Jooish News

BEITA (VINnews) – Israeli security authorities have arrested 10 members of a Hamas terror cell from the town of Beita near Nablus in Judea-Samaria who carried out explosive and shooting attacks against troops and were planning additional major assaults, including the kidnapping of a local Jewish resident.

In a joint statement, the Shin Bet security agency, Israel Police and the Israel Defense Forces said the suspects were behind several explosive attacks between March and April 2025 that wounded three soldiers, two of them seriously. The cell also carried out multiple shooting attacks, according to the authorities.

The group was preparing “additional significant mass-casualty attacks, including plans to execute a kidnapping attack,” the statement said. One cell member dug a six-meter-deep (about 20-foot) tunnel beneath his home intended to hold hostages, officials added.

As part of the kidnapping plot, the suspects conducted surveillance on a Jewish resident in the area they intended to abduct. The attack was ultimately not carried out because the cell determined it would be too difficult to execute, the statement noted.

Israeli forces seized numerous weapons from the suspects during the arrests, including an assault rifle and explosives.

Indictments have been filed against all 10 members at the Samaria Military Court. Some face charges of attempting to intentionally cause death — the equivalent of attempted murder under military law — as well as attempted kidnapping.

The arrests were announced Wednesday.

NEW YORK (VINnews) — Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Small Business Services Commissioner Kenny Minaya have appointed longtime advocate Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez as the first executive director of the city’s Office of Street Vendor Services, launching the agency months ahead of schedule as part of a broader overhaul of street vending laws.

The new office, created under legislation passed by the City Council, will serve as a centralized hub for vendor education, outreach and assistance, as the administration prepares to roll out sweeping reforms and expand access to legal permits for thousands of vendors.

The city's 23,000 street vendors are squeezed by skyrocketing permit costs and government getting in the way. That's part of why we're seeing "halalflation".

So I appointed Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez as our new Street Vendor Czar.

From the Street Vendor Project to now City Hall,… https://t.co/iSjTG20b1b

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 25, 2026

Kaufman-Gutierrez, formerly co-director of the Street Vendor Project, brings more than a decade of experience working with small businesses and street vendors. She is tasked with building the office from the ground up and leading a citywide effort to help vendors transition into the formal economy.

“Our street vendors are not a problem to solve — they are a community to support,” Mamdani said, framing the initiative as part of his push to combat what he has called “halalflation” by lowering operating costs and increasing legal access to permits.

City officials said the office will coordinate across agencies, community groups and business stakeholders, while also recommending policy changes aimed at reducing penalties and shifting toward what they describe as fairer enforcement.

The move comes as the administration begins implementing a “Street Vendor Reform Package,” including the issuance of tens of thousands of new vending licenses after decades of caps that fueled a lucrative underground market.

Deputy Mayor Julie Su described the initiative as part of a broader push for economic justice, calling vendors “small businesses with an outsized impact” on the city’s economy and culture.

Minaya said the office represents a “paradigm shift” in how the city treats vendors, emphasizing support and integration rather than enforcement.

Kaufman-Gutierrez said the goal is to center vendors—many of them immigrants—within city policy and provide the tools needed to operate legally and grow their businesses.

The office will also launch a citywide outreach campaign to connect vendors with new licensing opportunities and resources, though officials have not yet released budget details.

Supporters, including City Council members and advocates, praised the appointment as a long-overdue step toward legitimizing a workforce that has historically faced fines, enforcement crackdowns and limited access to permits.

By Y.M. Lowy

The NYPD is searching for a suspect following a violent hammer attack that took place on 12th Avenue and 42nd Street.

According to police, the incident happened at around 4:15 p.m., when a man approached a 58-year-old victim and got into a verbal dispute over the use of tools. The situation quickly escalated, and the suspect pulled out a hammer and struck the victim in the head before fleeing the scene.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and is listed in stable condition.

The suspect is described as a male with a medium complexion. He was last seen wearing a black hat, green hooded jacket, tan shirt, and tan pants.

Police are continuing to search for the individual as the investigation remains ongoing.

The police chief who led the law enforcement response to this month’s attack on a Reform temple in Michigan says he has been deluged with more than 330,000 hostile messages since the incident, including death threats, violent rhetoric and a torrent of antisemitic content falsely portraying him as Jewish.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard disclosed the figure during a briefing hosted by the Secure Community Network, a national Jewish security organization, where he and other officials sounded the alarm about the escalating threat environment facing American Jews.

Bouchard, who is not Jewish, described receiving messages across social media and through direct channels, many of them laced with violent threats. He played a recording of one voicemail for the assembled security officials in which a caller berates him as a “Jew lover” before adding: “I hope you put a gun in your mouth and kill yourself.”

Social media platforms have been flooded with manipulated images depicting Bouchard as an Orthodox Jew, complete with a Star of David superimposed on his forehead, accompanied by antisemitic rhetoric.

“It’s rampant out there and apparently we struck a nerve with a lot of folks,” Bouchard said. “We’re in an environment I’ve never seen, and I’ve been in this business for a very long time.”

Jewish organizations have praised Bouchard for his handling of the attack and for his outspoken defense of the community in its aftermath. The sheriff made clear he has no intention of backing down. “If you target our Jewish community, we’re going to stand in front of them to protect them,” he said.

Bouchard also described taking his commanders to a Holocaust education center, calling the role of Nazi police officers in rounding up Jews a “chilling reminder” of where tolerance of antisemitism can lead. “You get there by tolerating it, by accepting it,” he said.

The briefing drew a wide range of Jewish and non-Jewish security officials, including Matthew Kozma, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the US Department of Homeland Security. Participants repeatedly warned of a high and growing threat level against American Jewish communities, urging Jewish institutions to heighten security precautions and maintain close coordination with law enforcement.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

United Airlines announced plans to roll out a new cabin concept designed to give economy passengers more room and comfort on long-distance flights, introducing a premium seating option called “United Relax Row.”

The airline revealed that the new section will feature specially designed seats equipped with adjustable leg rests that can be raised or lowered, allowing travelers to create a flat, couch-like space to stretch out during flights.

“The entire row is alllllll yours,” United said Tuesday in a post on social platform X.

According to the airline, the new seating is “ideal for families traveling with small children, solo travelers and couples who want the value of United Economy but with a little extra comfort.”

Passengers who book the Relax Row will receive additional perks, including a fitted mattress pad, a soft blanket, and two extra pillows. Families traveling with children will also be provided with a plush toy and a dedicated travel kit.

United said the new seating option is expected to debut in 2027 and will eventually be installed on more than 200 of its Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft by 2030.

The Relax Row section will be positioned between standard economy seating and United Premium Plus, with each eligible aircraft offering as many as 12 of these upgraded rows.

Airline officials said the initiative reflects growing demand among travelers for more comfortable flying options.

“Customers traveling in United Economy on long-haul flights deserve an option for more space and comfort, and this is one way we can deliver that for them,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “United is the only North American airline offering a product like the United Relax Row.”

{Matzav.com}

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed a package of bills today aimed at strengthening protections for immigrant communities, increasing transparency among law enforcement officers and limiting the collection of certain personal data by state entities.

Flanked by members of the Legislature, which passed the bills earlier this week, Sherrill said the measures reinforce constitutional protections while addressing concerns about federal immigration enforcement practices.

“These bills underscore that here in New Jersey, we still follow the Constitution and uphold the rule of law,” Sherrill said. “My focus as governor remains on keeping the public safe.”

The legislation comes amid ongoing tensions between state officials and federal immigration authorities, particularly over the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Sherrill criticized what she described as “untrained, unaccountable, masked” agents operating in communities, arguing the new laws are intended to prevent abuses and protect residents.

One of the measures, known as the “Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act,” requires federal agents to show their faces during most public interactions and provide clear identification before making arrests or detentions. The law includes exceptions for undercover work, medical needs, hazardous conditions and other limited circumstances.

Another bill codifies a 2018 directive from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General aimed at strengthening trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. The directive limits cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities in certain situations.

A third measure, dubbed the “Privacy Protection Act,” restricts government agencies and health care providers from collecting or sharing sensitive personal information — such as immigration status, place of birth and Social Security numbers — unless it is necessary to administer a public program or service. The law also requires that any such information be kept confidential, with limited exceptions.

Supporters say the changes will help ensure that residents are not deterred from seeking medical care, reporting crimes or accessing public services out of fear that their personal information could be shared with federal authorities.

The bill package builds on other actions taken by Sherrill since taking office in January. Last month, she signed an executive order barring immigration agents from accessing nonpublic areas of state property without a judicial warrant and launched an online portal for residents to report interactions with federal agents.

The state has also joined legal efforts to block a proposed immigration detention facility, reflecting a broader push by New Jersey officials to challenge federal enforcement policies they say threaten public safety and strain local resources.

Republican critics have argued that such measures could hinder cooperation with federal authorities, though supporters counter that the laws are necessary to protect civil liberties and maintain trust between communities and law enforcement.

Iran announced Wednesday that it launched cruise missiles toward the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, escalating tensions just hours after its military leadership rejected any possibility of reaching an agreement with the United States to end the war.

The semiofficial Fars News Agency, closely aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that the strike “forc[ed] the American naval fleet to change position.”

US Central Command did not immediately respond to the claim. In previous instances, however, CENTCOM has used social media to dispute Iranian assertions that American naval assets, including the Lincoln, had been successfully targeted.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has been operating in the Arabian Sea as part of Operation Epic Fury, which is nearing the end of its fourth week on Friday.

Speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, President Trump told reporters that Iran had “shot 100 missiles at one of our aircraft carriers, one of the biggest ships in the world, actually.

“Out of 101 missiles, every single one of them was knocked down.”

The reported missile launches came shortly after a senior Iranian military spokesman issued a forceful rejection of any negotiations with Washington, following the transmission of a 15-point US peace proposal through Pakistani intermediaries.

“Someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you. Not now, not ever,” Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari said in a video shared by Fars.

“The strategic power you used to talk about has turned into a strategic failure,” he added. “The one claiming to be a global superpower would have already gotten out of this mess if it could. Don’t dress up your defeat as an agreement. Your era of empty promises has come to an end.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, the American proposal includes sweeping requirements for Iran, such as dismantling its nuclear infrastructure, abandoning any pursuit of nuclear weapons, transferring enriched uranium to international oversight, limiting its missile capabilities strictly to defensive purposes, ensuring open passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and ending support for terrorist proxy groups.

Tehran has countered with its own demands, including the complete lifting of sanctions and the removal of US military forces from the Persian Gulf—conditions that a US official described as “ridiculous and unrealistic,” according to the Journal.

There has been no indication that diplomatic efforts have reduced the intensity of the fighting.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Israeli military reported carrying out “several waves of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran” and said additional details would be released later.

The day before, the Israel Defense Forces said it had struck military production facilities in Isfahan, including sites used for submarine construction and naval support operations.

In a separate update, Israel’s defense ministry stated that more than 15,000 strikes have been conducted against Iran since combat began on Feb. 28, a figure more than four times higher than the number of strikes carried out during the 12-day conflict with the Islamic Republic last June.

{Matzav.com}

WASHINGTON — (VINnews) A Congressional Passover Seder held Tuesday evening placed the spotlight on the Sarajevo Haggadah, a centuries-old Passover text widely viewed as a symbol of interfaith cooperation and moral courage, as lawmakers and international guests gathered on Capitol Hill.

The event, held in the historic Cannon Caucus Room, brought together a bipartisan group of members of Congress, including: Josh Gottheimer, Brad Schneider, Nancy Mace Tim Kennedy.

Organizers and speakers emphasized the significance of the Sarajevo Haggadah, a 14th-century illuminated manuscript created in Spain that survived the expulsions of Sephardic Jews, centuries of migration and multiple conflicts, including World War II.

During the Nazi occupation of Bosnia, the manuscript was saved from destruction by Bosnian Muslims, most notably Derviš Korkut, who risked his life to conceal the text rather than allow it to be seized or destroyed.

Its preservation has since been widely cited as a powerful example of interfaith solidarity during one of history’s darkest periods.

Lobbyist Ezra Friedlander who also founded Project Legacy organized the event seen here with Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Speakers at the event said that act of preservation elevated the Haggadah beyond a religious artifact, describing it as a symbol of shared humanity and moral responsibility across faiths. They noted that the manuscript’s survival—again through the Bosnian war of the 1990s—underscored its enduring legacy as a cultural and historical bridge.

The evening opened with a reception and remarks before transitioning into a Seder led by Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yehoshua of Bukharian Rabbinical Council. During the Seder, the traditional 4 Passover questions were posed by Rabbi Yonothan Yehoshua, the dean of Yeshiva Ohr David in Jerusalem and ambassadors from South Sudan and Grenada. Somaliland’s representative to the United States was also in attendance and was warmly received by Ezra Friedlander.

The evening also included remarks from international figures, including Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Bosnian Foreign Minister H.E. Elmedin Konaković, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Lawton; State Department Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues Germain,
Muath Alamri, CEO of the Muslim World League in the US and UK, Bosnian Ambassador H.E. Sven Alkalaj.

Victoria Whipple, who emceed the program, highlighted the Haggadah’s survival as a defining example of interfaith cooperation, noting that a librarian of the Muslim faith preserved it during the Holocaust, heroically protecting a cornerstone of Jewish heritage at great personal risk.

The evening also included the presentation of the Sarajevo Haggadah to Muslim World League Secretary General Mohammed al-Issa for his extraordinary commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation which was preceded by remarks by Washington, DC based Kesher Israel rabbi,
Hyim Shafner.

Lobbyist Ezra Friedlander who also founded Project Legacy that organized the event said the tribute aimed to ” underscore themes of remembrance, tolerance and shared responsibility ahead of the Passover holiday, using the Sarajevo Haggadah as a central example of how acts of courage across faith lines can preserve history and inspire future generations”.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A jury found both Meta and YouTube liable in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit that aimed to hold social media platforms responsible for harm to children using their services, awarding the plaintiff $3 million in damages.

After more than 40 hours of deliberation across nine days, California jurors decided Meta and YouTube were negligent in the design or operation of their platforms. The jury also decided each company’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to the plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman who says her use of social media as a child addicted her to the technology and exacerbated her mental health struggles.

The multimillion-dollar verdict will grow, as the jury decided the companies acted with malice, or highly egregious conduct, meaning they will hear new evidence shortly and head back into the deliberation room to decide on punitive damages.

Meta and Google-owned YouTube were the two remaining defendants in the case after TikTok and Snap each settled before the trial began.

Jurors listened to about a month of lawyers’ arguments, testimony and evidence, and they heard from the plaintiff herself, a 20-year-old woman identified as KGM in documents, or Kaley as her lawyers have called her during the trial, as well as Meta leaders Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri. YouTube’s CEO, Neal Mohan, was not called in to testify.

Kaley says she began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9 and told the jury she was on social media “all day long” as a child.

Lawyers representing Kaley, led by Mark Lanier, were tasked with proving that the respective defendants’ negligence was a substantial factor in causing Kaley’s harm. They pointed to specific design features they said were designed to “hook” young users, like the “infinite” nature of feeds that allowed for an endless supply of content, autoplay features, and even notifications.

