Feed aggregator

IDF: 400,000 Evacuate Gaza City Ahead of Major Offensive

Yeshiva World News -

The IDF estimates that about 400,000 Palestinians have evacuated Gaza City, which previously housed around one million people, ahead of its major offensive against Hamas. Palestinians were ordered to move to a designated humanitarian zone in the south, and with heavy traffic on the Rashid coastal road since the offensive began Monday night, the military announced a second evacuation route along Salah a-Din highway.

IDF Airstrikes Target Hamas Workshop in Gaza Amid New Offensive

Yeshiva World News -

The IDF released new footage of airstrikes in Gaza City, saying it hit a Hamas weapons workshop on Monday where operatives making explosives were present, causing secondary blasts. Over the past two days, the Israeli Air Force and Artillery Corps have struck more than 150 targets in the city as part of a new ground offensive against Hamas.

Carlson Pushes Controversial Theory Linking Netanyahu to Kirk’s Death

Matzav -

Tucker Carlson has drawn widespread attention after embracing a fringe theory that Israeli leaders were either angered by Charlie Kirk or somehow played a role in making his life miserable “till the day he died.”

The latest wave of speculation comes from a newly released video in which Carlson delivered a solemn tribute to Kirk, who was killed last week. While beginning with praise, Carlson’s tone quickly shifted toward conjecture.

“He did not like Bibi Netanyahu,” Carlson states, referencing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “And he said that to me many times. He felt that Bibi Netanyahu was a very destructive force. He was appalled by what was happening in Gaza because of the fact that he believed Netanyahu would use the United States for his own benefit, for the benefit of his country, and that it was shameful and embarrassing and bad to be a part of it.”

“He did not hate him, and he expressed it to me and to many people. Now they will call me a liar or crazy, but many text messages exist that will prove this is true,” Carlson continued.

“He was dependent on donors, and they went after him, not all, but many did. And they tormented him till the day he died,” Carlson added.

Recollections suggesting hostility between Kirk and Netanyahu have been met with backlash, with allies of Kirk and voices across the conservative movement dismissing the allegations and condemning Carlson’s claims as unfounded.

{Matzav.com}

Wall Street Eyes Fed for Clues: Three Interest Rate Cuts This Year, Two Next?

Yeshiva World News -

With the Federal Reserve widely expected Wednesday to reduce its key interest rate by a quarter-point to about 4.1%, economists and Wall Street investors will be looking for signals about next steps: How deeply might the Fed cut in the next few months? There are typically two different approaches the central bank takes to lowering borrowing costs: Either a measured pace that reflects a modest adjustment to its key rate, or a much more rapid set of cuts as the economy deteriorates in an often-doomed effort to stave off recession. For now, most economists expect it will take the first approach: What many analysts call a “recalibration” of rates to keep the economy growing and businesses hiring. Under this view, the Fed would reduce rates as many as five times by the middle of next year, bringing its rate closer to a level that neither stimulates or slows the economy. Wall Street traders expect three reductions this year and then two more by next June, according to futures pricing tracked by CME Fedwatch. A rate cut Wednesday would be the first in nine months. The Fed, led by Chair Jerome Powell, reduced borrowing costs three times last year. But it then put any further cuts on hold to evaluate the impact of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on the economy. As recently as their last meeting in late July, Powell described the job market as “solid” and kept rates unchanged as officials sought to take more time to see how the economy evolved. Since then, however, the government has reported a sharp slowdown in hiring, and previous government data has been revised much lower. Employers actually cut back slightly on their payrolls in June, shedding 13,000 jobs, and added just 22,000 in August. The government also said last week that its estimate of job gains for the year ended in March 2025 would likely be revised down by 911,000, a sharp reduction in total employment. Powell and other Fed officials had previously pointed to a robust job market as a key reason that they could afford to keep rates unchanged. But with businesses pulling back on hiring, the economic case for a rate cut — which can spur more borrowing and spending — is stronger. The downward revision of nearly a million jobs is a “huge downgrade,” said Talley Leger, chief market strategist at the Wealth Consulting Group. “If that doesn’t light a fire under the Fed just from an economic perspective I don’t know what will.” Still, inflation remains stubbornly elevated, partly because tariffs have lifted the cost of some goods, such as furniture, appliances and food. Prices rose 2.9% in August from a year earlier, the government said last week, up from 2.7% a month earlier. Persistent inflation could keep the Fed from cutting too rapidly. The central bank will release its quarterly economic projections after the meeting Wednesday, and many economists forecast they will show that officials expect three total reductions this year and at least two more next year. Five reductions would bring the Fed’s key rate down to just above 3%. Many economists think that is roughly the rate that would neither stimulate nor slow the economy. If Fed officials began to worry the economy would slip into recession, they would likely cut rates more […]

In Rare Visit, Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe Seeks Brocha from Rav Moshe Shternbuch

Matzav -

In the days leading up to the Yamim Nora’im, prominent rebbes and rabbonim have been making their way to the home of Rav Moshe Shternbuch to exchange brachos for the new year.

