Jooish News

President Trump said earlier today, Friday, that the United States wants to talk to Iran but there’s nobody to talk to.

President said while speaking at the White House: “Their leaders are all gone. The next set of leaders are all gone and the next set of leaders are mostly gone — We have nobody to talk to, and you know what? We like it that way.”

The Israeli Air Force carried out a targeted strike in central Tehran, hitting senior leadership of the Basij Force and killing its commander, Gholamreza Soleimani, along with several other high-ranking officials.

The IDF has now confirmed that the operation also resulted in the death of Esmail Ahmadi, who served as head of the Basij Force’s Intelligence Division.

“Ahmadi played a central role in advancing and executing terror attacks carried out by Basij Forces. He was also responsible for enforcing public order and the regime’s values on behalf of the IRGC,” the IDF reported following the strike.

“Ahmadi played a key role in leading major suppression operations during the recent internal protests in Iran, using severe violence, mass arrests, and force against civilian protesters.

“His elimination, together with the elimination of the Basij force commander and other senior officials, adds to that of dozens of senior commanders from the Iranian Armed Forces who have been eliminated during the operation, and constitutes an additional significant blow to the regime’s security command-and-control structures.

“The IDF will continue to operate against Iranian terror regime commanders.”

The Education Ministry announced Friday that special “holiday school” programs will run during the upcoming Pesach break in locations where the Home Front Command has approved such activity.

According to the Ministry, the initiative will be carried out in municipalities that choose to participate and are classified as “yellow” low-risk zones, as well as in “orange” areas where informal educational programming is permitted, provided the specific sites receive approval from the Home Front Command.

Officials emphasized that the goal of the program is to give students a consistent educational and social structure during the holiday period, while also broadening the support systems available to them at this time.

The Ministry added that comprehensive and professional instructions have been distributed to regional administrators, local government leaders, and educational staff to ensure proper implementation.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch explained, “We are consistently working to expand educational solutions and adapt the education system to the changing reality. The operation of the ‘holiday school’ program allows us to provide students with a stable framework and social support even during Passover break.”

He added, “This initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Home Front Command, as part of a broader policy of maintaining educational continuity and providing responsible and tailored support during this time.”

{Matzav.com}

The IDF is intensifying its offensive against key military systems and capabilities of the Iranian regime, according to a statement released Friday by the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.

The military said that during the night, the Israeli Air Force carried out two coordinated waves of strikes based on intelligence gathered by the IDF. The operations targeted locations in Tehran and additional areas in central Iran, hitting dozens of sites tied to the regime’s military infrastructure.

In the strikes on Tehran, Israeli forces hit multiple facilities used for manufacturing weapons intended to be used against the State of Israel and other countries. The operation also targeted locations involved in producing components for long-range ballistic missiles, which are considered a direct threat to Israel.

In a separate wave of attacks east of Tehran, the IDF struck storage sites housing long-range missile launchers. According to the military, operatives affiliated with the ballistic missile program were present at the locations during the strikes.

The IDF said it had recently identified Iranian personnel preparing to launch ballistic missiles from central Iran toward Israeli territory. These launches, officials noted, have shifted to that region after earlier operations significantly weakened Iran’s launch capabilities in western areas during extensive strikes carried out as part of Operation Roaring Lion.

“The IDF will continue to deepen the degradation of the Iranian regime’s fire array all across Iran, with the aim of reducing as much as possible the scope of fire directed toward the territory of the State of Israel,” said the IDF statement.

“The completed strikes are part of a phase aimed at further deepening the damage to the core systems and foundations of the Iranian terror regime,” it added.

The British government has shifted its position and is now permitting the United States to utilize UK bases for air operations aimed at removing Iranian threats disrupting the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement released Friday by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, the UK clarified the scope of its cooperation: “[T]he agreement for the US to use UK bases in the collective self-defence [sic] of the region includes US defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Until now, London had limited such permissions to situations directly involving British personnel or interests, such as earlier in the conflict when Iranian missiles targeted UK forces stationed in Cyprus.

The updated stance comes amid growing concern over Iran’s widening attacks. “Ministers condemned Iran’s expansion of its targets to include international shipping,” the statement continued. “They agreed that Iran’s reckless strikes, including on Red Ensign vessels and those of our close allies and Gulf partners, risked pushing the region further into crisis and worsening the economic impact being felt in the UK and around the world.”

Despite the expanded authorization, British officials stressed that their broader approach remains cautious. “[T]he UK remains committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict,” it concluded. “Ministers underlined the need for urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war.”

{Matzav.com}

A rare and historic Bris Milah took place Friday morning at Camp Humphreys in South Korea, marking the first such ceremony at the U.S. military installation in nearly three decades.

The Bris was arranged with the assistance of Yeshiva Pirchei Shoshanim, a Lakewood and Yerushalayim-based organization that serves as an endorser of chaplains to the United States military. Their endorsee, U.S. Army Chaplain Captain Rabbi Daniel Kamzan, was approached by a U.S. Army pilot whose wife was expecting a baby boy and requested help arranging a Bris under challenging circumstances.

Camp Humphreys is home to approximately 35,000 U.S. troops and is one of the largest American military bases in Asia. Rabbi Kamzan is currently the only Jewish chaplain responsible for serving the needs of Jewish personnel across multiple branches stationed in the region.

After approximately three and a half months of planning, the Bris was successfully coordinated despite significant logistical and regulatory challenges. Initial efforts to bring a mohel from Israel were unsuccessful due to military and government restrictions. Ultimately, a solution was found through Reserve Army Chaplain Rabbi Elisar Admon of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a certified mohel, who was able to travel to South Korea with military support.

The arrangements required coordination across multiple levels of military command, including securing approvals and transportation. Due to security considerations, many identifying details, including the family’s identity, were not released.

According to Rabbi Kamzan, the last Bris Milah held at Camp Humphreys took place nearly 30 years ago, highlighting the rarity of such an event for Jewish service members stationed in the region.

The successful completion of the Bris was described by those involved as a significant moment for Jewish continuity and religious life within the U.S. military, particularly in remote locations where access to religious resources is limited.

NEW YORK (VINnews) — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said Thursday it plans to replace up to a third of its roughly 6,500 subway cars, many of which have been in service since the 1980s.

Transit officials said the agency is seeking bids from manufacturers to replace 1,140 train cars on the Nos. 1, 3 and 6 lines, with an option to order an additional 1,250 cars for the Nos. 2, 4 and 5 lines.

Jessie Lazarus, the authority’s chief of rolling stock, said the order would be the largest subway car purchase in the agency’s history. The first new trains are expected to enter service in the early 2030s.

The new fleet, known as the R262, is expected to include upgraded features such as improved audio systems, updated braking technology and the possibility of “open gangway” designs that allow passengers to move freely between cars.

The replacement plan targets aging R62 cars, which were built in the 1980s and are nearing or exceeding their expected 40-year lifespan. Officials said the older trains are a frequent source of delays.

The agency has committed billions of dollars toward new subway and commuter rail cars as part of a broader capital plan approved by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Officials said proposals for the new trains are due later this year, with a contract expected to be awarded by early 2028.

BOSTON (AP) — Six people were taken to the hospital after an incident at a Boston transit station Friday drew a large police presence and prompted the partial shutdown of the facility.

The incident happened late Friday morning at the Forest Hills station in the city’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood and involved a transit officer, City Councilor Benjamin Weber posted on X. Multiple units from Boston EMS responded and six people were transported to area hospitals, a spokesperson said in a statement.

WATCH LIVE: Transit police giving update on large investigation at Forest Hills MBTA station. https://t.co/Au4VV8O93h

— Boston 25 News (@boston25) March 20, 2026

The facility’s upper busway was shut down around 11:15 a.m., with service rerouted to another section.

A Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority police dispatcher declined to answer any questions over the phone. Emails seeking information were sent to media addresses for the MBTA. A Boston Police dispatcher said city police were assisting MBTA police.

Video posted online showed more than a dozen police vehicles and at least two ambulances outside the station. Officers could be seen standing behind yellow police tape cordoning off a wide area outside the station entrance.

Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, removed an old X account after a wave of previously posted content resurfaced showing praise for Palestinian terrorists, harsh criticism of Israel, and attacks on the U.S. military.

The 28-year-old, who serves as New York’s first lady, shut down the account shortly after reports brought renewed attention to posts she had written years earlier on X and Tumblr, dating back to her teenage years and early adulthood.

Although her X profile — which operated under the handle @_RamaDee — is no longer accessible, her Instagram account, which has amassed roughly 2 million followers, remains active.

Scrutiny over her online activity has intensified in recent weeks, particularly after it emerged that she had interacted with Instagram content praising Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Among the material she reportedly engaged with was a post asserting that claims of rape carried out by the terrorist group were a “mass hoax.”

Further revelations connected to her past online presence — some identified through facial recognition — suggest that controversial content tied to her dates back to 2013, when she was said to be about 15 years old.

In one post from 2015, she wrote that Tel Aviv “shouldn’t exist in the first place,” referring to its residents as “occupiers,” and in a separate earlier post, she used a racial slur.

Her now-defunct Tumblr account included praise for Palestinian plane hijacker Leila Khaled and members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. It also featured a repost accusing American troops of “mercilessly slaughtering 3rd world civilians” in order to preserve “American hegemony.”

Another repost from December 2015 attributed responsibility for the creation of al Qaeda to white people.

Duwaji has not publicly addressed the controversy, and City Hall has not issued any response to inquiries seeking comment.

Mayor Mamdani, however, has spoken out in her defense, responding to the growing backlash surrounding her past online activity.

“My wife is the love of my life, and she’s also a private person who has held no formal position on my campaign or in my City Hall,” Mamdani, 34, told reporters last week.

“I, however, was elected to represent all 8.5 million people in the city. And I believe that it’s my responsibility because of that role to answer questions about my thoughts and my politics, and my stances.”

{Matzav.com}

Chaotic scenes are unfolding at major airports across the United States, as a prolonged shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security begins to take a visible toll on the nation’s travel system.

Viral footage from airports in Houston, New York, and Atlanta shows massive security lines snaking through terminals and even spilling into parking areas, with wait times stretching well beyond two hours in some locations. At New York’s LaGuardia Airport, passengers reported hours-long delays just to clear TSA checkpoints, while in Atlanta, lines backed up across terminals, leaving travelers frustrated and scrambling to make flights.

At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, delays have surged as staffing shortages cripple operations. Travelers are now being advised to arrive three to four hours early.

Behind the scenes, officials say the situation is rapidly deteriorating.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has been operating under severe strain since the partial government shutdown began on February 14. Agents have now gone weeks without pay, triggering record callout rates and a growing exodus from the workforce.

According to federal data, absentee rates have surged dramatically, with nearly 40 percent of TSA workers in Atlanta and Houston calling out, and about 25 percent absent at New York’s JFK Airport. More than 300 agents have reportedly quit since the shutdown began.

Those still on the job are facing mounting hardship. Acting TSA Administrator Adam Stahl said some agents are sleeping in their cars or even donating blood to afford gas, underscoring the financial strain on a workforce that typically earns between $35,000 and $40,000 annually.

“They’re doing a fantastic job under incredibly difficult circumstances,” Stahl said, warning that the current disruptions could soon worsen.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued an even more dire assessment, cautioning that the current chaos may only be the beginning.

“They’re about to miss another payment. This is gonna look like child’s play,” Duffy said, warning of a potential nationwide breakdown in air travel if lawmakers fail to reach a funding agreement.

As of Friday morning, more than 1,200 flight delays and dozens of cancellations had been reported nationwide, according to flight tracking data.

Officials warn that if the shutdown continues, smaller airports could be forced to suspend operations entirely due to staffing shortages, raising the specter of a broader aviation disruption.

The political blame game continues in Washington, with the Trump administration pointing to Democrats for prolonging the shutdown, while Democrats argue they have proposed solutions that Republicans have failed to support.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prosecutors in New York are investigating Colombian President Gustavo Petro for alleged ties to drug traffickers, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The people weren’t authorized to discuss the ongoing inquiry and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Prosecutors in Brooklyn and Manhattan in recent months have been questioning narcotraffickers about their ties to Petro and specifically about allegations the Colombian president’s representatives solicited bribes to block their extradition to the United States, said one of the people familiar with the inquiry.

A spokesperson for the Colombian presidency declined to comment on the ongoing investigations into Petro or the subsequent legal proceedings.

The federal inquiry was reported earlier Friday by The New York Times.

President Donald Trump is weighing a range of military options aimed at breaking Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz, including the possibility of seizing or blockading Kharg Island, a critical hub for the regime’s oil exports.

The deliberations come as the administration looks to stabilize global energy markets following Iran’s disruption of a key maritime passage that carries roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, sending prices above $100 per barrel.

Kharg Island, situated just off Iran’s coast, serves as the backbone of its oil export system, accounting for about 90 percent of the country’s crude shipments and making it a prime strategic target.

Officials say that no final decision has been reached, but a wide range of options remains under consideration, from imposing a naval blockade to launching a broader operation that could involve U.S. ground forces.

“He wants Hormuz open,” one senior official told Axios. “If he has to take Kharg Island to make it happen, that’s going to happen.”

In recent days, the U.S. military has already begun shaping the battlefield. Airstrikes have targeted Iranian military assets on the island while deliberately steering clear of oil infrastructure, a move seen as preserving leverage while weakening Tehran’s capabilities.

Additional forces are also being deployed to the region, including Marine units, as part of a broader buildup designed to provide the president with multiple strategic options.

The growing presence underscores a wider effort to pressure Iran into reopening the vital waterway and returning to negotiations.

Supporters of a more aggressive approach argue that firm action is necessary to halt Iran’s conduct. Senator Tom Cotton said Trump has been “prudent” in keeping all options open, adding that the administration has “mountains of plans” ready in response to Iran’s escalation.

Other Republicans have pushed for even stronger measures. Senator Lindsey Graham has called on the president to “take Kharg Island,” arguing that doing so would strike a major blow to Iran’s primary source of revenue and accelerate an end to the conflict.

Critics, however, warn that such a move carries serious risks. Analysts say that any ground operation could expose U.S. forces to attack and potentially broaden the scope of the conflict.

There is also concern that Iran could retaliate by targeting energy infrastructure throughout the region, tightening supply further and driving prices even higher.

Some experts point to a naval blockade as a less risky alternative, suggesting it could achieve similar results by cutting off access to Iranian oil without requiring a large-scale troop deployment.

The stakes remain high. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz is widely seen as a desperate move, but one that has already had significant consequences for global markets, American consumers, and U.S. allies.

The administration has framed its approach as accepting short-term economic strain in exchange for long-term stability, presenting the strategy as a necessary stand against a regime that has long threatened international commerce.

{Matzav.com}

Global energy markets are facing the prospect of a dramatic spike in oil prices, with Saudi officials cautioning that crude could climb to $180 per barrel or beyond if supply disruptions tied to the Iran conflict persist through late April.

At that level, gasoline prices in the United States could exceed $7 per gallon, based on current estimates.

Energy projections cited by Gulf officials and Saudi Arabia’s national oil company indicate that the kingdom is now preparing for an extended interruption to vital shipping routes and infrastructure, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

Despite the financial upside Saudi Arabia could see from higher oil prices, officials are expressing growing concern about the wider economic fallout, warning that such a surge could crush demand and potentially trigger a global downturn.

The warning follows a sharp rise in oil prices, with Brent crude already reaching approximately $119 per barrel after a series of attacks targeting energy infrastructure across the Gulf region.

Market analysts say prices have jumped by about 50 percent since tensions escalated in late February, as significant volumes of oil supply have effectively been taken off the market.

A central factor driving the surge is the near halt of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically important oil transit routes in the world.

Prior to the current conflict, Saudi Arabia alone moved as much as 6 million barrels of oil per day through that passage.

With access to the strait now severely restricted, major producers in the region — including Iraq, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates — have been forced to scale back exports due to limited alternatives.

Saudi Arabia has attempted to ease the strain by redirecting shipments through its East-West pipeline, which leads to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

Shipping figures show that exports from Yanbu are expected to hit a record 3.8 million barrels per day this month.

Even so, those alternate routes fall short of replacing the full volume that previously flowed through the Strait of Hormuz.

The situation has been made worse by continued strikes on refining and processing facilities, further tightening supply and increasing concerns about prolonged shortages.

In response, oil traders are increasingly preparing for extreme price scenarios, with options markets reflecting strong expectations that prices could reach $130, $140, or even $150 in the near term.

The crisis is no longer limited to oil. Natural gas markets are also under pressure following attacks linked to Iran on a major liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar, one of the world’s leading exporters.

Any extended disruption to Qatari LNG shipments could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for Europe and Asia, which depend heavily on imported gas.

Taken together, reduced oil flows, damaged infrastructure, and potential gas shortages are raising fears of a broader global energy shock.

Central banks are already sounding alarms. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell noted that sustained increases in energy costs would slow economic growth while pushing inflation higher, creating a challenging environment for policymakers.

Saudi officials themselves are uneasy about where this could lead.

Oil prices approaching $180 per barrel could drive lasting changes in consumer behavior, including reduced fuel consumption, a faster shift toward alternative energy sources, less travel, and greater reliance on remote work.

