Matt Turner has become one of the more familiar names in American soccer over the past few years. From his rise in Major League Soccer to becoming the U.S. Men’s National Team’s starting goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup, he’s built a reputation as a steady presence in goal when the pressure is at its highest.

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 09: Goalkeeper Matt Turner #1 of the United States talks to the media during a training session ahead of the 2026 World Cup at the Great Park Sports Complex on June 09, 2026 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Now, as he returns to the World Cup stage with Team USA, there’s another part of his story that has started to get attention. Turner is believed to be the only Jewish player on the U.S. roster for the tournament.

Turner grew up in New Jersey and, for most of his early life, didn’t really have a strong connection to the Jewish side of his background. It wasn’t something that was talked about much at home or part of his day-to-day identity growing up.

That began to change when his family started looking into their history more seriously and came across records tied to his paternal great-grandmother. She fled Lithuania during the Holocaust era before eventually rebuilding her life in the United States. The records connected to his family trace back to Lithuania in the early 1940s, during a time when the country’s Jewish communities were being destroyed under Nazi occupation, particularly in major centers like Vilnius, where centuries of Jewish life were wiped out in just a few years. 

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 11: Matt Turner attempts to block the ball during the U.S. Men’s National Team training session on June 11, 2026 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Liza Rosales/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

On the field, his journey has been anything but straightforward. Turner wasn’t a highly-considered prospect coming out of college, and he went undrafted in MLS. But through hard work and persistence, he worked his way up the ranks, eventually earning the starting role for the U.S. national team. His performances at the 2022 World Cup helped cement his place on the international stage, with key saves that kept the U.S. competitive in big moments.

He played college soccer at Fairfield University, where he developed into a standout goalkeeper after initially being overlooked, eventually earning recognition in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference before making the jump to the professional level.

Since then, he’s remained part of the national team picture and continues to be relied on in major matches. Now, with another World Cup underway on home soil, Turner finds himself back under that same kind of spotlight. The expectations are high, the stakes are even higher, and every moment matters.

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 11: Matt Turner of the United States makes the save during practice on June 11, 2026 in Irvine, California. (Photo by John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images)

But beyond the soccer side of it, there’s also that quieter layer to his story – one that ties him back to his family’s past. In a tournament filled with global stars and nonstop attention, his journey stands out in a more understated way.

It’s not just about where he is now on the field. For Turner, part of the story is also about where his family came from, and how those roots still echo in the present.

WASHINGTON, June 11 — The cost of buying a home edged higher again this week, according to Freddie Mac, which reported Thursday that the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.52% from 6.48% a week earlier.

The average rate remains below the 6.84% recorded a year ago, but the latest increase adds to a gradual climb that continues to challenge homebuyers and sellers alike.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage also increased, rising to 5.84% from 5.79% last week.

Inflation and Energy Prices Drive Rates Higher

Behind the move is a combination of inflation pressures and rising energy costs.

Mortgage rates have moved higher since the conflict with Iran intensified earlier this year, contributing to increases in oil prices. Higher energy costs feed directly into inflation, and inflation expectations influence long-term borrowing costs, including mortgages.

Recent economic data reinforced those concerns.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that consumer inflation reached 4.2% in May, the highest level in three years, while wholesale inflation climbed to 6.5%, its hottest pace in nearly four years.

Home Sales Show Signs of Life

Despite higher borrowing costs, there was some encouraging news in Freddie Mac’s report.

The company noted that stronger hiring and steady employment have helped existing-home sales reach a five-month high, suggesting some buyers are no longer waiting for rates to fall before entering the market.

That shift could be significant for a housing market that has remained largely frozen for much of the past two years.

Many buyers and sellers have remained on the sidelines, hoping for lower rates and improved affordability.

Hopes for Lower Rates Fade

Homeowners entered 2026 with optimism.

The average 30-year mortgage rate began the year near 5.99% following three Federal Reserve rate cuts during late 2025.

At the time, many analysts expected borrowing costs to continue moving lower.

Instead, inflation concerns and higher energy prices reversed that trend.

Mortgage rates have fluctuated sharply throughout the year and remain well above levels many prospective buyers hoped to see.

Higher for Longer

Most major housing forecasts now call for mortgage rates to remain elevated through the remainder of 2026.

The Mortgage Bankers Association and Fannie Mae both project 30-year mortgage rates will stay roughly between 6.3% and 6.5% through year-end.

That outlook reflects what economists increasingly describe as a “higher-for-longer” interest-rate environment.

The Real Cost to Families

For households, even small rate increases can have major financial consequences.

The difference between a 6% mortgage and a 6.5% mortgage can add thousands of dollars in interest over the life of a loan and significantly increase monthly payments.

Many buyers continue debating whether to wait for rates to fall before purchasing a home.

However, housing economists note there is a risk in waiting.

If mortgage rates decline substantially, many sidelined buyers could rush back into the market simultaneously, increasing competition and driving home prices higher.

In some cases, those higher prices can offset the savings gained from a lower mortgage rate.

Federal Reserve in Focus

Attention now turns to the Federal Reserve’s June 16–17 meeting, the first chaired by Kevin Warsh.

Financial markets currently see little chance of an immediate rate cut, and some traders are even pricing in the possibility of another rate increase before the end of the year.

As long as inflation remains elevated and energy prices stay under pressure, mortgage rates are likely to remain near current levels.

For millions of Americans hoping for cheaper borrowing costs, meaningful relief may still be some distance away.

JBizNews Desk — Washington

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Amram Adar releases Mabrouk, a brand new album packed with original songs that showcase the voice, style, and musical depth that listeners have missed for far too long.

Alongside a collection of fresh new music, Mabrouk features special duets with Avraham Fried and Eli Levin, bringing together three distinctive voices across an album filled with warmth, heart, and songs that belong on repeat.

Whether it’s a quiet listen or a packed dance floor, these songs were made to stay with you.

The wait is over. Mabrouk is now streaming everywhere.

https://album.link/Mabrouk

JERUSALEM (VINnews) – The Israel Defense Forces announced the killing of senior Hezbollah commander Ali Mussa Daqduq in an airstrike in southern Lebanon on Friday, the military said.

Daqduq, a veteran Hezbollah operative with extensive operational experience, was targeted south of the Litani River, according to the IDF. The strike took place over the weekend.

The military described Daqduq as a central figure in planning and advancing terrorist attacks against Israel and its forces. He held multiple senior roles within the Iran-backed group, including head of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s security unit, a commander in the elite Radwan Force, a commander in the operations unit of Hezbollah’s Nasr Unit, head of infantry, and commander of the “Golan File” — Hezbollah’s efforts to entrench in southern Syria.

“Over the past several years, Daqduq led much of Hezbollah’s operational planning against IDF soldiers along the Lebanon border,” the IDF said in a statement.

Daqduq was previously imprisoned by U.S. forces in 2007 for his role in orchestrating the kidnapping and murder of five American soldiers in Iraq. He was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike in Syria in November 2024, but it later emerged that he survived that attack. His son, Hassan Ali Daqduq, was killed in an Israeli drone strike in southern Syria on Dec. 8, 2023.

The IDF has intensified operations against Hezbollah leadership and infrastructure in southern Lebanon amid ongoing cross-border tensions.

Growing concerns in Israel over potential efforts by the Trump administration to limit the IDF’s operational freedom in Lebanon may have played a role in Sunday’s strike in Beirut, according to a report from Israel.

The report, by political correspondent Anna Barsky, suggests that the Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahieh district was intended in part to send a clear message that Israel will continue to act militarily in Lebanon when necessary and will not accept new restrictions on its operations, even as diplomatic efforts with Iran continue.

According to the report, Israeli officials are determined to preserve complete freedom of action on the northern front and are seeking to make that position unmistakably clear amid ongoing discussions involving Washington and Tehran.

The Beirut operation reportedly comes against the backdrop of growing tensions between Jerusalem and Washington. During one of their recent conversations, President Donald Trump allegedly urged Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to agree to an Israeli withdrawal from five strategic positions in southern Lebanon as well as from the Syrian Hermon region.

The proposal, which security officials reportedly view as a worst-case scenario, was said to be part of a broader American effort to secure understandings with the Iranian regime as part of a potential agreement.

According to the report, Netanyahu firmly rejected the proposal and made clear during the conversation that Israel would not agree to such a withdrawal.

Meanwhile, criticism of Israel’s actions has been increasing on social media in the United States, particularly among some members of the MAGA movement, who have argued that the Beirut strike was intended to complicate or derail a possible agreement with Iran. According to the report, that assessment may not be entirely unfounded.

At the same time, the United States has reportedly been exerting significant pressure on Iran in an effort to prevent a military response against Israel. Washington’s diplomatic push is aimed at preventing a broader regional escalation while negotiations continue.

The report adds that similar pressure could be directed at Israel should Iran launch missiles in the coming hours and Israel prepare a response.

For its part, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the ongoing developments and emphasized that authority over any agreement with the United States does not rest with him or his government.

Explaining Iran’s decision-making structure, Pezeshkian stated that “the decision regarding war or negotiations is in the hands of the Supreme Leader and the National Security Council, and everyone must obey.”

His comments underscore that Iran’s ultimate military and diplomatic decisions remain subject to the approval of the country’s highest leadership.

{Matzav.com}

Just one week after the Rome pride parade banned Italy’s only Jewish LGBT group Keshet Italia, drawing backlash for its controversial ban, Jewish marchers were harassed and assaulted at a pride parade in Bologna, Italy, Saturday.

Violence toward and harassment of Jews at pride parades has become par for the course.

Jewish participants who wore pride flags and shirts bearing the Star of David were ordered to take them off. A pregnant woman was shoved, and a family with small children was shouted at and called “murderers.” Others were called “baby killers.”

Israel’s ambassador to Italy, Jonathan Peled, strongly denounced the harassment on X.

“I express my firm condemnation for what happened at the Bologna Pride, where some Israeli demonstrators were violently attacked: an unacceptable act and contrary to the values of equality, freedom, and inclusion,” he wrote.

Peled rebuked the paradegoers for exhibiting the opposite of the spirit of inclusion, a spirit he said was demonstrated at the pride parade in Tel Aviv.

“The exact opposite of what happened in Tel Aviv, where thousands of people — Jews, Christians, and Muslims — marched together in an atmosphere of respect and coexistence,” he wrote.

A Jewish social media user who attended the parade wrote about her experience on X.

“After the exclusion of Keshet Italia from Roma Pride today we were excluded from Bologna Pride amid shouts of ‘Zionists out of the parade’ for having displayed rainbow flags with the Star of David and a sign ‘Jewish & Iranian LGBTQ lives matter,'” she posted.

President Donald Trump told Axios that the U.S.-Iran deal to end the war is still on track for Sunday, despite Israel’s strike in Beirut and Iran’s threat to retaliate.

Axios reports Trump is racing to save the agreement, which nearly collapsed after Israel struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut just hours before the U.S. and Iran were expected to sign.

“It shook it up. It delayed the signing by a few hours. It was supposed to be now. Now it is scheduled for a few hours from now,” Trump told Axios.

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club on December 29, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting to discuss regional security in the Middle East as well as the U.S.-Israel partnership. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Trump said he was shocked when advisers briefed him on the Israeli strike and was furious with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the timing.

“It is so bad — I couldn’t believe it. An hour before we are supposed to sign the deal,” Trump said.

Trump acknowledged Hezbollah attacked Israel first, but said the attack caused no deaths or major damage.

“Why did Bibi have to do a fucking attack? I was so pissed off. I let him know. He has no fucking judgment. I let him know that,” Trump told Axios.

Despite the escalation, Trump said the deal remains on track and argued it would be good for Israel, claiming it would prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, require the disposal of nuclear material, and allow snap inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

NEW YORK (AP) — Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and now first-ever trillionaire, controls a lot of different businesses.

Electric vehicles. Brain implants. Underground tunnels. A social media platform once called Twitter. And a rocket maker that blasted off its trading from Wall Street this week.

Over time, more and more of these ventures have found themselves under the same roof. Musk merged SpaceX — which went public on Friday — with his artificial intelligence company xAI just earlier this year. But he still holds the CEO role at several corporations today, in addition to other various executive titles or ownership stakes.

Here’s a look at Musk’s vast business empire.

SpaceX
Musk is CEO of SpaceX, which he founded in 2002. The company has grown far beyond rockets. It owns satellite communications service Starlink, a big source of cash for the company that generated $4.4 billion in operating income last year. SpaceX also houses social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, which Musk bought for $44 billion in 2022 and parked it under xAI, the maker of the Grok chatbot.

Both xAI and X are money losers (the AI business lost $6.4 billion in operations last year). Nonetheless, SpaceX — which lost $2.6 billion overall from operations last year — was able to whip up enough market hype to debut with the biggest initial public offering in history on Friday, closing at just below $161 per share, or a total market value of $2.1 trillion.

Some think that price tag significantly overvalues the company. SpaceX has promised it will become a leader in AI and one day help make human life multiplanetary — with lofty, and at times sci-fi sounding, goals that range from putting data centers in space to colonizing Mars. But the bulk of that hinges on unproven technology and massive capital needs.

Tesla
Musk is also CEO of Tesla, a role he has held at the electric car maker since 2008.

Tesla has struggled with rising competition in the EV space. Last year, the company lost its crown as the world’s largest EV maker to China’s BYD. Sales were also bruised during boycotts over Musk’s politics. Those numbers have since rebounded some, but Musk has repeatedly shrugged off troubles — emphasizing that Tesla’s future lies less in car sales than getting people to take rides in them as self-driving taxis.

Beyond the road, Tesla has been upping production of robots for homes and businesses. And it’s also been in the solar energy business for about a decade with it purchase of SolarCity, which was founded by Musk and two of his cousins. Tesla went public in 2010, and went on to join the trillion dollar club on the S&P 500. Its market cap currently stands around $1.5 trillion.

Neuralink
Musk has also the CEO title at Neuralink, a brain-computer interface company he co-founded in 2016.

Neuralink is one of many groups working to connect the human nervous system to machines. It’s launched clinical trials for people who have spinal cord injuries, ALS and other conditions. The company (and sometimes Musk himself ) has announced a handful of brain implants over recent years. In January, Neuralink said it had 21 trial participants worldwide.

The Boring Company
Musk also founded The Boring Company, a decade-old tunnel digging and underground transportation business.

The Boring Company is behind projects like the “Vegas Loop” — a network of underground, Tesla-hailing tunnels that first opened around around the Las Vegas Convention Center in 2021. It’s promised to deliver a network of high speed transit — with plans to also make tunnels in Dubai and Nashville. Still, pushback has piled up along the way. The company has been accused of breaking multiple safety and environmental requirements in Las Vegas, where its full route is still unfinished, and other criticism from some local officials in Nashville.

Paypal and other previous endeavors
Musk made his initial fortune by creating two companies, Zip2 and PayPal ( once X.com ). Those then-startups were sold to new owners decades ago — but netted him about $200 million at sale, which Musk used to later start SpaceX and invest in Tesla.

Forces from the IDF’s 36th Division are continuing extensive operations to locate and destroy the underground tunnel network uncovered beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon.

According to the IDF, the tunnel system was built over many years with Iranian funding and support and was used by Hezbollah to advance terror activities against Israel.

During searches in one of the underground routes—where terrorists who recently attempted to escape were identified and later eliminated in an airstrike—IDF soldiers discovered maps and diagrams drawn on the walls of the complex.

The IDF said the maps illustrate the area’s topographical control over yishuvim in northern Israel and highlight the strategic importance Hezbollah assigned to the region.

The findings strengthen the assessment that the tunnel network was intended to serve as part of a broad offensive infrastructure built over many years to enable an October-7 style attack on Israel.

Rabbi Moshe Sasonkin, the Chabad shliach in the northern yishuv of Metula, revealed last year that his personal details were uncovered in chilling documents that IDF forces found in a Hezbollah bunker during the war with Lebanon.

The documents included Rabbi Sasonkin’s name, address, and even his car details, along with the details of other prominent individuals on the northern border yishuv of Metula.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

MIAMI — For millions of Cubans, the difference between eating and going hungry now arrives in a cardboard box mailed from South Florida.

As Cuba sinks deeper into the worst economic and energy crisis in its modern history, the packages and cash sent by relatives in the United States have become the island’s most important lifeline, often providing more support than the Cuban state itself.

The pressure intensified this year after a U.S.-led effort to restrict oil shipments sharply reduced Cuba’s fuel supply. It tightened further on January 1, 2026, when a new 1% federal tax took effect on certain remittances sent abroad through cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks.

The scale of the crisis is staggering.

Cuba’s minimum wage is less than $7.50 per month, while average salaries remain only modestly higher.

Inflation has severely eroded purchasing power, leaving many families unable to afford basic necessities.

In that environment, a package containing cooking oil, powdered milk, coffee, medicine, soap, and other essentials is not a luxury.

It is survival.

As one Cuban physician writing from exile observed, in most countries remittances supplement household income.

“In Cuba, they are a condition for survival.”

The money involved is enormous by Cuban standards.

Before the collapse of formal transfer channels, remittances to Cuba totaled approximately $3.7 billion annually in 2019.

Today, formal transfers have declined by roughly 70%, according to independent analysts.

More than 95% of remittance flows now move through informal networks, private couriers, and travelers carrying cash or goods by hand because traditional banking channels have largely broken down.

Much of that disruption traces back to U.S. sanctions and the structure of Cuba’s financial system.

For years, the military-controlled company Fincimex, a subsidiary of the state conglomerate GAESA, handled much of the hard-currency flow into Cuba.

The organization directed significant amounts of foreign currency into government-operated retail chains, including CIMEX, where many consumer goods are sold at prices substantially above U.S. levels.

After the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Fincimex in 2020, Western Union suspended operations in Cuba, accelerating the shift toward informal transfer networks that remain dominant today.

The center of this system is South Florida.

Home to the largest Cuban community outside the island, Miami has become the operational hub for the movement of money, food, medicine, and household supplies to Cuba.

But even that lifeline has faced disruptions.

Earlier this year, courier company Cubamax suspended home deliveries and limited customers to one package per shipment because fuel shortages on the island made local transportation increasingly difficult.

Although some restrictions were later eased, concerns remain that supply lines could become even more constrained.

The crisis has reignited debate within the Cuban-American community.

For generations, sending money and supplies to relatives was viewed as a family obligation.

Today, some critics argue that every dollar entering Cuba indirectly helps sustain the government in Havana.

Others counter that cutting off remittances would punish ordinary families while doing little to change the political system.

Many economists who study Cuba support the latter view.

Emilio Morales, president of the Havana Consulting Group, argues that stopping remittances would do little to alter the island’s political reality because much of the money now bypasses state-controlled channels entirely.

Instead, those funds support individual households and Cuba’s growing private sector.