Among the many who visited this past week were the Rebbes of Sanz, Rachmastrivka, Toldos Aharon, Bohush, Strikov, Parisov, and Zvhil, as well as Rav Yaakov Ades, Rav Moshe Shmuel Edelstein, and others.

One visit stood out in particular: The Rebbe of Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok, who rarely leaves his home due to his frailty, made the trip by his own request to receive a personal brocha from Rav Shternbuch before Rosh Hashanah.

When the Rebbe entered, he asked the senior posek to share words of chizuk ahead of the Yom Hadin.

Rav Shternbuch responded humbly, “And can one hear chizuk from me? I myself am in need of chizuk.”

The Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe countered that Rav Shternbuch possesses the strength of Torah and therefore does not need strengthening.

The Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe then bentched Rav Shternbuch: “Kesivah v’chasimah tovah, with long life and years, and may the Rav continue to spread Torah in abundance.”

Rav Shternbuch replied with a heartfelt brocha: “May no stumbling block ever come through your hands, may all your actions be in accordance with the will of the Creator, kesivah v’chasimah tovah, and may the Ribbono Shel Olam derive nachas from you.”

The discussion then turned to the anticipation of Moshiach. Rav Shternbuch remarked that while many Jews hope for Moshiach, not all truly wait for him. The Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe asked him to clarify the difference. Rav Shternbuch explained: “If someone tells you he is coming tomorrow morning at nine, you wait for him, because you know he’s coming. But if someone merely says he hopes to come, you don’t wait — you only hope.”

The Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe responded, “Yehi ratzon that we merit it very soon.”

Rav Shternbuch then shared an anecdote: “I remember being by the Brisker Rov, Rav Yitzchok Zev Soloveitchik zt”l. Someone bentched him to merit the coming of Moshiach soon. The Brisker Rov replied, ‘Do you know how ashamed we will be when Moshiach comes? We will be embarrassed before him. Do you think then we will be able to eat kugel peacefully?’”

The Toldos Avrohom Yitzchok Rebbe responded that despite this, after all the suffering Klal Yisroel has endured, the process will surely be easier. Rav Shternbuch agreed that it indeed will.

{Matzav.com Israel}

Poll: Mamdani Widens Lead In NYC Mayoral Race, Cuomo Struggles To Narrow Gap

Yeshiva World News -

Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani has opened a commanding 21-point lead in New York City’s mayoral race, according to a new Marist University poll released Tuesday — cementing his position as the frontrunner just weeks before Election Day. The 33-year-old Queens assemblyman captured 45 percent of likely voters in the four-way contest, compared to 24 percent for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, 17 percent for Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and just 9 percent for incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. Five percent remain undecided. Mamdani’s surge has been fueled by a dramatic shift among Black voters, who were largely with Cuomo during the June Democratic primary. In the general election, 47 percent now back Mamdani, compared to 26 percent for Cuomo, 11 percent for Adams and 5 percent for Sliwa. Even if Adams were to drop out, Mamdani would still hold a double-digit edge, leading Cuomo 46 percent to 30 percent, with Sliwa at 18 percent. In a head-to-head matchup, Mamdani’s advantage narrows to 10 points — 49 percent to Cuomo’s 39 percent — as Sliwa voters shift toward the former governor. The poll shows Mamdani’s dominance among young and progressive voters. Sixty-two percent of voters under 45 support him — a nearly 50-point advantage over Cuomo. Among very liberal voters, Mamdani commands an overwhelming 86 percent, while moderates break for Cuomo, 35 to 31 percent. Sliwa maintains strength among conservatives, drawing 42 percent to Cuomo’s 24 percent, Adams’ 16 percent and Mamdani’s 14 percent. Still, Mamdani leads across every major demographic: he wins 51 percent of nonwhite voters overall, 39 percent of white voters, and a majority of Latinos at 52 percent. Jewish voters remain split between Mamdani and Cuomo at 35 percent each. Mamdani also leads in every borough, including a 33-point edge in Brooklyn, the city’s largest. Pollster Lee Miringoff, who directed the survey, said Mamdani’s momentum is reinforced by a clear likeability advantage. Fifty-two percent of likely voters view him favorably, compared to 40 percent unfavorably. Cuomo, meanwhile, is underwater at 39 percent favorable and 59 percent unfavorable. Adams fares worse, with 68 percent viewing him negatively, while Sliwa is at 51 percent unfavorable. “Mamdani is running up the score,” Miringoff said. “It’s getting late early.” Cuomo has tried to blunt Mamdani’s rise by hammering his opponent’s support for the anti-Israel movement. But the attacks have yet to peel away voters beyond a divided Jewish electorate. Miringoff said Cuomo may need to highlight his progressive record to break into Mamdani’s stronghold with younger and liberal voters. With debates looming ahead of the Nov. 4 election, Cuomo and other rivals will have limited opportunities to alter the trajectory of the race. Guardian Angels founder Sliwa has vowed to stay in despite calls from President Trump to step aside and consolidate opposition to Mamdani. For now, a solid majority of New Yorkers — 63 percent — say they expect Mamdani to be the city’s next mayor. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution Condemning Charlie Kirk Assassination

