JERUSALEM – Three hostages, including 80-year-old Gadi Moses, Arbel Yehud, and Agam Berger—the fifth remaining hostage—are scheduled to be released from Hamas captivity tomorrow (Thursday) after 482 days, Yediot Ahronot reports.. The move follows a list of hostages provided by Hamas after they threatened delays in the process, citing “disruptions in aid distribution.”
The release will also include five Thai nationals who have been held hostage, marking a significant step in the ongoing negotiations for the return of more hostages from Gaza. In exchange, Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 serving life sentences, 30 women and children, 30 elderly or ill prisoners, and 20 others sentenced to up to 15 years.
The decision to release the hostages comes amid continued tension over aid to Gaza. Hamas had previously warned that delays in aid would affect the progress of the hostage release. However, Israeli officials have firmly denied these claims, stating that aid distribution is proceeding as planned. Over 3,000 trucks have entered Gaza this week alone, with Israel maintaining that it is meeting the terms of the agreement.
The upcoming release is a part of the larger hostage deal, with Israel anticipating further releases in the coming days. As the negotiations continue, attention turns to the second phase of the deal, which is expected to begin on Thursday.
WASHINGTON – Billionaire financier Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Commerce Department, announced on Wednesday that he would divest from all his business holdings within 90 days.
“I will divest, I will sell all of my interests, my business interests, all of my assets, everything,” Lutnick said during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “I made the decision I’ve made enough money in my life.”
Lutnick, the head of the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, has extensive business dealings, with interests in over 800 companies and private organizations.
Introduced by Vice President JD Vance, who described him as “just a good dude,” Lutnick is a vocal supporter of Trump’s hardline trade policies, particularly tariffs. He has backed Trump’s proposed 25% import tax on Canada and Mexico, as well as the potential new tariffs on China.
Lutnick’s name had been floated for Treasury secretary, but Trump ultimately chose Scott Bessent. Lutnick, a prominent figure in the financial world, has also been involved in cryptocurrency. Last year, he launched World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency platform.
In addition to his business ventures, Lutnick, who is Jewish, has been a philanthropist. He has donated tens of millions of dollars to charity over the years, including a recent $7 million contribution to United Hatzalah of Israel.
As Commerce Secretary, Lutnick will oversee the department’s various functions, including trade policy, economic statistics, and support for industries like computer chips. He will work alongside Trump’s nominee for U.S. Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, to implement the president’s tariff policies.
Dear Matzav Inbox,
I have an overwhelming sense of disgust and frustration over the growing trend of young bochurim, some as young as in 5th and 6th grade, who are now vaping in places like shul and supermarkets. What has become of us as a community, when young boys are engaging in this dangerous and disturbing habit?
The prevalence of vaping among our boys has reached epidemic proportions in my opinion, and it is time that we, as a community, address it head-on.
Vaping involves inhaling the chemicals and toxins found in e-cigarettes, and it has quickly spread through our communities like wildfire. And yet, for reasons I cannot comprehend, it is being allowed to proliferate unchecked, even among those who are not yet teenagers.
We are seeing children in shul sneaking puffs of these poisonous devices. We are witnessing bochurim becoming addicted to something that not only damages their health but their future as well.
This is not just a harmless teenage rebellion. It is a serious problem, a machlah that is eating away at our bochurim.
I went to a chasunah last night. On my way out, I will tell you that every second bochur was vaping.
The long-term effects of inhaling these toxic chemicals are still not fully known. We are watching these young boys turn to substances that poison their bodies.
But it isn’t just about the health risks. What are we telling these boys about self-discipline, self-control, and respect for themselves and for others? What are we teaching them about the values that should be instilled in them? Are we supposed to simply look away?
And where are the parents in all of this? How are these young children getting their hands on these devices in the first place? How can we, as a community, stand by as these young boys turn to such an addictive and dangerous practice, often without even understanding the consequences of their actions?
Parents need to be vigilant, active, and involved in their children’s lives, making sure that they are not only steering clear of physical dangers but also the spiritual dangers that come with falling prey to such addictions. One thing leads to another.
Let us not kid ourselves into thinking that this is just a “phase” or something that will blow over. We have seen this pattern before with other issues in our community, where we turn a blind eye until the problem becomes so widespread and ingrained that it is nearly impossible to fix. We cannot afford to let vaping become another epidemic that ruins the lives of our young boys and bochurim.
It is imperative that we educate our children, from the youngest age, about the dangers of vaping, and instill in them a sense of responsibility for their health, their future, and their kehillah.
Let us stand together as a community and put an end to this scourge that is threatening to ruin our youth.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Parent
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The Lakewood Scoop
For the first time, New Jersey seniors aged 65 or older and disabled homeowners or mobile homeowners will be able to apply for three State property tax relief programs – the Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and the forthcoming StayNJ – by filling out a single application.
The Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation will send the new combined application, known as the PAS-1, to over one million households across New Jersey by early March.
The application will become available online in mid-February at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov.
Only seniors aged 65 or older and disabled homeowners or mobile homeowners are eligible to use the PAS-1 combined application to apply for the State’s property tax relief programs. The PAS-1 combined application replaces the former Senior Freeze and ANCHOR applications, meaning eligible taxpayers will no longer need to file separate applications for these programs.
The application will also apply to the new forthcoming property tax relief program, StayNJ. The availability of New Jersey’s property tax relief programs is subject to State Budget appropriations.
Most other homeowners and renters who typically receive ANCHOR benefits can still expect to receive an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter this summer confirming their automatic eligibility for that program, while other eligible residents may receive an ANCHOR Application Mailer inviting them to apply.
The PAS-1 combined application will be available to file online at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov.
Applicants also have the option to file by paper. It is important to note that while the new combined application will be available in February 2025 and taxpayers are encouraged to apply now, the benefits will begin to be distributed in July 2025 on a rolling basis, as is routine. The deadline to complete the combined application is October 31, 2025.
In late 2025, the Division of Taxation will send letters to PAS-1 combined application filers to outline the property tax relief benefit amounts calculated for each program.
Taxpayers who previously received benefits from Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, or both will note a few changes to the programs on the PAS-1 combined application:
· Senior Freeze Recipients: The income eligibility standards have changed. To be eligible for Senior Freeze, an applicant’s total annual income must have been $168,268 or less in 2024, and $163,050 or less in 2023. Additionally, taxpayers no longer have to include proof of property taxes paid with their application.
· ANCHOR Homeowner Recipients: Homeowners are no longer required to have an Identification Number and PIN to file for benefits.
Billionaire Elon Musk pledged on Tuesday to bring back the two astronauts stranded in space for nearly eight months “as soon as possible” and criticized the Biden administration for not bringing them home sooner.
The SpaceX CEO and head of the “Department of Government Efficiency” shared a post on social media stating that former President Donald Trump had requested his help to rescue Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The two astronauts have been in space since last June on what was initially planned to be a weeklong mission.
Plans to bring the astronauts home using a SpaceX capsule have been in place since the Biden administration took office.
The two NASA astronauts traveled to the International Space Station aboard Boeing’s Starliner, which marked the company’s first flight into space. However, the mission encountered several issues, including helium leaks and problems with the thrusters.
The Starliner was grounded after NASA deemed it too dangerous to transport people, and it returned to Earth last year.
“The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @SpaceStation as soon as possible. We will do so,” Musk stated on his social media platform, X, on Tuesday evening.
“Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long,” Musk added.
NASA had earlier developed plans for Wilmore and Williams to return via a SpaceX capsule by February, but delays have pushed the mission to March or early April.
Though the SpaceX capsule designated for the astronauts is already in space, Musk’s company postponed the launch of the replacement astronauts who must arrive at the space station before Wilmore and Williams can leave.
Typically, NASA prefers to have overlapping crews at the space station to facilitate a smoother transition.
SpaceX delayed the launch to make additional adjustments to the spacecraft.
{Matzav.com}
The Trump administration revealed on Tuesday a drastic initiative to downsize the federal workforce, offering financial incentives to employees who voluntarily resign by next week. This sweeping measure aims to rapidly reduce the size of the U.S. government at an unprecedented pace.
A directive from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which handles human resources for federal employees, stated that all government workers would soon be held to “enhanced standards of suitability and conduct.” The message also hinted at more reductions ahead. In an email sent to employees, the administration outlined the buyout terms: those who agree to step down will receive approximately seven months’ salary, but they must finalize their decision by February 6.
Donald Trump, who has built his political brand on upending Washington’s status quo, has pledged that his second term will push those efforts even further than before. However, the impact of so many government employees being encouraged to leave their positions remains difficult to measure.
With more than 3 million people on its payroll, the federal government ranks as the 15th largest employer in the country. An analysis of OPM data conducted by the Pew Research Center found that the average length of service for a federal worker is close to 12 years.
If even a small percentage of employees take the buyout, the effects could ripple through the economy, leading to major disruptions in essential services. The potential consequences are far-reaching and largely unpredictable, affecting the speed, efficiency, and availability of government programs nationwide.
A mass departure could mean a shortage of crucial personnel, including healthcare providers in Veterans Affairs hospitals, officials responsible for processing home and small business loans, and defense contractors working on military technology. The loss of experienced food safety inspectors, scientists monitoring water quality, and regulators overseeing transportation and consumer protections could further strain federal operations.
Reacting to the announcement, Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees union, argued that the initiative was less about voluntary resignations and more about pressuring staffers who are not aligned with the administration to vacate their positions.
“Purging the federal government of dedicated career federal employees will have vast, unintended consequences that will cause chaos for the Americans who depend on a functioning federal government,” Kelley said in a statement. “Between the flurry of anti-worker executive orders and policies, it is clear that the Trump administration’s goal is to turn the federal government into a toxic environment where workers cannot stay even if they want to.”
In the OPM email outlining the initiative, four new workforce policies were introduced, which the agency said reflect Trump’s directives for federal employees. One major change requires the majority of workers to return to in-person work.
“The substantial majority of federal employees who have been working remotely since Covid will be required to return to their physical offices five days a week,” the memo states. This aligns with Trump’s recent remarks about federal employees, in which he declared: “You have to go to your office and work. Otherwise you’re not going to have a job.”
The document further asserts that Trump’s administration “will insist on excellence at every level,” and while some areas of government may see hiring increases, “The majority of federal agencies are likely to be downsized.”
Additionally, the administration’s stance is that “the federal workforce should be comprised of employees who are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, and who strive for excellence in their daily work.”
“Employees will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward,” the memo continues. “Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination.”
The email also includes a formal resignation template for those interested in the buyout offer.
“If you resign under this program, you will retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until September 30,” the message states.
Employees who wish to accept are given simple instructions: “If you wish to resign: Select ‘Reply’ to this email. You must reply from your government account.” The email further directs, “Type the word ‘Resign’ into the body of this email and hit ‘send.’”
Meanwhile, OPM has issued new guidelines following an executive order Trump signed on his first day back in office, titled “Schedule Career/Policy.” This replaces “Schedule F,” a controversial policy Trump attempted to implement at the end of his first term, which sought to reclassify thousands of federal employees as political appointees, stripping them of traditional job protections.
President Joe Biden immediately revoked Schedule F upon taking office in 2021. Under his leadership, OPM later established rules making it more difficult to dismiss career government workers, aiming to shield them from politically motivated firings.
That effort was seen as a way to block the implementation of policies like those in Project 2025, a conservative think tank’s plan that envisions reducing the federal workforce and replacing many employees with individuals more aligned with right-wing policy goals.
Nevertheless, the Trump administration is pressing ahead with its effort to overhaul the government workforce, limiting employees’ ability to contest job reassignments or terminations.
On Monday, Trump’s OPM set deadlines for agencies to begin the process of recommending employees for reclassification. Leaders of each federal agency must designate a point of contact by Wednesday and start submitting preliminary recommendations within the next 90 days.
“Agencies are encouraged to submit recommendations on a rolling basis before this date,” Charles Ezell, the acting OPM director, noted in a memo.
Perhaps most significantly, Trump’s personnel office has taken the extraordinary step of disregarding the Biden administration’s 2024 rule designed to strengthen job protections for federal employees. According to the OPM memo issued Monday, Trump’s new executive order overrides those regulations entirely.
Monday’s document states that Trump’s directive relied on “the president’s authority ‘to directly nullify these regulations.'”
{Matzav.com}
JERUSALEM – In a powerful and emotional interview aired on N12’s Uvda, former hostage Amit Soussana shared for the first time that Liri Albag “saved my life” during her harrowing 55 days in Hamas captivity. Soussana, a 40-year-old lawyer from Kfar Aza, was taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, attack. She has since become an outspoken advocate for the release of the remaining hostages and the first to publicly reveal the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of her captors.
In the interview, Soussana recounted the terrifying moments of her abduction. She was captured by ten armed men, and in a desperate attempt to buy time for a rescue, she fought back for over 40 minutes. “I gave everything I had because I thought I was going to die,” Soussana recalled. “At the time, I wasn’t sure if they would kill me or not. As far as I’m concerned, Liri saved my life.”
Soussana’s interview highlighted the severe abuse she endured during captivity. She was alone at the start, tied up with a thick metal chain and subjected to physical violence, including blows to her face. Her captor also made unsettling sexual advances under the pretense of concern, further traumatizing her.
Despite these atrocities, Soussana’s spirit remained unbroken. The small bit of daylight that filtered into her cell was her only comfort. “I was afraid of him, but I held on,” she said, recalling the psychological toll of being isolated and at the mercy of her captors.
Soussana’s bravery in the face of such horrors and the support of figures like Liri Albag have made her a symbol of resilience. After being released in a prisoner exchange in November 2023, she continues to advocate for the safe return of the hostages still held in Gaza, urging the world to remember their plight.
Her testimony, along with her unwavering determination, sheds light on the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the ongoing fight for justice for all hostages.
The Lakewood Scoop
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden has expressed his extreme disappointment with the Federal Aviation Administration following the recent revelation that the drone activity in New Jersey, which caused widespread panic and fear among residents, was conducted as part of research efforts.
The unexplained drone activity, led to significant public concern, with residents, members of law enforcement, state, federal and local authorities scrambling for answers while the FAA’s lack of transparency regarding the nature of the operation, heightened alarm and created unnecessary anxiety in the community leading to a waste of taxpayer resources to track and chase down suspicious reports.
“Residents of New Jersey were subjected to weeks of fear and uncertainty, with no clear communication or explanation at the time,” said Sheriff Golden. “For the FAA to now claim this was for ‘research’ shows a complete disregard for the trust and safety of our communities.”
Sheriff Golden emphasized the need for accountability and better communication from federal agencies when conducting operations that could impact public safety and security. He is calling on Congress to implement immediate reforms to ensure transparency and collaboration with state and local authorities in future operations.
The Trump Administration is rolling back temporary protected status for more than 60,000 Venezuelan migrants, according to an announcement made Wednesday morning by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The newly appointed head of the Department of Homeland Security criticized her predecessor, Alejandro Mayorkas, for restricting the Trump Administration’s ability to act by issuing an order that granted Venezuelan migrants temporary protected status. She accused him of allowing them to remain in the country and break the law for an additional year and a half.
“We fought that today. We signed an executive order within the Department of Homeland Security that we are not going to follow through on what they did to tie our hands,” she declared during an appearance on Fox News.
The revised directive would permit federal authorities to reassess the status of all individuals residing in the U.S. under this protection, including Venezuelans and those affiliated with the criminal network known as TDA (Tren de Aragua), Noem explained.
Noem, 53, pointed out that while she was on the ground for the first enforcement operations in New York City since Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown, locals expressed gratitude to federal officers for apprehending undocumented criminals.
“The people of this country want these debates out. They want their communities to be safe. It was so amazing to me to see people walk by us on the street early morning and just say thank you, thank you for being here,” she shared.
{Matzav.com}
BOROUGH PARK – Rav Moshe Zoberman, a widely known and respected Torah scholar and talmid chacham, passed away this morning at the age of 72 following a lengthy illness.
For the past 10 years, Rav Zoberman had been bedridden, with the Jewish community continuously praying for his refuah (recovery) throughout this time.
Rav Zoberman was an influential figure, revered for his deep insights into Torah and halacha.
A towering figure in the Borough Park Jewish community, Rav Zoberman was known for his shiurim, which inspired countless students with their clarity, depth, and intellectual rigor. His humility and unwavering dedication to Torah learning made him a beloved teacher and mentor to many.
Rav Zoberman’s passing marks the loss of a giant, and his contributions to Torah scholarship will continue to inspire future generations. The levaya will take place at 10 AM at Bobov Shul in Borough Park.
YS GOLD
With great sadness and anguish, the Boro Park community took in the news of the passing of one of the great Rabbonim and marbitzei Torah in the community. Rav Moshe Zoberman passed away this morning at the age of 72 following a lengthy illness.
He was renowned far and wide for his shiurim which were delivered to thousands of people with crystal clarity - both in the Bobover Beis Medrash as well as at Khal Shomrei Shabbos.
Rav Moshe was the son of Rav Elkonoh Zoberman, the Yardinover Rov, and the son in law of Rav Avrohom Baruch Rosenberger ABD Gamzu.
He was a tremendous talmid chochom who had mastered all areas of Torah, and for decades, he was one of the greatest marbitzei Torah in the Boro Park community - in addition to the thousands who listened in to his recorded shiurim from around the world.
