Airlines cancel Israel flights after Houthi missile strike at Ben Gurion Airport

  Footage of the impact at Ben Gurion Airport from the Yemen missile launches

 Impact zone near Ben Gurion Airport

Many airlines announced today (Sunday) flight cancellations to Israel following the Houthi missile strike in the area of Ben Gurion Airport that injured multiple civilians.

Among the companies that canceled their flights:

Wizz Air suspended all its flights to Israel until Tuesday morning.

Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, canceled its flights for today.

Air France canceled its flights to Israel.

Air Europa canceled its flights to Israel, including a flight that was on the tarmac in Madrid before takeoff.

United Airlines postponed the next flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Newark and returned the crew to the US.

ITA canceled its flights to Israel.

In addition, an Air India flight that was en route to Israel turned around and returned to India after reaching Jordanian airspace. A British Airways flight has been delayed on the ground in London for two hours, and it is not yet clear whether it will take off today.

The Israel Airports Authority announced that takeoffs and landings at Ben Gurion Airport have returned to normal, but there are concerns that the impact will be long-term.

Harav Gamleiel Rabinowitz Begging Jews to go to Kevarim in Israel instead of Looking For Graves in Krestir

" Please I beg you don't be mevazeh Kivrei Avos" 

 

The press hates Trump more than it loves the truth

 

When there is a Republican president, the leftist-dominated White House press corps likes to gang up and try to put him on defense.

The ultimate fantasy is repeating the glory days of Watergate by driving the president from office.

That was certainly the aim in Donald Trump’s first term, where the hunt by Democrats with press passes — and the help of a corrupt FBI — was so intense that they produced a near-daily flood of lurid allegations, with the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax being the grand climax.

But Trump 2.0 is turning out to be a far different story, though not because the press has decided to be fair in its coverage. Far from it.

Many editors and reporters are still predicting the end of the world every time he says or does something they don’t like. Their definition of a scandal is when he deviates from past presidents, as if the Oval Office is a straitjacket.

Take recent front page headlines in The New York Times describing the president’s moves and agenda:

“A Fusillade of Actions That Have Upended American Life”

“Behind The Rush To Discard Rules And Reshape Life”

“Driven by Vengeance, Trump Shreds Rules On His Crusade”

Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar, Renowned Spiritual Leader of Bal Harbour Shul in Surfside and Founder of Aleph Institute, Passes Away

Rabbi Sholom Ber Lipskar z”l, the revered Rabbi of Bal Harbour Shul in Surfside and the founder of the Aleph Institute, has passed away on Shabbos at the age of 77. His death marks a profound loss for the community he served so faithfully, both locally in Surfside and across the global Jewish world.

Rabbi Lipsker was widely respected for his deep Torah knowledge, wisdom, and compassionate leadership. For many years, he guided the congregants of Bel Harbous Shul, creating a warm, welcoming environment where spiritual growth and community connection flourished. His ability to offer counsel, comfort, and direction made him a trusted figure in his community.

Rabbi Lipsker’s influence reached far beyond his congregation, especially after the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside in June 2021. In the aftermath of the disaster, Rabbi Lipsker became a steady source of strength, providing spiritual guidance and support to grieving families, offering a sense of calm and compassion when it was most needed. His leadership during this crisis cemented his legacy as a trusted and respected figure both within and outside his community.

In addition to his work as a rabbi, Rabbi Lipsker founded the Aleph Institute, an organization dedicated to providing vital spiritual, legal, and emotional support to Jewish prisoners across the United States and globally. Through Aleph, Rabbi Lipsker ensured that Jewish inmates had access to rabbinic guidance, religious items, and a continued connection to their faith while incarcerated. The Aleph Institute also worked on legal advocacy, ensuring that prisoners’ religious rights were upheld, and provided crucial reintegration programs for those released from prison.

Rabbi Lipsker’s efforts through Aleph were instrumental in helping countless Jewish individuals maintain their religious practices while incarcerated, providing them with a support system during a difficult time. His work touched the lives of many, reinforcing his belief in the importance of community, compassion, and support for those in need.