Matzav -

The Senate has voted unanimously to approve a resolution denouncing the assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, while also commending the work he accomplished during his life.

“The United States Senate has unanimously passed my resolution condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and praising his outstanding legacy,” declared Sen. Mike Lee of Utah in a post on X. “This is just a flag, planted on a hill. What matters is where we carry it next.”

The resolution text, which Lee shared in photos online, begins with the following:

Whereas Charlie Kirk was horrifically assassinated on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University while speaking to a large group of college students;
Whereas Charlie Kirk was a devoted husband, father, and Christian;
Whereas, in 2012, Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA, a conservative campus advocacy group that quickly became one of the fastest growing college campus chapter organizations in the country; and
Whereas Charlie Kirk frequently engaged college students of all political backgrounds in open debates and discussion, encouraging civil discourse on college campuses and among college students…

The measure goes on to assert that the U.S. Senate “condemns” Kirk’s assassination “in the strongest possible terms,” while also “extend[ing] its deepest condolences and sympathies” to his wife Erika and their two children.

Additionally, the resolution affirms that the Senate recognizes Kirk’s “commitment to the constitutional principles of civil discussion and debate between all people.”

Breitbart’s Deputy Political Editor Bradley Jaye noted that Lee, who had put forward the measure last Thursday, told Breitbart News he hoped to “garner bipartisan support to honor the slain leader.”

Kirk was shot in the neck and killed while speaking to students at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

Both Republicans and Democrats reacted to his death with sorrow, describing it as a tragic loss of a figure who encouraged open dialogue on campuses and stood as a strong advocate for free expression.

{Matzav.com}

Gedolei Eretz Yisroel Complete Historic Mission To London On Behalf Of Keren Olam Hatorah

