Feed aggregator

Low-value imports are losing their duty-free status in the United States this week as part of President Donald Trump’s agenda for making the nation less dependent on foreign goods and resetting global trade with tariffs. An executive order signed last month eliminates a widely used customs exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less starting Friday, nearly two years earlier than the deadline set in the tax cuts and spending bill approved by Congress. Although the president previously ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent from China and Hong Kong, having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and online shoppers. Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will require vetting and be subject to their origin country’s applicable tariff rate, which can range from 10% to 50%. For the next six months, carriers handling orders sent through the global mail network also can choose a flat duty of $80 to $200 per package instead of the value-based rate. In response, the national postal services of more than a dozen countries said they would temporarily suspend sending some or most U.S.-bound packages due to confusion over processing and payment requirements. Japan and Switzerland on Monday joined Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Thailand, the U.K. and New Zealand in saying they would pause shipments. Exemption created in 1938 for $1 imports The Trump administration says the exemption has become a loophole that foreign businesses exploit to evade tariffs and criminals use to get drugs, counterfeit products and other contraband into the U.S. Former President Joe Biden and members of Congress also discussed the issue. Other countries have similar exemptions, but the threshold is usually lower. For example, 150 euros ($175) is the value limit in the 20 European Union countries that use the euro as their official currency. The U.K. allows foreign businesses to send parcels worth up to 135 pounds ($182) without incurring tariff charges. In the U.S., the “de minimis” — Latin for lacking significance or importance — exemption started in 1938 as a way to save the federal government the time and expense of collecting duties on imported goods with a retail value of $1 or less. U.S. lawmakers eventually increased the eligibility cutoff to $5 in 1990, to $200 in 1993 and to $800 in 2015, according to the Congressional Research Service. Since then, the number of shipments claiming de minimis treatment has exploded. A total of 1.36 billion packages with a combined value of $64.6 billion reached the U.S. last year, compared to 134 million packages sent under the exemption in 2015, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency reported. About 60% of the 2024 shipments came from China and Hong Kong, according to an analysis logistics firm Flexport prepared based on U.S. government data. Multiple countries and regions accounted for the remainder, including Canada, Mexico, the European Union, India and Vietnam. Boutique owner anticipates higher costs for European apparel Proponents of limiting the exemption argue that it has served as a way for China-founded retail platforms like Temu and Shein to flood the U.S. with low-priced goods. The National Council of Textile Organizations said the move would help close a “backdoor pipeline for cheap, subsidized, and often illegal, toxic and unethical imports.” But some smaller American […]

Reb Baruch Ber Lebowitz’s prophetic foresight regarding Reb Aharon Leib Steinman when he was a bochur!  Kamenitz, 1936

In a dramatic development, Yisroel Ezagui, who is facing charges of threatening the Israeli Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has been officially classified as a security prisoner and is now being held under conditions typically reserved for terrorists.

The unusual decision was made by Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi after investigators determined that Ezagui had approached the office of the Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, seeking a psak din permitting a “din rodeif” against the Attorney General.

During his interrogation, Ezagui claimed that his words were purely theoretical and that he had no intention of committing any violent act.

“I don’t use weapons, I don’t own weapons, and I’ve never done anything like this,” Ezagui said. “It was just a theoretical idea. I wasn’t planning to do anything.”

He explained that the decision to ask the question was made on the spot and that he fully expected Rav Yosef to forbid it.

When asked why he mentioned the Attorney General specifically, Ezagui responded:
“I didn’t really mean to kill anyone, but in the newspaper, it was only her name that came up. I’m not involved in politics. I don’t know anyone else.”

Pressed about what upset him, he explained simply: “I just feel bad that people are disrespecting talmidei chachomim.”

When investigators questioned what he would have done if Rav Yosef had permitted the action, Ezagui replied: “Look… I imagine a lot of things, but in reality, I don’t think I would have done anything.”

Ezagui recounted that he contacted Rav Yosef’s assistant, presenting the issue as an urgent sha’alah involving pikuach nefesh. According to police, he came prepared with a printed note stating that he would only act if two leading gedolei hador gave explicit approval.

The assistant handed the note to the Rav, who was reportedly shocked. Rav Yosef immediately wrote on the page in his own handwriting: “אסור! אסור! אסור!” (“Forbidden! Forbidden! Forbidden!”) and instructed his staff to alert the authorities right away.