Rabbi Lipsker was also well-known and highly respected among politicians across the United States. Many local government officials, as well as national figures, always made sure to connect with him during their visits to Florida. Rabbi Lipsker enjoyed strong relationships with these leaders, and his wisdom and counsel were often sought after. He was especially close to local government officials, who held him in the highest regard for his leadership, dedication to the community, and unwavering support for Jewish causes.

The loss of Rabbi Lipsker is deeply felt by all who knew him. His teachings, leadership, and dedication to his community will continue to inspire and guide future generations.

Massive Explosion in Iran Causes 4.0 Mag Earthquake in Alborz Province AND anti-aircraft fire near Natanz

 Iran: 4.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Mahdasht in Alborz Province. 

The quake occurred 8 kilometers below the surface.

Unconfirmed footage shows explosions and anti-aircraft fire near Natanz (Isfahan)
Natanz is one of Iran’s key nuclear sites. Reports are still developing.

United States Institute of Peace Had $130k Contract .....With an Ex-Member of the Taliban!

 

DOGE employee:

"We actually went into the [United States Institute of Peace] and found they had loaded guns inside their headquarters... 

Additionally, we found they were spending money on things like private jets, and they even had a $130K contract with a former member of the Taliban."

77 awesome things about Medinas Yisrael!

In honor of Israel’s 77th birthday, we reflect on the things we appreciate about our economic and financial systems.

Yes, despite these hard times, VAT and overall tax increases, major economic challenges, and looming US tariffs, there is still so much good worth celebrating. Without a doubt, our incredible Israeli resilience and innovative spirit promises better times ahead in this miracle country that has been built in 77 short years. So here is my list of 77 awesome things about Israel’s economy:

Government & Economy
Despite everything we’ve faced in the past year, our economic foundation remains strong, a testament to Israeli ingenuity and determination.

1. A resilient economy continues to show growth despite the war.
2. Google’s acquisition of Wiz for $32 billion, proof that we continue to be a tech giant.
3. The shekel remains stable as a global currency.
4. The Sal Klita (Absorption Basket) currently provides financial support for new immigrants.
5. Free Ulpan programs help immigrants integrate linguistically and culturally.
6. Strong economic leadership from the Bank of Israel, resulting in economic stability.
7. Monthly child stipends from Bituach Leumi, the National Insurance system.
8. Improved digital government services that reduce bureaucracy.
9. Electricity reform now provides consumers with a choice of providers.
10. The introduction of a new category for small business owners, Esek Za’ir, helps reduce bureaucracy and paperwork.

Health Care
Our healthcare system is unique in that both services and innovations continue to be added, with more services available in other languages.

11. Universal healthcare system with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
12. Free hospital services.
13. An extensive list of affordable medication.
14. Birth grants (ma’anak leidah) that support new mothers.
15. Free dental care has been expanded to cover children under 18.
16. Paid maternity leave of 15 weeks (can be split between working spouses).
17. Healthcare services becoming more available in English.
18. World-class leader in fertility treatments at minimal cost.
19. Telemedicine initiatives that are expanding healthcare access.

Savings & Investments
I often tell my clients that Israel has developed some remarkably clever savings vehicles that many people, especially new olim, do not use fully! These programs help us build financial security while navigating Israel’s unique economic landscape. *Not all are suitable for Americans, so please ask your CPA.

20. Mandatory pension systems that ensure retirement security.
21. Tax-free Keren Hishtalmut savings that provide mid-term investment options.
22. Tax-advantaged investment plans, such as Kupot Gemel Lehashka’ah.
23. Government savings plans for children.

NY Magazine Trying To Push Out John Fetterman With Fake News Stories

 

Recent article from NY Magazine that Senator John Fetterman is unable to continue his duties as Senator.

For some reason, no one seemed to have cared about John’s mental acuity when he was running for senator, and his aligned views with the progressives.

Which is why many people view this NYMag hit piece on Fetterman as solely motivated by his support for Israel. Nothing more.