The economic impact extends far beyond family budgets.

On the island, remittances help finance thousands of small private businesses, known as cuentapropistas, including restaurants, repair shops, transportation services, and neighborhood retailers.

In Florida, an entire industry has developed around shipping goods and transferring funds, supporting logistics companies, courier services, travel operators, and money-transfer businesses.

When Washington changes remittance policies, both sides of the Florida Straits feel the effects.

The broader geopolitical backdrop continues to complicate the situation.

Following the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the United States increased pressure on Caracas to halt oil shipments to Cuba and warned other suppliers against filling the gap.

The resulting fuel shortages have contributed to power outages, transportation disruptions, and deeper economic hardship across the island.

Those conditions have only increased the importance of the packages arriving from Florida.

Each day, customers continue lining up at shipping centers across Miami carrying coffee, powdered milk, clothing, medicine, and household necessities.

Despite rising costs and political controversy, the flow continues.

For millions of Cubans, those boxes remain more than packages.

They are a lifeline.

And for many families struggling through one of the most difficult periods in the island’s modern history, they remain the primary barrier between daily survival and economic collapse.

JBizNews Desk — Miami

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NEW YORK (VINnews) — Longtime WABC-TV news anchor Bill Ritter announced Friday that he is stepping back from his role as a daily news anchor after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Ritter, a fixture on New York television for nearly three decades, said he intends to remain involved with the station in a reduced capacity and plans to help educate viewers about Alzheimer’s and the challenges faced by patients and caregivers.

A message from the legendary Bill Ritter.

We are praying and pulling for you my friend.

It’s been the greatest honor of my career to share the stage with you. pic.twitter.com/7Jm6VIQBcm

— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) June 13, 2026

The 76-year-old journalist said recent medical evaluations led to the diagnosis. He indicated that treatment has helped manage symptoms but that the progressive nature of the disease influenced his decision to leave daily anchoring.

Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 and became one of the city’s most familiar broadcast journalists, anchoring major newscasts and covering some of the most significant stories affecting New York and the nation.

In a statement, station management praised Ritter’s professionalism, dedication and decades of service to viewers, saying he would remain part of the ABC7 family.

Throughout his career, Ritter reported on and anchored coverage of major local, national and international events, earning widespread recognition in the New York media market.

He said he plans to focus more on family while continuing to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.

JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Israel’s military is closely monitoring regional developments and maintaining high readiness following a strike on Hezbollah in Beirut, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Sunday.

“We are closely monitoring developments while maintaining vigilance and a high level of readiness across all arenas,” Zamir said during a meeting with commanders at the Northern Command. “The current reality is sensitive and complex. The entire IDF is determined, alert, prepared, and operating at varying intensities across all sectors.”

Zamir emphasized that Lebanon remains the primary focus but that the military is also preparing for potential developments elsewhere.

“Lebanon is our main center of gravity, but we are also preparing for developments in other arenas,” he said.

The chief of staff added that further operational achievements would continue to erode Hezbollah’s capabilities in southern Lebanon and strengthen future security arrangements.

“Every additional operational achievement we achieve will lead to the continued erosion and disintegration of Hezbollah’s southern front and to the improvement of the security arrangements that will be determined as part of the negotiations mediated by the United States between the political leadership and the Lebanese government,” Zamir said.

At the meeting with division and brigade commanders, Zamir approved new battle plans for Lebanon, the military said.

The comments come hours after Israel’s strike targeted Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital. Israeli officials have not immediately provided further details on the operation. Hezbollah has not yet commented publicly on the strike.

As summer approaches, as does the 3 weeks, (hopefully moshiach will be here before!), I would like to mention something that has been bothering me and I am wondering if there are others who noticed the same nonsense. The rabbanim instituted the 9 days a more stringent mourning period as that is the last week and a half before the beis hamikdash was actually destroyed.

However, why then, do we open up magazines and newspapers and see on almost every page that there are eateries advertising an EXPANDED nine days menu.

Huh??

Yes, that was my reaction when I first saw that.

We can’t eat meat during this time period so as to mourn over our loss; not to indulge in extra gashmius in another area. The milchig eateries should CLOSE or only sell bagels and tuna and nothing more. We can’t start trying to make up for the few days that we are not eating meat by eating extra dairy and then go sit on the floor and cry on tishaa b’av. It just doesn’t work like that.

So if you own a milchig eatery and are reading this letter, I beg you, before you decide on your nine days menu, think about where your values lie. Is your food and money the priority? Or do you care that we suffered a tremendous loss.

In the zchus that we do not indulge in all of these extras during that time period, we should see a tremendous yeshua bkarov.

New York (VINNEWS/Rabbi Yair Hoffman) It is a topic that is not discussed so much because of matters of tzniyus, but it seems to this author that it should be written about– because it will help bring the Geulah. Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l held that the Geulah will come when the requisite neshamos of Klal Yisroel will be brought down here in the world. There are numerous unmarried women in Klal Yisroel that have not acted on the topic because they did not have the pertinent information.

There is a quiet conversation happening in many frum homes today. A young woman is doing everything right. She is davening, she is building herself, learning, working, waiting for the right shidduch. But the clock that governs fertility does not pause to wait for the right circumstances. And so, many families are beginning to ask: is there a way to preserve the possibility of children for later, in a manner that is fully consistent with halacha?

The answer, increasingly, is yes. It is called egg-freezing or as it is known in medical language as oocyte cryopreservation. Egg-freezing is exactly what it sounds like. A woman’s eggs are removed from her body and frozen, so that they can be stored and used even years later after she has found her shidduch.

According to an overwhelming amount of Gedolei HaPoskim, it is correct hishtadlus. The costs are not insignificant and it also requires proper hashgacha. But more on that later.

The science behind it is that a woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have, and both the number and the quality of those eggs decline as she grows older. The decline begins gently in a woman’s twenties and then speeds up considerably around age thirty-five. Egg freezing allows a woman to, in a sense, press the pause button. By freezing her eggs while they are still younger and healthier, she preserves them at that earlier stage, protected from further aging.

The first baby born from a frozen egg arrived in 1986. For years the technique remained limited, but a newer freezing method called vitrification, which flash-freezes the egg so quickly that no damaging ice crystals can form, had dramatically improved the results. By 2012 the American Society for Reproductive Medicine removed its “experimental” label from the procedure for women with a medical need.

How the Process Works

The process is relatively quick and is considered safe. It generally unfolds in a few stages.

First comes a consultation, where a doctor reviews the woman’s health and checks her ovarian reserve, meaning the number of eggs she has remaining. This is done through a simple blood test that measures something called AMH levels, along with an ultrasound.

Next comes the preparation. Normally a woman releases only one egg each month. To make egg freezing worthwhile, doctors use hormone injections, taken for roughly eight to twelve days, that encourage the ovaries to ripen many eggs at once. During this stretch the woman comes in for monitoring, blood tests and ultrasounds, to make sure her body is responding well.

Finally comes the retrieval. This is an outpatient procedure performed under light anesthesia, and it typically takes only five to ten minutes. The doctor gathers the mature eggs with the guidance of an ultrasound, and the eggs are frozen immediately afterward.

The risks are generally small. The most discussed one is a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which in most cases is mild, and which careful monitoring is designed to prevent.

A word about success rates is in order. Outcomes vary, and they depend heavily on age. Studies have found that the chance of a live birth is meaningfully higher for a woman who freezes her eggs at twenty-five than for one who freezes at forty. Fertility is deeply individual, and no doctor can promise a particular result. But the general principle is consistent: the earlier, the better.

The Halachic Dimension

The egg freezing process raises real halachic questions. Once eggs are retrieved and later fertilized and stored, questions of yichus arise. Whose egg is whose? There are questions of ne’emanus and this area especially requires a stellar hechsher. How else can a family be certain, years down the line, that the eggs being used are truly those of the mother and no one else’s? Mistakes and mix-ups in laboratories, while rare, are not unheard of in the wider world. For our community- this is not a small detail.

Every Posaik this author has consulted with has ruled that egg freezing certainly requires hashgacha, a system of religious supervision. Just as we do not rely on a kitchen being kosher without proper oversight, so too the integrity of this process must be guarded by a trustworthy observer who ensures that the eggs are handled, labeled and stored without any possibility of error or exchange. The supervision protects the very thing the family is trying to build.

This supervision was not always available. It came about through real effort. Rabbi Aharon Jacobowitz, a Satmar chossid from Williamsburg, took the initiative to approach hospitals and clinics and persuade them to allow this kind of oversight. Because of that groundwork, frum families can now pursue egg freezing with the confidence that a proper hechsher provides.

Today the leading address for this supervision is ATIME, whose Institute of Halacha and Tech (the DAAS program) operates what is described as the first program of its kind in the country and the largest in the tri-state area. The scope of the operation is considerable: a team of more than one hundred mashgichim and mashgichos provides coverage at no charge. Their work is carried out under the rabbinical direction of Rav Chaim Aharon Unger shlita, with R’ Yosef Moshe Heilpern serving as Director of Supervision (718-686-8912, x233).

One related halachic point worth mentioning: the procedure itself does not require tevilah, immersion, on the part of the woman.

As with every serious halachic matter, a woman or couple considering this should not rely on a general article. They should bring their specific situation to their own rav or to a posek experienced in these areas, who can guide them according to the details of their case.

For many families, the obstacle to all of this has not been halachic. It has been financial. Egg freezing in the United States has traditionally been expensive. Published figures from various clinics range widely, and a single cycle, together with medication and storage, can run at about twenty thousand dollars. For a young woman looking for a shidduch this can feel out of reach.

It is worth knowing, though, that prices vary considerably from clinic to clinic, and some centers are markedly more affordable than the headline figures suggest. A survey of several well-known programs serving the New York area illustrates the range.

Extend Fertility, a Manhattan clinic that specializes in egg freezing, posts its self-pay prices openly. Its fee for a full freezing cycle, including all monitoring visits, the retrieval procedure with anesthesia, and the freezing itself, is $8,500. The initial assessment and consultation is $250. Medication, paid separately to a pharmacy, runs roughly $3,000 to $5,000, and storage is $800 for a one-year plan. (extendfertility.com/pricing)

Weill Cornell Medicine’s Center for Reproductive Medicine, one of the most established fertility programs in the country, does not publish a flat rate for egg freezing; patients are quoted by a financial coordinator according to their individual plan, and reported out-of-pocket costs for a retrieval cycle have run considerably higher. (ivfoptions.com/clinic/weill-cornell-medicine)

RMA (Reproductive Medicine Associates) likewise does not advertise a single price, and the figure depends on the location; patients have reported a retrieval-and-freeze cycle in the range of roughly seventeen thousand dollars at some branches, plus separate medication and storage fees. Here too, a financial coordinator provides the individualized quote. (rmany.com/resources/financial/fertility-treatment-cost-factors)

The lesson for families is a practical one: it pays to ask, to compare, and to inquire specifically about what is and is not included in a quoted price, since medication, anesthesia, and annual storage are often billed separately. What once seemed uniformly out of reach is, at certain clinics, considerably more attainable than the round numbers suggest.

For more information on the halachic supervision of these procedures, and for guidance from trained rabbonim, ATIME’s Institute of Halacha and Tech can be reached through their website: https://atime.org/institute-of-halacha-tech/

AND NOW ANOTHER CONTROVERSIAL PART

This author holds is of the position that it would be considered tzedakah to help someone pay for the procedure. How so? Because the cry of a woman who longs for children is no small matter in the eyes of the Torah.

Rochel Imeinu, turned to Yaakov Avinu with anguish and said: “Havah li vanim, v’im ayin meisah anochi” — “Give me children, and if not, I am as dead” (Bereishis 30:1).

Chanah, also poured out her soul before Hashem: “Vatidor neder vatomar, Hashem Tzevakos im ra’oh sir’eh b’oni amasecha” — “And she vowed a vow and said, Hashem of Hosts, if You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant” (Shmuel I 1:11). Her tefillah became the very paradigm of heartfelt prayer.

And recall the words spoken to the Shunamis by Elisha haNavi: “La’moed hazeh ka’eis chayah at choveket ben” — “At this season, at this time of life, you shall embrace a son” (Melachim II 4:16). The Navi recognized that the embrace of a child is among the deepest of human longings.

From these pesukim emerges a clear truth: the desire of a woman to one day hold her child is woven into the fabric of creation, and the relief of that distress is a matter the Torah treats with the utmost seriousness.

Several mitzvos may be implicated in permitting such an allocation of tzedakah:

First, v’ahavta l’rei’acha kamocha (Vayikra 19:18). One is obligated to love a fellow Jew as oneself, and the Rambam derives from here the duty to be concerned for another’s wellbeing and to spare him or her distress as one would wish for oneself.

Second, the mitzvah of tzedakah itself (Devarim 15:8, “pasoach tiftach es yadcha”). The obligation to give to one in need is not limited to bread and lodging; Chazal teach that one provides “dei machsoro” — that which the person lacks — according to that individual’s particular need and distress.

Third, the mitzvah of lo sa’amod al dam rei’echa (Vayikra 19:16). Where a woman’s window of fertility may be closing, preserving that possibility may fall under the broad concern of not standing idly by one’s fellow’s loss.

Fourth, the concern embodied in v’chai achicha imach (Vayikra 25:36) — that one’s fellow may live alongside him — which Chazal extend to encompass restoring and sustaining the quality and dignity of another’s life.

And finally, won’t it help bring the Ge’ulah? 

The author can be reached at [email protected]

(AP) – A first-of-its-kind law in New York could force 3D printers sold for homes and business to come equipped with technology blocking them from making guns.

The new requirement, also under consideration in California, attempts to thwart the latest technique for producing untraceable “ghost guns” that have turned up in crimes. But there are questions about whether the technology can work and concerns about its effect on personal privacy and constitutional rights.

About one-third of U.S. states already have taken steps to ban or regulate build-it-yourself firearms that lack serial numbers and evade the background checks required to purchase guns from federally licensed dealers. What makes the new effort unique is that it targets the equipment used to produce the firearms, not the people who make them.

The blocking technology being pushed in two of the nation’s most populous states has the potential to set industry standards for 3D printers. It also could serve as a model for other Democratic-led states wanting to add to their gun regulations, which often already ban certain semiautomatic weapons and allow firearms to be temporarily confiscated from people deemed to pose a threat to themselves or others.

More privately made guns are being used in crimes
Three-dimensional printers have become increasingly common over the past couple of decades.

Since 2012, the number of 3D printers worldwide has grown from an estimated 30,000 to over 3 million while the industry’s value has multiplied from around $2 billion to $26 billion annually, said Bill Decker, executive chairman of the Association of 3D Printing. Though high-end printers cost thousands of dollars, some 3D printers now can be bought for as little as several hundred dollars.

The devices can make toys, prosthetic limbs and even airplane parts. They also can make firearms — or the pieces necessary to assemble them — using digital designs available online. Homemade guns that lack serial numbers often are called “ghost guns,” because they are hard for law enforcement officers to trace.

Firearms made with 3D printers are increasingly being used in crimes, according to a U.S. Department of Justice report released last year. The number of privately made guns recovered in crimes and submitted to federal authorities rose from about 1,600 in 2017 to nearly 27,500 in 2023, though the report didn’t specify how many came from 3D printers.

In a high-profile New York case, police say a 3D-printed gun likely was used to kill UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in 2024.

How 3D printers could refuse to make gun parts
A New York law signed last month and a bill in the California Legislature both would direct panels of experts to come up with standards for firearm blueprint detection algorithms. The technology would analyze every design submitted for 3D printing, compare it to a digital library of firearm parts, and reject those that are similar.

Though the study process would start now, the mandate that 3D printers come equipped with firearm blocking technology wouldn’t begin until 2029 — or later, in New York’s case, if the study group determines it’s not yet feasible.

The concept is a bit like a smartphone app that identifies trees or flowers from an uploaded photo, said Solomon Diamond, an associate engineering professor at Dartmouth College who was among several experts at a recent online seminar about the legislation.

For 3D printers, one possible method could use a geometric analysis of shapes, dimensions and other structural features to reject print projects that closely resemble firearm parts.

“Geometric search is mature, it’s deployed, it is ready to be applied to this problem,” said Julian Chultarsky, a technical account manager at Physna, a Columbus, Ohio-based company that develops such technology.

Could 3D printers block both too little and too much?
The Association of 3D Printing supports the legislation in New York and California, but “it’s not going to work,” Decker said. “It’s more of a political statement than anything else.”

Criminals still will come up with ways to make guns from 3D printers, either by altering their designs or taking their printing projects elsewhere, Decker said.

The more aggressive the technology becomes, the more likely that it also blocks unintended items, said Rory Mir, director of open access and technology community engagement at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit digital rights group. Some harmless pipes might look like gun parts, or an S-shaped wall hanger might resemble an auto sear trigger used to modify a semiautomatic weapon into a machine gun.

“These sort of censorship algorithms don’t work, and they wind up capturing and blocking a lot of lawful speech,” Mir said.

If print instructions are submitted for a cloud-based artificial intelligence search, it also risks the privacy of people’s artistic and proprietary creations, Mir said.

Does the right to bear arms extend to making them?
Gun safety advocates say 3D printers have created a new pathway for people who cannot legally purchase firearms — like children or convicted felons — to nonetheless obtain them. Eleven states already generally prohibit 3D-printed guns, and six additional states require them to receive serial numbers, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.

Blocking the actual 3D printing of firearms could make it harder for people to ignore such laws.

“3D printing really is the new frontier of the fight against ghost guns,” said Samuel Levy, director of policy advocacy at Everytown for Gun Safety.

The National Rifle Association might partly agree with that assertion, though it disagrees with the policy.

“Despite desperate fear-mongering campaigns, homemade firearms are nothing new — they are a proud, time-honored American tradition dating back to the founding of our Republic,” John Commerford, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement. He added that “these measures only restrict responsible Americans — who do follow the law — from participating in constitutionally protected activities.”

STARBASE, Texas — He stood before a room full of cheering employees on Friday, June 12, the morning his company made history, and Elon Musk said the thing nobody expected him to say.

He admitted he never believed it would work.

“I gave SpaceX less than a 10% chance of succeeding at all,” Musk told the crowd, speaking by video from SpaceX’s Starbase headquarters in Texas as the company prepared to go public on the Nasdaq.

It was a startling confession for a man about to become the richest person who has ever lived. By the end of the morning, Musk would be the world’s first trillionaire.

Back when he started the company in 2002, he told friends the truth as he saw it. The odds were terrible. The company would probably fail.

But he believed it was worth trying anyway because if no one tried, humanity would never reach beyond Earth.

He laughed Friday as he remembered how impossible this day once seemed. If someone had described this moment to him back then, he said, he would have thought they were out of their mind.

For anyone who has ever been told their dream was foolish, his story landed close to home.

