Feed aggregator
Minneapolis Mayor Frey Calls for Assault Weapons Ban
Chareidi Firestorm: “Someone Shut Him Up!” – Itamar Bibi Sparks Outrage Across the Spectrum
Itamar Bibi, a young chareidi activist who has become a frequent guest on Israeli news panels regarding the chareidi draft, has once again ignited a storm, drawing fierce backlash from secular, religious-Zionist, and chareidi circles alike.
Itamar first rose to prominence after a Channel 12 News feature spotlighted working chareidim — young men who are employed rather than fully devoted to Torah learning but still refuse to enlist in the IDF, publicly declaring their stance at every opportunity. Since then, Itamar has become a recurring media figure, known for his confrontational style and controversial statements.
The latest uproar began when Itamar , during a televised panel, claimed that reservist soldiers continue fighting in Gaza “for a 20,000-shekel paycheck.” The remark drew widespread condemnation, forcing Itamar to later clarify that his comments were directed only at the soldier sitting across from him in the studio, not at all reservists.
However, the tension escalated further last night when Itamar clashed live on-air with a chareidi combat soldier serving in the IDF’s newly established Chashmonaim Brigade. Itamar accused the soldier of being “not really chareidi,” calling him a “Chabadnik” who ignores the guidance of gedolim who have openly opposed the brigade’s creation.
While Itamar’s remarks have angered secular and religious-Zionist audiences, they have also triggered outrage within the chareidi community itself. Many prominent voices are distancing themselves from him, insisting that he does not represent mainstream chareidi views and accusing him of causing a massive chillul Hashem.
Chareidi journalist Mendy Rizel posted on X:
“שמישהו כבר יסתום לאיתמר ביבי את הפה. כמה חילול ה’.”
“Someone please shut Itamar Bibi’s mouth already. What a disgrace.”
Yossi Elituv, editor of Mishpacha Magazine, also weighed in, criticizing the phenomenon of young chareidim who are not committed to Torah learning but remain on yeshiva registries to avoid the draft: “כאשר נערים שאינם מקיימים את הבסיס ההלכתי נשארים ברשימות הישיבה, לא רק שהדבר מחלל את מהות בית המדרש, אלא הוא גם פשע חברתי־מוסרי כלפי האומה כולה: במקום למלא את חובתם האזרחית ולשרת בצה״ל, הם משמשים כעלה תאנה. על המגזר להבהיר במעשים: מי שתורתו אינה אומנותו, שילך לשרת את עמו.”
“When young men who do not follow the fundamentals of halacha remain listed as yeshiva students, it not only desecrates the essence of the beis medrash, but it is also a social and moral crime against the entire nation. Instead of fulfilling their civic duty and serving in the IDF, they are being used as a fig leaf. The chareidi community must make it clear in action: anyone whose Torah is not his life’s occupation should go serve his people.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Salmonella Outbreak From Eggs Leaves Almost 100 People Sick in 14 States
The CDC is looking into a Salmonella outbreak that has affected 95 people and led to 18 hospitalizations across multiple states. According to an update from the agency, the illnesses occurred between January 7 and July 26 and have been connected to eggs supplied by a distributor in Southern California. Officials warned that the actual number of cases is likely higher, as it often takes time for health departments to confirm and link individual infections to the outbreak.
Salmonella infections usually spread through foods like poultry and dairy products. Most individuals who become sick recover on their own without antibiotics, but symptoms commonly include diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. In more severe instances, the bacteria can move beyond the digestive system and pose life-threatening complications.
Country Eggs LLC, the distributor tied to the contaminated eggs, announced on Wednesday that it is recalling its “Sunshine Yolks” brand eggs, which were distributed in both California and Nevada. While the majority of cases have been reported in California, infections have also been identified in 13 additional states.
This announcement came just two days after NBC News revealed that one of the CDC’s primary programs for monitoring foodborne illnesses is undergoing significant cutbacks, a move that public health experts say could affect future outbreak responses.