The jurors were told not to take into account the content of the posts and videos that Kaley saw on the platforms. That’s because tech companies are shielded from legal responsibility for content posted on their sites thanks to Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act.

Meta consistently argued that Kaley had struggled with her mental health separate from her social media use, often pointing to her turbulent home life. Meta also said “not one of her therapists identified social media as the cause” of her mental health issues in a statement following closing arguments. But the plaintiffs did not have to prove that social media caused Kaley’s struggles — only that it was a “substantial factor” in causing her harm.

YouTube focused less on Kaley’s medical records and mental health history and more on her use of YouTube and the nature of the platform. They argued that YouTube is not a form of social media, but rather a video platform akin to television, and pointed to her declining YouTube use as she got older. According to their data, she spent about one minute a day on average watching YouTube Shorts since its inception. YouTube Shorts, which launched in 2020, is the platform’s section of short-form, vertical videos that have the “infinite scroll” feature the plaintiffs argued was addictive.

Lawyers representing both platforms also consistently pointed to the safety features and guardrails they each have available for people to monitor and customize their use.

The case, along with several others, has been randomly selected as a bellwether trial, meaning its outcome could impact how thousands of similar lawsuits filed against social media companies play out.

Laura Marquez-Garrett, an attorney with the Social Media Victims Law Center and the counsel of record for Kaley, said this trial was “a vehicle, not an outcome” during deliberations.

“This case is historic no matter what happens because it was the first,” Marquez-Garrett said, emphasizing the gravity of getting Meta and Google’s internal documents into the public record.

Marquez-Garrett said social media companies are “not taking the cancerous talcum powder off the shelves,” likely in reference to a past case that Lanier and his firm worked on, securing a multi-billion-dollar verdict. “And they’re not going to because they’re making too much money killing kids.”

Still, the Social Media Victims Law Center and the parents who trace their children’s deaths or harms back to social media will continue to keep fighting, Marquez-Garrett said, wearing several rubber wristbands in honor of victims that have not come off since the trial began.

The trial was one of several that social media companies face this year and beyond. They are the culmination of years of scrutiny of the platforms over child safety, and whether the companies make them addictive and serve up content that leads to depression, eating disorders or suicide.

Some experts see the reckoning as reminiscent of cases against tobacco and opioid markets, and the plaintiffs hope that social media platforms will see similar outcomes as cigarette makers and drug companies, pharmacies and distributors.

Iran has launched a missile bearing a poster of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, thanking him for his public condemnation of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against the Islamic Republic.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps released footage of the missile, which displayed a portrait of the Spanish leader alongside a message in both Farsi and English: “We praise the Spanish minister who calls this war illegal. We say: not only is this war illegal, it is also inhuman. Thank you, Prime Minister.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry wasted no time responding. “Pedro Sánchez — Iran’s mullah regime is thanking you by putting your words on the missiles it fires at civilians in Israel and the Arab world,” the ministry said in a statement. “How does it feel knowing your face and words are on these missiles? Keep in mind that Europe — including Spain — is within range of these missiles.”

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Sánchez had doubled down on his position just days earlier, ahead of a European Union summit in Brussels, declaring that Madrid “has condemned the war from the very first moment” and calling U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran “illegal.”

The imagery of a Western leader’s face on an Iranian missile crystallized growing tensions between Spain and its traditional allies. In one of Madrid’s most consequential moves in recent weeks, the Spanish government blocked the United States from using Spanish military bases for operations against Iran — a decision that prompted President Donald Trump to threaten the suspension of trade ties with Spain. Tehran praised the move shortly after it was announced.

Spain’s posture on the conflict is not new. Since the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023, Sánchez has emerged as one of Israel’s most aggressive critics on the world stage, unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state, repeatedly branding the Gaza war a “genocide,” and permanently withdrawing Spain’s ambassador from Israel — a step that earned the public praise of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.

Spain has also imposed sweeping trade restrictions on Israeli goods, barred entry to individuals it deemed complicit in the Gaza campaign, and passed legislation banning defense exports to Israel.

The escalating anti-Israel posture has come at a domestic cost. Spain’s Jewish community has faced a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents — from violent assaults and vandalism to legal harassment and street protests — and Jewish leaders and political opponents alike have accused Sánchez’s rhetoric of inflaming the hostile climate. The Iranian regime’s decision to publicly align itself with the Spanish prime minister, plastering his face and words on a ballistic missile aimed at civilians, is likely to intensify that criticism.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that he and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir have approved a new series of targets for strikes in Iran and Lebanon.

Katz made the announcement following a situational assessment at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv. He added that the Israeli Air Force has dropped more than 15,000 bombs on Iran since the start of the current war, four times the number of munitions used during the 12-day war in June 2025.

The approval of additional “quality strategic targets” comes as Israel continues intensified operations against Iranian military sites and Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon, according to Israeli media reports. Katz described the expanded target list as aimed at further degrading the capabilities of Iran and its proxies.

The current campaign against Iran, which began Feb. 28, has seen the Israeli Air Force conduct hundreds of sorties targeting missile production facilities, ballistic missile launchers, air defense systems and other regime assets. Israeli officials have said the pace of strikes has slowed in recent days but that thousands of additional targets remain available.

The 12-day conflict in June 2025, known as Operation Rising Lion, involved Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites that prompted Iranian retaliation with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones against Israel.

No immediate comment was available from Iranian officials or Hezbollah. The developments were first reported by Israeli media outlets including The Times of Israel and the Jerusalem Post.

VINnews will continue to monitor the situation for further updates.

NEWBURGH (VINnews) — A Hudson Valley lawmaker on Tuesday questioned why flights were not diverted to New York Stewart International Airport after LaGuardia Airport was shut down for hours following a fatal runway incident.

State Assemblyman Chris Eachus, a Democrat from New Windsor, said the region’s major airports are experiencing significant TSA delays amid staffing issues tied to a partial federal government shutdown, while Stewart remains largely uncongested.

“We’re hearing of folks waiting recently on TSA lines at the three major New York airports for three, 3 ½ hours, some folks missing their flight,” Eachus said. “At Stewart, we have absolutely zero waiting time for TSA.”

Eachus said he was surprised that Stewart, which has available capacity, was not used more as an alternative during the disruption. He suggested that flights could have been routed there and then connected to other destinations.

The comments came as travelers across the country face longer security lines and staffing shortages at major airports, with some passengers reporting extended wait times and missed flights.

Eachus also criticized the deployment of federal immigration enforcement agents at major airports, saying their presence did not appear to address the ongoing delays.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has directed the military to intensify its campaign against Iran’s weapons infrastructure, ordering that as much of the country’s arms industry as possible be destroyed within 48 hours, according to a report published Tuesday by The New York Times.

The directive came after Netanyahu reviewed a copy of the United States’ proposed 15-point framework aimed at ending the war, the report said.

Responding on Monday to President Trump’s comments about ongoing contacts with Iranian officials, Netanyahu made clear that Israel would continue acting to protect its own security interests regardless of any diplomatic developments involving Washington.

“Earlier today, I spoke with our friend, President Trump. He believes there is an opportunity to leverage the tremendous achievements of the IDF and the US military in order to achieve the objectives of the war through an agreement that will preserve our vital interests,” Netanyahu said.

He added, “At the same time, we continue to strike both in Iran and in Lebanon, dismantling the missile and nuclear program piece by piece, and continuing to deal severe blows to Hezbollah.”

“Just a few days ago, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists, and more actions are forthcoming. We will safeguard our vital interests under all circumstances,” the Prime Minister concluded.

Meanwhile, Reuters and The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Iran has rejected the American proposal and has reverted to its earlier demands—conditions Washington had already dismissed before the war began.

Iranian officials also publicly derided the diplomatic effort. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for the Revolutionary Guard’s emergency command, mocked the U.S. president’s approach, saying he is “negotiating with himself.”

{Matzav.com}

(AP) – A woman in Indiana who put off dental surgery because she doesn’t know if she can afford the copay. A Florida couple with young children who are depleting their savings. A grandmother in Idaho who plans to sell her car to pay the rent.

They are among the tens of thousands Transportation Security Administration officers set to receive another $0 paycheck this week. A dispute in Congress over funding the Department of Homeland Security has held up their salaries since mid-February. With monthly bills coming due, many of these federal employees, who screen passengers and luggage at airports across the U.S., are making difficult choices about how to make ends meet.

High absentee rates at some major airports have produced long lines and frustrated passengers at understaffed security checkpoints. Union leaders and federal officials say empty gas tanks, childcare expenses and the threat of eviction keep more screeners from showing up the longer the shutdown continues. At last count, more than 455 had quit instead of weathering the ongoing uncertainty, according to DHS.

“Stop asking me about the long lines. Ask me if somebody’s gonna eat today,” Hydrick Thomas, president of the national American Federation of Government Employees union council that represents TSA employees, told reporters Tuesday.

Indiana TSA agent turns to food pantry for groceries
Before starting her shift at Indianapolis International Airport on Monday, Taylor Desert stopped at a food bank for meat, eggs, vegetables and dairy products.

“I never thought I would be in a position where, working for the federal government, I would need to go to a food bank to supplement my groceries,” she said as she loaded bags into her car.

Desert, who has been a TSA officer for seven years, said her last full paycheck came on Feb. 14, the day the shutdown started.

She had some savings to draw on despite a record 43-day shutdown last fall but put some personal plans on pause.

For example, Desert needs to get her wisdom teeth removed but says the TSA isn’t approving time off during the shutdown. She also worries about costs from the surgery not covered by insurance.

Wednesday was the 39th day of the DHS funding lapse. If it goes another 21 days, Desert said she would seek another job.

“I don’t want to have to spend my entire savings just to afford to keep living,” she said.

Florida TSA couple worry about their young children
Oksana Kelly, 38, and her husband, Deron, 37, both work as TSA agents at Orlando International Airport. They have two young children and don’t know how they will keep supporting their family without any income coming in.

Kelly said they’re dipping into savings for now, but it’s running dry. If the shutdown persists, they will ask relatives for help or take out a loan, which she worries would put them deeper in debt.

Her husband has worked as a DoorDash delivery driver in his spare time since the shutdown in October and November. He’s considered resigning from the TSA to put the couple on more stable financial footing.

“It’s very mentally exhausting,” said Kelly, who is an organizer for the labor union representing TSA workers across central and northern Florida. “How do we even decide between being able to feed our kids or come to work?”

Kelly said strangers might criticize the couple for “putting all eggs in one basket” since both choose to work for the TSA for the past decade.

“All we want is to pay our bills and get the pay we deserve,” she said.

A veteran officer in Idaho fears homelessness
Rebecca Wolf cries every day. She tries to hide it from her grandchildren, ages 11 and 6.

“They don’t understand why grandma’s crying,” Wolf said. “I try not to cry in front of them, but sometimes it’s just too much.”

The 53-year-old TSA officer and union leader in Boise, Idaho, joined the agency soon after its creation in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. She was homeless at the time but turned her situation around with steady work and the benefits of federal employment.

Now, Wolf can’t help but dwell on where she was 24 years ago. “I don’t want to be in that position again,” she said.

Her Feb. 28 paycheck amounted to $13.53, sending her “into a spiral right away.”

With no savings to fall back on, she is preparing to sell her car to cover her rent due in a week. She calls nonprofits daily seeking rental assistance, but hasn’t had any luck.

Supporting six family members — four children and two grandchildren — has always been challenging, but the repeated shutdowns have made it nearly unsustainable.

Wolf, who serves as president of AFGE TSA Local 1127, is hesitant to walk away from both the job that turned her life around and her role advocating for fellow officers.

“I worked hard to get to where I am now, and the thought I might lose it all scares me,” she said, her voice breaking as she tried to stifle the sound of weeping.

Massachusetts agent digs into savings to get by
Mike Gayzagian, a TSA officer at Boston’s Logan International Airport, says long stretches without pay have become enough of a “new normal” that he’s prepared for them.

The 56-year-old says he has a financial cushion of about six months to tap but that his situation is “an exception to the rule.”

“The majority live paycheck to paycheck and don’t have those kinds of reserves available,” said Gayzagian, who is president of his local TSA union chapter.

It shouldn’t be this way for federal workers, he said.

“The financial situation adds an additional burden to what is already a stressful job,” Gayzagian said. “I didn’t go into public service to make a lot of money. I went into public service because it has a certain stability and reliability and predictability that other jobs don’t have.”

A father in Utah leaves TSA
Robert Echeverria quit his job as a TSA agent at Utah’s Salt Lake City International Airport about two weeks into the current shutdown.

The 45-year-old, who has a wife and three children, counted five government shutdowns in the nine years he worked for the agency. The toughest was last year’s record shutdown that ended in mid-November around the start of the holiday season.

Echeverria said his family skipped Christmas and took months to recover financially. He began looking for a new job in February when it became clear Congress was headed for another budget battle.

“Emotionally I was already distraught,” Echeverria said last week. “We were barely recovering from the last shutdown.”

He now works for the department that manages the airports in Utah’s capital. Leaving federal service “was a hard decision for me,” Echeverria said.

“I really believed in the mission of the TSA,” he said. “We took an oath, and it was a way for me to give back to the country that gave me so much.”

He’s still based at Salt Lake City International, where his 20-year-old daughter works as a TSA agent, and says that seeing his former colleagues struggling is difficult.

“They all feel betrayed by their government because they’re showing up to work,” Echeverria said. “They’re there, but they feel that the government doesn’t care for them,” he said.

NEW YORK (NYPD) — The NYPD is recognizing Traffic Enforcement Agent Guadalupe Rubio for more than 20 years of service helping keep traffic flowing near the Brooklyn Bridge.

“Meet NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agent Guadalupe Rubio,” the department said in a social media post. “For more than 20 years, she’s been keeping traffic flowing near the Brooklyn Bridge.”

The NYPD thanked Rubio for her long-standing role in helping keep New York City moving.

Meet NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agent Guadalupe
Rubio!

For more than 20 years, she's been keeping traffic flowing near the Brooklyn Bridge.

Thank you, Agent Rubino, for keeping NYC on the move! pic.twitter.com/JreJyrjbOQ

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) March 25, 2026

Several frum mosdos in Baltimore were placed on lockdown after a threatening call was received at Beth Tfiloh, prompting a large police response.

Authorities quickly arrived on scene, clearing hallways and conducting a full sweep of the building. The school later confirmed that the premises were secure and all תלמידים are safe.

At Bais Yaakov, a modified lockdown was implemented as a precaution, with outdoor activities suspended and security increased. Officials emphasized there was no specific threat directed at the school.

Boruch Hashem, no injuries were reported and all students are safe.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The son of the Rebbe of Biala Beit Shemesh, who resides in London, was attacked while out with his wife and baby by a thug who confronted him, spitting at him, hurling curses and insults, and issuing threats to kill him and all Jews.

The incident took place in a predominantly Muslim neighborhood roughly half an hour from London’s Chareidi community.

