We know of times in galus that Klal Yisroel was forced to take a stand and fight for our Torah true Yiddishkeit to survive. Today, there is a real fight for the survival of our Torah values happening right now! The woke left, Conservative and Reform movements are doing everything they can to ensure that Kedushas Eretz Yisroel does not remain intact. They have harnessed the power inherent in the WZO, an entity that controls billions of dollars of funds in Eretz Yisroel, to meet their agenda. Changing what geirus looks like, kashrus standards, kosher marriages, the integrity and kedusha of mekomos hakedoshim like the Kosel, suing the Torah world in Israel Supreme Court, challenging traditional family values. While our community has stepped up and voted in the current WZO elections, these other parties have come out very strong! We are seeing an unprecedented turnout from them- and we need our community to come out even stronger! The election ends in just a few hours! Sunday night, 11:59 PM PST. We need you to join as a klal and vote. You, your family, your friends. We can do this- we know we have the numbers- we need each person to view this as his achrayus! Don’t stand down. Stand up. Vote. It will take 2 minutes of your time and $5. EretzHakodesh.org
Iran showcased a newly developed ballistic missile on Sunday, just days after Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu issued warnings about retaliating against missile attacks from the Houthis and their Iranian backers.
State-run Iranian media announced that the missile, dubbed the Qassem Basiar, is capable of reaching distances over 1,200 kilometers. Iranian officials touted the launch as part of what they called the country’s most recent achievements in defense technology.
Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh praised the missile’s capabilities, stating, “The Qassem Basiar missile is resistant to electronic warfare and can bypass anti-ballistic missile systems.”
He went on to note, “It does not use GPS, has high maneuverability, and delivers precise strikes.”
Nasirzadeh issued a stern warning, saying, “If we are attacked and war is imposed on us, we will respond forcefully and strike the enemy’s bases and interests.” He added, “We have no hostility toward neighboring countries, but American bases are targets for us if we are attacked.”
Earlier in the day, Israel’s military confirmed that a missile fired from Yemen by the Iranian-supported Houthi group was picked up by defense systems shortly after launch. In response, the U.S. and Israel deployed interceptor missiles, including Israel’s Arrow 3. Both interceptors, however, failed to neutralize the incoming threat.
Sources within the IDF told The Jerusalem Post that the failed interception of the missile that hit near Ben-Gurion Airport was the result of a technical malfunction.
They clarified that the failure wasn’t linked to human mistakes or to any advanced weaponry allegedly used by the Houthis.
Despite this incident, the IDF maintained that the Israel Air Force has successfully shot down dozens of missiles from the Houthis since the war began, boasting an interception rate of over 95%.
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Matzav.com}
The Trump administration apparently has backed away from a proposal to eliminate funding for Head Start, the early education program that serves some of the nation’s neediest preschoolers. Backers of the six-decade-old program, which educates more than half a million children from low-income and homeless families, had been fretting after a leaked Trump administration proposal suggested defunding it. Project 2025, the conservative blueprint drawn up by the Heritage Foundation and co-authored by President Donald Trump’s current budget chief, also called for cutting Head Start. But the budget summary released Friday, which outlined programs set to receive drastic cuts or boosts, did not mention Head Start. On a call with reporters, an administration official said there would be “no changes” to it. The official insisted on anonymity to preview the budget plan on a call with reporters. Still, teachers, families and advocates remain concerned about the stability of Head Start. The Trump administration is closing several regional offices and laying off the staff who support the program, which has led to funding delays that threatened to close individual preschools. A document accidentally emailed to grant recipients this week called for eliminating funding for research on Head Start and other child care programs. And before Trump took office, staffing shortages and rising costs had forced some programs to cut the number of students they served, or shutter altogether. Advocates say other cuts to education and social-safety-net programs would also hurt families served by Head Start. “While Head Start is grateful that it was not explicitly eliminated in this skinny budget proposal, we are concerned about the significant cuts that threaten access to health services, education, and support for hundreds of thousands of families,” said Yasmina Vinci, executive director for the National Head Start Association, in a statement. (AP)
The Sudanese military destroyed a UAE transport aircraft loaded with drones and Chinese-manufactured weapons at Nyala Airport.
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has been confiding to those in his inner circle that he feels increasingly disillusioned with President Donald Trump’s approach to the Middle East, according to a report published by Yisroel Hayom.
While Trump often makes strong statements during meetings about confronting Syria and Iran, Netanyahu reportedly feels that the administration’s follow-through is inconsistent and not aligned with its rhetoric.