Over time, such changes could weaken long-term demand for oil and reshape the global energy landscape.

{Matzav.com}

IDF forces operating in southern Lebanon are continuing a sustained ground campaign against Hezbollah, as part of an ongoing effort to secure Israel’s northern border and push back terrorist threats.

Military officials say the operation has already resulted in thousands of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure. More than 2,000 targets have been hit, including roughly 120 command centers, over 100 weapons depots, and upwards of 130 missile launch systems.

The IDF also reported significant losses among Hezbollah personnel, stating that more than 570 operatives have been killed. Among them are approximately 220 members of the elite Radwan Force and about 150 operatives involved in surface-to-surface missile operations. The casualties also include senior figures in the organization’s hierarchy, among them two commanders holding ranks comparable to Major General, four at the level of Brigadier General, eight equivalent to Colonels, and 22 battalion-level leaders.

“The IDF will continue to operate with force against Hezbollah after the terrorist organization chose to join the conflict in defense of the Iranian terror regime,” a statement stressed. “The IDF will not allow Israeli civilians to be harmed.”

Meanwhile, Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel continues to take a toll. On Thursday evening, a missile launched from Lebanon struck a residential building in Kiryat Shmona, causing injuries and damage.

Emergency responders reported that the projectile hit a five-story structure, leaving two people wounded. Magen David Adom teams arriving at the scene administered initial treatment before transporting the victims to the hospital.

According to the details released, a man in his 60s suffered severe abdominal injuries, while a woman in her 70s was moderately hurt, also with abdominal trauma. Both were evacuated for further medical care.

Fire and rescue crews from the Upper Galilee Station remain on site, combing through the damaged building to ensure no one else is trapped under the debris.

Magen David Adom emergency medic Moran Abu Shkara said: “The strike hit a building. We arrived with large forces of ambulances, intensive care units, and MDA motorcycles. There was destruction and smoke at the scene. We rescued injured people from the rubble and quickly began providing life-saving medical care. We are now conducting further searches and organizing evacuations to hospitals.”

{Matzav.com}

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department filed a new lawsuit Friday against Harvard University, saying its leadership failed to address antisemitism on campus, creating grounds for the government to freeze existing grants and seek repayment for grants already paid.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, is another missive in a protracted battle between the administration of President Donald Trump and the elite university.

“The United States cannot and will not tolerate these failures and brings this action to compel Harvard to comply” with federal civil rights law, the Justice Department wrote in the lawsuit, “and to recover billions of dollars of taxpayer subsidies awarded to a discriminatory institution.”

Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit comes after negotiations appear to have bogged down in the months-long battle with the Trump administration that has tested the boundaries of the government’s authority over America’s universities. What began as an investigation into campus antisemitism escalated into an all-out feud as the Trump administration slashed more than $2.6 billion in research funding, ended federal contracts and attempted to block Harvard from hosting international students.

In a pair of lawsuits filed by the university, Harvard has said it’s being unfairly penalized for refusing to adopt the administration’s views. A federal judge agreed in December, reversing the funding cuts and calling the antisemitism argument a “smokescreen.”

Even so, Harvard and the Trump administration have held some negotiations, and the two sides have reportedly been close to reaching an agreement on multiple occasions. Last year, the administration and the university were reportedly approaching a deal that would have required Harvard to pay $500 million to regain access to federal funding and to end the investigations. Almost a year later, Trump upped that figure to $1 billion, saying that Harvard has been “behaving very badly.”

At the same time, the administration was taking steps in a civil rights investigation that had the potential to jeopardize all of Harvard’s federal funding, including federal student aid.

In June, the Trump administration said a civil rights investigation had led to a formal finding that Harvard tolerated antisemitism.

In a letter sent to Harvard, a federal task force said its investigation had found the university was a “willful participant” in antisemitic harassment of Jewish students and faculty. The task force threatened to refer the case to the Justice Department to file a civil rights lawsuit “as soon as possible,” unless Harvard came into compliance.

Harvard responded that it strongly disagreed with the government’s findings and was committed to fighting bias.

“Antisemitism is a serious problem and no matter the context, it is unacceptable,” the university said in a statement. “Harvard has taken substantive, proactive steps to address the root causes of antisemitism in its community.”

Since he took office, Trump has targeted elite universities he believes are overrun by left-wing ideology and antisemitism. His administration has frozen billions of dollars in research grants, which colleges have come to rely on for scientific and medical research.

Several universities have reached agreements with the White House to restore funding. Some deals have included direct payments to the government, including $200 million from Columbia University. Brown University agreed to pay $50 million toward state workforce development groups.

BALTIMORE (VINnews) — STAR-K Kosher Certification is making Passover-related reference lists available free of charge through its mobile app, the organization announced.

The Passover Medicine List and Personal Care & Cosmetics List, compiled with assistance from Rabbi Gershon Bess, will be accessible on the STAR-K app for iOS and Android users, according to a statement.

The lists provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medications and personal care products to help users determine whether items are free of chametz and suitable for use during Passover.

Officials said the initiative expands access to the resources for the broader community, allowing users to check the information digitally rather than relying solely on printed guides.

For additional Passover-related resources, visit the STAR-K Passover page or download the STAR-K app from the App Store or Google Play.

Online: https://www.star-k.org/passover

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia on Friday become the first state in the U.S. to suspend fuel taxes after the war in the Middle East sent pump prices soaring.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law a 60-day suspension of the state’s 33-cents-per-gallon tax on gas and 37-cents-per-gallon tax on diesel. Motorists are likely to start getting relief in the coming days as the price cuts trickle through from wholesalers to gas stations.

Unlike when gas prices surged in 2022, though, other states don’t appear to be moving in the same direction. That’s in part because states aren’t as flush with cash as they were immediately following the pandemic, when federal aid and tax revenues both surged.

The average gas price nationwide has risen from $2.93 a gallon on Feb. 20 to $3.91 a gallon Friday, motorist group AAA says. In Georgia, at least, that prompted a decision to dig into its declining savings account to give two months of relief, even if the savings could be obscured if oil prices continue rising.

Kemp said he wanted to “return taxpayer money where it belongs, in the pockets of hardworking Georgians.”

Officials estimate Georgia will forgo $360 million to $400 million in fuel taxes, which translates to $5 or $6 per tank for a typical passenger vehicle.

Those taxes are earmarked for roads and bridges, and the state will dip into its accumulated surplus to make up the loss for roadwork. It was part of a larger package of tax relief that also included state income tax rebates of $250 to $500 per household for anyone who filed a Georgia tax return in both 2024 and 2025. That $1.2 billion in rebates will also come from state savings.

All that money will get dished out in an election year when Republicans and Democrats are battling for control of swing-state Georgia. Republican-led efforts have given income and property tax rebates, plus multiple gas tax holidays, with all those givebacks valued at more than $9 billion since 2021.

Driven by factors including the war in Ukraine, other states joined Georgia in granting gas relief in 2022, including Connecticut, Florida, Maryland and New York, while Illinois and Kentucky delayed scheduled gas tax increases.

But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday he has no plans to suspend the 23.5-cent gas tax, adding there is no “simple fix.” The Republican governor addressed the issue during a news conference in Bradenton, Florida.

“My answer is just get the cost down internationally, and that means having stable energy markets, making sure we’re doing everything to get our stuff to market,” DeSantis said. “But I don’t know that there’s going to be any simple fix.”

Republicans are pushing for a 30-day holiday in Maryland, but ruling Democrats are batting it down.

“Marylanders need real relief, not a 30-day gas tax suspension that would blow a $100 million hole in our transportation budget while we’re working to close Maryland’s budget shortfall,” said Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Wes Moore. “If Maryland Republicans are serious about lowering costs, they should pick up the phone and call Donald Trump and tell him to end this missionless war — instead of asking Maryland taxpayers to help pay for it.”

In Connecticut, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont proposed a gas tax holiday earlier this month, but the idea has not yet advanced.

In Georgia, though, Republican officials sidestepped mentions of President Trump and the war, instead portraying it as part of their affordability agenda, trying to push back on Democratic pressure seeking to capitalize on popular discontent over prices.

“This isn’t an issue that we just discovered,” Kemp said. “It’s one we’ve been taking action on for years, in a strategic and carefully planned way, to help hardworking Georgians.”

Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and action star whose roles in “Walker, Texas Ranger” and other television shows and movies made him an iconic tough guy — sparking internet parodies and adoration from presidents — has died at 86.

Norris died Thursday, in what his family described as a “sudden passing.”

Sara and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Chuck Norris, a great friend of Israel and a close personal friend.

Chuck brought martial arts and the warmth of his character to millions around the world.

May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/LVaulthu50

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 20, 2026

“While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace,” the family said in a statement posted to social media.

Before he would become a star in movies and on TV, Norris was wildly successful in competitive martial arts. He was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion. He also founded his own Korean-based American hard style of karate, known sometimes as Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation, which has awarded more than 3,300 Chuck Norris System black belts worldwide. Black Belt magazine ultimately credited Norris in its hall of fame with holding a 10th degree black belt, the highest possible honor.

Born Carlos Ray Norris in Ryan, Oklahoma, on March 10, 1940, he grew up poor. At age 12, he moved with his family to Torrance, California, and joined the U.S. Air Force after high school, in 1958. It was during a deployment to Korea that he started training in martial arts, including judo and Tang Soo Do.

“I went out for gymnastics and football at North Torrance high,” he told The Associated Press in 1982. “I played some football, but I also spent a lot of time on the bench. I was never really athletic until I was in the service in Korea.”

After he was honorably discharged in 1962, he worked as a file clerk for Northrop Aircraft and applied to be a police officer, but was put on a waitlist. Meanwhile, he opened a martial arts studio, which expanded to a chain, with students including such stars as Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Steve McQueen, whom he later credited with encouraging him to get into acting.

From one studio to another
Norris made his film debut as an uncredited bodyguard in the 1968 movie “The Wrecking Crew,” which included a fight with Dean Martin. He had also crossed paths with Bruce Lee in martial arts circles. Their friendship — sometimes, as sparring partners — led to an iconic faceoff in the 1972 movie “Return of the Dragon,” in which Lee fights and kills Norris’ character in Rome’s Colosseum.

He went on to act in more than 20 movies, such as “Missing in Action,” “The Delta Force” and “Sidekicks.”

“I wanted to project a certain image on the screen of a hero. I had seen a lot of anti-hero movies in which the lead was neither good nor bad. There was no one to root for,” Norris said in 1982.

In 1993, he took on his most famed role, as a crime-fighting lawman in TV’s “Walker, Texas Ranger.” The show ran for nine seasons, and in 2010, then-Gov. Rick Perry awarded him the title of honorary Texas Ranger. The Texas Senate later named him an honorary Texan.

“It’s not violence for violence’s sake, with no moral structure,” Norris told the AP in 1996, speaking about the show. “You try to portray the proper meaning of what it’s about — fighting injustice with justice, good vs. bad. … It’s entertaining for the whole family.”

Norris also made a surprise comedic appearance as a decisive judge in the final match of the 2004 movie “Dodgeball.” He only on occasion had taken acting roles in recent years, including 2012’s “The Expendables 2” and the 2024 sci-fi action movie “Agent Recon.” He’s due to appear in “Zombie Plane,” an upcoming film starring Vanilla Ice.

Chuck Norris: the man, the meme, the legend
It was around the time of “Dodgeball” that his toughman image became the stuff of legend, literally: “Chuck Norris Facts” went viral online with such wildly hyperbolic statements as, “Chuck Norris had a staring contest with the sun — and won,” and, “They wanted to put Chuck Norris on Mt. Rushmore, but the granite wasn’t tough enough for his beard.”

Norris ultimately embraced the absurdity of the meme craze, putting together “The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book,” which combined his favorites with supposedly true stories and the codes he aimed to live by. He would also write books on martial arts instruction, a memoir, political takes, Civil War-era historical fiction and more.

“To some who know little of my martial arts or film careers but perhaps grew up with ‘Walker, Texas Ranger,’ it seems that I have become a somewhat mythical superhero icon,” Norris wrote in the forward to the “Fact Book.” “I am flattered and humbled.”

That book raised money for a nonprofit he founded with President George H.W. Bush that promoted martial arts instruction for kids.

The intentionally outlandish statements featured in the 2008 Republican presidential primary, when Norris endorsed Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and shot an ad playing on the “Chuck Norris facts.”

“Chuck Norris doesn’t endorse. He tells America how it’s going to be,” Huckabee said in the campaign ad.

President Donald Trump’s supporters later promoted “Trump Facts” in the same vein, and political pundits tried it as well, describing the commander-in-chief’s decision to seize Venezuela’s sitting president, Nicolas Maduro, as a “Chuck Norris Moment,” and its initial effect on oil prices a “Chuck Norris Premium.”

Norris was outspoken about his Christian beliefs and his support for gun rights, and backed political candidates for years — he even went skydiving with Bush for the former president’s 80th birthday. As for Trump, Norris endorsed him in the 2016 general election and wrote guest columns praising him without explicitly endorsing him in the days before the 2020 and 2024 elections.

Norris is survived by five children: stunt performers Mike and Eric with his late ex-wife Dianne Holechek, twins Dakota and Danilee with his wife Gena Norris, and Dina, the result of an early 1960s “one-night stand” revealed in his autobiography.

Norris celebrated his birthday just over a week before his death, posting a sparring video on Instagram.

“I don’t age. I level up,” he wrote.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 90,000 bottles of a children’s pain reliever have been recalled due to reports of black specs and other contaminants, according to federal regulators.

The Food and Drug Administration posted an online notice about the recall of Taro Pharmaceuticals’ Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension. The company’s website states that the product comes in a berry-flavored solution and is recommended for children ages 2 to 11.

The FDA notice states that the recall was launched earlier this month after customers reported “a gel-like mass and black particles in the product.” Agency regulators categorized the action as one in which the risk of serious injury or health consequences to consumers is “remote.”

The medication was manufactured in India by Strides Pharma Inc., which produces generic and over-the-counter medicines for firms in the U.S. and many other countries. Strides initiated the recall, according to the FDA notice.

Neither Strides nor Taro Pharmaceuticals immediately responded to requests for comment Friday morning.

NEW YORK (AP) — CBS News said Friday it is shutting down its storied radio news service after nearly 100 years of operation as part of a round of layoffs, blaming a shift in radio station programming strategies and challenging economic times.

When it went on the air in September 1927, CBS News Radio was the precursor to the entire network, giving a youthful William S. Paley a start in the business. Famed broadcaster Edward R. Murrow delivered reports from London during World War II as part of the service.

Today CBS News Radio provides material to an estimated 700 stations across the country, and is known best for its top-of-the-hour news roundups. The service will end on May 22, the network said Friday.

“While this was a necessary decision, it was not an easy one,” CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski said in a memo to staff on Friday.

Along with newspapers, radio was the dominant force in how Americans got their news from the 1920s through the 1940s, with Americans listening to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “Fireside Chats” during the Depression, before the format was largely supplanted by television in the 1950s. Radio is even less a force in modern society, with the world online and on phones. Those seeking audio often turn to podcasts before radio.

The front page of CBS News’ website did not immediately carry news of the demise.

Weiss is not a stranger to CBS’ storied history. Addressing her staff in January, three months into her job as CBS News boss, she invoked the network’s legendary newsman Walter Cronkite as a symbol of old thinking and said that if the network continues with its current strategy, “we’re toast.”

Weiss announced the hiring of 18 new contributors and said CBS News needs to do stories that will “surprise and provoke — including inside our own newsroom.”

Weiss, founder of the Free Press website and without broadcast news experience before being hired by CBS parent Paramount’s new management, has quickly become a headline-maker and polarizing figure in journalism. She held a “60 Minutes” story critical of President Donald Trump’s deportation policy from being broadcast for a month and has critics watching to see if she’s moving the network in a Trump-friendly direction.

JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli commended Rabbi Ami Hirsch, senior rabbi at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in Manhattan and a prominent voice among liberal American rabbis, for what he described as a courageous speech distinguishing between freedom of speech and support for terrorism.

In a statement shared on social media, Chikli highlighted Hirsch’s remarks lambasting New York City Comptroller Brad Lander for hosting Mahmoud Khalil in his office. Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student and a leader in pro-Palestinian protests on campus following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, has faced U.S. government efforts to deport him.

Chikli referred to Khalil as having “led the pro-Hamas protests following October 7” and noted that he “is expected to be deported from the U.S. due to his support for terrorism.”

Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian who held lawful permanent resident status in the U.S., emerged as a key negotiator and spokesperson during the 2024 Gaza Solidarity Encampment and related pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. He was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in March 2025 in his university housing, marking one of the first high-profile deportation cases tied to campus activism under the Trump administration.

The government has sought to revoke his status and deport him, citing national security concerns and alleging his activities aligned with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Khalil has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and arguing his actions constituted protected speech advocating for Palestinian rights. An immigration judge ruled in April 2025 that he could be deported as a potential threat to foreign policy interests, though subsequent court battles—including a temporary release on bail in June 2025 and a January 2026 appeals court decision—have kept the case ongoing without immediate removal.

