Yeshiva Deans Warn: Draft law plan could dismantle haredi Hesder track

 

The Association of Haredi Hesder Yeshivot warns that the draft law advanced by the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, chaired by MK Boaz Bismuth, could lead to the collapse of an existing model that recruits haredim for combat, technological, and security service in the IDF.

In an official letter submitted to the committee, it stated that 14 haredi Hesder yeshivot, currently numbering about 1,000 students, are expected to be severely harmed by clauses in the current draft. The association's leaders warned, "This is not only an administrative malfunction but a moral and professional one, which could lead to the immediate dismantling of this important enterprise."

According to the association, the law in its current wording includes a particularly problematic clause that requires the haredi student to study only Torah, thereby denying the possibility of combining service with professional or technological studies. The letter said, "This is a dangerous coercion that does not exist in Zionist Hesder yeshivot," and it emphasized that it is precisely the haredi Hesder yeshivot that actually recruit thousands to the IDF that are being punished.

The yeshiva heads further stressed, "If no amendment is inserted into the law, a critical momentum of recruiting haredim in dedicated tracks will be halted, existing institutions will close, and a deterrent message will be sent to every young haredi man considering combining Torah with service and meaning."

An attached proposed legal text would regulate full recognition of the haredi Hesder yeshivot, enabling them to operate legally while combining religious studies with service tracks - including the option of certificate and engineering studies, as is customary in parallel tracks in Religious Zionist communities.

Israeli scientists discover how to make cow cells divide indefinitely

 

Israeli scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with Israeli food-tech company Believer Meats, have announced a breakthrough that could reshape the global cultivated meat industry.

In a peer-reviewed study published Wednesday in Nature Food, researchers revealed they were able to induce spontaneous, unlimited cell division—commonly referred to as “cellular immortality”—in beef cells without genetic modification or cancerous transformation.

The finding overcomes a major scientific and regulatory hurdle that has long delayed the industrial-scale production of cultured beef at accessible prices. The results position Israel as a global leader in the rapidly evolving field of alternative protein.

Bereaved Families want the new Draft Exemption Law Defeated!

 LETTER FROM THE BEREAVED FAMILIES

(This is an English translation of the letter that has appeared in all major Israeli news outlets - except for the charedi ones, of course - Please share it, not merely out of respect to the signatories, but because it is crucial to maximize the public pressure to prevent the Draft Exemption Law from being passed.)

To the elected officials of the Religious-Zionist and Traditional public in the Knesset of Israel:

“Everyone goes out to a milchemet mitzvah (an obligatory war).”

So our Sages taught us, and so we raised our children: a Torah that connects us to the people of Israel, not a Torah that separates us from it. On Simchat Torah 5784, on 7/10, and throughout the past two years, our children, our brothers, and our husbands went out to defend the State, in the name of Torah, in the name of mutual responsibility, in the name of the responsibility we all share for the fate of the Jewish people. They went—and did not return. We carry this pain every day, and it does not allow us to remain silent.

We are not asking anyone to stop learning Torah. Torah is the heart of the nation, the source of life for all of us. But the Torah of Israel does not allow a person to remove himself from the community; it is the Torah that obligates us to a shared responsibility; it is the Torah that commands: “Do not stand by the blood of your neighbor.” All the more so that you must not stand aside when your neighbor is fighting to save you!

It is precisely out of a deep respect for the Torah and its learners that we find it difficult for us to hear voices that, in the name of the Torah, claim that a large part of the nation should be exempt from basic partnership in shouldering the burdens of security and of economic and social contributions to the public. A nation cannot live while a third of it enjoys all the rights but is exempt from most of the obligations. Not today, and not for future generations.

In the face of this call, we—bereaved families from the Religious-Zionist and Traditional public—demand from you to make a clear statement that this is not our path. This is not the path of Torah. That you cannot lend your hand to it.

The “Bismuth Plan” makes it clear that the Haredi public has no intention of taking part with us in the existential requirement of Israel’s security. Its stated purpose: “regulating the status of yeshiva students.” The central concern of the Haredi leadership is restoring budgets and emptying the draft requirement of all substance, without any responsibility for enlarging the ranks of the army so that it can continue to fight and win on all fronts. The Haredi leadership demands that no fighters be drafted, that there be no oversight of the yeshivot, and that anyone who wishes—whether learning or not—will find in them a city of refuge. Not one of their leaders has declared that he will encourage or even merely permit his flock—even those who are not studying—to go to the army. All of them, as one, declare: no one will be drafted. Can we lend our hand to this great deception?

The minimal and clear principles necessary to ensure the enlistment of the Haredi public—principles that include drafting fighters according to the army’s needs, oversight and enforcement solely by the army, and preventing any direct or indirect state funding until there is actual enlistment according to the army’s requirements—must serve as conditions for your support for any legislation. We implore you to prevent the “Bismuth Plan,” which constitutes a severe blow to security, an abdication of responsibility, an evasion of basic obligations, and a violation of the Torah by which our loved ones lived and fell.

