Why Bnei Torah should vote in the WZO elections

DIN: Many Roshei Yeshiva and so called Gedoilim who have no skin in this game ruled that one should not vote!

Harav Moshe Corodovero, writes in his Tomer Devorah (Chapter 7) that one must think constructively on behalf of all Klal Yisrael, for their benefit. The author of Yaaros Devash (Vol 1, on the Bracha of Hosheva Shoifteinu in Shemoine Esra) also discusses this and writes "that all hardships that befall Israel are due to improper leaders" 

 By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

This article is about why Bnei Torah should vote in the WZO elections for the frum slates. 

Let’s imagine, that we stand at the very formation of Klal Yisroel.  It is time for the brachos.  If things go as planned – well, Aisav would get the brachos.  There is Daas Torah going both ways.  Yitzchok Avinu says – let’s give it to Aisav. Rivka Imeinu says, “No Yaakov, take the funding away from Aisav and take it for yourself – for the future of Torah.  Ki Haim Chayeinu!  Say the words, ‘Anochi.  Aisav Bechorcha.’

But what would have happened if there was a huge outcry against Yaakov?  “How dare you say, ‘Anochi Aisav??!!”  Aisav is a Rasha!  He is a Kofer!  He is a Rotzayach!  He was me’anais a Naarah m’urasa! And you sign on saying Anochi Aisav??”

Ultimately, Yaakov Avinu did say, “Anochi. Aisav Bechorcha. And the Torah world developed along the path that it should have. Boruch Hashem.

This is essentially what is happening now.  There are conflicting Daas Torahs.  One side is saying, “But if you vote – you are joining up with Avodah Zarah! It is Kefira!”

The other side is saying, “The word Zionist is an anglicized version of the word Tzion – which appears in TaNach over 150 times. In Sefer Yishayahu Tzion is mentioned 47 times alone! LeMaan Tzion lo Echesheh  – for the sake of Tzion – I shall not be silent (Yishahayu 62:1)!   Why can’t we sign on a form and have in mind the true Torah definition of the true word?  How are we allowing Kofrim to hijack a word and define the exclusive use of it? 

Registering to vote for the frum slate in the WZO election with this in mind is less of a stretch than Yaakov Avinu’s  use of Anochi.  Aisav Bechorcha. 

Minister of Housing Goldcrap Dances with Neturie Karta ...Calls for his resignation!

 Israeli Minister of Housing and Construction, Yitzhak Goldknopf, is facing significant criticism after being filmed dancing at a family wedding to the song “In their offices, we do not appear, and in the rule of the infidels, we do not believe,” which calls for refusal to serve in the military. The incident occurred on Sunday night at the wedding of his nephew, where Goldknopf was seen dancing with yeshiva students to the controversial tune.

Politicians from across the political spectrum have condemned Goldknopf’s actions. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tweeted, “The outrage of government ministers about the disrespect for IDF soldiers means nothing when, at the same time, these ministers are transferring billions in budgets that encourage draft evasion. We don’t need condemnations, but rather a simple action: a complete cessation of budgets for evasion.”

Israel Beiteinu leader MK Avigdor Lieberman also weighed in, calling the video “shameful” and criticizing the minister for celebrating with a group that rejects military service. “While our soldiers risk their lives to defend the homeland, a minister in the Israeli government celebrates with draft dodgers to the sounds of the infamous song: ‘In the rule of the infidels, we do not believe,'” Lieberman wrote.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed his outrage, saying, “Shame and disgrace! We can no longer remain silent in the face of the minister’s indifference, disrespect, and ingratitude toward the State of Israel and its heroic soldiers.”

Fact: Agudas Yisroel Signed Israel’s Declaration of Independence 1948

 

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

Just a quick reality check.  After the tragic events of the Holocaust and the displacement and murder of the Kedoshim, Agudas Yisroel did join with Zionist leaders in signing Israel’s Declaration of Independence.   The signer on behalf of Agudah was Rav Yitzchok Meir Levine zt”l, the son-in-law of the Gerrer Rebbe.  Ostensibly, this was done with the agreement of Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l whom at the 4th Knessia Gedolah in Jerusalem 6 years later, sat next to Rav Levine and the Prime Minister of Israel, Moshe Sharret. 