The early years nearly broke him.

SpaceX’s first three rockets failed, one after another, between 2006 and 2008. The money was almost gone. The company was one more failure away from disappearing entirely.

Then the fourth rocket reached orbit, and everything changed.

That single success became the foundation for everything that followed.

Reusable rockets that land themselves.

Starlink, the satellite internet network now beaming service to remote corners of the world.

Astronauts carried to the International Space Station.

And finally, the biggest stock market debut anyone has ever seen.

The numbers are almost hard to comprehend.

SpaceX raised about $75 billion on Friday, the largest IPO in history. Shares opened at $150 and climbed past $160, lifting the company’s value above $2 trillion.

Musk’s personal fortune crossed the trillion-dollar mark, a figure no human being has ever held.

But the people in that room were not only watching one man get richer.

They were watching their own lives change, too.

Thousands of SpaceX employees — the engineers, welders, technicians, and dreamers who stayed through the lean years — woke up Friday holding stock worth real money.

By some estimates, roughly 4,400 employees became millionaires the moment trading began.

Standing in for Musk at the Nasdaq in New York was Gwynne Shotwell, the company’s president and the seventh person he ever hired.

She has spent more than two decades helping turn Musk’s ambitious ideas into rockets that actually fly.

Beside her was Chief Financial Officer Bret Johnsen.

Together they rang the opening bell while their founder watched from Texas, surrounded by the team that built what once seemed impossible.

The Musk family turned out for the milestone as well.

His mother, Maye Musk, was among the first to arrive at the Nasdaq site in Times Square, there to witness her son reach a height few parents could ever imagine.

For everyday Americans, Friday offered something rare: a chance to own a small piece of the story.

SpaceX set aside a significant portion of its shares for retail investors through brokerages including Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and SoFi.

People who had only ever read about Musk could, for the first time, become shareholders in his company.

He ended his remarks the way he often does — looking forward rather than backward.

The whole point of SpaceX, he said, was to take science fiction and turn it into a future worth getting excited about.

He spoke about carrying ordinary people to the Moon and to Mars — not just astronauts, but anyone who wants to go.

It was a long way from the warehouse where it all began, and from the founder who once figured the odds were stacked against him.

On Friday, the man who gave his company less than a 10% chance stood at the top of the world, proof that sometimes the long shot is the one worth taking.

JBizNews Desk — Technology

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A dramatic shift has emerged in the prediction markets, with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot overtaking Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu as the leading contender to become Israel’s next prime minister following the country’s next election.

According to the latest figures from the Polymarket forecasting platform, Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, is now viewed as the most likely candidate to form the next government.

The market currently assigns Eisenkot a roughly 36.4% chance of becoming prime minister, compared with 32% for Netanyahu. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ranks third at approximately 24%, while Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Liberman trails far behind at about 3.6%.

When viewed collectively, the market suggests that traders see a greater likelihood of a post-Netanyahu government than a continuation of the current leadership. Roughly 68% of market activity reflects scenarios in which Netanyahu does not remain prime minister after the next election.

That does not necessarily mean those traders are betting specifically on Eisenkot. Some participants believe Bennett, Liberman, or another candidate could ultimately succeed in assembling a governing coalition.

Eisenkot’s rise has been particularly striking. For an extended period, he lagged significantly behind both Netanyahu and Bennett in the market’s rankings. In recent weeks, however, his standing has surged, allowing him to pass both rivals and move into first place.

Analysts caution that Polymarket is not a public opinion survey. Rather, it is a prediction market where participants buy and sell contracts based on what they believe will happen in the future.

As a result, the percentages fluctuate constantly in response to political developments, campaign news, public statements, and trading activity.

The question being evaluated is also different from traditional polling. Prediction markets are focused on who will ultimately become prime minister, not which party will win the most Knesset seats.

A candidate whose party finishes second—or even third—could still emerge victorious if he succeeds in assembling a coalition capable of securing a parliamentary majority.

For that reason, the numbers are generally viewed as a reflection of traders’ assessments regarding coalition-building prospects rather than direct measures of voter support.

Despite Eisenkot’s newfound lead, the race remains highly competitive. The gap separating him from Netanyahu is relatively narrow and could change quickly as political conditions evolve.

For now, however, the message emerging from the market is clear: a growing number of traders believe the post-election political landscape may usher in a new era, even though no single challenger has yet established himself as the overwhelming favorite to replace Netanyahu.

{Matzav.com}

In honor of his 80th birthday, President Donald Trump is hosting a mixed martial arts event at the White House. The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Octagon, an eight-sided 92-foot-high wire mesh cage nicknamed “The Claw,” has been erected on the White House’s South Lawn and will house a series of mixed martial arts fights within view of the president’s bedroom to the tune of $1 million per ticket. The cage is emblazoned with the sign UFC Freedom 250 in a reference to the 250th year of American independence and Trump’s effort to tie his birthday to the country’s semiquincentennial.

Breaking with past norms by hosting a private company’s event on federal grounds, Trump is scheduled to watch 14 martial arts fighters from five countries compete in seven matches before an expected audience of about 4,000 people. The splashy birthday performance comes amid a backdrop of rising tensions between the United States and Iran as the two countries grapple with peace deal negotiations amid skyrocketing consumer prices in the U.S.

The event drew a legal challenge by those arguing that the president had exceeded his authority in staging such an event without obtaining congressional authorization, but the challenge failed when a judge refused to block the event from going forward. A Reuters poll showed that just 16% of adults approved of the event amid concerns about the costs such an event would incur.

Trump enjoys a close relationship with UFC CEO Dana White and the Ellisons, who have been longtime supporters of Trump’s campaigns. UFC said that while the event cost more than $60 million, it’s not making a profit.

The matches are scheduled to begin Monday at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time.

NEW YORK (VINnews) — The family of a young Jewish real estate professional killed in the deadly mass shooting at a Midtown Manhattan office tower last year plans to seek $65 million in damages from New York City, alleging that a police officer assigned to security at the building failed to recognize and respond to an armed attacker before the violence unfolded, according to court filings first reported by the New York Post.

The planned lawsuit was filed on behalf of the family of Julia Hyman, a 27-year-old Jewish employee who was among four people killed when a gunman opened fire inside 345 Park Avenue on July 28, 2025.

According to the filing, attorneys for Hyman’s family reviewed surveillance footage from the building and contend that Didarul Islam, an NYPD detective working a paid security assignment at the property, had an unobstructed view of the gunman as he approached the building carrying a rifle. The filing alleges that the officer failed to take action to identify or stop the threat before the shooter entered the lobby.

Islam was the first person shot during the attack and later died from his injuries. The detective, a husband and father, was posthumously honored by the NYPD for his service.

The family’s legal filing argues that because Islam was working through the department’s paid detail program, the city may bear responsibility for his actions while assigned to the building. Attorneys for the Hyman family said they are investigating all circumstances that may have contributed to the attack and are exploring potential claims against multiple parties.

Investigators said the gunman, identified as Shane Tamura, traveled from Nevada to New York and entered the office tower armed with a rifle. Authorities believe he intended to reach offices occupied by the NFL but instead went to another floor, where Hyman was fatally shot. Three other victims were also killed during the attack.

City officials said they would review the legal claims. No court ruling has been made on the allegations, and the claims remain assertions contained in the family’s filing.

The case is expected to focus on questions surrounding building security, police responsibilities during paid assignments, and whether any actions could have prevented the gunman from entering the skyscraper.

Hezbollah is confident that Iran will insist on Lebanon being included in a deal with the United States, a leading Hezbollah politician said on Friday, as hopes grew for an agreement between Tehran and Washington.

Hezbollah, a terrorist group founded by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in 1982, entered the regional conflict in support of Tehran on March 2, opening fire at Israel and prompting an Israeli response.

Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted on an end to fighting in Lebanon as part of any wider agreement.

“If the agreement happens, we have complete confidence in the Islamic Republic … we have confidence that it will insist on any agreement including the file of Lebanon,” Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah politician, said in an excerpt of a speech broadcast by the terrorist group’s al-Manar TV.

US-Iran memorandum still a work in progress

A Western source said a memorandum between the United States and Iran to halt the war in the Gulf could be signed as soon as Sunday. The source said that language in the memorandum was still being finalized and Iran was sticking to its position that the deal must also end fighting in Lebanon.

Last week, Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said Hezbollah had “made great sacrifices” in the war and that Lebanon “will be an inseparable part of any agreement and any ceasefire,” in comments reported by the IRGC’s semi-official Mehr news agency.

The war in Lebanon has continued despite several ceasefires announced by the United States, which has been mediating talks between the Lebanese and Israeli governments.

Hezbollah is not a party to the talks and has demanded the Lebanese government quit the process.

Hezbollah rejected a US-backed plan declared last week that would be contingent on the group ceasing fire and withdrawing its terrorists from southern Lebanon.

This post was originally published on here.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading an aggressive effort by the Trump administration to dismantle international “birth tourism” operations, targeting networks accused of helping pregnant foreign nationals travel to the United States using fraudulent paperwork so their children can automatically obtain American citizenship.

The crackdown gained attention Saturday after Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany highlighted the administration’s recent actions during a report on America. According to McEnany, hundreds of visas were revoked in recent days as part of the initiative.

“The State Department [is] shutting down a sophisticated tourism network after the U.S. Embassy in West Africa revealed more than 100 foreign nationals were using fraudulent documents and visa fixers to illegally obtain American citizenship,” McEnany explained.

She said investigators uncovered similar activity elsewhere on the continent. “It was a similar story in North Africa. Over 100 Visas were just revoked as embassy there said expecting mothers were coming to America to give birth for the sole purpose of giving their child American citizenship,” she continued. “Meanwhile in Europe, we now know that there was over 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024.”

McEnany later interviewed State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, who described the alleged operations as organized schemes designed to exploit U.S. immigration laws.

“These are networks that are essentially trying to sell citizenship to the United States as if it was a commodity,” Pigott said. “That includes coaching people on how to defraud U.S. Consular Officers to try to obtain a visa through fraud.”

Pigott argued that the issue extends beyond immigration concerns and places financial burdens on American taxpayers.

He continued, “That also includes the logistics you laid out in the United States that leave the American taxpayer footing the bill — often time in these cases, birth tourists pay the absolute minimum when it comes to their medical expenses, and then U.S. taxpayers foot the bill. That is outrageous, that is unacceptable, we are putting a stop to it.”

The report follows a recent announcement by the State Department declaring that it is “defending the integrity of U.S. citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.”

The administration’s intensified focus on the issue comes as the U.S. Supreme Court considers questions surrounding birthright citizenship. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the practice, calling it a “great scam” that wealthy foreign nationals have exploited for years.

The high court is expected to issue its ruling later this summer, a decision that could have significant implications for future immigration and citizenship policy in the United States.

{Matzav.com}

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The federal agency that runs Medicare and Medicaid is building a new office focused entirely on technology, a move that could reshape how tens of millions of Americans interact with their health coverage and how companies sell software and digital services to the government.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on June 10 that it is creating the Office of Health Technology and Products (OHTP). The change became official in a Federal Register notice published on June 11, amending the agency’s formal statement of organization and responsibilities. The office will be responsible for modernizing the technology and digital products that support Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other federal health programs.

In practical terms, the goal is to improve the websites, applications, and data systems that patients, healthcare providers, insurers, and government agencies rely on every day. Anyone who has attempted to compare Medicare plans, track a claim, or transfer medical records between providers understands how fragmented and outdated many of those systems remain.

According to CMS, the new office will work closely with the agency’s Chief Information Officer and operate under existing cybersecurity, information technology governance, and spending oversight policies. The structure is intended to ensure technology initiatives align with broader agency priorities and avoid duplication or disconnected development efforts.

The office will consist of several specialized groups.

Among them is an Open Source Program Group, which will oversee policies related to software built on open-source technology rather than proprietary systems controlled by a single vendor.

A separate Standards and Interoperability Group will focus on improving data-sharing capabilities across healthcare systems. The group includes divisions dedicated to data platforms and interoperability policy.

CMS is also creating a Product Development Group and a Digital Service at CMS unit, both designed to support the development and deployment of digital tools across the agency.

The agency said OHTP will provide enterprise-wide leadership for CMS health technology and digital product strategy.

The business implications are significant.

CMS is among the nation’s largest purchasers of healthcare technology, and any shift in standards or procurement strategy can influence billions of dollars in contracts. The agency’s increased focus on open-source technologies could create opportunities for smaller and emerging firms that have historically struggled to compete against large incumbent government contractors.

Likewise, the emphasis on interoperability—the ability of different systems to securely exchange information—has implications for hospitals, insurers, electronic health record providers, software developers, and virtually every organization connected to federal healthcare programs.

The move is part of a broader restructuring effort across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). On March 31, HHS announced changes reversing portions of a 2024 reorganization of federal health information technology leadership. The creation of OHTP is one of the first major organizational changes resulting from that effort.

The office also aligns with a larger federal push to bring private-sector technology expertise into healthcare modernization initiatives.

At a White House event earlier this year, CMS secured commitments from major technology companies—including Amazon, Apple, Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic—to help build what federal officials described as a next-generation digital health ecosystem.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the effort is intended to eliminate barriers that prevent patients from easily accessing and controlling their own health information. Approximately 30 companies reportedly pledged support for the initiative.

The foundation for many of these efforts was established in July 2025, when CMS launched its Health Technology Ecosystem Initiative to improve healthcare data sharing and interoperability. Early participants included Google, Amazon, Epic Systems, and UnitedHealth Group, with initial tools beginning to roll out this year.

A key challenge for the new office will be talent recruitment.

Federal agencies often struggle to compete with private technology firms for experienced engineers, software developers, cybersecurity specialists, and product managers. The success of OHTP may depend largely on its ability to attract and retain professionals capable of executing large-scale digital transformation projects.

For consumers, success would likely appear in simple but meaningful ways: easier enrollment processes, faster claims handling, improved access to health information, and medical records that move seamlessly between providers.

Whether the office ultimately delivers those results remains to be seen. For now, CMS has made clear that health technology modernization is becoming a central priority—and one important enough to warrant its own dedicated office.

JBizNews Desk — Washington

© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

NEW YORK (AP) — OpenAI received a subpoena from several states as part of a probe into the safety of users of its chatbot as it prepares to offer stock to the public for the first time.

The company behind the popular chatbot, ChatGPT, said it will respond to the inquiry “constructively” and that it already has in place measures to protect its customers.

“AI is a new and powerful technology, and we work every day to safely bring its benefits to people in a responsible way,” an emailed statement from a spokesperson said. “We take the concerns raised by state attorneys general seriously.”

OpenAI has drawn criticism for ChatGPT allegedly offering encouraging words to users thinking of killing themselves or engaging criminal acts. It also has come under scrutiny for how its uses health data and other personal information of its customers.

On Thursday, the company was sued by a Canadian blaming the chatbot for her daughter’s decision to hang herself. Earlier in June, the Florida attorney general sued the company after two separate shootings where alleged gunmen were reported to have asked ChatGPT questions while planning their crimes.

OpenAI said in a statement that its models repeatedly encouraged the individuals to seek real-world support, including from mental health professionals. The company also said it has cooperated with law enforcement in both shooting cases.

The new probe comes just a few day after it filed documents with U.S. security regulators for a highly anticipated initial public offering of stock. Artificial intelligence rival SpaceX celebrated its own IPO on Friday. The rocket maker founded by Elon Musk also runs an AI business responsible for a rival chatbot called Grok.

How governments should respond to the potential for good and possible dangerous of AI is becoming a big political issue.

Regulators Europe opened investigations into Musk’s Grok over antisemitic content and sexualized material, include deepfake nudes. And another chatbot company preparing an IPO, Anthropic, was directed by the Trump administration Friday to shut down two of its online models to users abroad for national security reasons.

The OpenAI subpoena was earlier reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The Associated Press sent emails to a dozen state attorneys general Saturday asking for details of the probe but has not received any responses.

In its statement, OpenAI highlighted measures it has taken to keep children using its chatbot safe.

“Today’s ChatGPT includes a more protective experience for minors and people experiencing difficult situations, with safeguards that direct them to real-world resources and trusted human contacts,” the statement read in part. “We believe kids should be treated like kids, which is why we built age prediction, released parental tools to guide their children’s use of AI, and disallowed advertising that targets kids.”

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson may be the king of the city after leading the team to their first championship since 1973, but he still has a lot of love for Texas.

Brunson was asked about his streak of winning championships in Texas, dating back to his national championship victory at Villanova. He also started his career with the Dallas Mavericks, giving the Lone Star State a special place in Brunson’s heart – especially, financially.

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“I have nothing against Texas. I love Texas. I miss the Texas taxes,” he told reporters after Game 5.

Brunson lives in Westchester, New York. He has to pay around 10.3% income tax in the state and a New York City tax of around 3.8% as well as a jock tax. Athletes in Texas still have to pay a jock tax but they do not have to pay a state income tax.

‘STILL VERY IMMATURE’: TEXAS SPORTS BAR OWNER SOUNDS ALARM ON NFL’S STREAMING PIVOT

He signed a four-year $156.5 million contract extension that went into effect before the 2025-26 season. He’s earned around $34 million this season and will earn nearly $38 million next season.

Brunson also touched on how special it was to win a championship with Mikail Bridges and Josh Hart – who he won two national championships with at Villanova.

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“Being able to win with Mikail and Josh – it’s a great feeling,” he said. It’s truly a great feeling knowing I got to meet them at a young age and were able to grow as friends and teammates in college and be able to achieve something in college. And then, to be able to do this at this level is just as special. Maybe a little more special. It’s an incredible feeling.”

CAIRO (AP) — A daredevil adventurer known as “The Spider-Man of Yemen” has died after falling into a volcano crater while attempting to climb vertical rock faces without safety equipment, authorities said.

Al-Qaqa Ibn Antar, 30, was climbing the steep walls of the Hardah Dam volcanic crater in the southern province of Dhale on Friday when he lost his grip and fell into the 120 meter (393 feet) crater, according to the Civil Defense Authority, which posted a short video capturing the moment of his fall.

The 10-second video shows Antar climbing a rocky cliff without any safety equipment. On the cliff he is scaling names in Arabic have been written in white across the rocky wall. He is then seen holding the cliff with his right hand, with his left hand in the air, before he appears to lose his right grip and falls.

Rescue teams, including diving and water specialists, were sent to retrieve Antar’s body, which was found by divers at a depth of 30 meters (100 feet) below the water surface. The four-hour search and rescue operation was described by the authority as “complex” due to the steep and rocky location which made access difficult.

The Hardah Dam — known also as the Haradhat Damt — is a unique volcanic crater located near the city of Damt, in Yemen ‘s southern Dahle province. A landmark of the region, the crater has steep rocky walls with a hot sulfurous lake at its base.