Hirsch’s speech, as referenced by Chikli, drew a line between legitimate free expression and what the rabbi reportedly viewed as problematic support for terrorism in the context of Lander’s meeting with Khalil. Lander, a Democrat who has served as city comptroller, has faced criticism from some Jewish community leaders and pro-Israel advocates over engagements with figures involved in anti-Israel protests.

Chikli’s praise underscores ongoing tensions between segments of the American Jewish community and pro-Palestinian activism, particularly amid heightened concerns about antisemitism following the Oct. 7 attacks and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war. The minister’s comments reflect Israel’s broader efforts to combat what it sees as rising antisemitism and support for terrorism in diaspora communities.

Neither Hirsch nor Lander’s office immediately responded to requests for comment on the matter. Khalil’s legal team has maintained that the deportation proceedings represent an infringement on First Amendment rights.

On Friday, Russia summoned Israel’s Ambassador over an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon that impacted right near a Russian state TV journalists.

Israel’s Ambassador Oded Joseph was told by the Russian Foreign Ministry that Moscow expects a thorough investigation into the strike and assurances from Israel to prevent future attacks near journalists.

In an uplifting ceremony, Maran, Posek Hador, Hagaon Harav Moshe Shterenbuch shlit”a, handed out envelopes withKimcha Depischa to the 180 Avreichim enrolled in Kollel Teshuvos Vehanhagos that he heads. Rav Shterenbuch explained his personal concern by telling a spine-tingling story that he heard about eighty years ago from Hagaon Rav Yechezkel Abramsky Zatzal, a story that reveals the extent of the responsibility one has at every step when it comes to the great mitzvah of Tzedakah.

In the middle of Pesach preparations, there was the inauguration of the distribution set-up for Kimcha Depischa of Maran, Posek Hador, the gaon Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch shlit”a, with him personally handing out the support for the holiday to the 180 avreichim of the Teshuvos Vehanhagos kollel. The present distribution is just the opening shot of a broad set-up that Maran initiates every year, which includes supporting hundreds of avreichim who are his students, additional support to all the rabbonim and the morei tzedek of the Eidah Charedit, along with support to the rabbis of his yeshiva in Beit Shemesh, and a tremendous amount of aid to many tzedakah funds in Eretz Yisroel and abroad.

Particularly in this immense project, what was very notable was Maran’s insistence on standing himself and giving the envelopes to avreichim who are close to his heart, whom he draws close to himself as if they were his sons, especially since beforehand he had given a halachic discourse at the end of the zman. Those present could not avoid asking why he wasn’t saving himself the trouble, especially when one considers the heavy load that he carries these days, which includes, among other things, writing letters to the greatest philanthropists of the Torah world.

Maran replied with an amazing story he heard from the gaon Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky zt”l, a story that provides one with a different outlook on the meaning of every mitzvah – even the tiniest one: “The gaon, Rabbi Yechezkel Abramsky, told me that he was once in Vilna, and he went to see the ledger of the Chevra Kadisha, and saw that there was a story written there about the wife of the Gra, who used to go with a friend of hers to gather money for tzedakah for the needy people of Vilna. At one point they made an agreement that whoever dies first of the two of them will come to the other in a dream to tell her what happens in the Next World, the world of truth, and how the ultimate din is handled there.

Years went by, and the friend of the Gra’s wife died first. After a while she appeared in a dream to the Gra’s wife, saying that it was impossible to describe how important every little deed of ours is in the Next World, and she does not have permission to reveal what goes on there, but since she had promised faithfully, she was permitted to tell one detail. And then she said: ‘Do you remember when we were on a certain street in Vilna, and we saw a poor man on the other side of the street, and I motioned to him to cross the street and I will give him some money, and I gave it to him and he was happy. You should know that in Heaven they accused me of not making the effort to cross the street to earn the mitzvah of going to the poor man rather than having him come to me, because that showed a degree of belittlement of the mitzvahs; the depth of the din is fearsome.’ In the morning, the Gra’s wife told the Gra of her dream. The Gra called in the Chevra Kadisha people, so that they will hear her story and write it down in their ledger so that it will be seen for generations and people will give some thought to the depth of the din.

They wrote there ‘Upon the order of the Gra we are bringing her story.’ Rabbi Abramsky zt”l added to me that since then, whenever he mails money to a needy person or to an institution, he doesn’t send a messenger to the post office as he used to do, rather, he takes the trouble to go himself and place it in a mailbox, so as not to miss the merit of physically performing the mitzvah of tzedakah.”

The moving and alarming message from Maran Posek Hador shlit”a was clear and sharp: When it comes to the mitzvah of tzedakah there is no substitute for the personal labor, and every small effort is calculated and measured. For Maran, the personal distribution is not only a technical act of giving money, but a rare opportunity to perform a mitzvah perfectly, with one’s body and no regard for personal honor, no concessions allowed.

In the coming days there will likely be more distributions of monies as part of the greater program, among them “tamchin deoraisa” to hundreds of rabbonim and poskim, special distributions to the rabbonim of his yeshiva in Beit Shemesh, and further activity vis-a-vis many tzedakah funds.

By BoroPark24 Staff

The well-known Tandoory Bread bakery at 1311 48th Street, long recognized for its traditional wall oven, fresh pita, and signature large crackers, has been sold to a non-Jew as of today.

For years, the bakery has been a staple in the community, drawing customers for its authentic style of baking and unique products prepared in its classic tandoor oven.

As a result, the Tartikov hechsher has been removed.

All products sold until today were under kosher supervision and considered kosher. As of today, the establishment is no longer operating under a hechsher, and items produced going forward are not certified kosher.

Iran reportedly executed three men Thursday, including a 19-year-old wrestler, for “waging war against God.” The regime had promised to halt executions previously in a bid to preempt a military operation by the United States.

The three men were identified as Mehdi Ghasemi, Saleh Mohammadi and Saeed Davoudi. Their confessions were reportedly obtained under torture during a sham trial.

The regime further accused the men of killing two police officers. They “fast-tracked proceedings that bore no resemblance to a meaningful trial,” Amnesty International said.

Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist and advocate for Iranian human rights, called on Global Athlete to condemn the executions in a social media statement.

This screengrab from X shows the three condemned men.

“After signaling to the world, including President Trump, that they would halt executions of protesters, the regime has done the exact opposite,” she wrote. “Three young protesters, Saleh Mohammadi, Mehdi Ghasemi, and Saeed Davoudi, were hanged in Qom after a sham trial. Reports indicate torture. Forced confessions. No access to chosen lawyers. Closed-door proceedings. No right to appeal.”

“I call on @GlobalAthleteHQ to stand with Iranian athletes who are being silenced, imprisoned, and executed simply for raising their voices,” she added. “This is not just about sports. This is about human dignity.”

“The Iranian regime executed a 19-year-old for demanding democracy,” Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said. “I stand with his memory and the thousands of other young Iranians.”

“Those who grieve the elimination of Iranian leaders over murdered protesters is telling,” he added.

Askonim: If you are you aware of an evacuation flight with passengers arriving today anytime from 4 pm or later, please fill out this link asap, so we can get the information to CBP, in order to help expedite passengers thru passport control and assist so they can get home in time for Shabbos

https://forms.gle/MM2WnC44FKUK2Hde7

Dramatic footage captured the moment a fragment from an Iranian ballistic missile crashed into Jerusalem’s Old City after the projectile was intercepted mid-air.

According to the IDF, the missile was successfully shot down, but falling debris struck a parking lot in the Jewish Quarter, approximately 400 meters—about 1,300 feet—from the Kosel and Har Habayis. No injuries were reported.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

The incident came amid a wave of Iranian missile attacks, with Tehran launching at least eight salvos between midnight and Friday afternoon. At least two of the barrages are believed to have included cluster munitions, causing damage across multiple locations and leaving several civilians injured.

In the central city of Rechovot, one home was set ablaze, while missile fragments struck as many as 8 to 10 separate sites. In one case, part of a missile tore into a residential living room. A man and woman in their 70s were lightly wounded in the blasts.

Israel’s Health Ministry reported that more than 4,000 people have been hospitalized since the start of the war, though many injuries were linked to panic or attempts to reach shelters during incoming fire.

At the same time, Israel has continued to press its offensive deep inside Iran.

The IDF confirmed it has killed several high-ranking Iranian figures in recent days, including senior members of the Basij militia and intelligence apparatus. Among them was the group’s intelligence chief, as well as a top official in Iran’s Intelligence Ministry accused of orchestrating attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets worldwide.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

(AP) – Major League Baseball is entering an official partnership with Polymarket and has an agreement with the federal commission overseeing prediction markets to collaborate on integrity concerns.

MLB said in a statement Thursday it has a memorandum of understanding with Michael S. Selig, the chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to “further protect the integrity of baseball by ensuring swift response to incidents and anticipating emerging trends more strongly.”

Prediction markets have raised concerns from sports leagues already working to combat issues around legal sports gambling. While legal sports books must follow regulations set by states, prediction markets have argued their trades — called event contracts — are derivative markets, and thus fall under the CFTC’s jurisdiction.

One year ago, MLB sent a letter to the commission calling for strong integrity protections.

“The new agreements that we formed with Polymarket and the CFTC are imperative steps in proactively managing the new and rapidly growing prediction market space,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Protecting the integrity of the game on the field is our top priority. By engaging in this community, we are able to work together to create clear boundaries with the goal of mitigating risk while providing fan engagement opportunities.”

This partnership with Polymarket will give the company and its brokers exclusive access to MLB logos to be used within its prediction market products. Polymarket will also get access to official league data from Sportradar, MLB’s exclusive global distributor of data for prediction markets.

Under terms of the memorandum, MLB and the CFTC agreed to share information regarding the integrity of professional baseball and related prediction markets. Shared information will be treated confidentially. Designated representatives will meet regularly.

“We’ve committed to work together to protect the integrity and resilience of prediction markets relating to professional baseball,” Selig said on X. “Through this partnership, the @CFTC is well-positioned to add additional tools to protect our markets from fraud, manipulation, and other abuses. Thanks to @MLB and Commissioner Manfred for working with us to protect the integrity of these growing markets.”

The American Gaming Association expresssed skepticism over the impact of that agreement.

“A multi-hundred million-dollar partnership or a memorandum of understanding with the CFTC doesn’t make an unlawful business model legitimate,” Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, said in a statement. “State laws and voter-approved frameworks govern sports betting in the U.S. – not federal workarounds. Legal sports betting operates under state and tribal regulation, providing strong consumer protections, transparency, and accountability. Sports betting – by any name – is not under the CFTC’s jurisdiction.”

Although it has established this partnership with Polymarket, MLB said it wants integrity relationships with all other prediction market exchanges offering baseball contracts. Those exchanges will be required to integrate the necessary integrity protections into their individual rulebooks.

The rapid growth of sports offerings on prediction markets has provided leagues with another revenue opportunity while also causing concerns about the regulation of prediction markets.

Prediction markets provide an opportunity to trade — or wager — on the result of future events. Trades are made as simple yes-no wagers

The NHL announced in October it had reached multiyear partnership agreements with Polymarket and Kalshi, another major prediction markets platform. Major League Soccer announced a partnership with Polymarket on Jan. 26. NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks announced last month that he has become a shareholder in Kalshi.

MLB had a presentation on prediction markets during its owners’ meetings in Florida last month.

Iran conducted attacks on Kuwaiti oil refineries Thursday and Friday, striking an operating unit at the Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery and an operating unit at the Mina Abdullah Refinery Thursday and following up with another strike on a refinery on Friday.

The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said that six firefighting teams were deployed to fight the blazes, which it said were small and were quickly contained. The company said it implemented measures to ensure the safety of its employees and equipment. No injuries were reported.

The strikes on the refineries follow a string of attacks launched by Iran targeting military facilities. Most were intercepted by Kuwaiti defense systems.

Iran claims it is targeting U.S. military bases and interests in the region, though it has conducted relentless attacks on civilian and residential infrastructure in Gulf states since the war began.

By Y.M. Lowy

Today will have a high of 54° and a low of 43°. The morning starts with some sun, but as the day goes on, clouds move in and winds pick up, giving it a grayer and breezier feel.

Shabbos stays mild with a high of 55° and a low of 40°. It will be breezy in the morning, followed by a mix of sun and clouds through the rest of the day.

Sunday warms slightly to a high of 58° with a low of 43°. The sky will be filled with heavy gray clouds, making for a calm but overcast end to the weekend.

Concern spread among the Torah world following reports of a slight weakness experienced by the senior posek, Rav Moshe Sternbuch. The situation prompted tefillos at the conclusion of the winter zeman in his yeshiva, even as those close to the Rav emphasized that his daily סדרי הלימוד and קבלת קהל are continuing as usual, and that there is no unusual cause for alarm.

According to those in his inner circle, the concern was fueled by circulating rumors, which led many talmidim and admirers to worry about his condition. However, clear messages have been issued from his home seeking to calm the tzibbur and clarify that his routine has largely remained unchanged.

When someone reached out overnight to inquire about the Rav’s well-being in light of the ציבור’s concern, during the call, the gabbai noted that the Rav had already retired for the night, but at that very moment, the Rav awoke and overheard the conversation.

When the gabbai informed him that a young man was asking about his health out of concern, the Rav responded briefly in Yiddish: “We need rachamim.”

The ציבור is urged to daven for the refuah sheleimah of Rav Moshe ben Devorah.

In an official message, it was clarified that a tefillah gathering scheduled for Thursday evening in the Sanhedria neighborhood was not an emergency assembly, but rather a regular weekly tefillah attended by family members.

BEIRUT (AP) — Hours after Israel killed the top commander of Iran’s Basij this week, it struck again — this time at the rank and file of the feared force that helped crush widespread protests this year. A drone blasted one of the Basij’s many temporary roadblocks erected around the capital, Tehran.

Israel and the U.S. say they aim to break the Islamic Republic’s tools of domestic control in their campaign of bombardment, now nearly three weeks old. Since the war began, monitors estimate that up to a third of strikes have targeted the top echelons and major bases of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and its Basij volunteers tasked with enforcing loyalty to Iran’s theocratic rulers.

Last week, Israel began striking Basij checkpoints, extending the threat to low-ranking members. But the Basij, police and Revolutionary Guard have maintained their grip, and there has been no sign yet of Iranians heeding U.S. and Israeli calls to rise up, as many seek refuge from the airstrikes and uncertainty.

Security agents are still out in force
Residents say security forces still have an intimidating presence in Tehran. War monitors say an intensified crackdown that began with the crushing of January’s nationwide protests continues, often targeting those who take videos of strikes or try to get around a weekslong internet blackout to contact the outside world.

Israel’s campaign may aim to undermine the morale of Basijis and prompt defections or refusals to serve. It could also encourage the many Iranians who remain furious over the thousands killed in January’s crackdown. In early March, Israel’s military issued a Farsi-language message urging the mothers of Basijis to “save their children” by encouraging them put down their arms.

But the Basijis are highly ideological and “the most decentralized force within an already highly decentralized system,” said Hamidreza Azizi, an expert on Iran’s security and foreign policy.

Israel’s killing of its top commander, Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani, early Tuesday, is unlikely to disrupt it, Azizi said. The Basij chief is chosen not for expertise but for “ideological rigidity and demonstrated loyalty to the supreme leader,” playing a more symbolic role.

“In most cases, Basij units operate autonomously or semiautonomously, particularly in operational matters,’” Azizi said.

Basij checkpoints have proliferated across Tehran, often just a line of traffic cones and a few vehicles. One resident said there were five or six new checkpoints in his upscale neighborhood alone. They search vehicles for weapons, examine documents and sometimes demand to look at people’s phones, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity for his safety.

Israel says it is striking the Basij in the streets
The strikes on checkpoints began on March 11, with at least 15 incidents on a single day documented by Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a U.S.-based monitoring group.

“We are landing crushing blows on the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij, both in the streets and at checkpoints,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the next day, adding that the aim was to create the conditions for Iranians to overthrow their government.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military said it struck more than 10 Basij positions across the capital. A video posted online and verified by the AP showed two vehicles burning near traffic cones on a multilane boulevard in central Tehran. The location matched that shown in aerial footage released by the Israeli military of a Tuesday strike hitting a checkpoint as a bus and cars passed.

Iranians have been spreading videos and posts on social media showing locations of checkpoints, often tagging the Farsi account of the Israeli military and urging it to strike, sometimes in the name of protesters who were killed in the area. Others trade news about checkpoints to alert commuters to traffic. Several videos show checkpoints set up under bridges, apparently as cover from strikes.

Volunteers work to instill loyalty
The Basij, Farsi for “mobilization,” has tens of thousands of volunteers under the command of the Revolutionary Guard. Most are unarmed, engaged in “ideological and political activities,” said Azizi, a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

They function like the Communist Party did in the Soviet Union, with branches in schools, universities, government institutions and other organizations, he said. Volunteers, both men and women, work to ensure loyalty to the Islamic Republic. That might mean holding religious lectures or harassing those who flout social restrictions. They can also be mobilized for state-organized events, including counterprotests, Azizi said.

District-level paramilitary units deploy in times of domestic unrest — like the January protests — armed with everything from batons and electroshock devices to live ammunition.

Since those protests and into the current war, the Basij’s role has been to provide manpower, said Azizi.