One particular concern for Netanyahu has been Trump’s backing of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s moves to assert control in Syria. Though Trump has allowed Israel operational freedom in the region, Netanyahu remains uneasy about the broader implications of Erdogan’s growing influence.
Tensions became evident during an impromptu meeting in Washington in April, when Trump publicly complimented Erdogan while Netanyahu sat beside him without responding. Erdogan, a vocal opponent of Israel, has gone so far as to lead prayers calling for Israel’s destruction during a Ramadan visit to a mosque.
Another point of discomfort for Netanyahu has been Trump’s decision to reengage Iran in nuclear negotiations, a move unveiled during the same White House meeting. Israeli officials fear the United States is offering concessions without demanding significant commitments in return.
Adding to the Israeli leader’s frustration, Israel Hayom reports that Netanyahu is disappointed over the dismissal of Mike Waltz, who recently served as the U.S. National Security Adviser.
As detailed by The Washington Post, Trump was reportedly displeased with Waltz’s aggressive stance on Iran and his ongoing coordination with Netanyahu regarding military strategies targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. These tensions were said to be a factor in Waltz’s removal last week.
In response to the coverage, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement saying, “in their conversation days ago, Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump agreed that the supreme goal is the dismantling of Iran’s ability to achieve a nuclear weapon.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
President Donald Trump firmly shut down growing speculation about a potential third term, telling NBC’s Meet the Press that he has no intention of seeking office beyond 2028, despite flirtations with the idea in recent months. “This is not something I’m looking to do,” Trump told host Kristen Welker in the Sunday broadcast. “I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody—ideally a great Republican—to carry it forward.” Trump’s comments appear to contradict his previous musings about a possible third term. In March, he claimed he wasn’t “joking” when referencing a 2028 run and hinted there were “methods” around the constitutional ban established by the 22nd Amendment. His campaign store even began selling “Trump 2028” hats, fueling speculation among loyal MAGA supporters. Despite walking back any third-term ambitions, Trump remained cagey about whom he might endorse as his successor. He named Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as standouts, calling Vance “a fantastic, brilliant guy,” and praising Rubio as “great,” but declined to rank potential picks. The interview covered a broad array of controversial issues. When pressed on his administration’s refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia—an illegal immigrant deported and imprisoned in El Salvador—Trump repeatedly deflected. Asked whether due process applied to citizens and non-citizens, and whether he was obligated to follow the Constitution, Trump answered, “I don’t know.” On the trafe war, Trump suggested that tariffs imported goods could become a permanent fixture of his economic agenda, even at the expense of small businesses. “If somebody thought they were going to come off the table, why would they build in the United States?” he asked. He also dismissed calls for exemptions to help struggling small businesses, despite warnings from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce about potential “irreparable harm.” After weeks of signaling that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s job was at risk, Trump reversed course, saying he would not remove Powell before his term expires in 2026. “Why would I do that?” he said. “I get to replace the person in another short period of time.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
In response to Israel’s expanded operations in Gaza, the Houthis declared a complete air blockade on Israel, promising repeated strikes on airports, particularly Ben Gurion, while urging airlines to cancel flights and condemning Israeli actions in Lebanon and Syria, vowing Yemen’s defiance.
The share of Americans expecting a U.S. recession in the next year jumped to 72% in April — the highest in two years and up 8 points since November.
Levaya underway now at 770 for HaRav Sholom Dovber Lipskar zt”l, the longtime Rav of The Shul of Bal Harbour and founder of the Aleph Institute, who was niftar on Shabbos. An additional Levaya amd Kevura will take place shortly at the Ohel of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, 226-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., Cambria Heights, NY 11411.
In response to an alarming uptick in public chillul Shabbos, leading rabbonim from across Beit Shemesh and beyond have issued a strongly worded kol koreh, calling on residents to strengthen their observance of Shabbos and to firmly oppose growing trends that compromise its sanctity.
The letter, signed by more than twenty rabbonim and dayanim, decries the rising phenomenon of businesses operating in violation of halacha, with a special focus on the increasing activity of the “BIG” shopping centers on Shabbos. These commercial hubs, the rabbonim warn, are violating the holiness of Shabbos.
“The BIG shopping complexes are openly desecrating Shabbos,” the rabbonim write, “and in doing so, they uproot the spirit of holiness from our city’s public sphere. There is no heter to shop at such places, even if some stores appear to be technically closed, as many rely on revenue from Shabbos or operate with preparations that violate the spirit of the day.”
