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Hagaon HaMekubal Rav Abish Tzinewirt Issues Historic Letter in Support of Torah-24’s Kollel Kabbalah b’Chatzos YS GOLD In the stillness of the night in the holy city of Yerushalayim, a group of illustrious gaonim and mekubalim can be found delving into the secrets of Torah, the kabbalah of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the Arizal, Rabbi Chaim Vital, and their successors. They do so in holiness and purity, with toil and with intensity, during these most auspicious hours of the day—following the tradition of the mekubalim of Yerushalayim of yore over the centuries. The Kollel is a golden link in the glorious chain—the network of Kollelim known as “Torah-24.” Founded by Hagaon Rav Avraham Eisen, shlit”a, the eleven kolelim in this network feature gaonim and talmidei chachomim who toil in all areas of Torah literally around the clock. Their Torah learning of the mekubalim at Kollel Kabbalah b’Chatzos has recently culminated in a siyum on the entire sefer haZohar and its commentaries, as well as the kabbalistic sefer Orchos Chaim from Rabbi Chaim Vital in the home of the great tzaddik Rav Yaakov Meir Schechter who greatly lauded their relentless toil in kabbalah in purity and in holiness. Following this event, the mekubal Rav Abish Tzinewirt, shlit”a—a personality who has himself engaged in the study of kabbalah with deep intensity for decades—issued a letter of endorsement for Kollel Kabbalah b’Chatzos. In it, he cites from obscure sources in Kabbalah about the greatness of those who engage in Torah study in the overnight hours, and the way their Torah pierces all the heavens, arriving directly at the Kisei HaKavod. Great is the lot of those who take part in this incredible endeavor—supporting the loftiest of Yerushalayim’s residents as they engage in the study of the loftiest Torah secrets with utter and complete mesirus nefesh. Join today in support of Torah-24 and Kollel Kabbalah b’Chatzos. https://www.torah-24.com/ The merit of supporting the Torah of esteemed mekubalim and talmidei Chachamim will surely stand by you and your family as we enter the exalted day of Yom Kippur.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken the Department of Homeland Security to court, accusing the agency and Secretary Kristi Noem of illegally cutting off nearly $34 million in funding that had been awarded to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The MTA, which runs New York City’s subways, buses, and regional commuter rail systems, depends heavily on federal support to sustain its vast transit network. James warned that the sudden elimination of the grant could endanger millions of daily riders.

The lawsuit was filed late Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. In it, James demanded an emergency ruling by midnight to prevent the money from being rescinded. She emphasized that the request was not for immediate payment, but simply to freeze the funds until the court decides the outcome of the dispute.

“DHS today cut New York’s award from nearly $34 million to zero – an unlawful decision,” her office said in a statement. The release added that James’s goal for the evening was the preservation of the funds while litigation proceeds.

In her remarks, James accused the federal government of playing politics with the safety of New Yorkers. “I am asking the court to act before midnight to stop these funds from vanishing and to ensure that New Yorkers are not put at risk by this administration’s political games,” she said.

Homeland Security did not immediately provide comment when asked by Reuters about the case.

The funding dispute comes on the heels of warnings issued last month by the U.S. Transportation Department, which threatened to withhold as much as one-quarter of the MTA’s federal support unless the authority improves protections for workers who maintain subway tracks.

{Matzav.com}

On Wednesday evening, activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla reported that the Israeli Navy had begun intercepting their vessels as they attempted to challenge the naval blockade on Gaza.

Videos circulating online showed an Israeli warship sailing close to one of the flotilla boats, while Al Jazeera reported that IDF forces had started detaining some of the passengers.

This development came shortly after the Israeli Navy issued what it called its last warning for the group to divert their route.

“This is the Israeli Navy. You are approaching a blockaded zone,” a naval officer was heard saying over radio communications in a clip released by the Foreign Ministry.