You stand at a historic moment. You are our emissaries! You must not lend a hand to severe harm to the security of the state and to the resilience of our community, which is ready at any moment to go out and defend it, even at the risk of life. Do not betray our shared values; stand tall and speak in the name of the Torah of the Land of Israel! We place our trust in you—do not disappoint!

Avi Baruch, Father of Adi Odaya HY”D

Avivit Granot, Mother of Amitai HY”D

Ayelet Silberg, Mother of Netanel HY”D

Elad and Devora Saadon, Parents of Hallel HY”D

Voli Wolfstal, Father of Ariel HY”D

Asaf Halamish, Father of Zohar HY”D

Effie Shoham, Father of Yuval Z”L

Benny Fleischman and Noy Fleischman Stavistky, Family of Yinon HY”D

Benzi Shamir, Father of Moti HY”D

Galit Waldman, Mother of Ariel ben Moshe HY”D

Jennifer, Meira and Aminadav Bloom, Family of Gavriel HY”D

HaRav Benny Kalmenzon, Father of Elchanan HY”D

Hagay Lober, Father of Yehonatan HY”D

Chaya Hexter, Mother of Yakir HY”D

Chaim and Lali Deri, Parents of Saadia HY”D

Tova and Ariel Shenkolevsky, Parents of Yakir HY”D

Yair, Sara and Shira Shwartz, Parents of David HY”D

Yonatan Slotki, Brother of Yishai HY”D and Noam HY”D

Yael and Shai Elboim, Parents of Sariya HY”D

Israel and Avital Chen, Parents of Dror HY”D

Carmit Pizam, Mother of Shai Uriel HY”D

Michal and David Zafrani, Parents of Itai HY”D

Miriam and Aharon Haber, Parents of Zechariah HY”D

Marc Abitbol, Father of Eliav HY”D

Moshe Shapira, Father of Aner HY”D

Nevo Har Even, Brother of Shilo HY”D

Adi Gealdor, Widow of Omer HY”D

Uzi Rozensweig, Father of Eitan HY”D

Pesi Gordon, Widow of Naftali HY”D

Tzvi Zussman, Father of Ben HY”D

Tzvika Greenglick, Father of Shauli HY”D

Tzofia Dickstein, Mother of Ivri HY”D

Rachel Goldberg, Widow of Rav Avi Goldberg HY”D

Riki Berkowitz, Mother of Eyal Meir HY”D

Sagit Biton, Mother of Yakir HY”D

Shmulik and Michal Negri, Parents of Roee HY”D

Yaakov Hershkovitz, Father of Yossi HY”D

Martine Ben Harush, Mother of Shoam Moshe HY”D

Yael Arbel Mother of Gideon Chai Derowe HY”D

Look at this Motorcycle by Tesla

 

The Satmar Rebbe's Trip to Eretz Yisrael was a Massive Chillul Hashem

The video below summarizes the Satmar Rebbe’s recent trip to the Zionist State of Israel.

Listening to his speeches, one can’t help but recall the Meraglim from Parshas Shlach — those who saw the land and returned with slander. Know that the Meraglim spoke their hateful speech in Chutz Le'aaretz, while the Satmar Rebbe spewed his hate in Eretz Yisrael itself! 

Some of the statements quoted in the video echo rhetoric straight out of the Hamas playbook.

It’s hard to fathom: thousands of Frum Jews from Chutz Le'aaretz visiting the homeland of over seven million Jews, only to unleash a torrent of falsehoods and contempt. An orgy of Sheker, dressed up as piety.

Incredible! Wasserman Schultz blames Trump for DC attack

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., has long performed a key role for many on the left. When there is an argument barred by decency or decorum, Wasserman Schultz is happy to make it, from attacking journalists in her defense of censorship to attempting to rig an election and bar Republicans from ballots as part of her defense of democracy. 

However, on Friday, the Florida representative set a new low in American politics: attempting to assign some of the blame for the shooting of two National Guardsmen on President Donald Trump.

On CNN’s "News Central," Wasserman Schultz declared:

Charedim in Lakewood Throw Harav Hirsch Under the bus Because He has agreed to allow some Chareidim to be Draftred

 

As I often say, Charedim seem to turn more harshly on their own than on the Zionists.

Just minutes after news broke that Harav Hirsch and Rav Landau had agreed to a new conscription law, Lakewood was flooded with pashkevilim attacking Rabbi Hirsch — some even labeling him “Tamei.”

I seriously doubt this law will hold up in the Supreme Court. Still, it’s becoming clear that the “Gedoilim” are beginning to bend under pressure. Israel’s broader population is growing increasingly frustrated with the Charedi community’s refusal to serve in the IDF while continuing to receive full state benefits.

The chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Boaz Bismuth, has circulated  the updated draft of the Conscription Law ahead of discussions set to begin next week.