{Matzav.com}Rav Dov Kook’s Remarkable Segulah: Open Miracle Through Learning Mesilas Yesharim
A remarkable yeshuah occurred for an older bochur who, against all odds, became engaged after years of unsuccessful attempts at shidduchim. The turnaround came in the merit of a special segulah advised by the tzaddik Rav Dov Kook of Tiveria: intensive learning of the sefer Mesilas Yesharim.
Approximately two months ago, a prominent supporter of Torah institutions from the United States reached out to close talmidim of Rav Dov Kook — the editors of the widely circulated “Shivtei Kohen” publication, Rav Moshe Chaim Schneider and Rav Yaakov Brizel. The request came on behalf of a business partner, himself a well-known baal tzedakah, who had reached an advanced age without yet finding his zivug.
Despite investing tremendous efforts, offering large sums to top shadchanim across the U.S., and trying numerous known and hidden segulos, the long-awaited shidduch had not materialized. In his deep distress, the businessman asked that Rav Kook be consulted for a clear eitzah to bring about a salvation.
Upon hearing the situation, Rav Kook immediately provided his advice: the yeshuah lies within the holy words of the Ramchal’s classic, Mesilas Yesharim. He instructed that seven talmidei chachamim be enlisted to learn the entire sefer thoroughly — cover to cover — with depth and clarity, dedicating the merit of the learning to the bochur in need of a shidduch.
The supporter acted without delay, arranging for seven avreichim to complete the limud on the bochur’s behalf. Roughly two weeks later, Rav Schneider and Rav Brizel returned to their rebbi with the joyous report that the learning had been completed in full.
In a rare and striking gesture, Rav Kook took a piece of paper and wrote the words: “מזל טוב מזל טוב,” expressing his absolute confidence that a yeshuah was imminent.
Astonishingly, just two weeks after the completion of the limud, the long-awaited news arrived: the bochur became engaged to a kallah described as possessing yiras Shamayim, refined, and full of exceptional qualities.
On Wednesday, the talmidim personally visited Rav Dov Kook to deliver the joyous update. The tzaddik was visibly uplifted, offering heartfelt brachos to the new couple. In honor of the occasion, Rav Kook made a heartfelt l’chaim, expressing deep satisfaction over the yeshuah.
Those close to him noted that Rav Kook often laments when people approach him with their hardships and request his brachos but fail to return to inform him when the yeshuah arrives. This time, his simcha was described as “doubled and redoubled” upon hearing the outcome directly.
{Matzav.com Israel}Rav Yigal Cohen to Former Hostage Agam Berger: “You Strengthened Klal Yisroel in Its Time of Crisis”
A deeply moving encounter took place this morning at the home of Rav Yigal Cohen, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council and the head of Yabia Omer institutions, as he met with Agam Berger, who survived Hamas captivity. Berger was accompanied by askan Mr. Shai Graucher.
During the meeting, Rav Cohen expressed his profound admiration for Agam’s extraordinary inner strength during her time in captivity. He praised her unwavering commitment to Torah values despite the immense suffering and challenges she faced, noting her dedication to Shabbos observance, kashrus, and steadfast emunah.
“Zechus gadol nafal bechelkech,” Rav Cohen told her. “You succeeded in strengthening the entire Jewish nation during a time of crisis and hardship, and you spread the name of the Ribbono Shel Olam throughout the entire world.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Rav Cohen presented Agam and Graucher with copies of his new siddur and the sefer Chovos HaLevavos.
{Matzav.com Israel}
Ben-Gvir To Outlaw Protests On Essential Roads: ‘The Right To Demonstrate Is Not An Inherent Right’
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a new policy document addressing the government’s approach to handling demonstrations, setting a five-day deadline for Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara to issue a formal response.
The four-page document identifies what it refers to as “critical roads” that must remain open under all circumstances. These include routes to hospitals, roads connecting to Ben-Gurion Airport, highways whose closure would cut off access to certain communities, designated emergency paths, and other primary thoroughfares.
“The right to demonstrate is not an inherent right, but rather a relative right,” the document states.