As the situation escalated, the man’s wife entered a nearby shop while calling the police. The shopkeeper intervened, stepping outside to push the attacker away and telling him, “Leave here—don’t do this here.” The assailant eventually left, but not before repeating threats to kill Jews.

The family reported the incident to the police. Officers said they are treating the case with urgency, particularly given the recent rise in antisemitic incidents and the ongoing war with Iran, and assured the family they will make every effort to identify and apprehend the suspect.

Police also committed to reviewing security camera footage from the area and, if the suspect is identified, to bringing in witnesses to provide testimony.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain on Wednesday sharply criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security, saying the monthlong standoff has left the nation vulnerable as potential terror attacks mount.

“It sickens me! I’m here to protect Americans, and I’m here to protect law-abiding citizens. And that’s what we’re going to vote on again,” McClain said.

“We’re going to stop playing politics. We’re going to put the American people first again,” she added.

McClain, R-Mich., spoke as Democrats have continued to withhold support for DHS funding legislation, even after President Donald Trump removed former Secretary Kristi Noem. Republicans argue the delay has hampered the department’s ability to respond to threats, pointing to recent incidents including potential attacks on synagogues, universities and public officials’ homes.a30078

The chairwoman closed by praising the president.

“And I will close by saying this. Thank you, President Trump, for doing what the Democrats refuse to do. And thank you for always putting Americans first,” McClain said.

The remarks come amid ongoing partisan tensions over homeland security appropriations. House Republicans have pushed to restore full funding, while top Democrats have conditioned their support on additional changes at the department.

McClain, who represents Michigan’s 9th Congressional District, has repeatedly highlighted the risks of the funding lapse on social media and in public statements, warning that politicizing DHS leaves Americans less secure.

No immediate vote was scheduled on the issue following her comments.

NEW YORK (AP) — Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani on Tuesday announced a new initiative aimed at accelerating the development of affordable housing on city-owned land, introducing a streamlined approval process intended to cut project timelines by more than two years.

The program, called the Neighborhood Builders Fast Track, will pre-qualify developers and shorten the request-for-proposals process by about eight months, officials said. The administration said the change will allow certain projects to move from planning to development more quickly, reducing delays tied to pre-construction approvals.

“Our city is facing a historic housing crisis — the last thing we need to do is tie ourselves in red tape,” Mamdani said. “We are moving at the speed of need to make this a city New Yorkers can continue to call home.”

Mayor Mamdani Holds Press Conference to Make an Affordable Housing Announcement https://t.co/4NmI5ZrpKL

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 25, 2026

Deputy Mayor Leila Bozorg and Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Dina Levy joined Mamdani in announcing the plan, which is expected to be paired with a separate expedited land-use review process approved by voters in November.

City officials said the first phase of the program could produce as many as 300 affordable homes across three sites in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. Over the next two years, the administration expects the initiative to help advance development of up to 1,000 homes.

As part of the program, the city has released a request for qualifications for developers, with a focus on nonprofit organizations and minority- and women-owned firms. Pre-qualified teams will be eligible to participate in the fast-track process at designated sites, officials said.

Supporters of the plan said it will help address the city’s housing shortage by making better use of public land.

“New Yorkers need more affordable housing — built faster and at lower cost,” Levy said. “Public land is a public good, and we will not let city-owned sites sit idle.”

City officials also highlighted broader efforts by the administration to increase housing production, including newly established task forces aimed at identifying additional development sites and streamlining approval processes.

Community leaders and housing advocates praised the initiative, saying it could help deliver housing more quickly in neighborhoods facing rising rents and displacement pressures.

“New York’s housing crisis isn’t years away — it’s happening right now,” said Annemarie Gray, executive director of Open New York. “We need to use every tool available to speed the creation of new homes.”

The administration said it will continue working with local organizations and developers as it moves forward with additional housing projects across the city.

NEW YORK (AP) – Three-row midsize SUVs are very popular among American families who want space and flexibility without the expense of a full-size SUV or the stigma of owning a minivan. Within this category, the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder are notable for their long-running nameplates and wide range of trim levels, including models designed for occasional off-roading on dirt roads or trails. Which one is the better buy? The car experts at Edmunds tested them to find out.

Comfort and convenience
The level of comfort you can expect from the Explorer largely depends on the trim level you choose and which row you’re sitting in. While the front seats are cushy and available with features like ventilation and massaging functions, the second and third rows lack adequate cushioning and the headrests are downright uncomfortable. The performance-oriented ST has a firm ride, but the other Explorer trims are respectably smooth when going over bumps and ruts.

The Pathfinder’s ride quality is pretty similar, but it otherwise outclasses the Explorer in this category. It earns points for its highly adjustable driving position, easy-to-use controls, and generous passenger space. We also like its robust climate control system and quiet cabin. All three rows are roomier and more accommodating than those in the Ford.

Winner: Pathfinder

Driving experience
If you want some athleticism from your three-row SUV, the turbocharged Ford Explorer will deliver. It accelerates more quickly and out-handles all of its rivals, and it’s particularly fleet-footed if you opt for the sport-tuned ST trim. We also appreciate its easygoing demeanor in everyday driving situations.

The Nissan Pathfinder offers excellent outward visibility and a nice balance between ride comfort and composure. But its performance — both in handling and acceleration — just can’t keep pace with the Explorer’s. A family SUV doesn’t necessarily need to be fun to drive, but the Explorer’s sporty performance simply makes everyday driving more enjoyable.

Winner: Explorer

Technology
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder has a new 12.3-inch center touchscreen display that offers significantly more screen real estate than the system in the outgoing model, and the sensibly designed software makes it easy to quickly find the functions that you’re looking for. Wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is also part of the deal. We do think the Pathfinder could benefit from a few more USB ports to better satisfy the whole family’s need to plug in and charge.

The Ford Explorer also has a big 13.2-inch center touchscreen as well as a standard digital instrument panel display for a futuristic vibe. The Explorer also one-ups the Pathfinder with more USB ports and a Google Built-In feature that features onboard Google Maps and Google voice assistant functionality.

Winner: Explorer

Cargo capacity and capability
The Explorer and Pathfinder’s cargo-carrying abilities are similar. Neither has much cargo space behind its third-row seat — about 16 cubic feet — but it’s enough for a load of groceries or a few small bags. Folding down both the second-row and third-row seats opens up about 80 cubic feet of space in the Pathfinder and 85 cubes in the Explorer.

This photo provided by Nissan shows the 2026 Pathfinder. This midsize three-row SUV receives updated styling and better technology features this year. (Courtesy of Nissan North America via AP)

The Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and it’s now available in a new Tremor trim that enhances its off-road prowess with a slightly raised suspension for more ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a limited-slip rear differential that helps the all-wheel-drive system direct the power where it’s most needed. The Pathfinder’s optional towing package elevates its capacity to 6,000 pounds. Nissan counters the Tremor trim with the Pathfinder’s Rock Creek trim, but the Rock Creek’s off-roading upgrades aren’t quite as comprehensive.

Winner: Tie

Pricing and value
The 2026 Ford Explorer features a wide range of trim and package options, making it easy to find one that feels tailored to your specific preferences. A base 2026 Ford Explorer starts at $40,260, including the destination fee. You’re getting a decently equipped SUV for that price, though the Explorer’s most desirable features require a significant additional outlay. A top-level Explorer ST is pricey because of its performance upgrades; the one-step-down Platinum costs $52,760.

The 2026 Pathfinder’s reworked cabin is a big step up from previous years, and the restyled exterior further enhances its appeal. The entry-level Pathfinder SV costs $41,445, while the top SL trim checks in at $51,945. Although it doesn’t venture into outright luxury territory, the Pathfinder does a slightly better job of justifying its cost.

Winner: Pathfinder

Edmunds says
The Explorer and Pathfinder are closely matched. Nissan has done a commendable job breathing new life into the Pathfinder with a host of updates for 2026, and its spacious interior will undoubtedly be appreciated by your second- and third-row passengers. But if you’re looking for a three-row SUV that’s both fun to drive and versatile, the latest Ford Explorer earns the nod in this matchup.

YWN regrets to inform you of the petirah of HaRav Moshe Mordechai Chalkowski ZT”L, founding principal of Neve Yerushalayim, who was niftar this morning.

Rav Moshe Mordechai ben Meir ZT”L was a guiding force and pillar of Neve Yerushalayim, shaping generations of talmidos with his warmth, vision, and unwavering dedication to Torah and to each individual.

His impact on Klal Yisroel is immeasurable, as he helped build and inspire countless תלמידות over the years.

The levaya was held in Yerushalyim, and the Kevuraon Har HaMenuchos.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

NEW YORK (VINnews) – AMI Magazine is featuring Rabbi Shulem Landau on this week’s front page cover. A Satmar talmid from Kiryas Joel, he has drawn attention for building a substantial following on social media, including 240,000 followers on Instagram, 52,000 on TikTok, and 66,000 on Facebook.

Landau, rosh yeshivah and rosh kollel of Mosdos Rivnitz in Williamsburg, is known for his decades of Torah leadership, guiding close to 100 bachurim in his yeshivah and more than 200 yungeleit across multiple kollelim. In recent months, however, he has also become a recognizable digital presence, with short, practical messages in plainspoken English spreading widely across WhatsApp and other platforms.

His content, often centered on themes of focus, consistency, and personal growth, has resonated with a broad and diverse audience. According to those familiar with his reach, his influence extends well beyond the Chasidic community, drawing engagement from viewers across different backgrounds.

The clips are frequently described as blending traditional mussar with a modern delivery style, contributing to their viral spread. In a single video, Landau delivers a message that reflects this approach: “People don’t fail because they’re not smart. People fail because they never stick with one thing long enough to succeed.”

Inside his beis midrash, Landau continues his regular schedule of Torah learning and leadership, maintaining that his primary focus remains within the walls of his yeshivah and kollel. Yet his growing online presence reflects a broader trend of figures from traditionally insular communities using digital platforms to extend their reach.

His rise highlights an evolving dynamic — one where traditional rabbinic leadership and modern communication tools intersect, creating new avenues for influence, outreach, and engagement.

Israel’s Knesset has taken a significant step toward regulating the massive Lag BaOmer gathering in Meron, as the National Security Committee approved legislation on Wednesday aimed at ensuring a safer and more orderly event in 2026.

The bill, which passed through the committee chaired by MK Zvika Fogel of Otzma Yehudit, will now move forward to its final readings. Drafted as a temporary measure, the legislation is intended to provide clear structure and oversight for the annual pilgrimage, which attracts hundreds of thousands of participants each year. It establishes tighter safety protocols and new limitations designed to maintain order and prevent dangerous overcrowding.

Communications Minister Dr. Shlomo Karhi, who has been tasked with overseeing this year’s event, expressed appreciation to MK Zvika Fogel and MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism for pushing the legislation forward. “This law will allow us to hold a safe and joyful event for the people of Israel,” Karhi said.

Fogel underscored that the primary goal of the measure is to impose organization and accountability on the large-scale gathering. “The purpose of this law is to bring order, establish clear boundaries, and ensure that the pilgrimage takes place safely. Our first and foremost responsibility is to protect human life.”

MK Meir Porush, who previously oversaw the event in his role as Minister of Yerushalayim Affairs and Jewish Tradition, also welcomed the progress of the bill and commended both Karhi and Fogel. “This is an important and central step in the preparations for the celebration,” he said, adding that he hopes the security situation will permit the pilgrimage to be held with both joy and safety.

The Lag BaOmer event in Meron is among the largest yearly gatherings in Israel. Following the 2021 disaster, in which 45 people lost their lives in a crowd crush, authorities have implemented increasingly strict safety measures and closer supervision in an effort to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.

{Matzav.com}

Britain is assembling a coalition of roughly 30 countries to clear Iranian sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz and restore commercial shipping through the waterway that carries one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, according to multiple reports.

London is organizing a summit of nations that have pledged to provide “appropriate efforts” to reopen the strait, Politico reported. The coalition includes France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which have signed a joint statement committing to help safeguard the passage, even as many of the participating governments have publicly opposed the war that triggered its closure.

The UK is looking to deploy either a Royal Navy minesweeper or contract a civilian vessel capable of launching mine-sweeping drones into the area, according to The Times. Type 45 destroyers would also be sent to protect tankers transiting the strait.

Iran has left at least a dozen mines in the narrow shipping lane, effectively shutting down one of the world’s most critical trade chokepoints. U.S. officials identified the devices as Iranian-manufactured Maham 3 and Maham 7 limpet mines, according to CBS News.

The Maham 3 weighs more than 660 pounds and uses magnetic and acoustic sensors to attach itself to ships that pass within 10 feet. The Maham 7, a smaller weapon at roughly 485 pounds, rests on the seabed before deploying similar sensors to target medium-sized vessels. First displayed publicly at a 2015 arms exhibition, the Maham 7 is designed to scatter incoming sonar, making it particularly difficult for minesweeping systems to detect.

Iran is believed to hold between 2,000 and 6,000 naval mines in its stockpiles, though an official count is unavailable. The U.S. military said last week that at least 44 Iranian mine-laying vessels have been destroyed since the war began.

Despite the danger, some ships have managed to transit the strait without incident. Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese vessels have crossed without triggering mines or drawing Iranian drone fire. Huax, a German-Italian maritime intelligence firm, reported that these ships have been broadcasting a secret signal identifying them as cleared for passage.

“Whether they are signals to Tehran or internal fleet identifiers, we cannot confirm, but the signals are coordinated across multiple vessels,” Arsenio Longo, a maritime intelligence expert at Huax, told The Times. He noted that Indian and China-linked vessels appear to be transiting or staging for transit while virtually all other commercial traffic remains blocked.

Tehran has said any country except the United States, Israel, and their allies is permitted to pass through the strait.

The British government believes a safe path through the strait exists, given that a small number of tankers have made it through without incident. But the broader commercial shipping industry remains paralyzed, with insurance companies refusing to cover the risk and most vessels staying well clear.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

photos: Y. Stein 

GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) — Conservatives are holding one of their largest annual gatherings at a perilous political moment for President Donald Trump and with open division on the right over the war he launched in Iran.

While Trump maintains broad support among conservatives, the war in Iran is more than a wrinkle for activists drawn to his “America First” campaign pledge against getting involved in foreign conflicts. A new AP-NORC poll shows about 59% of Americans think the military action in Iran is excessive. The debate will be a subtext — and likely flare publicly — as thousands of activists, influencers and Republican lawmakers gather at the Conservative Political Action Conference that begins Wednesday outside Dallas.

The event also comes a day after a Democrat flipped the Florida state legislative seat that’s home to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.

The gathering will be a contrast to the celebratory meeting one year ago when Trump, newly returned to office, vowed to “forge a new and lasting political majority” and Elon Musk wielded a chain saw to symbolize how the Republican administration was slashing the government workforce and red tape.

This year, neither Trump nor Vice President JD Vance has been publicly announced as speaking to the gathering. But among those who are slated to speak are big names in the MAGA movement who have voiced conflicting views on the Iran war.

“This is obviously going to be a hot topic,” said John Gizzi, a CPAC veteran and columnist for the conservative media outlet Newsmax, who noted the possibility of greater U.S. involvement over an uncertain length of time.

