Agudath Israel of America joins our brothers and sisters in pain and anger as we witnessed the return of the bodies of Kfir Bibas, a mere 9 months old, his brother Ariel, 4, and Oded Lifshitz, 84, who were brutally kidnapped and murdered by Hamas.
We are shocked by the unspeakable depravity of Hamas in sending back a body claiming to be Shiri Bibas only to learn later that it was not.
The images of Shiri and her 2 sons have been seared into the hearts of the Jewish nation and for over 500 days we prayed for their safe return. Hamas must inform Shiri’s family of her whereabouts and return her immediately.

In a heartfelt gesture, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson extended his congratulations to the Skverer Rebbe, Rav Dovid Twersky, on the occasion of his grandchild’s wedding. The letter, dated February 14, 2025, was personally delivered by Congressman Mike Lawler to the Rebbe in New Square, New York.
The letter reads as follows:
Congress of the United StatesHouse of RepresentativesWashington, DC 20515-6501
February 14, 2025
Grand Rabbi David TwerskyNew Square, New York
Dear Grand Rabbi Twersky,

CLICK HERE FOR SHIURIM REPLAYS.

Hamas released the remains of four Israeli hostages earlier today, including the youngest hostage taken, a baby who was just nine months old when he was abducted. The emotional exchange involved the handover of the bodies of Kfir Bibas, his four-year-old brother Ariel, their 33-year-old mother Shiri, and 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz.
The Bibas family’s remains—whose kidnapping video has come to symbolize the atrocities of October 7—along with Lifshitz’s, will be brought to Israel for their funerals.
The four coffins were displayed on stage next to a disturbing mural, showing a bleeding Netanyahu standing over images of the Bibas family and Lifshitz, accompanied by a provocative inscription.

Israeli Construction and Housing Minister Yitzchok Goldknopf of United Torah Judaism met with Keith Siegel, a hostage released after 484 days in captivity, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. During their conversation, Goldknopf emphasized the urgency of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Siegel had been freed earlier this month along with fellow hostages Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas. In their discussion, Siegel recounted the harrowing conditions he endured during his time in captivity, describing the inhumane treatment the remaining hostages are still facing.

Watch as HaRav Yitzchok Berkovitz, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Aish HaTorah and Rosh Kollel, The Jerusalem Kollel, addressed the annual Agudas Yisroel Yarchei Kallah in Yerushalayim last night.
WATCH:

[Video and photos links below.] The second day of the annual Agudah Yarchei Kallah in Yerushalayim was a beautiful blend of in-depth limud haTorah, incredible shiurim, and powerful chizuk. The day began with the customary hachanah and limud b’chavrusa, as the inspiring sounds of the kol Torah filled the bais medrash at the Ramada Hotel. The atmosphere was electric, with participants eagerly engaging in rigorous limud in preparation for the day’s shiurim.
Following this, there was an introduction to the sugya d’kallah, with a comprehensive shiur hachanah delivered by Rav Shlomo Gottesman, setting the tone for the learning ahead.

The Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rav Kalman Ber, sent a letter to President Donald Trump, expressing his gratitude for the president’s support of Israel.
“Dear Mr. President, Best wishes to you from the holy city of Jerusalem. I convey to you my heartiest congratulations for being elected to serve as the Honorable President of the United States of America,” Rav Ber wrote.

Hamas has confirmed the tragic deaths of Kfir and Ariel Bibas, aged 2 and 5, along with their mother, Shiri, in a disturbing statement on Tuesday. Their bodies are expected to be returned to Israel this week.
Kfir Bibas, who was only 9 months old when he and his family were taken hostage on October 7, never had the chance to celebrate a birthday in freedom.
While Israel has not officially verified the deaths of the Bibas brothers and their mother, it has expressed serious concerns regarding their well-being.
Khalil Al Hayya, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, announced that the bodies of the four hostages would be returned on Thursday, while six other hostages, some held captive for over ten years, would be freed on Shabbos.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Rav Shimon Hirsch zt”l, who passed away at the age of 91.
Rav Hirsch was a devoted talmid of Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l at Bais Medrash Govoah, where he imbibed the teachings and spirit of Torah that would guide him throughout his life.
For over five decades, Rav Hirsch served as a beloved rebbi in Monsey, NY, where his commitment to chinuch, harbotzas haTorah, and nurturing talmidim left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of learning from him.
Later, Rav Hirsch and his family moved to Lakewood.