Rav Yosef’s chief of staff, Yitzchak Harush, informed Yehuda Avidan, the Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services, who quickly contacted the Police Commissioner. The threat was then classified as credible and potentially life-threatening.

Ezagui’s attorney, Erez Bar-Tzvi, sharply criticized the classification, arguing that it was a deliberate attempt to sensationalize the incident.

“This is an unreasonable and disproportionate decision,” Bar-Tzvi stated. “My client did not commit any act that justifies being treated like a terrorist. This move is meant solely to create a public impression, and we intend to challenge it in the appropriate courts.”

Authorities, however, maintain that the matter warranted heightened security protocols given the sensitivity of the case and the prominence of those involved.

{Matzav.com Israel}

🚀 Hire Skilled Remote Talent! 🌎💼 Small businesses can 💰 save up to 70% on hiring costs! ✅ Proficient in English ✅ No Contract Fees ✅ Full-time / Part-time Options Why pay more when you can get top talent for less?  📞 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/TCRN4VVYV3BYC1 🌐 hirensave.com 👉 Get Started Today!

Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid launched a sharp attack Tuesday evening against the government’s reported efforts to enable yeshiva students without legal status to travel to Uman for Rosh Hashanah. In a strongly worded letter to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, Lapid demanded that she block any attempt to advance such a plan, calling it a direct violation of the law.

According to Lapid, the proposed arrangement would enable individuals who are considered draft evaders to bypass legal restrictions. “These are deserters against whom criminal enforcement measures have been taken for violating the draft law. Any attempt to allow them to leave the country, circumventing the law, constitutes improper interference with enforcement,” he wrote.

Lapid warned that if the government moves forward with the plan, he will personally petition the High Court of Justice. “The attempts to grant privileges to those who do not uphold the law endanger the rule of law itself,” he added.

The letter comes amid growing pressure from chareidi representatives on the prime minister to secure permission for yeshiva students and avreichim who lack legal status to travel to Uman for the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump’s personal crypto ventures are expanding again, this time with plans for a digital asset treasury company that holds an alternative cryptocurrency. Trump Media and Technology Group, which operates the Truth Social media platform, announced Tuesday that it was partnering with the cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com to form a company that holds CRO, a token created by Crypto.com. A blank check company tied to Yorkville Advisors is another co-founder of the new firm, called Trump Media CRO Strategy. Trump Media said it plans to purchase $105 million worth of CRO. Yorkville said the total expected funding for the company’s treasury will be $1 billion worth of CRO, or about 19% of the token’s market cap, plus $420 million in cash and equivalents and as a $5 billion line of credit. The announcement is part of the hottest trend in crypto, in which a wide variety of companies – many with no obvious ties to the world of digital assets – have made buying and holding cryptocurrency a primary part of their business plan. The model is based on MicroStrategy, a tech firm that first started buying bitcoin in 2020 and has seen its stock price soar. “Companies of all sizes and sectors are strategically planning for the future by establishing digital asset treasuries anchored by assets that have created a comprehensive value proposition and are poised for even greater utility,” Devin Nunes, the chairman and CEO of Trump Media, said in a statement. Trump Media said it plans to introduce a “rewards system” on Truth Social that uses Crypto.com digital wallet infrastructure. CRO saw its price jump Tuesday morning by about 30% to 21 cents a token. It’s still far off from its all-time high of nearly 97 cents a token that it hit in 2021. Expanding Crypto Empire Since taking office, the Trump administration has pushed for crypto-friendly regulations and laws, while the Trump family has aggressively sought to expand its crypto-related businesses. That unprecedented dynamic has led to allegations of corruption from Democrats, though the president says he has entrusted the management of his business dealings to his sons. In May, Trump rewarded top investors in his meme coin with a swanky dinner. Trump launched the coin just days before taking office. Fans of the president have also been able to buy crypto-themed Trump merchandise, including $100,000 watches and pricey sneakers. Trump Media previously announced plans to hold a significant amount of bitcoin on its books as well as to create an exchange-traded fund tied to the prices of five popular cryptocurrencies. World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company launched by Trump and his sons last year, has received significant boosts from an investment fund in the United Arab Emirates and Justin Sun, a China-born crypto entrepreneur. The Securities and Exchange Commission has paused a lawsuit it filed against Sun in 2023 alleging his company engaged in market manipulation and paid celebrities for undisclosed promotions. A little-known firm called ALT5 Sigma recently announced it was planning to raise $1.5 billion to buy the digital coins created by World Liberty Financial and that Eric Trump, the president’s son, is joining the company’s board. Also on Tuesday, a firm called Canary Capital filed paperwork with the SEC seeking to sell an exchange-traded fund that will track the price of the president’s meme coin. (AP)