Agudah’s primary motivation in signing, it would seem, was to vouchsafe the continuity of Torah and its study in the newly formed State of Israel.  It would also seem that Agudah signed as representatives of the Jewish community in Eretz Yisroel and not as members of the Zionist movement. However, all the signers were members of the People’s Council (see paragraph 11) and joined together with the leaders and members of the Zionist Movement. 

AT the 4th Knessiah of Agudath Yisroel held in Jerusalem in 1954, Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l sat next to Rav Yitzchok Meir Levine zt”l, who sat next to Moshe Sharret – the Prime Minister of Israel.

Under these conditions 70 years ago, Agudath Yisroel did join together with leaders of the Zionist Movement with the express purpose of vouchsafing Torah and its values and ideals. To say otherwise is historically inaccurate.  The situation then is analogous to the situation today if not more so.  Shouldn’t we follow the example of Klal Yisroel’s leadership when these challenges first arose?  Or should we shift gears and allow the anti-religious secularists to do what they will?   There are letters from Gedolei HaRoshei Yeshivaand Poskim in Eretz Yisroel that I have seen saying that it is a most worthy endeavor for Bnei Torah to vote for the Shomrei Torah slate in this WZO election.  There is also a video of Rav Chaim zt”l to this effect below.

It is because of the votes made five years ago, that this past December 8 million dollars was alotted to Yeshivos and Seminaries, including one Million dollars ro the Mir Yeshiva.

What follows is the text of the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel and its signees.

Muslim TSA Officer in Ohio Brags About Targeting Israeli Passenger.. Admits to Falsely Accusing Him of Harassment, Causing Missed Flight

 

🚨 Muslim TSA Officer in Ohio Brags About Targeting Israeli Passenger

⚠️ Admits to Falsely Accusing Him of Harassment, Causing Missed Flight

Fatima, a TSA officer in Ohio, shared in a TikTok video that she deliberately told an Israeli passenger, “Safe travels to Palestine.”… pic.twitter.com/oXkG1oyIxq

— Shirion Collective (@ShirionOrg) March 20, 2025

What we know so far about this woman:

•Name: Fatima Labeche, 38
•Origins: Algeria
•Former Job: TSA agent in Cleveland, Ohio
•Current Job: Likely working as an Underwriting Consultant at Legal & General America, a U.S. insurance company
•Husband: Palestinian, Mustafa Ayad,… pic.twitter.com/rIAdCzhhnU

— Brother Rachid الأخ رشيد (@BrotherRasheed) March 21, 2025

Watch Ronald Reagen Say that he would have wanted to Abolish the Dept of Education

 

Gov Janet Mills Folds Like a Cheap Tent and gives in to Trump vis-a-vis Trans playing against Women in Sports

 

Not so tough after all, are you @GovJanetMills? So much tough talk to Trump’s face and then she folded like a cheap tent! https://t.co/JuID69zjI6

— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) March 21, 2025

Satmar Marks 800th Yurzeit of 150 Jews that Committed Suicide in the "Clifford Towers" in York Because British Murderers Made them Convert

The Satmar Yiddish Newspaper Der Yid reports that this Yurzeit was written up in a British website and that the comments all mocked the murdered Jews! 

Der Yid has always blasted the Zionists and praised the British in their reports about pre-war2 Palestine! 

But in the last few months, Der Yid began a series of articles backtracking on their praise for the British  and finally reporting the truth about the vicious British attacks against the Jews in the then Palestine! Without mentioning Zionists they now state that "Jews had no choice but to defend against the British sadists and murderers" 

I believe that the backtracking is because of the recent antisemitic acts against Chassidic Jews in London and they are now realizing that maybe the Zionists were actually right! 

Netanyahu 100% right about Israel’s ‘deep state’

 

 For liberal leftist critics of Israel’s government, it was just the latest example of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s effort to follow the same playbook as President Donald Trump. 

When the former spoke recently of the efforts on the part of Israel’s “deep state” to derail his government, both Israelis who voted for Netanyahu’s political opponents in the last election and Democrats who backed former Vice President Kamala Harris tuned out everything that followed. As far as they are concerned, talk of a “deep state” in either country is just a right-wing conspiracy theory that is part of an attempt by both leaders to overturn or seriously undermine democracy.