Antar had gained fame on social media platforms where he posted videos showing him performing high-risk ascents of some of Yemen’s most rugged terrain. His videos often went viral. In one of them he was seen hanging from the edge of a rocky cliff using his bare hands, his legs dangling toward a steep slope in a risky performance without safety equipment.

The Civil Defense Authority has urged those who climb and engage in adventure sports to observe safety procedures and issued a warning to use “appropriate protective gear to avert similar incidents.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump warns Israel and Iran not to ‘blow it’ after new strikes threaten to undermine emerging ceasefire deal.

The following is an ‘Ask The Chief’ question submitted to TLS, and the Chief’s response. Email your questions for the Chief to [email protected].

Question:

Hi Chief Meyer. As far as I know it is illegal to make a fast left hand turn in front of oncoming traffic as soon as the traffic light turns green. Yet everyone seems to be doing it in this town. I can’t tell you how many times I have pulled out into an intersection when the light turns green only to be cut off by someone turning left in front of me. It happened 4 times today. Can your department do something about this? I have no doubt that this is the cause of many accidents.

Thank you.

**
The Chief’s response:**

It is always better to be an alert courteous driver and take that extra moment to let a car make a safe turn in front of you as not to hold up an entire line of traffic that cannot proceed because that driver is waiting.

Again be safe, drive courteous and pay attention.

————-

Have a question for the Chief? Email it to [email protected]

Have a question for the Mayor? Email it to [email protected]

By BoroPark24 Staff

Shomrim Boro Park is hosting its annual Community Kids Event and Bike Registration program today at 18th Avenue Park, located at 18th Avenue and 56th Street.

The event, taking place from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., is being organized by Shomrim in conjunction with Councilman Simcha Felder, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, and Nachas Health & Family Network.

Families attending can enjoy a variety of attractions, including rides, balloons, raffles, prizes, and other children's activities designed to promote community engagement and safety awareness.

A key feature of the event is the 2026 Bike Registration Program, where residents can register bicycles, scooters, and strollers. The initiative is intended to assist in the recovery of lost or stolen property and strengthen community safety efforts throughout the neighborhood.

Organizers are encouraging local families to stop by for an afternoon of fun while learning more about community safety programs and services.

The event is open to the public and is expected to draw hundreds of children and parents from across Boro Park and surrounding communities.

By Y.M. Lowy

Monday will be pleasant with a high of 80 and a low of 65. Humidity levels will be lower, with plenty of sunshine and just a few passing clouds.

Tuesday will be a bit cooler with a high of 75 and a low of 63. Some sunshine is expected early in the day before clouds gradually take over.

Wednesday will be comfortable with a high of 78 and a low of 66. Expect a mix of clouds and sunshine, with breezy conditions developing during the afternoon.

Thursday will be warmer with a high of 80 and a low of 67. It will be windy, with sun and high clouds in the morning before thicker clouds limit the sunshine later in the day.

UPDATE: ‼️ BREAKING: Following a new security assessment, the IDF Home Front Command has limited gatherings nationwide to a maximum of 5,000 people.

No changes have been announced for communities along Israel’s northern border, where existing restrictions remain in place, allowing up to 100 people outdoors and 400 indoors.

The massive Eyal Golan and Omer Adam concerts scheduled for tonight have been cancelled.

IRGC is threatening to “rain missiles down on the Zionist enemy ‘Israel’ tonight”.

LAST POST: Israel is preparing for an Iranian missile attack in the coming hours, according to N12 News.

Earlier, the IDF said it is preparing for the possibility of Iranian missile attacks on Israel in the coming hours following today’s strike on Hezbollah targets in Beirut.

According to the military, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is currently holding assessments with senior commanders, with the working assumption that Iran could respond by launching missiles toward Israel.

The IDF says it remains on high alert and prepared for a range of defensive and offensive scenarios, stressing that it will not tolerate attacks on Israeli territory.

At this stage, no changes have been made to Home Front Command instructions for civilians.

Join a Jewish Breaking News Whatsapp group for instant alerts: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va4EEJU7YSdAqzGs362F

A unique and educational Torah event will take place this evening, June 14, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission presents a special shiur in Airmont, New York, featuring Rav Amitai Ben David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a renowned expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The program will begin at 8:30 p.m. at Bais Hamedrash Birkas Sheish–Skohl, located at 1 Regina Road in Airmont, and is expected to attract Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the broader community seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What makes this event especially noteworthy is that the shiur will feature a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and related areas of Torah study. Through practical examples and real-life illustrations, participants will gain a clearer appreciation of the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers explain that the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone interested in understanding the halachic foundations behind the kosher food that appears on Jewish tables every day.

Rav Amitai Ben David has earned widespread recognition for his ability to present complex halachic subjects in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. His sefer, Sichas Chulin, has become a highly regarded resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of shechitah and treifos.

The shiur, as mentioned, will take place at Bais Hamedrash Birkas Sheish–Skohl, located at 1 Regina Road in Airmont, New York, beginning at 8:30 p.m.

{Matzav.com}

After the New York Knicks captured the NBA championship last night, New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced plans for a citywide celebration, including a ticker-tape parade and a special ceremony at City Hall where members of the championship team will receive Keys to the City.

The festivities are scheduled for Thursday, June 18, and will commemorate a title that generations of Knicks fans had long hoped to witness.

According to City Hall, the event will be the first ticker-tape parade ever held in honor of the Knicks and will celebrate the team that finally delivered an NBA championship to New York after decades of anticipation.

City officials said additional information regarding the parade route, ceremony details, and media access will be released on Sunday, June 14.

“For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have waited for this moment. Through near misses, heartbreak and a hope that every year could be our year, this city never stopped believing in the Knicks. And this team fulfilled that hope with grit, resilience and heart — just like the five boroughs itself,” said Mayor Mamdani. “New Yorkers have cheered for our team from packed living rooms in the Bronx to watch parties in Brooklyn, from bars in Queens to Staten Island to Manhattan, and Madison Square Garden itself. Now it’s time for our city to celebrate together. Bing bong.”

The mayor also announced that City Hall and a number of municipal buildings throughout the city will be illuminated in the Knicks’ signature blue and orange colors on the evening of June 18 to mark the championship victory.

Among the buildings scheduled to be lit in blue and orange are City Hall itself, the David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street, and Brooklyn Borough Hall on Joralemon Street.

Officials indicated that additional city-owned properties may also join the tribute as New York prepares for what is expected to be one of the largest sports celebrations in the city’s history.

The announcement comes as Knicks fans across all five boroughs continue celebrating a championship that ended a decades-long wait and delivered one of the most memorable moments in franchise history.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog posted on X birthday wishes to President Donald Trump in honor of his 80th birthday amid profound disagreements between Washington and Jerusalem over the impending U.S.-Iran deal and how to respond to Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel.

“Happy birthday Mr. @POTUS, Happy birthday Donald,” Netanyahu wrote. “This year your birthday comes at an auspicious time. America celebrates 250 years of freedom — a great nation built on liberty and faith. I wish you continued strength and vigor as you lead America towards a bright future of peace through strength, and as we continue to bring the U.S. — Israel alliance to ever greater heights.”

Herzog was a bit more effusive.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog. (Credit: Isaac Herzog)

“Happy 80th birthday, President @realDonaldTrump! Your remarkable journey to the White House represents the breadth of the American dream and the power of your own resolve,” he wrote. “The people of Israel are grateful for your leadership in confronting Iran’s empire of evil and for your steadfast commitment to the security of Israel. We will never forget your tireless efforts in securing the release of our beloved hostages. May you lead the Middle East and the world toward peace and security and continue to strengthen the unique U.S.-Israel partnership.”

“In Jewish tradition, it is stated that at the age of eighty you gain unique prowess,” he added. “May you enjoy your beautiful family and many happy birthdays with blessings and joy. Mazal tov!”

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of Bennett 2026, as well as Together, a joint alliance with Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid Party to defeat Netanyahu in the next election, also chimed in.

“Happy birthday @realDonaldTrump! Am Yisrael, the people of Israel, stand together today to wish President Donald Trump a historic 80th birthday,” he posted. “Your leadership has carved an unforgettable chapter in the history of our nation. You stood unbreakable by our side in our darkest hours, championed the return of our hostages back home, recognized our sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and courageously made Jerusalem, our eternal capital, the honored home of the American Embassy. Mazal Tov!”

The New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee advanced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) that would extend protections ensuring patients pay no more out of pocket for a telehealth visit than they would for the same appointment in person.

The bill extends the current requirement that health insurance companies reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person care through December 31, 2027. Without the extension, the requirement is set to expire on July 1, 2026. The bill covers private insurance plans, Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, and State employee health plans.

“Telehealth has become a reliable way for many people to access healthcare, and patients should be able to continue using it without worrying about higher costs,” said Sen. Singer. “This bill provides continued certainty for both patients and healthcare providers while helping ensure care remains accessible across New Jersey.”

Jacob Reses, the Jewish chief of staff to Vice President JD Vance, is leaving the administration at the end of the summer, a source confirmed to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on Thursday.

Reses, who’s been in his role since Vance and President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, is perhaps the closest Jewish official in Vance’s orbit. He has had a close relationship with the vice president since Vance’s 2022 Senate campaign in Ohio. 

A source familiar with the matter confirmed NBC News’ initial report that Reses informed Vance of his decision months ago, after his wife became pregnant. Vance said in a statement on Thursday that he will “miss him dearly, but he won’t be far, and I plan to keep his counsel close until our paths cross again.” Reses’ plans for his next role are currently unknown.

Vance has recently drawn the ire of some Jewish Republicans who say that he has refused to confront antisemitism on the right, including from former Fox news host Tucker Carlson. (Carlson’s son is also a Vance staffer.) A New York Magazine profile published in March suggested that Reses was on board with Vance’s approach, and revealed that Reses used his private X account to amplify voices calling on Jews to embrace, rather than resist, the Christian nationalist current surging within the GOP.

Reses has been “by my side for my whole career in public life,” Vance said in a statement.

“I can’t imagine having been on this life-changing journey without him,” Vance said. “From day one of my time as a Senator-elect, I could not have asked for a more loyal and discerning advisor and friend as my chief of staff.”

Reses’ closeness to Vance elicited antisemitic rumors

The personal bond between the two men was on display in January, when Vance took part in Reses’ wedding to Rachel Altman at a synagogue in Rockville, Maryland, delivering a Jewish prayer under the chuppah. Chabad of Princeton University, Reses’ alma mater, posted a photo of the couple with the vice president, celebrating the occasion as an expression of Jewish pride.

That closeness, and Reses’ reported alignment with Vance’s stance on right-wing antisemitism, have not spared Reses from becoming a target of antisemites. In one instance, a white-nationalist website ran an article about him headlined, “Another Nail in the Coffin — Jew Runs J. D. Vance.”

A Jewish Telegraphic Agency profile published in 2024, when Vance was selected as Trump’s running mate, traced Reses’ Jewish identity and his journey from a Democratic-leaning Jewish teenager in southern New Jersey, whose grandfather escaped the Holocaust in Lithuania, to one of the most influential conservatives in Washington. His trajectory included internships for Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, a political conversion at Princeton and stints at the Heritage Foundation and in the office of Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley.

On Thursday, Republican leaders and Trump administration officials sang Reses’ praises in statements shared with JTA.

“Jacob Reses has been an invaluable, loyal, and trusted hand to Vice President Vance and President Trump,” said Matt Brooks, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition. “As a proud Jewish American, whose own family story carries the weight of our people’s history, Jacob brought both conviction and clarity to one of the most consequential roles in Washington.” Brooks added that the RJC has “no doubt he will continue to play a critical role moving forward.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who’s seen as a possible challenger to Vance for the 2028 presidential nomination, said that Reses served Vance and the entire administration “with distinction,” and that he “understands the moment we’re in and he spent every day fighting to deliver results for the President.”

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, said he was proud to have Reses “by my side in negotiating some of the toughest deals for the President.”

“Don’t let Jacob fool you — beneath his kind exterior he’s a killer,” Witkoff said. “It’s been a delight to get to know him through the Vice President, and our foreign adventures from Israel to Pakistan have been historic.” 

He added, “We haven’t seen the last of him.”

This post was originally published on here.

Fox News host Mark Levin is urging President Donald Trump to press ahead with efforts to dismantle Iran’s ruling regime, arguing that any agreement signed with Tehran will ultimately prove meaningless because the Islamic Republic cannot and will not abide by its commitments.

Levin made the remarks last night during his Life, Liberty & Levin program, just one day before Trump said that a deal with Iran was expected to be signed.

According to Levin, whether the arrangement takes the form of a memorandum of understanding or a final agreement is largely irrelevant because Iran’s leadership will never genuinely comply with its terms.

“A memorandum of understanding, from my perspective, or a final deal will not matter to the Iranian regime,” Levin said. “It will not matter to the Iranian regime, even if they sign on the dotted line tomorrow, the next day, whenever. Or if they are bombed into signing — one or the other, or both, at some point. They will never abide by any of it.”

Levin argued that the nature of Iran’s ruling ideology makes lasting compliance impossible, maintaining that the regime views the United States as an enemy it is religiously and politically committed to defeating.

“They cannot [abide], they cannot. Because as a matter of religious and political ideology [and] doctrine, they will not in the end bend to the demands of the great Satan. They will not bend to the demands of the very people and society and government they exist to destroy by any means necessary.

“They would be committing an act of defiance against Allah, for whom they are committed to die. We and they are on two totally different wavelengths. Totally different wavelengths. They view the act of diplomacy as a last resort, but as a resort to survive. For them to survive, and ultimately for us to lose.”

The conservative commentator contended that Tehran sees negotiations not as a path to peace but as a temporary tactic designed to preserve the regime while allowing it to continue pursuing its long-term goals.

Later in the broadcast, Levin compared Trump’s partnership with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to the historic alliance between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during World War II. Nevertheless, he said the military gains achieved against Iran should be completed rather than traded away for a diplomatic settlement.

“I continue to truly believe we should finish the spectacular military achievements we have won on the Iranian people and get it over with. I truly do,” Levin said. “The mass-murdering death cult that is the Iranian regime is not going to commit suicide.”

Levin’s comments carry added significance because he has been among Trump’s most vocal supporters in recent years. During a Chanukah event last winter, he famously referred to Trump as the “first Jewish president,” and he has consistently praised the president’s handling of the confrontation with Iran, including the military campaign launched earlier this year.

The broadcaster has also become a central figure in the debate among conservatives over America’s role in the conflict. After media personality Megyn Kelly argued that the United States was fighting “Israel’s war” and accused Levin, Ben Shapiro, and others of “pushing” America into attacking Iran, Trump publicly came to Levin’s defense and criticized what he described as “jealous” detractors.

{Matzav.com}

BlackRock moved Friday, June 12, 2026, to limit how much money investors can pull out of its largest private-credit fund, as a wave of jittery shareholders — worried about loan losses, a string of fraud cases, and whether borrowers can survive the upheaval from artificial intelligence — rushed for the exits faster than the fund will let them leave.

In a shareholder letter and regulatory filing, the firm said investors in the HPS Corporate Lending Fund (HLEND) asked to redeem about 13.3% of the fund’s shares in the latest quarter, up from 9.3% the quarter before. BlackRock said it would buy back only 5% — roughly $620 million — and cash out the rest on a prorated basis.

And this is not just a BlackRock problem.

In the past two weeks alone:

• Blackstone capped withdrawals on its flagship private-credit fund.
• Cliffwater turned away most investors seeking to exit its roughly $31 billion fund.
• Partners Group restricted redemptions from an $8.6 billion vehicle.

Across the roughly $2 trillion private-credit market, the same concern is spreading: the long period of easy money and steady growth may be ending, and investors are discovering that getting their money back is not always as simple as it appeared when they invested.

It is the second consecutive quarter that BlackRock’s HLEND fund has hit its redemption limit and restricted withdrawals. The increase in redemption requests — roughly half again as large as the previous quarter — is one of the clearest signs yet that investor anxiety is growing rather than fading.

Why Investors Cannot Get Their Money Immediately

Private-credit funds make loans directly to companies instead of buying bonds that trade on public markets.

Because those loans are difficult to sell quickly, many private-credit funds only allow investors to withdraw a limited amount of money each quarter — typically no more than 5% of fund assets.

When investors ask for more than that, fund managers impose what the industry calls a gate. Investors receive a portion of their money immediately while the remainder stays in the fund until future redemption periods.

That is exactly what BlackRock did this quarter.

A Key Fund in BlackRock’s Private-Market Strategy

The HPS Corporate Lending Fund sits at the center of BlackRock’s push into private markets.

BlackRock acquired the business through its approximately $12 billion purchase of HPS Investment Partners last year, a deal that significantly expanded the firm’s presence in private lending.

Today, the fund manages an investment portfolio approaching $25 billion, making it one of the largest buyers of private corporate loans in the United States.

BlackRock imposed similar limits elsewhere.

The firm also capped withdrawals at its smaller BlackRock Private Credit Fund (BDEBT) after investors requested withdrawals equal to approximately 5.3% of assets. BlackRock approved the maximum 5%, or roughly $83 million.

A third vehicle, the HPS Corporate Capital Solutions Fund, received lighter redemption requests of approximately 4.7%.

Why Investors Are Nervous

Several concerns are hitting the market simultaneously:

• Rising concerns about future loan losses
• High-profile fraud cases within parts of the credit market
• Questions about how artificial intelligence will affect borrowers
• Concerns about weaker software companies facing AI disruption
• Expectations that corporate defaults could increase
• Refinancing risk as older low-interest loans mature into a higher-rate environment

Many investors worry that companies which borrowed heavily during the era of cheap money may struggle as those obligations come due.

What It Means for Everyday Investors

The private-credit industry has attracted large numbers of individual investors over the last several years.

Financial advisers frequently promoted the funds because they offered:

• Steady income
• Higher yields
• Returns that often moved independently from stock markets

The redemption restrictions serve as a reminder that higher yields often come with reduced liquidity.

Unlike stocks or publicly traded bonds, the underlying loans cannot be sold quickly. Investors who want their money back may need to wait through multiple redemption periods before receiving the full amount.

BlackRock Remains Optimistic

Despite the redemption pressure, BlackRock said it expects new investor commitments to offset withdrawals paid so far this year.

The firm also noted that higher interest rates could support future returns.

According to BlackRock, the HPS Corporate Lending Fund has generated annualized returns of approximately 10.2% since launch.

Chief Executive Larry Fink has told investors that large institutional buyers — including pension funds and insurance companies — continue to add capital on a net basis, even as some financial advisers and retail investors pull back.

Market Reaction

Investors appeared largely unfazed by the news.

Shares of BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) rose more than 1% Friday, suggesting Wall Street views the redemption pressure as manageable for now.