Alas, he was forced to give up this great calling when he was stricken with illness for the last number of years, even as his recorded shiurim continued to sustain and inspire the masses.
He returned his pure neshamah to its Creator this morning at the age of 72, leaving behind a beautiful Torah family of bnei Torah and rabbonim and marbitzei Torah.
In a rare move, the Bobover Rebbe instructed the chevra kaddisha to hold the levaya inside the great Bobover Beis Medrash, in the same place where he delivered his Shiurim every morning, as a sign of respect and reverence to the great niftar who had spoken so many words of Torah within those very walls. The levaya will begin at 10:00.
From Bobov, the levaya will proceed to Shomrei Shabbos on 13th Avenue where the niftar delivered nightly shiurim for many years.
Kevurah will be on the Bobover Beis Hachaim in NJ.
Yehi zichro Baruch.
JERUSALEM – In a heartfelt show of solidarity, the public has been urged to wear orange today, Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to honor the Bibas family, whose loved ones remain in captivity after being taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023. Shiri and Yarden Bibas, along with their young sons Ariel, 5, and Kfir, 2, were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the attack, and the family’s supporters are rallying together to raise awareness and keep their story alive.
The campaign encourages people to wear orange clothing, use orange accessories, or tie ribbons or balloons in public spaces such as cars, balconies, or offices. The color orange, inspired by the bright red hair of the Bibas boys, has become a symbol of the family’s plight, with the slogan “The people of Israel haven’t forgotten the Bibas family!” resonating across social media.
While the Bibas family remains hopeful for the safe return of their loved ones, they continue to face uncertainty. Despite the fact that Shiri and the boys were not among the first group of hostages released as part of recent ceasefire negotiations, the family has refused to give up hope. In a recent statement, the Bibas family said, “We hold on to hope and continue waiting for their return. We await clarity regarding their condition.”
The family’s ongoing struggle was compounded by a recent report of a list provided by Hamas, which claimed that eight of the remaining 26 hostages to be freed in the current ceasefire negotiations are dead. The Bibas family expressed caution, stressing that such claims cannot be taken as definitive. “Even a list of names, an announcement by Hamas, or any video is not considered certainty for us,” they said.
Today’s orange solidarity event serves as a reminder that the Bibas family is not forgotten, and that the Israeli people and supporters around the world stand united with them. The campaign aims to show the Bibas family that they are in the thoughts of many, as they continue to wait for any news that might bring their loved ones home.
The Bibas family’s resilience and their refusal to give up on their hope for a reunion reflect the heartache and uncertainty faced by countless families affected by the ongoing conflict. As the public colors the country in orange today, the event is not only a call for solidarity, but a reminder of the humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold. The campaign encourages people to hold on to the hope that, one day, the Bibas family will be reunited.
On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi mocked U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion to move Palestinian Arabs from Gaza to other countries like Egypt and Jordan.
Speaking to Sky News, Araqchi responded to Trump’s proposal by humorously suggesting that instead of relocating Palestinians, Trump should consider relocating Israelis to Greenland. “My suggestion is something else. Instead of Palestinians, try to expel Israelis, take them to Greenland so they can kill two birds with one stone,” Araqchi said, referencing Trump’s past comments about his interest in purchasing Greenland.
Trump had raised the idea of relocating Gazans earlier that weekend, sharing with reporters that he had spoken with King Abdullah II of Jordan about the proposal. “I’d like him to take people. I’d like Egypt to take people,” Trump said about the Jordanian King. “You’re talking about, probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, ‘You know it’s, over.’”
Trump also indicated that the move of Palestinian Arabs from Gaza could either be temporary or long-term, highlighting the historical context of conflicts in the region that have persisted over centuries.
On Monday, Trump reiterated his proposal, telling reporters that he had discussed it with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. “I’d like to get them living in an area where they can live without disruption, revolution … when you look at the Gaza Strip it’s been hell for so many years,” said Trump.
“I wish [Sisi] would take some [Gazans]. We helped them a lot, and I’m sure he’d help us. He’s a friend of mine. He’s in a very rough part of the world, to be honest. As they say, It’s a rough neighborhood. But I think he would do it, and I think the King of Jordan would do it too,” Trump continued.
These comments came despite Egypt’s Foreign Ministry already firmly rejecting Trump’s idea, reaffirming its “continued support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land.”
In the same interview with Sky News, Araqchi also issued a stern warning about the potential consequences of an Israeli or U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling it “crazy” and predicting it would lead to a “very bad disaster” for the region. “We have made it clear,” he stated, “that any attack to our nuclear facilities would be faced with an immediate and decisive response. But I don’t think they will do that crazy thing. This is really crazy. And this would turn the whole region into a very bad disaster.”
Araqchi also addressed Trump’s remarks about being open to diplomacy in order to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran, expressing skepticism. He emphasized that restoring trust would require more than just vague diplomatic gestures. “The situation is different and much more difficult than the previous time,” he explained. “Lots of things should be done by the other side to buy our confidence… We haven’t heard anything but the ‘nice’ word, and this is obviously not enough.”
{Matzav.com}
SYDNEY – An editorial in the Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday sharply criticized the Australian government for its passive and delayed response to a potential mass-casualty terror attack targeting the Jewish community in Sydney. The discovery of a trailer packed with explosives and the address of a Sydney synagogue was kept from the public for 10 days after its initial find on January 19.
The editorial condemns the government’s failure to disclose such critical information in a timely manner, noting that the public only learned of the threat after details were leaked to the media. Jewish Australians, already reeling from a surge in antisemitic violence, were left to face an escalating threat without the crucial knowledge needed to protect themselves.
It was only after the details were leaked to the Daily Telegraph that the government and police were forced to reveal the existence of the counter-terrorism investigation. The editorial argues that the decision to keep the discovery a secret for so long, despite the clear danger to the community, was deeply irresponsible. At a time when antisemitic attacks are surging across the country, particularly in Sydney, withholding such significant information only heightens the fear and vulnerability felt by Jewish residents.
The article also highlights the failure of NSW Premier Chris Minns and the police to offer timely assurances to the public about the safety of the community. The lack of transparency and the delayed response undermine the very trust that citizens should be able to place in their leaders, especially during a crisis. When it comes to national security, secrecy should never come before public safety.
The editorial demands that the government take immediate steps to address the growing wave of antisemitic violence and terrorist threats, asserting that Australians deserve to be fully informed of any risks to their safety without unnecessary delay. Only through transparency, swift action, and open communication can the government begin to restore the trust that has been shaken by its handling of this crisis.
By BoroPark24 Staff
A bizarre incident unfolded this morning when firefighters responded to a kitchen fire at a home near 60th Street, Bay Parkway, and 20th Avenue, only to find that the blaze had been intentionally set by the resident.
FDNY arrived at around 8:50 AM and quickly extinguished the flames before they could spread further. Upon questioning, the tenant told responders that he had started the fire because he was “overcome by angels.” Given his erratic behavior, authorities arrested the man at the scene.
No injuries were reported, and the situation remains under investigation.
The person was arrested on the scene.
NEW YORK (AP) — Frontier Airlines is attempting for a second time to merge with the now bankrupt Spirit Airlines, which declared bankruptcy late last year as budget airlines struggle.
Frontier Group Holdings Inc., the parent company of Frontier Airlines, said Wednesday that the proposed deal would include newly issued Frontier debt and common stock.
Spirit did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.
Frontier tried to merge with Spirit in 2022 but was outbid by JetBlue. However, the Justice Department sued to block the $3.8 billion JetBlue deal, saying it would drive up prices for Spirit customers who depend on low fares, and a federal judge agreed in January. JetBlue and Spirit dropped their merger bid two months later.
Spirit filed for bankruptcy protection in November. The biggest U.S. budget airline, Spirit filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition after working out terms with bondholders. The airline has lost more than $2.5 billion since the start of 2020 and faces looming debt payments totaling more than $1 billion in 2025 and 2026.
The biggest U.S. airlines have snagged some of Spirit’s budget-conscious customers by offering their own brand of bare-bones tickets. And fares for U.S. leisure travel — Spirit’s core business — sagged this past summer because of a glut of new flights.
Frontier is optimistic that it can get a deal done this time around.
“This proposal reflects a compelling opportunity that will result in more value than Spirit’s standalone plan by creating a stronger low fare airline with the long-term viability to compete more effectively and enter new markets at scale,” Frontier Chair Bill Franke said in a statement. “We stand ready to continue discussions with Spirit and its financial stakeholders and believe that we can promptly reach agreement on a transaction.”
Frontier said that since it submitted its offer, it has had talks with members of Spirit’s board, management team, and representatives of Spirit’s financial stakeholders.
Shares of Frontier Group rose slightly before the opening bell on Wednesday.
JERUSALEM (VINnews) — At a conference for rabbis and halachic authorities held in Jerusalem this week, it was clearly stated by one of the rabbis on the kashrus committee of the Badatz Eda Charedis that their kashrus system does not monitor the kashrus status of the wax coatings on oranges and approves non-kosher materials under the claim that orange peels are not eaten. This despite the fact that some people fry orange peels and coat them in chocolate, and others use grated orange and lemon peels in baked goods, which are indeed eaten.
The renowned kosher expert Rabbi Yochanan Reichman claims that critical kashrus information is being concealed by the kashrus committee of an important Badatz (Jewish religious supervisory body). In a fascinating article, he also discussed the problem of “scale insects on orange peels.”
The Emess site of Kol Chai requested that Rabbi Reichman kindly elaborate on the problem of scale insects on oranges. The kashrus expert explained that is a type of pest called ‘scale insects.’ Scale insects are small pests that cling to the peel of fruit without penetrating the fruit itself, and they can be found on several types of fruits, including oranges. While they are on the fruit, they appear different from many other pests, and their growth process and developmental stages differ from regular pests.
Description of the insect and its development:
The insect, when it is born, is about 0.18 mm in size and has legs. After hatching from the egg, it crawls on the fruit for a few hours, and according to experts, it can travel up to three meters. When it finds a place to rest, it inserts its proboscis into the peel of the fruit and attaches itself. At this stage, it secretes a waxy substance from its body, forming a protective shell, hence its name ‘scale insect.’ It then undergoes several developmental stages. Initially, it loses its legs and some other parts of its body and no longer has the ability to crawl. When it reaches its final stage of development, it sheds ‘exuviae.’ These shed parts remain inside the peel and attach to it, and according to scientists, parts of its body that have fallen off remain in the peel as well.
To date, routine tests of over 10 bottles of orange juice from different factories, produced at different times, have shown that during the summer months (Tammuz-Av), at least one scale insect or shed exuvia can be found in each cup.
There are rabbis who are stringent about this and require that the oranges be thoroughly washed with a cleaning agent such as dish soap and scrubbed with a scouring pad. However, many of the leading rabbis do not require any inspection at all and do not worry about washing the oranges before eating or juicing them. This is also the ruling of the Rav Beit Din (chief rabbi of the Haredi community), the renowned Rabbi Yisrael Yaakov Fischer, zt”l, in his book “Even Yisrael” on the laws of Tu B’Shvat.
The Lakewood Scoop
I was humbled and deeply inspired recently when I came across the Kli Yakar on Parshas Shemos (1:1), where he explains Rashi’s profound comparison of the Jewish people, especially the righteous, to the stars. The Kli Yakar brings two beautiful interpretations that illuminate this timeless analogy, each one carrying a powerful and moving message—and then he adds his own breathtaking insight.
The first explanation points out something remarkable: Stars are present even during the day, but their light is hidden until the sun sets. Similarly, the true light of a tzaddik (a righteous individual) often becomes fully visible only after their passing, when their profound impact on the world becomes undeniably clear. As it says in Daniel (12:3), “And those who bring many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.” Just as stars exist but may remain unseen during daylight, so too, the enduring legacy of a tzaddik transcends time, shining brightly in the World to Come, even if their influence was not fully appreciated in their own generation.
The second explanation takes this idea further. Stars are most visible in the darkness of night, and in the same way, the light of a righteous person shines brightest after their sun has set. The Kli Yakar connects this to the verse in Koheles (12:2): “Until the sun and the light darken, and the moon and the stars.” He explains that a person’s true greatness, their shem tov,is only fully revealed after they’ve passed on. Why? Because during their lifetime, we can never be certain they’ll maintain their righteousness to the very end. As Koheles (4:2) states: “I praise the dead who have already died”—it is only after death that one’s legacy is complete, their righteousness confirmed, their light eternal.
This idea is vividly demonstrated in the Torah’s description of Yosef HaTzaddik: “And Yosef was in Egypt.” Rashi explains that this verse testifies to Yosef’s unwavering righteousness—he remained steadfast in his integrity from beginning to end. The Torah only praises him fully after noting his passing: “And they placed him in a coffin in Egypt,” affirming that his righteousness endured until his very last moment.
The lesson is clear: The righteous are like stars. Their true brilliance is revealed when the sun sets—when their journey in this world has ended, and their eternal impact begins to shine. As Daniel (12:3) beautifully teaches, “And those who bring many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.” A tzaddik who inspires others to righteousness ensures that their light will never be extinguished. Their legacy lives on in the lives they touched, their students, their communities—forever.
This profound insight resonates deeply with the life and legacy of Rav Mattisyahu Salomon zt”l. Like the stars, his light continues to shine brightly, guiding all who were privileged to learn from him. My new book, Talmid’s Journey, is a humble attempt to preserve and amplify this eternal light. It is more than a tribute; it is a beacon for anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, and wisdom in their own lives. Through sharing his profound teachings, cherished insights, and unwavering dedication to Klal Yisrael, this book ensures that his influence will continue to inspire future generations.
Are you ready to be inspired by the timeless lessons of a true tzaddik? This book is your opportunity to connect with Rav Mattisyahu’s legacy and make it part of your own journey. Just as the stars shine eternally, so too does the light of a tzaddikwhose influence endures through the lives he touched.
I invite you to join me on this journey—to uncover the brilliance of his teachings and bring light to your own life and to others. Together, we can ensure that his legacy of righteousness shines forever. Don’t wait—secure your copy of Talmid’s Journeytoday and let the timeless wisdom of Rav Mattisyahu Salomon zt”l illuminate your path.
The Chinese app DeepSeek, which led to a massive $1 trillion drop in the U.S. stock market this week, is storing its rapidly expanding collection of American user data in China, presenting similar national security concerns that led to the crackdown on TikTok in Congress.
The AI-driven chatbot rose to the top of both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store charts on Tuesday. Since its launch on January 15, DeepSeek has been downloaded over 2 million times, with the majority of downloads occurring in just the past three days, as reported by AppMagic.
While other AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, gather large amounts of user data, experts have pointed out that DeepSeek’s use of Chinese-based servers — developed by Liang Wenfeng, a hedge fund investor with a background in mathematics — is a significant and concerning privacy issue for Americans.
Angela Zhang, a law professor at the University of Southern California who specializes in Chinese tech regulations, explained, “What sets this context apart is that DeepSeek is a Chinese company based in China.”
She continued, “This raises the question of whether the collection of data such as IP addresses and keystroke patterns could pose a national security threat.”
DeepSeek’s terms of service clearly state that user data is stored “in secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China.” The app also mentions that it automatically collects personal information, including “device model, operating system, keystroke patterns or rhythms, IP address, and system language.”
All companies operating in China are required to comply with the Chinese Communist Party’s cybersecurity laws, which mandate that they share data with the government when requested.
The concerns about DeepSeek’s connection to the Chinese government prompted the U.S. Navy to instruct its members to avoid using the app, CNBC reported on Tuesday.
A Navy spokesperson confirmed that an email was sent to “shipmates,” referencing the Department of the Navy’s Chief Information Officer’s generative AI policy, according to the report.
DeepSeek has also been found to exhibit signs of censorship and bias, including refusing to respond to questions about China’s President Xi Jinping, the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, the status of Taiwan, and human rights abuses against Uighurs in Xinjiang.
At times, the app starts to generate an answer but stops abruptly, stating that the prompt is “beyond [its] current scope.”
Concerns about data storage in China were central to the decision to pursue a ban of TikTok in the U.S., which was enforced this month after its parent company, ByteDance, failed to meet a January 19 deadline to divest its stake. Former President Trump had issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of the ban.
The bipartisan select committee on China in the House of Representatives, which led the efforts to ban TikTok, this week retweeted an image labeling DeepSeek as a “trojan horse.”
Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chairman of the committee, stated that Congress should “work to swiftly place stronger export controls on technologies critical to DeepSeek’s AI infrastructure.”
“The US cannot allow CCP models such as DeepSeek to risk our national security and leverage our technology to advance their AI ambitions,” Moolenaar added in a statement.
Josh Kushner, whose venture firm Thrive Capital is a significant investor in OpenAI, criticized fellow technologists who were promoting DeepSeek, accusing it of being built with U.S. technology.
“’Pro America’ technologists openly supporting a Chinese model that was trained off of leading US frontier models, with chips that likely violate export controls, and – according to their own terms of service – take US customer data back to China,” Kushner wrote on X on Monday.
A day prior, Elon Musk tweeted that DeepSeek “obviously” had access to advanced Nvidia chips. Alexandr Wang of ScaleAI told CNBC that his company holds 50,000 advanced chips that it can’t publicly acknowledge due to export restrictions.
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives questioned claims that DeepSeek’s model was created with just $6 million in investment, without the next generation of Nvidia hardware, calling it “likely a fictional story.”
