Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu approved the “capsule plan” on Tuesday evening to re-open Israeli yeshivahs. The plan was finalized on Monday evening during a virtual meeting with the participation of the National Security Council (NSC), Health Ministry officials, the Education Ministry and Vaad Hayeshivos representatives. According to the plan, the bochurim will initially be divided into “capsules” – groups of about 26 bochurim who will each live on one floor or area (capsule) of the yeshivah – davening there, learning, eating and sleeping – without leaving that floor or area at all. There will be no access from one “capsule” to another. There will be a mini Beis Medrash and dining room on each floor and hot meals will be distributed on wrapped trays.

YWN regrets to inform you of the Petira of the Toa’as Yaakov Rebbe, HaRav Chaim Mertz ZT”L. He was 73, and was Niftar from COVID-19. The Rebbe was a tremendous Tzadik, and one of the most Choshuva Admorim in New York. His Shul in on Bedford Avenue. He was the son of HaRav Yechezkel Shraga Mertz ZT”L. Additional information will be published when available. Boruch Dayan HaEmmes… STAY UPDATED WITH BREAKING UPDATES FROM YWN VIA WHATSAPP – SIGN UP NOW Just click on this link, and you will be placed into a group. (YWN World Headquarters- NYC)

The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels flew in formation over New York City and Newark, NJ Tuesday afternoon. “Operation America Strong” paired the US Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force Thunderbirds in a coordinated flyover. The effort served as a salute to healthcare workers and first responders on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The spectacular salute, from the Air Force and Navy, honored of healthcare workers, first responders, military, and other essential personnel. Flyovers in Newark, New York City and surrounding boroughs will started at noon and lasted approximately 35 minutes. “We are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to salute those working on the frontline of the COVID-19 response, we are in awe of your strength and resilience,” said Cmdr.

A stabbing attack occurred in the central Israeli city of Kfar Saba early Tuesday afternoon when a terrorist stabbed a 62-year-old woman waiting at a bus stop near a mall. The victim was treated by MDA medics at the scene and evacuated to the trauma center at the Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba. She is in moderate to serious condition. The terrorist, a 19-year-old Arab from the Palestinian Authority city of Tulkarem was shot by an armed civilian who witnessed the scene. The terrorist was evacuated in serious condition to Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer. “When we arrived, we saw a 62-year-old woman, fully conscious, lying on the street,” said MDA paramedic Elazar Havani. “We examined her and found multiple bleeding wounds.

President Trump in his Monday coronavirus briefing hinted that he knew the disputed status of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s health, but stopped short of filling in the White House press. “Yes I do have a very good idea,” Trump said when asked if he had any information on Kim’s health after unconfirmed reports circulated that he may have died after cardiovascular surgery. “I can’t talk about it now,” Trump continued. “I hope he’s fine, I do know how he’s doing, you’ll probably be hearing in the not too distant future,” the president added. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Some criticism of Fort Worth-based American Airlines after a passenger boarded a weekend flight and found it nearly full, with no social distancing guidelines being practiced. On April 25 American Airlines Flight 388 left JFK Airport in New York City, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina. That’s not unusual. But what passenger Erin Strine did find troubling was the number of people on the plane and the inability to practice social distancing. Strine posted a short video on Twitter of the elbow-to-elbow passengers saying, “Well silly me thinking that an airline would adhere to social distancing guidelines. Currently abroad a nearly full @AmericanAir flight and I’ve never felt less safe or cared for in my entire life.” READ MORE: CBS

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he wants to make a decision about schools by end of week. He said he wants the decision to be in coordination with NJ and Connecticut. Cuomo said he spoke with state representatives this morning on the issue. Speaking on WAMC radio, Cuomo said there are two decisions hanging in the balance: whether schools will reopen before the end of the academic year and how to address summer school. New York reported 3,951 additional coronavirus cases Monday, bringing the state total to at least 291,995, Cuomo said. STAY UPDATED WITH BREAKING UPDATES FROM YWN VIA WHATSAPP – SIGN UP NOW Just click on this link, and you will be placed into a group. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

YWN regrets to inform you of the Petira of HaRav Yehuda Jacobs ZT”L. He was around 80 and Niftar from COVID-19. Rav Jacobs was a longtime Mashgiach at Lakewood’s Beth Medrash Govoha, where he delivered thousands of Vaadim and Drashos over the years to Bochrim and Yungerleit. He was a sought-after address for all types of Eitzas, whether is was Shalom Bayis, guidance with Shidduchim or other questions. Rav Jacobs had been on a respirator in critical condition with COVID-19. Unfortunately, he was Niftar early Monday morning. Boruch Dayan HaEmmes… STAY UPDATED WITH BREAKING UPDATES FROM YWN VIA WHATSAPP – SIGN UP NOW Just click on this link, and you will be placed into a group. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

An emotional scene took place this past Friday in the Maalot Dafna neighborhood of Jerusalem. The ten adult children of the Eisenstark family of Maalot Dafna surprised their parents, whom they haven’t seen in a month and a half due to coronavirus constrictions, with a surprise “visit.” About an hour before Shabbos, the male members of the Eisenstark clan gathered on the grass below their parent’s building and put on a mini-concert in honor of their parents. The mother of the family was so moved by seeing her children that the sound of her weeping could be heard throughout the video. Itz’ale Eisenstark, who organized the “reunion,” told Kikar H’Shabbos: “Our parents haven’t seen their 12 children and their almost 50 grandchildren since Purim. They’re not used to being alone.

YWN regrets to inform you of the Petira of HaRav David Jemal ZT”L. He was approximately 70, and was Niftar from COVID-19. Rav Jemal was the longtime Rabbi at Kehillat Har Lebanon on Avenue S and East 9th Street in Flatbush, and was loved by all. His passing is a devastating blow to the entire Brooklyn Sephardic Jewish Community. When asking anyone if they could describe Rav Jemal, they all said the same thing: He would literally always be seen with a smile on his face, his life full of Simchas Hachayim and Simchas Hatorah.