Recruitment Targets

The law sets gradual recruitment targets:

    •    First year (until June 30, 2026): 8,160 recruits

    •    Second year: 6,840

    •    Third year: 7,920

    •    Fourth year: 8,500

    •    From the fifth year onward: 50% of each annual draft cohort of graduates from the ultra-Orthodox education system.

The first year is defined as a fixed period until June 30, 2026, regardless of when the law is approved, meaning the next target will apply already in about half a year.

Civil-Security Service

In a significant change from the Edelstein draft, the law allows national-civil service to be counted toward meeting the targets, but only within security-related frameworks: the Israel Police, the Prison Service, the Shin Bet, and the Mossad. Service in other civilian bodies will not be recognized.

Definition of “Haredi”

For the purpose of calculating the targets, a Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) individual is defined as someone who studied for at least two years in a Haredi educational institution between the ages of 14 and 18. This definition includes dropouts who left the system at age 16.

Personal Sanctions

Personal sanctions will take immediate effect upon approval of the law and will apply to anyone who does not enlist and does not receive an exemption or deferment of service. Sanctions include:

    •    A ban on issuing a driver’s license until age 23 (only for those who have not yet obtained one)

    •    A ban on leaving the country until age 23

    •    Revocation of academic scholarships

    •    Revocation of income-tax credit points

    •    Ineligibility for positions designated for fair representation in the civil service

An exemptions committee will be established, headed by a reserve lieutenant colonel from the IDF Manpower Directorate, with the participation of a major and a representative of the Yeshiva Council, empowered to grant exemptions from sanctions in special cases.

Institutional Sanctions

If targets are not met, gradual institutional sanctions will take effect. In the first year, meeting 75% of the target is required to avoid sanctions; in the second and third years—80%; and from the fourth year—90%.

Sanctions include:

    •    Liability for full National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) payments even without income

    •    Revocation of public-transportation benefits

    •    Loss of eligibility for discounted housing programs and daycare subsidies (first year)

    •    Revocation of financial assistance for purchasing a home (second year)

    •    Revocation of the purchase-tax exemption (third year)

Additionally, government support for yeshivas for students who have received a service deferment order will be reduced in proportion to the shortfall in meeting the target.

Major Changes from the Edelstein Draft

The law eliminates the requirement for a minimum number of combat soldiers, removes the fingerprint-collection mechanism in yeshivas, keeps the exemption age at 26, and allows counting civil-security service. The IDF Chief Rabbi on the supervisory committee is replaced by a lieutenant colonel from the Manpower Directorate, and a representative of the Yeshiva Council is added.

Validity of the Law

The law will not be automatically canceled in the event of failure to meet the targets. Only after three consecutive years in which less than 85% of the annual target is met will a committee be formed to examine the reasons and submit proposals for amendments. After four consecutive years of failure, the Minister of Defense will be required to establish additional tools and incentives.

Rare footage from the tomb of the prophet Havakuk in Iran

 

Visitors have released striking footage from what is believed to be the tomb of Havakuk HaNavi in Tuyserkan, the fourth-largest city in Iran’s Hamadan province, near the traditional burial sites  of Mordechai and Esther.

The identification is debated, as Israel also has a site in the Lower Galilee associated with Havakuk.

The Jews who filmed the scene avoided showing themselves so as not to draw the attention of local authorities.

Satmar Rebbe Meets Port Authority Officer Whose Family are Skverer Chassidim at JFK

 

The Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Aron Teitelbaum, arrived at JFK Airport on Thursday night, where Port Authority officers were assigned to welcome him upon landing.

During the brief reception, one officer introduced himself as Officer Yanky Schmeltzer and told the Rebbe that his grandfather is from New Square. Speaking to him in the Rebbe’s native Yiddish, Schmeltzer shared the family connection, prompting the Rebbe to note that he knew the officer’s uncle — a personal and warm moment amid the formal greeting.

The Rebbe’s arrival, following a series of major community events abroad, drew interest from local Hasidic circles, some of whom gathered at the airport to observe the welcome.

Video Pla

Trump Declares Biden’s Autopen-Signed Documents ‘Null and Void’

 President Trump on Friday declared that approximately 92% of former President Joe Biden’s executive orders and other documents signed via autopen are “hereby terminated and of no further force or effect,” escalating a partisan battle over the legitimacy of Biden’s White House actions.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump accused Biden’s aides of illegally operating the autopen — a mechanical device that replicates a signature — without the former president’s direct involvement.f5a7ef “The Radical Left Lunatics circling Biden around the beautiful Resolute Desk in the Oval Office took the Presidency away from him,” Trump wrote, claiming the device was misused to enact policies without proper authorization.

Video Play

Trump’s announcement comes just two days after a deadly shooting near the White House that left one National Guard member dead and another in critical condition, an incident the president has labeled an “act of terror” linked to lax immigration policies under Biden. The attack, which authorities are investigating as potential international terrorism, has fueled Trump’s aggressive push on border security and deportation efforts.