DeepSeek did not respond to The Post’s request for comment, and the company does not appear to have a dedicated public relations team yet.
“DeepSeek’s privacy policy, which can be found in English, makes it clear: user data, including conversations and generated responses, is stored on servers in China,” said Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN.
“Users should consider whether their interactions or uploaded data might inadvertently contribute to machine learning processes, potentially leading to data misuse or the development of tools that could be exploited maliciously,” Warmenhoven added.
Sam Altman from OpenAI acknowledged that DeepSeek was “an impressive model” but promised that his company would “obviously” surpass it with future releases.
For context, OpenAI’s GPT-4 required over $100 million to develop, while Dario Amodei of Anthropic suggested that future models might cost $1 billion or more.
The revelations surrounding DeepSeek led to a sharp drop in U.S. market value, wiping out over $1 trillion as investors reevaluated the potential for Nvidia’s hardware to power AI models, now potentially less critical than previously believed.
The incident also sparked concerns about whether the U.S. has lost its perceived edge in the AI race to China.
Tech mogul Marc Andreessen remarked that DeepSeek’s emergence marked “AI’s Sputnik moment,” drawing a parallel to the Soviet Union’s 1957 launch of its satellite, which caught the U.S. off guard and spurred the space race.
{Matzav.com}
NEW YORK (VINnews) — The spate of antisemitic incidents in Australia has reached menacing levels, as Sydney police reported Tuesday that a caravan laden with explosives had been found in Sydney’s north-west suburb. Notes found at the site indicated that a Jewish synagogue could be a target, according to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald.
Official media sources questioned the fact that the explosives had been found nine days ago, but the police did not deem is necessary to make any announcement until the investigation by the country’s elite anti-terror team had leaked to the media.
The abandoned caravan filled with explosives was discovered by a local man who alerted police. The Powergel explosives, believed to have been stolen from a mine site, were powerful enough to create a 40-metre blast wave.
The address of a synagogue was found in the caravan, police confirmed, and security agencies were called in as the caravan was seized.
“There’s only one way of calling it out and that is terrorism,” New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns said.
Australia’s deputy police commissioner Dave Hudson said that, “This is an ongoing investigation and is being taken seriously with all lines of inquiry being pursued,” but added that, “there is no ongoing threat to the community.”
Hudson admitted that “The discovery and the detection of the caravan with an amount of explosives was not going to be used in the normal antisemitic attack that we have seen occur in Sydney, such as graffiti and arson attacks. This is certainly an escalation of that with the use of explosives that have the potential to cause a great deal of damage,” Hudson said.
He added that the threat to the community had not been eliminated, but “mitigated”.
Minns added that “The full resources of the state of NSW and NSW Police have been deployed to confront this very serious threat to our community,” Minns said.
On the first day of the Trump administration’s major operation targeting illegal immigrants, five individuals with extensive criminal histories were arrested in New York City, according to The NY Post.
In Queens, a Mexican national with a prior arrest for attempted murder was taken into custody, while another Mexican man, previously charged with three separate counts of rape and sexual assault, was apprehended in the Bronx, law enforcement officials reported.
Meanwhile, in upper Manhattan, a Dominican national who was wanted for a double murder back in his home country was also captured by authorities.
These arrests were part of a series carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on Monday, with additional federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), joining in to make more arrests.
The operation began in New York City early Tuesday morning, starting in the Bronx, and expanded to all five boroughs by the end of the day.
Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, even participated in the operation, traveling in an armored vehicle while agents forcibly entered apartments and arrested suspects, handcuffing them.
One of the first individuals arrested was “a criminal alien with kidnapping, assault and burglary charges,” according to Noem.
Among those detained was Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a 25-year-old member of the violent Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, who is suspected of being involved in an armed break-in at an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado, an incident that has come to symbolize the ongoing border crisis.
These raids in New York City came after President Trump ordered a nationwide initiative aimed at arresting and deporting illegal immigrants, beginning with sanctuary cities as the primary targets.
Last week, over 7,300 illegal immigrants were arrested across the United States, with 1,179 taken into custody on Sunday alone. Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed border czar, has stated that millions are expected to be deported by the time the operation concludes.
Soon after being sworn in for a second term on January 20, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and deployed 1,500 U.S. military troops to assist with enforcement.
Within just a few days, there was already a noticeable reduction in the number of migrants crossing the border, with Fox News reporting fewer than 600 people encountered on Sunday—about half the number seen the previous week during the final days of the Biden administration, and far fewer than the 6,000-plus daily encounters at the height of the crisis.
{Matzav.com}
JERUSALEM (VINnews) — A civilian contractor working for the Israeli Defense Ministry in the Gaza Strip was killed by Israeli forces on Tuesday after being mistaken for a terrorist operative during operations in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, according to an IDF announcement.
Kobi Avitan, 39, from Eilat, was killed while carrying out “engineering work for the IDF on behalf of the Ministry of Defense,” the army said.
The Military Advocate General’s Office has ordered a probe into the incident by the Military Police Corps, according to the statement.
“The IDF shares in the grief of the family,” it added.
An initial investigation revealed that he was likely moving in a restricted area when gunfire was opened toward him.
Avitan was a military tractor operator, employed as a contractor within the IDF’s operations for dismantling positions in the Netzarim corridor and redeploying to rear areas. As part of his work, he arrived in civilian clothing at a guard post in a military position within the corridor area. The soldier at the post identified him, mistakenly thought he was a terrorist posing a threat, and therefore shot and killed him by mistake.
Avitan leaves behind a wife and three children, one of whom is only 10 months old, according to the report. A date has reportedly not been set yet for the funeral, as the family is waiting for his brother, who was abroad.
Avitan’s death marked the first deadly incident for Israel in the coastal enclave since Jan. 13, when five members of the army’s Nahal Brigade were killed in action fighting Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip.
The death toll among Israeli forces since the start of the IDF ground incursion in Gaza on Oct. 27, 2023, currently stands at 408, and at 841 on all fronts since the Hamas-led terrorist assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
JNS contributed to this report.
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, called for an expansion of the country’s nuclear capabilities during his visit to a nuclear materials production facility and a nuclear weapons institute, according to a report from North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, as cited by Reuters.
This visit, which highlights the ongoing growth of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal, comes as North Korea ramps up its military activities in an apparent effort to capture the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump following his return to office.
South Korean officials have suggested that recent missile tests were partly aimed at drawing Trump’s attention to the situation.
During his visit, Kim praised the scientists and workers at the facility, acknowledging their “remarkable successes” and “amazing production results” over the past year, as reported by KCNA.
He was briefed on the progress of weapons-grade nuclear material production as well as North Korea’s nuclear plans for 2025 and beyond, the news agency stated.
Kim underscored the importance of increasing the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials and further strengthening the country’s nuclear forces, highlighting 2025 as a critical year for the nation’s nuclear strategy.
“This year is a crucial year as it is an important watershed in which we should carry out the tasks in the important period in the course of implementing the line of bolstering up the nuclear forces,” Kim said, as quoted by KCNA.
In 2024, North Korea significantly increased its military rhetoric and conducted numerous missile launches. In early November, the country fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea, only days after announcing the successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, which drew condemnation from South Korea, the United States, and Japan.
In mid-September, North Korea launched a barrage of short-range ballistic missiles.
President Trump, who held unprecedented summits with Kim during his first term and often highlights his relationship with the North Korean leader, recently stated that he would “reach out to him again.”
During Trump’s presidency, he met Kim three times—in Singapore, Hanoi, and at the Korean border. Despite these historic meetings, the diplomacy between the two leaders did not lead to any concrete outcomes.
The Biden administration attempted to engage with North Korea shortly after taking office, but North Korea did not respond to those diplomatic overtures.
In his first policy address to Congress, President Biden pointed to the nuclear programs of North Korea and Iran as significant threats that would be addressed through both “diplomacy and stern deterrence.”
{Matzav.com}
Vos Iz Neias
Mosab Hassan Youssef, the son of a senior Hamas figure and a former Shin Bet agent who now promotes Israel’s agenda abroad, analyzed in a candid interview with Arab affairs expert Tzvi Yehezkeli on i24NEWS the complex situation in Israel and Gaza. He addressed the events of October 7th and the subsequent war, emphasizing Hamas’s inhumanity and the use of children as human shields.
“This is not a normal situation,” Mosab Youssef, known as “The Green Prince”, began. “What happened on October 7th and afterward, the use of children as human shields, the sacrificing of thousands of people for ‘Palestine’… this is unprecedented. Humanity has never been in such a situation. There is no country or nation that would willingly enter a scenario where parents are ready to sacrifice their children for political and financial gain, to make a political statement or to gain sympathy from the world.”
בלעדי: סיפורו של מוסעב חסן יוסף, המכונה “הנסיך הירוק”, הפך מוכר מאוד בעולם לאחר פרסום ספרו “בן החמאס” לפני 16 שנה. מי שהיה פעיל חמאס, ישב בכלא בישראל וגויס לשב”כ, ישוחח מחר לראשונה עם קהל ישראלי בתל אביב. הריאיון המלא עם צבי יחזקאלי ישודר בשבוע הבא ב-i24NEWS pic.twitter.com/01I6HK5grX
— i24NEWS (@i24NEWS_HE) January 28, 2025
Mosab, visibly pained, added: “Show me one example from history where a society chose to do something so idiotic. And this is what Israel is dealing with right now. It’s very complicated. It’s a situation where you lose no matter what, not because Israel is weak, but because it’s a lost cause. Hamas left Israel no choice but to respond.”
“In the meantime, Hamas’s leadership decided to sink the ship with everyone on board, in a suicidal move,” Mossab continued. “So in this case, it was doomed from October 7th. You can’t win after something like that.”
According to him, “Releasing the hostages and paying a heavy price to bring them back is not a mistake. It shows humanity and how important the hostages are to Israeli society. At the same time, it shows how reckless the parents and leaders on the other side were for sacrificing children.”
“The story is not about who wins and who loses in this war,” Mossab clarified. “Hamas decided a long time ago to sink the ship with everyone on board. So now, if the question is about the right strategy… there is no such thing. We have to deal with this impossible situation, day by day, moment by moment, and we have to be spontaneous and respond accordingly.”
“If today we have the option to release some of the hostages, and if that means stopping the attacks, I am in favor,” Mossab declared. “As long as we bring people back alive. But this will not continue forever. The number of hostages is limited, and Hamas cannot play this game forever. Eventually, they will have to pay for the crimes they have committed and continue to commit.”
When asked about releasing terrorists, Mossab responded: “Those who have murdered cannot erase their crimes. Hamas has killed thousands of innocent civilians over 36 years of terrorism.”
“Today we are thinking about the families of the hostages,” Mossab said. “But did we think about the families of the victims of Hamas terrorism who are now seeing the release of the criminals who killed their children, and they are going free without paying for what they did?”
In conclusion, Mossab said: “It’s not about how many hostages we bring back and how many terrorists we release, but about what this reflects for society. One society does everything in its power to save one life, and the other society sacrifices everything to save an idea, an ideology. This is what we are dealing with, and if the public understands this, then that alone is a victory for humanity. Justice will be done.”
The Yeshiva World
Israeli officials confirm that Hamas will release three hostages tomorrow: Arbel Yehoud, 29, Agam Berger, 19, and Gadi Moshe Mozes, 80.
Hamas provided the names through mediators Egypt and Qatar, and the hostages’ families have been informed.
In return, Israel will release Palestinian security prisoners—30 for each civilian hostage and 50 for Berger, including 30 convicted terrorists serving life sentences.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
LISTEN:
https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Bitachon4Life-Shiur-1416-Machseh-Part-46.mp3
For more info, email [email protected].
The Yeshiva World
In a highly relevant Q&A session, Rav Aharon Lopiansky shlit”a delivered a pertinent message on the role of Daas Torah in medical decision-making. The discussion, moderated by Rabbi Sruly Fried of Chai Lifeline, centered around a question posed: Does Daas Torah have a place in medical advice and referrals, and if so, what is its role?
Rav Lopiansky’s response was clear and unequivocal: One must differentiate between moral dilemmas and technical expertise. “If someone is building a structure and is unsure if the supports are strong enough, would anyone even have a hava amina to ask Daas Torah? Of course not. You ask an engineer,” he explained. The same applies to vaccines—why should a Rav be expected to be a medical expert?
Daas Torah, Rav Lopiansky elaborated, comes into play when a situation involves a moral conundrum, not a factual determination. If a child needs extensive medical care but tending to them would result in neglecting other children—is one mechuyav to prioritize one over the other? That is a moral question. If a critically ill patient has the option of undergoing a painful surgery with an uncertain outcome—should he be forced to go through with it? That is a moral dilemma for Daas Torah.
Likewise, he noted, the same applies to matters of shalom bayis or tzedaka allocation—areas where Torah values guide the decision-making process. But vaccines? “Why should a Rav know about vaccines? It’s a technical issue,” he said.
To illustrate the importance of distinguishing between ikkar and tafel, Rav Lopiansky recounted a telling story from Rav Chaim Mendel Brotsky shlit”a. A cheder in Yerushalayim proudly advertised that it consulted the Steipler Gaon zt”l on every single decision. Rav Brotsky rejected this approach outright. If they were asking Daas Torah about every mundane detail, from what kind of milk to buy to minor administrative matters, then they lacked basic seichel.
This misplaced reliance on Rabbanim for matters beyond their expertise extends to medical matters as well. “If you walk into a bais medrash that looks like it will collapse, and the gabbai tells you not to worry because the Rebbe said it will stand until Moshiach comes, you’d laugh at him,” Rav Lopiansky remarked. “Of course, you ask an engineer.” The sha’alah for Daas Torah only arises if the engineer identifies a slight crack with a minuscule risk—then you ask a Rav if there’s a chiyuv to repair it.
Rabbi Fried pressed further: What about a case where a spouse refuses to vaccinate because they were raised in an anti-vaxx household? Would this be a Daas Torah issue?
Again, Rav Lopiansky emphasized the need to distinguish between medical and moral concerns. “If the question is about vaccines, ask a medical expert. If it’s a shalom bayis question, ask a Rav.” He likened it to shechita—a Rav proficient in halacha may still not be a mumcheh in sirchos (lung adhesions). “I don’t think anyone ever went to Rav Shach zt”l to ask about a sircha on a lung,” he noted.
“The facts have to come from someone who knows the facts,” Rav Lopiansky concluded. When there is a moral question—one that requires a Torah’dike perspective—then Daas Torah has its place. “But a Rav who doesn’t even go online, doesn’t read medical journals—how would he know about vaccines?”
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The Yeshiva World
In a sweeping move to combat rising antisemitism, President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Wednesday directing all federal agencies to take decisive action, including identifying legal avenues to punish and deport individuals engaging in anti-Jewish activities—particularly foreign students on visas.
The executive order, obtained exclusively by The New York Post, mandates that department and agency leaders submit recommendations within 60 days outlining the tools available to crack down on antisemitic activity. The Department of Justice will also intensify its investigations into pro-Hamas graffiti, harassment, and intimidation—especially on college campuses, where tensions have flared since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.
The order calls for the removal of resident aliens, including foreign students, who have violated U.S. laws during anti-Israel demonstrations. This crackdown follows months of escalating protests and alleged instances of antisemitic rhetoric at universities, some of which have received billions in federal funding.
A recent House Republican report slammed institutions like Columbia University, where large-scale protests included anti-Jewish remarks and hostility toward pro-Israel students. The report urged the federal government to condition financial aid to colleges on their ability to curb antisemitism effectively.
Trump’s latest move follows earlier remarks as a candidate, in which he called for the expulsion of foreign students supporting Hamas. Last week, he signed another executive order hinting at broader measures to prevent non-citizens from supporting designated terrorist organizations within U.S. borders.
The House GOP report also accused the Biden administration of obstructing efforts to determine how many foreign nationals on visas have been involved in these protests. The State Department and Department of Homeland Security allegedly refused to release key records on the matter, fueling Republican claims that the administration has been slow to address antisemitic threats.
The legal foundation for Trump’s order builds on past Supreme Court rulings that grant the federal government broad authority over immigration enforcement. The landmark 1972 Kleindienst v. Mandel decision upheld the government’s ability to deny visas to foreign nationals based on ideological grounds, a precedent that may play a role in enforcing Trump’s directive.
College presidents came under fire in December 2023 when, under congressional questioning, they struggled to clarify whether calls for the genocide of Jews constituted punishable speech. Their responses, citing First Amendment protections, sparked widespread backlash and fueled Republican calls for stricter action – and the resignation of two of them.
While hate speech is generally protected in the U.S., federal law prohibits institutions receiving taxpayer funding from allowing discrimination. Trump’s administration appears poised to use this legal avenue to pressure universities into enforcing stricter policies against antisemitism—or risk losing federal funds.
Protests linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have grown increasingly volatile, with some activists openly expressing support for Hamas. In Washington, D.C., demonstrators carried banners endorsing Hamas while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress last summer.
In one of the most striking incidents, Zaid Mohammed Mahdawi, a 26-year-old activist from Richmond, Virginia, was arrested for allegedly spray-painting “HAMAS IS COMIN” on a monument near the Capitol.