There’s a lot more brain damage and mental illness in the Democratic Party than anything anyone ever seen from John Fetterman. Sick party.

Ramat Beit Shemesh Residents Fighting Satmar Hooligans That are Tearing Israeli Flags Down!

 

United Airlines flight to Israel allegedly turned around after Jewish passenger sat in attendant’s seat

These skies were not friendly toward Jews, a lawsuit claims.

A United Airlines crew allegedly turned a flight with a significant number of Jewish passengers around after one sat in a flight attendant’s seat while waiting for the restroom, according to a lawsuit.

Nearly 60 passengers claimed the April 22, 2023 flight from Newark to Tel Aviv was returned to New Jersey “after hours of flight for no valid reason” — simply because many of them were Jewish, according to the Manhattan Supreme Court papers.

The flight crew allegedly “blamed all the rest of the passengers” after one person briefly sat in the flight attendant’s spot while waiting to use the bathroom, resulting in the “ill-trained and/or unvetted crew” to act with “prejudice,” the suit claimed.

Many of the passengers in question were “visibly Jews,” on their way to Israel to celebrate Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s national day of remembrance, and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.

The passengers got no help booking new trips once the flight returned to Newark, and when one asked for assistance, they were allegedly told by a flight attendant, “Go ask your own kind,” according to the litigation.

“We want to see sensitivity training,” said attorney Yoram Nachimovsky, who is also seeking unspecified damages. “If one person is acting bad it doesn’t mean everyone around them is responsible.” 

“We have reviewed the incident, and the plaintiffs’ claims are meritless,” United said in a statement.

“One passenger who was a safety and security risk caused the flight to return to Newark. Our crew put safety first and exhibited professionalism in managing this matter, and we will vigorously defend against these false allegations,” the company added.

400 ultra-Orthodox men joined the IDF this week, the military announced.

 

Among them are 196 assigned to combat roles and 167 to combat support positions, while another 23 recruits are still awaiting final placement. The combat soldiers have been distributed across several units: 105 to the Netzah Yehuda Battalion in the Kfir Brigade, 48 to the Hasmonean Brigade, 19 to the Tomer Company of the Givati Brigade’s Rotem Battalion, 20 to the Hetz Company of the Paratroopers Brigade’s 202nd Battalion, and four to the ground defense unit at Nevatim Airbase.

In addition to these conscripts, 26 older Haredi men joined as reservists after completing the “Shlav Bet” (Stage B) track— a basic two-week training course for older recruits assigned to non-combat roles. These reservists, along with another 100, are slated to begin an intensive six-month combat training course next week, preparing them to serve in the Hasmonean Brigade’s reserve unit.

The IDF emphasized its ongoing commitment to increasing ultra-Orthodox enlistment while respecting their religious practices and tailoring service conditions accordingly. As part of a broader push that began last summer, the army is nearing completion of distributing 24,000 draft notices to Haredi men. An estimated 70,000 ultra-Orthodox males are currently considered eligible for military service.

For the first time, initial draft notices are also being sent to all Israelis upon reaching age 16.5 — including Haredim, who were previously excluded — though actual enlistment begins at 18.

Despite a current need for 10,000 new troops — 70% of whom are intended for combat roles — the IDF says it can only absorb around 3,000 additional ultra-Orthodox soldiers this year due to the need for tailored accommodations. This would supplement the approximately 1,800 Haredi men who already enlist each year.

Harav Shmuel Kamenetsky Urges Everyone to Vote in WZO Elections!

 

Hagaon Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky Shlita grants permission to publicize that he both permits and encourages those who are concerned about Kedushas Eretz Yisroel to vote in the current WZO elections for the Eretz Hakodesh Slate.

Rabbi David Kushner, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, a globally respected askan, and someone with a close relationship with the R’Y has sought guidance and clarity on this issue from the R”Y multiple times, including as late as today, erev shabbos kodesh, just a couple days prior to the end of the voting period.