“If you wish to deliver aid to Gaza, you may do so through the established channels. Please change your course toward the port of Ashdod, where the aid will undergo a security inspection and then be transferred into the Gaza Strip,” the officer continued.

In its official statement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the mission, declaring, “The sole purpose of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla is provocation. Israel, Italy, Greece, and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem have all offered and continue to offer the flotilla a way to peacefully deliver any aid they might have to Gaza. The flotilla refused because they are not interested in aid, but in provocation.”

“The Israeli Navy has reached out to the Hamas-Sumud flotilla and asked them to change course. Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade. Israel reiterated the offer to transfer any aid peacefully through safe channels to Gaza,” the statement added.

Earlier in the day, the foreign ministers of Greece and Italy released a joint announcement urging the flotilla to avoid confrontation and instead accept the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s offer to transport humanitarian supplies into Gaza through secure means.

“Greece and Italy are closely monitoring developments in the Global Sumud Flotilla and call on the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety and security of the participants and to allow for all consular protection measures,” the ministers declared.

They also appealed directly to those sailing on the flotilla “to accept the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s offer to safely deliver aid intended in solidarity with the children, women, and men of Gaza.”

As the day began on Wednesday, the Global Sumud group posted on Telegram that they had noticed heightened drone surveillance as their ships drew nearer to Gaza.

“We have now entered the high-risk zone, the area where previous flotillas have been attacked and/or intercepted,” their message read.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry had already cautioned participants last week, calling it the “Hamas Flotilla” and stressing that the state would not permit any attempt to bypass the naval restrictions in place.

“This flotilla, organized by Hamas, is intended to serve Hamas. Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade,” the ministry said in its warning.

“If the flotilla participants’ genuine wish is to deliver humanitarian aid rather than serve Hamas, Israel calls on the vessels to dock at the Ashkelon Marina and unload the aid there, from where it will be transferred promptly in a coordinated manner to the Gaza Strip,” the statement explained.

“Israel urges the participants not to break the law and to accept Israel’s proposal for a peaceful transfer of any aid they might have,” the ministry concluded.

On Tuesday, two Hamas documents were released to the public, showing direct involvement of the terror group in bankrolling and organizing the Sumud flotilla.

The papers underscored Hamas’ coordination with flotilla leaders, particularly through the PCPA, a Hamas-linked body that operates on the movement’s behalf in the international sphere.

{Matzav.com}

Florida leaders have given the green light for Miami to become the permanent location of the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library, officially authorizing what will be the nation’s first library honoring both the 45th and 47th president.

Governor Ron DeSantis, along with the entire Florida Cabinet, voted in favor of transferring 2.63 acres of state-owned property to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation. The land, currently used as a Miami Dade College parking lot near the historic Freedom Tower, is set to be transformed into a major cultural landmark chronicling Trump’s time in office.

“Having the Trump Presidential Library in Miami will be good for Florida, for the city, and for Miami Dade College,” DeSantis said in a written statement. “No state has supported the president’s agenda more than the Free State of Florida, and I was proud to spearhead the effort to house this historic library right here in his home state.”

Attorney General James Uthmeier celebrated the decision, describing the upcoming institution as “a patriotic showcase for generations to come.” Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia added that the project would firmly “enshrine Florida as Trump Country.”

Eric Trump, posting on X following the Cabinet vote, hailed the development as “the greatest presidential library ever built.” He promised the Miami library would become “an icon on the Miami skyline” and contrasted it with what he called Barack Obama’s “prison-like” library design.

“I am extremely proud to announce a UNANIMOUS vote by the Florida Cabinet for the conveyance of land for the @realDonaldTrump Presidential Library which will be located in… MIAMI, FLORIDA!” Eric Trump wrote. “It will be the greatest Presidential Library ever built, honoring the greatest President our Nation has ever known. A large thank you to @GovRonDeSantis & @AGJamesUthmeier who have been incredible partners in this endeavor.