With Trump poised to take this hardline stance, the battle over free speech, antisemitism, and the consequences for foreign activists on U.S. soil is set to intensify. Whether universities and federal agencies comply—or fight back—remains to be seen.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Al Jazeera documentary on Hamas military commanders during the war includes exclusive footage provided by Al-Qassam Brigades of Muhammad Deif and Yahya Sinwar, along with an interview with military leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
Qatari-owned Al Jazeera had exclusive access to Hamas’s top leadership—which should surprise nobody—because it serves as the terror group’s propaganda arm.
This past Moztei Shabbos, YWN published footage of Sinwar during the war. This is additional footage not seen before.
(YWN Worle Headquarters – NYC)
The Yeshiva World
Hamas has provided Israel the list of the three Israeli hostages in Gaza set to be released on Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Wednesday afternoon.
The PMO did not publish the list of names yet, stating that this would be done after the families had been notified.
Civilian Arbel Yehoud and soldier Agam Berger are expected to be on the list.
Reports suggest that 65-year-old Keith Siegel, a U.S. citizen, may also be freed this week, though no official confirmation has been given.
In return, Israel will release Palestinian security prisoners—30 for each civilian hostage and 50 for Berger, including 30 convicted terrorists serving life sentences.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The Yeshiva World
Hamas is expected to inform Israel today of a third hostage to be released from Gaza tomorrow, alongside civilian Arbel Yehoud and soldier Agam Berger.
Reports suggest that 65-year-old Keith Siegel, a U.S. citizen, may also be freed this week, though no official confirmation has been given, and it remains unclear whether this will happen tomorrow or on Shabbos, when three additional hostages are set to be released.
In return, Israel will release Palestinian security prisoners—30 for each civilian hostage and 50 for Berger, including 30 convicted terrorists serving life sentences.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
The Yeshiva World
The IDF spokesperson stated on Wednesday that troops thwarted an overnight attempt to smuggle weapons from Egypt into Israel.
IDF troops stationed at the border who spotted the drone crossing over the border shot it down.
Upon examining it, they found 13 assault rifles along with ammunition.
IDF troops stationed near the Egyptian border have thwarted multiple attempts to smuggle weapons from Egypt into Israel in recent months.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Vos Iz Neias
(VINnews) — Senator John Fetterman expressed his disappointment at the failure of the ICC sanctions bill to pass the Senate, however the Democrat stopped short of criticizing his entire party in the Senate, all of whom voted against the no-brainer of a bill.
Fetterman tweeted:
“Deeply disappointed by the outcome of the ICC sanctions bill. My vote follows Israel—not the ICC that equivocated the democratically elected leader of our special ally to the terrorists and rapists of Hamas.”
It’s incredible that only one Senate Democrat was willing to stand up and be counted to combat the ICC on their mission to weaponize the law against an American ally.
Thank you, @SenFettermanPA, for once again showing moral clarity. Shame on the rest who failed to do the same.
— Joel M. Petlin (@Joelmpetlin) January 28, 2025
He was praised by many Jews, including comedian Michael Rapapor and Joel Petlin.
Petlin tweeted: “It’s incredible that only one Senate Democrat was willing to stand up and be counted to combat the ICC on their mission to weaponize the law against an American ally.
“Thank you, @SenFettermanPA, for once again showing moral clarity. Shame on the rest who failed to do the same.”
Fetterman has been the most staunchly pro-Israel Democrat in the Senate, along with Ritchie Torres in the House.
The PA Senator has gotten intense backlash from pro-Hamas protesters, however his support for Israel has been relentless.
The Yeshiva World
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday sent an official invitation to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for a meeting at the White House next week.
The letter stated: “I look forward to discussing how we can bring peace to Israel and its neighbors, and efforts to counter our shared adversaries.”
“It will be my honor to host you as my first foreign leader during my second term.”
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump on Tuesday, February 4.
Trump’s invitation to Netanyahu immediately after entering office stands in sharp contrast to the behavior of ex-President Joe Biden, who failed to invite the leader of one of the US’s closest allies until July 2023, in one of a series of anti-Israel and pro-terror actions that played a part in motivating Hamas to carry out its assault several months later.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
The Yeshiva World
In a likely attempt to counter the report that dozens of Lebanese Army officials leaked sensitive information about IDF movements to Hezbollah during the so-called ceasefire, a Lebanese media outlet reported on Wednesday that the Lebanese army “took control” of a massive underground Hezbollah complex in southern Lebanon over a week ago.
According to reports, the video is of the “Imad 4” facility, which Hezbollah used for launching missiles at Israel and was exposed by the terror organization last August as part of its psychological warfare campaign, shortly before Israel activated the “exploding pagers” attack.
In footage published on Lebanese networks [likely intended for Western and Israeli eyes], Lebanese army soldiers are seen moving within the underground complex located in the Tyre region.
The AlHadath outlet reported that the area was cleared of “heavy equipment” before the Lebanese Army entered the complex.
The Lebanese army and Hezbollah did not comment on the reports and it’s unclear whether the Lebanese Army actually took control of the compound in an effort to enforce the ceasefire, or if it was part of a collaboration between the Lebanese Army and Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, “innocent” Lebanese civilians continue to carry out provocations, including open support of Hezbollah, as Lebanese Army and UNIFIL forces stand by and watch.
Hezbollah flags on UN vehicle in southern Lebanon.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
The Lakewood Scoop
A tutor at a Lakewood school is being credited for saving a choking boy by immediately performing the Heimlich maneuver.
The tutor was sitting in an office today when the boy walked in choking on a candy, and unable to breathe. Without hesitation, the tutor jumped up and immediately began performing the Heimlich maneuver, while the one he was talking to got on the phone to call Hatzolah.
After several thrusts, the item was dislodged from the boy’s throat.
As Hashgacha would have it, the school’s owner tells TLS the tutor was supposed to leave about 15 minutes prior, but stayed behind and was there to save the child.
Matzav
On Tuesday, Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-led effort to advance a bill aimed at imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). They argued that the proposed legislation would have far-reaching impacts on America’s business interests and its alliances around the world.
The vote ended with Republicans failing to secure the 60 votes necessary to push the bill forward, with a final count of 54 to 45. Senate Democrats had proposed a bipartisan compromise to amend the bill in a way that would protect American companies working with the ICC, as well as U.S. allies, from being inadvertently caught up in sanctions meant to target the court’s investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Israel.
Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania was the only Democrat who supported moving the bill ahead.
This vote marked a significant setback for the GOP’s agenda in the Senate, being one of the first defeats of this session. Just the week before, Senate Democrats had also blocked a Republican-backed bill related to “born alive” abortion.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) expressed his support for the bill before the vote, stating, “The ICC bill is one I largely support and would like to see become law.” Schumer, who identifies as a “Shomer Yisroel,” continued, “However, as much as I oppose the ICC bias against Israel, as much as I want to see that institution drastically reformed and reshaped, the bill before us is poorly drafted and deeply problematic.”
Efforts by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) to modify the bill’s language, which would have exempted America’s allies and U.S. businesses involved with the court from facing sanctions, were rejected by Republicans. Schumer argued that the proposed changes were minimal and amounted to a “small fix.”
“We hope, and urge our Republican colleagues to sit down with us and come up with a bill that addresses the very real problems at the ICC without adversely affecting American companies and our allies,” Schumer remarked, emphasizing the possibility for a bipartisan solution.
The proposed legislation, which had passed the House earlier this month, sought to impose sanctions on ICC officials and entities supporting the court. The sanctions were in response to the court’s investigation into Israel’s alleged war crimes, a move that has drawn significant criticism.
Last spring, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of using starvation as a weapon of war amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The court also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas’s military leader, Mohammed Deif, in connection to the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 250 hostages being taken.
Opponents of the sanctions argue that they create a false equivalence between Hamas, which the U.S. and other entities have labeled a terrorist organization, and Israel’s right to self-defense.
Democrats largely opposed the Republican initiative, fearing that the bill’s sweeping language could prevent the U.S. or its allies from working with the ICC in other efforts to pursue justice for war crimes globally.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) was the lead Republican sponsor of the bill. Senator Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed hope that she and Cotton could reach a compromise. “I know we share most of the same concerns he does, in drafting the bill, but I think it’s overly broad, it’s not drafted in a way that addresses the unique concerns that we have with respect to the International Criminal Court,” she said.
{Matzav.com}
The Yeshiva World
“That Is Terrorism” announced a headline in The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday reporting that a caravan laden with enough explosives to cause a 40-meter blast wave was found in Sydney, with a note naming the address of a shul as a target.
The caravan was found 10 days ago and was only revealed after an investigation into the potential “mass casualty event” was leaked to the media.
According to the report, New South Wales (NSW) police were called by a local resident on January 20 after he discovered a caravan filled with explosives.
The police who arrived at the site found Powergel explosives, which are believed to have been stolen from a mine site, along with a note listing the address of a shul.
“There’s only one way of calling it out and that is terrorism,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
“This would strike terror into the community, particularly the Jewish community, and it must be met with the full resources of the government. And I want to assure the people of NSW that’s exactly what’s happening.”
The caravan had been parked on the roadside in a hazardous position between December 7 and January 19, the report said.
The police transferred the investigation to the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which combines state and Commonwealth agencies, including the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation. Although over 100 officers have been tasked with finding the perpetrators, they have not yet been found.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson confirmed that no arrests have been made. “I can indicate we have no information that there are further explosives in our community in relation to conducting antisemitic attacks anywhere,” Hudson said. “We believe that we have contained, appropriately, this current threat.”
Hudson added that the incident was kept secret to allow a clandestine investigation to be carried out and the plan was to tell the public “very soon”.
Responding to criticism that the Jewish community and wider public were not made aware of the threat 10 days ago, Minns said: “There’s a very good reason that police don’t detail methods and tactics and that’s so that criminals don’t understand what police are getting up to in their investigations. Just because it wasn’t being conducted on the front pages of newspapers does not mean this was not an urgent in fact the number one priority of NSW Police.”
Sydney has suffered a series of antisemitic attacks in recent weeks and months. Last week, a daycare near a Jewish school and a shul was set on fire in the middle of the night. The day after the attack, Australian federal police launched an investigation regarding suspicions that the recent antisemitic attacks in the country are funded by “overseas actors.” Later that day, the police arrested a suspect involved in the attempted arson attack of a Sydney shul earlier this month.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
Shas leader Aryeh Deri warned that he would bring down the government unless it enacts a law exempting yeshiva students from military service.
In an interview with the Kol Baramah radio station, Deri gave Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and his coalition a two-month deadline to legally secure the status of Torah students, threatening that if “it’s not regulated, we’ll go to elections.”
“Who would have dreamed that Torah scholars would be called criminals?” Deri remarked, expressing his frustration that members of the national-religious community had become “partners in this hate campaign” and arguing that it was they, not him, who “will bring about the fall of the right-wing government.”
Though not explicitly stated, Deri’s warning likely pertains to Shas’ support for the 2025 state budget, which must be passed by March 2025, or the government will collapse, triggering early elections.
This is the latest in a series of threats aimed at Netanyahu’s right, religious coalition, following the resignation of far-right former national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who pulled his Otzma Yehudit party out of the government over the hostage ceasefire deal with Hamas. Another far-right minister, Betzalel Smotrich, is also threatening to resign if Israel does not resume fighting Hamas in Gaza.
In response to Deri’s warning, Avigdor Liberman, leader of the opposition Yisrael Beytenu party, tweeted, “There’s no point in waiting two months — we need to go to the polls now.”
The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is currently deliberating a bill on chareidi enlistment. However, committee chairman Yuli Edelstein (Likud) has stated that he “would only produce a real conscription law that will significantly increase the IDF’s conscription base.”
The Shas and United Torah Judaism parties have been pressuring Netanyahu to move the legislation forward. UTJ’s Agudas Yisrael faction has also warned that it may vote against the budget if the issue of the draft is not addressed.
The IDF has previously informed the committee that, assuming necessary resources are allocated, it will be able to absorb chareidim “without any restrictions” starting in 2026.
However, Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that this is not feasible and has advocated for a gradual increase in the number of chareidi__m drafted, aiming for 50 percent of the annual eligible chareidi draft cohort by 2032.
Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon has argued that Katz’s proposal will not meet the IDF’s manpower needs, making it incompatible with last summer’s High Court ruling, which mandates the government to draft chareidi yeshiva students.
{Matzav.com Israel}
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida lawmakers passed a sweeping immigration bill Tuesday, setting aside half a billion dollars in public funds to help carry out President Donald Trump ‘s crackdown on those in the country illegally.
In a state where roughly one in every five residents is an immigrant, the legislation would require every level of government — as well as government contractors — to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement “to the fullest extent possible.”
Following more than four hours of deliberations on Tuesday, Florida’s Republican-dominated Legislature passed the measure largely along party lines. The passage sets up a showdown between Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and state legislative leaders, who have sparred over whose proposals would better carry out Trump’s immigration crackdown. DeSantis has called the bill “weak.”
“The whole goal of this bill is to help President Trump do his job,” said Republican Sen. Gruters, one of the bill sponsors and a Trump ally who said he spoke with the president while shepherding the measure. “He wants maximum coordination with local government.”
Lawmakers pushed the 80-plus page bill — titled the Tackling and Reforming Unlawful Migration Policy, or TRUMP Act — through in a special session, when it’s harder for the public to engage in the legislative process. Republican lawmakers filed the bill after rejecting immigration proposals by DeSantis, a rebuke to the lame duck governor who was once floated as Trump’s successor.
Notably, one Republican in the House and six in the Senate voted against the measure, leaving the bill short of a veto-proof majority.
“I appreciate the attempt,” said Republican Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, an ally of the governor. “I cannot vote for this because it is nowhere near strong enough for my taste.”
Ahead of the floor debate on Tuesday, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez announced additional provisions, after they “requested and received technical assistance from the Trump Administration”, the leaders said.
The amendments included enhancing penalties for all crimes committed in the state by people in the country illegally, and requires that those convicted of capital offenses receive the death penalty. But the Republican sponsors declined to include some of DeSantis’ provisions, like restrictions on people in the country illegally sending money overseas and a measure that would have created a legal presumption that people in the country illegally are a flight risk.
Now DeSantis must weigh whether to sign a proposal he’s bashed in public as “toothless” and “watered-down” or veto it. He could also decline to sign the bill, allowing it to become law.
The measure passed by lawmakers Tuesday would create a new state immigration enforcement office with more than 140 employees under the direction of a newly minted chief immigration officer, a post to be taken by the state’s commissioner of agriculture, and would cede emergency immigration enforcement powers from the governor to the state immigration officer.
The bill allocates $100 million for grants to local law enforcement agencies for training, equipment and reimbursement for leasing detention facilities to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It allocates another $375 million to fund the state’s cooperation with the federal government, including efforts related to a program that deputizes local law enforcement for duties typically performed by ICE agents. It also sets aside $25 million to give $1,000 bonuses to local law enforcement officers who cooperate with the federal government.
Democrats repeatedly pressed the bill sponsors on the language requiring government employees to “cooperate to the fullest extent possible” with federal immigration enforcement.
“If we really don’t want our (school resource officers), our social workers and our teachers defining for themselves what the fullest extent of their cooperation needs to be, then we need to define that,” said Democratic Rep. Christine Hunchofsky.
Gruters said the bill is aimed at requiring more cooperation from local officials running jails and detention facilities, not “street-level” enforcement. But he acknowledged that could change with federal priorities.
The bill would also repeal a decade-old state law allowing Florida students who are in the country without legal permission to qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, which as of the 2023-2024 fiscal year benefitted about 6,500 students. In a sign of how much the state’s immigration politics have changed in recent years, the tuition measure was sponsored in 2014 by the state’s now-lieutenant governor, a Republican from Miami.
“I implore you today to remember the haunting yet challenging words of our lieutenant governor when she said, ‘It’s the right thing to do’,” Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson told his colleagues on the Senate floor. “And what has changed since then except an attitude towards immigrants?”
Democratic Rep. Jose Alvarez, who was born in Cuba and was brought the U.S. by his parents, was more forceful.
“You all should be ashamed of yourself,” he told lawmakers during a hearing on the bill, adding “This is not what this country was meant for.”
The provision empowering the state’s agriculture commissioner as chief immigration officer has rankled DeSantis, who said “it’s almost like the fox guarding the hen house” because the agriculture industry hasn’t “been known for immigration enforcement.”
In his closing remarks, Speaker Perez seemed to nod at the pressure Republicans have faced from the governor and his allies.
“Threatening others to get your way isn’t leadership, it’s immaturity,” Perez said. “I’m going ask you to ignore the melodrama and instead focus on the work that we have to do.”
Florida is among many states led by both parties responding to Trump’s immigration agenda, including Tennessee, which started its own special session Monday in part to deal with the issue.
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., issued a ruling on Tuesday, requiring the Trump administration to continue distributing federal assistance, just as a freeze was set to take effect at the close of business that same day.
U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan delivered a temporary restraining order following an appeal by a coalition of nonprofit organizations. This action came shortly after Matthew Vaeth, the acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), instructed federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance.”
The memo issued by Vaeth further instructed agency heads to “identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements.”
Attorneys representing Democracy Forward filed the lawsuit on behalf of several nonprofit groups, including the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, the Main Street Alliance, and the LGBTQ advocacy group SAGE, in an effort to prevent the funding freeze.
“This Memo … will have a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of grant recipients who depend on the inflow of grant money (money already obligated and already awarded) to fulfill their missions, pay their employees, pay their rent — and, indeed, improve the day-to-day lives of the many people they work so hard to serve,” the attorneys wrote in their complaint.