Some featured speakers are divided over Iran and Israel
Among the featured speakers scheduled at the four-day event is longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon. Bannon said during his “War Room” podcast this month that should the war become “a hard slog,” it could cost the GOP conservative voters ahead of the midterms.

“We are going to bleed support,” Bannon said.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who supports the war, also is on the agenda at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.

“I think President Trump was exactly right to act to protect Americans,” Cruz said last week in a CBS News interview.

Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz’s scheduled speaking slot is a reminder of the disagreement among some conservatives about the U.S. military alliance with Israel against Iran.

Gaetz, host of a show on the conservative One America News Network, has said the U.S. has been too cozy with Israel as popular conservative personalities such as Tucker Carlson have challenged conservatives’ longtime bond with the country, prompting criticism from GOP groups, including pro-Israel Republicans, of antisemitism.

Others scheduled to speak include Trump border czar Tom Homan and former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, who is running for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina.

Trump’s standing is strong among his base
A year after Trump presided over the group’s jubilant conference upon his return to office, he is in a much different place.

At war while worries about jobs and household costs linger, his approval is down. His signature domestic policy, aimed at tightening voting rules ahead of November’s midterm elections, has stalled in a Congress his party controls, while the House Republican majority is in jeopardy and the party’s hold on the Senate is less certain than a year ago.

Despite the dividing lines, Trump enjoys enduring approval from his party’s right flank. Eighty-six percent of conservatives said they approved of the president’s job performance in a February AP-NORC poll.

And while Trump’s supporters remain devoted, some within the most conservative circles say division over Iran could signal trouble for Republicans in November.

Texas Rep. Steve Toth, who plans to attend CPAC, suggested that Trump’s support remains robust among conservatives but that Republican messaging on the war could be stronger.

“From MAGA people, for the most part, I don’t hear frustration with the president,” said Toth, who beat incumbent Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw in Texas’ March 3 primary. “I don’t know that we’re doing a great job at communicating the full ramifications.”

Texas’ GOP Senate primary is a lingering issue
Another stark reminder of the contrast with last year is Texas’ unresolved Senate primary, a particular political headache for Trump.

Texas Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton, who is challenging four-term GOP Sen. John Cornyn, not only is attending the event but also has one of the event’s premier speaking roles, the Ronald Reagan Dinner on Friday evening. Cornyn is not attending the Texas conference.

Trump said three weeks ago he would soon endorse one of them after Paxton finished narrowly behind Cornyn in the March 3 primary, though neither received a majority to avoid a May 26 runoff.

Trump implored whoever didn’t get the endorsement to drop out, writing in a social media post that the bitter contest “cannot, for the good of the Party, and our Country, itself, be allowed to go on any longer.”

The deadline for candidates to remove their names from the May 26 runoff ballot passed last week, as Paxton and Cornyn were launching stepped-up attack ads targeting one another.

ES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A scientist who pioneered the modern food processing safety standards used around the world was awarded this year’s World Food Prize, the organization announced Wednesday, crediting his work for averting millions of cases of foodborne illness and reducing food waste.

Huub Lelieveld of the Netherlands earned the award after six decades spent advancing ways to improve food safety and advocating for trade regulations that allow safe food to get around the world more easily.

“I just did what I thought was right,” Lelieveld said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I want everybody to have enough food but … it should also be safe.”

🌟🌍 Congratulations to Huub Lelieveld – our 2026 World Food Prize Laureate, recognized for groundbreaking work in leading a global food safety movement that helped prevent foodborne illness, dismantle barriers to trade and humanitarian aid and reduce food loss and waste! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/5qiNZ2ZcnH

— World Food Prize Foundation (@WorldFoodPrize) March 25, 2026

Lelieveld began his career as a food researcher at Unilever at a time when mechanisms for manufacturing safe food products were, to him, “illogical,” he said.

Food was often sterilized or chemically preserved after production, and equipment needed to be shut off once or twice each day to be cleaned, which was both difficult and time consuming. The processed food also required heavy use of preservatives, salt, sugar and acids to reduce the risk of contamination, which detracted from flavor and nutrition.

“I realized very soon that they did things in the wrong way, in my view,” Lelieveld said. “From the beginning, I’ve been working on … convincing people that you should do it in a different way.”

Lelieveld worked with colleagues to develop hygienic production methods and equipment, making food manufacturing more efficient and less reliant on chemicals.

Having scaled the processes at Unilever and shown that they worked, Lelieveld said the company gave him permission to publish the research for dissemination and use globally.

“My philosophy was: You should not compete on food safety,” Lelieveld said. “Spreading the technology, the hygienic technology, was very important.”

Unsafe food causes 600 million foodborne illnesses and 420,000 deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization.

“Lelieveld was selected for translating food safety science into global regulations, legislation and practice, a movement spanning dozens of countries,” Gebisa Ejeta, chair of the Laureate selection committee, said in a statement. “His initiatives are estimated to have benefited millions of consumers worldwide.”

The Iowa-based World Food Prize was founded by Norman Borlaug, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his work to dramatically increase crop yields and reduce the threat of starvation in many countries. The agricultural science honor includes a $500,000 award.

“Lelieveld lives by his conviction that access to safe food is a universal right—a philosophy shared by the late Dr. Norman Borlaug,” Mashal Husain, World Food Prize Foundation president, said in a statement.

After four decades at Unilever, Lelieveld founded the Global Harmonization Initiative in 2004 to promote consensus in food and trade regulations around the world. Drawing on a network of a few thousand scientists around the world, the nonprofit organization also works to address critical food security challenges and to facilitate food safety education.

GHI “is extremely useful because it has this enormous pool of knowledge about food safety and food protection,” Lelieveld said.

Lelieveld said challenges for broad access to safe food and water persist, and he hopes to see a system where people can produce safe food and water locally even if the movement of goods across borders is restricted.

“You can’t stop the transport of water through the air, with the clouds,” he said. “You can produce safe water everywhere, but we need to distribute this knowledge to the people that need it and that is the biggest challenge.”

NEW YORK — Deb El Food Products, a family-owned company founded by Elliot P. Gibber, donated 2.1 million eggs to a large Jewish Passover food distribution organized by the Met Council, as part of what organizers described as the group’s largest holiday effort to date.

The donation was made through the Gibber family’s company, which is based in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and produces liquid, frozen and dried egg products. Officials said the eggs were distributed as part of the “Great American Egg Drive,” a nationwide initiative in partnership with the American Egg Board to move food from farms to food banks and relief organizations.

In total, the Met Council distributed more than 3.5 million pounds of kosher-for-Passover food to more than 350,000 Jewish individuals and families across New York City and Long Island. The effort included 250 distribution sites, dozens of partner organizations and hundreds of volunteers, according to organizers.

In the weeks leading up to Passover, the group said it delivered millions of dollars’ worth of kosher-for-Passover food, including matzah, grape juice and other staples, along with fresh produce and packaged goods, to help Jewish families observe the holiday.

“Giving back to our communities is a fundamental value that has been passed down through generations,” said Elliot P. Gibber, founder and CEO of Deb El Food Products. “We are proud to support families during Passover and help ensure they have access to the foods they need to celebrate the holiday with dignity.”

“The generosity of Deb El Food Products and the Gibber family is truly remarkable,” said Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield. “This partnership helps ensure that Jewish families across the region can celebrate Passover with the essential foods they need.”

Officials said the expanded effort was designed to ensure that Jewish families facing food insecurity could celebrate Passover with access to essential holiday foods, even as demand for assistance continues to grow.

A new AAA survey reveals a growing concern among drivers: headlight glare. Six in ten drivers say glare is a problem after dark, and nearly three-quarters of those affected believe it has worsened over the past decade. The findings are renewing concerns about road safety, headlight regulations, and modern lighting standards.

“Headlight glare has become a major source of frustration and concern for millions of drivers,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering and research at AAA. “As vehicle lighting technology evolves, so must our understanding of glare, its impact, and the steps drivers can take to maintain safety.” 

Glare Problems Are Worsening  

Headlight glare continues to worsen for U.S. drivers, with 73% of those who experience it saying the problem has intensified over the past decade. “Driven by several factors including new headlight technologies and taller vehicle designs, drivers are becoming frustrated with the issue of headlight glare,” said Brannon.

Most drivers who experience glare cite oncoming headlights as the primary cause, with 92% identifying it as their top concern. About one third also report glare issues in their rearview or side mirrors.

At the same time, AAA’s latest testing shows significant progress in nighttime pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB) performance, with impact avoidance improving from 0% in 2019 to 60% in 2025. Some of this increase could be due to improved sensor visibility due to headlight design.

Additional Survey Findings:

• Drivers who wear prescription glasses (70%) experience more glare than those who do not (56%).
• Pickup truck drivers are less likely to report glare (41%) than drivers of other vehicle types (66%).
• Female drivers (70%) report glare more often than male drivers (57%).
• Age alone does not show a statistically significant impact on likelihood to report glare being an issue.
• The height of the driver does not significantly influence the likelihood of experiencing glare.

AAA Encourages Driver Awareness and Safer Nighttime Driving 

• AAA is committed to helping drivers stay safe. To help reduce headlight glare and improve overall nighttime visibility, AAA recommends drivers:
• Ensure both headlights are clean, fully functional and of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) design.
• Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights to maintain visibility.
• Visit an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility for professional headlight inspections, replacements, and aim adjustments.
• AAA will continue to research the topic and provide recommendations to industry on how we can work together to balance the ability to safely see the roadway with the growing concerns around headlight glare.

As diplomats were working behind the scenes to try to end the war with a ceasefire deal and Israel continued striking targets in Tehran, an Iranian ballistic missile aimed at Israel’s largest power plant fell wide of its mark and landed in an open field in northern Israel Wednesday.

The attack, the fourth since midnight, triggered alarms throughout Israel. According to initial military assessments, most of the missiles in these attacks were intercepted, but emergency responders were dispatched to areas where falling missile fragments were reported.

A missile landing in an open area near Hadera — where the Orot Rabin power station, Israel’s largest power plant, is located — caused no injuries. Following the attack, the Israel Electric Corporation reported no damage to its infrastructure.

Iran had previously warned that it would target Israeli energy infrastructure, and damage from missile fragments in Haifa caused the temporary closure of the Bazan oil refinery.

Iranian state media, including the judiciary’s Mizan Online website, published infographics Monday showing potential targets in Israel, such as the Orot Rabin power station and the Rutenberg power station, Israel’s second-largest power plant.

By Wednesday afternoon, seven more salvos of missiles were launched from Iran that set off alerts across the country from the north to Eilat in the south. A simultaneous missile attack from Iran and rocket fire from Hezbollah targeted Dimona and triggered sirens in Ma’alot-Tarshiha and nearby towns in the Galilee.

After nearly 20 years of legal battles, families of victims of Iranian-backed terrorism are set to receive compensation from a Manhattan office tower that had long generated income tied to the Iranian regime, despite outstanding court judgments, JTA reports.

On Monday, as fighting between Israel and Iran continues, a $318 million agreement was finalized, directing proceeds from the building’s sale to hundreds of victims. Those eligible for compensation include Jewish and Israeli families who lost relatives in attacks linked to Iran, both in Israel and abroad.

The dispute revolved around hidden Iranian ownership interests in 650 Fifth Avenue, a high-rise office building in Manhattan. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran assumed control of the Alavi Foundation, originally established under the shah, and entered into a partnership with Bank Melli Iran, a state-owned financial institution under U.S. sanctions.

Through a network of front companies, the bank allegedly funneled tens of millions of dollars in rental revenue back to Tehran while concealing its stake in the property, in violation of American sanctions laws.

Among those who will benefit from the settlement are families and estates connected to the 2001 bombing of the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem, which left 15 people dead and more than 100 wounded. That attack, carried out by Hamas with Iranian backing, was among the most devastating suicide bombings during the Second Intifada.

The compensation also extends to victims of other suicide bombings targeting Israeli civilians in the 1990s and early 2000s, as well as to the family of Rabbi Meir Kahane, who was murdered in 1990.

For years, victims of terrorism obtained default judgments against Iran in U.S. courts, but those rulings went unpaid. As a result, plaintiffs were forced to pursue Iranian-linked assets within the United States. The broader litigation involved claims totaling more than $5 billion, including those brought by families of victims killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

US Attorney Jay Clayton said the outcome reflects years of persistent effort to locate and secure those assets.

“For nearly two decades, we pursued hidden Iranian government assets tied to a Manhattan skyscraper to ensure those funds would ultimately compensate victims of Iran-sponsored terrorism rather than terrorists and their enablers,” Clayton said in a statement.

As part of the agreement, the Alavi Foundation will be dismantled, and its holdings — including the Fifth Avenue property — will be transferred to a newly created nonprofit organization known as the Amir Kabir Foundation. The new group will operate under oversight from U.S. authorities, with governing rules requiring it to remain independent of any government influence.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump showed off a classified map on a 2022 flight to his New Jersey golf club and held onto a record from his first term that was so sensitive only six people would have had access to it, according to a letter released Wednesday by a top House Democrat.

The letter from Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, adds to the public understanding of the investigation into Trump’s retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. It quotes from a newly disclosed Department of Justice memo from January 2023 in which prosecutors cited evidence they said they had accumulated as they moved toward a felony indictment of Trump that would be filed months later.

The memo recounts a June 2022 flight to Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on which the Republican apparently took classified documents, and it says that prosecutors “identified a classified map that we believe Trump may have shown to individuals on board,” according to Raskin’s letter. Prosecutors said in their memo that their investigation indicated that Susie Wiles, Trump’s future chief of staff at the White House, was on the plane and witnessed the episode, Raskin said.

The classified documents investigation led by special counsel Jack Smith, long seen as the most perilous of the four criminal inquiries Trump faced during his second run for office, resulted in felony charges that accused him of hoarding top-secret records and obstructing FBI efforts to get them back. The indictment included allegations that Trump in 2021 showed off a classified map related to a military operation and that he cavalierly boasted of having held onto a Pentagon “plan of attack” that was prepared for him.

Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and repeatedly insisted that he was entitled to keep the classified documents when he left the White House in 2021. He has also claimed without evidence that he had declassified them.

Responding to Raskin’s letter, the White House said he was not credible. “It’s pathetic that Democrats with zero credibility like Jamie Raskin are still clinging to deranged Jack Smith and his lies in 2026,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said. “President Trump did nothing wrong, which is why he easily defeated the Biden DOJ’s unprecedented lawfare campaign against him and then won nearly 80 million votes in a landslide election victory.”

The case against Trump was abandoned after his election win in November 2024, with the Justice Department citing longstanding legal opinions prohibiting the indictments of sitting presidents. A report on the investigation prepared by Smith remains under seal at the order of U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, the Trump-appointed jurist who issued rulings favorable to him during the course of handling the classified documents case.

Raskin disclosed the existence of the memo in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi in which he requested more information about the allegations described by prosecutors, including the identities of the passengers on the plane to Bedminster and what country the classified map depicted.

