grass. They got their shoes all ruined.” All families granted the privilege of living in the White House try to find ways to leave their mark on the property, and Trump isn’t any different. Near the end of his first term, he and first lady Melania Trump unveiled a refurbished tennis court and a new pavilion on the south grounds. Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden is still producing. But Trump is a “real estate developer at heart” and is always looking to improve the White House, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday. New flag poles Earlier Wednesday, Trump took an impromptu stroll outside toward the Pennsylvania Avenue fence with head groundskeeper Dale Haney and other staff members. Asked what he was doing, Trump said he was scoping out a location for a flagpole. He told reporters afterward that he’s installing two “beautiful” flagpoles on the grounds because “they’ve needed flagpoles for 200 years.” He said the poles would be “paid for by Trump” and could be installed as soon as next week. The American and POW/MIA flags fly on the roof of the White House every day. Trump had them lowered on Monday after Pope Francis’ death. Oval Office overhaul Trump pledged in his inaugural address to preside over a “golden age of America.” But he appears to have ushered it first into an Oval Office he has redecorated by adding golden accents to the fireplace, doorway arches, walls and other areas of the room. It hasn’t gone unnoticed. “I really must say the Oval Office has never looked better,” Paul Atkins, the new Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, said Tuesday after his ceremonial swearing-in there. “One could really describe it as glistening, and I’ve heard stories about it. It’s true. It’s the touch of a confident president, leading with optimism towards an American golden age.” Every president adjusts the office decor to their liking, often with new furniture, rugs, draperies and other items. Some hire decorators. Former President Joe Biden had one of his brothers handle it. Trump seems to have directed the process himself. “I’ve done some ‘Trump touches’ to the Oval Office,” he told the championship Ohio State football team when he invited them for a tour after he hosted the players and coaches last week. “It’s a little nicer than it used to be, I think.” New Trump art Earlier this month, Trump hung […]

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, two outspoken critics of wealth inequality, were caught on camera stepping off a private jet while traveling for a campaign tour targeting America’s affluent elite.

Footage from Fox News shows the pair leaving a Bombardier Challenger 604 — a high-end jet valued between $5 million and $7 million, with a charter rate of around $15,000 per hour. Both politicians have been vocal opponents of private aviation and the wealthy individuals who use it.

Their flight was part of a multi-city tour branded as Sanders’ “Fighting Oligarchy” campaign, which promotes public discourse on the influence of billionaires and large corporations in American politics. According to the campaign’s official website, the events aim to “have real discussions across America,” and push back against “the oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country.”

The website also includes a fundraising plea, suggesting that the campaign requires only “a modest amount of resources” to cover travel and related costs — a claim that seems at odds with the extravagance of private jet use.

In another jab at the wealthy, the campaign page declares: “Paid for by friends of Bernie Sanders (not the billionaires).”

The tour has included stops in cities like Tucson, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Nampa, and Bakersfield, where both lawmakers have spoken out against corporate greed and economic disparity.

“We as a community must choose and vote for Democrats and elected officials who know how to stand for the working class,” AOC declared to supporters at one event.

This marks a noticeable shift in travel style for Ocasio-Cortez, who had previously flown commercial. Just last month, she was seen in a first-class seat on a JetBlue flight from JFK to Las Vegas for a campaign rally — a choice that critics mocked as contradictory for someone crusading against privilege.

A first-class ticket for that same JetBlue route later this month tops $1,100.

Sanders, too, has faced backlash for his use of private aviation. During President Trump’s 2020 impeachment proceedings, Sanders reportedly chartered a private plane to travel between campaign events.

Recent Federal Election Commission records show Sanders’ campaign shelled out over $221,000 for private jet travel during the first quarter of 2025 alone.

{Matzav.com}