“Consistent with our families [sic] DNA, this will be one of the most beautiful buildings ever built, an Icon on the Miami skyline — rest assured it will not look like President Obama[‘s] ‘prison like structure.'”

Although architectural plans have yet to be revealed, the facility is expected to feature extensive exhibits on Trump’s administration, his political movement, and his influence on American history. Officials also expect it to draw large numbers of visitors, helping to boost tourism and economic activity in Miami’s downtown district.

{Matzav.com}

Lakewood NJ’s municipal leaders and representatives in Trenton took New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Francis K. O’Connor on a walking tour over the Route 9 bridge at Lake Carasaljo during peak driving hours, observing real-time traffic patterns, and strategizing how to best reduce traffic congestion on this key State road.

Among the attendees were Senator Robert Singer, Assemblyman Sean Kean, Assemblyman Avi Schnall, Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles, Lakewood Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, Township Manager Pat Donnelly, and officials with the Lakewood Police Department’s Traffic and Safety Division.

In a follow-up meeting at The Residence, a 55+ Community, 68 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, Commissioner O’Connor and aides shared preliminary plans to improve Route 9 from the bridge through Prospect Street, expanding the road into up to five lanes near the Lake – with strategically placed turning lanes, expanded sidewalks, and/or other infrastructure improvements throughout the stretch of road.

These plans have just officially commenced the “concept development phase,” which is followed by several stages of official review and community input before the plans will be finalized and approved. It is expected that the improvements will ultimately improve traffic flow throughout the improved areas and reduce congestion build up on surrounding roads.

Pointing to the proposal maps on display, Committeeman Lichtenstein shared his assessment of evolving traffic pattern trends in this area, resulting from the growth of Lakewood’s business parks and the population in surrounding towns. Committeeman Lichtenstein also stressed the ability to take advantage of Lakewood’s unique calendar of reduced traffic flow during weekends, summer, and holiday seasons, during which a substantial amount of roadwork can be done with minimal inconvenience to motorists.

“I’m gratified that Commissioner O’Connor and other key officials joined us for this tour and shared their plans for these long-awaited improvements,” said Mayor Ray Coles. “Lakewood is fortunate to have the DOT as partner in the effort to eliminate one of main areas of Lakewood traffic congestion. We look forward to continue working together towards this goal.”

Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein said, “I would like to thank Commissioner O’Connor and other State officials for paying such close attention to Lakewood’s needs and working with local officials to properly understand Lakewood’s unique nuances and dynamics. Lakewood Township stands ready to help the State move this process along in the most effective and least disruptive manner possible.”

Senator Robert Singer said, “It is a testament to the great teamwork of our State legislators, the Township Committee, and the advocacy efforts of the Beth Medrash Govoha administration among other officials, that we have reached this stage. The proposed improvements can be very helpful in the near term though our ultimate goal remains the full dualization of Route 9 through South Lakewood.”

“I have known Commissioner O’Connor for years and greatly respect his commitment to get this and other crucial transportation projects done at last after we’ve invested years of effort to bring us to this point,” said Assemblyman Sean Kean. “It is beautiful to see so many officials of both parties get together on behalf of the common good and achieve real results.”

“I would like to thank Commissioner O’Connor for his commitment to Lakewood’s infrastructure needs and for sharing his vision regarding the road ahead,” said Assemblyman Avi Schnall. “I look forward to continue working at both the State and local levels to ensure that the work to alleviate Lakewood’s pressing traffic needs proceeds, and that residents will continue to see real progress on the ground.”

{Matzav.com}

The Senate once more rejected a short-term funding measure on Wednesday, with Democrats voting to prevent the advancement of a House-passed continuing resolution that would have kept the government open until November 21.

The procedural vote was the third in two weeks on the same House bill, but this time senators weighed in while the government remained shut down. The legislation fell short of the 60 votes required to proceed, losing 55-45, mirroring Tuesday’s tally.