He said in the letter that the Trump administration Justice Department had produced the memo to Congress this month as part of a “cherry-picked” set of documents from the classified documents investigation and a separate investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election after he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

The Justice Department has disclosed to Congress records from the inquiries in an effort to discredit them. But Raskin told Bondi that in her haste “to find any scrap of evidence that could be twisted and distorted” to attack Smith, “you have, quite amazingly, missed the fact that some of the documents you provided include damning evidence about your boss’s conduct.”

“It is now clear that DOJ is in possession of evidence that President Trump has already endangered national security to further the interests of Trump family businesses,” Raskin wrote in the letter. “It is time for you to stop the cover-up and allow the American people to know what secrets he betrayed and how he may have cashed in on them. Our country is at war, American lives are at stake, and the answer to these questions has never been more pressing.”

JERUSALEM — A large crowd gathered Wednesday on Mount Herzl as Maj. Gen. (res.) Uriah Sarousi was laid to rest after drowning in the Jordan River while trying to save his son, according to officials and local reports.

Sarousi, 48, of the Samaria community of Har Bracha, was on a short leave from reserve duty when the tragedy unfolded Tuesday near the Arik Bridge area of the Jordan River. Authorities said his 10-year-old son was swept away by the strong current, prompting Sarousi to jump into the water in an attempt to rescue him.

Officials said the boy was ultimately pulled from the water by his older brother, while Sarousi was carried downstream by the current and disappeared from sight. He was later located hundreds of meters away, unconscious.

Emergency crews, including fire and rescue teams and a specialized northern rescue unit, conducted extensive searches along the riverbanks in difficult conditions before recovering Sarousi. He was pulled from the water in critical condition and taken for medical treatment, but was later pronounced dead, authorities said.

Medical responders said they performed advanced resuscitation efforts after he was found without a pulse or breathing.

A medic who responded to the scene said the father had entered the water after attempting to save his child, describing a complex rescue effort that ended in tragedy.

Local officials and community leaders expressed shock and grief. A regional council leader in Samaria said Sarousi’s final act reflected his character as someone who consistently acted to save others, calling him a devoted father and a committed soldier who served both in the military and civilian life.

Sarousi is survived by his wife and eight children.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Uriah Sarousi

Hundreds of weddings were thrown into last-minute disarray after two major event halls in Bnei Brak were ordered closed, requiring couples to urgently find alternative venues.

Tel Aviv District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Chaim Sargrof, signed closure orders for the Dekel and Heichlei Malchus event halls after police alleged that the venues had employed and housed a total of nine illegal residents in violation of the law.

The action comes as part of a focused police campaign targeting offenses related to employing, transporting, and sheltering individuals residing in Israel illegally. Officers from the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan station in the Dan region of the Tel Aviv District have been carrying out intensified inspections at businesses and construction sites where such individuals are suspected to be present, with the stated goal of safeguarding public safety.

Approximately three days prior, police conducted a business licensing operation during which inspections were carried out at several event halls in Bnei Brak. At the Dekel Hall on Ezra Street, officers located two illegal residents from the Palestinian territories who did not have valid permits to remain in Israel. At Heichlei Malchus on Shlomo Hamelech Street, police found seven individuals in similar circumstances.

According to police, in both locations the individuals were not only employed unlawfully but were also being housed on-site. The suspects were taken into custody, and the employers were questioned under caution by investigators at the Bnei Brak–Ramat Gan police station.

Following the investigation, licensing enforcement officers in the Dan region, together with local police, moved to shut down the halls. The Tel Aviv District commander issued administrative closure orders for a period of 30 days, effective from February 23, 2025, through March 24, 2025. The investigation into the employers is ongoing.

{Matzav.com}

Gulf states at the United Nations Wednesday, addressing the Human Rights Council, said that Iranian strikes on their infrastructure pose a serious, existential threat. Volker Turk, the high commissioner for human rights, said these strikes may amount to war crimes.

The war, which began nearly a month ago, sparked massive retaliation from Iran as the authoritarian regime launched drones and missile attacks targeting civilian commercial infrastructure sites and energy production facilities across the countries of the Persian Gulf that killed civilians and pushed up oil prices.

The six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with Jordan, called for the special HRC session focusing exclusively on the ongoing situation with Iran.

“We are seeing an existential threat to international and regional security,” Naser Abdullah H. M. Alhayen, Kuwait’s ambassador, said. “This aggressive approach is undermining international law and sovereignty.”

This video from X shows smoke from an Iranian strike on an oil facility in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE’s ambassador, Jamal Jama al Musharakh, accused Iran of using these tactics to sow fear among the Gulf states, criticizing Iran’s “attempt to destabilize the international order through reckless adventures of expansionism.”

The HRC is reviewing a draft resolution that “condemns in the strongest terms the egregious attacks” by Iran and its closure of the Strait of Hormuz and expresses “grave concerns at the Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure.”

Iran responded by claiming self-defense, alleging that 1,500 civilians have been killed by U.S. and Israeli strikes.

In a reference to Israel, Iran’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said, “We fight on behalf of all of you against an enemy that, if not restrained today, will be beyond containment tomorrow.”

Israel has maintained that its war aims seek to militarily degrade a regime that is attempting Israel’s destruction by destroying its missile and nuclear capabilities and creating the conditions that could lead to regime change.

This video from X purports to show Iranian strikes on Gulf countries.

Meanwhile, Iran has obtained support from China to secure an emergency meeting at the U.N. on Friday regarding the strike that killed 165 school girls on the first day of the war. The U.S. has said the strike was likely a U.S. strike resulting from faulty intelligence and was a mistake.

Turk called for a cessation of hostilities on all sides, saying the conflict is dangerous and unpredictable.

“Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must end. If they are deliberate, such attacks may constitute war crimes,” he said.

The council expressed strong support for the Arab states, with some dissenters. The International Service for Human Rights, an independent group, suggested that “selective outrage” was at play and said attention must be paid to war crime violations committed by all sides.

Oman, which had acted as a mediator between Iran and the U.S. during the failed negotiations that preceded the war, accused the U.S. and Israel of igniting the conflict, explaining that Iran’s retaliation came in response to the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran.

“[They were] the spark that ignited the escalation currently affecting the region and the consequences are threatening states and their vital economic interests and their security and stability,” said Oman’s U.N. ambassador, Idris Abdul Rahman Al Khanjari.

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, is expected to return to Eretz Yisroel this week after undergoing a significant medical procedure in Germany and spending several days recuperating in Switzerland.

The Rebbe, who is currently resting in Davos, is scheduled to arrive in Israel ahead of Thursday. On Thursday night, he is expected to lead a tish at the main Vizhnitzer beis medrash in Bnei Brak in honor of the yahrtzeit of his grandfather, the Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz.

Last week, the Rebbe successfully underwent a critical medical procedure at a hospital in Munich that lasted approximately three hours. Doctors expressed strong satisfaction with the initial results, and members of the Vizhnitzer community received the news with relief while continuing to daven for his full recovery.

Initially, plans called for the Rebbe to return to Israel before last Shabbos. However, following consultations with doctors, it was decided that he would remain in Munich for Shabbos, staying in a rented apartment, and delay his return.

Those plans later changed again, and the Rebbe traveled to Davos for Shabbos. Throughout this period, he has been accompanied by his grandson, Rabbi Lipa Hager, son of the Av Beis Din of Kiryat Vizhnitz, who has been overseeing his medical care. His son, Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, also succeeded in traveling from Israel to spend Shabbos with him in Switzerland.

{Matzav.com}

Update from EL AL: Following the decision of the Ministry of elalusa Transportation to significantly reduce air traffic, which includes a major decrease in flight frequency and limits on the number of passengers permitted on each outbound flight from Israel, customers who planned to depart Israel through April 4 had their flights canceled, including the corresponding return flights. A notification has been sent to all affected passengers.

These days, we are operating a limited number of flights to key gateways: New York (JFK and EWR), Los Angeles, Miami, London, Paris, Rome and Athens. At this time, inbound flights to Israel from these gateways are operating without passenger restrictions. Most passengers originally scheduled to fly through March 23 have already been rebooked on these flights. The list of these flights is detailed on the EL AL website. Passengers who have not yet been rebooked will be contacted proactively as soon as additional flights can be operated, subject to the authorities’ guidelines.

Due to the limited number of available seats, rebooking for passengers waiting to be assigned is handled according to ticketing time order, giving priority to exceptional humanitarian and medical cases. Ticket sales for outbound flights from Israel are closed through April 15, while inbound flights to Israel may be purchased based on available seats.

The IDF said that its troops engaged in close combat with Hezbollah terrorists in an overnight ground operation Wednesday. The terrorists fired an anti-tank missile at the soldiers, who responded swiftly by drawing them into fighting at close quarters. The soldiers killed the terrorists in the encounter.

A combat officer was lightly injured during the operation and was transported to a hospital to receive medical attention. His family has been informed.

“The IDF will continue to operate decisively against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which chose to attack Israel on behalf of the Iranian terrorist regime. The IDF will act to remove threats to Israeli civilians,” the IDF said in its statement on the operation.

SACRAMENTO (VINnews) – California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that he supports Israel and considers it an important ally of the United States, while also sharply criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.

In a wide-ranging interview with POLITICO, Newsom said he “revere[s] the state of Israel,” but voiced opposition to Netanyahu’s rejection of a two-state solution and expressed concern about the influence of far-right factions in Israeli politics.

He said those policies and political dynamics are shaping the country’s direction in ways he views as problematic, pointing in particular to the prospect of annexation in the West Bank as a development he opposes.

Newsom also addressed past comments in which he used the term “apartheid” in reference to Israel. He said he regrets the phrasing in that context, clarifying that it was tied to a specific argument about the direction of Israeli policy rather than a characterization of Israel today.

The governor emphasized that his criticism is aimed at policy decisions and leadership, while reiterating his support for Israel as a sovereign state and a key U.S. partner.

The IDF highlighted Wednesday the successes of a series of overnight strikes in Tehran that destroyed several aerial and naval weapons production sites. Using intelligence procured by the IDF, the Israeli Air Force targeted and struck these facilities in Tehran.

The IDF said that the sites it struck produced weapons for use in the air and at sea, as well as weapons that were sent to Iran’s proxy groups across the region, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and other groups that pose a direct threat to Israeli civilians and soldiers.

The military also struck several defensive sites in Iran, such as anti-aircraft missile launchers and air defense systems.

“The IDF will continue to expand its operations against the Iranian regime’s production infrastructure in order to disrupt its ability to manufacture weapons and to thwart efforts to restore its military capabilities,” the IDF said in its statement on the strikes.

Credit: IDF

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The Israeli government has authorized the IDF to call up as many as 400,000 reservists, establishing a maximum threshold rather than an immediate mobilization figure.

According to the military, the number serves as a flexible ceiling, allowing forces to scale manpower quickly based on evolving operational demands across multiple fronts, particularly under the ongoing “Operation Roaring Lion.”

This approval continues a recurring wartime framework in place since October 2023, where emergency draft authorizations are periodically renewed.

Under normal conditions, the IDF is restricted from issuing large-scale, short-notice call-ups or extending reserve service for prolonged periods—limitations that are lifted under the current emergency measures.

Israel’s Shin Bet has begun examining unprecedented measures aimed at deterring acts of espionage by revoking the citizenship of those convicted of spying for Ian, including Jewish-Israelis, Yisrael Hayom reported.

In closed-door discussions about the matter, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has argued for the move, saying: “We must act with severity and use every available tool against Israeli citizens who collaborated with Iran—especially during an existential war. This is an exceptionally grave matter.”

The rhetoric has already been translated into action. According to reports, Netanyahu already instructed authorities last month to examine proceedings to strip citizenship from individuals convicted of spying for Iran, with the Shin Bet now actively reviewing how to implement the measure.

Under the proposed framework, once all legal proceedings are completed and a final court ruling is issued, authorities would proceed with revoking citizenship. The initiative has also received the backing of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

Despite its severity, the practical impact of such a move is somewhat limited. Israeli law provides that individuals who do not hold another nationality are granted permanent residency even after losing citizenship, allowing them to remain in the country. However, the consequences are still significant, including the loss of voting rights, the ability to run for public office, and access to certain state benefits, along with broader public image and social implications.

The development comes as three additional Iran-linked espionage cases were cleared for publication this week, adding to roughly 40 indictments and about 60 suspects recruited by Iranian operatives over the past two years—most of them ordinary citizens with no prior criminal background.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Schneider Children’s Medical Center reported on Wednesday morning that five of the children who were hospitalized on Monday evening after being injured at missile impact sites in Bnei Brak and Petach Tikva have been discharged after being examined and treated.

A one-and-a-half-year-old baby girl who sustained an arm injury from the blast shockwave remains hospitalized for observation in the surgical department.

Meanwhile, a 7-year-old girl injured at the missile impact site in Arad on Motzei Shabbos was transferred from Soroka Hospital to Schneider.

She suffered blast injuries and penetration of glass shrapnel, which caused significant damage to her internal organs. She was initially listed as moderately injured, but she is now sedated and ventilated, and her condition is serious.

She is being treated by a specialized multidisciplinary team and requires complex surgical intervention.

The public is asked to daven for a refuah sheleimah for Shaina Yaffa bas Rochel b’toch sha’ar cholei Yisrael.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Orit Perlov, a researcher on Iran at the Institute for National Security Studies, reshared a tweet from someone in Iran and translated it into Hebrew. In his remarks, the writer offers “a suggestion for Israeli friends” on how to make strikes against underground facilities in Iran more effective.

In her translation, she quotes him as saying: “The writer claims that Iran’s ‘missile cities’ (underground facilities) are highly dependent on electricity for operation, ventilation, control systems, and gates. Therefore, according to his argument, without electricity they are almost unusable. He adds that most of these facilities are located outside cities, and therefore have dedicated nearby electrical infrastructure, such as substations/transformers.”

It was further stated: “According to him, due to the need for cooling and heavy equipment, some of these systems are located above ground and cannot all be hidden inside the facility. The conclusion he is trying to convey is that if the external electrical infrastructure is damaged, the facilities themselves will become less effective or inoperable.”

It should be recalled that on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Tehran had held what he described as “good and productive” talks over the past day, in an attempt to reach a “full and complete resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.” According to him, following developments and the nature of the contacts, he ordered a five-day delay of any U.S. military strike against power stations and energy infrastructure in Iran.

However, just yesterday (Tuesday), Iranian media reported that energy facilities in the cities of Isfahan and Khorramshahr were attacked in a series of separate strikes. According to a report by the Iranian news agency Fars, an administrative building and a gas pressure reduction station on Kaveh Street in Isfahan were hit earlier that day.

Iran’s energy minister later stated: “We produce electricity in a decentralized manner across the country. However, in countries along the Persian Gulf and in the Zionist regime, electricity production is centralized and therefore highly vulnerable. If power plants are hit, they will be rebuilt and repaired quickly.”

The IDF spokesperson reports that the Israeli Air Force has carried out more than 600 strike sorties against the ballistic missile array of the Iranian terrorist regime.

In the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate, there are indications of fear, absenteeism, and erosion among soldiers in the ballistic missile units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Since the beginning of Operation “Roaring Lion,” the Israeli Air Force, the Operations Directorate, and Military Intelligence have been leading an ongoing effort to target components of the Iranian regime’s ballistic missile program, with the aim of reducing harm to the Israeli home front.