The letter also expresses concern over shopping that takes place just before Shabbos, which can result in rushed preparations, a lack of proper kavod Shabbos, and inadvertent violations of halacha. The public is urged to plan ahead and refrain from giving business to stores that erode the sanctity of Shabbos through last-minute commercialism.
Quoting previous rulings of gedolei Yisroel, the rabbonim emphasize that material success is never a justification for breaching halachic boundaries. In fact, they stress, true brachah comes from honoring Shabbos, not from desecrating it.
“The observant public must reinforce its ranks,” the letter reads, “and inspire others to join in safeguarding the holiness of Shabbos.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Rav Reuven Kamenetsky, a respected Rosh Kollel in Yerushalayim, has released a recorded message delivering a clear and urgent message regarding the opinion of his revered uncle, Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky.
In the message, Rav Reuven reveals that Rav Shmuel strongly endorses the Eretz HaKodesh slate in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections, warning that it would be a tremendous Chilul Hashem if the non-Orthodox movements gain strength at the expense of Torah-aligned parties. He stresses that Torah Jewry must make its voice heard by voting for Eretz HaKodesh.
Rav Reuven stated that he has long known this to be his uncle’s position, but he has only now been given permission to publicly share his message as the final hours of the campaign approach. This is due to the intensified efforts of the non-Orthodox factions, driving Rav Shmuel’s deep fear of the Chilul Hashem that would result if these groups advance further.
WATCH:
{Matzav.com}
The White House plans to cut staffing at the CIA and other intelligence agencies, including the National Security Agency, Trump administration officials told members of Congress, The Washington Post reported Friday. A person familiar with the plan but not authorized to discuss it publicly confirmed the changes to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The administration plans to reduce the CIA workforce by 1,200 over several years, and cut thousands of positions at the NSA and other intelligence agencies. The Post reported that the reductions at the CIA include several hundred people who have already opted for early retirement. The rest of the cuts would be achieved partly through reduced hirings and would not likely necessitate layoffs. In response to questions about the reductions, the CIA issued a statement saying CIA Director John Ratcliffe is working to align the agency with Trump’s national security priorities. “These moves are part of a holistic strategy to infuse the Agency with renewed energy, provide opportunities for rising leaders to emerge, and better position CIA to deliver on its mission,” the agency wrote in the statement. A spokesperson for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Gabbard’s office oversees and coordinates the work of 18 agencies that collect and analyze intelligence. The CIA and NSA have already offered voluntary resignations to some employees. The CIA also has said it plans to lay off an unknown number of recently hired employees. The new administration has also eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion programs at intelligence agencies, though a judge has temporarily blocked efforts to fire 19 employees working on DEI programs who challenged their terminations. Trump also abruptly fired the general who led the NSA and the Pentagon’s Cyber Command. Ratcliffe has vowed to overhaul the CIA and said he wants to boost the agency’s use of intelligence from human sources and its focus on China. (AP)
“Telling your wife your needs and wants” is a complete waste of time for married men who want happiness and I’ll tell you why. So many marriage experts claim they have the secret to a happy marriage and that it all comes down to communication, boundaries and bringing in more money. They tell you to help out more at home, talk about the past, go together to a marriage professional but never stop to take inventory of whether ANY of these methods are actually WORKING in creating happiness and joy! I am not saying those strategies don’t work at all, but they are the long… slow… painful way of having a happy home. And for the few that make it with these strategies, they’ve done it while he doesn’t get what he needs, and she doesn’t get what she needs. Meanwhile, we’re helping our clients connect with their wives on the highest level, living lives full of happiness and excitement and it gets more and more joyful by the day where both husband and wife feel happiness and excitement… … all without needing their wife to meet them halfway! To check out how they do this, click below to watch my free presentation where I share all the details … you’re going to thank me for it! 3 Steps Married Men Use to Get Rid of Friction and Create Happiness and Excitement… Without Needing Their Wife to Meet Them Halfway!