“The state’s security apparatus has been continuously engaged, leaving many of its core forces both deeply entrenched and likely fatigued,” he said. By manning checkpoints, the Basij helps security agencies to focus on information gathering and arrests.

The crackdown continues
Iranians describe mass text messages warning against protests and aggressive Basij patrols in Tehran. On Thursday, Iran announced the execution of three men detained in the January protests, the first such sentences known to have been carried out.

In the last week, semiofficial news outlets have reported the arrest of more than 100 people across Iran, most accused of conspiring with enemy states or sharing media reports with foreign entities. At least 14 were accused of possessing Starlink internet dishes or planning to sell them or virtual private network cards. Starlink has been one of the only ways to access the global internet since the unprecedented blackout began on Jan. 8.

The government also reportedly has also shut down parts of Iran’s internal internet and revoked some VPN cards given to people with specialized jobs.

The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, a U.S.-based group, said people have been rounded up for taking pictures identifying the location of checkpoints, bases and military installations. Authorities are also still detaining people linked to the January protests, former political prisoners or members of minorities.

The rights group said it had reports of security forces opening fire at checkpoints. In one incident, two teenage brothers were shot and killed after honking their car horn in celebration of the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the war’s opening salvo.

Iran launched another round of attacks against Israel, its eighth salvo since Friday morning, targeting central and northern Israel and triggering sirens all across the region. Emergency services reported a fire at a home in Rehovot and damage to other areas.

Alerts sounded in the Galilee north of the Sea of Galilee, as well as Mishmar HaYarden, Gadot and Ayelet HaShahar. Sirens also sounded in central Israel, Jerusalem, the Dan region, the Shfela Lachish and parts of the Negev earlier Friday.

Israeli officials said that some of the missiles contained separating warheads, a type of cluster bomb. Among the impact sites that were reported were a site in Tel Aviv, damaged cars in Rehovot and a building that caught fire.

A man and woman in Rehovot were lightly injured and transported to a hospital for treatment, according to Magen David Adom. A 70-year-old woman was moderately injured while trying to reach shelter. No injuries in the Negev were reported. The military said that rockets fired at northern Israel landed in open areas. It also said that alerts sounded in waves throughout the afternoon and urged civilians to take shelter during each alert.

The IDF said earlier that it was continuing to fight on multiple fronts, adding that since the war began it had destroyed 2,000 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including command centers, weapons storage sites and missile launchers.

NEW YORK (VINnews/Rabbi Yair Hoffman> – On the morning of March 20, 2026 — with Iranian ballistic missiles still being intercepted nightly over Israeli cities — the Jerusalem District Court received a formal indictment against Raz Cohen, a 26-year-old Jewish reservist from Jerusalem who had served inside the Iron Dome air defense network. The charge: passing precise, classified information about that same system to Iranian intelligence, in exchange for cryptocurrency.

Cohen did not betray Israel out of ideology. He was a young Jewish man who answered a message on Telegram that offered easy money — and from that single act of engagement, step by inevitable step, arrived at transmitting GPS coordinates of Iron Dome batteries and the names of unit commanders to Iran, while Israel was fighting a war with that very country.

He confessed immediately. “I was stupid,” he told investigators. He said he had even read news articles about other Israelis who had been caught doing precisely this — and answered the message anyway.

The public reaction in Israel has been outrage and calls for the harshest possible punishment. But for those who study Torah — this story carries a resonance that goes far deeper than treason, because the Nachash ran this exact play in Gan Eden. The Sforno explained the mechanism. And the laws of chometz further reflect the idea.

The Sforno: How the Nachash Won Without an Argument

The Sforno’s commentary on Bereishis 3:1 opens with what might seem like a simple observation about the nachash’s strategy — but it is, according to Rav Henoch Leibowitz zt”l, in fact, a complete manual for how the yetzer hara operates in every generation.

The serpent was smart. He knew exactly what he was doing. Had he walked up to Chava and said bluntly: ‘Go ahead — eat from the forbidden tree,’ she would have dismissed him instantly. Hashem had commanded them not to eat from it. No argument, however clever, was going to succeed if it came out like a direct invitation to sin.

So the Nachash didn’t do that. Instead, he opened with a question — a seemingly innocent one. “Did Hashem really say you can’t eat from any of the trees?” His tone was friendly, even concerned. He wasn’t pushing sin. He was just… asking.

The Sforno explains that this was entirely calculated. The serpent’s real goal was to get Chava talking, to slowly pull her toward a conclusion she never would have reached on her own. Once she was engaged in the conversation, he moved in with his real argument:

“You won’t die! Hashem knows that on the day you eat from it, your eyes will be opened and you will become like Hashem — and that is why He told you not to eat it.”

He reframed the prohibition not as a protective command from a loving Creator, but as a selfish restriction from someone who didn’t want competition.

The Sforno is describing the operating manual of the yetzer hara — the evil inclination that lives inside every human being. Here is the yetzer hara’s golden rule: it never comes to you as the enemy. It never knocks on your door and announces itself. Instead, it comes dressed in the clothing of something reasonable, something logical, something that even sounds virtuous.

It starts small. A minor compromise here. A slightly questionable decision there — one that seems, on the surface, perfectly justifiable. Before long, it has established a firm foothold inside a person’s heart, and from that foothold it begins to pull him further and further from where he should be.

 When the serpent first approaches Chava, she actually pushes back. She tells him: “From all the trees of the garden we may eat — but Hashem said we may not eat from this tree, and we may not touch it, lest we die.”

In that moment, Chava was doing exactly the right thing. She was not entertaining the serpent’s logic. She was not weighing his argument. She was restating Hashem’s command and shutting the conversation down. She was refusing to grant the yetzer hara even the smallest foothold.

The tragedy is that she didn’t hold firm. Rashi points out that she added the prohibition of touching the tree — something Hashem had not actually commanded. The serpent seized on this addition: he pushed her until she touched the tree, and then said — “You touched it and nothing happened. So you can eat from it too, and nothing will happen.” Because she had added to Hashem’s words, she now had no response. The foothold had been granted, and the rest followed.

The Vilna Gaon, in his commentary to Mishlei (7:14), observes that a person being drawn toward sin does not feel like he is chasing sin — he feels like he is doing something reasonable, even righteous. The yetzer hara grants itself a foothold not through open temptation, but through the back door of apparent virtue. And the moment a person begins constructing a sophisticated philosophical argument for why a questionable action is actually permitted — that is precisely the moment to stop, step back, and recognize what is really happening. You do not negotiate with the yetzer hara. Negotiation is how it wins.

It is the same with Iran.

Iranian intelligence, operating what officials call “Mivtza Kesef” — Operation Money — does not begin by asking Israelis to commit espionage. Investigators describe the process in almost clinical terms: a Telegram message arrives, offering a small payment for something that seems entirely harmless. Photograph a street corner. Take a picture of a product in a supermarket. Record a short video of a public location. The tasks are designed to be, in the words of one investigator, “harmless on their face.”

This is the nachash’s opening question – a small, friendly, apparently innocent request. The Iranian handler is not saying: “Spy for us and betray your country.” He is saying: “Does the goverment really say you can’t earn a little easy money? We’re just asking for something small.”

Once the target answers — once he does the first small task and receives the first small payment — the foothold has been granted. The yetzer hara is now inside the conversation. And just as the serpent moved seamlessly from his innocent opening question to his real argument once Chava was engaged, the Iranian handler moves seamlessly from harmless tasks to genuinely dangerous ones.

The recruit is no longer deciding from a position of moral clarity. He is now rationalizing from inside a compromise that has already been made. The argument sounds reasonable each time. Because the nachash always sounds reasonable.

Raz Cohen told his investigators: “I had read the news articles about others who were caught doing this. I knew what it was.” He knew. And he answered the message anyway.

Once he engaged — once the conversation began — the rest followed with a terrible and familiar logic. By the time he was passing GPS coordinates of Iron Dome batteries to Iranian intelligence during an active war, the yetzer hara had long since taken up residence.

Chometz: The Torah’s Zero-Tolerance Policy Toward the Yetzer Hara

As we approach Pesach, a remarkable feature of halacha comes into sudden focus — and it illuminates this entire dynamic from a completely different angle.

In the ordinary laws of kashrus, a forbidden substance that falls into a permitted mixture is nullified if the ratio is at least 1 in 60 — bitul b’shishim. This rule governs the overwhelming majority of issurim. But chometz on Pesach is fundamentally different. Chometz on Pesach is not nullified at all, even if it falls into a mixture of a thousand parts of permitted food. Even the most infinitesimal trace — renders the entire mixture forbidden and may not be consumed.

Why? Of all the Torah’s prohibitions, why does this refuse the ordinary mechanism of nullification?

The answer lies in what chometz represents. The Zohar (Shemos 40b) states it directly and without elaboration:

Chametz is the Yetzer Hara.

Rabbeinu Bachye, in his Kad HaKemach on Pesach, develops this identification with precision. The word chometz shares a root with the pasuk in Tehillim (73:21) — “ki yitchametz libbi” — when my heart becomes leavened: the swelling, the puffing up, the rising of pride and desire. It is the symbol of a desire that, once given even the smallest opening, fills all available space.

The Mechilta (Pesicha 5) makes the connection explicit: the reason the Torah commands us to distance ourselves from chometz during Pesach is to train us to turn our hearts away from the yetzer hara. And the Arizal, quoted in Zohar Ki Seitzei (282), states that one who is careful to guard himself from even a speck of chometz on Pesach is guaranteed protection from the yetzer hara throughout the year.

 The reason chometz cannot be nullified — the reason the Torah insists on zero tolerance  is that it represents something that, by its very nature, cannot be safely given even the smallest foothold. Other forbidden substances can, in theory, be contained by dilution. The yetzer hara cannot.

This is not metaphor. This is the precise halakhic encoding of the psychological principle the Sforno identified in Bereishis 3. The moment Chava engaged with the nachash’s question — that was the mashehu. A trace.

National Security Is No Different

Israel’s  security establishment has watched as Iran has systematically applied the nachash’s playbook to recruit agents inside Israel. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli authorities have filed more than 35 espionage indictments involving nearly 60 defendants. The range of recruits is startling: a 13-year-old boy from Tel Aviv. A doctor approached during overseas travel. Russian-speaking immigrants from the Krayot suburbs of Haifa. Residents of East Jerusalem. And now, a Jewish reservist from inside Iron Dome itself.

Not one of them was recruited by a direct appeal to betray their country. Every single case began with something small. Something that was given a foothold.  .

The lesson of eino batel translated into national security doctrine is this: there is no safe “first task.” There is no answer to the Telegram message that stays small. Once the foothold is granted — once the conversation begins, once the first payment is accepted — the same logic that operated in Gan Eden operates in every subsequent step.

Raz Cohen is the most recent and most damaging example of what happens when a Jewish soldier — a man entrusted with the defense of Eretz Yisrael during an active war — grants the nachash its first foothold.

His case is a tragedy. It is also a teaching.

The Remedy: Bedikas Chometz as a Life Skill

Bedikas chometz — the search for leavening by candlelight on the night before Pesach — is, at its deepest level, a practice in zero tolerance. We do not look for large loaves of bread and burn them. We search every corner, every crack, every hidden recess of the house, for the smallest trace. We take a feather and a candle and we go into the dark places. Because the whole lesson of Pesach is that the mashehu matters.

The Nesivos Shalom teach that bedikas chometz is simultaneously an outer and an inner practice. We are searching not only the house but ourselves — for the places where a small compromise has been quietly residing, where a “harmless” conversation began that should have ended immediately, where the nachash was given the answer it needed to establish its foothold.

The brachah recited before the search is “al biur chametz” — on the destruction of chametz, not merely the finding of it. Because the goal is elimination.

This is what the Torah asks of us every Pesach. And, as current events remind us with painful clarity, it is what every soldier, every citizen, and every Jew asked to guard something holy must practice every day of the year.

Raz Cohen sits in detention in Jerusalem, awaiting trial. The legal process will run its course. From the perspective of Torah, the most significant detail in his case may be the simplest: he confessed immediately, expressed genuine remorse, and said “I was stupid.” Those three words are not a legal defense. But they may be a beginning.

May we all have the clarity to recognize the nachash’s opening question for what it is — before we answer it. May those who stand guard over the State of Israel be granted the wisdom to shut down the conversation before the foothold is given. And may we all enter this Pesach having done genuine bedikas chometz — in our kitchens, in our minds, and in every corner of our lives where the yetzer hara has been quietly rising, waiting for just a little more space.

Rabbi Yair Hoffman can be reached at [email protected]

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, will remain in Munich for Shabbos following a successful medical procedure earlier this week, despite initial plans for him to return to Eretz Yisroel before the weekend.

The Rebbe underwent treatment on Tuesday at a hospital in Munich, Germany, and had been expected to travel back home ahead of Shabbos. However, after further consultation with his doctors on Thursday, it was decided that he would remain in Germany for several additional days to rest and recover.

Arrangements have been made for the Rebbe to spend Shabbos in a private apartment that was secured for him in Munich. He is expected to return to Eretz Yisroel sometime next week, in time for the yahrtzeit of his grandfather, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, the Imrei Chaim.

Due to the ongoing war and widespread flight cancellations, it has not been possible for chassidim from Eretz Yisroel to travel to Munich. As a result, local bochurim affiliated with the nearby Chabad House are expected to join the Rebbe for tefillos in order to ensure a minyan.

At present, the only family member accompanying the Rebbe is his grandson, Rav Lipa Hager, son of the Av Beis Din of Kiryat Vizhnitz, who is overseeing the Rebbe’s medical care.

As previously reported, doctors have expressed strong satisfaction with the success of the procedure. Within Vizhnitzer circles, preparations are already underway to mark the Rebbe’s full recovery, alongside continued tefillos for his complete and speedy return to health.

{Matzav.com}

New polling released Thursday night indicates shifting dynamics within Israel’s political landscape, with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu widening his lead, Naftali Bennett losing ground, and Gadi Eisenkot gaining traction. At the same time, a separate survey presents a sharply different picture of the political map. Despite the shifting numbers, most of the public reports satisfaction with the progress of the war, particularly among those with immediate access to protected spaces.

A Channel 12 News poll published Thursday points to movement within the various political blocs, though the overall balance between them remains unchanged. The data shows Likud gaining two seats, Bennett’s party dropping by one, and Eisenkot picking up an additional mandate.

According to the survey, Likud stands at 28 seats, while Bennett’s party holds 20. The Democrats, led by Yair Golan, receive 12 seats, and Yisrael Beiteinu, under Avigdor Lieberman, comes in with 9. Shas and United Torah Judaism register 9 and 7 seats respectively, while Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben Gvir, holds 7. Yesh Atid, under Yair Lapid, is at 6, and both Hadash-Ta’al and Ra’am receive 5 seats each.

Several parties fall below the electoral threshold, including Religious Zionism led by Bezalel Smotrich with 2.3%, Blue and White under Benny Gantz with 1.7%, the Reservists party led by Yoaz Hendel with 1.7%, and Balad under Sami Abu Shehadeh with 0.7%.

While the bloc breakdown remains stable, the personal leadership question shows a notable shift. Netanyahu has opened his widest lead in two years over Bennett in terms of suitability for prime minister. In addition, Bennett is no longer the leading opposition candidate for the role, with Eisenkot now taking that position.

The poll also found that a large majority of Israelis are satisfied with the country’s performance in the war. Another finding highlights a connection between personal security and satisfaction levels. Political analyst Amit Segal summarized this relationship, saying, “As the shelter gets closer to the bedroom, the level of satisfaction with the war increases.” The implication, he noted, is not particularly surprising.

A separate Channel 14 News poll, conducted by Shlomo Filber among 754 respondents, presents a dramatically different political outlook. According to that survey, the right-wing bloc commands 66 seats, compared to 42 for the left and 12 for Arab parties.

In that poll’s seat distribution, Likud receives 36 mandates, the Joint List 12, Eisenkot’s “Yashar” party 11, Shas and Bennett’s party 10 each, the Democrats and United Torah Judaism 9 each, Yisrael Beiteinu 8, and Otzma Yehudit 7. Yesh Atid and Religious Zionism each receive 4 seats, while Blue and White fails to cross the electoral threshold.

On the question of suitability for prime minister in the Channel 14 survey, Netanyahu leads by a wide margin with 58%, followed by Eisenkot at 17% and Bennett at 16%. Lieberman and Lapid each receive 4%, while Benny Gantz registers 1%.

{Matzav.com}

Reports of deep Republican divisions over President Trump’s decision to launch military action against Iran appear overstated, according to a new survey showing overwhelming support among GOP voters for the administration’s strategy.

A poll conducted by J.L. Partners found that 83 percent of likely Republican voters either “strongly” or “somewhat” support Operation Epic Fury, while just 9 percent expressed opposition to the military campaign.

The findings come as some high-profile voices, including the despicable likes of Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, have criticized the administration’s approach. But the survey suggests those critiques have not significantly shifted the views of the broader Republican base.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents, 74 percent, said the United States should continue its military operations until Iran’s capabilities are fully dismantled. By contrast, 16 percent said the administration should halt the campaign immediately.

The poll also highlights a significant trust gap between Trump and his “conservative” critics. Roughly 83 percent of Republican voters said they trust Trump’s judgment on the issue, compared to just 6 percent who said they place more confidence in Carlson or Kelly. Similar margins were reflected in questions about foreign policy alignment and credibility on global affairs.