Over the past week, based on cross-referencing various intelligence sources, including sources within Iran,Military Intelligence has identified low morale, absenteeism, and attrition among soldiers in the IRGC’s ballistic missile units as a result of IDF strikes. In addition, operatives are reportedly afraid and refusing to arrive at launch sites due to the IDF’s systematic targeting.

Israeli Air Force aircraft continue to operate constantly to locate launchers and strike them in real time, some of which are already loaded and ready for launch.

The significant damage to the ballistic missile array is a central component of the broader effort to weaken and destabilize the Iranian regime.

New York City’s massive public school system, the biggest in the US, is officially stepping into the AI era, but with strict guidelines.

City officials have published their new preliminary guidelines governing how artificial intelligence can be used in classrooms, marking the first formal attempt to regulate a technology that has already rapidly spread across schools.

Under the new rules, teachers and school leaders are allowed to use AI tools for tasks like lesson planning, brainstorming ideas, organizing materials, and communications. But the city is drawing clear red lines when it comes to anything that has direct ramifications for students.

According to the guidelines, AI cannot be used for grading, student discipline, behavioral monitoring, or counseling, due to concerns about fairness, bias, and over reliance on automated systems.

Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said publicly that AI is meant to assist, not replace, educators. “There is no tool or resource that can replace what our teachers bring,” he said, adding that the goal is to use AI to “make the work of our educators more efficient” while maintaining academic integrity.

These policies come a few years too late, as use of AI has already spread across the city’s school system, where many individual schools had already begun experimenting with AI tools on their own. Some schools created their own informal policies while waiting for official guidance, which created a patchy set of rules across the huge cities.

The new framework attempts to standardize the regulations. The school system opened a 45-day public feedback period, which allows parents, teachers, and administrators to weigh in before the rules are fully implemented.

The New York Times reports that AI tools are already being used in classrooms across the city, often informally, as teachers experiment with ways to integrate the technology into daily instruction while navigating unclear boundaries.

Iranian officials have conveyed to the Trump administration that they are unwilling to resume negotiations with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, instead indicating a preference to deal with Vice President JD Vance, according to two regional sources who spoke with CNN on Tuesday.

The communication, delivered through indirect diplomatic channels, reflects Tehran’s view that talks involving Witkoff and Kushner would likely be unproductive. Iranian leaders reportedly believe that trust has eroded following the collapse of earlier negotiations that preceded military action by Israel and the United States.

Sources said that Vance is seen differently by Iranian officials. Compared to Witkoff, Kushner, and even Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he is perceived as more inclined toward ending the conflict.

“The perception is that Vance would be intent on wrapping up the conflict,” one of the sources told CNN.

At the same time, regional observers acknowledge that involving Vance carries its own challenges, noting that reaching a resolution to the conflict would be complex and difficult regardless of who leads the talks.

Despite Iran’s stated preferences, Witkoff continues to play a central role in U.S. diplomatic efforts. The sources added that Tehran may ultimately have little choice but to negotiate with whichever representatives are appointed by the Trump administration.

Reports surfaced last week claiming that a direct line of communication between Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been reopened. However, Araghchi publicly rejected that assertion.

Witkoff recently disclosed that during discussions over a potential nuclear agreement, Iranian officials claimed they had the capability to produce 11 nuclear weapons.

In an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Witkoff also said it was evident from those discussions that Iran had no real intention of reaching an agreement.

Earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump stated that all senior members of his diplomatic team are taking part in the ongoing negotiations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the decision over who represents the United States rests solely with the president.

“President Trump and only President Trump determines who negotiates on behalf of the United States. As the President stated today, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Mr. Kushner will all be involved,” Leavitt said.

Looking ahead, a potential meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials later this week in Islamabad remains under consideration. However, even those supporting the idea are doubtful that it will ultimately take place, according to the sources.

In a separate report, Axios indicated that Iranian officials have told mediating countries that they feel they have already been misled twice by Trump and are wary of repeating that experience, saying “we don’t want to be fooled again.”

{Matzav.com}

Iran has started establishing the world’s most expensive toll booth by charging transit fees on some commercial ships for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, media outlets reported this week.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces are verifying ship details and, in some cases, collecting the fees, Iran International reported.

They are demanding payment of as much as $2 million per voyage through what is now being dubbed the “Tehran Toll Booth.”

At least two ships have paid Iran to travel the route between Iran’s Qeshm and Larak islands, Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported on Monday, with one ship reported to have paid $2 million.

Bloomberg reported that the tolls are collected on an ad hoc basis, effectively establishing an informal toll on the strait. The method of payment is unclear.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

In a striking show of support during wartime, Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, has made it clear that the global tech giant is not backing away from Israel, in fact, it’s doubling down.

Speaking publicly amid the ongoing conflict, Huang delivered a very direct message: “We are 100% in Israel. We are 100% behind the families there.”

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Mellanox CEO Eyal Waldman

The remarks come as Nvidia continues expanding its already massive footprint in Israel, which has become a central hub in the company’s global artificial intelligence strategy. Huang says that Israel is not just another market, but at the core of Nvidia’s future growth.

In a separate statement, he went even further, “I am 100% with Israel,” signaling one of the clearest pro-Israel stances ever taken by a major global tech CEO.

Despite the ongoing war, Nvidia is pushing forward with long-term investment plans, including expanding research and development operations and building a major new campus that could house up to 10,000 employees.

Nvidia’s planned major new campus in Kiryat Tivon

Huang also spoke about the human toll of the war on Nvidia’s workforce, which includes thousands of employees and their families across the region. “They’re quite anxious… quite concerned, quite scared,” he said, adding that the company is constantly supporting its people.

At the same time, he expressed optimism about the region’s future, suggesting that the post-war Middle East could emerge more stable, making continued investment worthwhile. “If we were considering it before, then we should absolutely be considering it after.”

Hosting Nvidia Israel employee and former hostage Avinatan Or and his partner Noa Argamani

Israel is a key center for advanced chip development and AI infrastructure, with major technologies and systems being built by Israeli teams. Huang has repeatedly praised the workforce, saying their innovation is unmatched.

“Israel’s competitive advantage is the ability to innovate under constraint.” These are the very conditions being tested during wartime.

NEW YORK (VINnews) — Russia has stepped up internet restrictions in recent weeks, as officials cite security concerns linked to Ukrainian drone attacks, according to reporting by The Kyiv Independent.

Authorities have pointed to the need to protect infrastructure and public safety. But analysts say the measures reflect a broader effort by the Kremlin to tighten control over online activity and limit potential unrest.

Since last year, outages affecting both mobile and fixed-line internet have been reported across multiple regions. In early March, disruptions expanded in Moscow, where mobile internet access and public Wi-Fi were curtailed. Similar measures later spread to surrounding areas.

Russian media outlets have reported that officials are testing systems that allow access only to a limited number of government-approved websites during outages.

Experts told The Kyiv Independent that the effort appears aimed at creating infrastructure that enables authorities to monitor online behavior more closely and restrict access quickly if needed.

The tightening controls follow earlier moves targeting foreign messaging platforms. In 2025, Russia restricted voice calls on apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp, while promoting a state-backed alternative. Text messaging remained available for a time, though further limits were later introduced.

Critics say such policies could expand government surveillance. Official statements, however, have emphasized security considerations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said disruptions were likely tied to efforts to ensure safety, while acknowledging the impact on businesses.

Analysts dispute the extent to which drone threats explain the outages, arguing that the restrictions align with a broader wartime trend toward tighter information control.

Some observers also point to international developments. Reporting cited by The Kyiv Independent noted that recent actions by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian officials have heightened concerns in Moscow about the potential vulnerability of its own leadership.

Russia has also closely watched measures taken by Iran, which imposed sweeping internet blackouts during periods of unrest, as authorities sought to limit protests and control information flows.

Analysts say the evolving restrictions could signal a longer-term shift toward a more tightly managed digital environment, with the state retaining the ability to scale controls up or down in response to perceived threats.

In the latest diplomatic step, Israel has officially approved the allocation of land in Jerusalem for the construction of a permanent United States Embassy, marking another milestone in the deepening ties between the two nations.

The new embassy is set to be built at the historic Allenby compound in southern Jerusalem, near the Talpiot area. This land, once used as a military base, sits just inside the 1949 Green Line and has long been considered a prime location for a future permanent diplomatic building.

The decision was approved at the highest levels of the Israeli government and is being framed as a powerful symbol of the enduring U.S.-Israel alliance. Israeli’s express that the move represents a “long-term expression” of America’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and its continued commitment to the relationship between the two countries.

The announcement comes years after the United States, under President Donald Trump,in his first term, formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocated its embassy there. However, that move was carried out using a temporary location, with plans for a larger, permanent embassy long in discussion.

Now, with land officially approved, the project moves into a more concrete phase. The new complex is expected to be significantly larger and more secure, consolidating operations and expanding capabilities beyond the current temporary setup.

The timing of the decision is also not to be ignored. It comes during ongoing war and a growing alignment between Israel and the United States in confronting shared threats, particularly from Iran.

A political and religious dispute intensified following the Knesset’s approval of a law expanding the authority of rabbinical courts, after former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett vowed to repeal the legislation if he returns to power.

The law, which passed its second and third readings in the Knesset plenum, allows rabbinical courts to adjudicate financial disputes as arbitrators with the consent of both parties. Bennett sharply criticized the measure, labeling it a “disgrace law” and declaring that he would act to overturn it immediately upon forming a new government, warning against what he described as the creation of “a state within a state.”

MK Moshe Gafni, chairman of Degel HaTorah, responded forcefully to Bennett’s remarks, calling them an embarrassment and defending the law as a measure that simply grants individuals the option to resolve disputes according to Torah law. He argued that the legislation respects both the Jewish and democratic character of the state. “It would be appropriate for opposition leaders to first focus on building public trust before making declarations about repealing laws in a desperate attempt to stand out,” Gafni said.

Gafni also pointed out that earlier proponents of similar legislation included prominent figures from the religious Zionist camp, such as Rabbi Yitzhak Levy and Rabbi Zevulun Orlev, who come from the same ideological background as Bennett. He compared the current opposition to past resistance against legislation regulating chametz in hospitals, arguing that it reflects an ongoing anti-Jewish agenda presented under the guise of democracy.

According to Gafni, Bennett is deliberately misleading the public about the nature of the law, emphasizing that it is based solely on voluntary consent and does not impose religious adjudication on anyone. He reiterated his criticism, stating: “It would be appropriate for opposition leaders to first focus on building public trust and bringing in voters, before making declarations about future coalitions and repealing laws, in a desperate attempt to stand out within the opposition bloc.”

{Matzav.com}

Halachos of Pesach 2026 Free PDF

You can download and print it here.

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Bar Kuperstein, a former hostage survivor and author of the new book “Unbroken”, described in an interview with Benny Teitelbaum on Kan Moreshet his experience coping with captivity and the new meaning the concept of freedom has taken on for him, especially ahead of Pesach.

Kuperstein recounts that from the very first moment of the attack, he and his friends tried to protect the civilians: “We didn’t really have a way to fight, no weapons and no preparation for such a number of terrorists. But we did everything we could, and we managed to save thousands.”

He was later kidnapped and held in captivity for an extended period. “It’s not simple,” he admits. “There are many triggers and thoughts, but I don’t let them defeat me. I try to continue with my routine.”

Ahead of Pesach, Kuperstein reflects on last year, when he was still in captivity:
“I kind of knew it was the time of the holiday, but I didn’t really celebrate. There’s a feeling of distress—you’re there, not at home with your family.”

This year, he says, the experience is completely different: “Finally, I will celebrate the Festival of Freedom at home with my family. It’s very emotional.”

One of the main things that helped him survive, he says, was faith:“I would speak with the Creator, ask for signs and hope. Sometimes I asked for good news and it came. I asked for strength to ask for food, even when it was dangerous, and I received it.”

He also describes the risk involved in even the simplest requests: “They told me that if I asked for food again, they didn’t know what would happen to me. But I would ask, because I was hungry, and so were my friends.”

One of the most powerful moments, he says, was when he heard about a conversation between his mother and a captor:“He told her—your son is in my hands. And she replied: my son is in the hands of G-d and so are you. He was shocked and told her: well done, ma’am.”

Since returning, Kuperstein describes a deep personal change: “I appreciate life much more. I try to observe the Sabbath, to put on tefillin, things I didn’t used to be strict about.” According to him, the faith didn’t remain only in captivity, it continues to guide him in his free life.

Ahead of the holiday, he shares a message with the public: “No matter how difficult things are, be grateful that you have the privilege to celebrate with your family. I didn’t have that last year.”

Suspects held after four Hatzola Northwest ambulances torched in Golders Green, as investigators probe possible Iran-linked group

British police arrested two men on Wednesday in connection with the arson attack on ambulances belonging to Hatzola in north London earlier this week. The suspects, aged 45 and 47, were detained on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remain in custody for questioning.

The attack took place early Monday in Golders Green, a neighborhood with a large Jewish population. Four ambulances belonging to Hatzola Northwest were set on fire, with oxygen cylinders inside the vehicles exploding and damaging a nearby apartment building.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, called the arrests “an important breakthrough in the investigation.” Police said surveillance footage suggests at least three individuals were involved, and efforts are ongoing to identify additional suspects.

Authorities are also examining a claim of responsibility posted online by a group with suspected links to Iran. The group has reportedly claimed involvement in other attacks targeting Jewish sites in Europe.

Police have not classified the incident as terrorism, and investigators say it remains too early to determine whether a foreign state played a role.

A wave of online speculation has erupted after a resurfaced social media post claimed to predict the death of King Charles III, following an earlier accurate prediction of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

The renewed attention centers on a screenshot of a tweet from June 2022 attributed to a user named Logan Smith, who appeared to list two significant dates concerning the British royal family. The first prediction stated that Queen Elizabeth II would die on September 8, 2022—a claim that was later fulfilled, drawing widespread attention at the time. Now, focus has shifted to the second part of the post, which references the current monarch.

According to the same tweet, posted approximately three months before the Queen’s death, King Charles III is predicted to die this coming Shabbos, March 28, 2026. The specific date has fueled intense discussion online, particularly among conspiracy theorists and followers of the royal family, especially in light of recent disclosures regarding the king’s health.

The original tweet, dated June 7, 2022, has garnered tens of thousands of shares and likes, becoming a major topic of conversation in the UK ahead of the weekend. Some users describe the prediction as an eerie coincidence or an example of highly improbable guesswork, while others question the authenticity of the screenshot, suggesting it may have been altered after the fact to generate panic.

Buckingham Palace has not issued any official response to the circulating claims, and the king’s schedule continues as planned for now. Despite skepticism surrounding the prediction, many are watching closely to see whether the claim proves accurate or is ultimately dismissed as baseless online rumor.

King Charles is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, a condition publicly disclosed by Buckingham Palace in early February 2024. According to the official statement at the time, the illness was discovered during a medical procedure.