Ben-Gvir’s office said that the attorney-general had received a copy of this policy months earlier but had yet to provide any feedback. The minister declared that if a response is not delivered within the allotted five days, the new rules will be enforced immediately.
{Matzav.com Israel}
UN Votes To End Its Peacekeeping Force In Lebanon Next Year After Nearly 5 Decades
Smotrich: Israel Must Seize Full Control of Gaza, Annex Security Zone to Defeat Hamas by 2026
Rosh Hashanah in Uman: Rabbonim Warn Men with Arrest Warrants Not to Try to Leave Israel
Breslover rabbonim issued an urgent directive this morning instructing that anyone in Israel with an active arrest warrant must not attempt to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. The ruling comes after several recent incidents in which chareidi men who received draft notices but failed to report were detained when passing through customs.
The decision was reached during a gathering of about 100 Breslover rabbonim representing both Ashkenazic and Sephardic kehillos. The meeting brought together leaders from across the movement to address growing concerns regarding government enforcement of army draft laws.
During the session, representatives from organizations fighting against the gezeiros of army conscription presented detailed briefings outlining the procedures currently being implemented in military recruitment offices and holding facilities. They provided updates on the heightened risk faced by individuals flagged for noncompliance.
After hearing these reports, the rabbonim issued a firm psak: “Anyone with an active arrest warrant must not attempt to leave the country, as doing so risks immediate arrest.” They further stressed, “Everything possible must be done to avoid, God forbid, a situation leading to arrest.”
The rabbonim also reiterated their unequivocal opposition to all forms of compulsory service, declaring the draft a “decree of religious annihilation.” They clarified that participation in any framework—whether military, national, or civil service—is strictly prohibited according to daas Torah.
Responsibility for enforcing this guidance has been placed on rabbeim, mashpi’im, and other spiritual leaders within the Breslover community. They were urged to ensure that their talmidim and followers fully understand the risks and do not place themselves in danger by attempting to travel under these circumstances.
This psak carries significant weight given the centrality of the Uman pilgrimage in Breslover life. For many, traveling to the Rav Nachman for Rosh Hashanah is regarded as a sacred obligation. Over the years, Breslover chassidim have endured great hardships to fulfill this mitzvah—crossing multiple borders by land, air, and sea to be in Uman on time. In recent years, they have overcome tremendous challenges, including strict COVID-19 restrictions and the ongoing security dangers posed by the war in Ukraine.
{Matzav.com}
Unusual Alliance Forms Between Breslov and the Peleg Faction to Help Travelers Reach Uman
A surprising collaboration has emerged between the Breslover community and the Peleg Yerushalmi faction as they work together to assist individuals with travel restrictions who hope to spend Rosh Hashanah in Uman.
In recent months, dozens of young Breslover chassidim with active arrest warrants turned themselves in to military prisons, believing that serving short terms would remove their exit bans and allow them to travel. However, for many, this strategy backfired — once released, some were immediately drafted following their initial meeting with army authorities.
According to a report by Daniel Grobeis on Galei Tzahal, this led Peleg activists to take action. In coordination with certain Breslover rabbonim, they set up a dedicated information hotline. The hotline advises callers to avoid any direct contact with the IDF and provides guidance on who may still be able to travel to Uman.
During conversations with the hotline, some operators suggest alternative approaches. One commonly promoted strategy is for those who have draft notices but no active arrest warrant to present themselves at the Bakum enlistment office, begin the registration process, and request a draft date scheduled after Rosh Hashanah. The hotline claims that upon returning from Ukraine, they can assist these travelers in securing a full exemption from military service.
Another option discussed involves borrowing a passport from someone without an exit restriction and attempting to use it at Ben Gurion Airport. Hotline operators acknowledge that many successfully traveled this way last year but warn that this method carries significant risks.
The Peleg’s hotline emphasizes a hardline stance: it firmly instructs callers not to report to the army under any circumstances, contrary to the advice offered by certain Breslover representatives. Meanwhile, more moderate voices within Breslov are urging followers not to travel to Uman this year at all.
