Thursday, January 8, 2026
Gali Baharav‑Miara expected to block pardon for Netanyahu
The emerging legal opinion will argue that granting a pardon while legal proceedings are still ongoing does not comply with statutory requirements or existing case law.
‘Same Recklessness’: Meron Victim’s Brother Links Tragedy to Jerusalem Protest Death
A man whose brother was killed in Israel’s deadliest civilian disaster says the fatal bus incident at a Jerusalem ultra-Orthodox protest reflects the same pattern of recklessness that led to the 2021 Meron tragedy.
Speaking to Arutz 7 (Israel National News) hours after the deadly ramming at a protest against military conscription, Yisrael Diskind — whose brother Simcha Bunim Diskind died in the Meron crush — said the two tragedies are “directly connected” by what he called systemic irresponsibility among protest organizers and community power brokers.
The Jerusalem incident left 14-year-old Yosef Eizental dead and several others injured.
“This was an unnecessary death,” Diskind said. “A child should never return home in a coffin — not from Meron and not from a protest. When that happens, it’s because of the same reckless people who organize events without taking responsibility and then rush to blame the state and the police.”
‘The same pattern of failure’
Diskind said police had designated a safe area for the demonstration, but organizers failed to keep protesters within it, allowing chaos to spill into active traffic zones.
“The police are not babysitters,” he said. “They cannot chase every hot-headed young person through the streets. The organizers must take responsibility — not shift blame afterward.”
He urged protest leaders to publicly apologize to the Eizental family and to commit to ensuring that future demonstrations are conducted safely.
“They should go to the family’s home, repent, apologize and promise that no other parents will ever have to sit shiva because of their negligence,” Diskind said.
Warning over incitement
Diskind also said the tragedy comes amid what he described as dangerous public incitement against Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community.
“There is a climate where people feel it’s permissible to harm Haredim,” he said. “My own brother served more than 300 days in reserve duty, and still people shouted ‘parasite’ at him in the street. That kind of hatred poisons everything.”
He called on national leaders to separate legitimate debate over conscription from attacks on individuals.
“Nothing — no anger, no frustration — justifies hatred toward a person because he is Haredi,” Diskind said.
Call for accountability
Diskind placed responsibility not only on protest organizers but on what he called unelected power brokers within the ultra-Orthodox community who shape decisions behind the scenes.
“They dictate the tone in the street, pressure lawmakers and disappear when disaster strikes,” he said.
The death of Eizental has reopened painful wounds from the Meron disaster, where 45 people were killed in a crowd crush during a religious gathering in 2021.
“If we don’t learn from Meron,” Diskind told Arutz 7, “we will keep burying children.”
Mahmoud Haqiqat, the police chief who led the brutal crackdown on anti-regime protesters Assassinated
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
— Jews Fight Back 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@JewsFightBack) January 7, 2026
Mahmoud Haqiqat, the police chief who led the brutal crackdown on anti-regime protesters, just got GOT.
Assassinated in broad daylight.
This is the man who hunted down freedom-seeking Iranians in cold blood.
And now? He’s gone.
The Islamic Republic is rotting… pic.twitter.com/RviniTfYVn
Thanks to the declassification of documents It is now 100% Proven that Hussain Obama attempted to overthrow the United States government in 2016..
“Now, nearly ten years later, thanks to the declassification of documents by the Director of National Intelligence, @DNIGabbard, the truth...
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) January 7, 2026
...Barack Hussein Obama attempted to overthrow the United States government in 2016..
pic.twitter.com/FtOZnO8F3u
Some are now blaming Rav Aharon Feldman for this horrific tragedy
As must have been the case for anyone who became aware of this tragedy, my first reaction was one of profound sadness. Yosef Eizental, a 14-year-old Charedi boy, was killed after being run down by a city bus in Jerusalem during a recent protest by members of his community against the draft. A frustrated bus driver drove through a large crowd that was blocking the street and struck and killed young Yosef. I cannot begin to imagine what his parents are feeling right now.
This young man was simply acting on the directives of his religious leaders. Many of whom have engaged in truly over-the-top and deeply disturbing exaggerations about the supposed ‘evils’ of the IDF.
My sadness, however, quickly gave way to anger. Anger at those who are ultimately to blame for this tragedy (beyond the bus driver himself).
I don’t know whether any specific Charedi religious leader or group of leaders explicitly called for this protest. But it would not surprise me if they did since they have done so in the past. But even if they did not directly call for it, they certainly inspired it through their constant and vile anti-IDF and anti-government rhetoric.
