Dear Klal Yisroel, As we continue to watch the agonizing trickle of hostages being released—three here, four there—many of us have been davening for a complete and immediate redemption for our acheinu bais Yisroel who are suffering in captivity. We know that Hashem is the one who can bring them home, and sometimes He does so through unexpected avenues. Yesterday, we saw President Donald Trump declare that all the hostages should be freed by noon this coming Shabbos—or else. Could this be the shliach Hashem is using to bring about the miracle we’ve been yearning for? Maybe. Maybe not. But what we do know for certain is that Hashem listens to our tefillos and rewards our hishtadlus. This got me thinking—what if we, as one united Klal Yisroel, took on a collective zechus this Shabbos?

I am writing to address a disturbing and deeply troubling reality within our community—the unethical and exploitative practices of certain mental health professionals who refuse to accept insurance, forcing desperate patients to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket fees. While we frequently hear about the importance of mental health awareness, why do we not speak about the financial barriers that prevent people from accessing care? In nearly every other field of medicine, doctors work within the insurance system to ensure patients receive treatment without financial ruin. Yet, in our heimishe community, mental health providers actively avoid insurance, knowing full well that their patients—due to cultural and religious sensitivities—will not seek help outside the community.

Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your tireless efforts over the past year and a half in working to secure the release of our precious hostages. We are aware of the countless hours and sleepless nights you dedicated to this critical endeavor, and we recognize how deeply you cared about this cause. Therefore, it was disheartening to hear the speeches of some released hostages and their families, listing individuals and groups to thank, yet omitting your name. It felt like a personal blow, a knife twisting in my heart. How could they not fully appreciate the extent of your behind-the-scenes efforts and the significant role you played in their liberation? It’s undeniable that your leadership was instrumental in securing their release.

To the parents sending their daughters to seminary in Eretz Yisroel, I ask: Do you know what you’re paying for? When my oldest granddaughter was accepted into the seminary of her choice, I was overjoyed. I vividly remember the pride I felt years ago when my son left for yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel, and just a few months later, I saw a transformed young man—refined, responsible, and uplifted by the kedusha of Eretz Hakodesh. Naturally, I expected to experience that same pride when I saw my granddaughter after her time in seminary. Despite the astronomical cost of flights and hotels, I did not hesitate to make the trip for Yeshiva Week. This was an opportunity to witness firsthand the growth and maturity I believed seminary instilled in our bnos Yisroel.

Let’s all give ourselves a big round of applause. Really, take a moment—because we did it. We’ve successfully created a chinuch system that preaches the importance of Torah values, while simultaneously fostering a culture where a child’s self-worth is measured by their ability to board a plane for midwinter break. Every year, we talk about it. Every year, parents like me—who actually live within our means—grit our teeth as we have to explain to our children why they’ll be the “nebachs” of their class for not jet-setting to Miami, Cancun, or Dubai. And every year, nothing changes. I pinch my pennies, I work hard, and my husband and I bring home a decent income.

(100% not edited and published as written) I feel the YWN must apologize for even allowing this week’s mailbag to be printed. The fact that you wrote that YWN writes that the mailbag article doesn’t represent the web’s views is inconsequential. At the end of the day, YWN  allowed slander to be published against the most pro-Jewish President EVER. In the last six days alone, Trump has proven to be an איש אמת, doing things that no other person could possibly do in terms of fighting the evil, twisted, Amaleki Left.

An astute observer would have noticed clear signs during the 2024 campaign. Trump repeatedly promised to end all wars and foreign entanglements. He demanded that the war in Gaza come to an end before his inauguration. His Vice Presidential pick, JD Vance, was aligned with the isolationist wing of the GOP and publicly disagreed with Kamala Harris when she referred to Iran as the greatest threat to the United States. Prominent figures like Mike Pence and John Bolton, who traditionally supported Israel, were no longer well represented. Instead, individuals like Tucker Carlson were given prominent roles at the RNC and MSG rally. This context leads us to the troubling situation we find ourselves in today at the onset of the second Trump administration.

The recent letter on YWN claiming that Donald Trump is essentially selling Israel down the river by forcing it into a bad ceasefire and hostage-release deal with Hamas are not only misguided but also ignore the broader strategic picture. This narrative falsely portrays a rift between Trump and Israeli leadership while undermining the carefully orchestrated policies at play. First, it’s important to recognize that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials have celebrated Trump’s re-election. This is no accident. Trump has consistently staffed his administration with individuals deeply aligned with Zionist priorities, reflecting his administration’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and long-term objectives.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House – hailed by so many pro-Israel voters – now looks like it could spell immediate disaster for Israel. His “art of the deal” has quickly devolved into “art of surrender,” as he forces Israel into a shocking and humiliating agreement with Hamas. While President Joe Biden may not have been perfect in his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, at least he didn’t compel Israel to capitulate to a terrorist organization. Trump, on the other hand, seems poised to sell out one of America’s staunchest allies. Let’s be clear: Hamas is calling Trump’s bluff. Trump issued a dramatic ultimatum—release all hostages by January 20th, or face consequences. This strongman posturing quickly unraveled into an embarrassing spectacle.

For many Orthodox Jewish families, “Yeshiva Week” has become synonymous with mid-winter travel. It’s a chance to escape the New York chill and recharge in warmer climates, with Los Angeles often at the top of the list. The city offers a unique mix of sunny weather, world-class attractions, and an abundance of shuls and kosher dining options. But this year, I urge you to reconsider. Los Angeles is facing extraordinary challenges. Wildfires have ravaged the region, threatening lives, homes, and communities—including its vibrant Orthodox neighborhoods. The Sunset Fire, just a few miles from the La Brea Jewish community, has left residents rattled. In an unsettling moment, one shul asked congregants to retrieve their donated Sifrei Torah in case of evacuation.