[COMMUNICATED]

Reb Baruch Ber Lebowitz’s prophetic foresight regarding Reb Aharon Leib Steinman when he was a bochur!   Kamenitz, 1936

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday that the United States has gone three consecutive months without any illegal immigrants entering the country and that 1.6 million individuals who were in the country illegally have chosen to leave on their own.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Noem expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for his backing and said her department is delivering on his promise to restore safety and security for American citizens.

“Today, the average family and individual that lives in this country is safer than they’ve been in years because of what you’ve done,” Noem said. “We’ve gone three months in a row now with zero illegal aliens coming into this country.”

She also praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his department’s role in strengthening border security.

“They’re down at the border with us, still helping us keep that border secure and make sure we know who’s coming into this country,” she said. “You’ve arrested and brought to justice hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens, criminals that have perpetuated violence against American people. Sir, you’ve had 1.6 million people voluntarily go home to their home countries that were here in this country illegally. Because of your strong message and you enforcing the law, they decided to go home on their own so that they could come back the right way someday and be American citizens.”

Noem pointed out the economic differences between the Trump administration and the previous one, emphasizing the shift in job opportunities.

“But what I think is one of the most remarkable statistics is that under Joe Biden’s administration, 88% of new jobs went to foreign born individuals. Under your administration, 2.5 [million] Americans have jobs today that they didn’t under the previous administration. And they have those jobs because you created opportunities.
“You made this country safe. You opened up the economy. You enforced the law. Now people can get up and provide for their families and go to work every day and be confident in that.”

She also highlighted the significant financial impact of the administration’s immigration enforcement policies, noting the cost savings for American taxpayers.

“You saved this country billions of dollars, about $15 billion just in what those illegal aliens were costing us in social programs,” Noem said. “I’ve cut over 450 different contracts at the Department of Homeland Security. We’re getting rid of corrupt ones, ones that were not efficient for taxpayers, weren’t focused on our mission of keeping us safe. And we’ve also renegotiated and brought in our biggest vendors and said, you have to do better.
“And we’ve saved the taxpayers over $13 billion doing that, as well. So, we’re continuing to be accountable with taxpayer dollars [and] focused on doing the mission of what you’ve committed, and that’s to keep us safe and to make sure we put Americans first.”

President Trump responded warmly to Noem’s report, commending her and others involved in the administration’s immigration efforts, including Hegseth and Tom Homan, his lead advisor on border security and deportation policy.

“Great job and great job on the border,” he said. “We had millions and millions of people coming in. To think three months in a row, zero. Incredible. That’s some job.”

{Matzav.com}

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on Tuesday that the administration plans to reveal next month what he called major findings about “interventions” that are “almost certainly” linked to the rise in autism cases.

Kennedy made the announcement during President Donald Trump’s cabinet meeting at the White House, which was broadcast live on Newsmax. Back in April, Kennedy had pledged that by September, the administration would pinpoint the primary causes behind the growing autism rates.

“We are doing very well. We will have announcements as promised in September,” RFK Jr. said when responding to a question from Trump. “We’re finding interventions, certain interventions now that are clearly almost certainly causing autism, and we’re going to be able to address those in September.”

According to data released in April from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, autism diagnoses in the U.S. have risen significantly. The latest report, part of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, showed that the rate had jumped from one in 36 children to one in 31.

Kennedy also revealed that a “massive testing and research effort” was underway and assured the public that findings would be shared by September.

“At your direction, we are going to know by September. We’ve launched a massive testing and research effort that’s going to involve hundreds of scientists from around the world,” Kennedy said during an April 10 cabinet meeting.

“By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic and we’ll be able to eliminate those exposures.”