With the judge’s decision, all active grants will continue, with the order remaining in effect until 5 p.m. ET on February 3.
A hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 6, to hear arguments on the legality of the OMB’s action.
In court filings, the Justice Department contended that the nonprofits had not yet shown any immediate impact from the funding freeze on agencies.
“I am very sympathetic to your argument that [the plaintiffs have] not identified a particular grantee that is going to be missing a paycheck from the federal government tomorrow, but I think that’s in part from the government’s own making,” AliKhan — a Biden appointee confirmed in a tie-breaking vote cast by Vice President Kamala Harris — remarked to a Trump administration lawyer during a Zoom hearing on Tuesday, according to NBC News.
The OMB’s order sparked backlash from Democrats, who accused the White House of unlawfully withholding funds approved by Congress, highlighting issues such as the temporary shutdown of Medicaid and other federal benefit systems.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions during her first official briefing on Tuesday, clarifying that the move did “not represent a blanket pause on federal assistance” like Social Security, Medicare, or food stamps.
“Assistance that is going directly to individuals will not be impacted by this pause,” Leavitt said during the briefing, later reinforcing the point on social media, claiming that no Medicaid payments had been “affected” and that “the portal will be back online shortly.”
“What does this pause mean? It means no more funding for illegal DEI programs,” she continued.
“It means no more funding for the Green New Scam that has cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. It means no more funding for transgenderism and wokeness across our federal bureaucracy and agencies, no more funding for Green New Deal social engineering policies.”
Leavitt further asserted that $50 million audited by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and OMB had revealed that taxpayers were being burdened with funding “condoms in Gaza.”
Another $37 million earmarked for the World Health Organization, which Trump had previously withdrawn from, was also included in the frozen funds.
“Career and political appointees in the Executive Branch have a duty to align Federal spending and action with the will of the American people as expressed through Presidential priorities,” Vaeth wrote in the memo.
“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve.”
Vaeth gave all agencies until February 10 to submit requests for exceptions.
In response, a coalition of state attorneys general from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New York also announced plans to sue in an effort to block the freeze, with New York Attorney General Letitia James calling it “unconstitutional.”
In a recent confirmation hearing, OMB Director-designate Russ Vought suggested that the legislation preventing presidents from withholding funding was itself “unconstitutional.”
“The president ran on the notion that the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional,” Vought told members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee last week. “I agree with that.”
The 1974 law limits the executive branch’s ability to withhold funding for proposals passed by Congress.
{Matzav.com}
The Belzer kehillah in Yerushalayim has introduced a creative and practical solution to help chassidim stay informed about the timing of the Belzer Rebbe’s tisch. Given that the schedule often changes, the community needed a reliable way to communicate the Rebbe’s arrival at the tisch on leil Shabbos.
Months ago, a chossid living near Kikar Belz devised a simple yet effective solution: raising a white flag to signal the start of the tisch. This allowed chassidim in the area to prepare for the Rebbe’s arrival. However, the solution has now been upgraded to a more sophisticated system.
In place of the flag, a special flashing projector has been installed atop a tall pole. The light operates similarly to a patented Shabbos lamp, with a cover that, when removed, allows the light to flash brightly, signaling the start of the tisch. The flashing light can be seen from afar, ensuring that chassidim from as far as Shamgar and Tnuva are alerted to rush to join the Rebbe.
The new system is expected to streamline the process and improve the experience for the Belzer kehillah, ensuring that no one misses the tisch, regardless of schedule changes.
{Matzav.com Israel}
Shas leader Aryeh Deri urged Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to proceed with the next stage of the agreement with Hamas to guarantee the safe return of every hostage to Israel during a faction meeting on Monday regarding the law to honor Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l. “On the one hand, we want to dismantle Hamas and strip it of its military and governmental capabilities, but on the other hand, the hostages are always in front of our eyes,” he emphasized.
Deri pointed out that in the initial agreement, nearly 100 hostages were brought back, though he admitted, “not everyone agreed with us.”
He acknowledged the challenges involved, saying, “I understand the concerns—this is a very difficult deal with significant costs—but we are obligated to save lives,” and emphasized that Israel is fully committed to the effort.
“We are making a great effort to bring back the last of the hostages. We do not act with declarations or threats. We do not threaten anyone! We are obligated to this and will do everything in our power to bring back the last of the hostages, both those alive and those who are not,” Deri asserted.
As for the execution of this mission, he said, “I don’t ask questions. We know what we need to do. Even those who didn’t believe it would happen see that it is happening, and with God’s help, it will continue to happen.”
At the National Economy Conference of the National Federation, Construction and Housing Minister Yitzchok Goldknopf expressed unwavering support for Netanyahu, as reported by N12. “Netanyahu, we are behind you, and we are with you. We do not know what is good or not good. For any deal you pursue, we are with you. We must work toward the release of all the hostages, down to the very last one. We pray that all the hostages will return home safely.”
In a post on X/Twitter, United Torah Judaism MK Moshe Gafni voiced the urgent need to bring the hostages back from Gaza, responding to Religious Zionist Party director-general Yehoda Vald, who had criticized the chareidi backing of the hostage deal. “This is our position; this is the directive of the great Torah sages. We stand firmly behind it, and it has nothing to do with all these fabricated claims that it is connected to other matters,” Gafni clarified.
Vald had earlier criticized the deal, saying, “Where is the audacity?! To leave a note and walk away, to call for a ceasefire, knowing that Hamas will remain and grow stronger. After all, we are the ones who will fight and die before and after the next massacre. Not them.” He added that the chareidi support for the hostage-ceasefire agreement was aimed at “getting applause from the left” and signaling not to press for a meaningful draft law.
{Matzav.com Israel}
By BoroPark24 Staff
In a significant step toward honoring the late Rabbi Yanky Meyer, Community Board 12 voted tonight to approve the co-naming of a street on 16th Avenue between 58th Street and 59th Street, in Borough Park in his memory. The vote sends the proposal to the New York City Council and the Department of Transportation for final implementation.
Rabbi Meyer, who passed away in September 2022, is remembered for his decades of selfless service to the Brooklyn community. He was a founding member of Misaskim and devoted much of his life to supporting families during their times of greatest grief. Additionally, his role as a dedicated volunteer with Borough Park Hatzolah earned him the admiration from those he served.
The vote marks a milestone in efforts to permanently recognize Rabbi Meyer’s lasting impact. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who wrote a heartfelt letter to Community Board 12 advocating for the street co-naming, has been praised for his leadership in pushing this initiative forward. “Rabbi Meyer was a leader whose dedication to faith and service can be seen all over Brooklyn and this city,” Reynoso said in his letter. “It would be fitting for a Borough Park street to bear his name so that Brooklynites and visitors can be inspired by his devotion and selflessness.”
The approval from Community Board 12 means the proposal will now move to the next stages in the city’s process. The city council and the Department of Transportation will decide on the specific street to be co-named in honor of Rabbi Meyer. This move serves as a lasting tribute to a man whose life was defined by compassion, service, and unwavering commitment to his community.
Federal health officials have expanded their recall of 13-ounce bags of Frito-Lay potato chips due to concerns that the products may contain undeclared milk, which could pose a fatal risk to consumers.
Earlier last month, the Food and Drug Administration had reported that Frito-Lay was voluntarily recalling a small batch of products.
“Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product,” the FDA warned in a notice released on December 16.
This week, the agency clarified the potential danger by classifying the recall as a “Class 1” recall — the highest possible level of alert.
The FDA further noted that consuming these chips could lead to “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The recall impacts products distributed in Washington and Oregon, and it was triggered in December after a customer informed the company about the potential issue.
Milk is one of the FDA’s eight major allergens, and it can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, including symptoms such as hives, cramps, dizziness, swollen vocal cords, and even unconsciousness.
The severity of the recall is underscored by its classification, which highlights the serious risks associated with the allergen’s presence in the products.
Frito-Lay, in a statement, reassured consumers that no allergic reactions linked to this recall have been reported so far.
The company also made it clear that no other Lay’s products, including other flavors, sizes, or variety packs, are involved in this recall, emphasizing that this is a singular incident.
Consumers who have purchased the affected chips are urged to dispose of them immediately, especially if anyone in their household has a milk allergy.
The recalled chips can be identified by a “guaranteed fresh” date of February 11 and a manufacturing code of either “6462307xx” or “6463307xx.”
This recall is part of a broader issue of undeclared allergens in food, with several other products being recalled by the FDA in January for the same issue.
The products recalled include NuGo Granola Bars, Pearl Milling Company Pancake & Waffle Mix, New York Mutual Trading Co. Monkfish Liver, Monkey Spit Barbecue Sauces (which also contained undeclared wheat and soy), and Shirakiku Snack Corn Puffs.
Additionally, numerous other food items were recalled in January for undeclared allergens beyond milk, such as wheat, eggs, soy, and almonds.
Consumers in Washington and Oregon who have purchased the affected Lay’s Classic Potato Chips with the specified date and manufacturing codes are advised to discard them immediately.
Anyone with concerns or questions should reach out to Frito-Lay for more details or seek refunds through their point of purchase.
As food safety continues to be a priority, the FDA remains vigilant in addressing concerns over undeclared allergens and urges manufacturers to maintain transparency in labeling to protect consumers from potential health hazards.
{Matzav.com}
TALLAHASSEE — Florida state Sen. Randy Fine, has won the Republican primary in the special election to replace former Rep. Mike Waltz in Florida’s 6th Congressional District. Fine’s victory, backed by President Donald Trump, positions him as a leading pro-Israel advocate in Congress as he prepares for the April 1 general election.
Fine who is Jewish, represents a district that includes Daytona Beach and communities south of Jacksonville, is known for his passionate defense of Israel and his relentless fight against antisemitism. Throughout his political career, he has spearheaded efforts to bolster Florida-Israel relations, secure funding for Jewish institutions, and enact legislation targeting antisemitic acts.
“This victory isn’t mine. It is Donald Trump’s,” Fine said Tuesday night from a special session on immigration in Tallahassee “It is first electoral win since Nov. 5. And Republicans overwhelmingly showed they remain committed to his agenda. And I can promise him — and every voter — no one will be more committed to his success than me. I’m ready to go.”
Fine’s commitment to Israel and Jewish causes has defined much of his political identity. His criticism of Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year for not doing enough to combat rising antisemitism in Florida underscored his willingness to challenge even members of his own party on issues of importance to the Jewish community.
In the general election, Fine will face Democrat Josh Weil, a public school teacher from Orlando, who hopes to flip the Republican-leaning district. However, Fine’s strong conservative base and outspoken support for Trump’s policies, particularly his pro-Israel stance, make him a formidable opponent.
Fine’s win reflects not only Trump’s continued influence in Republican primaries but also the growing prominence of pro-Israel advocacy in the GOP. As he campaigns for the general election, Fine has promised to be an unwavering voice for Israel and Jewish causes in Washington.
The Lakewood Scoop
Children love to be entertained. Their capacity for fun seems endless. Parents, however, have limited time, money and patience. If children respect the bounds set by their parents, both parents and children will enjoy the outing. But if children try to exceed their parents’ tolerance, a fiasco is inevitable.
Just as children wish to be indulged without limitation, so too do adults yearn to be listened to by their spouses without restriction. It is enormously gratifying to be the speaker while your spouse indulges you as the listener. But if you exceed your spouse’s tolerance, a potentially constructive communication session can deteriorate into a shouting match like this one.
“You never have enough time for me,” a wife complained. “You are always willing to talk to everyone else. But you are so impatient with me. It has been so long since we last had a chance to talk and now you are cutting me off before we even got started. There is so much I wanted to say and now you are telling me you have to go. I feel so put down and hurt!”
“‘Not enough time’,” the husband shot back. “‘Not enough time’? Do you realize how long I have been listening to you now? Do you see what time it is? There are so many responsibilities that I am ignoring now just to be able to listen to you. And you have the audacity to say that I have not given you enough time? There is never enough time for you, no matter how long I talk with you. I just feel you will never be satisfied!”
Sound familiar? If so, you may need to set some parameters on your communication sessions at home. If you do, the speaker will not feel cut off and the listener will not feel unfairly imposed upon.
The main point here is that if you are the speaker, it is your responsibility to respect whatever time limits you and your spouse have agreed upon in advance. If you do, your spouse will be more likely to be willing to listen to you again, in the future. If you do not, your spouse may look for any opportunity to avoid listening to you, again.
Or, as Chazal put it more succinctly, “Tafasta meruba lo tafasta; If you try to grab too much, you may end up with nothing.” (Rosh Hashana 4b)
_ _ _ _ _
Dr. Meir Wikler is a psychotherapist and family counselor in full-time private practice with offices in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Lakewood, N.J. This article has been adapted with permission of the author and publisher from Ten Minutes a Day to a Better Marriage: Getting Your Spouse to Understand You by Dr. Meir Wikler (Artscroll, 2003).
Rav Eliyahu Yagid, the Rosh Yeshiva of Mesivta Keren HaTorah in Lakewood, has released his first sefer, Minchas Eliyahu, which offers a deep and insightful analysis of Maseches Eiruvin. This work marks a milestone for Rav Yagid, as it is the first published sefer for him, one of the leading young Roshei Yeshiva in the United States, renowned for his brilliant lomdus and scintillating shiurim.
Rav Yagid, who is known for his breadth of knowledge, brings his exceptional scholarship to the forefront in Minchas Eliyahu, which is certain to become a key resource for bnei Torah.
The sefer features a haskamah from his Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Moshe of South Fallsburg.
Rav Yagid is a son of Rav Avrohom Yagid and a son-in-law of the late Rav Gershon Neuman zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Leyma in Union, NJ.
The sefer is expected to make a profound impact on those learning this masechta and is a fitting contribution to the legacy of harbotzas haTorah that Rav Yagid continues to foster.
{Matzav.com}
Dear Matzav Inbox,
As a young frum family, we are finding it increasingly impossible to make ends meet, even as we tighten our belts and cut back on anything that’s not absolutely essential. It’s hard to imagine how anyone in our situation is expected to save or even plan for the future when the day-to-day costs are so overwhelming.
To break it down: the basic necessities alone add up to thousands of dollars each month. Let’s start with rent—at $2,000, this is often a modest apartment in a frum neighborhood. Utilities run us about $350 a month – often more – just to keep the lights on and the heat and A/C functioning. That costs us $650 each month together. Gas and tolls for commuting to work and for the kids’ schooling adds another couple of hundred bucks. Health insurance is another $500. Then there’s the cost of groceries and other basic necessities, like toiletries, which costs us at least $500 a week.
I didn’t mention clothes, medical bills, dentist bills, life insurance, simple things like haircuts and oil changes, therapy (yes, some of our children need that), shul membership, school dinners, and other things like that.
This leaves us with only the bare essentials, no luxuries, no indulgences, and no cushion for emergencies.
But that’s not the whole picture. What about school tuition? The average cost for a frum family with 4 children or so can easily be over $2,000 per child. That’s another crushing blow to our budgets. There are also the additional costs for school supplies and uniforms.
Then there’s the hidden costs of “keeping up appearances.” How many young families can afford the necessary clothing for their children for each season? Shoes alone can cost $100 per pair, and that’s just one item in an ever-growing list of essentials. Additionally, things like newspapers/magazines, simcha gifts, and tzedakah donations add more strain.
Let’s not forget the mental and emotional toll of this relentless financial burden. The constant anxiety about making rent each month, about scraping together enough for groceries and tuition fees, creates a tension that no one should have to carry.
The question remains: How are we supposed to save any money, or even have the ability to plan for the future?
I am in my thirties, with my spouse, and we are trying to raise children as frum ehrliche Yidden, but the math simply doesn’t add up. At the end of the month, after we’ve accounted for all of these expenses, there’s nothing left. We are just getting by—and sometimes, not even that.
It’s time for a broader conversation about the crippling costs of frum family life. We need a change—a way to help families like mine, who are working hard and trying to live according to our values, but are finding it increasingly impossible to do so without falling behind. The current system is unsustainable, and we are crying out for someont to do what they can to alleviate the growing financial strain on young frum families.
We simply cannot go on like this.
Sincerely,
A Frustrated Young Parent
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Matzav
Karoline Leavitt delivered her first official White House press briefing Tuesday afternoon – becoming the youngest White House press secretary to take the podium.
Leavitt, 27, was met with sharp questions from journalists about President Donald Trump’s busy first week back in the White House. While it was her first time engaging with reporters in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, Leavitt already has experience serving as a fierce defender of Trump before the media.
As national press secretary, Leavitt spent much of the 2024 presidential race as a public-facing spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, shooting off at times combative statements via email to reporters and boosting Trump’s talking points in appearances on conservative and national media, such as Fox News. During the first Trump administration, she worked in the White House communications office.
“Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator. I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the American People as we, Make America Great Again,” Trump said in a November statement when he tapped her for the position.
It is unclear how often Leavitt plans to hold news briefings. During Trump’s first term, he had four press secretaries – Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham and Kayleigh McEnany – and Grisham never once held a briefing from the podium.
Leavitt is the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary.
She has touted her Gen Z credentials in the past, having launched her own congressional campaign at the age of 23 to represent her hometown in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District. She beat a more moderate Republican in the 2022 primary but ultimately failed to unseat incumbent Rep. Chris Pappas (D).