The broader question facing the private-credit industry is whether these redemption restrictions are temporary growing pains or the first sign of a more significant stress test for one of the fastest-growing corners of modern finance.

JBizNews Desk — New York

© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

President Donald Trump celebrated the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory on Saturday, praising the team’s remarkable postseason run and singling out several players for their standout performances.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump offered congratulations to Knicks owner James Dolan and the organization following the franchise’s title-winning season.

“Congratulations to Jim Dolan and the New York Knicks!!!” Trump posted.

The president described New York’s journey to the championship as one of the most impressive playoff performances ever witnessed in professional basketball.

He called the Knicks’ remarkable playoff run “maybe the greatest of all time.”

Trump also highlighted several members of the championship roster, reserving special praise for star guard Jalen Brunson, whom he said had emerged as one of the league’s premier players during the postseason.

“Tonight, a superstar was born, his name is Jalen Brunson, and there are others, including Karl-Anthony Towns OG Anunoby and, great patriot, Mitchell Robinson!” he wrote.

The president has followed the team closely throughout its playoff run. Last Monday, Trump attended Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, where he watched the Knicks continue their march toward what ultimately became a championship season.

{Matzav.com}

The Jackson Township Council has introduced an ordinance aimed at strengthening enforcement against property owners who fall behind on their tax obligations.

Ordinance 2026-22, introduced last week, would allow the Township to use local licenses and permits as a tool to encourage payment of overdue property taxes.

Township officials tell TLS the measure is part of Mayor Jennifer Kuhn’s ongoing effort to address tax delinquencies and ensure that all property owners contribute their fair share.

“For too long, too many property owners have ignored or delayed paying the township taxes, forcing the rest of our taxpayers to carry the burden. That stops now,” Mayor Kuhn said.

Under the proposed ordinance, property owners with outstanding tax balances could be denied the issuance or renewal of certain local licenses and permits associated with the property. In addition, if taxes remain unpaid for three consecutive quarters, the Township could suspend or revoke existing licenses or permits.

The ordinance includes due process protections. Before any action is taken, the Township would be required to notify the property owner and provide a 30-day period to either pay the outstanding taxes or challenge the claim. Property owners would also have the right to a hearing before the Township Council prior to a final determination.

Once the delinquent taxes are paid, any suspended or revoked license or permit could be reinstated.

One example cited by Township officials involves rental properties or businesses operating within Jackson Township. If the owner falls significantly behind on property taxes, the Township could deny renewal of permits or licenses necessary for continued operation until the tax debt is resolved.

Officials emphasized that the ordinance does not create any new taxes. Instead, it provides the Township with an additional enforcement mechanism by linking compliance with existing property tax obligations to the issuance and maintenance of local licenses and permits.

NEW YORK (VINnews) — Iran is lowering expectations on Sunday morning regarding the proposed agreement with the United States. The Iranian news agency Fars, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that Tehran’s final decision regarding the memorandum of understanding with Washington is still under review.

According to the report, an informed source close to the negotiating team stated that Iran has not yet announced its final decision on the proposed memorandum. The political, legal, and technical aspects of the proposals are still being examined at various levels of government.

Checks conducted by a Fars correspondent with informed sources indicate that review of the various aspects of the proposals is continuing among professional officials and decision-makers. The responsible bodies are currently carrying out a detailed assessment of the political, legal, and technical implications of the matter.

The Iranian response comes after US President Donald Trump and mediator Pakistan said on Saturday an initial deal to end the war in the Middle East would be signed on Sunday.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two sides had agreed on a framework for a peace deal and that Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing on Sunday, to be followed by technical-level talks next week.

Trump also said in a social media post that the deal with Iran was scheduled to be signed on Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies which Iran has blocked, would be immediately “open to all” after it was signed

The  Iranian response comes amid the publication of details concerning the emerging memorandum of understanding between the two countries. According to the reports, the document contains 14 key points, including far-reaching Iranian demands such as compensation totaling $300 billion and a complete end to the maritime blockade.

Officials in Tehran reportedly clarified that the issues of ballistic missiles and support for proxy organizations have been completely removed from the negotiating agenda.

In Israel, the reported details reportedly came as a surprise, and security officials are said to hope that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, will block the agreement.

Protests have broken out in Tehran in recent days against the proposed agreement. Hardline demonstrators have chanted harsh criticism of senior Iranian officials conducting the negotiations with the United States, claiming that the talks are proceeding without the approval of the Supreme Leader.

Against the backdrop of the negotiations, reports have emerged in recent days claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump halted, at the last moment, a secret U.S. military plan for a large-scale ground invasion of Iran.

According to the report, the plan, described as “urgent and highly classified”, would have involved deploying commando and infantry forces to strategic facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.

The operation was reportedly designed as a rapid raid aimed at removing Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium. Military officials reportedly warned, however, that it could quickly escalate into a broader invasion, leading President Trump to choose a diplomatic path instead.

Now, as Iran lowers expectations and emphasizes that no final decision has been made, the question remains whether the negotiations will ultimately succeed or whether the parties will once again find themselves in confrontation.

Attention Post-Seminary Girls! Now Is Your Chance To Bask In The Presence Of The Gedolei Hador!

The Gemara asks a question: Nashim b’mai zakyan? By what merit do women acquire their share in Torah? The answer has always been that women earn their cheilek by building the world of limud haTorah, by carrying it on their shoulders and making it possible. On Tuesday, June 16, young women will have the chance to grab their own eternal cheilek.
Keren Olam HaTorah is inviting post-seminary girls to an exclusive evening in Bell Works, offering the rare opportunity to stand in the presence of the Gedolei Hador, receive their berachos, and to become true partners in upholding the yeshivos of Eretz Yisroel, by running Keren Olam Hatorah’s dedicated call center.

The urgency could not be greater. Keren Olam HaTorah is a historic initiative of the Gedolei Hador, launched to save the yeshivos of Eretz Yisroel amid the severe Israeli government budget cuts that have threatened to choke off their lifeblood. Today, the Keren stands behind and supports 120,000 lomdim. As long as the crisis endures, so must the fight for Torah.

The program will include an uplifting musical and inspirational program, an address from Rabbi Joey Haber, and a full dinner buffet. Even better, the program will include a visit from the Gedolei Hador themselves, offering their brachos directly to you, no intermediaries involved!

The Gedolim are calling on you. Will you answer?
What: Exclusive call-center event for post-seminary girls
When: Tuesday, June 16. Doors open 7:00 PM
Where: Bell Works
Register: kerenolamhatorah.org/girlsevent or call: 732.941.1000 ext. #5
Email: [email protected]

Peru may be on the verge of electing the daughter of one of its most controversial former presidents, but the outcome remains uncertain. According to official results updated Wednesday by Peru’s electoral authority, conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori holds a razor-thin lead over leftist challenger Roberto Sánchez following Sunday’s presidential runoff. The margin separating the two candidates remains less than one percentage point, and electoral chief Roberto Burneo has warned that final certification could take as long as 30 days.

Fujimori, 50, is the eldest daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, who governed Peru from 1990 to 2000. His presidency remains deeply divisive. Supporters credit him with defeating insurgent groups and stabilizing the economy, while critics point to his 1992 dissolution of Congress and subsequent convictions for corruption and human rights abuses.

The election marks Fujimori’s fourth attempt at the presidency after unsuccessful campaigns in 2011, 2016, and 2021. She leads the Fuerza Popular party, which already controls roughly one-third of Peru’s Congress. Her opponent, Sánchez, is politically aligned with former President Pedro Castillo, who remains imprisoned following his own failed attempt to dissolve Congress in 2022.

The election comes after a decade of political instability that has seen eight presidents cycle through office, undermining investor confidence and complicating long-term economic planning.

For global markets, the stakes extend far beyond Peru’s borders.

Peru is the world’s third-largest producer of copper, a metal essential to electric vehicles, power transmission infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence industry. The country is also a major producer of silver, gold, and zinc, making its political stability increasingly important to global commodity markets.

Investors have generally viewed Fujimori as the more market-friendly candidate. Her platform supports mining investment and private-sector growth, while some investors feared a left-wing victory could lead to higher mining taxes, increased royalties, or stricter operating requirements for foreign companies.

A clear Fujimori victory would likely be viewed positively by financial markets, potentially strengthening the Peruvian sol, supporting the Lima Stock Exchange, and providing momentum for more than $50 billion in planned mining projects. Market analysts say the greatest risk remains a prolonged dispute over the election result that could trigger protests or political paralysis.

Hovering over the entire race is the growing influence of China.

Chinese companies have become deeply embedded in Peru’s economy. They control some of the nation’s most important mining assets, including Las Bambas, operated by MMG, and Toromocho, owned by Chinalco. Chinese state-backed firms have also acquired major utility assets, including Luz del Sur.

Perhaps the most strategically significant investment is the $3.6 billion Chancay deepwater port, developed by COSCO Shipping and inaugurated by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a 2024 summit. The facility gives China a direct Pacific gateway for South American exports, particularly minerals destined for Chinese manufacturers.

The project has attracted attention in Washington, where policymakers increasingly view strategic infrastructure investments as part of a broader competition with Beijing.

American investors have responded by backing alternative projects. BlackRock’s infrastructure division has invested in the rival Matarani port, positioning it as a competitor to Chinese-backed facilities and reflecting growing U.S. interest in maintaining influence in South America’s critical supply chains.

Analysts remain divided on what a Fujimori presidency would mean for U.S. interests.

Supporters argue that Fujimori is more likely to pursue pro-investment policies, strengthen ties with Washington, cooperate on security matters, and take a more cautious approach toward Chinese strategic investments. They point to issues such as counternarcotics cooperation and trade relations where closer alignment with the United States could emerge.

Others caution that any shift may be limited. China is Peru’s largest trading partner and a dominant source of investment capital. Regardless of who wins, Peru’s economy remains deeply tied to Chinese demand for minerals and commodities.

They also note that the Fujimori name remains highly polarizing. A victory decided by only a few hundred votes could face legal challenges and public protests, raising the possibility of renewed instability in a country that has struggled to maintain political continuity.

For investors, the central question may not be which candidate ultimately prevails but whether Peru can produce a widely accepted result and maintain enough stability to remain a reliable supplier of critical minerals.

Until the final certification is issued, Peru’s mines continue operating, copper continues flowing through both Chinese- and Western-backed ports, and global markets remain focused on one of the closest presidential elections in the country’s modern history.

JBizNews Desk — Latin America

© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

Qatar reportedly engaged in covert discussions with Iran during the recent conflict, proposing a deal designed to protect its critical natural gas infrastructure from attack while simultaneously increasing economic pressure on the United States and Israel, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The report claims that as Washington and Israel prepared military operations against Iran, Qatari officials quietly sought assurances that Tehran would refrain from targeting the country’s massive energy facilities.

According to the newspaper, Qatar conveyed a message to Iranian officials that if Tehran spared the Ras Laffan natural gas complex from attack, Doha would halt gas production at the facility. Such a move would likely trigger a sharp rise in global energy prices and increase economic pressure on the United States and Israel to bring the conflict to a rapid conclusion.

Despite those efforts, Iran later launched a missile attack against Qatar in mid-March, sending plumes of smoke rising from the vicinity of the world’s largest natural gas production complex.

The strike reportedly damaged portions of infrastructure connected to a facility responsible for nearly one-fifth of the world’s gas supply, jeopardized multi-billion-dollar contracts with China and other international customers, and complicated efforts to end the conflict by drawing Qatar—one of the principal mediators between Washington and Tehran—deeper into the crisis.

According to The Washington Post, the attack also shattered Qatar’s secret efforts to keep the Ras Laffan complex off Iran’s target list.

Middle Eastern security officials and Western sources briefed on intelligence assessments told the newspaper that Doha had spent considerable time attempting to secure informal guarantees that the facility would be spared.

The industrial complex in question is enormous, covering an area nearly twice the size of Washington, D.C. The natural gas produced there powers homes, industries, and electrical grids across Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world.

The report alleges that Qatar essentially offered Iran a “secret deal” under which Tehran would avoid attacking Qatari territory while Doha would leverage its gas production as a means of pressuring world powers to seek a swift end to the war.

One source familiar with the discussions told The Washington Post that Qatar’s message to Iran was straightforward: “You will achieve your goals without attacking us.”

Officials cautioned, however, that Qatar never succeeded in obtaining a formal commitment from Tehran. Nonetheless, subsequent developments suggested that some form of tacit understanding may have existed, at least temporarily.

On the third day of the conflict, Qatar shut down operations at Ras Laffan, publicly citing military threats to the facility.

However, satellite imagery reviewed by The Washington Post reportedly showed no visible damage to the complex at the time of the shutdown.

Statements by senior Qatari officials also contributed to turbulence in global energy markets. Among them was a warning from Qatar’s energy minister that the war would “derail the world’s economies.”

In response to inquiries from The Washington Post, Qatari officials strongly denied seeking any secret arrangement with Iran.

Doha insisted that the decision to suspend gas production was based solely on concerns for employee safety and the protection of critical infrastructure amid the threat of military attacks.

“Any suggestion that operational decisions related to energy production were made in coordination with Iran or for Iran’s benefit or to influence the course of the war is completely false,” Qatar’s International Media Office said in a statement.

Qatar further accused critics of attempting to undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Officials said the allegations were intended to “sabotage efforts to mediate an end to the war, damage Qatar’s reputation, and undermine the strategic partnership between Qatar and the United States.”

Qatar maintains close channels of communication with Iranian leaders as part of its longstanding role as a regional mediator.

The Gulf nation hosts leaders of the Iranian-backed Hamas terrorist organization in Doha and shares access with Iran to the world’s largest natural gas field.

According to the report, U.S. officials said the CIA and senior members of the Trump administration were aware of Qatar’s communications with Iran, despite concerns that such contacts could be viewed as potentially conflicting with broader American and Israeli military objectives during the conflict.

{Matzav.com}

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — At a dairy farm in the hills of the Galilee, a rare red heifer was recently born, attracting the attention of researchers at the National Red Heifer Research Institute. The calf, which has been named “Temimah” (“Perfect” or “Unblemished”), is currently being examined from both a practical and halachic (Jewish legal) perspective.

The unusual birth was first noticed by Shai Givon, a specialist in artificial insemination for cattle farms working for the company Piryon. According to him, the heifer was the unexpected result of an insemination procedure he performed nine months earlier on a dairy cow.

Givon explained that the cow had been inseminated with semen from a Red Angus bull. Normally, such crossbreeding produces offspring with black or dark brown coloring because the coloring of dairy cattle is genetically dominant. This time, however, a completely red calf was born, which greatly surprised him.

Givon is no stranger to the subject. About 15 years ago, another red heifer was born in his herd, but it was later disqualified after black hairs were discovered on its body. He subsequently joined the team at the National Red Heifer Research Institute, which brings together researchers and professionals who study the topic.

Researchers at the institute explain that red calves are a rare but known phenomenon, particularly in regions where Red Angus cattle are raised. The primary challenge is determining whether the animal will maintain its uniform red coloring until it reaches the age of two years.

Shortly after its birth, the calf received an ear tag, as required. After its potential significance became apparent, the tag was removed. Last week, Rabbi Azaria Ariel conducted a comprehensive examination of the calf. According to him, it was found to be completely red, and he was also impressed by the healing of the ear.

Following the examination, members of the institute decided to name the calf “Temimah”, expressing their hope that it will remain “unblemished” both in its physical condition and in the uniform color of its hair.

At the same time, the institute’s study hall is expected to discuss various halachic questions regarding the calf’s status, including whether the healing of the defect caused by the ear tag affects its future eligibility as a red heifer.

According to institute representatives, the goal is to examine the halachic and practical issues that would be necessary for the future fulfillment of the biblical commandment of the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah), the ritual described in Bamidbar for purification from certain forms of ritual impurity.

Religious Zionist journalist Chaggai Hoberman wrote shocking statements in a journalists’ social media group, inciting the murder of religious people and Chareidim.

Someone in the group posted last week about the planned protest by Peleg Yerushalmi, and Hoberman responded by writing: “For a long time now, I have supported implementing ‘Run over every religious Jew, exterminate the Chareidim.'”

The message triggered sharp responses from several group members, with one immediately replying: “What did you write here??”

Reports of the statements spread on social media, causing an uproar. In response to an inquiry by Channel 14, Hoberman—who is religious himself and is identified with Naftali Bennett—said he meant “run over every religious Jew who blocks roads in protests against military conscription.”

But then he escalated his remarks, and when asked whether such a statement was reasonable, he replied that in his opinion, road blockages due to opposition to the draft should be met with physical violence, including breaking bones, “preferably with clubs.”

Many social media users called on the police, the Shin Bet, and the State Attorney’s Office to open an investigation against him for alleged racist incitement to murder. Some commenters described his remarks as antisemitic and as a call for pogroms, expressing shock that someone serving as a newspaper editor would make such statements.

Later on Sunday, it was reported that Israel Police launched an investigation into Hoberman’s statements.

Hoberman has a history of harsh statements against Chareidim. In 2013, he caused an uproar when he said: “I admit that not a single tear will fall from my eyes if I see the yeshivot of Ponevezh, Mir, Slabodka, and Chevron all standing in the same condition as Yeshivat Chachmei Lublin in Poland,” which, as is well known, was destroyed in the Holocaust.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

The Manchester Jewish community that spent months hoping for the return of two stolen Sifrei Torah received joyous news this week after the sacred scrolls were unexpectedly discovered outside a church and returned unharmed.

The two historic Sifrei Torah, which were stolen nearly four months ago from the Etz Chaim Shul in Manchester, England, were found abandoned outside a Methodist church and were recovered in good condition.

Authorities and community security officials are still investigating how the scrolls ended up there. Members of Shomrim are reviewing surveillance footage from the area as part of efforts to identify those responsible.

The discovery was made after a local resident noticed the scrolls and contacted a member of the Jewish community. Photographs of the Sifrei Torah quickly circulated on social media, leading community members to realize that they were the same scrolls stolen from the Manchester synagogue months earlier.

The remarkable recovery sparked scenes of celebration throughout Manchester’s chareidi community.

On Friday, community members gathered outside the synagogue for a spontaneous celebration, marking the return of the treasured Sifrei Torah with music, singing, and dancing as they expressed gratitude to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for their recovery.

The theft had stunned local residents when it occurred in March 2026.

In the early morning hours, thieves broke into the Etz Chaim bais medrash in Manchester and stole an entire Aron Kodesh containing two Sifrei Torah, sending shockwaves through the chareidi community in the Salford area.

The burglary took place at approximately 5:30 a.m. at the synagogue, located on the city’s main Bury New Road thoroughfare. According to reports, the thieves entered the building, removed the Aron Kodesh, and used a cart to transport it to a waiting vehicle.

The theft drew widespread attention at the time, with community leaders and residents expressing heartbreak over the loss of the treasured scrolls.