{Matzav.com}

Reports that the government may allow certain bnei yeshiva who have not reported for army service to fly abroad for Rosh Hashanah in Uman and other destinations sparked sharp political backlash on Tuesday. Under Israeli law, those who fail to enlist in the IDF are generally barred from leaving the country. Minister Yitzchak Goldknopf, head of United Torah Judaism, sent a letter to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday, thanking him for the recent government plan to enable Yidden to travel to New York for the Yomim Nora’im. In his letter, he urged the prime minister to “expand the plan” so that even those presently under an exit ban could fly, stressing that such journeys are “a unique spiritual experience, and it is our obligation to enable them the same right granted to others.” In addition, the government this week earmarked NIS 10 million to help finance aspects of the annual Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage to Uman, where tens of thousands gather at the tziyon of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. The idea immediately drew fire from government critics. Minister Ofir Sofer of the Religious Zionist Party blasted the plan as being out of touch: “To focus on those avoiding the draft while tens of thousands of reservists are being called to the front during the Yomim Nora’im is a complete disconnection from reality.” Avigdor Liberman, head of Yisrael Beytenu, likewise condemned any government funding for Uman flights, claiming that money is being spent on those “trying to avoid service” while soldiers are mobilized in Gaza. Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) went further, sending a formal letter to Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara demanding that she block the plan. Lapid accused the government of considering permits for “10,000 healthy individuals who could be contributing to Israeli society and filling the IDF’s manpower needs.” The controversy comes as the High Court is reviewing related petitions. On Monday, the government supported a lawsuit calling for the removal of National Insurance discounts currently given to yeshiva students who do not serve. The state argued that such benefits were never meant to apply to those receiving exemptions or deferments. The petition was filed last year by secular activist groups pressing for stricter enforcement against draft exemptions. The debate underscores one of the most sensitive issues in Israeli society. Successive governments have failed to resolve the long-simmering dispute over a draft law that would secure broad exemptions for the bnei yeshiva. Charedi leaders continue to maintain that forcing yeshiva talmidim into the army represents an assault on bnei torah’s way of life. At the same time, military officials warn of manpower shortages as fighting intensifies on multiple fronts. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Americans’ view of the U.S. economy declined modestly in August as anxiety over a weakening job market grew for the eighth straight month. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index ticked down by 1.3 points to 97.4 in August, down from July’s 98.7, but in the same narrow range of the past three months. The small decline in confidence was in line with the forecasts of most of the economists who were surveyed. A measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market fell by 1.2 points to 74.8, remaining significantly below 80, the marker that can signal a recession ahead. Consumers’ assessments of their current economic situation also fell modestly, to 131.2 in August from 132.8 in July. While the unemployment and layoffs remain historically low, there has been noticeable deterioration in the labor market this year and mounting evidence that people are having difficulty finding jobs. U.S. employers added just 73,000 jobs in July, well short of the 115,000 analysts expected. Worse, revisions to the May and June figures shaved 258,000 jobs off previous estimates and the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2% from 4.1%. That report sent financial markets spiraling, spurring President Donald Trump to fire Erika McEntarfer, the head of Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tallies the monthly employment numbers. Another government report showed that U.S. employers posted 7.4 million job vacancies in June, down from 7.7 million in May. The number of people quitting their jobs — a sign of confidence in their prospects elsewhere — also fell. More jobs data comes next week when the government releases its August job gains and June job openings reports. The Conference Board’s report said that references to high prices and inflation increased again and were often mentioned in tandem with tariffs. Other government data this month showed that while prices at the consumer level held fairly steady from June to July, U.S. wholesale inflation surged unexpectedly last month. Economists say that’s a sign that Trump’s sweeping taxes on imports are pushing costs up and that higher prices for consumers may be on the way. The share of consumers expecting a recession over the next year rose in August to the highest level since April, when Trump’s tariff rollout began. The share of survey respondents who said they intended to buy a car in the near future rose, while those planning to purchase a home remained stable after July’s decline. Those saying they planned to buy big-ticket items like appliances fell, but there were big variations among product categories. Respondents who said they planned to take a vacation soon, either inside of the U.S. or abroad, also declined. (AP)

12 HOURS LEFT!!!! *YES!! Only $36 Dollars!! Grand Prize HONDA ODYSSEY!! + 10 Other Raffles!!* CLICK HERE NOW!!! More Shidduchim – Easier & Faster!LeShadech is a unique organization whose sole purpose is to support, motivate, and encourage lay-people and shadchanim in suggesting shidduchim. CLICK HERE NOW!!! 12 HOURS LEFT!!!! *YES!! Only $36 Dollars!! Grand Prize HONDA ODYSSEY!! + 10 Other Raffles!!* CLICK HERE NOW!!! More Shidduchim – Easier & Faster!LeShadech is a unique organization whose sole purpose is to support, motivate, and encourage lay-people and shadchanim in suggesting shidduchim. CLICK HERE NOW!!!

President Donald Trump is insisting that Harvard University pay a significant financial penalty for what he described as its “very bad” conduct.

During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump directly addressed Education Secretary Linda McMahon and made his position clear. “We want nothing less than $500 million from Harvard. Don’t negotiate, Linda. They’ve been very bad,” Trump stated.

Earlier reports indicated that Harvard and the Trump administration were nearing an agreement on a groundbreaking settlement. The proposal would require Harvard to provide $500 million while, in return, the government would restore billions of dollars in federal funding previously withheld.

According to sources who spoke with The New York Times, Harvard’s contribution would be allocated toward vocational programs, educational initiatives, and research. The university has reportedly requested that the payment not be made directly to the federal government. In exchange, the administration would reinstate Harvard’s research funding and drop its demand for a federal monitor — a key condition Harvard emphasized to maintain its academic independence.

Part of the settlement would also require Harvard to continue strengthening its policies and efforts aimed at combating antisemitism on campus.

Additionally, the deal would bring an end to the government’s growing list of investigations into the university. It would also lift restrictions that had prevented Harvard from admitting international students, according to the Times.

The structure of the settlement is expected to share similarities with Brown University’s recent agreement with the White House, finalized last month. Under that arrangement, Brown committed to paying $50 million over a ten-year period.

The White House is also reportedly seeking a clause requiring Harvard to provide the government with extensive admissions data, including detailed information on applicants’ race, gender, GPAs, and standardized test scores, the Times reported.

{Matzav.com}

Thanks to the incredible work of Flatbush Shomrim, more than $10,000 worth of stolen jewelry was returned to its rightful owner. Sources tell YWN that the incident began when an elderly woman’s regular home aide took some time off, and a temporary aide was hired in her place. Upon returning, the original aide noticed that the woman’s closet had been rummaged through, and upon further inspection, discovered that all of her jewelry was missing. Flatbush Shomrim was contacted immediately. The suspect was confronted and given an opportunity to return the items. Sure enough, just a few hours later, she returned every single piece of jewelry—valued at over $10,000—along with several hundred dollars in cash. All are reminded to exercise extreme caution when hiring help in the home. Proper vetting and oversight are essential to prevent such unfortunate incidents. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Yossi Cohen, the former head of the Mossad, revealed that he intends to run for the position of Prime Minister in the future.

Speaking on the podcast “Salon Shel Yasmin,” Cohen explained: “In the past, they always told me, ‘Don’t go near politics’ because of the heavy price it entails. Today, to a large extent, there’s no choice. If you want real change, I need to be Prime Minister.”

When asked why he hasn’t entered the political arena until now, Cohen replied: “I’m not going into politics at the moment since nothing’s going on in politics.”

He further clarified that he views his path differently than traditional politics. “I also don’t see this as politics. I see it differently, and I think this needs to be classified differently. In my opinion, this is a leadership position and not necessarily a political one, especially after October 7th. It is the leadership that I’m going to try to sell when there are elections, we will speak about national leadership, which is mostly unity and security,” Cohen added.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Democratic National Committee planned to clarify its position on the Israel-Hamas war this week. But after a surprise reversal, it may be several months before DNC officials adopt a formal position on an issue that has divided their party perhaps more than any other. The debate played out on Tuesday as the DNC gathered in a downtown Minneapolis hotel behind a security checkpoint for its annual summer meeting. There were two competing resolutions that addressed the war and the related humanitarian crisis in Gaza: The first, introduced by the committee’s progressive wing, called for an arms embargo and the suspension of military aid to Israel; the other, backed by DNC Chair Ken Martin, offered more context from Israel’s perspective while calling for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian assistance — including food, water, medicine and shelter — to civilians in Gaza.” It also reaffirmed the Democrats’ support for a two-state solution. The DNC’s Resolutions Committee voted to support Martin’s version and voted down the progressives’ preference. But after a brief debate, Martin surprised many in the crowded hotel ballroom by deciding to withdraw his measure. He called instead for members to form a task force to study the issue further. “As we’ve seen there’s divide in our party on this issue,” Martin said. “I’ve decided today, at this moment, to listen … so we can move forward united today and have the conversation.” The delay prolongs a sensitive political debate that has divided Democrats for much of the last year. Resolutions Committee members said they received nearly 5,000 emails about the resolution from activists on both sides ahead of Tuesday’s vote. Even when the party adopts a formal position — if at all — the issue threatens to continue dividing Democratic voters heading into next year’s midterm elections. Any DNC resolution would be a symbolic measure with no real power. DNC member Allison Minnerly of Florida, who sponsored the progressive version, said she was disappointed by Martin’s decision. “There needs to be urgency,” Minnerly said. “The majority of our party is looking for answers and leadership on this issue.” It’s unclear when Martin’s yet-unformed task force would report back with an updated position. Martin did not offer a timeline. The DNC is expected to meet again in December. Harini Krishnan, a DNC member from California, was among several officials to express their frustration. “I also want to say that I truly hope as a party that we can move beyond this issue,” she said. (AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron sent a strongly worded letter to Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu on Monday, warning that Israel could lose a “historic opportunity” for peace if it continues its military operations in Gaza and maintains its current settlement policies in the West Bank.