That’s also the line that most pundits are spreading about the prime minister’s move to fire the head of the Shin Bet (Internal Security Agency) and the attorney general, as he seeks to carry on the war on Hamas without being held back by opponents inside the governing apparatus. Such analysts claim that Netanyahu’s assertions about an army of bureaucrats—aided by elites who run the business, legal, media, academic and cultural establishments—is seeking to sabotage his government, is a figment of his imagination.

If only that were true

CNN shares a poll showing 63% of Americans being in favor of deporting criminal aliens

 

BUSY WEEK at the Trump White House!

 

Ladies & Gentlemen the Witcoff Interview was Pure Unadulterated Terrorist Propaganda!

 

This, ladies and gentlemen, is called terrorist propaganda. https://t.co/qXgxbw3mTt

— Dumisani Washington (@DumisaniTemsgen) March 22, 2025

There isn't any Starvation in Gaza they are all FAT!

 

“There is no starvation in Gaza. If there were, I think we'd see skinny people, but instead, all we saw is fat terrorists. The only skinny people were the hostages that were starved by the terrorists.”
•Naftali Bennett pic.twitter.com/syCjuzXdZL

— Jews Fight Back 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@JewsFightBack) March 21, 2025

Witkoff Trump's Mideast Envoy says that Qataris the Hamas Supporters "are good decent people"

 

What @SteveWitkoff said about Qatar is an insult to every person living in Israel, to ever Jewish/Israeli student in America,to all the victims and the hostages held in Gaza,to all the American citizens killed by the terrorists and it is a danger to America’s national security.…

— miha schwartzenberg (@mihaschw) March 22, 2025

Steve Witkoff on the Qataris:

"They're good, decent people."

The Qataris:

"There can be no peace or negotiations with the Zionist entity, for one reason and one reason only: Their faith does not allow for negotiations. Rather it [condones] deception, the violation of…

— Daniel Rubenstein (@paulrubens) March 22, 2025

State Security Chief Bar Who Refused to Wake Up Netanyahu on Oct 7.. Set Up Netanyahu with a "Qatar Investigation" to Avoid Getting Fired!

 

The Prime Minister's Office released a dramatic video on Saturday night in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the public and says: "Citizens of Israel, I have a dramatic revelation of facts that will shock you."

At the beginning of the video, Netanyahu clarified that he had already made a definitive decision regarding the continuation of the ISA Chief, Ronen Bar: "Ronen Bar will not remain the head of the ISA, there will be no brotherly war, and Israel will remain a democratic state."

Netanyahu added that the government is acting in accordance with the law: "My lack of confidence in the head of the ISA began on October 7 when he did not wake me up nor did he wake others. It increased until the dismissal of Ronen from the negotiation team and all of this happened long before the opening of the investigation regarding Qatar."

In the video, Netanyahu details how he had decided to fire Bar only after receiving the investigations on the October 7th massacre. "I decided the same thing about Herzi Halevi," Netanyahu stated. "Bar asked for several extensions on the deadline I set for concluding the investigations, which I granted."

"On the same day that I was supposed to receive the investigation, in a coincidence that you couldn't make up, the Attorney General declared that she was opening an investigation into allegations that I had received bribes from Qatar." The attorney General has since given legal opinions that since the ISA is involved in the investigation into the supposed bribes, Netanyahu cannot fire the ISA director, as this would constitute interfering in the investigation.

"The investigation is clearly intended to prevent me from dismissing Ronen Bar," Netanyahu concluded. "You tell me - who is really acting due to outside considerations?"

More below from Fuld!

Boy, am I getting a lot of heat about this Netanyahu situation.

But to all those who say he has no right to fire Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet because the courts have blocked it, I really have one question.

But first, some background and some thoughts.

The state of… pic.twitter.com/G2BeJqvqdk

— Hillel Fuld (@HilzFuld) March 22, 2025

US Embassy in Israel to Americans : Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations

 

The US Embassy in Israel on Saturday issued a warning to citizens in the area, urging additional caution and stressing that "the security environment is complex and can change quickly."

The Embassy stated: "Due to the current evolving security situation, including the resumption of red alerts and large-scale demonstrations, the US Embassy reminds US citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness – including avoiding large gatherings and demonstrations, and knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, including mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly."