Now, nearly four months later, that anguish has turned into celebration, as the community welcomes back the Sifrei Torah, intact and safely returned home.

{Matzav.com}

LAKEWOOD (VINnews) — A prominent Charedi Israeli rabbi told thousands gathered in Lakewood on Saturday night that he believes he was subjected to discrimination during a medical treatment in Israel because of his appearance as a member of the charedi community.

הפרגוד: כעת בעצרת אלפים בלייקווד: הגאון ר’ בונים שרייבר מספר בכינוס של קרן עולם התורה, סיפור מזעזע על השנאה שיש בארץ ישראל ללומדים: הוא מספר שלא עלינו בגלל המחלה הוא הוצרך לרופא, כשהרופא נכנס וראה שהוא חרדי ושמע שהוא רב, הוא יצא ואמר שהוא יחזור ושלח מישהו במקומו, בגלל שהוא בעצמו… pic.twitter.com/F9st6acRp7

— הפרגוד (@moshepargod) June 14, 2026

Rabbi Bunim Schreiber, the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Nesiv HaDaas in Jerusalem and a prominent Israeli Torah scholar who is currently battling a serious illness, told thousands gathered in Lakewood on Saturday night that he believes he experienced religious discrimination during a medical treatment in Israel.

According to Schreiber’s account, he concluded that the doctor did not want to personally treat a charedi rabbi. He did not identify the physician or the medical facility where the incident allegedly occurred.

The rabbi’s remarks drew a strong reaction from attendees and quickly circulated on social media. The allegations could not be independently verified, and no response from the doctor or hospital was immediately available.

The Israeli charedi news outlet Kikar HaShabbat commented on the allegations, describing the account as deeply troubling and saying it evoked historical periods in which Jews faced discrimination and exclusion. The publication noted, however, that Schreiber did not identify the doctor or hospital involved, making independent verification difficult.

Kikar HaShabbat also said that if identifying details became available, it would seek a response from the medical institution regarding the allegations, which it characterized as potential discrimination and disrespect toward a patient based on his religious identity.

The incident comes amid ongoing debate in Israel over tensions between secular and religious communities, particularly regarding the role of Torah study and the charedi sector in public life.

Schreiber is currently visiting the United States as part of a campaign by leading rabbinic figures to raise support for Torah institutions in Israel. His comments were delivered before a crowd of thousands in Lakewood, one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities in the United States.

DoorDash Inc. said on Thursday, June 11, that it is adding an artificial-intelligence assistant to its app, allowing customers to order food and groceries by typing a request, speaking it aloud, or simply snapping a photo. The company unveiled the new tool, called Ask DoorDash, and said it plans to expand the feature to restaurant reservations and additional U.S. markets in the coming weeks.

Customers can access the assistant through a new “Ask” button in the app’s search bar. From there, users can describe what they want in plain language, use voice commands, or upload a photo. The chatbot then generates recommendations and provides one-click options to add suggested items directly to a shopping cart.

Initially, the feature is launching in select markets for food delivery and grocery purchases, with restaurant reservations and broader geographic expansion expected later this year.

The move places DoorDash directly in the growing competition among technology and delivery companies racing to integrate artificial intelligence into consumer shopping experiences.

Uber Technologies introduced its own AI-powered grocery assistant earlier this year, while Instacart rolled out AI tools for retailers and grocery partners last year. The industry increasingly views conversational shopping as a potential replacement for traditional search menus and category browsing.

For DoorDash, the initiative is part of a much larger strategy.

The company is currently investing heavily to consolidate its businesses onto a unified technology platform following several major acquisitions. Among them was its $1.2 billion acquisition of restaurant-management and reservation company SevenRooms, along with its nearly $4 billion purchase of European delivery platform Deliveroo.

The SevenRooms acquisition is particularly important to the new AI rollout because it provides the reservation technology that will allow customers to book restaurant tables through Ask DoorDash.

Instead of using separate applications for dining reservations and food delivery, users will eventually be able to search, reserve a table, order takeout, or purchase groceries through a single interface.

That broader vision is central to DoorDash’s growth plans.

Chief Financial Officer Ravi Inukonda recently told investors that much of the company’s platform-transformation spending is expected to occur this year. The company is effectively rebuilding portions of its technology infrastructure to support future products and services.

The AI assistant is one of the first highly visible consumer-facing examples of where those investments are being directed.

Investors have been watching closely.

DoorDash shares have fallen roughly 33% this year, significantly underperforming the broader Nasdaq Composite, which has gained about 8% over the same period. Concerns about acquisition costs, technology spending, and profitability have increased pressure on management to demonstrate a return on those investments.

The launch of Ask DoorDash is part of that effort.

Beyond helping consumers find meals and groceries faster, DoorDash is also signaling that the underlying technology could eventually become a business product.

The company suggested the AI infrastructure being developed for consumers may create future enterprise opportunities for restaurants, grocers, retailers, and brands that operate on the platform.

In practical terms, software that helps customers discover and purchase products could later be licensed, integrated, or sold to merchants seeking similar capabilities.

For consumers, however, the immediate pitch is convenience.

Instead of manually searching through hundreds of menu options, a user can ask for a quick family dinner, affordable lunch options nearby, ingredients for a recipe, or even upload a photo of a meal they would like to recreate. The assistant then searches across DoorDash’s network and presents recommendations.

Whether customers ultimately prefer conversational shopping over traditional app navigation remains an open question.

Many consumers are already comfortable browsing menus and categories manually, meaning the success of the feature will depend on whether it genuinely saves time and improves the ordering experience.

The reservation component may prove especially important.

By combining restaurant bookings, grocery purchases, and delivery orders inside a single AI-powered assistant, DoorDash is positioning itself as a broader commerce platform rather than simply a food-delivery company.

That strategy places it in more direct competition not only with delivery rivals such as Uber, but also with dedicated restaurant-reservation platforms.

The rollout is beginning on a limited basis, but adoption rates and customer engagement will provide a clearer picture later this year of whether DoorDash’s latest AI investment can translate into meaningful business growth.

JBizNews Desk — Technology

© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

NEW YORK (VINNEWS/Rabbi Yair Hoffman)  This past Shabbos we bentched Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, which, of course, contains the 17th of Tammuz that marks the beginning of the three weeks. Interestingly enough, the minhag of Rosh Chodesh Bentching is not mentioned in Shulchan Aruch! The Ramah does refer to it in a roundabout method when discussing the recitation of Yekum Purkan in OC 384:7, but he does not bring this Tefillah in his addendum to Shulchan Aruch. It is mentioned in the Mogain Avrohom 217:1 in the form as we know it.

And the questions are:

Why is it left out? Also, what is the earliest source for it?

Before we continue, there is, of course, a Mishna in Rosh haShana 24a that deals with the Bais Din being mekadesh the month. The Raavya (Rabbi Eliezer Ben Yoel HaLevi) in his rulings in meseches Rosh HaShana (Siman 530) explains that our minhag is based upon what the Bais Din during the time of Chazal did.

Rav Eliezer MiMitz in his Sefer Yereim (Siman 259) writes that our Minhag is NOT a fulfillment of the Mitzvah on Bais Din mentioned in the Mishna but rather “the earlier ones” enacted os that we would be careful with it.

We do find mention of a special bracha request in the Siddur of Rav Amram Gaon in the section on Rosh Chodesh, but that Tefillah is said on Rosh Chodesh itself after leining – not on the Shabbos that precedes it!

The Machzor Vitri (Rashi’s student) in Siman 190 mentions the minhag on Shabbos – but not on the Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh – rather when Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbos!

The first to mention that we announce Rosh Chodesh on the previous Shabbos is the Ohr Zaruah in Siman 452), and he writes that it was an enactment of the Rabbis in the form of a bracha so that we would be careful with the laws of Rosh Chodesh and so that we would know when its Rosh Chodesh.

The Avudraham, however, seems to be the earliest source of the minhag as we know it.

Rav Abba Shiff from Minsk published Toafos R’aim – his commentary on the Yereim in Warsaw in the year 5695 – 1834. There, he identifies a fascinating Yerushalmi in Sanhedrin 5:3 that states: Rav Yassa said “Like me for I have never davened Mussaf until I knew when Rosh Chodesh was.” Rav Shiff explains that this refers to Shabbos mussaf – preceding Rosh Chodesh.

SUGGESTED ANSWER

I would like to suggest an answer as to the development of the minhag. It would seem that there were a few stages to the Minhag.

Stage One was to mention Rosh Chodesh and the timing, so as to ensure that people would not forget Rosh Chodesh. This was an enactment of post Talmudic Rabbis.

Stage Two was in order to ensure that the post-Talmudic Rabbinic enactment remain in place – it was appended to a request for bracha. This, however, can be rather controversial – because we do not make requests on Shabbos – we do not say tachanunim on Shabbos lest one become saddened. See Tosfos in Brachos 58b

This is why the Shulchan Aruch and Ramah didn’t mention the minhag.

Stage Three- after the minhag became more established in Klal Yisroel, it was not actively negated or acted against. This is because we do not disrespect a minhag that

The author can be reached at [email protected]

A highly publicized clash between MK Tali Gottlieb and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara over parliamentary immunity has exposed deep divisions within Israeli society, with a new survey showing the public almost perfectly split on the controversy.

The poll, conducted by I24NEWS amid ongoing Knesset deliberations regarding Gottlieb’s immunity, found that Israelis are sharply divided over the dispute, with support for both sides virtually identical.

When respondents were asked whom they support in the battle between Gottlieb and the attorney general over parliamentary immunity, the results revealed a dead heat. According to the survey, 49% of respondents sided with Gottlieb and her efforts to preserve her immunity, while an equal 49% backed the attorney general’s position. The remaining 2% said they were undecided.

Perhaps the most striking finding involved public perceptions of Israel’s legal system and law enforcement institutions.

Survey participants were asked about Gottlieb’s controversial accusation that the State Attorney’s Office and the attorney general conduct themselves like a criminal organization.

The responses suggested that nearly half of the public sympathizes with her criticism despite the harsh language.

While 49% of respondents said they disagreed with the statement, 47% said they agreed with Gottlieb’s characterization. Another 4% said they were unsure.

The poll also examined public opinion on Israel’s military posture toward Hezbollah and Iran.

Respondents were asked whether they support an Israeli strike on Beirut’s Dahiyeh district even if such an operation could trigger an Iranian response.

On that question, a broad consensus emerged. Fully 81% said they would support a strike, while only 11% opposed such action. Another 8% said they did not know.

{Matzav.com}

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak was interviewed on Sunday morning on the  “HaBoker HaZeh” program on Kan News’s Reshet Bet radio station. He commented on the actions of Binyamin Netanyahu, the upcoming elections, and the emerging agreement between the United States and Iran.

Among his remarks, Barak made an unusual statement about Netanyahu, saying:”I am worried about the elections. If Netanyahu tries to sabotage the elections—and he may do so—there will be no choice but to drive him out with sticks and stones.”

Boaz Bismuth, a Likud MK who serves as chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, reacted this morning on his X account with shock and anger to Barak’s remarks:

“Ehud Barak is beginning the week by promoting a conspiracy theory and legitimizing violence against Prime Minister Netanyahu. This terrible man, who wanted Jewish bodies in the Yarkon, who called for civil rebellion and has lost every trace of humanity, continues to break records and shatter every glass ceiling on his way to becoming the most unhinged figure of this era.”

Bismuth further called for a criminal investigation against Barak: “Send him to a psychiatrist, and if he is found mentally competent, immediately open a criminal investigation against him.”

During the interview, Barak also addressed the developing agreement between the United States and Iran: “In one word: bad. In two words: very bad. Israel is paying the price for Netanyahu’s arrogance and blindness, and even the price of the manipulations he tried to carry out on Trump. This isn’t an agreement; it’s a memorandum of understanding, as you said. It contains no answer either to the missiles or to the proxies.”

According to Barak, none of the war’s objectives regarding Iran were achieved: “There was one unstated but very central objective: bringing down the regime. That didn’t happen. This regime will fall someday in the end; it may be that when it falls Netanyahu will claim credit for it, but it has not fallen. There was a second objective: to eliminate the nuclear program, and here it is, alive and kicking.”

Barak defeated Netanyahu in the 1999 election and was prime minister for two years, while Netanyahu has served for two decades as prime minister in three different periods. In the past, both Barak and Netanyahu took part in the 1972 takeover of a Sabena airplane hijacked by terrorists.

The United Arab Emirates denied reports that it had agreed to unlock billions of dollars for Iran, according to a Saturday morning X/Twitter post by the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Word of the move, reported by four sources to Reuters, coincides with the final stages of broader negotiations between Tehran and Washington to end the war, talks that diplomats say could involve the release of tens of billions of dollars in Iranian oil revenues frozen in foreign banks under US sanctions.

Two regional sources told Reuters the UAE had agreed to release a total of $10 billion, more than $3 billion of which had already been delivered.

UAE Categorically Denies Media Reports Alleging Transfer of Funds to Iran pic.twitter.com/noK7BD1JIh

— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) June 12, 2026

Two other sources with knowledge of the arrangement put the total funds involved at $20 billion, adding that the move had been agreed in return for a halt to Iranian attacks on the UAE. One of the sources with knowledge of the arrangement also said a first tranche of $3 billion had already been made available.

Reuters could not establish whether the funds earmarked for the transfers belong to the UAE, originate in long-blocked Iranian accounts in the UAE banking system, or originate elsewhere.

But a UAE official, asked to comment on the transfer, said the country was trying to ease tension and foster peace.

“The UAE’s foreign policy is guided by promoting de-escalation and reducing tensions across the region, while advancing lasting peace and stability,” the official said. “The UAE supports efforts, including those undertaken by the United States, to protect the peoples of the region from the repercussions of conflict.”

Iran last attacked UAE on May 4

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the move.

In Washington, Vice President JD Vance said on Friday that funds would not be released to Iran for signing a deal with the US or attending a meeting, adding that the potential deal is structured to ensure that economic benefits would flow to Tehran if it meets its obligations.

There was no immediate response from Iranian authorities to a Reuters request for comment on the move.

None of the sources cited in this article would agree to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The arrangement signals a striking pivot from the open animosity of UAE-Iran relations through much of the war, when Iranian attacks emptied Dubai’s hotels, drove some expatriates to flee, and shook the reputation for safety that is central to the country’s position as a premier business hub.

One of the sources with knowledge of the arrangement said the move offered a way to help solve the conflict between the US and Iran without either side crossing its red line: Iran can claim it extracted compensation for war damages, Washington can insist it paid nothing, and Abu Dhabi obtains its own security and Dubai’s hub status, while framing the move as an investment in rebuilding regional trust.

The other source with knowledge of the arrangement said that, in return for the disbursement, Iran would halt missile and drone attacks on the UAE, and that bilateral ties would be rebuilt, including intelligence sharing and economic cooperation.

The source added that Iran had approached at least two other Gulf Arab countries to make a similar arrangement.

The last known direct attack by Iran on the UAE was more than a month ago – a May 4 strike on the Gulf state’s Fujairah port on the Gulf of Oman.

The first source with knowledge of the arrangement said talks had started several weeks ago but quickened pace when officials of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards visited Abu Dhabi last week to meet Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser and deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, and stayed at his guest house.

That trip was followed by a visit by UAE officials to Tehran to negotiate the details of the mechanism.

Sizeable Iranian assets in Dubai 

The UAE-Iranian arrangement is set to unfold against a complex financial backdrop, potentially involving Dubai, the UAE’s main commercial hub and one of Tehran’s most critical economic lifelines.

Dubai’s banks have long held substantial Iranian-linked deposits, much of them now immobilized under US sanctions that police the global dollar-clearing system and expose any foreign bank dealing with blacklisted Iranian entities to being cut off from the American financial network.

On April 11, a senior Iranian source said the US had agreed to release Iranian frozen assets held in Qatar and other foreign banks, although a US official swiftly denied the assertion.

The source, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters that unfreezing the assets was “directly linked to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” a key issue in talks aimed at ending the conflict.

This post was originally published on here.

The Iranian commander who reportedly pushed for the recent ballistic missile attack on Israel is now playing a central role in shaping Tehran’s negotiating position, with diplomats and regional officials identifying him as one of the most influential figures standing in the way of a final agreement with the United States.

Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has emerged as a powerful voice within the regime, advocating a tougher military and diplomatic posture even as negotiations continue over a potential framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

Iran’s decision to launch ballistic missiles at Israel following the recent strike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district—the first such attack in months—highlighted Vahidi’s growing influence within the Iranian leadership.

According to Iranian and Arab officials cited by The Wall Street Journal, Vahidi pushed aggressively for a forceful response against Israel in an effort to halt Israeli attacks on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. More moderate voices within the Iranian government reportedly favored delaying military action, fearing that escalation could jeopardize a potential agreement with Washington that might provide desperately needed relief to Iran’s struggling economy.

Vahidi ultimately prevailed. Sources told the newspaper that he successfully persuaded Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to support the missile strikes, triggering the first direct exchange of fire between Iran and Israel since the April 8 ceasefire.

His growing influence has also made him one of the most significant figures shaping Iran’s approach at the negotiating table.

While President Donald Trump and international mediators indicated on Saturday that an initial agreement with Tehran could be close—and potentially signed within days—Iranian officials pushed back on those timelines. Within Tehran, the Revolutionary Guards and their allies have reportedly become the primary source of resistance to a rapid deal.

Mediators told The Wall Street Journal that negotiators have made progress toward an arrangement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the American blockade, while postponing more contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and access to frozen overseas assets, for later negotiations.

Trump said Thursday that the two sides had moved close enough to avoid further military strikes.

Iran, however, cautioned that it has not yet approved a final draft agreement. According to officials familiar with the discussions, Vahidi remains the most influential voice among hardliners who believe Tehran should hold out until additional demands are met.

For months, Vahidi has reportedly clashed with more publicly visible figures within the Iranian government. According to those familiar with internal debates, he has repeatedly emerged victorious in those disputes.

The 67-year-old commander is currently under U.S. sanctions for his alleged role in overseeing the suppression of women’s rights protests in 2022. He is also wanted by Interpol in connection with the deadly 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which killed 85 people and wounded hundreds more.

Iran has consistently denied that Vahidi or any other Iranian official played a role in the attack.

According to diplomats and mediators involved in the current negotiations, Vahidi’s position at the head of the regime’s most powerful military organization means that his views now heavily influence Tehran’s negotiating strategy.

His forces also oversee Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, widely regarded as one of the regime’s strongest bargaining chips in negotiations with the West.

Arab, Iranian, and European sources told The Wall Street Journal that throughout the conflict, Vahidi frequently overruled the preferences of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Both men reportedly advocated a faster agreement with the United States in order to ease the economic pressure created by American sanctions and restrictions on Iran’s oil exports.