Yeshiva World News -

London witnessed a remarkable display of kavod haTorah this week as Gedolei Eretz Yisroel traveled to the city to bolster support for Keren Olam HaTorah — the fund established to sustain the budgets of yeshivos and kollelim in Eretz Yisroel, following the devastating cuts imposed by the Israeli High Court. Among those who undertook this special journey were Harav Dov Landau, Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Harav Yaakov Hillel, Harav Avraham Salim, Harav Shimon Galay, Harav Dovid Cohen, and Harav Nisan Kaplan, shlit”a. The delegation began their mission with a distinguished gathering at the home of the French philanthropist R’ Paul Basnino. Many benefactors traveled from France especially to participate, underscoring the broad international scope of this campaign. At the event, Harav Dov Landau shlit”a opened with powerful words: “This historic endeavor, Keren Olam HaTorah, has succeeded with siyata dishmaya in upholding the yeshivos and kollelim in Eretz Yisroel. You know well that everything is being conducted in the most proper manner. And now we come with a heartfelt plea: continue to strengthen Keren Olam HaTorah for the sake of the lomdei Torah.” His words concluded with a heartfelt call: “Ana sh’moru al lomdei haTorah — Please, protect those who learn Torah.” Following him, Harav Avraham Salim shlit”a emphasized the zechus of joining in this endeavor: “Chazal teach us that Torah, Eretz Yisroel, and Olam Haba are acquired through suffering. Now you have the opportunity to be zocheh to all three together — by partnering in the support of Torah in Eretz Yisroel, the highest level of all.” Later, a gathering was hosted at the home of R’ Yisroel Ples, where Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a addressed the gathering, speaking passionately about the unparalleled privilege of mesirus nefesh for Torah. The evening concluded with the entire assemblage singing stirring zemiros of preparation for the Yomim Nora’im. Further events were held throughout the day. At the home of R’ Dovid Halpern, Harav Dovid Cohen shlit”a delivered divrei chizuk, while the gedolim spoke privately with prominent baalei batim about the extraordinary zechus of supporting lomdei torah in Eretz Yisroel. The highlight of the day was a grand dinner at the Pillar Hotel b’hishtatfus Harav Avrohom Gurwicz shlit’a, Rosh Yeshivas Gateshead, with hundreds of leading philanthropists from across London in attendance. The campaign in London was not limited to the philanthropists alone. Thousands of children from across the city gathered for a massive atzeres tefillah on behalf of the lomdei Torah in Eretz Yisroel. The gedolim led the tefillos, reciting kapitlach Tehillim with the tzibbur. Harav Dov Landau shlit”a addressed the gathering, highlighting the unique capacity of tinokos shel beis rabban to sense the mesikus hatorah. Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a then told the assembled: “Our entire tachlis in this world is to give kavod to HaKadosh Baruch Hu — through heartfelt tefillah, through each word spoken as befitting a ben Torah, and above all, through constant hasmodah in Torah learning.” The event concluded with brachos from the gedolim to the children for a shana tova u’mesukah. Additional gatherings were hosted by renowned philanthropists including R’ Binyomin and R’ Shlomo Frischwasser, R’ Gabi Ackerman, and R’ Mordechai Landau of Stamford Hill. At each venue, significant commitments were made toward the continued success of Keren Olam HaTorah. The gedolim departed London on Tuesday, returning to […]

Survey: 4 In 5 Jewish Students Hide Identity On Campuses Worldwide Amid Rising Antisemitism

Yeshiva World News -

More than three-quarters of Jewish students worldwide say they conceal their identity on campus as antisemitism continues to surge in higher education, according to a new global survey. The study — conducted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) during the 2024–2025 academic year — surveyed 1,727 students in more than 60 countries. It found that 78 percent of Jewish students hide their religious identity and 81 percent conceal their Zionist identity in academic settings. The findings underscore an escalating climate of fear and intimidation since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing Gaza war. Other recent surveys have reported similar trends: B’nai B’rith International and the European Union of Jewish Students documented a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across Europe, while ADL data shows 83 percent of Jewish students in the U.S. have personally experienced or witnessed antisemitism since the war began. “We are distressed and disappointed by the results of this survey, but not at all surprised,” WUJS president Josh Cohen said. “Since October 7th, Jewish students around the world have been speaking to the rise in antisemitism and ostracization in their regions. This survey only further highlights how striking the treatment of Jewish students is on campus.” One in three respondents said they knew Jewish peers who had been physically threatened, and nearly one in five knew peers who were physically attacked. Orthodox Jewish students reported twice the rate of discrimination compared to others, and Jewish women were more likely than men to conceal their identity. Nearly a third of students reported discrimination from classmates, while 9 percent said they faced it from professors or other university staff. At the University of Vienna, one Jewish Studies student recalled canceling a seminar after rumors circulated that protesters from an “Intifada Camp” on campus might confront “Zionists.” “For a moment, I felt like it was the 1930s, and Jewish students were being chased from their universities,” she said. The report urges universities to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, designate coordinators to address discrimination, and implement campus climate research, peer training, and clearer accommodation policies for religious observances. “This survey exposes a devastating reality: Jewish students across the globe are being forced to hide fundamental aspects of their identity just to feel safe on campus,” said Marina Rosenberg, ADL senior vice president of international affairs. “When over three-quarters of Jewish students feel they must conceal their religious and Zionist identity for their own safety, the situation is nothing short of dire.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Former Mossad Official: “Qatar Is Buying The West On Behalf Of Islam”