Leavitt studied at St. Anselm College, a Catholic liberal arts college in New Hampshire, where she was one of a small number of conservatives on campus. Though her childhood dream was to become a broadcast reporter, Leavitt took an internship at the White House under the Trump administration after graduating in 2019 and worked up to the job of assistant press secretary.
After Trump’s loss in the 2020 election, Leavitt worked as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-New York), who is Trump’s nominee for U.N. ambassador. Leavitt helped Stefanik as she campaigned to replace then-Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming), a frequent target of Trump’s attacks, as GOP conference chair.
During the 2024 race, Leavitt accompanied Trump to rallies, campaign events and his court appearances in Manhattan. She often want on conservative and national media to echo many of Trump’s talking points, calling the criminal cases against him a “witch hunt that comes from the top, comes from Joe Biden” and often describing Democrats as out-of-touch liberals ignoring the issues facing Americans.
Leavitt has shared Trump’s combative approach to the news media, saying during a warm-up speech at one of his rallies, “I have the great pleasure of fighting the fake news media all day, every day.” CNN ended a live interview with her in June when she accused anchors Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, whom the network chose to moderate the first presidential debate of the 2024 election, of bias.
She has been vocal about her role as a working mother, sharing that she was hired as the Trump campaign’s national press secretary shortly after learning she was pregnant with her first child. And she was quick to return to work after delivering her son, going on television just four days later.
“The president literally put his life on the line to win this election. The least I could do is get back to work quickly,” she said in an interview with conservative women’s outlet the Conservateur, which she shared on her Instagram.
In the lead-up to Trump’s inauguration, Leavitt served as a vocal champion of the president’s Cabinet picks as they navigated their confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill. In a recent Fox News interview, she touted the nominees as “brilliant” picks and slammed Democrats for the questions they were asking of them.
“The Democrats have not yet found a cure to Trump derangement syndrome, and their party is still in complete disarray,” she said on Fox News this month.
(c) 2025, The Washington Post · Sabrina Rodriguez
During her first briefing on Tuesday afternoon, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the creation of a dedicated seating section for “new media” journalists and said the Trump administration will restore the press credentials of 440 individuals that were “wrongly revoked by the previous administration.”
“The Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities, not just the legacy media who are seated in this room,” she said. “It’s essential to our team that we share President Trump’s message everywhere and adapt this White House to the new media landscape in 2025.”
Leavitt gave her first question to Mike Allen, the co-founder of the digital media company Axios, followed by Matthew Boyle, Washington bureau chief for the Breitbart News Network.
“It is a fact that Americans are consuming their news media from various different platforms, especially young people,” Leavitt said. “And as the youngest press secretary in history, thanks to President Trump, I take great pride in opening up this room to new media voices to share the president’s message with as many Americans as possible.”
She said the White House will welcome applications for press credentials from nontraditional journalists, including creators on social media platforms like TikTok, podcasters and bloggers who are “producing legitimate news content.”
After beginning the briefing with pleasantries, telling a packed room of assembled journalists that “it’s an honor to be here with all of you,” Leavitt leveled several criticisms of the media and tussled with multiple correspondents. In doing so, Leavitt harked back to the combative dynamic that was ever-present during the first Trump administration, when press secretaries Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders clashed regularly with journalists.
Associated Press journalist Zeke Miller asked whether she saw her role as purely an advocate for the president or whether she would provide “the unvarnished truth.”
“I commit to telling the truth from this podium every single day,” Leavitt said.
“While I’ve vowed to provide the truth from this podium, we ask that all of you in this room hold yourselves to that same standard,” she added. “We know for a fact that there have been lies that have been pushed by many legacy media outlets in this country about this president, about his family. And we will not accept that. We will call you out when we feel that your reporting is wrong or there is misinformation about this White House.”
Leavitt pushed back at Peter Alexander, the chief White House correspondent for NBC News, after he asked about some of the Trump administration’s early actions regarding deportations and a decision by the White House to pause to all grants and loans disbursed by the federal government. “You’re asking a hypothetical based on programs you can’t even identify?” she responded, even after Alexander had identified a specific program that provides heating for low-income residents.
When asked how frequent her press briefings would be, Leavitt said the administration’s best spokesperson is the president himself. “I can you assure that you will be hearing from both him and from me as much as possible,” she said.
Observers, including White House correspondents, were eager to see what approach Leavitt, 27, would take to engaging with the media. Leavitt, who served as an intern during Trump’s first administration, served as a public-facing spokesperson for the Trump campaign last year, making her a logical choice to serve as press secretary as someone who was already familiar to the journalists who have covered the president.
(c) 2025, The Washington Post · Jeremy Barr
(AP) – Lush, green plants have the power to transform a space, imparting character, warmth and charm. And there is no space I can think of that could benefit more from a little character, warmth and charm than your average office cubicle.
But growing plants in windowless spaces can be challenging, to say the least, no matter how green your thumb is.
Fortunately, there are several “low-light” houseplants that will not only survive but thrive under the overhead fluorescent light fixtures common in commercial office spaces.
These plants also have low water needs, which means they won’t miss you when you take a weeklong vacation. And they’re all easy to care for, making them perfect for new houseplant owners.
A vining plant with waxy, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 8 feet long. Hang a pot from a hook or place it on an overhead storage unit and allow its long stems to hang over the edge. There are many varieties, with golden, jade and satin among the best for low-light conditions.
Glossy foliage and an upright habit that can reach 3 feet tall. Its narrow profile makes it perfect for placing on the floor beside your desk. Consider the green-leaved standard, the speckled variegated or trendy black Raven varieties.
Smooth, glossy, sometimes variegated or mottled leaves. Consider a variety whose green leaves have vibrant red or orange striations for a pop of color, a cream or creamy-pink variety for elegance or a speckled or blotchy one for a touch of whimsy.
The common name is one of two bestowed on this old-time favorite with upward-growing, sharp, pointy leaves (the other is mother-in-law’s tongue). Opt for the standard green variety.
A shade-loving tropical plant that actually prefers artificial lighting over sunlight. The plant is as strong as its name implies. Its sword-shaped green leaves can also handle the too-warm or too-cool temperatures often spewed by finicky office thermostats without wilting.
Grows well under fluorescent lighting without natural sunlight. It also grows without a pot or soil. You can even glue one to a frame to create a living portrait. As far as care goes, just mist it with water every couple of days or give it a good soaking every week or two (more often if the air is dry).
Not to be confused with air plants, air ferns are marketed as plants that don’t require any sunlight or water. Sound too good to be true? It is. Air ferns aren’t actually plants at all. They’re not even alive. The dried skeletal remains of marine hydrozoans are dyed green and sold as no-maintenance “houseplants.”
WHITE HOUSE (VINnews) — Mishpacha’s Jake Turx asked a question at the first press briefing of the Trump 2.0 administration. Turx asked if there is an investigation into President Biden’s removal of the label “terrorist” from the Houthi terror group.
Interestingly, one social media influencer reported that the question had actually been asked by “Klal Yisrael” (roughly translated as the Nation of Israel.)
Mishpacha magazine’s @JakeTurx gets Q at the first WH press briefing pic.twitter.com/TQjYW3MxAb
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) January 28, 2025
Podcaster Saagar Enjeti listed the names of reporters who asked questions at today’s briefing on X. One of the names is ‘Klal Yisroel”
Saagar apparently checked Jake Turx’s bio on X and thought ‘Klal Yisrael’ is his actual name. (Turx DOES represent the Jewish people).
The Lakewood Scoop
A federal judge has temporarily halted President Trump’s freeze on federal aid programs from taking effect, ruling that the courts need more time to consider the potentially far-reaching ramifications of his order.
“I think there is the specter of irreparable harm,” U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, who was appointed by former President Biden, wrote.
The order came minutes before the 5pm deadline, which is when the White House said the funding freeze will take effect. The administrative stay lasts until Monday afternoon and applies only to existing programs.
The White House order, which was issued Tuesday evening, sparked concern across the country, as uncertainty mounted over which programs would be frozen.
In a two-page memo from Matt Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, directed federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance,” specifically citing “D.E.I., woke gender ideology and the Green New Deal.”
Trump administration officials had issued clarifications throughout the day on Tuesday, saying programs that provide direct assistance to Americans would not be affected, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, student loans and food stamps.
In a separate lawsuit, New Jersey, represented by state Attorney General Matt Plakin, was one of at least 22 states which were also seeking to block the order.
DORAL, Fla. – Two years ago, Miami-Dade County awoke to a garbage nightmare. Both of the county landfills were nearly full, and the aging incinerator that once burned the lion’s share of the county’s waste had itself been consumed in a runaway trash fire.
After the fire, County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava proposed what she said would be the best solution to a bad problem: replacing the wrecked incinerator with a new $1.5 billion waste-to-energy facility that would generate enough electricity for 70,000 homes, pollute less than the old plant and – the mayor said – wouldn’t stink.
If built, it would be the biggest incinerator in the United States, potentially paving the way for other cities and counties to adopt a waste-management method that some scientists say is the least bad option to deal with trash that can’t be recycled or composted.
The only problem is, nobody wants it. Environmentalists called the proposal a way to greenwash burning garbage. Neighbors who lived with the old incinerator’s stink protested the plan. “I’m not saying I’m glad it burned down,” said Fabiano de Lisio, who has run a business selling motors a block from the incinerator site for 15 years. “But I’m happy I can’t smell that stench anymore.”
The core of the problem is that Americans throw out more trash than almost any other people on the planet – and lag behind other wealthy countries in recycling and composting. That leaves U.S. cities with two flawed options for getting rid of waste: burn it or bury it.
In recent years, more local governments have been considering incineration. The strategy has become common in Europe, China and Southeast Asia as the technology has advanced from the heavily polluting plants of the early 20th century to a new generation of facilities that contaminate less and offer other opportunities. In one famous Danish example, the incinerator doubles as a ski slope and public park.
Miami-Dade County’s predicament is a test of whether this solution could take root in the United States, as well.
After months of public uproar and private lobbying – including by the Trump family, which owns the nearby Trump National Doral golf course – Levine Cava pulled her support for the incinerator plan. The mayor now says the county should stick with the emergency measure it has been using since the fire: sending trucks and trains 100 miles north to dump waste in central Florida.
The final decision is up to the county commissioners, who will vote in coming weeks.
“I became mayor to make tough decisions about our future, and this is certainly among the toughest, if not the toughest, I have encountered,” Levine Cava said.
– – –
Living next to a trash fire
The old Miami-Dade County incinerator, opened in 1985, was built at the height of the American garbage-burning boom.
Like most incinerators, it used the intense heat of the trash fire – which burned at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit – to boil water into steam, which spun a turbine and generated electricity. During the 1970s energy crisis, high fuel prices prompted many American cities to build incinerators as a way to boost electricity production and reduce their trash to ash, which takes up 90 percent less space.
Incineration peaked in the early 1990s, when 15 percent of U.S. trash was burned, but it tapered off as the Environmental Protection Agency tightened air pollution rules throughout the decade. Rather than install expensive filters to capture toxins before they blew out of the smokestacks, officials shut down many incinerators.
Unlike most local governments, Miami-Dade County didn’t build its incinerator in a poor, minority neighborhood; it stuck the facility on the edge of the Everglades, miles from most homes and businesses. But then the county sprawled west and swallowed it up. The city of Doral was founded in 2003 and quickly grew around the plant as South Florida real estate prices skyrocketed. There are now $1.7 million condos across the street from the incinerator site.
The people who live and work nearby remember the many indignities of living next to a trash fire.
Some mornings, they would wake up and find a fine dusting of ash on their cars’ windshields. Residents complained about swarms of flies and the rumble of machinery, like the sound of a distant airplane taking off all day long. But the one memory seared into everyone’s mind is the smell.
A perfume seller who works across the street from the incinerator site said the scent had notes of dead dog. A mom said she quit taking her kids to play at a nearby park because the stench was too oppressive.
“It was like a highway rest-stop bathroom that never gets cleaned. It was hardly bearable,” said Roberto Colmenares, who coaches kids at an indoor soccer pitch a block from the incinerator and lives across the street from the site.
When the incinerator caught fire on Feb. 12, 2023, it burned for more than a week. Freddy Cruz, who works at nearby catering company, said the fire produced an acrid, sulfurous smoke that made him light-headed and prompted his boss to close the business for several days. But when the smoke cleared, the plant was demolished – and the smell was gone for good.
“I’m grateful that it’s over,” said Colmenares. Asked if he would support rebuilding the plant, he said, “Please, no.”
– – –
Burying vs. burning
After the incinerator burned, Miami-Dade County’s trash chief resigned and warned of a looming garbage crisis. The incinerator had been burning half of the 2 million tons of trash the county collected each year. Soon, he wrote in a public letter, the county would have to halt all real estate development if it didn’t find a new place to put its garbage.
As an emergency measure, the county started sending trash to a landfill in a less populated area near Lake Okeechobee, northwest of Palm Beach.
This sort of trash pilgrimage is relatively common in the United States. Los Angeles sends trains full of trash 200 miles away to landfills in the Mojave Desert. New York City sends its garbage to dumps as far away as South Carolina.
Landfills are cheaper to build than incinerators, and they’re usually farther away from cities. “Landfills are more out of sight, out of mind,” said Timothy Townsend, an environmental engineering professor at the University of Florida.
But, in general, incinerators probably create less planet-warming pollution than landfills, according to Townsend, who wrote a meta-analysis reviewing a dozen conflicting studies on the subject.
Incinerators release carbon dioxide from every piece of trash they burn – but they offset some of their environmental harm by generating electricity and recovering scrap metal. Landfills release methane, an extra-powerful greenhouse gas that comes from food and yard waste rotting underground without oxygen – and although modern landfills capture most of the gas and sometimes convert it into energy, methane is such a potent planet-warmer that it usually outweighs the carbon from incinerators.
“It would be pretty rare to ever collect enough methane to tip the balance so landfills are better,” Townsend said. But he acknowledged it would be possible for landfills to come out on top if they had exceptional methane-capture rates, and if local residents composted more of their food waste and yard trimmings than Americans typically do.
– – –
Imagining a ‘zero waste’ world
Environmentalists and some Doral residents say incineration is a flawed solution that doesn’t address the root problem: Americans throw out too much stuff – more than twice as much as we did 50 years ago, according to EPA data.
Miami-Dade is particularly bad: The county dumps twice as much trash per resident as the rest of the country, in part because 27 million tourists visit each year and add to the waste pile, Levine Cava said.
The best way for the county to deal with this rising tide of trash, say local activists and national researchers, is to reduce waste, recycle and compost as much as possible, and then dump what’s left into a landfill.
Once an incinerator is built, it has to be fed a constant stream of trash to keep operating and generating electricity, discouraging local governments from reducing their waste, said Lily Baum Pollans, an associate professor of urban policy and planning at Hunter College who wrote a book about the politics of waste management in U.S. cities.
“When everyone starts to feel down and frustrated and like there’s no good answer, I’m like, ‘Yes, there is a perfectly good answer: We don’t need so much disposable stuff,’” Pollans said.
Miami-Dade County is one of at least 100 U.S. local governments that have developed a “zero waste” plan in recent years, according to a tracker from Waste Dive, a publication focused on waste management.
But Florida is one of eight U.S. states that has made it illegal for local governments to ban or limit certain kinds of plastic waste, usually a key element of such plans. Instead, Miami-Dade County pledged to use less plastic in facilities it owns, including Miami International Airport and PortMiami, the world’s biggest cruise ship port.
Environmentalists say the county should also step up composting and recycling. Miami-Dade composted and recycled 38 percent of its waste in 2023, county officials said, which is above the U.S. average of roughly 30 percent. Raising that number would require the county to build new waste facilities – and Levine Cava’s original proposal did call for new recycling and composting equipment to be built alongside the incinerator.
But county officials say they would probably still have to find space somewhere else in Florida for a large-scale composting facility. Meanwhile, Miami, the biggest municipality within Miami-Dade County, is debating ending its recycling program to cut costs.
It’s unlikely that any county could recycle or compost all of its waste. Even San Francisco, which fines residents and businesses that don’t separate their trash, composts and recycles only about half the waste from households and small businesses. The rest goes in a landfill.
In December, Levine Cava criticized landfills for producing more greenhouse gas emissions than incinerators. “Landfill has a lot of problems,” she said, adding, “Incineration just gets a bad rap because … we don’t think people are really digesting the scientific information.”
But in a Saturday memo, the mayor changed her stance. She recommended that the county continue dumping its waste in central Florida while looking for a place to build a new landfill outside Miami-Dade County. An incinerator, she wrote, would stretch the county’s thin budget and “likely generate legal or other challenges that would significantly extend the project timeline.”
The county commissioners are scheduled to make a final decision on Feb. 19.
(c) 2025, The Washington Post · Nicolás Rivero
Yaakov “Kobi” Avitan, a backhoe operator who had worked as a contractor for the Ministry of Defense, tragically lost his life in an operational accident in the Gaza Strip. He was 39 years old at the time of his death.
Preliminary reports suggest that Avitan, who was in the Gaza Strip wearing civilian attire, was accidentally shot, possibly by Israeli forces. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Avitan was deeply involved in volunteer work with the Yedidim and ZAKA organizations, with those who knew him describing him as a kind-hearted, God-fearing individual. Originally from Ofakim, he later moved to Eilat with his wife and three children.