The Embassy urged citizens to be aware of their surroundings, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, and avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence. It also urged citizens to monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Earlier on Saturday, six missiles were launched from Lebanon towards the Israeli town of Metula. Three of the missiles were intercepted, and the rest did not reach Israel.

On Friday night, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF prior to crossing into Israeli territory. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol; it is believed that the missile broke apart over Saudi Arabia.

"The Lone Crapper" Frum Passenger Sues United Airlines

 

An Orthodox Jewish passenger says a United Airlines pilot forcibly removed him from an airplane bathroom while he was experiencing constipation, exposing his genitalia to other flyers during a flight from Tulum, Mexico, to Houston.

Yisroel Liebb, of New Jersey, described his trip through allegedly unfriendly skies in a federal lawsuit this week against the airline and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, whose officers he said boarded the plane upon landing and took him away in handcuffs.

Liebb and a fellow Orthodox Jewish traveler said the pilot made disparaging remarks about their faith. They said they were forced to miss a connecting flight to New York City while U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers paraded them through an airport terminal, placed them in holding cells and searched their luggage.

“CBP Officers responded to reports of a disturbance on a flight at the request of the airline,” CBP Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs Hilton Beckham said. “Due to the ongoing litigation, we are unable to provide any further comment.”

United Airlines declined to comment. Messages seeking comment were left for a lawyer representing Liebb and the other traveler, Jacob Sebbag.

In the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, Liebb said he was in the bathroom in the back of the plane for about 20 minutes on Jan. 28 when a flight attendant woke Sebbag from a nap and asked Sebbag to check on him.

Liebb said he explained his gastrointestinal predicament and assured Sebbag that he would be out soon. Sebbag then relayed that to the flight attendant, the lawsuit says.

About 10 minutes later, with Liebb still indisposed, the pilot approached Sebbag and asked him to check on Liebb, the lawsuit says. The pilot then yelled at Liebb to leave the bathroom immediately, the lawsuit says.

Liebb said he told the pilot that he was finishing up and would be out momentarily.

The pilot responded by breaking the lock, forcing the bathroom door open and pulling Liebb out with his pants still around his ankles, exposing his genitalia to Sebbag, flight attendants, and nearby passengers, according to the lawsuit.

Liebb and Sebbag said the pilot then pushed them back to their seats while threatening to have them arrested and making remarks about their faith and how “Jews act.”

After the two-hour flight landed in Houston, the men said about a half-dozen Customs and Border Protection officers boarded and escorted them off the plane.

Liebb said when he asked why they were being detained, an officer tightened his handcuffs and responded: “This isn’t county or state. We are Homeland. You have no rights here.”

The men said United booked them on a flight to New York City the next day for free, but any savings from the complementary tickets were lost because they had to pay for an overnight hotel stay and food during their delay.

Beit Shemesh Charedie Gangster that Overturned Mayor's Car Arrested.... Not One Rabbi So Far Has Condemned the Violence

זו תורה וזו שכרה

Shame on the Rabbanim who are Silent! 

 First Arrest in Night Raid: Police Arrest Suspect for Disorderly Conduct and Damaging the Mayor's Vehicle

Last night, police raided a neighborhood in Beit Shemesh and arrested an 18-year-old suspect accused of disorderly conduct and damaging the Mayor's vehicle during a violent protest.

The arrest is part of a broader investigation following Wednesday night's events, when police were called to a city event hall, rescued the mayor, and towed away his damaged car.

The suspect will be brought today to a detention hearing at the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court. Police note that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

Adriana Fernandez, known by her Instagram handle @nonjewishnanny Converts to Orthodox Judaism !

 

A beloved social media influencer known as “NonJewishNanny” has officially completed her journey to Judaism, embracing her new identity as Adina Shoshana. With over 80,000 followers on Instagram, she first gained popularity for sharing heartwarming moments as a nanny and her experiences as a Shabbos Goy, assisting Jewish families with tasks on Shabbos & sharing her experiences all throughout the week.

Throughout her time online, she subtly hinted at her own personal love for Judiasm. Now, after completing her “secret Geirus”, she has taken on the new handle “NowJewishNanny”, marking a profound milestone in her spiritual and personal journey.