One thing seems certain: they did not urge restraint, nor did they call for the protest to be halted once it began. They likely took pride in the fact that so many of their young protégés participated in what they viewed as a ‘just’ cause. Even though many non-Charedi religious leaders believe that cause is anything but just.
That said, they are certainly entitled to their opinion. As religious leaders – publicly addressing what they view as a religious issue is surely seen as an obligation to speak out forcefully on a matter they feel so strongly about, especially given the immense influence they wield.
But with the power to motivate tens of thousands of young students to act - comes responsibility. Responsibility that must be shared when the consequences turn tragic. And that is clearly the case here.
Of course, the primary fault lies with the bus driver, who panicked as a chaotic crowd began attacking his bus while fires were being set in the street around his bus. He is rightly being charged with manslaughter. There is no excuse for driving at an unsafe speed through a street packed with people. He had to know that someone would almost certainly be hurt or killed.
But the responsibility does not rest with him alone. It must be shared by the religious leaders who either told their young students to protest or inspired them to do so. And who failed to stop them.
Responsibility is even greater for those leaders whose opposition is uncompromisingly hardcore. Like those who oppose IDF service even in units specifically designed for Charedim who do not study Torah full-time—an option currently under consideration by the Knesset.
Although details are still being negotiated, that legislation has become more or less acceptable to key Charedi religious leaders. According to one estimate I saw this legislation could eventually result in approximately 23,000 Charedi recruits as the IDF expands specialized Charedi units like the Chashmonaim Brigades.
If that is the case, then this protest was clearly not endorsed by the Charedi leaders currently negotiating the legislation. They are, however, surely endorsed or at least encouraged by religious hardliners who reject even these units - citing anecdotal reports that the promises made to Charedi recruits have not been fully honored.
When Rav Aharon Feldman, a member of the Agudah Moetzes, opposes even these units based on unsubstantiated anecdotal claims, he wields enormous influence—at least over American students who are drawn into protests like the one in which Yosef was killed.
In my view, that places a measure of responsibility on him as well. Of course, he had nothing directly to do with this specific protest, and most of the protesters were likely Israeli. But Rav Feldman was echoing and reinforcing the rhetoric of Israeli religious leaders who inspired it. Instead of speaking out against such protests, he likely supported them - seeing them as a matter of kavod haTorah.
Except that in this case, a young innocent boy, inspired by that rhetoric, lost his life.
I am certain that Rav Feldman feels genuine regret over what happened and has surely expressed sympathy to the family. I have no doubt about that. But the real question is whether he and his counterparts in Israel - will take any responsibility at all. More importantly, will they engage in a cheshbon hanefesh, the soul-searching that a tragedy like this demands? And will that soul-searching lead them to put an end to the kind of harsh rhetoric that could inspire future mass protests like this and put even more young lives in danger?
I sure hope so.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Beit Shemesh Hits New Aliyah Record
Beit Shemesh Municipality's Absorption Committee met and reviewed the activities of 2025 and presented the goals for the coming year.
2025 was another record year for the city's immigration intake, with 870 new immigrants being absorbed in Beit Shemesh during the year. In total, since 1989, approximately 30,000 immigrants have made their home in the city, a figure that positions Beit Shemesh as one of the leading cities in Israel in immigration intake. Community Division Director Moran Yitzhak noted that new immigrants are attracted by the city's supportive community and vibrant mix of cultures.
Mayor Shmuel Greenberg intends to set up a new branch of "Beit HaOleh" in Ramat Beit Shemesh A. The move is intended to provide a response to the accelerated urban development and make the services of the absorption department accessible to the neighborhood's residents, while continuing the activity in the existing building.
In addition, it was decided to create a community representatives forum, which will consist of representatives from the city's immigrant communities and will serve as a permanent channel for conveying needs, initiatives and challenges from the field. The forum is expected to convene for quarterly work meetings, and the first meeting is scheduled for February 2026.
City Council member and head of the absorption portfolio, Yona Kaufman, said "We focus absorption activity on in-depth programs in the areas of education, service and connection to the community. Successful absorption does not end with initial service, but rather in creating true acclimatization and a long-term sense of belonging in the city."
Why Satmar Joined Leftist Liberal Jews to Back an avowed Antisemite!
Not in the Name of Judaism – A Last True Alarm for New York Jews
Don't pretend to be surprised. Don't play the "we didn't know" game.
You all knew very well who Zoharan of Madani was.
He didn't hide it. It did not soften. He didn't dress up.
He used blatant anti-Zionism, anti-Semitic rhetoric under the guise of "human rights," and open hatred for any Jew who dared to defend himself without apologizing.
When he talks about Netanyahu's arrest, he is not talking about sections of the law.
He's talking about a symbol.