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas accused Hamas-affiliated gangs of looting humanitarian aid in Gaza, calling the theft a national disgrace during a time of immense suffering. “The looting and theft carried out by criminal gangs targeting warehouses and storage facilities of humanitarian aid is unacceptable,” Abbas said in remarks published Friday by the P.A.’s official Wafa news agency. Abbas pointed the finger squarely at “Hamas-affiliated gangs,” accusing them of being “primarily responsible” for pillaging the aid meant for Gaza’s war-ravaged civilians. “Palestinians will not forgive these disgraceful acts committed in such a critical time,” Abbas warned, adding that the perpetrators are “well known to the public” and would be held accountable “at the appropriate time.” The remarks come amid reports that Hamas has seized and redistributed up to 60% of aid entering the Gaza Strip, often diverting food and medical supplies for its own fighters or for sale on the black market. Israel suspended its aid flow on March 2 after Hamas rejected yet another U.S.-backed ceasefire and hostage deal. The condemnation adds fuel to the long-simmering feud between Abbas’s Fatah party — which rules parts of Yehuda and Shomron — and Hamas, the terror group that violently overthrew the P.A. in Gaza in 2007. Attempts at reconciliation, including a Chinese- and Egyptian-brokered unity government proposal earlier this year, appear to have collapsed once again. Abbas’s outburst also took a sharp turn when, in a rare moment of public frustration, he seemed to lash out at Hamas for holding hostages. “Why don’t you hand over the American hostages?” he asked rhetorically. “Sons of dogs, release those you are holding and put an end to this story. Shut down their [Israel’s] excuses. End this!” His comments did not clarify whether he was calling for the release of all the remaining 59 hostages from the October 7th massacre, or only the Americans among them. Ironically, Abbas’s own Fatah-aligned Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades took part in the October 7 attacks, and the P.A. continues to pay stipends to the terrorists involved through its notorious “pay-for-slay” policy. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir paid a visit this morning to Shayetet 13, the elite Israeli naval commando unit, alongside Vice-Admiral David Saar Salama.
During the tour, Zamir received an operational update highlighting the unit’s performance and capabilities throughout the war. He also took time to engage with the commandos, commending them for their dedication and service across various combat zones.
Addressing the ongoing military campaign in Gaza, Zamir stated, “This week we are issuing tens of thousands of orders to our reservists in order to enhance and expand our operation in Gaza. We are increasing pressure in order to bring back the hostages and defeat Hamas. We will operate in additional areas and destroy all infrastructure above and below ground.”
He went on to praise the naval unit’s contribution to the broader war effort: “You, soldiers of the flotilla, are a unique unit that has operated throughout the war with distinction and brought significant achievements with your special capabilities. We will continue to strengthen the naval dimension – special operations at sea and from the sea, as part of the strategic capabilities of the IDF and the State of Israel. We have great appreciation for all our reservists, the combination of all forces together – regular, career, reserves, frontline troops, and the Home Front Command – is what we need to fulfill our missions.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Despite military regulations restricting non-essential communications on Shabbos, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit has continued to release press statements on Shabbosos, even when the information does not pertain to urgent matters or immediate threats to human life.
One such example occurred this past Shabbos, when the IDF issued a routine update summarizing operations carried out in Judea and Samaria during the month of April.
On the same day, the unit also distributed a video from the Israeli Air Force’s operations center, featuring senior commanders from the IAF and Northern Command overseeing an aerial strike in Syria. Additional updates included details of a mission conducted by the 19th Brigade in northern Gaza, as well as a report about the transfer of five injured Druze civilians from Syria to receive treatment in an Israeli medical facility.
According to official army protocols, issuing communications on Shabbos is allowed only when there is a danger to human life, a critical operational need, or when a public announcement is required and cannot be delayed. Other exceptions are permitted only with approval from the Military Rabbinate. However, top officials in the Rabbinate have stated that many of these releases are published without their prior knowledge, and that no formal process or consistent coordination exists between them and the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.
{Matzav.com Israel}
The United States has given initial approval to sell $3.5 billion worth of air-to-air missiles for Saudi Arabia’s fighter jets, the latest proposed arms deal for the region ahead of President Donald Trump ‘s planned trip to the region later this month. The sale, announced early Saturday, likely will be one of several heralded by Trump on his visit to the kingdom. Saudi Arabia has already said it wants to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years, likely as a way to woo Trump to again pick the kingdom for his first formal trip as president. Trump traveled to Italy briefly for Pope Francis’ funeral. Trump’s 2017 trip to Saudi Arabia upended a tradition of modern U.S. presidents typically first heading to Canada, Mexico or the United Kingdom for their first trip abroad. It also underscored his administration’s close ties to the rulers of the oil-rich Gulf states as his eponymous real estate company has pursued deals across the region. The arms sale involves 1,000 AIM-120C-8 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles, guidance sections and other technical support. The missiles will be built by RTX Corp of Tucson, Ariz. The Royal Saudi Air Force has the world’s second-largest fleet of F-15 fighter jets after the U.S. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that contributes to political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region,” the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement. The proposed sale now goes to the U.S. Congress. Lawmakers typically weigh in on such sales and, in some cases, can block them. Saudi Arabia has faced intense Congressional scrutiny for years, first for launching a war on Yemen’s Houthi rebels back in 2015 that saw the kingdom’s airstrikes kill civilians. Then a Saudi assassination team killed Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018. The U.S. intelligence community concluded the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who likely will meet Trump on his visit this month and met with President Joe Biden in his term, ordered the operation against Khashoggi. The kingdom insists the prince was not involved in the killing. Trump maintained close ties to the Gulf states after leaving office. His second administration has already given initial approval for the energy-rich Mideast nation of Qatar to buy eight armed MQ-9B Reaper drones for its military, a purchase estimated to be worth nearly $2 billion. (AP)
The Aron carrying HaRav Sholom Lipskar ZT”L is on its way to 770 Eastern Parkway for the Levaya after landing at JFK Airport on a Hatzalah Airplane from Miami.