Since then, the king has begun a course of regular treatment. While continuing to carry out his constitutional duties behind the scenes—including weekly meetings with the British prime minister and handling state documents—he has significantly reduced his public appearances in accordance with medical advice.

{Matzav.com}

A controversial bill mandating the death penalty for terrorists moved a step closer to becoming law overnight after the Knesset’s National Security Committee approved it for its second and third readings, clearing more than 2,000 objections along the way.

The legislation, a central component of coalition agreements involving the Otzma Yehudit party, stipulates that a terrorist responsible for the killing of an Israeli civilian with intent to harm the state would be sentenced to death by hanging.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir welcomed the development, saying: “The death penalty law for terrorists is the most important law the Knesset has enacted in recent years, and it is meant to protect our children. With G-d’s help, we will fully implement this law and kill our enemies.”

Under the proposed law, a distinction is made between cases inside Israel’s pre-1967 borders and those in Judea and Samaria. In the latter, military courts would be authorized to impose the death penalty as the default sentence, unless special reasons are found to instead issue life imprisonment. Committee chairman MK Tzvika Fogel stressed the deterrent effect of the measure, stating: “The bill approved today is a significant step in restoring deterrence. Anyone who comes to murder Jews as an act of terror—his blood is on his own head.”

MK Limor Son Har-Melech added: “This law is uniquely Jewish and moral,” while MK Avichai Boaron said the Likud party is proud to be part of the initiative. Meanwhile, MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beytenu called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show up for the decisive Knesset vote and not avoid taking a position.

Opposition lawmakers strongly criticized the legislation. MK Gilad Kariv described it as “a pathetic election campaign” and warned of serious consequences for Israel’s ability to negotiate future hostage deals. “This is an extreme bill with moral flaws and security foolishness that will only increase bargaining and revenge attacks,” Kariv said.

Legal advisers to the committee also raised concerns, including the absence of a mechanism for granting clemency, which they noted could conflict with international agreements.

Despite support from right-wing lawmakers, the bill is expected to face significant legal challenges, with Israel’s Supreme Court likely to have the final say on its constitutionality.

{Matzav.com}

25Leaked remarks attributed to Ziv Agmon, who serves in practice as chief of staff and spokesperson to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, triggered a political storm Tuesday night after revealing sharp criticism of Netanyahu, Likud lawmakers, and members of the Sephardic community.

The comments, reportedly taken from multiple conversations—including phone calls—and broadcast by Channel 12 News, shed light on the views of one of Netanyahu’s closest remaining advisers during the ongoing war.

In the recordings, Agmon was heard making offensive remarks about Jews of Middle Eastern descent, saying: “It’s not good that Morocco was opened to Israeli tourism—now we know where our Moroccans came from. From Africa. A baboon is a monkey.”

He also directed harsh criticism at Likud Knesset members, ridiculing both their background and qualifications: “Nissim Vaturi is a baboon, Eli Revivo is a retarded Moroccan. It’s unclear how these people were elected to the Knesset. Eli Dalal is a nobody. Who would know these people? What a bunch of baboons. It’s a shame the whole list can’t just be appointed and skip the primaries.”

Agmon was further quoted making claims about the prime minister’s son: “Yair came to the Foreign Ministry and forced Eli Cohen to issue him a diplomatic passport, even though there was no justification for it.”

Following the October 7 attacks, Agmon allegedly turned his criticism toward Netanyahu himself, stating: “Bibi is finished. The question is whether a state will remain.”

He continued: “He has to go home. I wonder who will handle the hostage negotiations—Karhi or Amsalem? This is a finished country.”

Referring to reports—denied by Netanyahu—that Egypt had warned Israel ahead of the attack, Agmon said: “Likud is finished. The Egyptians need to release the recording of the conversation with Bibi—he’s done.”

Agmon also reportedly expressed interest in joining a rival political camp, saying: “I want a spot on Gantz’s list. I’m honestly much more suited to him than to the monkeys.”

He further attacked the Shas party, stating: “Shas—they only know how to take money, that’s what this party does.”

In response to the report, Agmon issued a statement denying the remarks, particularly those concerning the Sephardic community: “I do not intend to respond to all the slanderous statements attributed to me tonight, but there is one matter I cannot remain silent about. Anyone who knows me and my work with the prime minister knows very well that the words attributed to me regarding Jews of Middle Eastern descent are completely foreign to me—not least because a large part of my own family comes from Sephardic and Moroccan backgrounds. A serious injustice has been done to me here.”

Israeli authorities have filed an indictment against a 14-year-old boy from central Israel on charges of espionage for Iran, the State Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, marking the latest in a string of cases in which Iranian intelligence has recruited Israeli civilians through social media to carry out surveillance and intimidation operations.

The boy, whose identity is being withheld because he is a minor, allegedly made contact in April 2025 with a handler on Telegram who had posted what appeared to be a job listing. The two agreed that the teenager would carry out tasks in exchange for cryptocurrency payments deposited into a digital wallet.

The assignments, according to the indictment, included spraying graffiti reading “We are committed to the alliance” in several areas of Tel Aviv and on parked cars, filming the streets near Ichilov Hospital and neighborhoods in Ramat Gan, and recording video of the Tel Aviv skyline in which the location of the Kirya military base was identified. He was also asked to rent an apartment near the base and sent his handlers a photo of a listing after speaking with landlords in the area.

In one of the more brazen alleged assignments, the boy was instructed to spray-paint the home of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar with the message “We take revenge in turn! Children of Ruhalla” and to prepare a video documenting the minister’s movements. The indictment notes that the teenager told his handlers he could not carry out the task during school hours but would do so during his free time.

Over the course of his activities, the minor opened four digital wallets into which his contacts transferred a total of more than $1,170, the indictment states. After being brought in for questioning, he allegedly attempted to convince a classmate to lie during interrogation and falsely claim ownership of the seized cryptocurrency funds.

Just last week, prosecutors filed an indictment against Raz Cohen, a military reservist from Jerusalem who served in the Iron Dome air defense system, for passing sensitive security information to Iranian handlers on Telegram over a period of several months. Cohen allegedly provided details about how the Iron Dome operates, the structure of its batteries, and arming and launch procedures, along with photos and video he recorded during his service. He also reportedly supplied the locations of air force bases and Iron Dome batteries and provided personal details of other individuals he identified as potential recruits.

The cases underscore the extent to which Iran has turned to social media platforms — Telegram in particular — to recruit agents inside Israel, targeting both adults with access to military systems and minors willing to carry out street-level surveillance and provocations for relatively small sums of money.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

WATCH:

Israel’s National Security Council on Wednesday issued an urgent message to the Israeli public, warning of a significant increase in the threat of terrorism against Israelis and Jews worldwide ahead of Pesach.

According to the assessment, the Iranian regime is expected to act “with greater intensity” in the near future to target Israeli and Jewish sites. In light of the updated assessment, the NSC recommends that all Israelis abroad adopt heightened precautions at all destinations worldwide.

Regarding flights and border crossing, the NSC recommends entering and exiting Israel via Ben-Gurion Airport. For those using land crossings (Egypt and Jordan), travel should be limited to reaching airports in Taba or Aqaba for flights only, without staying in those countries. Additionally, travelers should avoid, as much as possible, connecting flights through countries with a Level 4 (high) threat designation.

Regarding countries surrounding Iran (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, the UAE, and Gulf states), the NSC made a sweeping recommendation not to participate in events (including Yom Tov meals) at locations identified as Jewish or Israeli sites.

Regarding Asia, especially Thailand and the Philippines, the public is advised to take increased precautions in these countries.

The NSC also emphasized strict safety guidelines for Israelis abroad:

• Avoid attending events or visiting Jewish or Israeli-affiliated sites that are not secured or that take place in open venues.
• Avoid sharing real-time location, accommodation details, or travel plans on social media.
• Pay attention to your surroundings when staying in Jewish or Israeli-affiliated sites (Chabad houses, shuls, kosher restaurants), especially regarding unusual activity (suspicious objects, unfamiliar individuals).
• Avoid entering areas that are hostile toward Israelis and Jews (neighborhoods, districts, and markets in countries or regions with public sentiment hostile to Israel).
• In case of a threat or attack, report as soon as possible to local security forces (it is recommended to know the emergency numbers of the country you are in).

For inquiries regarding terror warnings, the NSC hotline can be reached at +972-2-666-7444, or updates can be followed on the organization’s social media channels.

For flight-related issues, contact the Ministry of Transport hotline (*4515). For consular or medical emergencies abroad, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs situation room at +972-2-530-3155 or via WhatsApp at +972-50-507-3969.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

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​​For more info, email [email protected].

An Iranian military spokesperson on Wednesday mocked the US for announcing talks with Iran and a possible ceasefire, claiming that the Americans are negotiating with themselves.

Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesperson for the Iranian military’s Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, made the comments in a video aired on state television.

“The strategic power you used to talk about has turned into a strategic failure,” he said. “The one claiming to be a global superpower would have already gotten out of this mess if it could. Don’t dress up your defeat as an agreement. Your era of empty promises has come to an end.”

“Have your internal conflicts reached the point where you are negotiating with yourselves? Our first and last word has been the same from day one, and it will stay that way: Someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you. Not now, not ever.”

“Stability in the region is guaranteed by the strong hand of our armed forces. Stability through strength,” Zolfaghari said. “We state this clearly: Until it is our will, nothing will go back to the way it was. That will only come about when the very thought of acting against the Iranian nation is completely wiped from your corrupt minds.”

His statements came after reports that Washington had sent a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran.

At the same time, thousands of US Marines are on the way to the Gulf, and the US Army is preparing to deploy at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East in the coming days.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tefila4Life-Shiur-1067-Power-Keil-Bekadsho.mp3

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve is the crown jewel of American bourbon, a product so coveted that aficionados line up for lotteries just for the chance to purchase a bottle. The secondary market for it ranges between $2300 to $3900 a bottle. Production has never exceeded a few thousand bottles per year.

But there is a question that few of those devotees have ever considered: Is Pappy Van Winkle kosher?

And beyond the question of kashrus there are at least three distinct halachic issues that must be addressed. This article examines them in turn.

A BRIEF BACKGROUND: WHAT IS PAPPY VAN WINKLE?

It was 1893, and a young man named Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. began working as a salesman for W.L. Weller & Sons in Louisville, Kentucky. He eventually became co-owner and in 1910 the two of them acquired the A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery, which had been operating since 1872.

Old Rip Van Winkle was introduced just before Prohibition, and the family managed to retain the rights to that label when the Stitzel-Weller distillery and its other brand names were sold off after 1972.

Julian Van Winkle Jr. reintroduced the brand using the old Stitzel-Weller stocks. After he passed away in 1981, his son Julian Van Winkle III carried on the legacy. Since 2002, the Van Winkle brands have been distilled and bottled by the Sazerac Company at its Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, as a joint venture with the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is owned by the Goldring family — a prominent Jewish family from New Orleans. This single fact, as we shall see, is the halachic key that unlocks a very serious question.

HALACHIC ISSUE #1: CHOMETZ SH’AVAR ALAV HAPESACH

The most pressing issue regarding Pappy Van Winkle — indeed, regarding virtually all bourbon produced at Buffalo Trace — is the question of chometz she’avar alav haPesach: chametz that was in the possession of a Jew over Passover.

Bourbon, by federal law passed by Congress in 1964, must be made from a grain mash of at least 51% corn — most distilleries use 65% to 75% corn. The rest is barley or wheat grain which is unquestionably chometz — fully leavened grain that is strictly forbidden on Passover and, under Rabbinic enactment, forbidden for benefit even after Passover if it was in Jewish ownership during Yom Tov.

The corn mash (with the grain) from which Pappy Van Winkle is distilled ages for many years — the flagship expressions are aged 15, 20, and 23 years — in charred new oak barrels, sitting in rickhouses at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. If the Goldring family, as Jewish owners of Buffalo Trace, did not sell this chametz before Pesach, then the resulting whiskey would be prohibited under Rabbinic law as chametz she’avar alav haPesach.

What does the CRC say? The Chicago Rabbinical Council — one of the most meticulous kashrus agencies in the world — has addressed this directly. According to their bourbon list, Pappy Van Winkle (Unflavored) is listed as “Not Recommended unless purchased before Pesach 2003/5763” — a ruling that underscores the seriousness of the problem.

The MK Canada (Montreal Kosher) similarly flags the Old Rip Van Winkle and Pappy Van Winkle lines as Not Recommended, placing them alongside Isaac Bowman, John J. Bowman, and Van Winkle Unflavored.

One might ask: Does Buffalo Trace not sell its chometz?

In fact, since 2020, Buffalo Trace, with the assistance of the CRC, does produce a certified Kosher Bourbon line. But the issue with Pappy Van Winkle specifically is more complex — those barrels have been aging for 15, 20, and 23 years, meaning the whiskey may have been in bottles was sitting in Jewish-owned warehouses through multiple Pesach observances many years ago, before any mechiras chometz arrangement was solidified for those particular barrels.

Are There Any Grounds for Leniency?

There is a position cited in the Mishnah Berurah (449:5) that in cases of safek — doubt — one may consume chametz she’avar alav haPesach. Additionally, some Poskim argue that when the Jewish owner is completely non-observant, the Rabbinic prohibition may not have been enacted with such an individual in mind, though both the Mishnah Berurah (OC 347:7) and the Vilna Gaon (YD 151:7) reject this view.

Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l (Igros Moshe YD Vol. I #72) does allow reliance on this minority position but only in conjunction with another mitigating halachic factor — and even then, this is a shev v’al taaseh posture. It is certainly not the grounds for l’chatchilah consumption.

The snifin approach — combining multiple weak heterim to create a composite leniency — is a possibility discussed in the poskim, but its application here is debated and most leading authorities would not endorse it for this purpose.

HALACHIC ISSUE #2: AGING IN WINE CASKS

There is a second potential concern with certain expressions of aged whiskey: aging in wine casks. While bourbon, by federal law, must be aged in brand-new charred oak barrels and therefore cannot be aged in sherry, port, or other wine casks — this restriction applies specifically to the whiskey that carries the legal designation “bourbon.”

However, Pappy Van Winkle has released specialty expressions and some of the broader Van Winkle line has, on occasion, included finishes or special bottlings. Any whiskey finished in wine casks raises the separate issue of yayin nesach — libation wine — or at minimum the issue of wine that was handled by non-Jews in a way that could render it forbidden.

Also, experts in the field once told this author that some producers circumvent that law because they feel that the wine casks do make things a bit tastier.

Most Poskim would hold that for the standard Pappy Van Winkle expressions, since standard bourbon law requires new charred oak barrels, the yayin nesach concern from wine casks does not apply to the core line. One must, however, be cautious with any limited-edition or finished expressions, and should consult one’s posek before consuming such products.

HALACHIC ISSUE #3: NO BLESSING ON STOLEN GOODS

The third halachic issue is perhaps the most philosophically striking, and it applies not only to Pappy Van Winkle but to any item that was obtained through questionable means.

Now, why on earth would this pertain to Pappy Van Winkle?