In a statement, ZAKA praised Avitan’s selflessness: “Kobi was a man of kindness who dedicated his life to the common good and gave his life for the people of Israel. As part of his volunteering with ZAKA, Kobi was willing to act during every event, even in the most difficult and complex arenas. Years ago, when he joined ZAKA, Kobi wrote to the Eilat ZAKA commander, Rabbi Shimon Eisenbach, that ‘any kindness that can be done – I am willing to do with love,’ and so it was.”
{Matzav.com}
WASHINGTON – A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans that could total trillions of dollars.
U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan blocked the action Tuesday afternoon, minutes before it was set to go into effect. The administrative stay pauses the freeze until Monday.
The White House had planned to start the pause as they begin an across-the-board ideological review of federal spending.
The Lakewood Scoop
Vos Iz Neias
NEW YORK (AP) — X is teaming up with Visa to soon offer a system for real-time payments on the social media platform — signaling some progress in a yearslong vision from billionaire owner Elon Musk to create an “everything app.”
Visa is the first partner for the platform’s “X Money Account” service, which is set to launch later this year, X CEO Linda Yaccarino said in a Tuesday post announcing the news. The offering, Yaccarino noted, will support an in-platform digital wallet and peer-to-peer payments connected to users’ debit cards, with an option to transfer funds to a bank account.
According to Visa, which also posted about the partnership on X Tuesday, these services will be powered by Visa Direct — the payment giant’s instant money transferring service — and will be available to X Money Account users in the U.S.
Whether X Money will become available to consumers in other countries, and perhaps through additional payment partners in the near future is still known. And an exact date for the U.S. launch has also not been announced yet.
In her post Tuesday, Yaccarino called the partnership with Visa a “milestone for the Everything App” and the “first of many big announcements about X Money this year.”
The prospect of San Francisco-based X, formerly known as Twitter, becoming an “everything app” has been floated around for some time. Before officially closing the deal to purchase the platform for $44 billion back in 2022, Musk expressed interest in creating his own version of something similar to China’s WeChat — a “super app” that does video chats, messaging, streaming and payments.
And his fascination with such a platform began long before the Twitter deal was on the table. Musk has been toying with the idea of an “everything app” since the late 1990s when he launched a startup called X.com that was later merged into what became X.com. He continued to push for PayPal to diversify but was rebuffed by company CEO Peter Thiel and other executives. PayPal was sold in 2002 to eBay for $1.5 billion — providing Musk with a windfall that he funneled into the creation of SpaceX and an investment in Tesla in its early days.
The landscape is far more competitive today — with a handful of companies making similar efforts to expand their in-platform offerings. Other social media giants, such as Facebook parent Meta, have added shopping, games and even dating features.
Consumers now have different platforms at their disposal for communications, payment services, entertainment and more. How X’s coming “everything” features will fare has yet to be seen. Since Musk’s 2022 takeover, the platform has already alienated many users and advertisers over reports of rising hate speech and misinformation.
X’s ambitions could also thrust the company into the crosshairs of other powerful tech giants trying to fend off a perceived competitive threat. U.S. regulators have alleged that Apple, for example, has been illegally using its market power to stifle so-called super apps from making their way onto its iPhone since 2017.
As part of an antitrust lawsuit filed last year, the U.S. Justice Department said it had uncovered evidence showing that Apple believed a super app would lessen consumers’ usage of the iPhone’s own software and services, including payment processing. The Cupertino, California, company has vehemently denied the allegations and is trying to persuade a federal judge in New Jersey to dismiss the entire case.
The Medicaid website portal went offline on Tuesday following an executive order by President Donald Trump to temporarily halt federal grants and aid. State Medicaid programs rely on this portal to access federal funds.
In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is aware of the situation.
“We have confirmed no payments have been affected—they are still being processed and sent. We expect the portal will be back online shortly,” she wrote in a tweet.
Leavitt had earlier clarified that the freeze on federal funding would not impact Medicaid. “This is not a blanket pause on federal assistance in grant programs from the Trump administration. Individual assistance that includes—I’m not naming everything that’s included but just to give you a few examples—Social Security benefits, Medicaid benefits, food stamps, welfare benefits, assistance that is going directly to individuals will not be impacted by this pause,” she explained during a press briefing.
Medicaid provides health insurance to approximately one in five Americans.
{Matzav.com}
The Yeshiva World
CNN’s Bakari Sellers unleashed a blistering attack on Democratic leadership Tuesday, slamming them for what he called a feeble and delayed response to President Donald Trump’s latest power moves in his second term. Arguing that government systems are crumbling and legal norms are under siege, Sellers warned that Democrats were failing to rise to the moment—allowing Trump and his allies to reshape the country unchecked.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Medicaid reimbursement portals were down nationwide, leaving healthcare providers and vulnerable patients in limbo after the Trump administration issued guidance ahead of a sweeping and constitutionally dubious spending freeze. Trump also fired 17 inspectors general from key federal agencies—without the required 30 days’ notice to Congress, a move Democrats say is outright illegal.
The Democratic response? Weak, disorganized, and far too slow, Sellers argued on The Lead with Jake Tapper.
“Democrats have been caught flat-footed, Jake. And that’s the most disappointing thing,” Sellers fumed. “The House Democrats have a meeting tomorrow over something that’s urgent today. And then we rolled out Chuck Schumer?”
His frustration was palpable. While Trump acted with ruthless efficiency, Democrats, he argued, were floundering—holding meetings instead of mounting an aggressive counteroffensive.
“We need to go to our constituents quickly. Those voices need to be up—15, 30-second ads talking about how this affects them,” Sellers urged. “My daughter actually receives federal grant money to go to Howard University. Benedict College, right down the street, 95% of their $65 million budget is from federal grants and aid money. The uncertainty—old folks who can’t get Meals on Wheels.”
The stakes, he said, could not be higher. Yet, instead of mobilizing, Democrats were letting Trump and his top adviser, Stephen Miller, seize control of the narrative.
“It’s just malpractice that Democrats suck at this so bad,” Sellers said bluntly. “We’re allowing Donald Trump and Stephen Miller to run roughshod over what our government looks like. And people are learning the wrong lessons from what happened on November 5th.”
https://yeshivaworlds3.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/28192652/6WCIhYsl-34584671.mp4
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza, the State Department said Tuesday.
According to a U.S. readout of the call, the two officials addressed the latest developments in the region, with Rubio recognizing Egypt’s role in brokering the hostage-ceasefire agreement and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza.
During the conversation, Rubio stressed the need to hold Hamas accountable and underscored the importance of post-conflict planning.
“The secretary reiterated the importance of close cooperation to advance post-conflict planning to ensure Hamas can never govern Gaza or threaten Israel again,” the statement said.
The call comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Egypt consider housing Palestinians from Gaza, a proposal that has drawn significant international attention.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
By Idy Perl
During her first press briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt answered some questions about the drones that were spotted over New Jersey in December.
The mysterious drones set off a lot of speculations and rumors, and new conspiracy theories were born every day. Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, delivered her first briefing today and clarified that the drones were not from American enemies.
"After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons,” she said. “Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones. In time, it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy.
She did not comment about the sightings in Brooklyn.
Today, Senate Democrats, led by Schumer, blocked legislation that would have imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for its illegitimate and unlawful prosecution. The only Democrat to vote in favor? Senator John Fetterman (D-PA)—who has emerged as one of the last voices of reason in his party when it comes to Israel.
This move comes as no surprise to those who have followed Schumer’s long history of using his power to undermine Jewish and Israeli interests. Today’s vote is just the latest example in a pattern of betrayal.
Who could forget the time Schumer stood on stage, passionately declaring his support for Israel, only to turn around and vote against a critical arms bill in the Senate?
WATCH THE HYPOCRITE IN ACTION BELOW:
At the March For Israel, Schumer took center stage, proudly declaring himself as the “highest ranking elected Jewish official in American history.” With the fervor of a passionate advocate, he proclaimed, “We will not rest until Israel gets all the assistance they need! We stand with Israel!” These words undoubtedly resonated with the crowd, evoking a sense of solidarity and commitment to supporting the nation of Israel.
Or the time he called Netanyahu, an obstacle to peace, or the other countless moments when he has caved to the radical, anti-Israel wing of his party, prioritizing Democratic unity over the security of the Jewish state.
Schumer loves to talk about his support for Israel when it’s politically convenient—but when it comes time to vote, his actions tell a very different story.
President Donald Trump teased the possibility of a third term, suggesting he was “not 100% sure” whether the Constitution prevents him from seeking another term. The Constitution sets a two-term limit for presidents, but Trump has consistently raised the idea of extending his time in office, often in a playful manner, though his comments are still striking.
“I’ve raised a lot of money for the next race that I assume I can’t use for myself, but I’m not 100% sure, because I don’t know … I think I’m not allowed to run again,” Trump remarked to a gathering of Congressional Republicans in Miami.
With the crowd laughing, he directed a comment to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., asking, “I’m not sure, am I allowed to run again? Mike? I better not get you involved in that argument.”
Having just been inaugurated for his second non-consecutive term a week ago, Trump became only the second U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms.
The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits presidents to two terms, partly as a reaction to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency from 1933-1945.
Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced a long-shot resolution last week aimed at changing the Constitution to permit Trump another term.
Trump has hinted at the possibility of extending his tenure multiple times, joking about it most recently during a rally in Nevada on Shabbos.
“It will be the greatest honor my life to serve not once, but twice — or three times or four times,” he said with a chuckle before adding, amid applause, “Headlines for the fake news.”
In November, Trump made a remark to House Republicans after his election win, stating: “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s good, we got to figure something else.'”
During a speech to conservative Christians in July, Trump urged: “Christians, get out and vote. Just this time. … Four more years, it’ll be fixed, it’ll be fine, you won’t have to vote anymore.”
{Matzav.com}
The Lakewood Scoop
(AP) – President Donald Trump’s decision to exit the World Health Organization means the U.N. agency is losing its biggest funder. For the two-year budget ending in 2025, the U.S. is projected to be WHO’s largest single contributor by far. It is expected to donate $958 million, or nearly 15%, of the agency’s roughly $6.5 billion budget.
Most of the U.S.’s contribution — and most of WHO’s budget overall — is via voluntary contributions. WHO member countries are assessed membership fees based on a country’s gross domestic product. But countries and other groups can make voluntary contributions to WHO to spend on designated issues.
About 70% of WHO’s budget comes from these voluntary contributions, which makes it difficult for the agency to set its own public health priorities. In 2022, WHO member countries agreed to reform its financing model, aiming to make countries’ membership fees about half of its budget by 2030.
The WHO is the U.N.’s specialized health agency and is mandated to coordinate the world’s response to global health threats, including outbreaks of mpox, Ebola and polio. It also provides technical assistance to poorer countries, helps distribute scarce vaccines, supplies and treatments and sets guidelines for hundreds of health conditions, including mental health and cancer.
U.S. public health officials were told this week to stop working with the World Health Organization, effective immediately.
Here’s a list of WHO’s top donors:
U.S.: $958 million
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: $689 million
Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance: $500 million
European Commission: $412 million
World Bank: $268 million
Germany: $324 million
United Kingdom: $215 million
Canada: $141 million
European Investment Bank: $119 million
ISRAEL (VINnews)-Israel’s newly appointed ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, has emphasized his commitment to fostering dialogue and building bridges across various segments of American society, including religious and political groups. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Leiter outlined his inclusive approach, pledging to engage with synagogues of all denominations, evangelical churches, and lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle.
“I’ll speak in every synagogue, regardless of denomination, that will have me,” Leiter stated. He expressed enthusiasm for engaging with opposing views, seeing such exchanges as opportunities for meaningful conversation. The ambassador stressed the importance of connecting with diverse sectors of American society to strengthen Israel’s relationship with the United States and to address divisions both within and outside the Jewish communities.
Leiter’s approach is notably inclusive, focusing on outreach to American Jews regardless of religious or political leanings. “I’m not here as a rabbi or a theologian; I’m here as Israel’s ambassador to engage with everyone,” he said, acknowledging that some American Jews feel distant from Israel. He expressed hope that recent events, such as the October 7 Hamas attacks, have renewed the connection many American Jews feel toward Israel. “American Jews who were once distant are now rediscovering their connection to Israel,” Leiter said, adding that he sees it as his responsibility to be there for them during this critical period of reflection and reconnection.
Leiter’s approach marks a shift from some of his predecessors. Former Ambassador Ron Dermer, now Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister, faced challenges in engaging with leadership from the Reform and Conservative Jewish movements during his tenure. Dermer supported the creation of organizations that bypassed the leadership of progressive Jewish streams on issues related to Zionism and Israel. In contrast, Leiter’s commitment to open dialogue reflects a more inclusive approach to fostering Israel’s ties with the American Jewish community and broader American society.
Iran’s foreign minister stated in a televised interview on Tuesday that an attack on the country’s nuclear facilities would be “crazy” and would severely damage the region, while also undermining any chances for negotiations with the U.S. He called on Washington to first seek Tehran’s favor before any talks could take place.
Abbas Araghchi also made a rare acknowledgment that Iran’s allied terror groups, Hezbollah and Hamas, had suffered setbacks, although he claimed they would recover. He humorously suggested that instead of relocating Gazans, U.S. President Donald Trump should send Israelis to Greenland.
During the interview with Sky News, Araghchi downplayed Israeli warnings that it might take military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“We have made it clear that any attack to our nuclear facilities would be faced with an immediate and decisive response,” Araghchi stated in English. “But I don’t think they will do that crazy thing.” He added, “This is really crazy. And this would turn the whole region into a very bad disaster.” Nevertheless, he maintained that the Israeli threats were not genuine.
On Thursday, Trump refused to comment on whether the U.S. would back an Israeli strike against Iran’s nuclear program. “Hopefully that can be worked out without having to worry about it,” he said. “It would really be nice if that could be worked out without having to go that further step.”
Araghchi responded by saying Iran was not prepared to negotiate with the Trump administration and warned that Tehran might withdraw from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) if no agreement on its nuclear program is reached.
“The situation is different and much more difficult than the previous time,” Araghchi said. “Lots of things should be done by the other side to buy our confidence.”
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but it has significantly increased its uranium enrichment and expanded its fissile material stockpile since Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions.
“We tried the path of negotiations and confidence building… but then it turned into a bad experience, sanctions came back,” Araghchi said.
The foreign minister emphasized that October would be a critical month, as it marks the deadline for world powers that are still part of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to fully reimpose sanctions on Iran. Araghchi warned that such an action would lead to Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT.
“It is under consideration. There is a hot debate going on in Iran about that alternative,” he said. “The debates are very hot. At all levels.”
Araghchi acknowledged the significant losses suffered by Hezbollah and Hamas due to Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a key Iranian ally. However, he dismissed these developments, saying, “things that happen.”
Pressed further on the matter, he admitted that both Hamas and Hezbollah had been “rendered several serious blows.”
“Hamas and Hezbollah have been damaged. But at the same time, they are rebuilding themselves,” he added, switching to Farsi.
Araghchi also mocked Trump’s suggestion that Gazans be relocated to Jordan and Egypt, joking instead that Israelis should be moved to Greenland.
“My suggestion is something else,” he said with a laugh. “Instead of Palestinians, try to expel Israelis, take them to Greenland so they can kill two birds with one stone.”
{Matzav.com}
By BoroPark24 Staff
Multiple residents have reported receiving fraudulent phone calls from 1-888-328-6399, claiming to represent the EBT Food Stamps Agency.
The scammers warn of an issue with accounts and request personal information, which they then use to steal thousands of dollars in benefits.
This scheme has already impacted numerous heimish families, losing huge amounts of money towards their grocery orders.
Recipients are urged to avoid sharing personal details over the phone and to report any suspicious calls immediately to the appropriate authorities. Stay vigilant to protect your benefits!
Vos Iz Neias
HONG KONG (AP) — Chinese tech startup DeepSeek ’s new artificial intelligence chatbot has sparked discussions about the competition between China and the U.S. in AI development, with many users flocking to test the rival of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
DeepSeek’s AI assistant was the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple’s iPhone store on Tuesday afternoon and its launch made Wall Street tech superstars’ stocks tumble. Observers are eager to see whether the Chinese company has matched America’s leading AI companies at a fraction of the cost.
The chatbot’s ultimate impact on the AI industry is still unclear, but it appears to censor answers on sensitive Chinese topics, a practice commonly seen on China’s internet. In 2023, China issued regulations requiring companies to conduct a security review and obtain approvals before their products can be publicly launched.
Here are some answers The Associated Press received from DeepSeek’s new chatbot and ChatGPT:
What does Winnie the Pooh mean in China?
For many Chinese, the Winnie the Pooh character is a playful taunt of President Xi Jinping. Chinese censors in the past briefly banned social media searches for the bear in mainland China.
ChatGPT got that idea right. It said Winnie the Pooh had become a symbol of political satire and resistance, often used to mock or criticize Xi. It explained that internet users compared Xi to the bear because of perceived similarities in their physical appearance.
DeepSeek’s chatbot said the bear is a beloved cartoon character that is adored by countless children and families in China, symbolizing joy and friendship.
Then, abruptly, it said the Chinese government is “dedicated to providing a wholesome cyberspace for its citizens.” It added that all online content is managed under Chinese laws and socialist core values, with the aim of protecting national security and social stability.
Who is the current US president?
