Agudath Israel of America brought a large group of delegates from across the country for a day of advocacy in Washington, D.C. this week. Dubbed “Mission to Washington,” the visit to the Capitol is being hailed as a massive success.
On Wednesday, the delegation met with elected officials on Capitol Hill to discuss issues of vital importance to the community, particularly school choice, which has been at the top of the agenda. They encouraged members of Congress to support the $10 billion federal school choice bill. The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) (HR-9462) would create a national scholarship tax credit and make tuition and other assistance available to parents in all fifty states.

The Petah Tikva Magistrate’s Court on Friday ordered two close associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—Jonathan Urich, a senior adviser, and Eli Feldstein, a former spokesperson—to be released to house arrest until April 22, rejecting a police request to extend their detention by an additional seven days. The hearing was part of the ongoing investigation into the so-called “Qatargate” affair, in which the two are suspected of acting on behalf of the Qatari government while serving in senior advisory roles to the prime minister. During the proceedings, attorney Amit Hadad accused the police of employing an unlawful interrogation tactic against the defendants.

Irit Linur, a best-selling Israeli author and former liberal feminist, surprised viewers of Channel 14 ‘The Patriots’ on Wednesday night when she revealed the moment she began drawing closer to Yiddishkeit. Linur, who also worked as a radio commentator, said that the moment came when she was in the studio and “there was some discussion about opening shopping complexes on Shabbat. And suddenly it dawned on me – is that what we chilonim have for Shabbat? That’s the meaning of Shabbat? Shopping on Shabbat – that’s what fills it?” “Is that what I have? That’s the full secular ‘wagon’ now? I have a few things on my ‘wagon’ – I’m not the most ignorant person around – but shopping is the big fight for the chilonim?” “That’s what brought me closer to Yiddishkeit,” she concluded.

President Donald Trump spoke Thursday about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, expressing his desire to secure the freedom of as many captives as possible.
While traveling aboard Air Force One, Trump responded to a question regarding the Gaza initiative he had unveiled in February, which included a plan for the United States to assume control of the area and begin reconstruction, while relocating its population elsewhere.
“Well, we’re going to try and solve the Gaza problem. It’s been a problem for many years, for many, many decades. It’s been a big problem,” said Trump, characterizing the decades-long crisis.

BANGKOK (AP) — China announced Friday that it will impose a 34% tariff on imports of all U.S.

Several members of the White House National Security Council were dismissed on Thursday, a day after President Trump met with far-right activist Laura Loomer, who questioned the loyalty of some staffers.
According to a source who spoke to NewsNation’s Kellie Meyer, a total of at least five individuals were terminated — three holding senior positions and two others in junior roles.
Those removed from their posts include Brian Walsh, who was the senior director of intelligence; Thomas Boodry, who led legislative affairs; and David Geuth, who was responsible for technology and national security matters.

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman There is a silent threat that is destroying people and families in our community and it is a threat that shou