Insects listen in on plants ‘talking,’ groundbreaking Israeli study

 

An ongoing collaboration between Tel Aviv University’s zoology and plant sciences departments has led to what is believed to be the first study in the world to demonstrate auditory communication between animals and plants, finding that insects both hear sounds made by plants and take them into account in decision-making.

Two years ago, Prof. Yossi Yovel from the School of Zoology and Prof. Lilach Hadany from the School of Plant Sciences and Food Security recorded plants ‘talking’ for the first time.

They were able to demonstrate that plants emit clicks similar to popcorn popping — one click per hour in the case of a healthy, well-watered plant, and dozens of clicks under conditions of stress, such as drying soil.

The next question was: Who might be listening?

Khamenei’s bloodthirsty wolves are in a panic

 

Reports suggest that Mossad conducted synchronized espionage, intelligence, and military operations with precise targeting in all 25 provinces of Iran. This strongly implies that local collaborators were involved, shattering the myth of regime stability

Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has called for expedited rulings in espionage cases involving alleged ties to Israel, saying these cases “do not require extensive investigation” and should move swiftly toward sentencing.

He added that when the facts are clear, judicial delays are unjustifiable.

Bereaved mother: 'Soldiers are killed, and people hide behind the Torah'

 

Laly Deri, who lost her son in Gaza, passionately calls for an end to yeshiva exemptions, urging the Haredi community to prioritize national service amid Israel’s existential threats.

During a panel discussion at the Ynet, Yedioth Ahronoth, and Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) Defense and Service Conference, Laly Deri, whose son, Saadia, fell in battle in Gaza, spoke out against the policy of exempting yeshiva students from military service.

"In a normal, moral, Jewish, ethical world, the first that need to go to battle are the yeshiva students," Deri said at the start of the panel.

Later in the discussion, she criticized the use of Torah study as a reason to be exempted from service: "It drives me crazy, when there are families that are being worn out and soldiers who are killed, and people hide behind the Torah... It is the biggest disgrace of G-d's name that I can hear."

She added: "The haredi public needs to hear this voice. You are wrong, you are going against the Torah."

According to Deri, the haredi public is changing, "This public is exposed to characters such as Saadia, such as Rabbi Yossi Goldberg, such as so many soldiers, and that's changing something.

"Today, there is an existential threat to the country, and we don't have time for long processes. Every 18-year-old boy and girl must serve the country in some manner, first of all in the military, since there's an existential threat, and after that in civil service in the various realms."

Satmar Business Expo set to welcome thousands for full-day networking and educational event

 Final preparations are underway for the highly anticipated fourth Satmar Business Expo, taking place on Wednesday, July 16, at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison. 

Organized by Congregation Yetev Lev D’Satmar of Williamsburg, the expo is the largest Jewish business gathering of its kind in the United States and is expected to draw thousands of attendees from across the Orthodox Jewish community.

The all-day event will feature more than 500 booths representing a wide array of industries, including real estate, construction, finance, insurance, marketing, logistics, luxury travel, and artisan goods. Exhibitors and attendees alike will have the opportunity to build connections, explore new ventures, and learn from fellow frum entrepreneurs.

Running from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the event includes three full meals, networking sessions, and a robust schedule of educational programming. Participants will be able to attend lectures and panel discussions by respected rabbonim and industry professionals in the fields of law, accounting and finance. 

Additionally, a series of 15-minute one-on-one consultations and coaching sessions with experienced business experts from the Heimishe community will offer personalized guidance to those seeking to grow or strengthen their ventures.

Organizers say the growing interest in the annual event underscores the increasing professionalization and interconnectivity of Orthodox-run businesses across the region.

“This expo serves as a powerful platform for networking, education and mutual support,” said Joel Braver, one of the leaders of the Yetev Lev Satmar community. “It offers a unique window into the robust economic activity generated by the Orthodox Jewish community across the greater New York and New Jersey area.”

The event’s venue — the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, located at 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, NJ — provides 100,000 square feet of space to accommodate the expansive layout and growing attendance.

‘Get Out, You Loser’: Rep. Randy Fine Explodes at Protester

 

Tensions flared during Tuesday’s congressional hearing on antisemitism in higher education, when Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) forcefully confronted both a disruptive protester and the chancellor of the City University of New York (CUNY).

As Fine questioned CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez, a protester interrupted him with shouts from the gallery. Without hesitation, Fine snapped back: “Shut up and get out of here. Get out of here, you loser.”

Returning to the matter at hand, Fine directed his anger at the CUNY administration for what he described as a culture of permissiveness toward antisemitism on campus.

“I hold you all responsible for this,” Fine told Rodríguez. “It’s the culture you’ve allowed on campus that makes people think this is OK.”

He cited multiple faculty members who have made inflammatory statements since the Hamas-led massacre on October 7. Among them: Immanuel Ness, a Brooklyn College professor who publicly supported “resistance by any means necessary,” and Corinna Mullin, of John Jay College, who was filmed chanting “Up with freedom, down with Zionist scum” and defending Palestinian armed resistance as “just.”