Trump has largely avoided directly engaging with critics within conservative media, instead backing allies who support the war effort. In recent days, the president publicly praised radio host Mark Levin, a vocal supporter of the campaign, while dismissing critics as out of step with the broader MAGA movement.

The survey suggests that stance may carry political advantages heading into the midterms. About 78 percent of respondents said they would be more likely to support a Republican candidate who backs Trump’s military action against Iran, while only 10 percent said they would favor a candidate opposed to the war.

Conversely, candidates aligned with critics of the war appear to face headwinds within the party. A majority of respondents, 55 percent, said they would be less likely to support a GOP candidate who shares the views of Carlson or Kelly.

Taken together, the data points to a Republican electorate that remains largely unified behind Trump’s foreign policy approach, even as debate continues among conservative commentators and political figures.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

TEHRAN (AP) – Iran’s top military spokesman warned Friday that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide won’t be safe for Tehran’s enemies.

The threat from Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi renewed concerns that Iran may revert to using militant attacks beyond the Middle East as a pressure tactic.

U.S. and Israeli leaders have said that weeks of strikes have decimated Iran’s military. Airstrikes have also killed its supreme leader, the head of its Supreme National Security Council and a raft of other top-ranking military and political leaders.

The Israeli military said Friday that Esmail Ahmadi, head of intelligence for the Basij, and internal security force, had been killed by a strike earlier in the week that hit other Basij leaders.

Amid heightened security tensions and severe disruptions in global aviation, HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Machpud, the Gaavad of Yoreh De’ah, ordered an unprecedented logistical operation costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring dozens of shochtim of Badatz Yoreh De’ah home to Israel from South America in time for Pesach, Kikar H’Shabbat reported.

The weeks before Rosh Chodesh Nissan are the peak of activity in the kashrus world. Tons of kosher meat must be supplied to hundreds of thousands of families in Israel, and the shechita operations in South America run around the clock. This year, due to the war and severe disruptions in international flights, dozens of staff members working in Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile found themselves uncertain about how they would return home as flight after flight was canceled.

The Badatz administration faced two difficult options: halt shechita early and bring the shochtim home via indirect routes—risking shortages in meat supply—or continue shechita operations and risk leaving dozens of shochtim abroad for Yom Tov, far from their families. The decision was brought to HaRav Machpud, who, after hearing the details, rejected both options. Under his instruction, a dedicated aircraft was chartered to gather all staff members and bring them back to Israel.

This was an exceptional move requiring an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars, but the directive was unequivocal: the financial burden would not be passed on to the public, and every effort would be made to ensure that all staff members could spend Yom Tov at home with their families. “Our responsibility is to bring each one home,” Rav Machpud said.

Once the decision was made, the Badatz headquarters effectively became an operational command center. A charter plane was arranged to depart from Madrid, chosen as a central hub for connecting flights from South America. Shochtim and staff members began arriving there via complex connecting routes, while the Badatz arranged hotel accommodations near the airport to allow for rest before departure.

In another step reflecting responsibility for the broader kashrus world, organizers announced that any remaining seats on the flight would be offered to kashrus personnel from other Badatz organizations stranded abroad. Additionally, a backup plan was prepared for those unable to reach Madrid in time: they would be hosted over Pesach by the Jewish kehilla in Gibraltar.

HaRav Benayahu Machpud, the Gaavad’s son and head of international shechita operations, coordinated the logistics to ensure every staff member received timely assistance.

Barring unexpected delays, the plane is expected to land in Israel on Thursday evening, concluding a complex operation that underscored a clear value: concern for individuals comes before all other considerations.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

An indictment was filed Friday morning at the Jerusalem District Court against a reserve soldier from Jerusalem who served in the military’s Iron Dome system, accusing him of passing sensitive information to Iranian operatives in exchange for payment.

The defendant, identified as Raz Cohen, faces a series of serious security-related charges, including allegations that he maintained direct contact with hostile foreign elements and provided intelligence connected to Israel’s air defense activity.

According to the indictment, Cohen was arrested at the outset of the war and interrogated by Lahav 433 in coordination with the Shin Bet. His detention was extended multiple times as investigators built their case, culminating in Friday’s formal charges by the Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities allege that Cohen knowingly engaged with Iranian handlers and transferred classified or sensitive operational information.

While officials have not publicly detailed the full extent of the intelligence allegedly shared—or the payments involved—it raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities inside one of Israel’s most advanced defense systems.

The case is the latest in an escalating Iranian effort to recruit insiders, including active and former members of the security establishment, for intelligence-gathering missions. In recent months, authorities have repeatedly warned that Iranian operatives are increasingly using financial incentives to lure recruits, often through covert or indirect channels.

A similar case surfaced last year. In January 2025, prosecutors filed an indictment in Haifa against IDF reservist Yuri Ilyaspov, 22, and his associate Georgy Andreev, 21, both from Kiryat Yam, accusing them of ties to an Iranian operative and carrying out tasks on Israel’s behalf.

Ilyaspov faced a sweeping list of charges, including aiding the enemy during wartime, aggravated espionage, and transmitting information to a foreign agent, alongside additional offenses such as forgery and destruction of evidence. Andreev was charged with contact with a foreign agent and related criminal offenses.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

SYDNEY (VINnews) — Anthony Albanese said he was not forced to leave a mosque in Sydney after being confronted by a small group of protesters during Eid prayers, disputing reports that he had been hurried out of the venue.

Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke attended prayers marking the end of Ramadan at Lakemba Mosque in the city’s southwest when several people interrupted the gathering with shouts and chants.

Witnesses said some protesters yelled phrases including “shame,” “Allahu Akbar,” and “genocide supporters,” while others shouted, “Why is he here? Get him out of here,” as a community speaker addressed the crowd. Other attendees called for calm and urged the protesters to sit down.

Eid Mubarak.

An honour join thousands for Eid al-Fitr at Lakemba Mosque this morning. pic.twitter.com/br1n6si2Du

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 19, 2026

Speaking later at a news conference in Adelaide, Albanese said the situation had been overstated.

“Reports that anyone was rushed out are not accurate,” he said. “There were a small number of people who disrupted proceedings, and it was addressed.”

He added that the broader reception from the large crowd was positive and that community members themselves intervened to calm the situation.

Breaking: Wild scenes at Lakemba Mosque. @AlboMP and @Tony_Burke threatened by worshippers. Their bodyguards – only wearing socks – visibly nervous. The speaker attacks the government, @PaulineHansonOz and refers to Gaza with no mention of October 7. pic.twitter.com/vmcja4gqmg

— Daniel (@VoteLewko) March 19, 2026

Images shared on social media after the visit showed Albanese greeting attendees and taking part in the gathering, which marks Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important holidays in Islam.

The mosque is operated by the Lebanese Muslim Association, which said in a statement that it understood emotions were heightened due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The group emphasized the importance of engaging with elected officials, saying dialogue was necessary to represent community concerns.

“We will continue to engage and speak openly,” the statement said. “Participation in civic life is how those concerns are heard.”

HAIFA, Israel (VINnews) — Israel said Friday it was acknowledging a missile strike that hit a container terminal in Haifa a day earlier, igniting a fire that destroyed the contents of multiple shipping containers.

Officials said the strike, attributed to Iran, targeted a facility operated by Tavor Galil in the port area on Thursday. Flames broke out and consumed 15 containers that had arrived by sea, including shipments of paper goods and confectionery products.

Firefighting teams were dispatched and prevented the blaze from spreading to additional containers, according to company CEO Kobi Monovitz. Crews continued working to fully extinguish the fire, a process expected to take up to two more days.

Heavy cranes were being used to lift damaged containers and remove burning contents as firefighters worked to contain remaining hot spots.

Damage from the incident was estimated at more than 6 million shekels, officials said.

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA fined the Israeli soccer federation for breaching anti-discrimination regulations but took no action Thursday on a Palestinian request to suspend Israel from global soccer for allowing clubs based in West Bank settlements.

Also, FIFA President Gianni Infantino further dampened Iran’s attempts to move its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, saying global soccer’s governing body wants the tournament “to go ahead as scheduled.”

Two separate Palestinian soccer federation petitions were addressed in Thursday’s announcement.

FIFA fined the Israel Football Association 150,000 Swiss francs ($190,000) on disciplinary charges relating to “discrimination and racist abuse,” plus “offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play.”

The Israeli federation was held responsible by three FIFA judges for “tolerance of politicized and militaristic messaging within football contexts,” notably by fans of Beitar Jerusalem, and the “systemic exclusion of Palestinians from football infrastructure in Israeli settlements.”

The disciplinary verdict against Israeli soccer, judged last August, was finally announced after a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council chaired by Infantino, who restated his organization had peaceful goals in a month of turmoil for World Cup planning amid war in the Middle East.

Palestinian soccer denied on settler clubs issue
The Palestinian soccer federation has urged FIFA to act against Israel for supporting clubs in its national league from settlement communities in the West Bank.

FIFA’s council decided Thursday on advice from the governing body’s governance panel not to act on formal Palestinian complaints in 2024 against its Israeli counterpart, including a request to suspend membership.

Palestinian soccer officials have long argued — including at FIFA annual congresses across the past 15 years, before Infantino was president — that Israel violates statutes by letting teams from settlements in the West Bank play in the national league.

“FIFA should take no action given that, in the context of the interpretation of the relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes, the final legal status of the West Bank remains an unresolved and highly complex matter under public international law,” the soccer body said.

FIFA wants Iran in the US at World Cup
Infantino reiterated FIFA is not moving toward granting Iranian requests to move the team’s three World Cup group games in June from the United States to Mexico.

Iranian government and soccer officials have said they do not want to boycott the World Cup but that it is not possible for the national team to come to the U.S. because of military attacks on the country by Israel and U.S. since Feb. 28.

The team is due to play two games at the Los Angeles Rams’ stadium in Inglewood and one in Seattle.

“We have a schedule,” Infantino said in a statement Thursday about the World Cup fixtures announced in December, adding “we want the FIFA World Cup to go ahead as scheduled.”

No team has refused a World Cup entry since the 1950 edition, a 13-team event in Brazil held in lingering global chaos after World War II. It would be unprecedented in modern World Cup history for a team’s schedule to be changed after the draw for political reasons.

FIFA’s political limits
“FIFA can’t solve geopolitical conflicts,” said Infantino, who presented his close ally U.S. President Donald Trump with a specially created peace prize at the World Cup draw in December.

“(B)ut we are committed to using the power of football and the FIFA World Cup to build bridges and promote peace as our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a consequence of the ongoing wars,” he said.

The disciplinary investigation of Israeli soccer also was opened 18 months ago in response to the second objection by the Palestinian federation.

The verdict was a fine for the IFA that amounts to 50,000 Swiss francs ($63,000) less than financial penalties imposed on Bosnia-Herzegovina’s soccer federation for misconduct by fans at World Cup qualifying games in November.

FIFA judges criticize Israel soccer federation
FIFA disciplinary judges did uphold charges against Israeli soccer for institutional discrimination and also cited offensive social media comments by senior officials.

“The conduct of the IFA, in failing to take meaningful action against Beitar Jerusalem FC — a club whose supporters have engaged in persistent and well-documented racist behavior — constitutes a clear violation,” the FIFA disciplinary panel said.

One third of the fine must be spent by Israeli officials, FIFA ruled, on “implementation of a comprehensive plan to ensure action against discrimination and to prevent repeated incidents.”

“The plan shall be approved by FIFA and shall focus on the following areas: reforms, protocols, monitoring, and educational campaigns in stadiums and on official channels for an entire season,” FIFA judges decided.

The judges said they “cannot remain indifferent to the broader human context in which football operates” and the sport “must remain a platform for peace, dialogue, and mutual respect.”

Iranian state television announced Friday that Ali Mohammad Naini, spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike, along with his deputy. An Israeli security official later confirmed Naini’s death.

The strike followed a string of increasingly aggressive public statements from Naini, who had positioned himself as a central figure in Iran’s messaging throughout the conflict.
On February 28—the day the war erupted—Naini struck a tone of defiance, declaring, “We are prepared for all scenarios,” while insisting that previous clashes had proven “the military option against Iran is a failure.”

He doubled down days later, warning that Iran was prepared for a prolonged confrontation and hinting at a new arsenal yet to be fully deployed.
“Iranian forces are ready for a long war,” he said on March 6. “New weapons will soon be revealed… The enemy should expect painful blows in every wave of operations.”

Even in his final public remarks last Sunday, Naini remained openly provocative, challenging U.S. claims of crippling Iran’s naval capabilities and daring American forces to re-enter the region.

“Let him send his warships to the Gulf if he has the courage,” Naini said, referring to President Donald Trump. “Most of the missiles we are launching now were produced a decade ago,” he added, suggesting that Iran’s more advanced weaponry had yet to be unleashed.

Just one day before news of the strike broke, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a pointed warning that now appears eerily prescient.

“The last job anyone in the world wants right now is to be a senior leader for the IRGC or Basij,” Hegseth said. “Temp jobs, all of them.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

LONDON (AP) — A man and a woman were arrested after trying to enter the naval base in Scotland that is home to Britain’s nuclear-armed submarines, police said Friday.

Police Scotland said the pair attempted to enter HM Naval Base Clyde at about 5 p.m. (1700GMT) on Thursday. The force said “a 34-year-old man and 31-year-old woman have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.”

Britain’s national news agency, PA, reported that the arrested man is Iranian.

The Royal Navy confirmed the arrests but said that “as the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, we will not comment further.”

The base, also known as Faslane, is home to the core of the U.K.’s submarine fleet, including the subs that carry nuclear weapons.

Britain has been a nuclear power since the 1950s. Since the 1990s, its nuclear deterrent has consisted of four Royal Navy submarines armed with Trident missiles.

Sen. Bernie Sanders has launched a new effort to block a massive U.S. weapons sale to Israel, filing legislation aimed at stopping the transfer of more than 20,000 bombs worth roughly $650–660 million.

The move comes after the Trump administration invoked emergency authority to fast-track the sale, bypassing the usual congressional review process.

Sanders introduced three joint resolutions of disapproval, a tool that allows lawmakers to force a Senate vote on blocking arms sales. The proposed package includes 5,000 small-diameter bombs, 10,000 500-pound bombs, and 12,000 1,000-pound bombs.

In announcing the move, Sanders criticized both the Trump administration and Israel’s government, arguing that the U.S. should not supply additional weapons to a foreign country when there is an ongoing war with Iran and the broader region.

Other foolish supporters of the resolutions claim the weapons in the hands of Israel could worsen civilian harm and raise legal concerns under U.S. foreign aid laws. But in reality, the effort faces long odds in Congress, where, thankfully, support for Israel remains strong across both parties.

In fact, aside from a small group of progressive Democrats, the only potential Republican outlier expected to even consider backing the move is Sen. Rand Paul, who has historically opposed foreign military aid on libertarian grounds.

Previous attempts to block arms sales to Israel have overwhelmingly failed, and this latest push is expected to follow a similar path. Still, the resolutions will likely force a high-profile Senate vote, putting senators on record at a time of growing political tension over U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Ahead of the upcoming Jewish Passover holiday, senior law-enforcement officials across Passaic County convened with community leaders to review security preparations and address public safety concerns during the busy holiday period.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, municipal police chiefs, and other public safety officials to coordinate enhanced security measures. Passover, which draws large gatherings at homes and synagogues, is expected to bring increased shopping activity and heavy traffic throughout the county — particularly in areas with significant Jewish populations.

With antisemitic incidents on the rise both nationally and regionally, including recent concerns in Passaic and neighboring counties, community leaders emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance this year. Officials discussed expanded patrol coverage around houses of worship, schools, and major shopping corridors to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

Assemblyman Gary Schaer of Passaic County, who attended the meeting, urged robust security planning.

“I am extremely concerned, as many residents have already reached out with questions about safety during the holiday,” Schaer said. “It is critical that we provide visible security and reassurance to the community at this time.”

Rabbi Abe Friedman, who serves as chaplain to several law-enforcement agencies including the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office and Prosecutor’s Office, requested increased police presence and extended patrol hours in high-traffic areas within the Jewish community.

Passaic County Councilman Daniel S. Mayer also called for proactive patrols to maintain public safety throughout the holiday.

Volunteer emergency organizations, including Chaveirim and Hatzolah, participated in the meeting and praised law enforcement for their strong partnership and coordination efforts.

Passaic County Sheriff Richard H. Berdnik and Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes issued a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to community safety:

“The Passaic County Sheriff’s Office and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office will be fully prepared and vigilant throughout the Passover holiday. We stand firmly against antisemitism in any form of hate. Any threats, acts of intimidation, or criminal conduct targeting members of the Jewish community will be investigated thoroughly and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Officials encouraged residents to remain alert, report suspicious activity, and follow guidance from local authorities during the holiday period.

Passover begins this year on the evening of April 1.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A fire at an auto parts factory in South Korea’s central city of Daejeon injured at least 55 people on Friday, with officials warning the toll could rise.