United Airlines announced on Friday that it will be scaling back its operations at Newark Liberty International Airport, eliminating 35 daily round-trip flights from its schedule. The airline cited continued disruptions caused by airport construction, a lack of FAA personnel, and technical failures as the main factors behind the decision, which has already impacted thousands of passengers with extensive delays.
This latest adjustment will reduce United’s daily flights at Newark by 10%, a significant cut to the airline’s overall operations at the busy New Jersey hub.
“It’s disappointing to make further cuts to an already reduced schedule at Newark, but since there is no way to resolve the near-term structural FAA staffing issues, we feel like there is no other choice in order to protect our customers,” Kirby wrote in a statement to passengers.
By late Friday afternoon, Newark had logged 330 flight delays and 20 cancellations, according to data from FlightAware. Passengers arriving at the airport faced delays reaching up to two hours, while departing flights were held back by approximately an hour.
On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration pointed to a combination of factors causing the backup, including a continuing shortage of air traffic controllers and resurfacing work underway on one of Newark’s runways.
“The FAA is slowing arrivals and departures at Newark Liberty International Airport due to runway construction at Newark and staffing issues at Philadelphia TRACON, which guides aircraft in and out of the airport,” a FAA spokesperson said.
This turbulent week at Newark Airport has already included a temporary halt to all departures on Monday afternoon, which was caused by a technical malfunction that disrupted airport equipment.
{Matzav.com}
After years of defending Sen. John Fetterman through health scares, debate debacles, and questions about his fitness for office, the same media that once shielded him is now turning on him — and the timing is no mystery. In a bombshell New York Magazine exposé, current and former staffers paint a picture of a “bizarre” and “erratic” senator battling serious mental health challenges, facing tensions at home, and alienating his staff. But the real shock? Much of the criticism began only after Fetterman broke ranks with the progressive wing of his party and became an unapologetic defender of Israel. The hit piece, titled “All By Himself: John Fetterman insists he is in good health, but staffers past and present say they no longer recognize the man they once knew”, catalogs a series of incidents, including reports of Fetterman wandering the Capitol, nearly being struck by a car, and being “catatonic” during a conversation with then-Sen. Sherrod Brown. The account raises alarms about his mental state — even claiming he hasn’t had bloodwork in months and has physically stumbled into people in the Capitol complex. But these same outlets had no interest in raising the alarm during the campaign, when Fetterman — fresh off a debilitating stroke — could barely get through a debate against Dr. Mehmet Oz without visibly struggling to form sentences. At the time, the media rushed to assure Americans he was sharp, lucid, and perfectly capable of serving in the U.S. Senate. Now, after Fetterman emerged from his hospitalization and began pushing back against the far-left flank of his party — including vocally supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas — the knives have come out. According to the piece, internal staffers lashed out at Fetterman over his support for the Jewish state, calling it a “gutting betrayal,” while his wife Gisele reportedly confronted him personally, questioning: “Jerusalem [is] bombing refugee camps — how can you support this?” Gisele also reportedly raised complaints directly with his Senate staffers. The coordinated media pivot was not lost on political observers. The backlash isn’t just about health. It’s about ideological betrayal — or at least, that’s how the progressive left sees it. Fetterman, once a darling of the populist wing, has taken an increasingly independent stance, calling for Sen. Bob Menendez’s resignation, backing Israel, and refusing to parrot extremist narratives. Some now speculate this public takedown is a preemptive political hit ahead of a possible 2028 primary clash between Fetterman and fellow Pennsylvanian Gov. Josh Shapiro. “Funny how they didn’t run these hit pieces or question Fetterman’s mental health during the campaign,” one observer noted. “But now that he’s not a deranged Trump hater, a psychotic terrorist lover, or an obedient progressive, suddenly they’re starting to question his mental acuity.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
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