Her story is an inspiring testament to dedication, faith, and a deep love for the Jewish people. Welcome to the family, Adina Shoshana!

Below is an interview with Adina Shoshana two years ago when she was just starting out as a Nanny for Frum Jews! Nov 24, 2022

Hooray: Ben & Jerry’s owner Unilever is dropping the anti-Israel lunacy

 

Ben & Jerry’s  got me through untold breakups in college.

Drowning my sorrows in a pint was a great consolation prize for my heartbreak. 

But in 2021, I soured on the brand when it announced plans to stop selling its ice cream in what it referred to as the “Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

Its hostility to Israeli policy grew even more poisonous after Oct. 7.

The good news?

Recent pushback by critics — and consumers — prompted B&J’s parent company, Unilever, to respond, just as other companies have been shedding their DEI and woke images.

And that’s major grounds for hope.

Lakewood Father charged in tragic death of 4-month-old son who died in hot car after being left for ‘extended period’

 

A 4-month-old New Jersey infant perished after being left for an “extended period” in a hot car — and his father has been charged in the tragic death, authorities said.

Investigators did not disclose just how long they suspect ME son was left on his own inside the dad’s Toyota minivan Tuesday in Lakewood, when temps reached a high of 63 degrees.

Local news footage shows officers around the parked van, which appears to have been left in direct sunlight.

Lakewood cops received a 911 call about an unresponsive child at approximately 1:45 p.m. and officers were dispatched to a residential block near Fifth Street between Monmouth and Princeton avenues, near a kosher supermarket market and a pair of synagogues. ME lives three blocks from where the van was parked.

“Responding Officers found Hatzolah Medical Services attempting to render lifesaving aid to a 4-month-old male infant,” the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said.

The boy was taken to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives eventually determined the boy “was left alone in ME's vehicle for an extended period of time,” prosecutors said.

ME was arrested Thursday and charged with child endangerment after surrendering to police. He was released by a judge hours later.

The family did not respond to messages.

The baby’s name was not released by investigators.

Columbia bows to Trump, agrees to sweeping campus reforms

 

Columbia University has agreed to comply with US President Donald Trump’s sweeping demands in order to restore $400 million in federal funding that was revoked earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing a memo from the university to the administration.

As part of the agreement, Columbia will prohibit masks on campus, grant 36 campus police officers expanded authority to arrest students and appoint a senior vice provost with broad oversight over the Department of Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies, as well as the Center for Palestine Studies.

One of the most contentious aspects of the negotiations has been control over the Middle East department, a move that has ignited fierce debate among faculty members at Columbia and beyond. The newly appointed vice provost, selected by Columbia, will be responsible for reviewing the curriculum, hiring of non-tenured faculty, and leadership “to ensure the educational offerings are comprehensive and balanced.”

Columbia’s concessions mark a major victory for Trump in his ongoing battle with elite universities over the anti-Israel protests on campuses.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration withdrew federal grants and contracts from Columbia, citing the university’s failure to protect Jewish students. The university had been at the center of pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrations that disrupted campuses across the country last year.

Columbia later signalled a willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration in order to restore the funding, which interim President Katrina Armstrong acknowledged would "immediately impact research and other critical functions."

The Wall Street Journal report noted that, before talks on restoring federal funding, the Trump administration initially set forth nine demands. Columbia, however, now says it has gone even further by implementing additional measures to promote intellectual diversity.

A senior Columbia administrator acknowledged that the university considered legal action against the Trump administration but ultimately decided against it. The school determined that the federal government had numerous tools at its disposal to withhold funding, making a legal battle challenging. Additionally, university officials recognized that many of the required changes aligned with reforms they already intended to implement.

Columbia has come under increased scrutiny over the rise in antisemitism on campus since the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023.

Pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators at Columbia set up dozens of tents in April of 2024, demanding that the university divest from its Israeli assets. The university administration called in police to dismantle the encampments.

On April 30, at the request of university leaders, hundreds of officers with the New York Police Department stormed onto campus, gaining access to the building through a second-story window and making dozens of arrests of the pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators who had taken over Hamilton Hall.