Although most Democrats stood with Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, a small group broke ranks. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, who serves on the Democratic leadership team, joined Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Sen. Angus King of Maine—an independent who caucuses with Democrats—in supporting the GOP proposal. All three had also voted in favor of the measure on Tuesday night.

The only Republican who voted against the bill was Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who argued that passing the resolution would simply extend what he views as unacceptable Biden-era spending levels.

Schumer insisted that Republicans’ failure to reach 60 votes underscored the futility of their strategy. He said GOP leaders need to strike a deal with Democrats that ensures the continuation of enhanced health care subsidies, which are otherwise set to expire at year’s end, and include safeguards against unilateral funding decisions by White House budget director Russell Vought.

“It’s clear that the way out of this shutdown is to sit down and negotiate with Democrats to address the looming health care crisis that faces tens of millions of American families,” Schumer told colleagues, pointing to insurance premium hikes that companies predict will hit in 2026.

“Republicans tried to bully us, and it’s clear they can’t. They don’t have the votes. The way out of this is for Republicans to finally roll up their sleeves and get to work,” Schumer declared.

On the other side, Senate GOP leadership emphasized that only the House bill could realistically reach President Trump’s desk. Senate Minority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said he plans to keep lawmakers working through the weekend to force repeated votes.

“As of this morning, critical federal employees including members of the military, Border Patrol agents and air traffic controllers are working without pay,” Thune warned. “Democrats are well aware of the damage of a government shutdown.”

Thune urged more centrist Democrats to split from Schumer’s position and support the 24-page measure, which maintains government spending at current levels. “We need a handful of Democrats to join Republicans to reopen the government and once we do that, then we can talk about the issues that Democrats are raising,” he said.

He indicated Republicans are open to discussions on extending Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, but only after the shutdown is resolved. However, Thune insisted that any extension must come alongside reforms to address “waste, fraud and abuse” in the system.

“This was supposed to be COVID-related. These are expanded ObamaCare tax credits and frankly they’re not tax credits really at all. For the most part they are direct subsidies to insurance companies,” Thune argued earlier in the week.

“If there are Democrats out there who will recognize it needs to be reformed and are willing to work with us … we are willing to have that conversation,” he said. “Anything that’s going to be done is going to have to be done with significant reforms,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

Graduate and post-graduate students in New Jersey will now qualify for subsidized child care under the state’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), thanks to legislation signed into law on Wednesday by Governor Phil Murphy. The measure had sailed through both houses of the legislature without opposition before landing on the governor’s desk.

The initiative was championed by Assemblyman Avi Schnall of Lakewood, with strong backing from Shlomo Schorr of Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office, who lobbied aggressively for its passage. Lakewood Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein also played a crucial role in advancing the bill.

For years, CCAP has provided support for thousands of New Jersey families, but only undergraduate students had been eligible to apply. With this expansion, graduate students who satisfy existing financial and residency requirements will now have access to subsidized care for their children, easing the strain on parents trying to balance advanced studies with family responsibilities.

Yet despite the celebratory tone of the bill’s passage, the program remains hampered by serious funding problems. The Department of Human Services announced this past July that, due to budget shortfalls, it would not accept any new CCAP applications after July 31, 2025. The decision has already left many Lakewood-area households scrambling, since no new families—whether working parents, undergraduates, or graduate students—are permitted to apply until the freeze is lifted.

There is some uncertainty over whether graduate students already enrolled prior to the August 1 cutoff may be allowed to maintain eligibility, but no new applicants are being considered.

The new law also directs the Department of Human Services to pursue federal waivers and apply for adjustments under the Child Care and Development Block Grant, with the aim of unlocking federal dollars to sustain and expand the program. Meanwhile, Agudath Israel is working with state lawmakers on separate legislation that would provide DHS with the resources it says are needed to restart applications—though that process is expected to take months and would require another round of approval from Governor Murphy.

The fiscal 2026 state budget did allocate $46 million more to CCAP than the previous year. However, due to surging demand, the extra money has been used largely to maintain benefits for children already in the program. CCAP currently serves nearly 70,000 children statewide, including over 6,000 in the Lakewood community, with annual costs nearing $872 million in combined state and federal expenditures.

To qualify, families must meet strict criteria. For example, a household of four cannot have a gross annual income exceeding $64,300, while assets for families at any income level must remain below $1 million.

{Matzav.com}

At approximately 8:50 p.m. this evening, as Yom Kippur had just started, air raid sirens echoed across Ashdod and nearby towns.

People living in the region reported that they could clearly hear blasts following the sirens.

According to a statement released by the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, Hamas terrorists launched five rockets from the northern part of Gaza toward Israel.

The military noted that four of the incoming rockets were successfully intercepted, while another landed in an open field. No casualties were reported in the incident.

Earlier in the day, around 2:00 p.m., warning sirens were also activated in the communities adjacent to the Gaza border.

The IDF later confirmed that in that incident, two rockets fired from northern Gaza had likely been brought down by the Israeli Air Force, and there were no injuries.

{Matzav.com}

A top official from Hamas said Wednesday that the group is leaning toward dismissing President Trump’s Gaza peace initiative, arguing it “serves Israel’s interests” while sidelining Palestinian concerns.

According to BBC News, Hamas leaders object to several of the 20 stipulations outlined in Trump’s proposal to end the conflict. Among the disputed points are requirements that the group surrender its arsenal and dismantle its military capacity, along with the introduction of an International Stabilization Force in Gaza.

Although Israel has already agreed to Trump’s framework, Hamas has not yet issued a formal response to the plan, leaving the proposal in limbo several days after its presentation.

On Tuesday, Trump placed a strict deadline on the group, saying Hamas had “three or four days” to comply with the deal, warning that otherwise the organization would meet “a very sad end.”

“We’re just waiting for Hamas,” Trump told reporters, stressing that there was “not much” room left for bargaining.

Diplomatic sources in the Arab world expressed a more hopeful outlook, telling the Wall Street Journal that Hamas has not completely ruled out the terms but requested extra time to work through points of disagreement.

Part of their hesitation stems from fears that loopholes in the arrangement could give Israel an opening to quickly reignite hostilities.

“Accepting the plan is a disaster, rejecting it is another, there are only bitter choices here, but the plan is a Netanyahu plan articulated by Trump,” a Palestinian official familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

“Hamas is keen to end the war and end the genocide and it will respond in the way that serves the higher interests of the Palestinian people.”

The conditions laid out by Trump include an immediate halt to fighting, the release of all hostages, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the dismantling of Hamas’ weapons, and the establishment of an interim governing body under international supervision.

While Hamas has shown willingness to consider some of these ideas in the past, its leadership has consistently refused to disarm unless there is a definitive pathway toward Palestinian statehood.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu formally endorsed the proposal on Monday, facing mounting pressure within Israel to bring the conflict to an end.

{Matzav.com}

On Tuesday’s edition of CNN’s The Situation Room, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) sharply criticized President Donald Trump, calling him “an unstable human being.”

Host Wolf Blitzer introduced the exchange by airing remarks Trump had delivered earlier that day while speaking to senior U.S. military leaders at the Marine base in Quantico, Virginia. Blitzer said, “I want to play something President Trump said last hour as he addressed senior U.S. military officers at the Marine base at Quantico, Virginia. Listen to this, then I’ll get your reaction.”

In his comments, Trump declared, “It’s really a very important mission and I told Pete we should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military, National Guard, but military, because we’re going into Chicago very soon.”

Blitzer followed up by asking, “Mayor, what’s your reaction to that?”

Johnson did not hold back, replying, “This is absolutely appalling. This president is an unstable human being, and it’s right for this moment to check him. We’re calling on Congress to do its job. There’s no way that anyone in this country should be OK with armed militarized troops being sent to cities. These individuals, these brave women and men who sign up to serve and protect this country, they do not do it with being deployed against American citizens and residents in mind. This is not only appalling, but this is quite frankly an egregious attempt to undermine the sanctity of our democracy.”

