Senior Rabbanim including Rav Shmuel Eliyahu, Rav Yaakov Ariel and Rav Dov Lior signed a letter published on Monday denouncing the potential hostage deal currently being negotiated.
The proposed deal reportedly is a three stage plan, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza strip, the return of Palestinians to their homes in Northern Gaza, and the increased distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The letter states that Pidyon Shvuyim is: “one of the greatest and most important Mitzvos in the Torah, and it is imperative to save them and return them to their families,”.
However, the letter goes on to say that: “the costs required for the release of the hostages endanger all the citizens of the state,”

On Monday, several prominent rabbis from the right-wing religious Zionist community voiced their opposition to a proposed hostage exchange with Hamas. In an open letter, they argued that any deal involving troop withdrawal from Gaza and swapping captives for Palestinian prisoners would jeopardize Israeli lives.
Among the signatories of the letter were Ramat Gan Chief Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, and influential hardliners such as settler leaders Dov Lior and Elyakim Levanon, as well as Safed Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu. This stance might further complicate efforts within Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s coalition to reach an agreement with Hamas if negotiations advance.

Draft notifications were issued to chareidim on Sunday evening via text messages, instructing them to report to the Recruitment Office for their initial draft order.
An investigation by Arutz Sheva revealed that these notifications were sent to 25-year-old chareidim, including both single and married individuals, as well as some who are studying in yeshiva.
The notifications appeared to target those who are employed, even if they are balancing work with yeshiva studies. Furthermore, recipients with cell phones received the draft notifications through text messages.

A massive fortification dating back 3,800 years that likely protected the Kings of Yehuda has been uncovered just outside the walled Old City of Yerushalayim, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Sunday.
The moat, which measures at least nine meters deep and 30 meters wide, was discovered in the area of the present-day parking lot just outside Sha’ar Ha’ashpot of the Old City of Yerushalayim.
Created by extensive quarrying, the moat formed a channel separating Ir David from the har Habayis, dividing the city in two.
The fortifications likely served to separate the upper city, where the Beis Hamikdash and the palace were located, from the lower city, and protect it, the state-run archaeological body said.

A major fire ravaged a bais medrash at Camp Maminim in Swan Lake, in the Catskills, on Erev Shabbos.
The blaze erupted shortly before Shabbos at the camp on Laymon Road, prompting a massive response from numerous firefighters and fire trucks.
The fire completely destroyed the building, including over 250 pairs of tefillin stored inside.
In a letter to camp parents, Rabbi Yosef and Aliza Wartelsky, the camp owners, assured them that “B”H everyone is accounted for and safe and nobody was in the building.”
Rabbi Wartelsky explained that while the building is not frequently used, it serves as the shul for Camp Chaveirim. All members of Camp Chaveirim were confirmed to be safe.

Overnight Sakanah: Chazal say that leaving peeled eggs, garlic, and onions overnight makes them dangerous to consume. Sleeping on top of food, as well as eating fish and meat together are other examples of dangerous foods. Let’s listen in to Rav Shmuel Fuerst, Dayan of Agudas Yisroel of Illinois, as he explains us the exact parameters of Chazal’s takanos.
WATCH:

The International Court of Justice, the principal judicial arm of the United Nations located in The Hague, issued a non-binding, 83-page opinion on Friday declaring Israeli “occupation” of Yehuda and Shomron to be “unlawful.”
“The court reaffirms that the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the régime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law,” the U.N. high court stated.
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu denounced the ruling on Friday.

In a significant breakthrough, the RNSP Shomrim, in collaboration with the NYPD and NCPD, has announced the arrest of a notorious career criminal responsible for a string of burglaries across New York City and the 5 Towns.
This criminal, who targeted Jewish communities in the 5 Towns, Far Rockaway, and Brooklyn, primarily struck on Friday nights while families were asleep, leaving many residents on edge.
After months of intense and challenging efforts, including a complex investigation and multiple covert operations, the criminal is now in police custody.

In a live broadcast on Radio Kol Berama, presenter Ami Maimon spoke to Rav Moshe Re’em, a son-in-law of Rav Yaakov Edelstein who passed away seven years ago and was the brother of Ponovezh rosh yeshiva Rav Gershon Edelstein.
Rav Re’em shared that Rav Edelstein’s family was urgently searching for a cabby from Rishon Letzion named Reuven Katayav, who drove Rav Edelstein on October 30, 2001, 23 years ago.
On the cabby’s receipt recently found among Rav Yaakov’s papers, the family noticed a handwritten note from Rav Yaakov stating, “I need to return two shekel to this cabby because he gave me too much change.”

A 19-month-old boy was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle in Pomona and has been transferred to Westchester Medical Center.
The incident occurred this morning at approximately 9 a.m. on Marion Court.
Rockland Hatzolah and Haverstraw Police responded promptly to the scene, with Hatzolah initially transporting the child to Nyack Hospital in critical condition. Due to the severity of his injuries, paramedics coordinated his transfer to Westchester for advanced treatment.
All are asked to daven for Zev ben Golda.
{Matzav.com}