It might be easy for many people to answer, but both AI chatbots mistakenly said Joe Biden, whose term ended last week, because they said their data was last updated in October 2023. But they both tried to be responsible by reminding users to verify with updated sources.
What happened during the military crackdown in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in June 1989?
The 1989 crackdown saw government troops open fire on student-led pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, resulting in hundreds, if not thousands, of deaths. The event remains a taboo subject in mainland China.
DeepSeek’s chatbot answered, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else.”
But ChatGPT gave a detailed answer on what it called “one of the most significant and tragic events” in modern Chinese history. The chatbot talked about the background of the massive protests, the estimated casualties and their legacy.
What is the state of US-China relations?
DeepSeek’s chatbot’s answer echoed China’s official statements, saying the relationship between the world’s two largest economies is one of the most important bilateral relationships globally. It said China is committed to developing ties with the U.S. based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.
“We hope that the United States will work with China to meet each other halfway, properly manage differences, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push forward the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. relations,” it said.
Some of these phrases — “meet … halfway,” “mutual respect” and “win-win cooperation” — mirror language used by a Chinese Foreign Ministry official in a 2021 news conference.
ChatGPT’s answer was more nuanced. It said the state of the U.S.-China relationship is complex, characterized by a mix of economic interdependence, geopolitical rivalry and collaboration on global issues. It highlighted key topics including the two countries’ tensions over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competition and more.
“The relationship between the U.S. and China remains tense but crucial,” part of its answer said.
Is Taiwan part of China?
Again — like the Chinese official narrative — DeepSeek’s chatbot said Taiwan has been an integral part of China since ancient times. An example of a very similar statement is found in this government document issued in 2022.
“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are connected by blood, jointly committed to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” the chatbot said.
ChatGPT said the answer depends on one’s perspective, while laying out China and Taiwan’s positions and the views of the international community. It said from a legal and political standpoint, China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and the island democracy operates as a “de facto independent country” with its own government, economy and military.
Matzav
During her inaugural press briefing on Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the presence of unidentified drones flying above New Jersey, emphasizing that they were “not the enemy.”
Leavitt began by sharing a statement from President Trump regarding the drones before opening the floor to questions from reporters.
“After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by FAA for research and various other reasons,” Leavitt read from the statement issued by President Trump.
“Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones. In time, it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy.”
WATCH:
{Matzav.com}
The Lakewood Scoop
The Jackson Township today canceled its meeting after the new clerk identified an error which meant they can not hold a meeting.
Township officials released the following statement to TLS.
“Today, our new clerk, Ms. Sandra Martin, identified an error made by our previous municipal clerk concerning the advertisement of the 2025 meeting schedule. Unfortunately, this oversight means we are not in compliance, and as a result, we must cancel tonight’s meeting.
To ensure that we stay on track, a special meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, January 30th. The Executive Session will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by the regular meeting at 6:30 PM.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Ms. Martin for her diligence in uncovering this error so promptly. We acknowledge the mistake and are committed to correcting it.
As always, the Council values transparency, and I wanted you to hear this directly from me. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Jennifer L. Kuhn, Council President
Mordechai Burnstein Council Vice President
RENSSELAER, Ind. (AP) — An Indiana man was fatally shot by a deputy during a traffic stop just days after he was pardoned by President Donald Trump for a misdemeanor related to the 2021 U.S. Capitol riot.
Matthew Huttle, 42, of Hobart was killed Sunday by a Jasper County sheriff’s deputy, authorities said.
State police are investigating. They said the deputy tried to arrest Huttle when “an altercation took place between the suspect and the officer, which resulted in the officer firing his weapon and fatally wounding the suspect.
“The investigation also shows that during the traffic stop, the suspect was in possession of a firearm,” state police added.
No other details were released. Authorities didn’t say what might have prompted the traffic stop.
“Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased as any loss of life is traumatic to those that were close to Mr. Huttle,” Sheriff Patrick Williamson said.
Nick Barnes, an attorney who was representing Huttle in pending motor vehicle cases in Lake County, said he didn’t know the circumstances of the shooting.
“I plan to find out a lot more about it,” Barnes said.
In 2023, Huttle was sentenced to six months in custody after pleading guilty to entering a restricted building, the U.S. Capitol. He had traveled with his uncle to Washington to attend the Jan. 6, 2021, pro-Trump rally. Huttle was inside the Capitol for 16 minutes and recorded it on video.
“He is not a true believer in any political cause,” defense attorney Andrew Hemmer said in a court filing. “He instead went to the rally because he thought it would be a historic moment and he had nothing better to do after getting out of jail” for a driving offense.
Israeli Minister Ze’ev Elkin (New Hope) shared his thoughts on Tuesday, suggesting that Israel has not taken enough action to dismantle the infrastructure that supports Hamas’s leadership.
“Hamas is a terror organization that won’t disappear. The goal is to take its governing means. Hamas in Judea and Samaria conducts terror attacks, there are riots there, but it can’t do what Hamas in Gaza did on October 7th,” Elkin stated during an interview with Kan Reshet Bet.
He further emphasized, “We needed to destroy Hamas’s civilian governing apparatus. Everything relies on it. Hamas stands on two feet. Some aren’t hiding in tunnels and are walking around with weapons. We didn’t kill them because we didn’t see them as targets, and that was a mistake.”
Elkin argued that a shift in strategy could have impacted Hamas’s civilian governance structure. “If we would have changed the work method we would have hurt Hamas’s civilian governing apparatus. If you control the population’s water, money, and food you have no problem enlisting new terrorists,” he explained. The minister also cited U.S. President Biden’s stance, noting that “Hamas can’t remain in Gaza,” adding that there is broad agreement within the Trump administration on this point as well.
{Matzav.com Israel}
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has provided clarity on the mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey late last year, assuring the public there was no malicious intent behind the sightings. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, speaking during her first press briefing under President Donald Trump’s second term, revealed the drones had been authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for research purposes and recreational use.
“These drones were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons. Many were also operated by hobbyists and private individuals who enjoy flying drones,” Leavitt said. “In time, it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy.”
The influx of sightings, particularly in areas like Bedminster, near Trump’s private club, initially raised public alarm and drew scrutiny from the FBI and FAA. Temporary flight restrictions were issued in some areas, while local law enforcement agencies encouraged residents to report suspicious activity.
Investigations by federal and local authorities concluded the majority of sightings were lawful. Experts suggested many of the drones were mistaken for other aerial objects, especially at night. Dr. Will Austin, a national drone expert and president of Warren County Community College, attributed the confusion to the “parallax effect,” which makes it difficult to gauge distance and perspective in the dark.
Tom Adams, a retired FBI special agent and director of public safety at DroneShield, noted that unfamiliarity with drones also contributed to the hysteria. “Drones are still new to a lot of people, and the rules for their use in U.S. airspace remain unclear to the general public,” Adams said.
The FAA, along with other federal agencies, has been urged to increase public education efforts regarding drone regulations to prevent future misidentifications and unwarranted concerns. For now, officials hope this explanation brings peace of mind to residents who were alarmed by the flurry of activity over New Jersey skies.
Vos Iz Neias
WASHINGTON (AP) — Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary, made her debut in the briefing room on Tuesday, saying that podcasters and social media influencers could apply to participate in future briefings.
Leavitt stepped into the room in a magenta pantsuit shortly after 1 p.m. ET. She said before taking questions that reporters have “access to the most transparent and accessible president in American history” with Donald Trump. She called on Mike Allen of Axios for the first question.
Leavitt, 27, said that she plans to hold briefings frequently and that Trump would be available to reporters for questions.
“I can assure you that you’ll be hearing from both him and me as much as possible,” she said.
Leavitt was a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign and transition, and he said she did “a phenomenal job” when he announced in November that she’d be his White House press secretary.
“Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator,” he said then in a statement. “I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the American People as we Make America Great Again.”
Previously, the youngest press secretary was Ronald Ziegler, who was 29 when he took the position in 1969 in Richard Nixon’s administration.
TEL AVIV, Israel — An Israeli soldier released from captivity in Gaza this weekend shared some information about her 15 months as a hostage on social media on Tuesday, noting she spent most of the first 50 days alone.
In a post on an Instagram account thanking supporters who championed her release, Naama Levy, 20, wrote that she was now “safe and protected and surrounded by family and friends, and feeling better every day.”
Levy wrote that after spending the first 50 days mostly alone, she was reunited with the other soldiers kidnapped from her military base as well as other civilian captives.
“They gave me strength and hope,” she wrote. “We strengthened each other until the day of our release, and also afterwards.”
Seven female Israeli hostages, including four soldiers, have been released since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began a week and a half ago, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
On Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi briefed the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, providing an update on Israel’s oversight of the ceasefire agreement’s implementation.
When asked about the Rafah Crossing, Halevi explained, “The Gazans can exit through the Rafah Crossing into Egypt, but only one way and they cannot return to Gaza. The ISA, using cameras, will closely monitor those who cross the Rafah Crossing into Egypt.”
During the private discussion, Halevi stated that “Iran is deterred and is afraid and understands that it is not protected after the Israeli attack and after Israel took out two main arms – Hamas and Hezbollah.”
His comments about his own readiness to act for many years stirred some reactions. “For 40 years I went to sleep ready for action and prepared for war,” Halevi said, prompting several MKs to respond, “Except for the night of October 6th.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
SURFSIDE – The site of the Surfside condo collapse, which tragically claimed 98 lives in 2021, is being transformed into an ultra-luxury residential development. DAMAC International, a Dubai-based real estate developer, has revealed plans for The Delmore, a 12-story boutique condominium set to rise at 8777 Collins Avenue in Surfside, Miami. The project will feature 37 “mansions in the sky,” each starting at $15 million, as well as a range of world-class amenities, such as a suspended 75-foot acrylic swimming pool, meditation garden, and residential butlers.
Designed by the internationally renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, The Delmore will showcase the firm’s signature sinuous curves and sculptural façades, blending with the natural beauty of its oceanfront surroundings. The building’s unique architectural style, which includes wraparound terraces and shell-shaped fins, is set to become an iconic part of Miami’s skyline.
The development will cater to a select few buyers, with each residence offering expansive living spaces averaging 7,000 square feet, including private elevator entry foyers. The penthouses will span more than 10,000 square feet, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and the Miami skyline.
Beyond the lavish residences, The Delmore will feature a wide array of amenities designed to enhance the lifestyle of its elite residents. The property will boast a state-of-the-art fitness center, a private Michelin-starred restaurant, a wellness spa, and an outdoor meditation garden with cascading reflective pools and yoga spaces. The rooftop deck, featuring the transparent floating pool, will provide unparalleled views of Miami’s coastline, further solidifying the property as a high-end destination.
Construction for The Delmore has already begun, with completion expected in 2029. The project is set to be a centerpiece of Miami’s Billionaire’s Triangle, an area known for its exclusivity and high-end real estate. The development will also be a key part of the ongoing transformation of Surfside, a community still healing from the devastating collapse.
WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the White House on Feb. 4, the prime minister’s office stated on Tuesday.
Netanyahu is the first foreign leader that U.S. President Donald Trump has invited for such a visit since Trump began his second term, Netanyahu’s office stated.
“The most pro-Israel president picking up right where he left off: making the U.S.-Israel relationship great again,” the Republican Jewish Coalition stated.
Joe Biden invited Netanyahu to the White House for the first time during his tenure as U.S. president on July 25, 2024—some 20 months after Netanyahu was re-elected in November 2022.
The reported visit wasn’t mentioned at the Trump administration’s first White House press briefing on Tuesday, and the administration hasn’t commented on it publicly.
The Associated Press reported on Jan. 27 that Trump “teased the upcoming visit in a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, but didn’t provide scheduling details.”
“I’m going to be speaking with Bibi Netanyahu in the not too distant future,” he said.
By Idy Perl
The NYPD is asking for assistance from the public to locate a missing person who lives in the 66th Precinct.
The missing person is a 74-year-old Asian male, Can Fu Chen, who was last seen leaving his residence on Fort Hamilton Parkway at around 3pm on Monday, January 27. He is described as approximately 5’5 tall and 120 pounds, and was last seen in a grey and yellow jacket, brown pants, and a black baseball cap.
Anyone with information regarding this person is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips.
By Idy Perl
The NYPD is asking for assistance from the public to locate a missing person who lives in the 66th Precinct.
The missing person is a 74-year-old Asian male, Can Fu Chen, who was last seen leaving his residence on Fort Hamilton Parkway at around 3pm on Monday, January 27. He is described as approximately 5’5 tall and 120 pounds, and was last seen in a grey and yellow jacket, brown pants, and a black baseball cap.
Anyone with information regarding this person is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on X @NYPDTips.
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has been invited by President Donald Trump to a meeting at the White House on February 4, the Israeli premier’s office said a short while ago.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to be invited to the White House during President Trump’s second term,” the statement said.
{Matzav.com}
The Lakewood Scoop
In her first White House press briefing this afternoon, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the drones that were flown over New Jersey and were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research purposes. “This was not the enemy.”
“After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons. Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones. And in time, it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy,” she said.
However, she did not explain what sort of research was conducted or specify what the “various other reasons” were.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Family members of several hostages, who are set to be released from Gaza in the near future, voiced their anxiety about the fate of their loved ones on Tuesday after Hamas shared information indicating that eight of the 33 hostages scheduled for release are dead.
Following this update, the families were informed by the military that Hamas’s report was consistent with earlier military assessments, and there were significant concerns about the hostages’ conditions.
Hamas provided a list, reportedly consisting of only numbers without names, indicating how many of the 33 hostages in the first phase of the ceasefire were alive. As part of the agreement with Israel signed earlier this month, Hamas was obligated to provide this information about the hostages’ statuses.
The families confirmed that Gal Hirsh, the government official overseeing hostages, had contacted them recently, explaining that although the information from Hamas was incomplete, it was consistent with the assessments of Israel’s intelligence agencies.
“It’s not exactly data. It’s Hamas saying [the number of] ‘alive,’ ‘released,’ and ‘dead,’” said Yizhar Lifshitz, whose father, Oded Lifshitz, 84, is on the list of the first 33 hostages to be released.
Yizhar added, “There’s a grave concern for his life after this last indication.” He further explained that the last sign of life from his father was on Day 25. “He was alive, with someone from the kibbutz, [being held] in the same apartment, but he didn’t feel well. They took him, and he’s basically disappeared since then, from us and probably from Hamas too. It doesn’t bode well.”
Oded Lifshitz, along with his wife Yocheved, was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 cross-border attack that triggered the war. Yocheved was released after 20 days in captivity.
Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzik is among those set to be freed, expressed anger on Tuesday to a Knesset committee, saying, “my brother was left to die,” referring to the document from Hamas. He added, “We know more today about the list that Hamas sent. I won’t speak for others, but we’ll probably receive him as one of the slain.”
Elgarat continued, “It was possible to save him, if you’d accepted the earlier deal,” and criticized the government’s decision to apply military pressure on Hamas rather than accepting a ceasefire deal sooner. “Who will be held accountable for this decision that killed 40 hostages?” he asked.
IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari spoke on Sunday, expressing “grave concerns” about the fate of Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir, and said more information would be expected soon regarding the Bibas family.
The ceasefire agreement, which began on January 19, is based on a proposal presented by the U.S. in May 2024. Far-right politicians, opposed to the deal, have claimed responsibility for the agreement’s failure earlier in May, although both the government and the U.S. have blamed Hamas for the delay.
The 33 hostages who are to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire deal include women, children, elderly, and sick individuals. As they are gradually freed, Israel is required to release approximately 1,904 Palestinian prisoners, including over 100 serving life sentences for terror-related offenses.
The later phases of the agreement will focus on securing a “sustainable calm” in Gaza, continuing the release of hostages, freeing additional Palestinian prisoners, and involving an Israeli withdrawal from the area.
At least 34 of the 87 hostages still held in Gaza have been confirmed dead by the IDF, and the remains of 40 others have been recovered throughout the conflict.
{Matzav.com}
The Yeshiva World
Shas chairman Aryeh Deri has issued a stark ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening to bring down the government if a conscription law exempting yeshiva bochurim from military service is not passed within two months. Speaking on Charedi radio station Kol Baramah, Deri declared, “If the status of lomdei torah isn’t regulated, we’ll go to elections in two months.”
Deri expressed outrage at the current discourse surrounding yeshiva bochurim, lamenting, “Who would have dreamed that Torah scholars would be called criminals?” He also accused members of the national-religious camp of joining what he called a “hate campaign” and warned that their actions could lead to the collapse of the right-wing government.
Deri’s threat comes as Netanyahu’s coalition faces mounting instability. Shas’ support for the 2025 state budget—required by the end of March to prevent early elections—is now in question. This follows the recent resignation of Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir over the hostage ceasefire deal with Hamas and similar threats from Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich, who demands a return to fighting in Gaza.
The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is currently debating legislation on Charedi enlistment, with pressure mounting from both Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ). However, committee chairman Yuli Edelstein (Likud) has indicated that any bill must significantly increase IDF enlistment, which runs counter to Charedi parties’ demands.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has proposed a gradual plan to draft 50% of the eligible Charedi cohort by 2032, but Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon has stated that this fails to meet the High Court’s mandate for fair enlistment.
Shas MK Erez Malul criticized the committee discussions, calling them “unserious and full of incitement.” Meanwhile, opposition leader Avigdor Liberman took to social media, urging immediate elections: “There’s no point in waiting two months—we need to go to the polls now.”
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)