Vahidi, by contrast, has prioritized restoring Iran’s military deterrence capabilities and protecting Hezbollah’s position in Lebanon.

Officials say he was instrumental in linking developments in Lebanon to the broader conflict with Iran, insisting that any agreement with Washington must also address the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel.

He has also reportedly pressed negotiators to safeguard Iran’s missile arsenal and secure access to frozen Iranian funds abroad. According to sources familiar with his position, he has argued that any released funds should remain available for military purposes.

Argentina issued an arrest warrant for Vahidi through Interpol in 2007, accusing him of helping plan the 1994 AMIA bombing. The attack on the Jewish community center remains one of the deadliest acts of antisemitic terrorism in modern history.

Over the years, Vahidi has held a series of senior security positions within the Iranian regime, including defense minister, interior minister, and deputy commander of the Revolutionary Guards.

As defense minister in 2009, he played a significant role in procurement efforts tied to Iran’s missile, drone, and nuclear programs, according to the U.S. Treasury Department, which imposed sanctions on him the following year.

With negotiations between Washington and Tehran approaching a critical stage, diplomats say Vahidi’s influence may prove decisive in determining whether a deal is ultimately reached—or whether the conflict enters a new and more dangerous phase.

{Matzav.com}

More than 1,000 Jewish homes in Ukraine urgently need repairs after recent Russian missile and drone strikes, according to World Jewish Relief, as Jewish residents face shattered windows, damaged roofs and unsafe buildings.

The London-based Jewish charity said the damage has affected Jewish residents in cities including Kyiv and Sumy. Some homes were left unlivable after blast waves blew out windows, cracked walls and damaged roofs, forcing residents to leave until emergency repairs could be made.

World Jewish Relief said the latest wave of Russian attacks has created an urgent housing crisis for Ukraine’s Jewish community. The organization supports around 8,000 elderly Jews in Ukraine through local partners and has been helping assess damage, repair homes and relocate residents when buildings are unsafe.

CEO Paul Anticoni said the scale of the need now far exceeds normal repair work. “We have repaired 3,500 Jewish homes over the past 15 years,” he said. “But today, I estimate there are 1,000 Jewish homes in urgent need of repair.”

Anticoni warned that Ukraine’s Jews remain among the most vulnerable communities affected by the war. “Ukraine’s Jewish community is one of the most vulnerable Jewish communities in the world right now,” he said.

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The Hayom news site reports that Iranian citizens are describing a feeling of international abandonment, growing repression, and despair over the regime. Their testimonies point to deep disappointment with the Trump administration and frustration over the lack of Western intervention. Anger is also reportedly growing toward Arab countries involved in mediation efforts with Tehran.

Testimonies from Iran obtained by Hayom paint a picture of deep disappointment with the Trump administration, strong resentment toward Arab states, and serious concern about the close surveillance being carried out by security and policing agencies since the mass protests were suppressed.

“We feel hopeless because it seems Trump is making deals with the regime,” Iranian citizens said. “Even if it’s only a temporary agreement. We don’t want this regime. Like the people of Israel, we want the complete destruction of the radical Islamic regime.”

They emphasized that: “People here rely on themselves, but because they have no weapons against this brutal regime, they are afraid. In the end, though, they are the ones who will have to overthrow it.”

According to the testimonies, many Iranians view Israel as the only country that has not abandoned them: “While the Europeans, the Chinese, the Russians, and the left-wing movements around the world have abandoned us, Israel is the only nation standing with us. We are grateful for that.”

Many reportedly place hope in Israel to intervene and help bring down the regime, especially because they believe U.S. policy and the Trump administration have failed them.

The citizens also expressed concern about Iran’s current leadership, headed by Mojtaba Khamenei and former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps generals such as Ahmad Vahidi and Mohsen Rezaee:

“Even though there was talk that help was on the way” (referring to a promise reportedly made by President Donald Trump during the protests in early 2026), “nothing changed. Now even more radical people have gained power after the killing of Ali Khamenei, making things much worse.”

“On the streets, you don’t see the same kind of brutal repression we saw four months ago during the massacres,” Iranian citizens said, “but at night, regime loyalists gather in every public square.”

According to the testimonies, these individuals are often encouraged to participate through food distributions or cash payments. “Some of these people are simply desperate, while others come from families of prisoners. The regime tells them to work for the Islamic Republic in exchange for reduced sentences or the release of loved ones.”

Regarding Iran’s economy, the situation is described as worsening daily. According to the accounts, goods are increasingly scarce, and shop owners are:”Scraping the bottom of the barrel of their warehouse inventories.”

The recent attacks on petrochemical facilities have reportedly worsened economic conditions and increased the prices of construction materials, including products related to plastic and steel.Food is still available, but prices are extremely high. Unemployment remains widespread, and available jobs often do not provide a livable income.

The testimonies also claim that the Iranian government’s months-long internet shutdown devastated many businesses that depended on online services, pushing numerous citizens into poverty.

As a result, many people reportedly began spending their savings simply to survive. Nevertheless, according to these accounts, people fear uncertainty about the future even more than poverty or inflation, because conditions are constantly changing.

In addition, there is said to be significant public resentment toward countries such as Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, which were reportedly involved in mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.

“The only reason the Iranian regime is still standing is because of certain neighboring countries. Without them, Trump and Israel would have finished them off. The government was on the verge of collapse,” some citizens insisted.

Against this backdrop, some Iranians also accuse Pakistan and Qatar of profiting heavily from gas and oil trade resulting from sanctions on Tehran, while countries such as Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates allegedly do not want to see a strong, unified, and free Iran emerge, fearing it would become a major economic competitor.

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A coalition of 20 state attorneys general sued the Trump administration on Wednesday, asking a federal court to block new federal contracting requirements tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, challenges how federal agencies implemented President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14398, signed on March 26, 2026.

The executive order directs federal agencies to include language in contracts prohibiting what the administration describes as “racially discriminatory DEI activities” by contractors and recipients of federal funds. The lawsuit does not seek to overturn the executive order itself. Instead, it argues that federal agencies violated federal law when they implemented the policy.

According to the complaint, more than two dozen federal agencies began adding the new contract provisions in April without providing public notice or allowing a formal comment period. The states argue that the requirements are vague, fail to clearly define prohibited conduct, and represent a significant departure from long-established federal contracting standards.

The attorneys general contend that the agencies violated the Administrative Procedure Act, the federal law governing agency rulemaking, and are asking the court to block enforcement of the new contract language.

The potential impact is substantial.

According to federal estimates cited in the lawsuit, the order could affect approximately 640,000 contracts and subcontracts nationwide, including more than 160,000 contracts held by over 34,000 vendors. Federal agencies have been instructed to modify existing contracts by July 24.

For businesses that rely on federal contracts, the concern extends beyond politics. Companies that certify compliance with unclear requirements could face future investigations, contract disputes, suspension from federal programs, or exposure under the False Claims Act, which allows the government to seek significant financial penalties for false certifications.

The coalition argues that the uncertainty places contractors in a difficult position, particularly smaller businesses that may lack extensive legal resources.

The attorneys general describe the lawsuit as a defense of established civil-rights practices. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark said diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are intended to address discrimination and expand opportunity rather than violate existing law.

The coalition includes Democratic attorneys general from states such as California, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and others, along with the District of Columbia.

The Trump administration has defended the policy as part of its broader effort to eliminate race-based preferences in government-funded programs. Administration officials argue that federal taxpayer dollars should not support policies that consider race or identity and that contractors can comply simply by eliminating such programs.

Legal experts note that the dispute may ultimately hinge more on procedure than ideology. Federal courts have repeatedly used the Administrative Procedure Act to halt executive actions when agencies failed to follow required rulemaking procedures.

A judge could temporarily block enforcement while the litigation proceeds.

Until then, contractors face a difficult decision: accept the new requirements, challenge them, or wait for the courts to determine whether the rules can legally take effect.

With billions of dollars in federal contracts potentially affected, the outcome of the case could reshape compliance requirements for businesses across the country and influence the future of DEI-related policies throughout the federal contracting system.

JBizNews Desk — Washington

© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Defense Minister Israel Katz has appointed Brig. Gen. Hisham Ibrahim as his new military secretary, the Defense Ministry announced Sunday.

Ibrahim, who currently serves as head of the Civil Administration, replaces Maj. Gen. Guy Markizeno. Markizeno was recently named military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ibrahim is one of the most senior Druze officers in the Israel Defense Forces. He previously commanded the Armored Corps.

In a statement, Katz said he informed IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir of the decision. Ibrahim will assume the role immediately.

“I am convinced he will fulfill the important role with great success during a challenging and significant security period for the State of Israel,” Katz said.

The appointment comes amid ongoing security challenges facing Israel, including operations against Iranian-backed terror groups. Ibrahim’s extensive combat and command experience is expected to strengthen coordination between the defense minister and the military.

The State Attorney’s Office filed indictments with the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court against four defendants, all residents of Beit Shemesh, for their alleged involvement in the protest outside Justice Sohlberg’s home in Alon Shvut. Prosecutors are seeking their detention until the conclusion of proceedings, while investigations into other suspects continue.

The defendants were not indicted for damaging property; the offenses attributed to them are unlawful assembly, and for two of them, trespassing.

According to the indictment, after Sohlberg wrote and signed court orders ordering the imposition of criminal measures against bnei yeshivos and urging the police to arrest them, notices were posted throughout Bnei Brak on June 3, 2026, including in several shuls, announcing a protest near Sohlberg’s home that same day.

The indictment further alleges that an individual whose identity remains unknown chartered two buses and a minibus to transport participants to the site. At approximately 6:30 p.m., the vehicles departed Bnei Brak carrying more than 100 people, including the defendants.

According to the charges, the vehicles arrived in Alon Shvut at around 8:20 p.m., and participants began marching toward the justice’s home under the direction of another unidentified individual. Dozens then gathered around the house and began shouting, including cries of “Gevalt.” As the events unfolded, Justice Sohlberg and his wife reportedly locked themselves inside their home.

The four defendants were not charged with smashing windows, damaging a vehicle, or causing any other property damage. The main offense attributed to all of them is unlawful assembly, and two are also charged with trespassing in order to commit an offense, after allegedly entering the parking area adjacent to the home.

Apparently, police do not have evidence identifying who caused the damage to the home, and have also not succeeded in identifying who organized the protest.

According to prosecutors, some residents believed a security incident was taking place and entered protected rooms. A police vehicle that arrived at the scene allegedly had to withdraw after participants ran toward it shouting slogans including “Nazis” and “We will die and not enlist.”

The indictment alleges that all four defendants took part in the riot, and that two of them entered the home’s parking area. All four are charged with rioting, while two also face trespassing charges.

The investigation into additional suspects is continuing under the Yehuda and Shomron District’s major crimes unit.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bitachon4Life-Shiur-1795-Semichah-Part-95-Mishan.mp3

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Concerns are growing that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a wider war with Europe, with satellite images revealing the expansion of dozens of military bases along Russia’s borders with NATO countries.

The images, published by Denmark’s national broadcaster in cooperation with intelligence services, show “a flurry of construction work is taking place ” at the sites, the Daily Mail reported. New barracks, warehouses, and military vehicles have been added over the past two years.

According to the report, one of the Russian military complexes is located in Pechenga in the Arctic region, just five miles from the Norwegian border.

Intelligence assessments indicate that the Murmansk region of Russia, near Finland and Norway, could now accommodate up to 17,000 additional troops within striking distance of neighboring countries.

Another military site near the Estonian border has also accumulated a significant number of military vehicles.

The expansion comes amid growing concerns over Russia’s increasingly hostile posture toward NATO.

The developments are expected to increase pressure on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resolve months of bitter internal disputes over military funding, which led to the dramatic resignation of Defense Secretary John Healey on Thursday.

The outgoing minister accused the prime minister and Foreign Secretary Rachel Reeves of failing to safeguard national security.

As if to deflect the accusation, Starmer announced on Sunday that UK armed forces boarded a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the English Channel in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The UK has sanctioned over 500 shadow vessels, but this is the first time that UK forces boarded a ship

Starmer said: “This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.”

The U.S. Department of Defense has reportedly warned Britain that Russian aggression toward NATO is now at record levels. Russian aircraft and drones violated NATO airspace more frequently last month than at any other point this year, while the total number of incidents in 2026 has already surpassed the figure recorded during all of 2025.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Stories4Life-Shiur-583-Packages-Chafetz-Chaim.mp3

Federal health officials are urging parents to immediately stop using a popular organic infant formula after three babies were hospitalized with botulism in a multistate outbreak linked to the product.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said all three infants consumed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula before becoming ill.

The babies, who ranged in age from 2 to 5 months, were hospitalized and treated with BabyBIG, the FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism.

The cases were reported in California, Pennsylvania and Washington, according to the CDC.

POPULAR PET FOOD BRAND HALTS PRODUCTION AFTER FDA WARNS OF POSSIBLE DANGEROUS CONTAMINATION

Nara Organics on Friday recalled all lots and can sizes of its Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula, and federal health officials are investigating whether the product was the source of the outbreak.

Testing of opened and unopened formula samples is underway, with results expected in the coming weeks.

Nara Organics confirmed the recall in a statement posted on its website.

THREE MAJOR HOSPITAL SYSTEMS ACCUSE CVS OF SECRETLY SIPHONING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS IN DRUG SAVINGS

“Stop using all Nara Organics infant formula immediately,” the company wrote. “We are heartbroken for the concern and stress this may cause your family.”

The formula is sold nationwide through Target stores, Target.com and Nara.com.

The CDC advised parents and caregivers to throw away or return any unopened cans of the recalled formula.

FDA ISSUES HIGHEST-RISK RECALL FOR ALFREDO SAUCE SOLD IN 41 STATES

Officials said opened cans may be retained and stored separately if an infant develops symptoms, as state health departments may request samples for testing.

According to the CDC, infant botulism occurs when spores from Clostridium botulinum bacteria enter a baby’s digestive tract and produce a dangerous toxin.

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Early symptoms can include constipation, difficulty feeding, a weak or altered cry and loss of head control.

Parents should seek immediate medical attention if an infant who consumed the recalled formula develops symptoms including poor feeding, difficulty swallowing, decreased facial expression or loss of head control, health officials said.

A Friday night meal in Manhattan billed as a traditional Shabbos seudah drew sharp condemnation from Jewish activists and community leaders after it emerged that the guest list was dominated by prominent anti-Israel figures — with tickets running as high as $5,000 per person.

The dinner was organized by Climate Defiance, a left-wing activist group, and held at the home of filmmaker Jill Goldman.

Among those invited were Palestinian activist Linda Sarsour, the former co-chair of the Women’s March who was fired due to her antisemitism; Brad Lander, former City Comptroller and the Democratic congressional candidate who prayed in Arabic recently at a mosque that featured prayers for the murder of all “infidels” and Tiffany Cabán, a Queens Democratic Socialist who was arrested during a Gaza-related protest.

The dinner invitation described the event as a “traditional Shabbat meal” that would “break bread” and “build community,” welcoming “allies of all faiths, backgrounds, and traditions.” Organizers stipulated “no phones, no cameras, no tech” at the gathering.

Critics were quick to push back on the framing. “Why is this being done in secrecy? What is it that you’re going to say that needs to be hidden from the public? Knowing who the players are, this feels like it’s using Shabbat as a cover,” said Tali Goldsheft of the “Politically Homeless No More” movement, who suggested the prohibition on devices was designed to shield the gathering from scrutiny.

Sarsour has previously come under fire for her association with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has made virulently antisemitic remarks. She was also among those who led an illegal protest in the Capitol Rotunda following the October 7 massacre, which resulted in dozens of arrests. Israel’s government barred her from entering the country earlier this month, a move that prompted backlash from the anti-Israel group CAIR.

Lander has faced accusations of promoting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement — a campaign aimed at isolating and delegitimizing the Jewish state — after he divested government funds from Israeli bonds when they matured during his tenure as comptroller. He recently appeared in a campaign advertisement for Darializa Avila Chevalier, a far-left congressional candidate.

Goldsheft, who is Jewish, was blunt in her criticism of Lander’s participation. “Like David Duke, Linda Sarsour is a bigot and a social pariah,” she said, accusing the Jewish Lander of “using a Jewish tradition to promote himself alongside Sarsour.”

Michelle Ahdoot of End Jew Hatred was equally unsparing. “Rather than ‘Shabbat dinner,’ this is nothing more than a ‘Jew-hater dinner,’” she said. “These very same people advocate for the racist BDS movement, which is unacceptable in today’s society, and frankly, this foursome’s Jew-hatred is unacceptable at any event, most of all at one that they dare to frame as a Shabbat dinner.”

The man who said “it seems like the Jewish people keep on crying, and crying, and crying and crying, always crying over the antisemitism” during a meeting of the Washington State Human Rights Commission is still serving in his role as human rights commissioner more than a year later.

Luc fils Jasmin, a pastor who immigrated to the United States from Haiti, said at the March 2025 meeting, “This word ‘antisemitism’ has been around since the Jews got trampled by Hitler, and it seems like the Jewish people keep on crying and crying and crying and crying — always crying over the antisemitism.”

“These people, the Jewish, are killing by the millions over there, the Palestinians and the Arabs,” he said, using the word “Jewish” as a noun.

JNS, an Israel-based media outlet, asked Barbara Harris, executive director of the commission, what actions were taken to address Jasmin’s antisemitic rant, in which he complained about Jews complaining about antisemitism, said the commission was under duress to pass a resolution defining antisemitism, and blamed all Jews for the deaths of Gazan civilians.

Harris deflected.

“The governor’s office appoints commissioners and handles matters related to your inquiry,” she told JNS. “Given that the governor’s office previously reviewed this matter and investigated, I believe it is most appropriate to forward this correspondence to the governor’s office for any review or response deemed appropriate, rather than addressing the matter through the commission.”

The outlet also spoke to Jasmin’s son, Luc Jasmin III, who is running for state representative. He said he had emphasized to his father the strong ties between the Jewish and Haitian communities, but said that although Jasmin had apologized to the governor, he has not issued a public apology.

Solly Kane, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, said his office had tried unsuccessfully to contact Jasmin.

“Our office reached out directly to commissioner Jasmin earlier this week after these comments came to light to express our concerns and request he do some serious learning and reflection as well as issue an apology,” he told JNS. “We have not heard back from him.”

“At a time when the Jewish population is 2% of Americans but the target of approximately 70% of all religious-based hate crimes, for commissioner Jasmin to suggest that Jews are always ‘crying and crying’ about antisemitism reveals a stunning lack of understanding and awareness of the real threats the American Jewish community faces,” he added. “Commissioner Jasmin suggests that Jews are seeking special treatment when in fact all the Jewish community is looking for are the basic entitlements in this country of safety and religious freedom.”