The National Fire Agency said 24 were seriously hurt in a blaze likely caused by an explosion. Officials could not immediately confirm whether any of the injured were in life-threatening condition. Nam Deuk-woo, fire chief of the city’s Daedeok district, said authorities were searching for at least 14 other people believed to have been inside the facility when the fire broke out.

Videos and photos from the scene showed thick gray smoke billowing from the complex and some workers jumping from a building.

The fire was reported at about 1:18 p.m. Nam said the cause was not immediately known, but the blaze appeared to have spread rapidly, with witnesses reporting an explosion.

He said the fire destroyed a factory building that firefighters were unable to enter because of concerns it could collapse. Efforts focused on preventing the blaze from spreading to an adjacent facility and removing chemicals from the site. The agency said the facility contained about 200 kilograms (440 pounds) of highly reactive chemicals.

Some people were injured when they jumped from the building to escape, while others suffered from smoke inhalation, Nam said. Police were tracking mobile phone signals of the 14 people still unaccounted-for.

More than 500 firefighters, police and other emergency personnel were deployed, along with about 120 vehicles, evacuation aircraft and equipment, including an unmanned water cannon vehicle and two firefighting robots used in areas difficult for crews to access.

President Lee Jae Myung called for the full mobilization of personnel and equipment to contain the fire and support rescue operations.

Black smoke rises from an auto parts plant in Daejeon, South Korea, Friday, March 20, 2026. (Kim June-beom/Yonhap via AP)

With Pesach approaching, a renewed campaign is underway to provide critical financial assistance to hundreds of families connected to the legacy of Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky ZT”L and Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky ZT”L.

Organizers say they have the ongoing responsibility and privilege of supporting nearly 500 families who live with extreme financial restraint throughout the year. As Yom Tov expenses mount, the need becomes significantly more pressing, with basic necessities often out of reach.

To help alleviate this burden, the initiative distributes approximately $500 per family ahead of Pesach, an amount described as making a substantial difference in allowing recipients to prepare for Pesach with dignity.

Contributions can be made through several methods:

Donor Fund: 113498666

Checks:
Congregation Kehilas Yaakov
c/o Rabbi Shimon Grama
2 Omni Court
Lakewood, NJ 08701

Credit Card:
secure.cardknox.com/congregationkehilasyaakov
PhonePay (no fee): 833-434-3354 (PIN: 021121)

Zelle: 347-678-1509

Tizku L’mitzvos.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Satellite images are beginning to be released giving a glimpse into the toll of the Iran war, with ships ablaze in an Iranian port and destroyed buildings at an American base.

Information has so far been scarce about the damage being done across the Middle East, particularly when it’s inside closed military facilities, since the war started on Feb. 28.

The images come from Planet Labs PBC, a San Francisco-based firm used by media outlets, including The Associated Press. Planet Labs has put a two-week delay on its imagery becoming public, citing concerns its imagery could be used by “adversarial actors.”

High-resolution images also have been published by competing firms. Other providers, like the U.S. Geological Survey, have been publishing lower-resolution imagery as well that’s been useful.

The United States and Israel have been striking a wide variety of targets, including leadership figures in Iran, military bases, missile and air defense sites and positions of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and its volunteer force, the Basij. Iran has responded with drone and missile fire targeting Israel and nearby Gulf Arab nations.

Here’s a look at what’s visible in a selection of Planet Labs’ pictures, as well as others.

Burning ships in Bandar Abbas, Iran
Some of the most dramatic images from Planet Labs so far have been in Bandar Abbas, home to a major Iranian military port next to the crucial Strait of Hormuz connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Images taken on March 2 show ships ablaze at the port. The U.S. military’s Central Command has been targeting Iran’s naval assets and says it has sank or damaged more than 100 Iranian vessels so far in the war.

Israeli airstrike hits Iran’s Parchin military base
Planet Labs’ images from March 6 show damage to several buildings at the Parchin military base outside Tehran, Iran’s capital.

The International Atomic Energy Agency suspects Iran in the past conducted tests of high explosives that could trigger a nuclear weapon. Iran long has insisted its nuclear program is peaceful, though the IAEA, Western intelligence agencies and others say Tehran had an active weapons program up until 2003.

Israel’s military said its Parchin strikes hit “infrastructure used for the production of essential components for the development of various weapons.” The site has been linked to Iran’s ballistic missile program as well.

Major impact at 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain
The island kingdom of Bahrain, home of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, has seen heavy Iranian fire targeting both military bases and oil installations. A March 1 image by Planet Labs shows a major building at the base destroyed, as well as two radomes — geodesic domes covering radar antennas — likely by Iranian missile and drone fire. A later, March 6 Planet Labs photo showed another building damaged.

The Navy has not offered a clear breakdown in the damage done so far at the base, but Iran has repeatedly claimed to have attacked it. Online videos have also shown incoming fire targeting the base. During the 12-day war in June, Iran attacked and destroyed a similar radome at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, used for secure communications.

Satellite images show damage to UAE air base
Satellite images, taken March 15 by an Airbus Defense and Space Pléiades Neo satellite and analyzed by the AP, show damage at Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Air Base. Damage can be seen at one set of hangars to the northwest of the facility. Another hangar to the southeast of the facility appears shredded by fire, with an adjacent hangar sustaining roof damage. It’s unclear what was in the hangars.

Al Dhafra typically hosts some 2,000 American troops and has served as a major base of operations for everything from armed drones to F-35 stealth fighters in recent years. The U.S. military for years only vaguely referred to Al Dhafra as a base in “southwest Asia” before the UAE became more willing to acknowledge the American presence there.

French naval base hit in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, there’s damage seen at France’s Camp de la Paix naval base. Satellite images from March 3 show damage to two large hangarlike buildings at the facility. The base is near Zayed Port, in Abu Dhabi, and close to its Cultural District that includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi and other major museums both open and still under construction.

Fires seen burning
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Landsat satellites also have been key in spotting major fires. Imagery from Landsat taken on Monday showed a fire at Dubai International Airport after an Iranian drone strike set a fuel tanker ablaze at the world’s busiest airport for international travel, causing a plume of noxious black smoke.

Another fire was also seen on Monday at Oman’s southern port in Salalah, which came under attack from suspected Iranian drones on March 11, though Tehran has denied launching them in its campaign targeting Gulf Arab states. The fire apparently has been burning since then.

This image from an Airbus Defence and Space’s Pléiades Neo satellite shows damage after Iranian attacks targeting Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, March 15, 2026. (Airbus Defence and Space© via AP)

This image from an Airbus Defence and Space’s Pléiades Neo satellite shows damage after Iranian attacks targeting Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, March 15, 2026. (Airbus Defence and Space© via AP)

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage after airstrikes targeting Iran’s Parchin military base outside of Tehran, Iran, March 6, 2026. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage after Iranian attacks on the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, March 6, 2026. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

In a powerful and emotional moment, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri joined senior party officials in reciting Mizmor L’Todah, giving thanks to Hashem, after a Knesset Member in a recent stabbing attack in Israel miraculously survived life-threatening injuries.

The victim, Gedalyahu Ben-Shimon, who had been critically wounded in the brutal attack, was initially told he was unlikely to survive. Medical teams fought to stabilize him, and at one point, his condition was described as extremely severe. Yet in what is nothing short of a miracle, his condition began to improve, and he ultimately regained consciousness.

Upon hearing the good news, Deri gathered with Shas officials and associates to publicly give thanks to Hashem. The group recited Mizmor L’Todah together, marking the moment with visible emotion and a sense that they were witnessing something extraordinary.

Sources close to the situation described the recovery as “like returning from death to life.” The public had been praying and hoping intensely for the victim, and his recovery has been seen as a direct answer to those tefillos, no other explanation makes sense.

The attack itself was part of a wave of violence in Israel, but this story quickly shifted from tragic to hopeful, serving as a reminder of resilience, emunah, and the power of prayer even in the darkest moments.

Gasoline prices across the United States continued climbing this month, even as the Trump administration introduced a series of measures aimed at easing the burden on consumers. Analysts caution, however, that these steps are unlikely to bring immediate relief.

By Wednesday, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas had climbed past $3.84, marking the highest level since September 2023. AAA data showed that overnight prices rose another four cents, reaching $3.884. Diesel prices have remained elevated as well, holding above the $5 mark per gallon.

According to Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, the country has just experienced the sharpest four-week increase in gasoline prices ever recorded, with costs jumping by approximately 97 cents.

State-by-state data from AAA indicates that since Sunday alone, average prices for regular gasoline have risen by as much as 38 cents in some areas. Since the beginning of the month, several states have seen increases exceeding $1 per gallon.

As of Thursday, eight states reported average gas prices above $4 per gallon, an increase from six states just one week earlier.

Another group of states — Idaho, Florida, and Michigan — along with Washington, D.C., are now within ten cents of crossing the $4 threshold.

California, Washington, and Hawaii remain the only states where average gas prices have already surpassed $5 per gallon. Oregon is approaching that level, sitting roughly 30 cents below it.

Oklahoma continues to have the lowest average price in the country, with a gallon of regular gas costing $3.243 as of Thursday. Even there, prices have risen by nearly 20 cents compared to last week.

While current prices are high, they have not yet reached the historic peaks seen in 2022. During that summer, every state recorded averages above $4.49 per gallon, with California topping out at $6.438, according to AAA.

Washington state is currently closest to matching its 2022 record of $5.555 per gallon. As of Thursday, its statewide average stands at $5.145. In the remaining 44 states, prices would need to climb by at least another dollar to approach their previous highs.

{Matzav.com}

(AP) – The spokesman for Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard insisted Friday that Tehran was still building missiles, seeking to counter a claim by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it no longer could.

Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini also said the Iran war would go on. A short time later, Iranian state television reported Naeini was killed in an airstrike.

“These people expect the war to continue until the enemy is completely exhausted,” the general said of the Iranian public. “This war must end when the shadow of war is lifted from the country.”

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he sent an official delegation to the United States in a bid to move forward suspended negotiations on ending Russia’s invasion of his country, while a senior Kremlin official indicated Friday that a new round of U.S.-brokered talks between Moscow and Kyiv will likely take place soon.

The trilateral talks, which have yet to produce any breakthrough on key issues, have been on ice while the Iran war has dominated international attention.

Zelenskyy is keen to restore momentum to the negotiations and said late Thursday that he had sent representatives to the U.S. for a meeting expected Saturday. The White House did not confirm any meeting.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia won’t be present at those talks. He said the time and venue for a new trilateral meeting haven’t been agreed yet.

“The pause is temporary, we hope it’s temporary regarding the continuation of the trilateral format,” he said.

Western European officials have over the past year repeatedly accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet in negotiations while he tries to press his bigger army’s battlefield initiative and capture more Ukrainian land. Russian forces hold nearly 20% of Ukraine.

The latest conflict in the Middle East that began Feb. 28 with Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran has diverted international attention from Ukraine’s plight.

At the same time, Russia is getting a financial windfall from a temporary U.S. waiver on oil sanctions while Ukraine is desperately short of cash and still waiting for a 90-billion-euro ($103 billion) loan promised by the European Union.

Kyiv could also get fewer of the advanced air defense missiles it needs to fend off Russian aerial attacks as the Iran war burns through stockpiles.

Putin is widely expected to launch new offensives as the weather in Ukraine improves, piling further pressure on Kyiv.

Ukraine has become one of the world’s leading producers of battle-tested drone interceptors, and Zelenskyy is hoping to provide expertise to Arab Gulf countries targeted by Iranian Shaheds in exchange for air defense missiles.

A team of senior Ukrainian officials has visited the Gulf region in recent days.

“There is an understanding of what new security agreements can be reached with countries in the region,” Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday.

In the days leading up to the war with Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly briefed on an assessment indicating that the Iranian regime might be vulnerable to collapse, according to a report aired Thursday night on Keshet 12’s “Uvda.”

The report stated that during confidential discussions before the launch of the military campaign, Mossad director David 20 presented senior officials with the view that successfully carrying out Israel’s operational plans could ultimately pave the way for regime change in Iran.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, Barnea argued that striking key pillars of the regime—including its leadership, governing structures, and enforcement apparatus—could significantly weaken its grip on power and open the door to a broader internal shift.

He further maintained that once the regime is shaken militarily, intelligence coordination between Israel and the United States could help bring about a decisive outcome. This, he suggested, would involve encouraging widespread public demonstrations inside Iran and supporting the emergence of an alternative leadership to take control.

Speaking publicly Thursday evening, Netanyahu laid out the central aims of the ongoing campaign against Iran. “Our goals are three. One, removing the nuclear threat. Second, removing the ballistic missile threat and removing both of these threats before they’re buried deep underground and become immune from aerial attack. And third, this means creating the conditions for the Iranian people to grasp their freedom, to control their destiny.”

He also described what he characterized as significant progress on the battlefield. “Iran today has no capability to enrich uranium, and it has no ability to produce ballistic missiles. We continue to dismantle these capabilities. We will crush them completely, to dust.”

At the same time, Netanyahu cautioned that the internal outcome within Iran remains uncertain and depends on the actions of its citizens. “It is too early to say whether the Iranian people will seize the conditions we are creating for them to take to the streets… It will depend entirely on them.”

{Matzav.com}

WATCH:

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Bitachon4Life-Shiur-1734-Semichah-Part-34-Only-Him.mp3

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

LISTEN:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tefila4Life-Shiur-1065-Chessed-Keil-Bekadsho.mp3

(AP) — In their latest joint public appearance, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter rode a tank together, state media photos showed Friday, days after they watched rocket launches and fired pistols.

The official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim oversaw firing and other drills involving tank units and infantry troops on Thursday and called for completing war preparations.

KCNA images showed Kim and his daughter, both wearing black leather jackets, riding in an olive-green tank with other soldiers during Thursday’s training. The images showed the girl sticking her head out of the tank’s hatch, while Kim sitting on the top of the tank and smiling.

The girl, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and about 13, has accompanied her father to a number of high-profile military and other events since late 2022, sparking outside speculation that she is her father’s likely heir. North Korean state media has called her Kim Jong Un’s “most beloved” or “respected” child and published footage and photos indicating the two’s closeness.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, center, and his daughter, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae, visit a military training base in North Korea, Thursday, March 19, 2026. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

Last week, they fired pistols during a visit to a light munitions factory and watched a live-fire test of multiple rocket launch systems. Last September, the girl went to Beijing with her father, and during New Years’ Day celebrations she kissed her father on the cheek.

South Korea’s spy agency assessed last month Kim Jong Un was close to designating her as his heir. Some experts disagree with that assessment, citing Kim Jong Un’s relatively young age and the extremely male-dominated nature of North Korea’s power hierarchy.

The North Korean training, meanwhile, came as the U.S. and South Korea were engaged in their annual military exercises that North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal. The U.S. and South Korea wrapped up their 11-day computer-simulated command post exercise on Thursday, but they are still continuing field training.

THERMAL, Calif. (AP) — A desert community in southwestern Arizona reached 110 degrees (43.3 C) on Thursday, breaking a record for the highest March temperature recorded in the United States.

The record-setting temperature was recorded just outside Martinez Lake, Arizona, in the Yuma Desert, as a winter heat wave scorched the Southwest, according to the National Weather Service. The community is about 145 miles (233 kilometers) west of Phoenix and sits on the Arizona-California border.

The previous record of 108 degrees (42.2 C) had been set in Rio Grande City, Texas, in 1954 and was tied Wednesday by the tiny desert community of North Shore, California.

By Thursday, several more California locations had hit 108 degrees (42.2 C). Among them were Cathedral City, near the desert destination of Palm Springs, and the aptly named town of Thermal, northeast of San Diego. The triple-digit temperatures came on the last day of winter.

Thermal was forecast to hit 110 (43.3 C) on Friday and could tie the record.

“For some perspective, the average first 105-degree day of the year normally occurs on May 22nd,” NWS said in a statement.

The blistering wave of heat this week has established record highs in dozens of locations, including Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

Ruben Pantaleon said the heat didn’t bother him as he used a squeegee to clean car windshields at an intersection in Thermal on Thursday afternoon. He wore shorts and had a supply of electrolyte drinks on hand.

“I drank three of those so far,” he said under the blaring sun. “It’s the desert. It gets real hot. I’m not worried about it.”

Several cities on Thursday experienced their hottest March day on record, according to the NWS.

Phoenix reached 105 degrees (40.6 C), surpassing the previous record of 102 degrees (38.9 C) set Wednesday.

Wednesday also marked the earliest day of triple-digit temperatures in Phoenix. The last time Phoenix temperatures climbed above 100 during March was almost 40 years ago. Hiking trails around the city were closed Thursday because of the risk of heat illness.

Las Vegas hit 95 degrees (35 C), topping the previous record of 94 degrees (34.4 C) set Wednesday.

It will continue to be 20 to 30 degrees above normal temperatures for March for the rest of the week in the Southwest before the mercury drops slightly starting Sunday. Many other cities in the region are expected to see their earliest 100-plus degree (37.8-plus C) day on record, according to the weather service.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Less than a week after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul listened as one of the plaintiffs in the case recounted the financial toll of the levies on his wine importing business.

“This is a heavy tax and you have to pay it up front,” Victor Schwartz, the owner of VOS Selections, told Hochul as they walked alongside bottles of wine he imports from 16 countries.