Yeshiva World News -

Oded Ailan, a former senior official in the Mossad, spoke to Arutz Sheva about the two-faced “empire of Qatar.” “Qatar has developed a unique formula—almost like a global start-up—comparable to Charlie Chaplin sending a boy to break windows and then coming to fix them,” Ailam told Arutz Sheva-Israel National News. “They created a model that enables Qatar to be a dominant player on the world stage. Today Qatar is a diplomatic, economic, and media empire, deliberately built to become a central actor internationally.” Ailaam noted that Qarar’s formula has been extremely successful. “Qatar now mediates between the Taliban and the Americans, Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria, in Nigeria, and elsewhere. Qatar is the middleman – and the mediator always profits in influence, visibility, and power. It’s no coincidence they hosted the World Cup and now aspire to host the 2036 Olympics. They receive prestige and status as global peacemakers.” But the “global peacemakers” have been sponsoring terror groups for decades. “From al-Qaeda to ISIS to Hamas—all have benefited from Qatari support,” Ailan said. “In 2012, Syria expelled Hamas leaders, who then moved to Qatar, where they have lived in five-star conditions. Since then, Qatar has transferred some $1.8 billion to Hamas, money that built the terrorist organization. Qatar is the patron of Hamas’ agenda, with Al Jazeera serving as its mouthpiece.” “They are buying Europe,” Ailam noted. “They purchase anything that could provide leverage—real estate, corporations, football clubs. Reports say they own a third of London’s skyscrapers. They own part of the Empire State Building, a US symbol. Their airline is among the best in the world. And they have developed a very ‘interesting’ branch of buying politicians—by any means necessary, including cryptocurrency.” “Politicians have been caught, and some are on trial, in France and elsewhere. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. A whole system has been operating for years, with direct influence inside EU decision-making.” “Israel was somewhat enchanted by the Qatari charm offensive, and now we see the results,” Ailam warned, noting the current “Qatargate” scandal. “Our systems allowed this false dance to continue, permitting Qatar to pose as an honest broker when it is neither. Hostage releases came not from Qatari initiatives but from Israeli military pressure. Moreover, the hardest-line negotiators sit in Qatar, not Gaza. They harden positions—the opposite of what should have happened if Qatar really wielded moderating influence. There is reason to suspect Qatar itself is pushing intransigence.” (YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Bye: Anti-Israel Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Exits After 47 Years, “Silenced And Sidelined”

Yeshiva World News -

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield is leaving the ice cream brand after 47 years, saying that the independence it once had to speak up on social issues has been stifled by parent company Unilever. In a letter that co-founder Ben Cohen posted on social media platform X on Greenfield’s behalf, Greenfield said that he felt the independence the brand had to speak on social issues and events was lost to Unilever. “For more than 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry’s stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice and human rights, not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world,” he wrote. “That independence existed in no small part because of the unique merger agreement Ben and I negotiated with Unilever, one that enshrined our social mission and values in the company’s governance structure in perpetuity. It’s profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.” Greenfield said that the loss of independence was coming “at a time when our country’s current administration is attacking civil rights, voting rights, the rights of immigrants, women and the LGBTQ community.” “Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important, and yet Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power,” he said. “It’s easy to stand up and speak out when there’s nothing at risk. The real test of values is when times are challenging and you have something to lose.” Greenfield noted that Ben & Jerry’s, famous for its colorful ice cream containers with names such as Cherry Garcia and Phish Food, “was always about more than just ice cream; it was a way to spread love and invite others into the fight for equity, justice and a better world.” A spokesperson for The Magnum Ice Cream Company said in a statement on Wednesday that it would be forever grateful to Greenfield for his contributions to Ben & Jerry’s and thanked him for his service, but was not aligned with his viewpoint. “We disagree with his perspective and have sought to engage both co-founders in a constructive conversation on how to strengthen Ben & Jerry’s powerful values-based position in the world,” the spokesperson said. Magnum said that it is still committed to Ben & Jerry’s mission and remains “focused on carrying forward the legacy of peace, love, and ice cream of this iconic, much-loved brand.” Ben & Jerry’s has been at odds with Unilever for a while. In March Ben & Jerry’s said that its CEO was unlawfully removed by Unilever in retaliation for the ice cream maker’s social and political activism. In a federal court filing, Ben & Jerry’s said that Unilever informed its board on March 3 that it was removing and replacing Ben & Jerry’s CEO David Stever. Ben & Jerry’s said that violated its merger agreement with Unilever, which states that any decisions regarding a CEO’s removal must come after a consultation with an advisory committee from Ben & Jerry’s board. London-based Unilever said in a statement at the time that it hoped Ben & Jerry’s board would engage in the agreed-upon process. Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 for $326 million. […]

Pages

Subscribe to NativUSA Portal aggregator