The letter, dated August 26 and published by the Élysée Palace, was written in response to a message from Netanyahu accusing France of promoting antisemitism by recognizing a Palestinian state. Macron firmly rejected the claim, calling it “unacceptable” and “an offence to France as a whole.”

Macron argued that Israel’s current policies — including its presence in Gaza, the displacement and suffering of Palestinians, divisive rhetoric, and moves to annex parts of the West Bank — will not bring the country closer to security or victory. “On the contrary, these actions will only make your country more isolated, embolden those who use them as a pretext for anti-Semitism and endanger Jewish communities around the world,” he wrote.

“I solemnly appeal to you to end the desperate race of a murderous and illegal permanent war in Gaza, causing indignity for your country and placing your people in a deadlock,” the president added.

Macron used a significant part of his letter to defend France’s record in fighting antisemitism. He highlighted his government’s adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition in 2017, the passing of legislation addressing antisemitism on university campuses, and the deployment of 15,000 security personnel to safeguard Jewish institutions following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre.

“The fight against antisemitism must not be weaponized and will not fuel any discord between Israel and France,” Macron wrote. “Accusations of inaction are unacceptable and an offence to France as a whole.”

He emphasized that antisemitism in France stems from both extremes of the political spectrum — the far right and far left — and cautioned against connecting its rise to France’s diplomatic stance on the Palestinians, calling such claims misleading and dangerous.

Central to Macron’s message was his insistence that Israel’s lasting security depends on the establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside it. “We are convinced, after nearly two years of Israeli operations in Gaza, that this is today the only way to truly eradicate Hamas and ensure Israel’s young people are not consumed by a permanent war,” Macron declared.

He pointed to France’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia and other international partners at the United Nations in July, where they pushed for a “Day After” strategy for Gaza. The proposal calls for placing the territory under temporary international security supervision, dismantling terrorist groups, and rebuilding Gaza under new Palestinian leadership.

“This commitment is unprecedented,” Macron said. “It stems from our indignation in the face of the terrible humanitarian disaster in Gaza that nothing can justify.”

“Your government has decided on a new phase of the offensive leading to the reoccupation of Gaza. I am convinced such a measure would impact the lives of the people of Israel for decades to come,” Macron warned.

The French leader also stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire to secure the release of all remaining hostages. He noted that France lost more than 50 of its citizens in the October 7 attacks, and that three French hostages died while in captivity.

“The barbaric images of Israeli hostage Evyatar David served as a reminder to the world that Hamas must never again be a threat to Israel, nor play any role in the future governance of Gaza,” Macron wrote.

While making clear his condemnation of Hamas, Macron urged Netanyahu to resist what he described as the group’s strategy of provoking irreversible decisions that would prolong the conflict indefinitely.

In closing, Macron reaffirmed France’s dual role as a supporter and critic of Israel. “France will always be a friend of Israel and the Palestinians. I solemnly appeal to you to end the desperate race of a murderous and illegal permanent war in Gaza, and to take the outstretched hand of international partners ready to work towards peace.”