In August, three Columbia University deans resigned from the school, after it was discovered that they had exchanged “very troubling” texts that “disturbingly touched on ancient antisemitic tropes”.

The university has seen a resurgence of anti-Israel activity in recent weeks. In January, anti-Israel students disrupted an Israeli history class by banging drums, chanting “Free Palestine,” and distributing fliers that depicted a boot stomping on a Star of David.

The students were later expelled, prompting protests at Barnard College. The demonstrations escalated when protesters took over the Barnard College library, leading to multiple arrests.

The Delusional Witkoff says that Hamas is "Not as ideologically extreme as they're often portrayed

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Friday gave an extensive interview to journalist Tucker Carlson, stating the US' goals for the war against Hamas in Gaza, and praising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions.

Stressing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has good motives, he noted that Hamas is almost completely eliminated, Hezbollah is significantly weakened, and Israel has sent a powerful message to the Iranian government.

"We would not be as effective in the region if he didn't do what he did [with Hezbollah and Hamas], not even close."

He explained, "I think he [Netanyahu] did an exceptional job, but the rap he gets is that he's more concerned about the fight than he is about the hostages. I understand how people could make that assessment, but I don't necessarily agree with it."

'I think Bibi believes that he's doing the right thing. I think he goes up against public opinion 'cause the public opinion [in Israel] wants those hostages home."

Witkoff, one of the first US officials to visit Gaza in 22 years, spoke with the families of the hostages and attended events at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square. He emphasized the close connection that he feels with the hostages' families, and said that the events of October 7 are a national trauma, cutting Israel's soul.

Witkoff also stressed that US President Donald Trump's goal is "about understanding the reality before making decisions."

Gaza, however, cannot continue to be ruled by Hamas: "They need to demilitarize, and then they might also be politically involved in Gaza."

"A terrorist organization cannot govern Gaza — that is unacceptable to Israel. What is possible, however, is for them to disarm. Then they can stay for a while and even be politically involved."

In his opinion, "We need to understand what Hamas wants and then think about what we can offer them to make them leave. That is what needs to happen here. At the start of the conflict, we heard that 'Hamas is an ideology, and they are ready to die.'"

"I don’t think they are as ideologically extreme as they're often portrayed. They send young children who understand nothing to commit suicide with explosive belts. Once we understand that they want to live, we can talk to them more effectively."

 

Tragic Accident Claims Life of Rabbi Eliyahu Fink

Rabbi Eliyahu Fink, 43, a prominent writer from Monsey, New York, known for his widely followed online posts, tragically lost his life early Thursday morning in a devastating accident on the Garden State Parkway in East Orange in Essex county near milepost 146.5 in East Orange.

Fink’s Tesla was reportedly disabled following a crash, prompting him to exit the vehicle. As he stood outside, he was struck by a Jeep Cherokee, which sent him into the northbound lanes. Multiple vehicles then hit him, leading to fatal injuries. The details of the crash are still under investigation.

Rabbi Fink was widely respected for his insightful writing and thought-provoking online presence, drawing a significant following for his posts that covered various aspects of life, faith, and personal growth. His unexpected passing has left many in the community in shock, with tributes pouring in from those who admired his work and impact.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days

R’ Eliyahu Z”L was the son of Rabbi Aharon Fink, a respected longtime mohel and the dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov, which he founded 25 years ago.

Our thoughts are with Rabbi Fink’s family, friends, and community during this difficult time.

The levaya is set to take place on Sunday in Monsey. Further details will be published as they become available.

NYC ClosesTwo Skver Moisdois and One Satmar Girls School.... "No Tickie...No Washie"

  Parents at three more New York City yeshivas are being told to find another school for next year as the State Education Department clamps down on schools flouting requirements for secular education instruction.

The schools will lose their legal status and will not receive any public funding for meals, transportation, textbooks orother programs after June 30, which is the deadline for all schools in the state to comply with the secular education mandate, according to a spokesperson for the New York State Education Department.

The government crackdown comes after years of legislative battles, court disputes, and public debate over the quality and character of education received by an estimated 65,000 yeshiva students across New York state.

The state ultimately decided that all children learn to speak, read and write in English and gain at least basic knowledge of math, science, and social studies. While many yeshivas teach these topics alongside religious instruction, some do not, focusing entirely on the study of Jewish texts.