As Hochul seeks reelection this year, she says the impact of Trump’s tariffs is a “centerpiece” of her message. She has pressed the administration to issue a $13.5 billion tariff refund to New Yorkers following the Supreme Court decision. And she released an ad this week criticizing her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman, for supporting the levies and attending the White House event where Trump unveiled them with a massive board listing the rate for each country.

“This is a lethal issue for Republicans this November,” Hochul said in an interview. “You can be sure we’re going to make sure people know who did this to them.”

She’s not alone. Democrats running for governor across the country are making tariffs central to their pitch to voters. They’re betting that in an election year dominated by issues ranging from immigration to the war in Iran, rising costs connected to the tariffs will be a motivating issue for many voters.

“That picture of (Trump) with the tariff board is going to be front and center in every single one of our campaigns,” Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, who is leading the Democratic Governors Association this year, said in an interview.

White House spokesman Kush Desai countered that “what Democrats are really running against are President Trump’s Most-Favored-Nations deals to slash prescription drug prices by up to 90 percent, trillions in investments to bring manufacturing back to America, and new trade deals that level the playing field for American workers.”

“All of these historic victories were possible because of tariffs.”

This is a challenging election year for the GOP
Republicans are entering a challenging election year as they contend with voter anxiety around spiking prices — an issue Trump pledged to fix during his 2024 campaign — and the record of a president’s party losing ground during the midterms.

Much of the focus has been on Congress, where Democrats are just a few seats shy of taking the House majority. But the party is also aiming to regain ground outside Washington as they hope to hold onto governorships in Arizona, Michigan and Wisconsin and eye GOP-held seats in Nevada, Georgia and Iowa.

In interviews this week, Democrats running in some of those states said tariffs and the broader issue of affordability will be at the forefront of their agenda.

In Nevada, state Attorney General Aaron Ford sued the administration over its initial round of tariffs and is suing again as Trump seeks to revive them. As he seeks the Democratic nomination to take on Republican incumbent Gov. Joe Lombardo, Ford called the tariffs “illegal” and blamed them for restaurant closures and fewer visitors to his tourism-dependent state.

“Tariffs are at the very top of the conversation because Nevadans every single day are feeling the impacts,” Ford said.

In Arizona, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs is seeking reelection in a state Trump won by more than 5 percentage points in 2024 with a focus on costs. She criticized GOP Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert, who are vying for the nomination to challenge her, for “cheering on these reckless tariffs.” Both lawmakers voted against a measure last month to end the national emergency Trump declared to impose tariffs on Canada.

Hobbs said the cost concern was about more than tariffs, noting Medicaid cuts, rising health costs and a spike in gas prices in the wake of the war in Iran.

“They’re being hit everywhere,” she said.

Republicans try to turn affordability concerns back on Democrats
Republicans largely reject the tariff criticism and are trying to turn the anxiety about affordability back on Democrats, especially in high-cost states where they already govern. Blakeman, for instance, said in a statement that Hochul is “solely responsible for the affordability crisis in New York, with crushing electric bills, soaring insurance rates and the highest taxes in America.”

In an interview, Schweikert argued that “it was only a few years ago in a previous administration that the Democrats actually liked tariffs. So this seems to be if Trump’s for it, they’re against it.”

Trump, for his part, hasn’t given up on the tariffs. After calling the Supreme Court’s decision “ unfortunate,” his administration is scrambling to find ways to revive the levies. The president has already announced a 10% tariff using a different mechanism, a move that’s facing legal challenges, and wants to further raise tariffs to 15%.

But Trump’s prediction of a manufacturing renaissance that would result from companies making more products in the U.S. to avoid tariffs has not materialized. During the first year of his second term, 98,000 manufacturing jobs were lost. Revenue from tariffs is doing little to reduce the federal deficit, which is projected to climb over the next decade.

Polling suggests unease about the dramatic way Trump has imposed the levies. In January, before the Supreme Court’s ruling, about 6 in 10 U.S. adults said Trump went too far in imposing new tariffs and using presidential power, an AP-NORC poll found.

A balancing act for the GOP
Now Republicans are trying to balance acknowledging the public’s concern without antagonizing Trump, who remains popular among the GOP base.

Lombardo’s response to a question about tariffs last year in a local television interview has given Democrats persistent fodder. The governor said, “We need to maybe feel a little pain in the short term and hopefully in the long term it’s a huge benefit for us.”

“We’re feeling it,” Ford said of the pain, “and Nevadans are ready for new leadership.”

In a statement, Drew Galang, Lombardo’s communications director, said that “while the governor cannot control federal trade policy, he has prioritized policies to drive growth in Nevada — diversifying the state’s economy, cutting red tape, and attracting billions of dollars of business investments.”

The competing pressure on Lombardo was on display in a letter he sent to Trump last year, urging the president to lift tariffs on lithium. He argued that since “domestic processing is not yet a viable option, the current environment poses a serious risk to jobs in Nevada and across the country.”

But he didn’t reject Trump’s overall tariff push, expressing “sincere appreciation for your efforts to return manufacturing jobs back to United States soil.”

New survey released Thursday shows Israelis still report high life satisfaction during the war years, even as worry, anger and distrust rise sharply.

Israel ranked eighth worldwide in the World Happiness Report 2026 released Thursday, maintaining its position from last year despite nearly three years of war and national upheaval since the October 7 attacks. The ranking, based on a three-year average of life-evaluation surveys conducted by Gallup, gave Israel a score of 7.187.

Finland again topped the global ranking with a score of 7.764, followed by Iceland, Denmark, Costa Rica, Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands. Luxembourg and Switzerland rounded out the top ten. The report evaluated 147 countries, with Afghanistan ranking last, preceded by Sierra Leone, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

One of the most striking findings relates to young Israelis. Those under 25 rank third globally among their peers, trailing only Serbia and Costa Rica. By comparison, young Americans ranked 60th and Canadians 71st. Other Israeli age groups also scored highly, placing around 11th globally on average.

At the same time, the report paints a more complicated picture of the country’s emotional climate. Indicators measuring worry, sadness and anger surged dramatically, with Israel jumping from 119th place before the war to 39th today. Public trust indicators also deteriorated: Israel ranked 107th in perceived corruption and 88th in freedom of choice, reflecting growing public frustration.

“The result of Israel in this year’s happiness report does not cancel out the psychological and social cost of the war, but rather highlights the gap between Israeli resilience and the difficult emotional reality of everyday life,” said Anat Fanti, a happiness policy researcher at Bar-Ilan University. “The rise in indicators of worry and anger and the erosion of public trust make clear that resilience does not mean immunity.”

Pentagon and intelligence leaders say operations are intensifying and outline Washington’s military objectives as the conflict with Iran enters its third week.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday there is no fixed timeline for ending the war with Iran, stressing that the decision will ultimately rest with President Donald Trump as the conflict entered its nineteenth day. “Ultimately, it will be the president’s decision when we say, ‘We’ve achieved what we need to on behalf of the American people to ensure our security,’” Hegseth said during a Pentagon briefing.

Hegseth said U.S. forces have already struck more than 7,000 targets across Iran since the campaign began, hitting missile infrastructure, naval assets, and other military facilities. When asked how long the war could last, he declined to offer a timeline. “We wouldn’t want to set a definitive time frame on that,” he said, adding that the United States is “winning decisively, and on our terms.”

Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff overseeing the campaign, indicated the pace of operations is continuing to increase rather than slow down. “We will continue major combat operations,” Caine said during the same briefing. “We continue to get busier.”

At the same time, U.S. intelligence officials suggested Washington’s goals in the war are narrowly focused on degrading Iran’s military capabilities rather than targeting its leadership. Testifying before Congress, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Israeli and American objectives are not identical. “The objectives that have been laid out by the president are different from the objectives that have been laid out by the Israeli government,” Gabbard said, explaining that U.S. strategy centers on destroying Iran’s ballistic missile launch capability, missile production infrastructure, and elements of its navy.

Taken together, the remarks from Washington’s top defense and intelligence officials suggest the campaign is still intensifying rather than winding down, with no defined timeline for when the conflict may end.

TEHRAN (VINnews) – The Israel Defense Forces have initiated a new wave of airstrikes targeting infrastructure linked to Iran’s military and defense apparatus, including the sensitive Parchin military complex southeast of Tehran, according to reports from the region.

The strikes, which began overnight, focused on Parchin, a site long associated with Iran’s missile development programs and suspected past nuclear-related activities. Residents in nearby areas reported multiple explosions, with one describing the ground shaking, windows rattling, and continuous blasts lasting approximately five minutes. Air defense systems were activated shortly afterward, with visible anti-aircraft activity over the capital.

Video footage circulating from Tehran showed plumes of smoke rising from the direction of Parchin, and eyewitness accounts detailed heavy detonations in the area, as well as reports of strikes in other parts of the province.

The Parchin complex has been a repeated target in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which escalated dramatically in late February 2026 with joint U.S.-Israeli operations that have included thousands of strikes across Iranian territory. Previous attacks on Parchin, including confirmed hits on facilities such as the Taleghan compound, have aimed to disrupt Iran’s ballistic missile production and related capabilities. Israeli officials have described such sites as critical to degrading the Iranian regime’s ability to produce advanced munitions.

The latest wave comes amid sustained Israeli Air Force operations in Tehran and surrounding regions, with reports of additional targets hit in western Iran and other provinces. Iranian state media has remained largely silent on the specific incident, though local accounts indicate widespread air defense engagements.

No immediate confirmation of casualties or the full extent of damage at Parchin was available, and Iranian officials have not issued an official response. The IDF has not yet released a detailed statement on the operation, but it aligns with ongoing efforts to target what Israel describes as infrastructure supporting the “Iranian terror regime.”

The strikes mark another escalation in the broader U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iranian military assets, which has included attacks on IRGC headquarters, missile sites, and energy infrastructure since the conflict’s outset.

0

VINnews is monitoring developments and will update as more information becomes available.

📰 Headline News

• Trump administration is considering deploying additional troops to reinforce U.S. operations in the Middle East.
• Israel’s security cabinet convenes overnight. Ministers were told fighting could continue for several more weeks.
• Gulf states publicly condemn Israel while they are privately pushing for regime change in Iran.

🕍 Jewish News

• Swastikas and Palestinian flags deface a Chabad House in Salzburg in a disturbing antisemitic attack.
• R’ Yitzchok Dovid Vann Z”L killed in a devastating house fire in the Catskills.

Israeli News

• Israeli government caps rescue flights at 130 passengers, forcing cancellations for previously approved travelers.
• Reports of multiple civilians wounded in Kiryat Shmona following a Hezbollah rocket barrage.
• Shrapnel from an Iranian ballistic missile reportedly strikes an oil refinery in Haifa.
• Despite ongoing war and daily threats, Israel still ranks 8th happiest country in the world.

🌍 International News

• Iran’s attack on Qatar knocks out roughly 17% of its gas export capacity.
• A U.S. F-35 fighter jet forced into emergency landing after being struck by Iranian fire.
• Massive lines reported at U.S. airports amid a DHS-related disruption.
• Alaska Airlines 737 and FedEx 777 narrowly avoid mid-air collision at Newark, missing by just 300 feet.
• NASA announces plans to send humans farther into space than ever before.

🏛 Political News

• Secretary Scott Bessent says the Iranian regime may collapse internally soon.
• FBI former Director James Comey subpoenaed by DOJ over his role in the 2017 Russia intel assessment.
• Gov. Kathy Hochul urges wealthy New Yorkers to return from Florida, as the State struggles with the annual budget.
• CNN reports continued strong support for Trump among MAGA voters despite Iran war tensions and criticism.

National News

• Drones spotted flying over a U.S. Army base where senior officials, including Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, reside , triggering heightened security.
• State Department partners with El Al to help return Americans stranded abroad.
• U.S. Mint reviewing a commemorative Trump coin for potential release.
• Jobless claims fall by 8,000 to 205,000, the lowest level since January.

💼 Business News

• Uber to invest $1.25 billion in Rivian to deploy 50,000 robotaxis by 2031.
• Rare Trump sneakers listed for $180,000 at a sneaker expo.
• NYC now spending more per homeless individual than the median income ($81,700).

🏀 Sports

• Avdija, Saraf, and Wolf make history as the first Israeli trio to share an NBA court.

At a special tefillah gathering held Thursday night in Bnei Brak in response to the ongoing situation, Maran Rav Dov Landau delivered a message of chizuk, calling on the public to strengthen their commitment to Torah learning and prayer, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a calm, supportive, and even uplifting atmosphere at home.

Opening his remarks, Rav Landau described the current moment as one of danger, while also pointing to the clear Divine protection being witnessed. He said, “It is a time of distress for Yaakov, but from it we will be saved. The Jewish people are in a מצב of war, and the dangers are great—Hashem should protect us. Baruch Hashem, we are seeing great miracles, and the Ribbono Shel Olam is saving us from their hands.”

He explained that the gathering, held in a community known for its strong dedication to learning and prayer—especially during bein hazmanim—was meant to serve as a moment of collective tefillah and reflection. He added, “According to the natural order, there is no logic to being saved from so many cruel and dangerous enemies. There is no doubt that Torah protects and saves, along with prayer to the Creator, and faith that everything Hashem does is for the good.”

Turning to the challenges of this time of year, Rav Landau spoke about the pressures of bein hazmanim and the busy days leading up to Pesach, noting that this period can lead to a weakening in consistent learning, particularly for avreichim with young children at home. He said, “These are the days of bein hazmanim, and a time of pre-Pesach pressures, and it can bring a certain weakening in Torah learning—especially when young children are home, making it difficult for many to find uninterrupted time to learn.”

Despite these challenges, he stressed that each individual must take responsibility to ensure that learning continues. “Every avreich must reflect and find a time when he can sit and learn, and according to the effort is the reward. It is extremely important that not even a single day passes without Torah learning.”

He emphasized that the need for Torah is even greater during such times, while also reminding listeners to remain attentive to their families. “The Jewish people need our Torah now more than ever. But at the same time, one must be attentive to the needs of the home and the difficulties family members are experiencing, helping as needed and caring for the children, who are also going through an unusual and stressful time and may have fears.”

Rav Landau placed particular focus on the home environment, encouraging warmth and positivity. “Each person must create a pleasant and positive atmosphere at home. One can share light, sharp thoughts—even a bit of humor—and even sing at home. The main thing is to act with patience and create a calm environment.”

He also urged parents to set aside time to learn with their children. “It is very important to establish a set time to learn with the children, so that they remain connected to Torah, and the Torah of young children has great value.”

Addressing yeshiva bochurim, he noted that their responsibility is even greater, while also reminding them of their obligation to honor their parents. “Yeshiva students are not burdened in the same way, and therefore their obligation to be immersed in Torah is even greater—each one according to what his heart desires to learn. At the same time, they have the mitzvah of honoring their parents, and these days provide an opportunity to fulfill that mitzvah properly, with respect and with a good spirit.”

He concluded by calling for serious and heartfelt prayer, stressing that it must be said with focus and sincerity. “We need a great deal of prayer from the depths of the heart, that the Ribbono Shel Olam should have mercy on us and save us from all decrees and enemies. One must pray seriously, with proper intent, and not treat it as a burden. Even the additional Tehillim being said now must be recited with sincerity and heartfelt pleading for mercy.”

He also warned against treating the situation lightly. “There is an obligation to be careful and to protect oneself from danger, and not to treat the situation with dismissal or lightheadedness.”

Rav Landau concluded with a heartfelt tefillah that Klal Yisroel should soon see salvation, return to calm, and merit celebrating the upcoming Yom Tov with peace and joy.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a deeply personal message during a press briefing on Thursday, recounting a conversation with his teenage son that underscored the human cost of the ongoing war and the stakes involved for future generations.

Speaking to reporters, Hegseth described how his 13-year-old son entered his office the night before as he was preparing his remarks and asked about the conflict and the families he had recently met at Dover Air Force Base.

“My 13-year-old son popped into my office last night while I was editing these remarks,” he shared. “He asked about the war and the families I met at Dover.”

Hegseth said he responded candidly, explaining the sacrifices made by fallen service members and what he believes those sacrifices are meant to protect.

“And I looked at him and I said, ‘They died for you, son, so that your generation doesn’t have to deal with a nuclear Iran.'”

Reflecting on that exchange, he emphasized that he believes those words capture a difficult but real truth.

“It’s the truth, and they did,” he added.

Hegseth went on to address the families of fallen soldiers, saying their calls to see the mission through would be honored, and he extended that message to Americans who support a strong national defense.

“So, to the families who said ‘finish this’ – we will. And I say the same to every American who wants peace through strength. May Almighty G-d continue to bless our troops in this fight, and again, to the American people: Please pray for them.”

{Matzav.com}

Deputy President of the Supreme Court, Justice Noam Solberg, sharply criticized the conduct of Attorney General Gali Baharav‑Miara this week and ordered her to pay the legal costs incurred due to the legal proceedings against her.

His remarks came in a ruling on a petition filed by the Choosing Life organization, which demanded an investigation into a series of serious security leaks published by journalist Ronen Bergman, who writes for The New York Times and Yediot Achranot.

