The Gadol HaDor, Hagaon HaRav Dov Landau shlit”a, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka,  emerged onto the balcony of his home on Rechov HaRav Sher during Chol Hamoed to address the throngs of Yidden waiting patiently for his Bracha—and to ask for mechila. After more than an hour of tirelessly receiving Yidden from all walks of life—each one seeking a moment, a smile, a Bracha for the Yom Tov—Rav Dov, already well into his upper nineties, stepped outside to speak directly to those still waiting. In his characteristic warmth and sincerity, the Rosh Yeshiva addressed the assembled crowd: “Yidden yekarim! I apologize to you. I am tired and must stop. I give you my heartfelt Bracha—for menuchas hanefesh, simcha, and kol tuv.” The moment was brief, but powerful.

The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed Tuesday the elimination of Yahya Fathi Abd al-Qader Abu Shaar, the head of Hamas’s smuggling network, in a targeted airstrike in southern Gaza. Abu Shaar, who had been a key figure in the terror group’s logistics and weapons procurement efforts, was responsible for funneling arms and military equipment into Gaza over the last several years — including the stockpiles used in Hamas’s brutal October 7 massacre. Israeli officials say Abu Shaar’s role was central to sustaining Hamas’s war machine, helping the organization circumvent international restrictions and continue its terror operations against Israeli civilians. The IDF released aerial footage of the airstrike, showing the precise moment the vehicle carrying Abu Shaar was struck in Khan Younis.

The joy of Chol Hamoed nearly turned to tragedy this week, when an unauthorized horse-and-buggy operation—run without municipal oversight, veterinary clearance, or any legal permit—was making rounds through Bnei Brak’s crowded streets, and wound up hurting a baby. According to police, a toddler sustained moderate injuries when one of these unlicensed horse-drawn carriages struck him as it moved through a public area. Emergency services responded swiftly, preventing what could have been a far more tragic outcome. In response, Bnei Brak’s municipal police units, in coordination with the regional veterinary authority and the Agriculture Ministry’s enforcement division, launched an aggressive crackdown on the rogue operator.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with freed hostage Sasha Troufanov, whose release from Hamas captivity was facilitated, according to Putin, through Russia’s relationship with the terror group. Sasha Troufanov, along with his mother Elena and partner Sapir Cohen—who were all taken hostage during the brutal October 7th attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz—were received at the Kremlin this week. The attack killed Sasha’s father, Vitaly Hy”d. In a televised segment aired on Russian state media, Putin openly acknowledged Russia’s longstanding ties with Hamas.

A disturbing incident during the first days of Pesach has left the Crown Heights community on edge as organizers prepare for a public rally in response to the assault of a Black man in a wheelchair by a member of the Orthodox Jewish community. The attack, which took place on Lincoln Place, has drawn widespread condemnation across Crown Heights and beyond. But despite the near-universal denouncement of the assault by Orthodox Jewish leaders, concern is growing over inflammatory messaging accompanying the rally, which some fear could lead to renewed tensions between the Black and Jewish communities. On Yom Tov, 30-year-old Levi Kabakov, a Jewish man walking with his children, confronted a Black man in a wheelchair, Troy McLeod, who was out walking his two muzzled but unleashed dogs.

What was nearly a tragedy turned into a powerful reminder of the Hashgacha Pratis that accompanies each Yid, wherever they may be—even in a Florida resort, on a sunny Chol Hamoed afternoon. Just 24 hours after pulling their unconscious two-year-old daughter from the water, the Cohen family of Baltimore gathered friends, family, and first responders for an emotional and deeply moving Seudas Hodaah. Their little girl, Aliza Rivka bas Chana, had been miraculously revived after a harrowing near-drowning accident—thanks to the quick actions of bystanders and the heroic intervention of Hatzalah of South Florida. The father, Levi Cohen, stood before the crowd, his voice thick with emotion. “You read about these kinds of stories on Yeshiva World News,” he said.

An 89-year-old man is in critical condition after his car crashed through a fence and plunged into the water in Brooklyn’s Mill Basin near 2337 56th Drive on Wednesday afternoon. NYPD and FDNY divers pulled the driver from the water just after noon. He was treated and transported to the hospital by Canarsie and Flatbush Hatzolah volunteers with life-threatening injuries. No other vehicles were involved. Sources tell YWN that the victim suffered a medical episode, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Vizhnitzer Rebbe, currently in Los Angeles for serious medical care, led a Chol Hamoed Pesach Tish last night, filled with music and singing. The Rebbe was joined by his sons, who are spending Pesach with the Rebbe. Following the Tish, the Rebbe Davened Maariv and recited Sefiras HaOmer. The Rebbe then gave Brachos to the many attendees who came to spend time with the Rebbe. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Hundreds of Orthodox Jews crowded into Linden, NJ’s City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, during Chol Hamoed Pesach, to protest a series of proposed ordinances that community members say unfairly target and restrict the growth of the Orthodox Jewish population in the city. Men and boys, many dressed in Yom Tov clothing, arrived in packed buses and cars, filling the municipal building beyond capacity. The meeting room quickly became overcrowded, with many people turned away at the door. The meeting, which included second readings on several proposed zoning changes, concluded without a vote—adjourned in the face of the overwhelming turnout from the community.

US President Trump has taken a firm stance against Iran’s nuclear program, declaring, “We’ve got a problem with Iran. I’ll solve that problem.” Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he described the issue as manageable, saying, “It’s almost an easy one.” Trump emphasized his position, stating, “Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.” He expressed a desire for Iran’s prosperity but underscored a non-negotiable condition: “I want them to be a rich, great nation. The only thing is, one thing, simple, it’s really simple: They can’t have a nuclear weapon. And they’ve gotta go fast. Because they’re fairly close to having one.