Netanyahu, in the eyes of Israel-haters, is not an individual. He plays the new Jew: The sovereign Jew.The Fighting Jew. The Jew who refuses to be a professional victim.
The Jew who doesn't give the other cheek to the one who slaps him.
And that's exactly the reason for hate!
The Leadership Failure of New York Jewry
New York Jewry is suffering from a severe leadership crisis.
And in this vacuum, a distorted and dangerous connection was created:
Parts of anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox Judaism, led by the Satmar Hasidism, along with radical progressive Jews within the Democratic Party, found themselves a political ally in the form of Mamadani.
Yes, we will write the names explicitly:
the two brothers, the Satmar Rebbis' joined together in a rare connection with liberal Jews from the extreme progressive left, because they both lead a consistent line of opposition to Zionism, each for their own reasons. And for this reason, they supported Mamadani together.
This may be their theological position, but it is not a defense of reality. Because this is where fatal confusion occurs: Anyone who thinks that Jewish anti-Zionism and anti-Semitic anti-Zionism are the same is not naïve. He is blind.
The Lesson Learned in Jerusalem — and Forgotten in New York
We will tell you a true, well-documented historical story;
This is not a parable, nor a fairy tale.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Hajj Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, turned to Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld zt"l, one of the leaders of the Old Yishuv.
Husseini was not an "innocent Palestinian nationalist." He was an outspoken supporter of Nazi Germany, an ideological partner of Hitler, and an active supporter of preventing the rescue of Jews during the Holocaust, and his declared ambition was to eliminate the Jewish presence in the Land of Israel and the entire East, as part of a radical anti-Semitic worldview.
He offered Rabbi Sonnenfeld cooperation:
Ultra-Orthodox and Muslims together against a Jewish state.
Rabbi Sonnenfeld answered him with a sentence that should be engraved in stone:
"I oppose Zionism because I love the people of Israel. You oppose Zionism because you hate the people of Israel. We will never be able to stand on the same side."
This sharp distinction was understood by an eighty-year-old rabbi in Jerusalem.
That distinction has been erased today by Jewish leaders in New York.
The deterioration has already begun.The choice of Mamadani is not a theory. It's a reality.
Signing orders. "Technical" changes.Discrimination is wrapped up in legal language.
It won't come with a scream! It will come in a drip.
Like in Egypt. As with Pharaoh.
Step by step.
Because hatred has patience, and a hostile regime has time.
An unambiguous call
The Jews of New York!!! Don't fight for comfort.
fight for your very existence as free Jews.
Get organized. Take to the streets. A million Jews!!! No excuses, no fake banners.
Yes!! Your true place is in the Land of Israel.
But as long as you're there (USA), you can't abandon the house.
Hacham was also punished for his negligence.
And to Madani we say this simply:
If even one hair is touched of any Jew in New York, the moral and historical responsibility will be written in your name.
A final word to the Satmar Hasidim:
Don't count on miracles. Don't dream about last-minute rescue trains.
History doesn't repeat itself, it punishes.
Your position today is not "zeal for the sake of Heaven." It is a disgrace to Judaism. It is a shame for you and your leaders, who in the name of hatred of Zionism ignore hatred of Jews.
Don't wait for Kristallnacht.
It always comes after years of silence.
Now is the time to choose a side.
—-
Written by: @Yaacov Harrar
Charedi journalist Joins DIN and slams: Charedi leadership that send children to the streets
Moti Rubinstein, publisher of the L'chatchila newspaper joins DIN in criticizing the Charedi leadership following the tragic ramming incident at the Charedi protest in Jerusalem on Tuesday night.
"I simply can't stay silent anymore," Rubinstein wrote in a post on social media. "Today, a Charedi boy was rammed to death in anti-draft protest in Jerusalem. The images of this tragic event won’t leave my mind. My heart goes out to the family, truly. But the pain is turning into great anger."
Rubinstein noted, "All the politicians, from Shas, United Torah Judaism, the opposition, and the coalition, are rushing to blame the driver who rammed him and absolving themselves of any responsibility."
"I ask, what about our leadership? What about the rabbis and rebbes who send thousands of people, including children and teenagers, to block roads with no coordination, no security, and no thought for the dangers?"
"This recklessness is insane," Rubinstein emphasized. "The writing has been on the pavement for a long time, and certainly since the Meron disaster, where 45 people were killed due to the exact same irresponsible conduct. Did we learn anything? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And now, once again, we are paying with the blood of an innocent boy."
Rubinstein also stressed that haredi leaders' political struggles are endangering the lives of the public and children, adding, "I’m tired of how every time a disaster happens, everyone blames 'the other' and avoids responsibility."