In his decision, Solberg ordered the State Attorney’s Office to rule within no more than three months on an appeal expected to be submitted in the case, citing the urgency of the matter. The petition concerns a demand to investigate leaks that created “an enormous risk to Israel’s security and the safety of IDF soldiers,” foremost among them a report published by Bergman on the eve of the pager operation in Lebanon, which referenced “reckless steps” taken by the government in the north.

The State Prosecutor’s Office previously ruled that the report did not constitute a classified leak, and the same conclusion was reached regarding another leak in which Bergman admitted receiving, via WhatsApp, an outline of Israel’s war plan against Hezbollah.

Justice Solberg criticized the Attorney General’s foot‑dragging in investigating the leaks and noted the “very close timing” between the date of the court hearing and the sudden progress in handling the complaint.

The ruling explicitly states that the Attorney General concealed information from the court, noting that “information of importance was missing from the preliminary response.” Solberg added that such conduct “cannot be accepted from any litigant—all the more so from representatives of the state.” The matter is now expected to return to the Supreme Court, which will decide whether an investigation will be opened.

The Choosing Life organization responded: “The pager leak and the publication of reports that endangered one of the most important operations in the state’s history represent a journalistic and security low point. The harsh criticism regarding the concealment of information and the foot‑dragging by Gali Baharav‑Miara and the State Prosecutor’s Office is an event that should shake the State of Israel. We’re witnessing selective enforcement that endangers Israel’s security.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

The State Department has partnered with El Al Airlines to arrange non-stop flights, designated exclusively for American citizens, from Tel Aviv to the United States. These flights have already allowed more than 2,000 American citizens to return to the United States from Israel. Tickets for these flights were provided at a discount rate to ensure that Americans wishing to leave Israel have the opportunity to do so.

Returning American Citizens to the United States:

• El Al chartered flights from Israel to Newark and New York from March 16 to March 19 have returned over 2,000 Americans to the United States at no cost to the American taxpayer.
• Each of these flights was designated exclusively for American citizens.
• El Al is offering tickets for these flights at a discount and below cost, and waived reticketing charges for those who already held a ticket.
• Additionally, El Al will continue to reserve a percentage of seats on all regular U.S.-bound flights for Americans wishing to depart Israel.
• El Al has scheduled 28 commercial flights to North America to take place over the next 7 days to the extent permitted by the Israeli authorities.
• After the launch of Operation Epic Fury, the Department offered charter flight options to thousands of Americans wishing to leave Israel to Athens and destinations in the United States, as well as ground transportation options to Egypt – with supply exceeding demand on nearly every chartered flight and bus.

Additional Options for American Citizens Returning to the United States from Israel:

• Ben Gurion Airport is open for other limited commercial flights including from El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa.
• Americans seeking to depart Israel should also consider overland routes to Taba, Egypt, where commercial options to depart the region are currently operating.
• The Israeli Ministry of Transport has provided an application form for foreign nationals staying in Israel to request support departing Israel during an emergency.

Building On the State Department’s Evacuation Effort:

• More than 70,000 Americans have left the Middle East and returned to the United States since February 28.
• The State Department provided security guidance and travel assistance to more than 41,000 American citizens.
• The United States government arranged over 60 evacuation flights from the Middle East since February 28.
• The State Department has reached out to every American who has registered interest in our support and offered them personalized assistance.
• The State Department is also continuing to help Americans in other countries in the region who are seeking options to depart.

The Above is US State Department Press Release

A remarkable and deeply moving incident took place in Bnei Brak, offering a powerful glimpse into the refined character of Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein. What began as a routine trip home from his weekly shiur turned into a quiet but unforgettable lesson in gratitude.

On Monday evening, Rav Zilberstein was returning from his well-known shiur at the central shul in Ramat Elchanan when, at exactly 9:00 p.m., a siren sounded warning of incoming missiles from Iran. Traveling along Rechov Rav Kahaneman on his way home to Ramat Gan, he immediately began looking for the nearest protected area.

According to his driver, Reb Dovid Tzivyon, one of his close talmidim, the closest safe space was inside the well-known “HaTzvi” bakery across from the entrance to Ramat Elchanan. The car stopped right away, and Rav Zilberstein entered the bakery together with everyone else, acting like any ordinary person seeking safety.

As the siren continued, everyone moved into the reinforced shelter. Rav Zilberstein stood there for several long minutes, repeatedly reciting Tehillim in his familiar, moving tune.

Those who were present described the experience as deeply calming. Being in a shelter during a missile alert is naturally frightening, but standing together with such a towering figure brought a sense of calm and reassurance to everyone around.

Witnesses also noted that when someone offered him a chair, he firmly refused, pointing instead to women standing nearby with their children and indicating that they should sit first. He remained standing the entire time.

Once the all-clear was given, Rav Zilberstein stepped outside, quickly surrounded by people eager to receive a brachah or a few words—something that usually requires scheduling and waiting.

Then, unexpectedly, he paused, turned around, and went back into the bakery. He asked his driver to take a few baked goods so he could pay for them. When asked if he needed anything specific, he replied simply that he didn’t actually need anything, but wanted to buy something out of gratitude for the bakery allowing them to take shelter there during the siren.

And so, Rav Zilberstein stood in line like any other customer, took out his own wallet, and paid for a few items. No attention, no ceremony, just a sincere act of appreciation.

Those who witnessed it were deeply moved, capturing the moment and reflecting on the purity and sincerity they had just seen.

Reb Tzivyon later described the moment: Even with a crowd pressing around him for brachos and questions, Rav Zilberstein still noticed the smallest details and acted on them, despite not needing anything he purchased.

{Matzav.com}

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled Thursday that the Trump administration is actively weighing a staggering $200 billion supplemental funding request to Congress.  The potential request, first reported as under discussion inside the Pentagon, is aimed not only at sustaining the current military campaign but at confronting a deeper concern: that America’s weapons stockpile—and its ability to replenish it—may be under strain.

“As far as the $200 billion, I think that number could move,” Hegseth told reporters. Then, in blunt terms, he framed the urgency behind the proposal: “It takes money to kill bad guys.”

The funding would come on top of an already costly campaign. As of early March—just days into Operation Epic Fury—the U.S. had already spent more than $11 billion on strikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure. Since then, the scale of operations has only intensified, with officials now saying that more than 7,000 targets have been hit across the country.

But the proposed $200 billion figure goes far beyond replenishing what has been spent.

“An investment like this is meant to say, ‘We’ll replace anything that was spent,’” Hegseth said. “And now we’re reviving our defense industrial base and rebuilding the arsenal of freedom.”

Behind the scenes, concern has been mounting for months. Despite public assurances from President Trump that the United States has a “virtually unlimited supply” of weapons, administration officials have privately warned that key munitions reserves are running dangerously low, particularly in the event of a larger confrontation with a near-peer adversary like China.

“Perilously low,” is how one senior lawmaker described current stockpiles, warning that a second major conflict could stretch U.S. capabilities thin.

The Pentagon has already taken steps to ramp up readiness, pressing defense contractors to shift toward what Hegseth previously called a “wartime footing.” The goal: accelerate production, expand capacity, and ensure the U.S. can sustain prolonged, high-intensity conflict.

Still, the road ahead in Congress is far from certain.

A $200 billion request would face immediate scrutiny on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers from both parties are already voicing concern about the growing cost—and unclear duration—of the war. President Trump, who once campaigned against “forever wars,” has offered no firm timeline for the conflict’s end, instead suggesting it will conclude when U.S. objectives are fully achieved.

Hegseth echoed that ambiguity on Thursday.

“We wouldn’t want to set a definitive time frame,” he said. “It will be at the president’s choosing… when we’ve achieved what we need to ensure our security.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

NEW YORK (VINnews/Rabbi Yair Hoffman) – There is a very important Mitzvah of Vidui, which is often neglected because of a number of factors. When visiting someone who is gravely ill, the halacha instructs the visitor to gently bring the conversation around to the vidui — and then to offer the patient a crucial reassurance: saying these words does not seal your fate. Many people have recited the vidui and walked out of that hospital room. The confession is not a death sentence. It is a lifeline.
And for the patient who can barely speak? Even a handful of words will do: “May my death be an atonement for all my sins.” That is enough. That whisper, though barely audible, carries the weight of a full confession.
There is one more thing the halacha asks of the dying: to seek forgiveness from anyone they have wronged. Because we do not only leave this world in relationship with Hashem — we leave it in relationship with each other.

The foundation of the mitzvah is gemilus chassadim that the ill person should be encouraged to confess. The goal is twofold: Firstly it is of great  spiritual benefit for the sick person, and secondly it is an expression of closeness to Hashem at a moment of vulnerability.

One should encourage the choleh to say vidui while reassuring him — “rabbim shavu vichayu — many have said vidui and continued to live.”

The key components of Vidui are:

Acknowledgment of Torah and our Mesorah
The choleh affirms his or her faith in the Torah of Moshe Rabbeinu, that it was given at Har Sinai, transmitted through the Neviim and Chachamim, and also that he believes in the Zohar and Kabbalistic works as an authentic part of that transmission. He declares his belief that Hashem is One, that His Torah is truth, and that He alone is Melech al kol ha’aretz.

The choleh confesses his sins in thought, speech, and deed (machshavah, dibur, u’maaseh), asking for complete forgiveness and atonement. He specifically asks that his illness — or if it comes to it, his death — serve as a kapparah for all his transgressions.

Despite the gravity of the moment, the vidui includes a direct plea to Hashem as Rofeh kol basar to restore the person to complete health. He invokes Hashem as Rofei ha’cholim and asks that his recovery come speedily.
Tehillim are Incorporated into the Vidui
There are particular mizmorim to be recited. These include:

Mizmor LeDovid (Tehillim כ״ג) — “Hashem ro’i lo echsar”
L’Dovid — Hashem ori (Tehillim כ״ז)
Mizmor l’sodah (Tehillim ק׳)
Ana Hashem ki ani avdecha (Tehillim קט״ז)

There are also specific pesukim: “Tov lehodos laHashem” and the verse “Hodu laHashem ki tov ki l’olam chasdo” (Tehillim ק״ז).

The choleh fully accepts the din of Hashem, surrendering to whatever decree is issued, expressing complete bitachon.

He prays that if death does come, his neshamah should be bound in the tzror hachaim alongside the souls of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, and the Shekhinah. He asks for a portion in the World to Come and in the resurrection.

The  custom in Klal Yisrael is not to stand at the feet of the dying (raglov).
The custom of the tzaddikim is to donate tzedakah at the bedside and recite Tehillim (100, 91, 119 sections)

Much of the above was culled from Rav Nachum Yavrov zt”l’s sefer on Aveilus – Divrei Sofrim.  

The author can be reached at [email protected]

This article was written l’zaicher Nishmas the author’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Sally Hirsch, Tzalcha Bas R’ Moshe HaKohain

NEW YORK (AP) — Federal auto regulators have escalated a probe of Tesla after several of its cars crashed while using its self-driving feature, just as CEO Elon Musk prepares to roll out a new model with no steering wheel or pedals.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a memo dated March 18 that it was examining nine crashes where the self-driving software failed to quickly alert drivers to take control in fog and other poor conditions because the vehicle’s cameras weren’t picking out road hazards. The NHTSA memo signals a regulatory investigation begun in 2024 over poor visibility crashes could now lead to enforcement action, possibly including a recall of 3.2 million Tesla vehicles.

Tesla stock fell 3.2% to $380.30.

The increased regulatory scrutiny comes as Tesla is trying to convince investors that the future of the company lies less in selling cars as sales drop and more in making its self-driving software ubiquitous. Musk has said he will soon turn millions of Tesla cars already on the road into taxis that their owners can rent out when they are not using them.

As part of that transition, Musk said Tesla will roll out its robotaxi service with no one behind the wheel in several U.S. cities this year. It is also planning to launch production of its no-wheel-no-pedal Cybercab to sell to customers next month.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Unlike other autonomous vehicles, Tesla vehicles rely solely on cameras to spot problems on the road. Others supplement cameras with light radar or lidar, a more expensive method that Musk has dismissed as unnecessary.

The NHTSA probe into crashes when there is sun glare or dust or too much fog will now move to an “engineering analysis,” a more serious level of scrutiny.

Tesla had called its driver assistance software Full Self-Driving, or FSD, a name that auto experts and regulators have said is misleading because drivers must always keep their eyes on the road and be ready to take over at any time. The company has since changed the name to Full Self-Driving (Supervised).

Of the nine crashes under review, Tesla has told regulators that three would not have occurred with new over-the-air FSD upgrades.

Tesla is facing several regulatory other probes including one over its FSD-equipped cars running red lights and another on door handles that reportedly failed to work in crashes, trapping passengers inside.

A landmark moment unfolded Monday night at Barclays Center when Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers faced Brooklyn Nets rookies Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf, marking the first time three Israeli players appeared in the same NBA game. Portland won 114–95, but the historic significance of the night drew much more attention.

Nets, Blazers make 'special' history with three Israelis playing in same game https://t.co/69TdUIVhlx pic.twitter.com/II4CamzPmA

— New York Post (@nypost) March 17, 2026

The most established of the three is Deni Avdija, a 25-year-old forward from Israel who was selected ninth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft and is now in his fifth NBA season. After beginning his pro career with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Avdija entered the league with Washington before being acquired by Portland on July 6, 2024. He has grown into one of the Trail Blazers’ central pieces, and in Monday’s game, he finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. NBA.com currently lists him at 6-foot-8, 228 pounds, with 24.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game this season.

Deni Avdija

Ben Saraf is the youngest of the trio. The 19-year-old guard was selected by Brooklyn with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after developing with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany. The Nets then formally announced his signing on July 3, 2025. NBA.com lists Saraf at 6-foot-6, 200 pounds, and he entered the league with a reputation for ball-handling and advanced playmaking for his age. On Monday night, he turned in one of the better games of his young NBA career, posting 15 points and 4 assists against Portland.

Ben Saraf

The third player in the game, Danny Wolf, comes from a somewhat different path. Wolf is an American-Israeli big man who played collegiately at Yale and then Michigan before Brooklyn selected him with the 27th overall pick in the 2025 draft, one spot after Saraf. He also signed with the Nets on July 3, 2025. NBA.com lists Wolf at 6-foot-11, 250 pounds. In Monday’s game, he contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Danny Wolf

There was also another layer of history here: Saraf and Wolf were chosen back-to-back by the same team in the first round of the 2025 draft, a rare moment on its own before they ever shared the floor with Avdija. By Monday night, that draft curiosity had turned into an NBA first.

The game itself was pretty straightforward. Portland pulled ahead and stayed in control pretty much the whole game, eventually winning 114–95. They just looked stronger all night, moving the ball well and pulling away in the second half. Brooklyn had some decent moments, especially from their younger guys, but couldn’t really keep it close. Still, the score almost felt secondary with everyone watching every second the three Israeli players were on the court.

This is a really cool milestone for Israeli basketball players, as three players, all at different stages, all shared the same NBA floor. Avdija is already proving he belongs. Saraf looks like a guard with serious upside. Wolf brings size and feel that teams value. Seeing all three out there felt like a glimpse of what can come next.

The Boyaner Rebbe paid a special visit to the Belzer Rebbe to express appreciation after the wedding of his granddaughter was relocated to Belzer facilities following a security incident earlier in the week.

After a projectile fragment struck the Boyaner kloiz, the chasunah was moved to the underground complex of Belz, in the heichal of the “Groisseh Shtib” in Kiryas Belz in Yerushalayim. Ahead of the mitzvah tanz, the Boyaner Rebbe came to personally thank the Belzer Rebbe during a private meeting.

At the outset of their conversation, the Boyaner Rebbe warmly expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and gracious hosting extended by the Belzer Rebbe and his community. The Belzer Rebbe inquired about the beis medrash where the fragment had fallen, asking whether it was a temporary or permanent structure. In response, the Boyaner Rebbe spoke about the many nissim being witnessed during this period across Eretz Yisroel, while noting that there is still a need for rachamim, chassadim, and the coming of the geulah sheleimah.

The Belzer Rebbe responded that the galus has already lasted long enough, to which the Boyaner Rebbe replied, “בניסן נגאלו ובניסן עתידין להיגאל.”

The Boyaner Rebbe then requested that a Belzer niggun be sung, and together they sang “Meherah Hashem Elokeinu.” During the singing, the Boyaner Rebbe held the Belzer Rebbe’s hand, creating a moving moment of connection. Afterwards, they recited a bracha over wine, and the Belzer Rebbe offered his brachos for the simchah, while the Boyaner Rebbe in turn blessed the Belzer Rebbe with arichus yamim v’shanim tovos and extended wishes ahead of the upcoming Yom Tov of Pesach.

Later, before the mitzvah tanz, the Boyaner Rebbe publicly expressed words of praise and heartfelt thanks to the Belzer Rebbe and the Belz community for their assistance and support in ensuring the simchah could proceed despite the circumstances.

{Matzav.com}

Tehillim is needed for a 39-year-old father from North Woodmere who suffered devastating injuries in a car crash Thursday morning.

As YWN reported, Hatzolah and emergency personnel responded to a serious crash at Branch Blvd and University Street. The victim, a North Woodmere resident and a Chaveirim volunteer, was heavily entrapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by fire department rescue crews.

He was transported by Hatzolah to the hospital in critical condition.

Please say Tehillim for Moshe Yosef ben Chaya.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)