At the same time, more radical Breslov factions are preparing for protests in coordination with Peleg activists at Ben Gurion Airport, should authorities intensify enforcement efforts.
In response to criticism, representatives of the Peleg hotline stated: “Every activity of the hotline operates strictly within the law. The rabbonim’s clear instructions are not to report to enlistment offices under any circumstances. When the state blocks the legal paths to travel and prevents Yidden from going to Uman to daven, it should not be surprised if some seek alternative solutions that fall outside of the legal framework.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Twisted Minneapolis Mass Shooter Openly Admired Hitler, Would Perform Nazi Salutes In Front Of Classmates
Florida Bets on $4,000 Robot Rabbits to Save Native Wildlife From Pythons
Biden’s National Security Advisor: “I Am Telling Dems. to Vote Against Giving Weapons to Israel”
Jake Sullivan, who served as National Security Advisor, stated this week that choosing to support measures aimed at stopping the transfer of weapons to Israel has become a “credible position,” marking a significant change in tone from the senior Biden administration official as tensions rise over Israel’s ongoing military actions and internal political climate.
In an interview with Tim Miller on The Bulwark, Sullivan discussed talks he has had with lawmakers considering such resolutions, particularly following the collapse of the ceasefire back in March.
“Given the situation as it stands today, a vote to withhold weapons from Israel is a totally credible position,” Sullivan said. “That is a position that I would support.”
Sullivan placed this development within the larger context of the future of U.S.-Israel relations, noting that the political path Israel chooses internally will heavily influence the dynamic between the two countries.
“Are we going to be dealing with the prime minister and a right-wing government for years on end, or is there going to be political change in Israel?” he questioned, pointing out that Israel’s democratic direction in the coming years will play a major role in shaping the relationship.
“If nothing changes in their government—if it continues to be a far-right government that pursues the same policies—then it won’t be the Israel we’ve known,” Sullivan warned. “I think a lot of Israelis would say they wouldn’t recognize that Israel. And obviously, that should have an impact on the relationship.”
{Matzav.com}
Al Sharpton And Zohran Mamdani Lead Pro-DEI “March On Wall Street” On Anniversary Of The 1963 March On Washington
Ben Gvir Seeks to Outlaw Road-Blocking and Protests Inside Shuls
Israeli Supreme Court Rejects Bid to Cancel Chareidi Draft Notices
The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a petition seeking to nullify enlistment orders issued to roughly 5,500 chareidi yeshiva students.
The petition was submitted by the organization “Emes LeYaakov in Israel,” which argued that the draft notices were distributed based on an improper process, relying on information that was allegedly obtained unlawfully from the National Insurance Institute. The group contended that the method used was both illegal and discriminatory.
The petition called for the annulment of the original enlistment orders and requested that any new notices be reissued through a proper, lawful procedure. However, the court dismissed this claim, explaining that the IDF has since updated its policy and no longer depends on data from the National Insurance Institute when sending draft orders.
According to the ruling, the IDF has begun issuing enlistment notices to approximately 54,000 potential recruits without using external eligibility data. Because of this significant policy change, the justices concluded that the petition was no longer relevant and decided to dismiss the case. As a result, a hearing that had been scheduled for September 11 was canceled.
Despite the decision, the petitioners voiced strong concerns about the impact on those who had already received the original orders. They warned that thousands of chareidi men who were sent these earlier notices are now considered “draft evaders,” placing them at risk of arrest and additional penalties from the military police.
The organization argued that canceling the original orders would have given these individuals temporary protection, preventing them from being classified as evaders for several months, even if new draft notices were sent out immediately.
Leaders of Emes LeYaakov emphasized that they will continue pursuing legal avenues, announcing plans to submit additional petitions on the matter of chareidi enlistment in the near future. The court ruled that both sides will be responsible for covering their own legal expenses.
{Matzav.com}
Iran’s Ambassador Departs Australia After Being Expelled For Orchestrating Antisemitic Terror Attacks
Press Sec: Trump Urges Nation to Pray for Minneapolis Shooting Victims
Pilot Killed in Fighter Jet Crash During Poland Air Show Training
Pages