"I demand a real investigation," he said, stressing that not only the driver must be investigated, "but also against the organizers of the protest, against those who called for going into the streets without planning, and against those who prioritize political power over human lives."
"Enough of this recklessness. Enough of risking children’s lives for political points. It’s time for the Charedi community to wake up and demand responsible leadership-before the next disaster."
Watch: Step by step footage of the Jerusalem bus ramming
New footage has been published from the haredi protest held last night (Tuesday) in Jerusalem, showing the dramatic moments when a bus was surrounded by dozens of young men who blocked its progress.
Protesters were filmed encircling the bus from all sides, blocking its path amid shouting and attempts to strike it. Eventually, the bus surged forward at speed into the crowd of protesters.
The run-over resulted in the death of the late Yosef Eisental, 14, a resident of the Ramot neighborhood and a student at Ohel Torah yeshiva.
Yaakov Zimberg, who was at the scene, told Channel 12, "The bus arrived and the boys blocked it. He shouted for help in an Arab accent. They touched his wipers, blocked him and struck the windshield. Suddenly he decided to floor the accelerator."
Dovi Cohen, an eyewitness, added, "There were masses of boys in front of him and he simply rammed the masses of boys aside. I saw with my own eyes two boys dragged under his wheel."
Another eyewitness said, "They spat at the driver, he had no way to get out. He drove into all the haredim and ran them over. I was thrown aside, there were three more under the bus. There was another street there, he ran over three more people there and a child as well."
Shai, who saw the event unfold before his eyes, described how he helped police stop the driver. "I was riding a scooter and blocked him. After ten seconds the officers were already inside the bus and trying to arrest him. We fought with the driver when he raised his hands to strike us."
Iran trying to stop protests by giving every Iranian $7 a month! Israel Mocks them!
Israel’s Foreign Ministry, in Persian on X, mocks Tehran’s “benefits” program:“$7 for every Iranian citizen. A $1,800 monthly salary for every Hezbollah terrorist — paid from the pockets of Iranians.”
Big supporter of Trump and Israel in the US House Dies Suddenly !
Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a veteran California Republican known for his unwavering support of Israel and close alignment with President Donald Trump, has died at age 65 after suffering a medical emergency, local officials said.
Throughout his career, LaMalfa described Israel as a vital democratic ally in the Middle East and regularly spoke out against antisemitism and terrorism, urging bipartisan support for the U.S.–Israel relationship.
Which one of the Gedoilim will take Responsibility for the Needless Death of 14 year old ...Yosef Eisenthal a"h
I would like to know which genius came up with the mantra
"We would rather die than enlist"?
We need to grab him and hang him up in the town square!
Well, someone did get killed, are they happy now?
Know that the 14 year-old, Yosef Eisenthal z"l did not die for the "cause" and didn't die "Al Kiddush Hashem" like the IDF Soldiers, he died in vain!
I'm now waiting for a Gadol to tell the bereaved mother of Yosef "He died al Kiddush Hashem" ! That would be an unmitigated lie! This was a needless and reckless death!
There are news reports that the Gedoilim are now blaming the bus driver, everyone but themselves, they sent children into the "fires" without supervision, eyewitnesses are stating the teenagers harassed the Arab driver and spat at him! I am not justifying what the driver did, he should be charged with murder, but Gedoilim have to be charged with incitement!
I know I'm going to get comments like "Well, don't you believe that everything is from HKB"H? It was bashert"
Yes, of course I believe that everything is from Hashem, but you know who doesn't believe it?
The Gedoilim that organize these protests!
If they believed that everything is from the RBS"O they would not have any illegal protests but instead have their students learn an extra hour!
They don't believe that the RBS"O controls the world at all! They are by in large a bunch of power-hungry R"Y and they want to control the narrative! They believe sincerely that they run the world!
Fourteen-year-old Yosef Eisenthal was killed and three others injured after a bus struck pedestrians during a haredi protest against military conscription in Jerusalem.
A preliminary police investigation found the driver was attacked by rioters blocking the road before the fatal incident. The driver was arrested for questioning as authorities investigate the circumstances.
The protest descended into violent clashes, including road blockages, vandalism, and attacks on police and journalists.
Update: Israeli police said Wednesday that the bus driver called the emergency police hotline minutes before the collision, reporting that he was under attack. The driver repeated that account during questioning, investigators said.
Below is a letter from a Chardedie grandmother who witnessed what was going on!
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
UAE Planning Israeli Military Base Near Saudi Border
The UAE is reportedly planning to establish an Israeli military base in the Al-Arada area, near its border with Saudi Arabia.
The facility is expected to host over 800 Israeli soldiers.
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