{Matzav.com}

Overnight, a fire erupted at Russia’s fifth-largest refinery, Slavneft-YANOS, in Yaroslavl. Governor Evraev said the blaze was man-made and confirmed no drone strikes were involved.

French President Macron: We want to be more competitive to have growth, create jobs, finance our social model and the future of young people. We want to be more sovereign because we experienced the cost of і dependencies, COVID, war in Ukraine, and instabilities of this world.

Large numbers of Gaza City residents are continuing to evacuate south as the IDF blocks northbound movement on coastal Al-Rashid Street, while allowing southward passage for those who were previously unable to leave the city.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY): “When I was majority leader, we never had one shutdown in four years. Not one. You know why? Because we worked with our Republican colleagues to find a way to keep the government funded.”

A new survey finds that overall American backing for Israel has dropped sharply, though Republican voters remain much more consistent in their support. The steep decline is largely being driven by Democrats moving away from the Jewish state.

The New York Times/Siena College poll was highlighted with the headline, “Americans’ Support for Israel Dramatically Declines, Times/Siena Poll Finds.” Yet tucked deeper into the piece was the main takeaway: the change in attitudes stems mainly from Democrats, while Republicans have mostly stayed aligned with Israel, with only a slight dip in enthusiasm.

According to the poll, seven out of ten Republicans are in favor of providing additional U.S. aid to Israel. A majority also said Israel should continue its military operations until every hostage is freed, even if that results in civilian casualties. Nearly half of Republican respondents—47 percent—believed the Israeli military is doing enough to limit civilian harm.

Republicans also remain far more sympathetic toward Israel than toward the Palestinians, by a margin of 64 percent to 9 percent. Still, those numbers are down significantly from 2023, when 76 percent of Republicans expressed sympathy with Israel, marking a 12-point drop.

Analysts point to a number of reasons why Democratic support has collapsed. Some attribute it to the growing radicalization of the party base, which increasingly resists strong pro-Israel stances.

Others argue that cultural differences are at play. As a former Israeli ambassador to Washington explained in a 2018 interview with Breitbart News, Democrats increasingly shy away from traditional elements of nationalism—such as land, military strength, and sovereignty—that remain central to Israeli society.

But perhaps the most decisive factor, observers suggest, is President Donald Trump. Democrats’ strong opposition to him has translated into waning support for Israel, since Trump has been closely associated with the country. With Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu calling him “the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House,” many believe it was only a matter of time before Democrats soured on Israel, despite decades of bipartisan backing.

{Matzav.com}

All donations today are matched 2X! In a few hours, we will stand before Hashem as everything for the year ahead is decided, stamped, and sealed. We are all looking to maximize our zchusim. Your donation to Kupas Zichron Moshe will enable over 700 families to celebrate Yom Tov with dignity and simcha. These families may not have much, yet they radiate a precious glow found only among those born and raised in Yerushalayim’s oldest neighborhoods. Their bank accounts are empty, yet their days are full, dedicated entirely to Torah and Avodas Hashem. By supporting Kupas Zichron Moshe, you are not only covering their Yom Tov needs — you are partnering in their extraordinary way of life — a zechus that will surely stand by your side. Wishing you and your family a Gmar Chasima Tova CLICK HERE TO JOIN: https://www.kupaszichronmoshe.org/?ref=YWNarticle

German authorities have arrested three suspected Hamas members in Berlin, SPIEGEL reports. The suspects— a German man of Lebanese origin, a Lebanese-born man of uncertain nationality, and a German man from Syria—are accused of procuring weapons in Germany for attacks on Jewish and Israeli institutions.

AOC told Senate Republicans that they are “free to negotiate with me directly” on reopening the government, even though she is not a senator and the House has already passed a spending bill.

Heavy AH-64 Apache helicopter strikes reported over Central Gaza, Nusirat.