Rodríguez acknowledged the seriousness of the accusations but deflected, saying only that “any call for violence is unacceptable,” and promising to “investigate and take action if warranted.”

When pressed, Rodríguez confirmed that Mullin was “no longer teaching,” but declined to provide a timeline or details.

Fine, visibly frustrated, accused the university of a double standard: issuing broad condemnations of antisemitism while tolerating — and even employing — those who publicly glorify violence against Jews.

“Jewish students deserve better than vague promises and selective accountability,” Fine said.

🔥 @RepFine Erupts at Protester—Then Hammers CUNY for Enabling Antisemitism

During his questioning at today’s hearing, Rep. Randy Fine was interrupted by a protester shouting from the audience. Without missing a beat, he shut it down:

“Shut up and get out of here. Get out of… pic.twitter.com/tGjJUhusf3

— Stu (@thestustustudio) July 15, 2025

Gush Etzion Murderers were Palestinian Police Trained in Qatar

 *REPORT:* Following the terror attack at the Gush Etzion junction — carried out by two officers from the Palestinian police who had returned three months earlier from completing their training in Qatar:

The Palestinian Authority has launched an investigation under pressure from Israeli security officials. As part of the probe, all members of the same training cohort who returned from Qatar three months ago will be reviewed.

Sources familiar with the details estimate that during their time in Qatar, Hamas operatives may have made contact with those Palestinian police trainees and encouraged them — in one way or another — to carry out attacks.

For this reason, Israeli officials have pushed for a thorough review of all individuals who trained alongside the attackers, to ensure there are no additional “rogue” individuals who might also pose a threat. (Doron Kadosh)

Iran takes a page out of the Satmar Handbook, and says all Zionist Victories Are Not from Hashem

 

Do you know someone that is from the "Eirav Rav" You will be very surprised!

 

Yeshivish Families Now Starting to Make Aliya

 

A powerful moment unfolded at Ben Gurion Airport this week as volunteers from Naava Kodesh warmly welcomed a group of Yeshivish families making Aliyah to Eretz Yisroel. Among the arrivals was a family from Lakewood, New Jersey — a sign of the growing trend among Bnei Torah families to establish permanent homes in Eretz Yisroel.

What was once considered rare is becoming increasingly familiar: Yeshivish families, grounded in Torah values and chinuch, are arriving with a sense of clarity and purpose, fulfilling a generations-old yearning to settle in Eretz Yisroel.

As the families emerged from customs, they were greeted with singing and heartfelt dancing, including a moving outpour of “Veshavu Banim Ligvulam.” The scene reflected the joy of return and the depth of what this moment represents: the culmination of centuries of tefillos, longing, and mesirus nefesh to settle in Eretz Yisroel.

“This wasn’t just another flight — it was the fulfillment of 2,000 years of yearning,” said Yosef Elyah Steinberg, a member of the Naava Kodesh Welcoming Committee.

“Watching choshuveh Yeshiva families arrive with that spark in their eyes, realizing that people like them were waiting to welcome them — it was deeply moving. It felt like a glimpse of Hashem’s light after years of galus, and a reminder that this is just the beginning. Their courage inspires others to consider their own journey home.”

Shmuel Shifrin, a fellow committee member and former Lakewood resident who made Aliyah two years ago, echoed the sentiment:

“Standing at the airport today, I had the incredible zechus to welcome Yidden finally coming home. I didn’t know most of their names — but it felt like greeting close family returning after years apart.
The energy was emotional, powerful, and unforgettable. Moments like this remind me that the geulah is unfolding before our eyes — one beautiful family at a time.”

“Welcoming these choshuveh families from Lakewood to Eretz Yisroel is nothing short of a historic moment,” said Tzvi Arnstein, Founder of Naava Kodesh.

“Seeing Bnei Torah settling in the Holy Land is a tremendous chizuk — not only for them, but for all of Klal Yisroel. At Naava Kodesh, we consider it a zechus to assist these families as they begin this next stage in their avodas Hashem, rooted in the kedusha of Eretz Hakodesh. We’re here to help make that transition smooth and uplifting — both b’gashmiyus and b’ruchniyus.”

As more families explore the possibility of Aliyah, Naava Kodesh continues to be a vital resource — offering individualized guidance, school support, chinuch consultations, community recommendations, pilot trip planning, and a trusted network of mentors who have already made the journey themselves.

Afraid of Sanctions All Three UN Human Rights Investigators Resign from Israel-Palestinian Probe

 

The three members of the United Nations commission tasked with investigating alleged human rights abuses in Israel and the Palestinian territories have officially stepped down, according to a UN spokesperson.

Established in 2021, the commission faced sharp criticism from Israel over perceived bias.

Navi Pillay of South Africa, 83, who previously led the international tribunal for Rwanda, cited her age in her resignation letter. Australia’s Chris Sidoti, 74, said the time was “appropriate” for a renewal of the panel, while India’s Miloon Kothari, in his late 60s, simply noted it was “an honor” to serve.

Jurg Lauber, president of the UN Human Rights Council, has asked member states to nominate replacements by August 31.