After speaking with the R’Y again today, Rabbi Kushner sent us the following detailed update……

“I am reaching out to inform you that the R”Y, Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky Shlita has given permission to be mefarsem and share with the tzibbur his unwavering encouragement to participate, vote, and solicit others in our community to do the same in the ongoing WZO elections on behalf of the Eretz Hakodesh Slate.

5 years ago, I went to the R’Y Shlita to speak over this topic and he encouraged me to vote and solicit others to vote as well.

6 months ago, I went to the R’Y Shlita to speak over this topic again, and he encouraged me tnot only to vote and solicit others to vote, but to also join the Eretz Hakodesh slate as a delegate.

1 month ago, after there were a number of statements discouraging participation in the election, and numerous public claims that the R’Y Rav Shmuel Shlita wad rescinded his support, I went back to the R’Y to ask him myself and in person - He clearly stated that I should remain a delegate, I should vote for Eretz Hakodesh, I Should encourage others to vote, and that There were numerous mitzvos involved in participating in the election in this manner.

1 Hour ago,erev shabbos, just 2 days prior to the end of the voting period, I came back to the R”Y one more time, and he made it very clear that his position has not changed, that we need to protect Kedushas Eretz Yisroel, and that voting for Eretz Hakodesh in the WZO elections is a worthwhile form of hishtadlus to help that cause.

The R’Y also expressed a sense of sadness regarding the amount of misinformation that has been spread regarding positions of different Gedolim and the manner in which Chalukei Daos amongst Talmidei Chachomim and Gedolei Hador have been transmitted to the Tzibbur.

The R’Y ended the conversation with Brachos for Siyata D’shmaya, a renewed sense of Kavod for Daas Torah even when there are chulkai daos, hachzokas kedushas eretz yisroel,, and hatzlacha for the Eretz Hakodesh slate in the elections and in their ongoing Avodas Hakodesh,”

This is איק closest we have gotten to confirming Rav Shmuel Shlita ratzon to be mefarsim that he holds it’s a Mitzva to vote …

Zera Shimshon Parshat Tazria-Metzora

 

Freed Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi accused of telling gun shop owner that he used to ‘kill Jews’ in Palestine

 Freed Palestinian Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi was once accused of telling a Vermont gun store owner that he used to “kill Jews while he was in Palestine” with modified automatic firearms that he built himself, court documents allege.

The allegations were laid bare in court papers filed Wednesday as the Trump administration unsuccessfully sought to keep Mahdawi in custody following his arrest for leading anti-Israel protests on the Ivy League campus.

In arguing their case, the Trump admin honed in on a visit Mahdawi made to the gun store in the summer of 2015, which resulted in the owner alerting local cops, the filing states.

“The gun shop owner told Windsor, Vermont, police officers that Mr. Mahdawi had visited his store twice, expressing an interest in learning more about firearms and buying a sniper rifle and an automatic weapon and that he ‘had considerable firearm experience and used to build modified 9mm submachine guns to kill Jews while he was in Palestine’,” the papers charge.

The owner also gave cops the name of another gun enthusiast who’d allegedly had a similar conversation with Mahdawi at a firearm museum where he volunteered.

In that exchange, the filing alleges the Columbia student said, “I like to kill Jews.”

Mahdawi, in his response, noted that he was interviewed by an FBI agent shortly after but denied making the remarks, the court papers state.

“Mahdawi confirmed that he had visited the gun shop and the Precision Museum but that he had never discussed buying weapons or killing Jews,” the filing notes.

He added, too, that he’d visited the gun store to ask whether he needed to register a shotgun his then-wife had bought him.

Mahdawi is said to have told the agent he went to the museum because it was close to his house and he had an interest in machinery.

7

The government also pointed to a 2019 incident in which Mahdawi was stopped at the US border and “found to be carrying drugs,” the court filing charges.District of Vermont

“Mr. Mahdawi states that the FBI agent was satisfied with his explanation and closed the investigation,” the docs state.

The government also pointed to a 2019 incident in which Mahdawi was stopped at the US border and “found to be carrying drugs,” the court filing charges.

Two Israeli businessmen murdered hours apart in same LA neighborhood — with one held captive for hours and beaten to death

 

Two Israeli businessmen were found murdered hours apart in their homes in the same section of Los Angeles Saturday, with one tied up and beaten to death while the other was identified as the brother of a prison warden in the Jewish state, police said.

There is no apparent connection between the two killings, but they both occurred in the San Fernando Valley inside the victims’ homes.

The murder of Alexander Modebadze, 47, was particularly heinous, according to cops.

Three attackers broke into Modebadze’s home, held him captive for hours, and savagely beat him to death, police said in a statement.

Police later arrested and charged three Georgian nationals for the murder: Pata Kochiashvili, Zaza Outarashvili and Basiki Kutsishvili.

They are being held on a $2 million bail.

Later that day, cops found another murdered Israeli businessman in the San Fernando Valley: Meni Hidhra, the brother of the warden of Israel’s Nitzan Prison, the Jewish Journal reported.

Police have revealed few details about that crime, including how he was killed, but they did release photos of a possible suspect: a 30 to 40-year-old Hispanic male.

Boy Did the US Miss a bullet with Kamala Harris! The Big Elephant!

 

The Democrats seem to be lost in the wilderness. But at least their former presidential candidate still has elephants for company.

On Wednesday evening Kamala Harris returned to the public stage for the first time in months. And in her own way she reminded us all how much we’ve missed her.

The event she spoke at was a California fundraiser for “Emerge,” an organization designed to help Democratic women to enter politics. And if any Democrat women need a role model for how not to run for political office, Harris once again sure helped them out.

She used most of her 15 minutes to do boilerplate campaign stuff. She claimed that in the Trump administration “instead of an administration working to advance America’s highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals.”

Clearly she is appalled at a US administration doing things like securing the border and enforcing the law. These are certainly ideals she would never have approved of if she had been in office.

Kamala also slammed into the tariffs question. Because if there is one question that all economists and trade experts always had on their minds in recent years it was: “What would Kamala do?”

To the extent that she has any thoughts on the question of economics she showed which side she is on.

Trump terminates NPR, PBS federal funding with sweeping executive order

President Trump signed an executive order late Thursday night terminating federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

NPR and PBS, which have long been targeted for cuts by conservatives, both receive partial funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which the president argued is unnecessary in the current media environment.

“Government funding of news media in this environment is not only outdated and unnecessary but corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence,” Trump wrote in the order.

“The CPB Board shall cease direct funding to NPR and PBS, consistent with my Administration’s policy to ensure that Federal funding does not support biased and partisan news coverage,” he added. “The CPB Board shall cancel existing direct funding to the maximum extent allowed by law and shall decline to provide future funding.”

Trump further directed the CPB to end indirect funding to NPR and PBS, including by “ensuring that licensees and permittees of public radio and television stations, as well as any other recipients of CPB funds, do not use Federal funds for NPR and PBS.” 

The president gave the CPB until June 30 to effectuate his directive. 

NPR and PBS both have diverse revenue streams, including major foundation grants, advertising and voluntary viewer and listener donations, meaning that neither is likely to cease operations if they lose federal support.

The CPB is set to receive $535 million in congressionally appropriated funds annually to distribute to public broadcasters in 2025 and 2026. 

PBS and its member stations receive about 15% of their revenues from the CPB, while NPR stations get 10% of their funds from the corporation, according to NPR. 

NPR itself only receives 1% directly from CPB.

Trump had previously called for NPR and PBS to be defunded in a March Truth Social post. 

“NPR and PBS, two horrible and completely biased platforms … should be DEFUNDED by Congress, IMMEDIATELY,” he wrote on March 27.

In his late-night order, the president argued that “Americans have the right to expect that if their tax dollars fund public broadcasting at all, they fund only fair, accurate, unbiased, and nonpartisan news coverage.”   

“No media outlet has a constitutional right to taxpayer subsidies, and the Government is entitled to determine which categories of activities to subsidize.” 

