In a sweeping operation conducted by the Tel Aviv District Police’s central unit, five individuals were arrested Monday—including a resident of Bnei Brak and a member of a known crime syndicate—on suspicion of serious financial crimes. The allegations include large-scale money laundering, conspiracy to commit a felony, operating illegal gambling businesses, income tax violations, and running an unlicensed financial services operation.
According to police, the investigation was carried out by the unit’s Morality Division in collaboration with the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office (Criminal Division), the Investigation Division of the Insolvency and Economic Rehabilitation Commissioner, and the Israel Tax Authority’s Diamond Unit.

What initially appeared to be progress on Israel’s long-stalled chok hagiyus (draft law) has unraveled completely. A second meeting held Sunday between Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, MK Yuli Edelstein, former minister Ariel Attias, and Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs ended in failure, with both sides acknowledging that instead of moving forward, negotiations have deteriorated significantly.

In a heartfelt and inspiring message, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, rov of Ramat Elchonon, offered words of chizuk and encouragement to hundreds of people coping with speech difficulties.
In a rare and moving disclosure, Rav Zilberstein shared that as a child, he too had struggled with stuttering, describing himself during that period as k’vad peh and k’vad lashon. He reassured his listeners that, just as he overcame the challenge, they too would, offering a warm brachah to all those navigating similar difficulties.

London witnessed a scene unlike anything it had seen in decades, as thousands gathered for a massive Lag BaOmer celebration led by the noted mashpia, Rav Shmuel Shmelka Biderman.
The event, held on Friday afternoon of Lag BaOmer—just hours before Shabbos, which began in London after 8:30 p.m.—was organized by a group of young avreichim who sought to bring the entire kehilla together for a centralized hadlakah. It took place in the large courtyard of the Yesodey Hatorah school.

At his weekly shiur delivered Motzoei Shabbos, former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel Rav Yitzchak Yosef issued a pointed critique of the current Israeli government’s stance on the military draft of yeshiva students.
Referring to the growing threat of arrest warrants for bnei yeshiva, Rav Yosef lamented the political alliance with the right-wing bloc, questioning the wisdom of continued support for those who now advance policies harmful to the Torah world.
“If we had gone with the left,” he stated, “things would have been much better. But instead we’re going with the right, clinging to the right—I don’t know what they saw in the right.”

On the eve of Lag Ba’omer, Rav Nachman Elchadad, father of the two brothers who tragically lost their lives in the Meron disaster of 5781, ascended to the beis hachaim in Meron to visit their kevorim.
The emotional visit marked four years since the passing of Moshe Mordechai and Yosef Dovid Elchadad, who were among the 45 victims of the terrible calamity that occurred during the hilula of Rashbi.
Family members joined Rav Elchadad at the bais hachaim, offering tefillos and remembering the beloved boys amid the atmosphere of mourning mixed with kedusha that envelops Meron each Lag Ba’omer since.

The Vizhnitzer kehillah in Bnei Brak reached an emotional crescendo on Thursday night, as thousands of chassidim gathered in the main Vizhnitzer bais medrash to witness the return of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, Rav Yisroel Hager, and take part in the Lag Ba’omer hadlakah ceremony. The crowd erupted in joyous song, and many tearfully recited the berachah of Shehecheyanu as they beheld their Rebbe once again.
The Rebbe had been absent for three months, during which he was receiving medical treatment in Los Angeles followed by a period of rest in Switzerland.

In a moving ceremony, the Boyaner Rebbe lit the traditional Lag Ba’omer fire at the rooftop of the tziyun of Rabi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron on Thursday night, marking the 40th year that he has carried this role.
The lighting by the Boyaner Rebbe is the official opening event of the Lag Ba’omer celebrations in Meron.
This year’s event began with a stirring tribute to the victims of the Meron tragedy of 5781. As the crowd joined in a heartfelt rendition of Ani Ma’amin, the Rebbe lit a memorial candle in their honor, together with Reb Avraham Yaakov Friedman, a prominent activist and community leader from the United States.

Musician Ishay Ribo delivered heartwarming news on social media, revealing that he and his wife have welcomed a new baby boy into their family. In his message, he gave thanks to Hashem and expressed appreciation for his wife, Yael.
“With the help of G-d, this morning a son was born to us, sweeter than honey,” he shared with followers. “He is our sixth child, thank G-d.”
Ribo continued with a touching tribute to his wife: “All the credit goes to my amazing wife, Yael. I am so grateful for you. Thank you, G-d.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

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