Kane said that elected officials must “unequivocally condemn Commissioner Jasmin’s remarks and uphold their responsibility to be moral leaders in our community by making clear that offensive comments like these have no place in Washington state.”

As business leaders increasingly turn to artificial intelligence to improve productivity, streamline operations, and drive growth, AiDapt 2026 is bringing together executives who are already putting AI to work. Among them is Michael Abadi, CEO of the widely recognized Mike’s Chicken in Lakewood, New Jersey, who will share how he uses AI in his day-to-day operations to help run and grow one of the area’s most recognized kosher restaurant brands. In his session, Abadi will focus specifically on how he uses AI in practice — including a detailed look at how he built a comprehensive knowledge base covering every aspect of his operation, and how that system powers nearly everything he does. Attendees will learn firsthand how AI has helped streamline processes, increase efficiency, and enable a small team to accomplish work that once required significantly more people and resources.

Taking place on July 7 at Bell Works, AiDapt 2026 is an evening event dedicated to AI adoption and education for business leaders. The program will feature a main stage discussion with executives from a variety of industries who are integrating AI into their daily workflows, decision-making, and business operations. In addition, business leaders and industry experts, like Michael Abadi, will share how they are using AI in their own organizations to drive growth, improve efficiency, and unlock new opportunities. Through real-world examples and practical insights from a diverse group of industries, attendees will learn not only what’s possible with AI, but how they can begin implementing these tools and strategies in their own businesses immediately.

Guests can also visit the Schwai & BitBean AI Lounge, where AI professionals will be available throughout the evening to answer questions, discuss emerging trends, and explore how AI can create meaningful impact across businesses of all sizes.

With less than 200 tickets remaining for the public, business leaders are encouraged to register soon. For more information and registration, visit www.aidaptshow.com and use code TLS at checkout to receive $50 off.

The Trump administration moved Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to establish the first comprehensive federal framework for prediction markets, proposing rules that would allow most sports-related contracts to continue while banning contracts regulators believe are most vulnerable to manipulation.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) released a 267-page proposed rule outlining which event contracts would be permitted and which would be prohibited. The proposal represents the agency’s first formal attempt to regulate a rapidly growing industry that has blurred the line between financial markets and sports betting.

CFTC Chairman Michael Selig said the goal is to provide clear rules for the industry while protecting market integrity and encouraging innovation.

What Are Prediction Markets?

Prediction markets allow users to buy and sell contracts tied to future events.

Participants essentially purchase “yes” or “no” positions on whether something will happen, with contract values changing as market sentiment shifts.

Over the past year, platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket have expanded aggressively into sports-related contracts, creating products that often resemble traditional sports betting.

The new proposal would largely allow that activity to continue.

What Would Be Allowed?

Under the proposed rules, prediction markets could continue offering contracts tied to:

• Game winners and losers
• Final scores
• Point spreads
• Tournament advancement
• Team statistics
• Player statistics
• Season-long performance outcomes

In practice, many of these contracts resemble traditional sportsbook products such as:

• Moneyline bets
• Point spreads
• Over/under totals
• Player prop wagers

The CFTC argues these markets provide value beyond gambling by generating information that may be useful to:

• Broadcasters
• Advertisers
• Sponsors
• Fantasy sports companies
• Analytics firms
• Sports data businesses

What Would Be Banned?

The proposal draws a firm line around contracts regulators believe are easiest to manipulate.

The CFTC would prohibit contracts involving:

• A single pitch in baseball
• One shot in hockey
• One foul in basketball
• Individual game plays
• Player injuries
• Officiating decisions
• Physical altercations during games
• Youth sports below the college level, including high school athletics

According to the agency, these contracts raise significant public-interest concerns because individual participants may have greater ability to influence outcomes.

Why Is a Financial Regulator Involved?

The key legal issue is that the CFTC treats prediction-market contracts as financial products rather than traditional wagers.

Under the Commodity Exchange Act, many event contracts are classified similarly to swaps and derivatives, placing them under federal commodities regulation.

That distinction has allowed prediction-market operators to offer sports-related contracts nationwide, including in states where traditional sports betting remains illegal.

The companies argue they are operating federally regulated financial markets rather than sportsbooks.

Growing Battle With States

That legal position has triggered opposition from state gaming regulators and tribal gaming operators.

Critics argue that prediction markets are effectively sports betting under another name and should be regulated under existing state gambling laws.

State officials have warned that allowing federally regulated prediction markets to operate nationwide could undermine:

• State licensing systems
• Tax revenues
• Tribal gaming agreements
• Consumer protections

The CFTC has largely supported the platforms in ongoing legal disputes, defending their ability to offer contracts under federal law.

Some members of Congress have also questioned whether the agency is stretching its authority beyond what lawmakers originally intended.

Industry Reaction

Initial responses from major operators were measured.

A spokesperson for Polymarket said the company welcomes greater regulatory clarity and intends to participate in the public comment process.

Kalshi said it was reviewing the proposal and had not yet reached conclusions regarding the details.

Why It Matters

The stakes extend far beyond sports fans.

A permanent federal framework could remove significant legal uncertainty hanging over the industry and potentially accelerate growth.

Clear rules could attract:

• New investors
• Additional users
• Institutional capital
• Media partnerships
• Sports-league relationships

At the same time, regulators hope restrictions on easily manipulated contracts will reduce the risk of scandals that could damage confidence in the broader market.

What Happens Next?

The proposal now enters a 90-day public comment period.

During that time:

• Prediction-market operators
• Sports leagues
• Gaming regulators
• Tribal gaming organizations
• Investors
• Members of the public

will have an opportunity to submit feedback before the CFTC drafts a final rule.

With multiple lawsuits still working through the courts and states continuing to challenge federal authority over sports-related contracts, the battle over who controls America’s rapidly growing prediction-market industry is far from over.

JBizNews Desk — Washington

© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israel and Ecuador are preparing to open discussions aimed at establishing a free trade framework between the two countries, Israeli officials said Friday.

The announcement followed a conversation between Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Ecuador’s newly appointed foreign minister, Roberto Kury.

Spoke with Ecuador's Minister of Foreign Affairs @robertokuryec.
I congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success in his new role.
We agreed to soon hold a bilateral political dialogue.
I told him that we’ll soon begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement.
We… pic.twitter.com/xZawHpFP8U

— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) June 12, 2026

During the call, the two diplomats reviewed issues of mutual interest, including economic cooperation and current developments in the Middle East. They also discussed regional security concerns and broader international issues.

Sa’ar congratulated Kury on assuming his new position and expressed interest in further strengthening relations between the two countries. He also invited the Ecuadorian foreign minister to visit Israel for future discussions.

Officials said the planned trade negotiations reflect growing efforts by both governments to deepen economic and diplomatic cooperation.

Iran has dramatically increased efforts to secure its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, collapsing underground passageways and planting live landmines around access routes in recent weeks, according to individuals familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments cited by CNN.

The measures have significantly complicated any effort to recover the estimated 1,000 pounds of near-weapons-grade uranium. Just weeks ago, President Donald Trump publicly floated the possibility of using American military force to seize the material. Today, intelligence officials believe the stockpile is far more difficult—and dangerous—to access.

The developments present a major challenge for the Trump administration’s proposed agreement with Tehran, which reportedly calls for the removal and destruction of Iran’s enriched uranium. The new obstacles also raise difficult questions about who would ultimately be responsible for carrying out such a risky operation.

Neither the White House nor Iran’s mission to the United Nations immediately commented on the report.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized that recovering the uranium remains a central objective of ongoing negotiations aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. During a briefing on Friday, a senior administration official said negotiators were making progress toward an agreement that would require Iran to hand over its enriched uranium stockpile to the United States. Under the proposed arrangement, the material would reportedly be destroyed and then removed from the country.

According to intelligence officials cited by CNN, even Iranian nuclear specialists would face substantial risks attempting to retrieve the uranium under current conditions. Any recovery effort would require extensive excavation equipment and complex explosives-removal procedures.

The fortified underground environment may also provide Tehran with an explanation for any future delays or failures in complying with the terms of a potential agreement.

Western intelligence agencies reportedly believe that most of the uranium is now trapped inside intentionally collapsed underground facilities at the Isfahan nuclear complex in central Iran. Smaller quantities are believed to be stored at other locations around the country.

CNN reported that the Pentagon completed a military plan in mid-May designed to seize the uranium stockpile by force. The operation was ultimately abandoned because officials concluded that the risks were too great. Since then, Iran has reportedly intensified efforts to strengthen and conceal the underground sites where the material is believed to be stored.

Trump has previously acknowledged the challenges associated with recovering the uranium. During a May interview on Fox News, he expressed skepticism that Iran could successfully move the material without attracting American attention.

“We know exactly what’s happening,” Trump told Fox host Sean Hannity of the site. “Nobody’s even gotten close to it.”

At the same time, intelligence officials told CNN that Trump’s repeated public references to the uranium stockpile as a possible military target may have encouraged Tehran to further harden and protect the facilities.

As a result, experts believe that even if the United States and Iran finalize an agreement in the coming days, months of additional technical negotiations may be required to resolve questions involving the uranium stockpile and the broader nuclear program.

Removing the material from Iran would likely require specialized equipment operated by the National Nuclear Security Administration, including a mobile processing system based at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. Earlier this month, U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff reportedly visited the facility as part of ongoing preparations.

Even with full cooperation and unrestricted access, specialists believe the operation would be lengthy and highly complex. Trump recently told reporters that the physical process of removing the uranium would take at least two weeks to complete.

{Matzav.com}

Workers removed President Donald Trump’s name from the exterior of the Kennedy Center early today following a federal court order, concluding a legal and political fight over the naming of the historic performing arts venue.

The removal came after government attorneys sought additional time to comply with a court-imposed deadline. Lawyers representing the Kennedy Center asked a federal judge late Friday for a 12-hour extension beyond the original 11:59 p.m. deadline, citing weather-related safety concerns and noting that the work would likely be completed during the overnight hours.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper approved the request Saturday morning and directed the administration to submit evidence of compliance by noon.

Court filings submitted shortly before 11 a.m. confirmed that the administration had complied with the judge’s order.

According to live video feeds, work crews began assembling scaffolding around the sign shortly after 2 a.m. A large covering was then placed over the work area, preventing the public from viewing the removal process. The covering remained in place through much of Saturday morning.

The removal proceeded after an appellate court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt by Kennedy Center officials to block the order.

Since returning to office, Trump has taken a highly active role in the institution, replacing its leadership team and overseeing the appointment of a new board of trustees that later selected him as chairman. His name was added to the center’s website and exterior signage last year. Trump has also advocated shutting down the center for two years to undergo major renovations, a proposal that has faced legal challenges.

The lawsuit was brought by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), who serves as an ex-officio member of the Kennedy Center board and sought to prevent both the renaming of the institution and its proposed closure.

Judge Cooper, who was appointed to the bench by President Barack Obama, ruled in Beatty’s favor and ordered that Trump’s name be removed from the building by Friday night.

In a final appeal filed this week, Kennedy Center officials argued that removing Trump’s name could have serious financial consequences.

The board warned that taking off the Trump name “threatens to substantially undermine fundraising and financial viability at the most sensitive point in its history.”

Cooper rejected that argument, finding that the center had failed to demonstrate that it would suffer irreparable harm if the court denied its request.

Beatty welcomed the outcome in a statement released shortly after the removal was completed.

“Today’s victory is the beginning of returning the Kennedy Center to the American people,” the lawmaker said.

She added, “The rule of law prevailed, and that is worth celebrating,” she continued. “Let this send a message across the country: when we stand up, fight back, and defend our democracy, we can win. This is just the beginning.”

We regret to inform you of the Petirah of Rav Yechiel Moskowitz Z”L, who was Niftar Erev Shabbos following an illness.

Rav Yechiel was a longtime resident of Lakewood, was a son-in-law of Hagaon Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky Shlita, and the Shver of Askan R’ Shua Brodsky.

A member of Lakewood’s veteran generation, Rav Yechiel Z”L resided in the 11th Street area and was a longtime mispallel at Kol Shimshon.

He leaves behind a large family K”H.

The Levaya is scheduled to take place 2:15 PM Sunday at Bais Anya, 1210 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood. Kevurah in Lakewood.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.

A new campaign urging residents of the Gaza Strip to protest against Hamas rule has gained traction in recent days. The initiative, called the “June 26 Revolution,” is calling for demonstrations against the current political, humanitarian, and social conditions in Gaza.

The movement appears to have been organized by Palestinian activists, journalists, and social media figures, many with roots in Gaza. Organizers say the goal is to demand change and encourage residents to speak out.

“The people of Gaza need to rebuild their lives. The suffering has to stop,” Gazan journalist Abed al-Hamid Abed al-Ati, one of the prominent figures pushing the June protests, told The Jerusalem Post.

Ati said the campaign aims to give Gaza residents hope and a chance to pursue a future with dignity, away from constant displacement and hardship.

“We are not asking much; we just want to live like any other human beings,” he said. Ati has previously criticized political conditions and daily life in the Strip.

“I see my role as helping Gaza residents because no one else is stepping in. People have been displaced and left in tents, and they’re just not seeing, at least for now, any real signs on the ground that their lives are about to significantly change and get better soon,” he explained. “We reject the continuation of this war. It needs to end.”

The June 26 Revolution movement has issued several statements calling on Gazans to join protests. One statement said: “The people are the source of authority. They are the ones who have paid the price with their homes, future, sons, and daughters. From this painful reality, the people declare their revolution as a renewed expression of their independent will, rejecting oppression and the continued occupation of the Gaza Strip.

“The people have the right to proclaim their lives and reject surrendering to reality imposed upon them. We refuse to have our dignity violated or to be humiliated by standing in bread lines. We reject reducing our lives to living in a tent and waiting for water.”

The campaign has drawn attention among Palestinians, with some voicing support while indirectly criticizing Hamas’s leadership.

“We are thrown away in the streets. Wake up! For God’s sake, what are you waiting for?” a young Palestinian man said about the movement’s initiative.

Another Palestinian critic of the terror group said that “Hamas is finished” and called on Gaza residents to participate in the planned protests.

“Don’t be afraid. Demonstrate for the sake of your children and the dignity that was taken away from you. Free yourselves from slavery and injustice.”

Another statement from the campaign stated: “Our revolution does not await promises from anyone. The people are the ones required to act. We affirm our commitment to the peaceful nature of our revolution, and we call on local, international, legal, and media institutions to provide support and protect the protesters on June 26.”

The push for demonstrations has also sparked backlash, with some accusing campaign supporters of “betrayal and collusion with the Zionist entity” because of their criticism of the “resistance.”

Ati said he faced attacks from Hamas supporters, who accused him and his associates of being “traitors and collaborators with Israel” seeking to “fuel anarchy.”

He initially announced that he was withdrawing from the campaign after Palestinian sources said his family received death threats over his involvement. Shortly afterward, he reversed course, saying he returned because of public support for the initiative.

“We continue for the sake of our people’s dreams. Intimidation is not going to bring results,” he said.

“I don’t have any agenda but to serve my people,” he stressed.

Ati, who now lives in Cairo with his three daughters, left Gaza after the war began following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, massacre in southern Israel. He said several members of his family were killed in bombardments in northern Gaza and described fleeing with his daughters after being displaced multiple times.

“I lost a lot, like many others in Gaza,” he told the Post. “It’s now clear to me that if this unbearable situation continues, there will be no stability and relief, and we cannot afford for that to happen. We deserve a decent life and freedom,” he added, claiming that many residents in Gaza do not support Hamas.

“I hear from people that they want the Hamas regime to go and that it’s time to turn a new page,” he said.

Referring to Hamas, Ati said, “those responsible for bringing war and destruction upon us do not deserve to continue leading and should relinquish power.”

“An entire people has been punished because of the reckless gamble of one organization [Hamas].”

Previous protests in Gaza against the war and deteriorating conditions have been limited. In March 2025, demonstrations in Beit Lahia included calls for Hamas to step down, but were quickly suppressed by Hamas operatives, similar to the crackdown during the 2019 “We Want to Live” protests.

“People are exhausted,” Ati noted. “They are dying and have nothing left to lose.”

“How can someone continue living like this? No health systems, no education, more than 70,000 killed, many others wounded, and so much devastation. We are human beings, not numbers,” he said.

The ongoing political battle between Shas and United Torah Judaism intensified over Shabbos, as senior Shas officials sharply criticized Degel HaTorah over its opposition to measures affecting religious councils, deepening a dispute that has been simmering for months within the chareidi bloc.

At the heart of the conflict is the long-running standoff between Finance Committee Chairman MK Moshe Gafni and Shas chairman Aryeh Deri regarding the composition and control of the Yerushalayim Religious Council. The dispute has been compounded by disagreements over the transfer of governmental authorities from the Interior Ministry to the Prime Minister’s Office, a process that began after Shas left the government nearly a year ago.

In recent months, the Knesset has repeatedly approved transfers of authority previously held by the Interior Ministry, historically controlled by Shas, to the Prime Minister’s Office. Supporters of the move have argued that it was necessary to bypass obstacles created by Justice Minister Yariv Levin.

As tensions escalated, United Torah Judaism began boycotting votes related to the transfer of powers. Despite the boycott, however, Shas succeeded last week in advancing legislation involving funding for religious councils.

The measure passed after Arab Knesset members were absent from the vote, allowing the coalition to secure the necessary majority despite opposition from UTJ lawmakers.

Following Degel HaTorah’s resistance, Religious Affairs Minister Michael Malkieli launched a blistering attack on the faction, saying he had been inundated with complaints from religious council officials across the country.

“I am flooded with phone calls from dozens of heads of religious councils around the country who are furious,” Malkieli said.

Questioning the position taken by Degel HaTorah, Malkieli added, “How is it possible that chareidi representatives vote against religious services? How do chareidi representatives join forces with Liberman’s and Lapid’s representatives?”

He went on to argue that the dispute carries serious public and spiritual ramifications.

“How much chilul Hashem is there when a law intended to strengthen taharah among the Jewish people, eruvin, and kashrus passes only because of the absence of the Arab parties? What happened to our commitment to religious services?”

Despite UTJ’s opposition, efforts to advance funding for religious councils continue moving forward.

Under the current timetable, the Knesset Finance Committee is expected to approve on Monday a formula allocating funding between the Ministry of Religious Services and municipalities throughout the country.

The initiative is intended to facilitate the continued expansion and development of religious services at the local level.

The total amount slated for distribution under the plan is approximately 230 million shekels.

Shas leaders view the funding package as a major achievement that will help sustain and expand religious councils and strengthen services related to kashrus, eruvin, taharah, and other religious needs. Meanwhile, officials within United Torah Judaism continue to express reservations, citing the broader political disputes that remain unresolved.