A White House fact sheet on the order suggested that the left-leaning networks’ output acts as a “significant in-kind contributions to the Democrat party and its political cause,” therefore violating the CPB’s legal mandate to be “nonpolitical [in] nature.” 

“The CPB fails to abide by these principles to the extent it subsidizes NPR and PBS,” the order stated. “Which viewpoints NPR and PBS promote does not matter.  What does matter is that neither entity presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens.” 

In addition to eliminating CPB payments to NPR and PBS, Trump ordered all federal agencies to “identify and terminate” any taxpayer money going to the public broadcasters. 

Trump also tasked Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with determining whether PBS and NPR “are complying with the statutory mandate that ‘no person shall be subjected to discrimination in employment . . . on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex.’” 

“In the event of a finding of noncompliance, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall take appropriate corrective action,” the order read.

 

Fox News has obtained video footage of Kilmar Abrego Garcia involved in human smuggling

 

This is the man Democrats decided to put their entire party behind

The incident happened during a traffic stop in Tennessee in 2022.

“He’s hauling these people for money,” a trooper could be heard saying.

The footage comes as yet another abuse report has been released where Abrego Garcia’s wife accused him of being physically and mentally abusive.

She has also edited photos of his knuckles which  symbolizes ‘MS-13.’

To the Charedi boys who interrupted our Yom Ha’atzmaut Tefillah tonight, yelling “Tziyonim

 

To the Haredi boys who interrupted our Yom Ha’atzmaut Tefillah tonight, yelling “Tziyonim - Zionists” while we recited the Shema…

Once upon a time, things were much simpler. In the early days of statehood, Yom Ha’atzmaut was celebrated by the broader religious community. Hallel was sung in Bnei Brak’s Great Synagogue and Hasidim, dressed in festive frocks and fur hats, danced in her streets, celebrating the miraculous birth of the State of Israel. Israeli flags flew proudly in fervently religious neighborhoods — the Agudath Israel even encouraged placing them in the window!

The day was marked in yeshivot, like Hebron and Ponevezh. To this day, the flag is flown over the Ponevezh Yeshiva out of deference to its founder, Rav Yosef Kahaneman, who began the practice. Rav Kahaneman’s positive feelings towards Yom Ha’atzmaut and the State of Israel also led him to omit Tachanun, traditionally omitted on festive occasions.

An editorial which appeared in the Haredi newspaper Hamodia, celebrated Israel’s third birthday and encouraged its readers to do the same. The piece, published on the 4th of Iyyar, 1951, begins:

“All over the country and throughout the Diaspora, we will celebrate the State of Israel’s third Independence Day with military demonstrations, stately ceremonies, and gatherings across the country and the Diaspora, together with tens and hundreds of displays and expressions of joy, where the masses will express their excitement for this major historical event.

This holiday is for all citizens of the State of Israel, and any Jew wherever he is who sees himself as part of the Jewish Nation. On this day, we forget our differences of views and stances. Conflicts and disputes that divide us are closed and buried, and the people will celebrate, united and undivided.

For together as one we went through the War of Independence, with all it entailed. We have all paid a heavy price, with our young sons. And together we share the burden, till today, of the realization of the in-gathering of the scattered of Israel, for whose sake the State was established…”

The State of Israel was born by religious and non-religious alike, as Jews of every stripe and political or religious affiliation fought for her independence. They did not have the luxury to sit back and be sectarian.

At a time when tensions are high in the State of Israel, the truths of history remind us that we have more in common than that which sets us apart. Would we only be able to get back to that simpler place in time, set aside our differences, and celebrate again, “united and undivided.”

The State of Israel was born by religious and non-religious alike, as Jews of every stripe and political or religious affiliation fought for her independence. They did not have the luxury to sit back and be sectarian.

At a time when tensions are high in the State of Israel, the truths of history remind us that we have more in common than that which sets us apart. Would we only be able to get back to that simpler place in time, set aside our differences, and celebrate again, “united and undivided”