In a powerful video statement published on Wednesday by YWN on WhatsApp, HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, unequivocally opposed participation in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections. The video, now available with English subtitles, captures the revered Gadol HaDor urging Klal Yisrael to refrain from voting, emphasizing the spiritual dangers he associates with Zionist institutions. Rav Landau’s words come amid ongoing debate within the Chareidi world about involvement in the WZO, with some advocating participation to influence funding and policy. However, the Rosh Yeshiva’s firm stance reinforces the traditional Litvish position against such engagement.

Israeli Ambassador to the US, Dr. Yechiel Leiter, revealed this week that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s unusual flight path during his visit to Washington last month stemmed from fears of delay or arrest following the international arrest warrant issued against him by The Hague. Leiter explained that Netanyahu had to avoid flying over Europe, which significantly lengthened the flight time. “When Netanyahu came here last month, he flew 13 and a half hours – instead of 12,” Leiter said in an interview published on Ynet.

A month after their kevurah in southern Eretz Yisroel, a matzeiva has been placed for the kedoshim, Shiri Bibas hy”d and her two precious children, Ariel and baby Kfir, Hy”d, who were brutally murdered in Hamas captivity. The matzeiva is tinged with an orange hue, a reflection of the striking orange hair of the Bibas children that became a symbol of support and tefillos for the Bibas family throughout their heartbreaking ordeal. The kever bears the names and affectionate nicknames of the beloved mother and the children, along with heartfelt epitaphs expressing the deep love and pain of their loss.

Editor’s Note: Yeshiva World News (YWN) takes no official position in the ongoing debate regarding participation in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections. As always, YWN follows the guidance of its Rabbanim in determining what content to publish and which advertisements to accept. We urge our readers to do the same—seek the counsel of your Rav or Manhig and follow their direction regarding this, and any other hashkafic matter. __________________________________ The debate that has emerged regarding participation in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections has brought out passionate voices on both sides insisting that their position is the only legitimate one. Some have gone so far as to brand the opposing view as outright treif—even akin to a blatant chillul Shabbos.

The following letter was released by R’ Tzvi Gross, a delegate for Eretz HaKodesh: 26 Adar 5785 March 26, 2025 An Open Letter to all Torah Observant Jews, My name is Tzvi Gross and I registered as a Delegate for Eretz HaKodesh (under my legal name Zachary Gross) for the current World Zionist Organization election. In light of the below Kol Koreh released by the American Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, I have withdrawn my candidacy as a delegate for Eretz HaKodesh. I have not yet voted in the election, and I do not intend to participate in it at this time. Obviously, if circumstances change, the question and response from our Gedolim may change.

Baruch Hashem, a wave of relief swept through Vizhnitz Chasidim worldwide as their beloved Rebbe, HaRav Yisroel Hager, was released from a Los Angeles hospital on Wednesday evening. The Rebbe had been hospitalized for ten days following a major medical procedure performed last Monday. Tens of thousands of Yidden davened fervently for the Rebbe’s refuah shleima for his recovery. The Rebbe is now recuperating at the home of Reb Shmuel Binyamin Einhorn in Los Angeles. He is expected to remain there for the near future under medical supervision. It is unknown when the rebbe will return to Bnei Brak. Please continue to say Tehillim for Yisrael ben Leah Esther. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz on Wednesday announced that he will not allow former Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff Moshe (Bogie) Ya’alon to participate in events at IDF bases. The decision was made following a letter sent by Itzik Buntzel, the father of fallen IDF soldier Amit, H’yd, in which he protested Ya’alon’s expected participation in an IDF graduation ceremony.

HaGaon HaRav Kalman Epstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Shaar HaTorah-Grodno, has announced his endorsement of Eretz HaKodesh in the upcoming WZO elections. For those unfamiliar, Rav Kalman founded Yeshiva Shaar HaTorah in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, in 1974. His father, HaGaon HaRav Zelik Epstein ZT”L, served as Rosh Yeshiva until his petira in 2009. Over the past 50 years, Shaar HaTorah has produced thousands of Choshuva Bnei Torah, many of whom are now mechanchim worldwide. Just last week, Rav Kalman was featured on the cover of Mishpacha Magazine, where he addressed the urgent issue of the shidduch crisis. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The IDF and Shin Bet have eliminated Rashid Jahjuh, the head of Hamas’ General Security Forces, alongside Ayman Atsalih, the head of Hamas’ Khan Yunis sector within the same division. Jahjuh, who took over after his predecessor Sami Oudeh was eliminated in July 2024, was at the helm of Hamas’ clandestine intelligence operations, responsible for exposing so-called “collaborators,” safeguarding senior Hamas officials, and ensuring the terror group’s iron grip over Gaza. Additionally, he played a key role in Hamas’ propaganda machine, manipulating public perception and rallying support for its militant agenda.

The 17-year-old bochur involved in the tragic accident on Route 17 in Chester, which claimed the life of his father, R’ Mordachai Zafir Z”L, has been discharged from the hospital. The crash occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on March 5th near Exit 126, when a Nissan Altima, driven by Sydnie M. Haines, 25, was traveling the wrong way in the westbound lanes and collided head-on with a 2014 Honda Odyssey driven by Zafir. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. The 17-year-old passenger sustained serious injuries and was initially transported to Garnet Medical Center in Middletown before being transferred to Westchester Medical Center, where he remained in serious but stable condition. ​ After receiving medical care, the bochur has been discharged from the hospital.