{Matzav.com}

צו הערן דורכ’ן טעלפאון רופט: 718.689.1363  ארה”ק: 0723982560

United Torah Judaism MK Yitzchok Goldknopf spoke this evening about the painful arrests of bochurim learning in yeshivos and about his party’s dramatic decision to pull out of the government. In his remarks, he shared new and previously unknown details about what unfolded in the tense hours leading up to his withdrawal on the night of the Iranian attack.

Addressing the arrests of yeshiva bochurim, Goldknopf expressed his deep anguish. “It’s hard to see this and it was hard to predict that this would happen in the Jewish land.”

At the same time, he noted the remarkable chizuk within the Torah world despite the situation. “On the other hand, we see an overflow of students in yeshiva halls, but no one says, ‘it’s overcrowded here.’ They started the school year as if nothing happened, as if there was no decree, because we all trust that God will not abandon His people.”

Goldknopf then revealed what took place behind the scenes on the night his party chose to resign from the coalition, coinciding with the night of the Iranian attack. “We knew at the time about the expected attack in Iran, but my assistant Motti Babchik was at the Gerrer Rebbe in the US to raise money for the yeshiva.”

He described the moment the directive from the Rebbe came. “They called Babchik and told him to go into the Rebbe’s office and tell him about the upcoming attack and prevent the resignation. The Rebbe said: They are crying wolf; I don’t believe them anymore. Every time it’s something different to do with security. You have my explicit order to resign immediately,’ and that’s what I did.”

Goldknopf also shared how tirelessly his team worked to protect the interests of the bochurim throughout the process. “When I call Babchik at 6 a.m. to ask what happened with Gallant and Netanyahu, it turns out he had fallen asleep on the floor there waiting outside the offices so they could sort out the status of the yeshiva students.”

Finally, the United Torah Judaism chairman directed criticism toward political figures who have been vocal against the yeshiva exemptions. “On the other hand, we see Amichai Chikli and others shouting against this,” he said, referring to those opposing the protection of bnei Torah.

{Matzav.com Israel}

California, Washington and New Mexico could lose millions of dollars of federal funding if they continue failing to enforce English language requirements for truckers, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday. An investigation launched after a deadly Florida crash involving a foreign truck driver who made an illegal U-turn on Aug. 12 found what Duffy called significant failures in the way all three states are enforcing rules that took effect in June after one of President Donald Trump’s executive orders. He said the department was also already reviewing how states were enforcing the rules before the crash. Truckers are supposed to be disqualified if they can’t demonstrate English proficiency and Duffy said the driver involved in the crash that killed three should not have ever been given a commercial driver’s license because of his immigration status. But the crash has become increasingly political with the governors of California and Florida criticizing each other and Duffy highlighting the Trump administration’s immigration concerns in interviews. But Duffy said Tuesday that it is a safety issue — not a political one — because truckers need to understand road signs and be able to communicate with law enforcement about what they are hauling if they are pulled over or what happened if there is an accident. “This is about keeping people safe on the road. Your families, your kids, your spouses, your loved ones, your friends. We all use the roadway, and we need to make sure that those who are driving big rigs — semis — can understand the road signs, that they’ve been well trained,” Duffy said. Duffy says these states aren’t enforcing the rules The Transportation Department said California has conducted roughly 34,000 inspections that found at least one violation since the new language standards took effect requiring truck drivers be able to recognize and read road signs and communicate with authorities in English. But only one inspection involved an English language rules violation that resulted in a driver being taken out of service. And 23 drivers with violations in other states were allowed to continue driving after inspections in California. He cited similar statistics for the other states with Washington finding more than 6,000 violations of safety rules during inspections, but only pulling four drivers out of service for English language violations. New Mexico has not placed any drivers out of service since the rules took effect. Duffy said the states will lose money from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program if they don’t comply with the rules within 30 days. Duffy said California could lose $33 million, Washington could lose $10.5 million and New Mexico could lose $7 million. California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office said on the X platform that the Trump administration is just trying to deflect responsibility for the crash. The other two states did not immediately respond Tuesday. “This is rich. The Trump Administration approved the federal work permit for the man who killed 3 people — and now they’re scrambling to shift blame after getting caught. Sean’s nonsense announcement is as big a joke as the Trump Administration itself,” Newsom’s office said. Florida crash killed three people Three people were killed when truck driver Harjinder Singh made an illegal U-turn on a highway, according to Florida’s Highway Patrol. He is being held without bond after being charged with three state counts of vehicular […]