The answer is a direct repercussion of the opening paragraph.  The bottle is so fantastically rare that a black market has grown up around it. Bottles are stolen from warehouses, diverted from legitimate distribution channels, and sold at astronomical markups.

In 2013, a stunning theft was discovered at Buffalo Trace’s neighboring Wild Turkey and other distilleries — over 200 bottles of Pappy Van Winkle were stolen from the Buffalo Trace rickhouse itself in what became a celebrated police investigation.

The Mishnah Berurah (OC 196) rules explicitly that one may not recite a berachah on stolen goods — neither the opening berachah nor Birchas Hamazon. The principle is encapsulated in the verse (Tehillim 10:3), “Botzea beirach ni’atz Hashem” — one who blesses on what was seized thereby blasphemes Hashem.

The Mishnah Berurah writes: “If one stole wheat, ground it, and baked it, some say that even though he acquired it through shinui [a halachic acquisition through transformation] and it is technically his property — but he is obligated to pay for it — nevertheless it is forbidden to recite a blessing on it, whether an opening blessing or Birchas Hamazon, since anything involving the Name of Hashem is more severe and he is always in the category of one who blasphemes. Others say that since he acquired it, he may recite a blessing.” The Magen Avraham rules that at minimum, if he consumed a satiating amount, he should recite Birchas Hamazon because it is a Torah obligation.

The halachic reality: if a person obtains Pappy Van Winkle through illegitimate channels — from a reseller who obtained it improperly, or through any form of fraud or diversion — not only may there be issues of geneivah and gezeilah involved, but one cannot recite a berachah over the whiskey either.

The pleasure of sipping the world’s most coveted bourbon would be accompanied by the profound spiritual problem of a berachah l’vatalah — or worse, a berachah that constitutes a form of nivul peh before Hashem.

This is not a far-fetched scenario. Given the notorious scarcity of Pappy Van Winkle, many bottles that circulate are of doubtful provenance. The consumer should be very careful to know the chain of custody.

CONCLUSION: THE UNOBTANIUM QUESTION

So where does this leave us? Pappy Van Winkle is, in the memorable phrase of the Wall Street Journal, “liquified, barrel-aged unobtanium” — something essentially impossible to obtain. On a purely mundane level, that is true. But on a halachic level, the difficulty of obtaining it properly is even more profound:

1. Chometz she’avar alav haPesach: The older expressions of Pappy Van Winkle, having aged in the Jewish-owned Buffalo Trace Distillery through multiple Passover seasons before any mechiyas chometz protocol was in place, are classified by the CRC and MK Canada as Not Recommended.
2. Wine cask finishing: Core expressions are likely clear of this issue due to bourbon’s legal requirement for new oak barrels, but specialty finished expressions require individual inquiry.
3. No berachah on stolen goods: Given the notorious black market around Pappy Van Winkle, any bottle of doubtful provenance presents a serious problem regarding birchas hanehenin.

In this author’s view, the halachic community has been far too casual about bourbon generally — an issue that has been raised in various forums over the years. We are, in many respects, still living in the 1950s when it comes to alcohol, relying on the WCBIIA principle (“What could be in it already?”). The answer, as we have seen, is: quite a lot.

There are, b’chasdei Hashem, certified kosher bourbons available. Buffalo Trace itself now produces a kosher line under CRC supervision. For those who wish to enjoy fine bourbon without halachic complications, those options exist.

As for Pappy Van Winkle: it may be the bourbon that everyone wants and no one can get. For the Torah-observant consumer, the halachic barriers may render it even more unobtainable than the lottery-driven scarcity that frustrates everyone else.

The author can be reached at [email protected]

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• Iran fears the ceasefire talks may be a strategic trap.

Israeli News

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• IDF eliminated Quds Force operative Muhammad Ali Kourani in a Beirut strike.
• Golani Brigade eliminated 8 Hezbollah terrorists in close combat.
• “We Stand Together”: Israel’s Bedouin community rallied to support Jews wounded in an Iranian strike.
• Jerusalem brothers were charged in an Iran-linked spy plot after allegedly using AI to fabricate “classified” intelligence and receiving six-figure crypto payments.
• The Mossad is now publicly calling on Iranian civilians to share intelligence online about senior regime officials.

🕍 Jewish News

• The UK government gifted Golders Green Hatzoloh four new ambulances, just two days after four were destroyed in an antisemitic attack.
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Harvard Law School Professor Emeritus Alan Dershowitz is raising alarm over the ongoing war with Iran, calling it one of the most consequential conflicts in modern history and drawing stark comparisons to the rise of Nazi Germany.

Speaking on the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Dershowitz warned of catastrophic consequences if the regime is not stopped, framing the current conflict as a critical moment not just for Israel, but for the world.

Alan Dershowitz:

“This is the most important war since 1939, since Nazi Germany.

If Iran is allowed to develop nuclear bomb, he (the ayatollah) will do what Hitler did and there will be millions and millions of deaths.

Had President Trump been in charge in 1935, 1936, I think the Holocaust would have been prevented.

I think he would have gone in after Nazi Germany, he would have destroyed it the way he is destroying Nazi Iran
And the holocaust would have been prevented.

We’re preventing another Holocaust, a nuclear Holocaust that Iran would clearly inflict, not only on Israel, but on Europe and ultimately on the USA.”

His comments have sparked intense reaction online, with supporters and critics clashing over the historical comparison and the role of U.S. leadership in confronting global threats.

The remarks come as tensions continue to escalate in the region, with growing concern over Iran’s nuclear program and its potential global impact.

As war continues to disturb Israeli life and sirens send millions rushing for shelter, inside Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Hospital, a very different sound fills the air, the cries of hundreds of newborn babies.

Since the outbreak of the war, over a thousand infants have been delivered at the hospital, with staff describing the process as both overwhelming and deeply inspiring. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, the nurses of the maternity ward are calling these newborns the country’s “real victory.”

The head of nursing at the maternity and newborn division, Bat Ami Israel, paints a vivid picture of two parallel realities taking place at once. “On the one hand, there is a war outside, and on the other hand, inside the hospital, life must continue in full force.”

To maintain that continuity, Shaare Zedek has undergone a difficult and dramatic transformation. Key maternity services, including delivery rooms, triage areas, and operating rooms, have been relocated to fortified underground complexes. These protected spaces allow doctors and nurses to continue working even during active missile alerts.

“Even when there are sirens, we do not stop,” a staff member said. “The delivery rooms are protected, and everything continues as usual.”

Doctors emphasized that even the most sensitive procedures continue uninterrupted. “We perform C-sections, we deliver babies, everything happens here, even during sirens.”

The war has also changed the behavior of mothers in labor. “There are women who come much earlier because they are afraid they won’t make it in time if there is a siren,” a midwife said. “And there are those who come at the very last minute, and then it becomes a very quick birth.”

In some cases, the situation becomes scary. One woman gave birth just outside the hospital, in the parking lot. “The baby didn’t wait.” Medical teams rushed outside to assist in the delivery.

Another difference comes from the absence of fathers. With tens of thousands of reservists deployed, many husbands are unable to be present for the birth of their children. “There are fathers who are at war now,” hospital staff said, “and they are not here for the birth.” So nurses say they have taken on an additional emotional role. “We try to be there for the mothers, not only medically, but also emotionally.”

Despite the pressure, the hospital has expanded its capabilities, opening additional induction rooms and increasing staffing near protected areas. “We prepared for this scenario, since we understood that births do not stop, even during war.” And indeed, they haven’t.

Sen. Ted Cruz said the United States should press forward with its military campaign against Iran until the current leadership is removed, arguing that recent operations have already dealt a major blow to the regime.

Cruz made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Jesse Watters Primetime,” where he was asked about the direction of negotiations in the coming days.

“Senator, these negotiations, what do you expect this week?” host Jesse Watters asked.

Responding, Cruz pointed to what he described as significant military achievements over the past three weeks. “Well, listen, the first three weeks of this military conflict have been incredibly successful. In three weeks, we have taken out all of Iran’s air defenses. We’ve taken out virtually every one of their short range and medium range ballistic missiles. We’ve taken out their missile production capacity. We’ve taken out their drone capacity. We’ve taken out their drone manufacturing. You look at what we’ve done to the Navy. We’ve had over 8,000 strikes in Iran and on the Navy, we have sunk more than 120 ships. This is the largest naval defeat, the most ships sunk since World War II. That’s in three weeks. And in addition to that, we have decapitated the regime, taking out not just the Ayatollah, but the senior military leaders, the mullahs, who have been tyrants in that country for 47 years. The outcome, I believe, should be simple and straightforward.”

He went on to describe what he believes should follow from the military campaign, emphasizing the need for a different type of leadership in Iran. “We want to see a government in Iran that is not run by crazed Islamists who lead mobs chanting, ‘Death to America,’” he continued. “We want a government that is not the largest funder of terrorism in the world, that is not giving 90 percent of the funding to Hamas and Hezbollah and the Houthis and we want a government that is not murdering Americans. The Iranian regime has killed nearly 1,000 Americans. The Ayatollah twice hired hit men trying to kill President Trump, and so President Trump has reacted with strength that is making America much safer. As you noted, the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has been trying to put economic pressure on the world, and the President responded with an ultimatum, you open the Strait of Hormuz or you will face crushing economic blows to Iran. I think that got their attention, and the President said, we made some progress. I’m hopeful that’s right.”

WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews)- In a bombshell appearance on The Erin Molan Show, conservative commentator and Newsweek Editor-at-Large Josh Hammer leveled serious accusations against Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, claiming she is personally directing a covert “shadow operation” from her office aimed at promoting antisemitic narratives through influencer networks.

Hammer, a prominent voice in conservative media and a member of the late Charlie Kirk’s private group chat, made the remarks during a discussion about the fallout from Kirk’s assassination last September and the subsequent leak of sensitive communications from that chat. He said the claims came directly from multiple well-placed D.C. insiders with strong ties to the White House and the broader conservative ecosystem.

“I was told by numerous people who are very much part of the conservative ecosystem in D.C.—these are well-sourced people [with] strong connections to the White House—to be strongly on the lookout for Tulsi Gabbard and her office,” Hammer stated. “They basically said that Tulsi Gabbard is running something of a shadow operation from her office. I was told she’s personally actually very anti-Semitic and that she feeds some of these narratives there.”

Hammer tied the allegations to the recent resignation of Joe Kent, whom Gabbard oversaw as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. Kent, according to Hammer, had been pushing antisemitic conspiracy theories in the wake of Kirk’s death, including in his resignation letter. Hammer expressed no surprise at Kent’s views given Gabbard’s alleged influence, describing the operation as one that allegedly creates and disseminates specific narratives to aligned influencers.

The comments have ignited fierce debate online, with clips from the interview circulating widely on X. Some users praised Hammer for what they called a necessary spotlight on internal tensions within the Trump administration, while others dismissed the claims as baseless attacks fueled by anonymous sources and ideological rifts over U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Iran.

Context: Kirk Assassination, Leaks, and Internal Tensions

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University by Tyler Robinson, whom the FBI described as acting alone. The killing, which Gabbard herself addressed at a memorial service by comparing it to the September 11 attacks and praising Kirk’s commitment to free speech, sent shockwaves through conservative circles.

In the months that followed, a private group chat associated with Kirk was leaked, sparking accusations of conspiracy theorizing—some of it veering into antisemitic territory—about the assassination’s motives. Reports also surfaced of friction between Gabbard’s office and FBI Director Kash Patel over the investigation, with Patel reportedly alarmed by efforts from personnel under Gabbard (including Kent) to probe potential foreign links or broader conspiracies.

Hammer’s allegations appear to frame Gabbard’s office as actively amplifying certain narratives amid this chaos, though he provided no specific evidence beyond the accounts of his sources. He noted that he had not initially connected the dots to Gabbard but did so after Kent’s resignation letter, which he called “disgusting” and “dripping with anti-Semitic” content.

Gabbard’s Background and Past Scrutiny

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii and 2020 presidential candidate who later became an independent and Trump ally, was confirmed as Director of National Intelligence in the current administration. She has long faced criticism from pro-Israel voices over her foreign policy stances, including past meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, opposition to certain U.S. aid to Israel, and comments perceived by critics as sympathetic to certain adversaries.

Supporters of Gabbard have consistently rejected antisemitism charges, pointing to her Hindu faith, military service, and emphasis on countering extremism without targeting any religious or ethnic group. No public response from Gabbard or her office to Hammer’s specific claims was immediately available as of this reporting.

Meghan McCain and other figures have pushed back against the accusations, with some framing them as part of broader “shadow war” infighting within MAGA circles over isolationist versus interventionist foreign policy views.

Hammer did not name his sources and emphasized they were off-the-record. The claims remain unverified by independent reporting, and no formal investigation into the alleged operation has been announced.

The episode highlights deepening divisions in the post-Kirk conservative movement and the high-stakes intelligence community under the second Trump administration. As one X user summed up the viral reaction: “This story just got a lot bigger… and a lot darker.”

This article is based on publicly available statements from Josh Hammer’s interview on The Erin Molan Show and related discussions on X. Further developments are expected.

BROOKLYN (VINnews) — The New York Police Department is searching for a suspect accused of assaulting and robbing a Muslim woman in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime at a Brooklyn subway station.

Police said The incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. on March 17 at the Ninth Avenue station in Borough Park. The 20-year-old victim was standing on a northbound platform when a man approached and began harassing her. According to investigators, the suspect made anti-Muslim remarks before allegedly grabbing the woman, shaking her and throwing her to the ground. Authorities said the attacker told the victim, “It’s funny how terrorists can walk around now,” and added, “The mayor can’t help you now,” in an apparent reference to Zohran Mamdani.

The man then took the victim’s cellphone and fled the scene, police said. The woman was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is leading the investigation. Officials have released surveillance images of the suspect, who is described as a man with a light complexion, last seen wearing a black-and-white jacket, dark pants and black shoes.

In a statement, Kathy Hochul condemned the attack, saying, “Targeting, harassing, and assaulting someone because of who they are is an attack on everything we stand for as New Yorkers.”

She added that authorities are investigating the incident and sought to reassure the Muslim community: “To our Muslim neighbors: You belong here. You are valued. And we will continue to fight every day to ensure your safety.”

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect.

Targeting, harassing, and assaulting someone because of who they are is an attack on everything we stand for as New Yorkers.@NYPDnews is investigating this incident.

To our Muslim neighbors: You belong here. You are valued. And we will continue to fight every day to ensure… https://t.co/Mgmq9LUnmy

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) March 24, 2026

I’m outraged by this hateful, anti-Muslim attack in our city. No one should be targeted with slurs, threats, or violence—ever.

Muslim New Yorkers deserve to move through this city in safety and dignity.

Islamophobia has no place here, and we will not tolerate it. https://t.co/GNTudTvXtB

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 25, 2026

This attack on a young Muslim woman during Ramadan simply because of her faith is unacceptable.

This is abhorrent, and reflective of rising Islamophobia that has no place in our city.

As New Yorkers, we must stand alongside our Muslim communities against hatred. https://t.co/842m0aadSG

— Speaker Julie Menin (@SpeakerMenin) March 25, 2026