Some of the schools deemed to violate the state’s requirements have moved to improve their instruction of secular subjects. Others, the education department spokesperson said, have received repeated warnings but failed to engage with the department about making changes to their curriculum.

Three schools, two of which are part of the same yeshiva, received notices in early February that they were losing their legal status as schools. Three additional schools, all in Brooklyn, were notified last week.

They are:

Mosdos Chasidei Square, at 105 Heyward Street
Mosdos Chasidei Square Boro Park, at 1373 43rd Street
Yeshiva Torah V’Yirah Bais Rochel, also known as United Talmudical Academy of Boro Park, at 1275 36th Street
None of the schools responded to requests for comment from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Zera Shimshon Parshas Va'Yakheil

 

Eli Sharabi visits Lubavitcher Rebbe's gravesite, reciting the Kaddish prayer. 'With faith and unity, we can overcome anything.'

Hours after he testified at the United Nations Security Council, Hamas captivity survivor Eli Sharabi visited the "Ohel," the gravesite of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

Sharabi gave thanks for his survival and prayed for the hostages who remain in Gaza. He recited the Kaddish prayer for the first time, mourning his murdered relatives.

He was hosted by Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters. This is Sharabi's first time in a synagogue since his release from captivity, and it held great personal meaning for him. Last year, Sharabi's brother Sharon Sharabi visited the same spot, and asked for a blessing for Eli's rescue.

"Exactly one year after that prayer, Eli was released," his brother said emotionally.

The brothers were hosted by Rabbi Kotlarsky and Chabad-Lubavitch emissary Rabbi Zalman Wolowik.

At the gravesite, Sharabi lit a memorial candle, placed his handwritten note, and prayed for the hostages who are still held in Gaza, reciting their names out loud. He received a dollar which the Rebbe had given as a symbol of blessing and protection - a gift organized by Chani Kosliner, who has been supporting the hostages' families since the October 7 massacre.

In a moving moment, Sharabi recited the Kaddish prayer for the first time, in memorial of his brother Yossi, who was killed in Hamas captivity and whose body is still held in Gaza.

On his way in, Sharabi met Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, who was also visiting that evening. The two embraced and wished each other success in their efforts for the benefit of the Jewish nation.

Though Sharabi does not consider himself religious, he said that his faith kept him alive.

"I came from the darkest place in the world - 50 meters underground," he said. "What gave me strength was saying, 'Shema Yisrael,' every morning. Every Friday we tried to make kiddush - we didn't have wine, so we used water. Faith is what kept us alive."

During his time in captivity, Sharabi held onto the hope that he would return to his family. After he was released, he was informed that his wife and two daughters were murdered in the October 7 massacre.

Upon exiting the Ohel, Sharabi shared what helped him survive his time in captivity and continue moving forward: "With the strength of faith and unity, we can overcome everything," he said.

 

New investigation reveals coordinated efforts to manipulate Wikipedia content, spreading antisemitic and anti-Israel bias.

 

A new report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Center for Technology and Society (CTS) has uncovered systematic antisemitic and anti-Israel bias on Wikipedia, revealing an orchestrated effort to manipulate content related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The investigation found that a coordinated group of editors has been actively distorting Wikipedia entries in apparent violation of the platform’s policies.

According to the report, at least 30 Wikipedia editors have collaborated to introduce misleading narratives about Israel while downplaying Palestinian antisemitism and violence. These editors were found to be significantly more active than comparable groups, with twice the average number of total edits over the past decade. Additionally, their internal communication was up to 18 times more frequent than that of other Wikipedia editors. The report also details how these editors systematically removed references to reputable sources and engaged in tandem voting to suppress criticism of Hamas and Palestinian violence while amplifying content critical of Israel. This trend has intensified since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, further skewing Wikipedia’s portrayal of the conflict.

“It’s clear that Wikipedia needs to do far more to address the very active antisemitic and anti-Israel bias and coordination,” said Daniel Kelley, Interim Head of the ADL Center for Technology and Society. “Until then, platforms relying on Wikipedia, such as Google Search and AI models like ChatGPT, must deprioritize its content on these issues to prevent the spread of misinformation.”