As Chag Matan HaTorah approaches, HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau published a special letter to bnei yeshivos on their tafkid before Kabbalas HaTorah, and in a rare statement, the Rosh Yeshivah stated that if bnei yeshivos are forcefully recruited to the army, “we will be required to take actions we do not desire.” The letter states: “As everyone knows, for over a year now we have been in a period of great confusion, as the legal status of Lomdei Torah regarding their conscription has not yet been regulated as it has been for all the years, and many of the authorities are openly plotting to conscript Lomdei Torah.

It is well-known in Israel that the Hostages and Missing Families Forum is run by leftists, and in many ways, the organization’s activities are a continuation of the pre-October 7 protests against the Netanyahu government and his so-called plan to “crush democracy.” What is less well known is the extent of the organization’s politicization, which was recently revealed by one of the organization’s founders, Liat Bell Sommer, who has since left the organization. Before October 7, Bell Sommer was a leftist herself, a self-described “Kaplanist who burned the Ayalon.” Following the massacre, she had a desire to help the families of the hostages, and she volunteered to work at the Hostages Forum. And as one may think, her desire to help was not related to her political views.

The upcoming Adirei HaTorah maamad at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia has officially sold out—in just three days—setting a new record for the much-anticipated event celebrating the kavod haTorah and the dedication of bnei Torah. By comparison, last year’s event, which drew a crowd of over 30,000, took 12 days to sell out. Organizers said on Sunday evening that while the main seating is completely booked, a few hundred obstructed-view seats still remain available for those hoping to attend. The highlight of this year’s Maamad will be a keynote address from Harav Ezriel Auerbach shlit”a, one of the most revered poskim in Eretz Yisroel.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday evening hinted that there has been significant progress in negotiations for a ceasefire/hostage deal in the Gaza Strip, saying that he hopes to announce something on the matter today or tomorrow. In a video message, he stated: “There is now a very intensive operation by the IDF in the Gaza Strip. We also have to deal with baseless international accusations.” “We are doing everything to defeat Hamas and release our hostages in the meantime. This is our top priority, and I hope, I very much hope, we can announce something on this matter today, and if not, then tomorrow.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

White House envoy Steve Witkoff has dismissed claims by Hamas that the group accepted his proposal for a hostage and ceasefire agreement. In an interview with Axios reporter Barak Ravid, Witkoff stated, “What I have seen from Hamas is disappointing and completely unacceptable.” According to reports, Israel agreed to a temporary ceasefire and hostage deal that would involve the return of half of the living hostages and half of the deceased, which would “lead to substantive negotiations to find a path to a permanent ceasefire, which I agreed to preside over.” Witkoff emphasized, “That deal is on the table. Hamas should take it.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

IDF Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee on Monday afternoon re-issued an evacuation notice to the residents of the Khan Younis and Rafah areas in the southern Gaza Strip, calling on them to evacuate immediately westward to the Al-Mawasi area. “The IDF is launching an unprecedented attack to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organizations operating in the area,” the notice stated, adding that the area is now designated as a dangerous combat zone, and that the population has already received several warnings on the matter. It was also stated that terrorist organizations continue to launch rockets from these areas, which increases the danger to residents. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)

US President Donald Trump is expected to announce a ceasefire in Gaza in the next few days that will include the release of 10 live hostages and the remains of 16 hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire, Arabic media outlets reported on Monday morning. According to the reports, five of the live hostages would be released on the first day of the ceasefire and five on the 60th day of the ceasefire. Additionally, the remains of 16 hostages will be transferred according to a schedule that will allow Hamas to locate them. It was also reported that Hamas demanded the release of all Palestinian prisoners from the Gaza Strip who were arrested before or after the October 7 attack – a demand that Israel has not yet officially responded to.

A stunning new poll reveals that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez holds a commanding lead over Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary matchup for his Senate seat. The survey, conducted by the Honan Strategy Group for the Jewish Voters Action Network (JVAC), shows Ocasio-Cortez leading Schumer 54% to 33% among likely Democratic voters, with 17% undecided. The results, reported exclusively by the New York Post, highlight growing discontent with Schumer among New York Democrats and Jewish voters, signaling a major shift in the party’s leadership dynamics.

US President Donald Trump claims American negotiators achieved “real progress” in “very good” nuclear discussions with Iran over the weekend. “I think we could have good news on the Iran front.” “I have a feeling I might be telling you something good. We’ve had some serious progress.” “Likewise with Hamas on Gaza,” he continues, suggesting potential positive developments in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. “We want to see if we can stop that, and Israel. We’ve been talking to them and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation,” Trump tells reporters before boarding Air Force One. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Hatzolah of Central Jersey expressed gratitude to local and county partners, including Bikur Cholim, Chai Lifeline, Msaskm, Jackson EMS, and others, for their professional and compassionate response to a tragic motor vehicle accident in Jackson Township on Friday. The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies provided critical support during the heartbreaking incident. Hatzolah emphasized the importance of unified emergency response and their commitment to serving the community alongside these partners. Read the full letter below: