Satmar Rav says Six Day War victory was natural - without Divine Providence

 It seems that the Satmar Rebbe is saying that the 6 Day War victory was entirely natural - no miracles and no hashgocha protis. To ascribe it to a miracles is "maaseh Satan" i.e., an erroneous perception which causes major theological damage. He is not necessarily saying that Satan did these miracles. This is similar to the Novominkser Rebbe saying that the Gra's opposition to Chassidus was "maaseh Satan". Not that it originated with Satan but that it was a serious mistake with disastrous consequences and thus served Satan's purposes. However I have no problem understanding the way the gedolim of the Aguda understood it - i.e., it originated with Satan. It is rather a small difference between saying that when some error serves a negative purpose we use the idiom of "maaseh Satan" to describe it and saying that Satan actually caused the error.  See -  G-d does-miracles-even-for-irreligious

hhttp://www.baismedrash.com/2011/01/the-satmar-rebbes-position-on-the-six-day-war


Satmar Rebbe(Divrei Yoel Behaloscha page 304): Would you even imagine that there would be empty headed fools that while they call themselves religious but the smell of heresy wafts from their mouths and they fool the whole world with their announcements about miracles [during the Six Day War] – G‑d save us. If in fact these were miracles it would have been much worse. That is because there is bitter retribution to the Jewish people when G-d does miracles from the aspect of evil as the Maharal mentioned before stated. However in truth there were no miracles here at all [concerning the Six Day War]. It was simply a natural occurrence as can readily be seen from the discussions in the newspapers that it was assumed that [Israel] would be victorious. I have already stated that I am fearful – G‑d forbid – for the time when actual miracles are done for them. If at this time when in truth there were no miracles and yet this great evil befell them, then surely if there had been miracles done for them that it would have brought about severe suffering as we mentioned above. From this we see the extreme degree of their cruelty and evil. That even though it was reasonable that [Israel] was going to win the war, nevertheless the Jewish people were in great danger. Nevertheless they placed the Jewish people in this danger for the sake of their glory and for the sake of their governing. Because it was obvious to those with understanding that [Israel] had the ability to completely prevent the war. There were a number of alternatives and circumstances regarding preventing the war, but this is not the place to go into detail. Nevertheless someone who has eyes will see that there is no doubt about this. In fact it was the filth of heresy that blinded their eyes and made them act in an irresponsible and irrational manner..


Satmar Rebbe(Divrei Yoel #7 Shelach page 415): From here we see clearly that one shouldn’t talk about miracles done by Satan. One should avoid it to what ever degree that is possible. That is because this type of talk causes error and misleads the foolish to say that there is such a thing. And even if in truth miracles were done, it is necessary to conceal this fact and describe events in natural terms to the degree that it is possible because of the concern for the negative consequences which might come from it. Unfortunately due to our great sins, the opposite is done. People talk about and publicize miracles of Satan which in fact have no basis in reality. They are nothing more than phony miracles that are presented in order to fool the masses and to attract them to heresy and rebellion against G‑d and His holy Torah. Thus it is necessary for all Jews to avoid talking about the miracles of [Israel] so that they don’t have a part in the denial of G‑d and His holy Torah. Concerning victory in war, it clear from the words of the ancients in many places that it is not considered a type of miracle – even if the few defeat the many. And even the miracle of Chanukah in which the Chashmoneans defeated the vastly greater force of Greeks – even so the commemoration of Chanukah was not established because of the miracle of military victory but rather for the miracle of the oil. The Pri Magadim explains in the laws of Chanuka that it was because military conquest is not in the category of miracle since it appears to be totally natural. That is because there are times that it is natural for the few to vanquish the many even when they are greatly outnumbered. We can related this to the issue of this war of the Zionists with the Arabs.There was not even the slightest miracle because the Zionists were skilled in battle as opposed to the Arabs who were not real soldiers. The secular writers of those days testifiy that they knew from the start that the Zionists were going to win and thus the victory was according to nature. However due to our many sins we see that the heretics brag about their strength and their weapons and they do not believe at all in miracles. It is only the religious Jews who are attracted to these Zionists who loudly proclaim that it was miraculous in order to fool the world. Therefore we are obligated to deny and reject their words. [See Ahl HaGeula v’ahl HaTumra starting with simon 7)

Satmar Rebbe(Divrei Yoel #7 Shelach page 415): From here we see clearly that one shouldn’t talk about miracles done by Satan. One should avoid it to what ever degree that is possible. That is because this type of talk causes error and misleads the foolish to say that there is such a thing. And even if in truth miracles were done, it is necessary to conceal this fact and describe events in natural terms to the degree that it is possible because of the concern for the negative consequences which might come from it. Unfortunately due to our great sins, the opposite is done. People talk about and publicize miracles of Satan which in fact have no basis in reality. They are nothing more than phony miracles that are presented in order to fool the masses and to attract them to heresy and rebellion against G‑d and His holy Torah. Thus it is necessary for all Jews to avoid talking about the miracles of [Israel] so that they don’t have a part in the denial of G‑d and His holy Torah. Concerning victory in war, it clear from the words of the ancients in many places that it is not considered a type of miracle – even if the few defeat the many. And even the miracle of Chanukah in which the Chashmoneans defeated the vastly greater force of Greeks – even so the commemoration of Chanukah was not established because of the miracle of military victory but rather for the miracle of the oil. The Pri Magadim explains in the laws of Chanuka that it was because military conquest is not in the category of miracle since it appears to be totally natural. That is because there are times that it is natural for the few to vanquish the many even when they are greatly outnumbered. We can related this to the issue of this war of the Zionists with the Arabs.There was not even the slightest miracle because the Zionists were skilled in battle as opposed to the Arabs who were not real soldiers. The secular writers of those days testifiy that they knew from the start that the Zionists were going to win and thus the victory was according to nature. However due to our many sins we see that the heretics brag about their strength and their weapons and they do not believe at all in miracles. It is only the religious Jews who are attracted to these Zionists who loudly proclaim that it was miraculous in order to fool the world. Therefore we are obligated to deny and reject their words. [See Ahl HaGeula v’ahl HaTumra starting with simon 7)

Satmar Rebbe<(Ahl HaGeula v’ahl HaTemura simon 7): The consequences of all that we have discussed up to this point is that victory in war has nothing to do with miracles but is entirely natural. This is true even if a larger force is defeated by a smaller one and a stronger force is defeated by a weaker one… So surely concerning our topic of the war of the Zionists with the Arabs – there was not the slightest hint or scent of miracle. Because it is well known that Arabs and the descendants of Yishmael are not good soldiers and they fulfill the beracha that Avraham gave to Yishmael that he would fall before all his brothers…Therefore it is clear that there was not the slightest involvement of miracles in their defeat in war rather it was entirely natural. We have the testimony of many experts and government leaders that was published in the secular newspapers of that time which clearly foretold that the Arabs would not win a war because they were not good soldiers. I remember that in Israel prior to the founding of the State of Israel that the Zionist leaders gloated that they weren’t afraid of war with the Arabs even though they were numerically superior. These leaders explained that the nature of the Arab is to flee and escape from the sword of battle. But now the Zionist leaders are saying the opposite in order to blind the eyes and to exaggerate the victory by claiming false miracles and other things. They bribe the newspaper to write what they want to write in order to magnify their victory and their might. But it is clear that there is not even a whiff of truth in what they say about this. All of this is well known and there really should be no need to belabor the point nevertheless…I am belaboring this point…because of the great blindness in the contemporary world. Satan is becoming stronger and he is manifested in those religious Jews who are attracted to Zionism. Even to the degree that they announce that belief in the supposed miraculous victory is required and one of the foundations of faith. As if to say that whoever does not believe in their miracles is a heretic in their eyes. And they announce publicly and openly heretical words that these “miracles” were greater than the miracles done for those who were redeemed from Egypt…


Satmar Rebbe(Ahl HaGeula v’ahl HaTemura #86): It is one of the kindnesses of G‑d that He hasn’t tested us with tests that are so severe because there have not yet been open miracles. All their publicity and stories about their miracles are only false illusions that blind the eyes. Satan has been satisfied with that which the religious Jews who are attracted to Zionism have described as miracles. This has been enough to blind the eyes of a generation as weak and lowly generation as ours. However I am still afraid of what will happen in the future. I hope that it won’t come to this and that we won’t be tested from Heaven with different and powerful tests… In general a person needs to know that he should not be excited and impressed with any miracle or sign and wonder or success of the wicked or their ilk. That is because all of them are only tests from Satan…

"G-d does miracles even for the irreligious" - Criticism of the views of the Satmar Rebbe

One of the major theological controversies in recent years has been the validity of the Satmar Rebbe's claim that the Six Day War victory was ma'aseh Satan and whether miracles only happen to frum people. [There is of course Rav Moshe's teshuva (Y.D. 4:8.2) regarding the miracle of Entebbe which clearly disagrees with the Satmar. ] But there is a little known or  remembered event that happened shortly after the Six Day War which clearly defined the basis of dispute. This is the version I heard from Rabbi Gavriel Beer - a life long Aguda askan - who was there.

As is well known by now, the mood leading up to the Six Days War was very gloomy. Many in Israeli and in the Diaspora were anticipating a war which would be very costly in life - both for the soldiers and civilian population. The more optimistic view was that Israel would take a harsh beating but would survive. There is no need to mention the pessimistic view.

But when the guns were silent after the incredibly short war in June 1967, Israelis discovered that not only had they survived but they had soundly thrashed the massive armies of the surrounding Arab countries and in addition had acquired the West Bank - which included the Old City of Jerusalem and the location of the Temple. Everyone seemed to say it was an open miracle. There was one major dissenting voice - the Satmar Rebbe - who insisted that it was not only not a miracle but the victory was in fact the work of Satan. He emphatically stated that miracles don't happen for the Zionist  - especially to support the theological crime known as the State of Israel.

Several months later at the annual Aguda Convention, this astounding event was the central topic of discussion  Speaker after speaker spoke on the topic and the gedolim were clearly divided on whether to agree or disagree with the Satmar position. One of those who publicly agreed with the Satmar view was Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky.

At the Melava Malka that weekend, the keynote speaker was Rav Itchie Meyer Levin - the Gerrer Rebbe's son-in-law. He of course spoke about the topic. After some introductory comments he made the following observation. "Not so long ago the Jewish people suffered the horrible loss of 6  million Jews in the Holocaust. When we went to the gedolim for an explanation we were told that we must be silent and accept this because it was G-d's will. Now we were just faced with another possible holocaust in the Land of Israel but the Jews were saved this time. We hear gedolim who say that these millions who were saved were saved by Satan. How is that when it comes to the death of Jews it is G-d's work but when it comes to rescuing them from death it is Satan? It can't be."

In response, Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky quickly wrote a note which he sent to be read from the podium. It said, "I want to publicly retract my previous statement supporting the view of the Satmar Rebbe and say that now I agree fully with what Rabbi Levin just stated." 

Rabbi Beer noted that this was Rav Yaakov's greatness. His only concern was truth and he wasn't afraid to publically admit that he had erred.

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Igros Moshe(Y.D. 4:8.2):Concerning the matter of the Jews who were hijacked in Uganda and then were saved by [Israeli] soldiers who went to Uganda. It is reasonable that this should be considered an open miracle. That is because in the normal course of events it would not be possible that such a thing be successful. Whatever is done in the world is only by the hand of G‑d – whether it is for the good or whether it is – G‑d forbid - ! the opposite. He causes the blow and the cure. He caused that these Jews be captured. But He also caused that they were rescued by means of giving these soldiers special courage and motivation so that they were able to save the captives. He also arranged circumstances so the soldiers in fact were successful. Nevertheless the reasons that G‑d did a miracle through sinners are hidden from us. Furthermore it is prohibited for any man to be “wise” and raise question against G‑d’s actions. Rather it is necessary for us to be innocent and accepting whatever G‑d does as it explicity says in the Torah (Devarim 18:13)

What is a gadol?

Shabbos (3b) Rabbi Ḥiyya said to Rav, his sister’s son: Son of great men, didn’t I tell you that when Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi is involved in this tractate do not ask him questions in another tractate, as perhaps it will not be on his mind and he will be unable to answer? The dilemma that Rav asked was not related to the subject matter of the tractate which they were studying. As, had it not been for the fact that Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi is a great man, you would have shamed him, as he would have been forced to give you an answer that is not an appropriate answer. Now, he was involved in another tractate. Nevertheless, he answered you well,

Many years ago I was a student in Shor Yoshuv studying under Rav Freifeld. The highpoint of each week was his drasha Shabbos  morning after kiddush. One Shabbos he talked about this gemora in Shabbos which I had recently learned with my chavrusa and according to my understanding he was clearly  mistaken, I went to him when he finished and commented that I thought he had misunderstood the gemora,  His response was not defensive or even how dare I question him from my clearly inferior understanding. He instead said, "What to you expect when I haven't looked  at the gemora in 25 years."

The point is that the desirable quality is not being the greatest scholar but an awareness of one's limitation and a readyness to publically acknowledge it

Berachos (4a) About midnight, instead of: At midnight? Moses did so because he maintained: Lest Pharaoh’s astrologers err and believe midnight to be earlier. Since no disaster would have occurred, they would say: Moses is a liar. Moses spoke in accordance with the principle articulated by the Master: Accustom your tongue to say: I do not know, lest you become entangled in a web of deceit.

Trump has been ‘way too eager’ for an Iran deal and 'has PAID for It'

Trump Needs a New Iran Strategy

 https://www.wsj.com/opinion/donald-trump-iran-middle-east-israel-strait-of-hormuz-a4e249ca?mod=hp_opin_pos_1

After weeks of insisting a deal with Iran is around the corner, President Trump may be admitting the reality. The regime is “tapping the U.S. along” in negotiations, he said Wednesday. The President has given diplomacy a chance, but “they keep playing us for suckers,” he added. Is Mr. Trump ready at last for a new approach?

For nine weeks, the cease-fire has let Iran dictate events in the Gulf. The regime gets to start each “skirmish”—shooting at U.S. forces, U.S. allies, or commercial ships—and then decide when the exchange ends. Iran has also used Hezbollah to fire on Israel, only to cite the resulting fighting in Lebanon as an excuse to stall talks with the U.S

Knesset advances Basic Law bill equating Torah study with IDF service, despite coalition revolt

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-advances-basic-law-bill-enshrining-torah-study-despite-coalition-revolt/

The Knesset voted 56-43 on Wednesday in a preliminary reading to advance a controversial Basic Law declaring Torah study a foundational value of the State of Israel, and effectively equating the study of Torah with military service. The vote passed despite several coalition lawmakers breaking ranks to vote with the opposition against the divisive legislation, causing an uproar in the plenum.

Sponsored by ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism lawmakers MKs Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher, and backed by the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, the measure would recognize those who dedicate themselves to long-term Torah study as performing “meaningful service” to the state, effectively equating it to army service and conferring upon yeshiva students equal rights to those who serve in the army.

The bill will now be sent to the Knesset House Committee, which will determine which committee will prepare it for its subsequent readings. The coalition hopes to pass the bill before the upcoming national election in the fall.

After rabbis’ threat, IDF says men and women won’t serve in same tanks

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-rabbis-threat-idf-says-men-and-women-wont-serve-in-same-tanks/

The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday insisted that men and women won’t serve together inside the same tanks, in response to a threat by the leaders of 12 yeshivas who said earlier that they would no longer send their students to join tank units because of a pilot plan to integrate women into the Armored Corps.

Among the signatories to the rabbis’ letter were Rabbi Elyakim Levanon and Rabbi Shahar Imber, the joint heads of the Elon Moreh yeshiva, and Rabbi Baruch Wieder, head of Hakotel Yeshiva in Jerusalem.

The tentative coed pilot program in the Armored Corps — whose units are trained to enter deep into enemy territory — was originally scheduled to start in 2024. The IDF had previously deemed the program impractical. Its opening was delayed twice during the multifront war, and the IDF last said it was expected to begin in November 2026.

Agudah Sounds Alarm Over NJ Bill That Could Criminalize Religious Guidance on Gender, Family Issues

 https://belaaz.com/news/agudah-sounds-alarm-over-nj-bill-that-could-criminalize-religious-guidance-on-gender-family-issues/

Agudath Israel of America is urging New Jersey residents to contact their state Assembly members and demand a “no” vote on A2218/S2260, a sweeping bill aimed at furthering demands of groups opposed to the Torah’s definition of gender and other family issues passed out of committee Monday that religious-liberty advocates say poses an existential threat to the ability of frum Jews to live, speak and raise children in accordance with their beliefs.

The bill, which the Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced on June 8 by a 9-to-4 vote, is framed by its sponsors as a “shield law,” but a close reading of its text reveals language so broad and ill-defined that it could expose rabbis, teachers, school principals, and even parents to civil lawsuits or criminal prosecution for expressing Torah views on gender.

The vote is expected to come before the full Assembly this Thursday, and Agudah is urging New Jersey residents to act immediately.

The civil liability exposure is not the only danger. Section 5 creates a new criminal offense – “interference with reproductive health care services” – and includes within its scope any person who, “by force or threat of force,” intimidates, threatens, or coerces any person “in order to intimidate a person or entity, or a class of persons or entities, from becoming or remaining a patient, provider, volunteer, or assistant of reproductive health care services.”

The organization’s suggested message to Assembly members reads: “I am your constituent and urge you to vote NO on A2218/S2260. This bill’s vague and overly broad language could expose religious leaders, educators, counselors, and parents to lawsuits based on subjective claims of emotional or reputational harm. The legislation threatens religious liberty, free speech, and parental rights. Please oppose A2218/S2260.”

New Jersey residents are urged to contact their Assembly members today. To find your representative, visit the New Jersey Legislature’s website at www.njleg.state.nj.us.

Trump Says ‘I Love the Inflation’ as Approval Rating Sinks to Record Low

 https://www.newsweek.com/trump-says-i-love-the-inflation-approval-rating-sinks-record-low-12056206

President Donald Trump appeared to downplay a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report finding rising inflation on Wednesday, telling reporters in the Oval Office: “I love the inflation.”

Gasoline is up 41 percent over the past year, with fuel oil—used for heating homes and buildings—having risen 59 percent. Data from the American Automobile Association shows that gas prices remain above their pre-war averages but have dropped in recent weeks. As of Wednesday, prices averaged $4.151 per gallon nationwide, down from $4.522 one month earlier but still higher than $3.122 one year ago.

“No. I love it. The numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation," he said. "You know why? Because as soon as this war is over, you know I can say it now. Something you didn’t know—did you know we’ve been taking out millions of barrels of oil? Nobody knows it. You know who doesn't know about it? Iran, until right now. We took out the other night 22 ships, late at night, with no lights because they don’t have any radar because we blasted the crap out of it. That’s why oil is $85 a barrel."

Trump seeks to tie Netanyahu’s hands, as the partnership that went to war 100 days ago collapses

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-ties-israels-hands-as-the-partnership-that-went-to-war-100-days-ago-collapses/

Telling Israel it had better not respond to an Iranian missile attack, the US president — desperate for a deal with the devilish Tehran regime — presented the PM with a stark dilemma

In another of his Sunday interviews, with the Financial Times, Trump said that if he couldn’t reach a deal with Tehran, he might either “go in and take care of the rest of the place that we didn’t take care of militarily,” or maintain the current blockade.

But he was certain about one thing: Netanyahu would have to accept any deal he agreed with the regime. “He won’t have any choice,” Trump said of Netanyahu. “I call the shots. I call all the shots.”

Not in Iran, he doesn’t.

Rambam and Christianity

 Rambam (Melachim 11:4) Jesus of Nazareth who aspired to be the Mashiach and was executed by the court was also alluded to in Daniel's prophecies, 'The vulgar among your people shall exalt themselves in an attempt to fulfill the vision, but they shall stumble.'Can there be a greater stumbling block than Christianity? All the prophets spoke of Mashiach as the redeemer of Israel and their savior who would gather their dispersed and strengthen their observance of the mitzvot. In contrast, Christianity caused the Jews to be slain by the sword, their remnants to be scattered and humbled, the Torah to be altered, and the majority of the world to err and serve a god other than the Lord.

Rambam (Melachim 11:7)  Nevertheless, the intent of the Creator of the world is not within the power of man to comprehend, for His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts, our thoughts. Ultimately, all the deeds of Jesus of Nazareth and that Ishmaelite who arose after him will only serve to prepare the way for Mashiach's coming and the improvement of the entire world, motivating the nations to serve God together as Tzephaniah 3:9 states: 'I will transform the peoples to a purer language that they all will call upon the name of God and serve Him with one purpose.'

Rambam (Melachim 11:8)  How will this come about? The entire world has already become filled with the mention of Mashiach, Torah, and mitzvot. These matters have been spread to the furthermost islands to many stubborn-hearted nations. They discuss these matters and the mitzvot of the Torah, saying: 'These mitzvot were true, but were already negated in the present age and are not applicable for all time.'

Can Jews Still Trust Their Doctors?

 https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/can-jews-still-trust-their-doctors/

Imagine being a visibly Jewish person in the Netherlands today. Or imagine being an Israeli living, working, or traveling here. One day you need urgent medical care. You need a doctor. You need someone whose profession is built on trust, neutrality, and the commitment to save lives.

Would you feel completely safe?

This is why the recent controversy in Rotterdam was so disturbing. Reports emerged about an out of hours medical clinic near Zuidplein where videos were displayed on a large screen. The lyrics reportedly included phrases such as “Boom boom Tel Aviv”, “Humanity expects no good behavior from you Jews”, and “It is your time to bleed.”

Whether one supports Israel, Palestine, or neither side should be irrelevant. A medical facility should never be associated with messages that glorify violence against civilians or target people because they are Jews.

A century-old Jerusalem photo album sparks search for forgotten images of the Western Wall

 https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/a-century-old-jerusalem-photo-album-sparks-search-for-forgotten-images-of-the-western-wall/

Freedman’s pictures of the Western Wall has inspired a public appeal by the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, which is asking people to look through old albums and attics for photographs, postcards and other visual material that could help expand the historical record of Judaism’s holiest site.

The request comes ahead of a major exhibition opening in 2027 marking 60 years since the 1967 Six-Day War brought the wall, known in Hebrew as the Kotel, under Jewish control for the first time in nearly two millennia.

Next year’s exhibition, titled “Eyes on the Wall” and curated by Shimon Lev and Yael Brandt, will be the first large-scale exhibition dedicated entirely to the Western Wall, the museum said, and will trace its transformation over nearly 2,000 years. It will be one of the major exhibitions staged by the Tower of David Museum since it reopened in 2023 after a $50 million renovation of its ancient citadel complex.

Elon Musk took out his chainsaw. Government took out its checkbook.

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/06/09/spacex-trillion-dollar-ipo-reveals-elon-musks-greatest-contradiction/

Investors pondering whether to pay for a piece of the action this week — at the unheard-of initial public offering valuation of $1.77 trillion — would do well to consider how important governments are to SpaceX. That’s because Musk is adept at taking money from the public sector even as he disparages how it spends that money elsewhere. Through his brief tenure atop the U.S. DOGE Service — a name derived from a joke that grew into an agency that was anything but — Musk did more than perhaps any single individual in history to dismantle crucial functions of the U.S. government.

A great thing about Securities and Exchange Commission requirements for companies that want to sell shares to the public is the information these previously private companies are required to disclose. SpaceX lays out for all to see just how important Washington is to its fortunes: “In 2025, approximately one-fifth of our revenue was attributable to agencies within the U.S. federal government.”

That means that contracts granted by the federal bureaucracy, the same one that Musk so thoroughly maligned in his DOGE days, accounted for about $3.75 billion of the company’s $18.7 billion in 2025 revenue.

Most Israelis no longer think Israel’s security a main concern for Trump, poll finds

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/most-israelis-no-longer-think-israels-security-a-main-concern-for-trump-poll-finds/

Survey says just 29% of Jewish Israelis believe ending war with Iran through a deal is in Israel’s interests, with most doubting it will address missile threat or weaken regime

There has been a sharp decline in the percentage of Israelis who believe that Israeli security is a key concern of US President Donald Trump, according to an Israel Democracy Index Survey released on Tuesday, as Jerusalem finds itself locked out of negotiations between the US and Iran for a permanent end to the war that began in February.

Among Jewish Israelis, 41% said they believe Israel’s security is a key concern for Trump, down from 64% in March. By contrast, the belief that Israel’s security is a key concern for Trump rose to 59% among Arab Israeli respondents, up from 43% in March.

Trump’s advisers are letting Tehran play him for a sucker

 https://nypost.com/2026/06/09/opinion/trumps-advisers-are-letting-tehran-play-him-for-a-sucker/

President Trump claimed earlier Tuesday that his administration is close to making a deal with Iran.

A country that’s “very close” to sealing a deal in good faith doesn’t escalate against its negotiating partner.

By one count, he’s said “nearly there” 38 times since he announced that “almost all” of the points of contention “have been agreed to” and that a “two-week period” should allow the deal to be “consummated.”

We’re now 10 weeks into that “two-week period,” and everything’s going backward.

Back then, those final issues were: 1) setting verifiable procedures for the end of Iran’s nuke program, and 2) securing permanent free passage through the Strait of Hormuz — with any benefits to Iran (beyond the end of US-Israeli bombing) to come later.

Now, suddenly, getting to the deal somehow has Washington telling Jerusalem it can’t respond to Hezbollah’s missile attacks out of Lebanon.

Bare minimum, Trump’s public bragging about ordering Israel around sure makes it look like he’s appeasing Iran’s outrageous demands.

Trump Says US Must Respond After Iran Attacks Helicopter Amid Ceasefire

 https://www.newsweek.com/israel-defies-trumps-ceasefire-with-new-strikes-lebanon-12047898

President Donald Trump on Tuesday blamed Iran for the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, vowing the United States would respond.

Trump said in a social media post that the crew members “are safe and uninjured,” but added, “nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.” Military officials have said the incident remains under investigation.

The White House blocked a study on alcohol consumption. This is what it said

 https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5916395-alcohol-guidelines-new-study/

In 2022, the Biden administration set in motion a study on the effects of drinking, with extensive international participation by researchers from the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

After years of research, the study authors were informed by the Trump administration last year that it did not plan to publish the results, with some blaming the alcohol industry for influencing this decision.

The study, finally released on Tuesday in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, found no benefits to moderate levels of drinking.

It recommends that adults should limit themselves to one drink or less per day, and researchers say these findings should have informed the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).

Religious Zionism demands revision of haredi law

 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/428356

Finance Minister Smotrich announced that his party will oppose any wording that equates yeshiva students with IDF service members. The Government Secretary announced that the clause will be removed from the law.

The proposal seeks to recognize those who dedicate themselves to long-term Torah study as making a significant contribution to the State of Israel and the Jewish people, including in relation to rights and obligations.

Religious Zionism rejected that formulation, stating: “We will not allow the advancement of a law that equates the status and conditions of those who do not serve in the military with the status and conditions of IDF soldiers."

The party said it would only support a version that recognizes Torah study as a fundamental value in Israel, without creating a comparison between yeshiva students and soldiers or reservists.

Philosophy - Rambam

 Rambam (Letter to Chasdai HaLevi): As a general rule, philosophers establish their assertions with clear rational proofs. The philosophers before Plato denied G d’s existence and they brought proof that the world is eternal and not created. Some of the newer philosophers acknowledge G d’s existence and that the world was created - and thus are consistent with the view of Moshe. There are other philosophers who acknowledge G d’s existence but insist that the world is eternal and that G d does not interact with the world. The fact is there is no conclusive logical proof for any of these three viewpoints. Each brings support for their position - but not irrefutable proof… Now obviously one cannot say that the world is both not eternal and not created, however I don’t have irrefutable proof that the world was created. Therefore, the matter is irresolvable purely on the basis of logical proofs and neither position can refute the other. The fact is that man’s intellect is limited and as long as the soul is contained within the body, it is not able to know that which transcends nature. Since it exists within nature, it is impossible to see that which is beyond nature…. It able to see and understand only that which is within nature. A clear proof of the inability to penetrate that which transcends nature is the fact that none of the three theories has an irrefutable proof. However, prophecy is a form of knowledge which is superior to philosophy. Prophecy is a different dimension and requires no proofs or arguments. Once it is established that something is known through prophecy it is unquestionably valid. Thus, we see that a prophet was never required to prove that what he was saying was true  - but only to prove that he was a genuine prophet. Therefore, prophecy is superior to any rational proof and is able to know that which transcends nature. Moshe was the greatest prophet that ever lived and reached the highest level of prophesy. Once we accept that intellect cannot refute that which is learned from prophesy, there is no need to bring proof to that which is learned by prophesy. Thus the only way to refute our beliefs - which come from the prophesy of Moshe - is to deny that Moshe was a prophet. However, if you acknowledge that he was a prophet, then rational proofs are not needed concerning what he said. To try and establish these matters purely on the basis of intellect cannot result in an irrefutable understanding. It is equivalent to trying to gather up all the water in the world into a small jug.

Maharal (Menachos 64b): Greek Wisdom is what we call the natural sciences. All the natural sciences are included in Greek Wisdom which is outside of the Torah. Even though it is a mitzva to calculate the seasons and astronomical movements…(Shabbos 75a) – it is prohibited to learn these except from the Torah. This is the desire of G d that everything be from the Torah and this is the way it should be done. However to learn them for their own sake without using the Torah – it is prohibited.

Derech Emunah (2:303): You should know that the majority of philosophy came to us from Aristotle who was a Jew from a Jewish family in Jerusalem from the tribe of Benyamin…He gave us and taught us much more than what he learned from us.

Maharal (Derech Chaim 6:10): In the time of the Rambam there were those who were attracted by philosophy i.e., the secular wisdom which was not illuminated by the light of Torah. If he had not explained the verses according to their philosophical understanding there was a danger of even greater loss. In fact, the essential understanding was never concealed to those with proper wisdom…

Sefer Hamidos (Introduction): There is a sefer in which it was written that Aristotle embraced the Torah at the end of his days and became a ger.

Rambam (Introduction to Mishna): Since the purpose of man is develop knowledge and wisdom why did G d create the majority of people who are not intellectually developed, lacking in cleverness and empty of wisdom and concerned primarily with their lusts. We even see that wise men are held in contempt as well as being few in number? The answer is that these type of people exist for two reasons. The first is to provide support and services to the rare wise person. In fact if everyone sought wisdom and philosophy the world would not function very well and life would soon disappear from the earth…. Furthermore to learn all the skills necessary for society, the lifespan of Mesushalech would not suffice. Even more problematic is that an individual who had to be self sufficient would have no time to study and acquires wisdom. That is why the majority of mankind is needed to preserve and develop society so that the elite will have their material needs supplied. As a result not only will the world continue functioning but wisdom will also flourish… This is in fact the reason why our sages described the intellectually undeveloped masses am haaretz (people of the land)…. The second reason for the existence of those lacking in wisdom is to provide companionship for the small number of wise men… While you might think that this is an insignificant reason, it is in fact much more important than the first. We see that G d even had wicked people populate Israel to create a society and to remove the loneliness of the pious (Shemos 23:29)…

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim:2:11): These scientific theories don’t contradict anything which has been taught to us by our Prophets or by our Sages. That is because we are a wise and complete nation as was declared by G d who made us complete through Moshe, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people” (Devarim 4:6). However when the wicked of the foolish nations caused us to lose our possessions, our science and literature and killed our sages - we were reduced to simpletons as punishment for our sins. This had been foretold by Yeshaya (29:14), “The wisdom of their sages shall perish and the understanding of the wise men shall be concealed.” We are now intermingled with the other nations and as a result we have adopted their viewpoints - just as we have mimicked their characteristics and deeds…Because we have been raised on the basis of a primitive understanding – these philosophical and scientific views are perceived as incompatible with our religion  - just as it would appear to any uneducated person. However it is not so! 

Rambam (Letter to Ibn Tibbon): Aristotle reached the highest level of intellect that man is capable of without the aid of the Divine influence which leads to prophecy for which there is no higher stage.

Ribis and Hasgacha Protis

 Alschech (Devarim 23:20) A person charging interest denies that there is Divine Providence and is in effect saying that success and profit is entirely natural or determined by mazzel and thus there is a natural limit to his blessing. That is why it is permissible to charge a goy interest since they are governed by nature or mazzel

How many times has Trump claimed an Iran deal is around the corner?

 How many times has Trump claimed an Iran deal is around the corner?

Trump said on social media on April 7 that they were “very far along” but needed two weeks for “the Agreement to be finalized and consummated.” He concluded by saying that “it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution.”

There was no resolution, of course. But Trump has nonetheless spent the two months since then continuing to suggest a deal was right around the corner. A lot.

Including the period before the ceasefire, he’s done it at least 37 times. That’s the number of times he’s said directly — in social media posts, public appearances and phone calls with the media — that a deal was nigh or claimed Iran was desperate to cut one.

'Israel will be alone' | Trump reveals dramatic call with Netanyahu over Iran

 https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/428328

President Donald Trump said he urged Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid escalating the conflict with Iran and claimed he helped limit an Israeli strike.

US President Donald Trump said he cautioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a conversation over the past day that a broader conflict with Iran could leave Israel facing Tehran without American backing.

Speaking to Channel 12, Trump said he told Netanyahu to be careful about further military action, warning that Israel could soon find itself confronting Iran on its own if the situation escalated.

Donald Trump Issues Veiled Threat to Netanyahu After Iran Strikes

 https://mobileapp.newsweek.com/story/12045871/content.html

President Donald Trump gave a new warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the Iran war.

The United States and Israel have been close allies for decades, and the Trump administration has been supportive of the Israeli government amid the Iran war. But there is growing public tension between the two governments over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon.

Trump provided new details of his conversation with Netanyahu with the Israeli Channel 12 news outlet on Thursday.

“I told Bibi, you better be very careful what you do, because you could be left alone against Iran very soon,” he said, according to the news outlet.

Trump says he never promised ‘no new wars’

 https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/07/trump-says-never-promised-no-new-wars-00952870

“First of all, I didn’t guarantee no war. Why would I have built the strongest military in the world?” Trump said. “I built our military. I inherited a terrible military. We had no equipment. We had nothing. I built a tremendous military. When you say I promised, I didn’t promise anything.”

Trump said he doesn’t like “endless wars” but added that the current conflict with Iran “is not an endless war,” asserting that the Vietnam War lasted for 19 years “because of stupid people.”

While campaigning in Pennsylvania in 2024, Trump told rallygoers: “I will not send you to fight and die in stupid foreign wars that never end.” He reiterated the promise in his 2024 victory speech, stating at the time: “I’m not going to start a war. I’m going to stop wars.”

And Trump’s official White House biography also states that one of the president’s top priorities is “putting a stop to endless wars.”

Trump on Sunday denied that the U.S. is at war with Iran, telling Welker he does not “consider” the current situation a war.

Cognitive test Trump took screens for dementia, not intelligence - Trump Brags about being only President passing Test for Senility Multiple Times

 https://www.wisn.com/article/cognitive-test-trump-screens-signs-dementia-intelligence/71506967

In a May 31 Truth Social post, Trump wrote:

"The results of my Physical Examination, taken at Walter Reed Military Medical Center, and just released, were extremely good. Unlike other U.S. Presidents, none of whom have ever taken an approved, high difficulty, Cognitive Test, I scored a perfect 30 out of 30, considered ‘extreme intelligence.’ Are the Dumocrats really surprised? In fact, this is my fourth such test, all PERFECT or, 120 correct answers out of 120 questions asked! It is very rare that anyone gets a Perfect Score, especially when achieved four times in a row. All people running for President and Vice President should be forced to take high difficulty Cognitive Tests. Congress, and the Dumocrats, should demand it! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

We will have to take Trump’s word for it that he scored a 30 out of 30 on the test, which medical experts believe — based on Trump’s own descriptions — is the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. (When we asked the White House whether that was the test Trump took, a spokesperson did not dispute it.) Trump reportedly also took the test in 2018 and twice in 2025.

But medical experts said Trump inaccurately described the test as measuring intelligence. Instead, it aims to detect signs of cognitive impairment; if the score is low enough, then further testing is recommended.

"The test measures cognition," including attention, concentration, language, memory, abstract thinking and calculation skills, said Ziad Nasreddine, a Quebec-based neurologist who created the 10-minute Montreal Cognitive Assessment in 2005. "Cognitive function is correlated with IQ. But the test was not designed to detect the genius-level of cognitive performance. It's meant to reassure that cognitive functions are normal."

How LGBTQ+ Pride Month Has Changed in the Era of MAGA and Donald Trump

 https://mobileapp.newsweek.com/story/12038256/content.html

Not long ago, June meant rainbow logos. Major retailers stocked Pride merchandise on front-page displays, big brands changed their social media avatars and corporations competed for visibility at parades from New York to San Francisco.

Things have changed.

Two years into President Donald Trump‘s second term, many of those same companies have quietly stepped back. Retailers that once centered Pride collections in their June marketing have shifted focus to Father’s Day and other summer merchandise. Major corporations have withdrawn sponsorships from Pride events around the country, leaving some organizers facing significant funding shortfalls. NYC Pride told Gothamist it was more than $500,000 short of its fundraising goal after already lowering its target by $1.1 million from 2024.

A Gallup poll published at the start of June found that about 65 percent of U.S. adults now say same-sex marriage should be legal, down from a peak of 71 percent in 2022 and 2023. Nationwide, 62 percent say gay and lesbian relationships are “morally acceptable,” the lowest level since 2016. The decline is driven primarily by Republicans, whose support has fallen to about 37 percent, though the downward movement is evident across all political groups.

The shift is significant because it suggests a potential turning point in one of the most dramatic shifts in opinion in modern U.S. history. Gallup’s previous surveys found support for same-sex marriage rose from 27 percent in 1996 to roughly 7 in 10 Americans in recent years.

But the political picture is not straightforward. Trump appointed Richard Grenell as acting Director of National Intelligence—the first openly gay person to serve in a Cabinet-level role. Trump Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is the highest-ranking openly gay official in U.S. history. During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump held up a rainbow flag at a rally and pledged to protect gay Americans.

Record turnout for Toronto pro-Israel march as violent antisemitism spikes across Canada

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/record-turnout-for-toronto-pro-israel-march-as-violent-antisemitism-spikes-across-canada/

 The streets of central Toronto pulsed with Israeli and Persian tunes on Sunday as 60,000 people converged to demonstrate solidarity with Israel and Canada’s Jewish community.

In response to surging Jew-hatred that has darkened Toronto over the last several months, a diverse crowd chose to march with the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s 57th Walk with Israel. Despite sometimes violent counter-protests on the march’s sidelines, this year’s walk attracted 4,000 more participants than last year, making it one of the largest public demonstrations of support for Israel in the world.

“We’re not afraid of anything, in spite of all the antisemitism that’s been going down, specifically here in Toronto,” said participant Shai Klein. “It gives us that much more reason to be here today and show that we’re not going to back down in the face of hatred, and that we’re going to show our pride. And we’re not leaving Toronto and Canada. We’re going to be proud Jews here and support the State of Israel no matter what.”

Israel and Iran say they’re halting attacks on each other, after Trump pressure

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-and-iran-say-theyre-halting-attacks-on-each-other-after-trump-pressure/

Israeli official says ‘the sense is that this round of fighting is behind us,’ stresses IDF operations against Hezbollah to continue; PM to hold full security cabinet meeting tonight

Israel has decided to halt its strikes against Iran, an Israeli official said Monday afternoon, after US President Donald Trump declared on social media earlier in the day that Israel and Iran “must immediately stop ‘shooting’,” and Tehran announced it would hold its fire unless the IDF kept up attacks on Lebanon.

Iran later announced it was halting attacks on Israel, but threatened a further response if Israel continued its “aggression” in Lebanon, where the IDF has targeted Hezbollah as the Iranian-backed terror group has battered northern Israel.

Israelis push Netanyahu to resist U.S. pressure and keep fighting in Lebanon

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/06/08/israelis-push-netanyahu-keep-fighting-lebanon-signalling-long-occupation/

“We need to let the generals do what they need to do and eliminate Hezbollah,” Ben Dov said, as the sound of shelling punctured the hot summer air. “We can’t just leave.”

The sentiment is pervasive. In war-weary border villages, on prime time talk shows, within the political opposition and among Netanyahu’s supporters, Israelis are pushing their prime minister to fight — and stay — in Lebanon, which could undermine U.S. efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war against Iran.

Anger is particularly high among Israelis in the north, who were targeted and displaced by a barrage of missiles launched by Hezbollah beginning in October 2023, shortly after its partner, Hamas, launched the surprise attack on southern Israel.

Israel Strikes Iran Despite Trump’s Call to Netanyahu

 https://www.newsweek.com/iran-missiles-israel-first-strike-since-ceasefire-12042022

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said early Monday that they had carried out strikes on Iran, after Iranian state media reported explosions in at least three cities. Israel's attacks came despite President Donald Trump telling journalists on Sunday that he did not want escalation and spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone.

"The Israeli Air Force struck military targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in western and central Iran a short while ago," the IDF said in a statement posted to X after the attacks

Trump insists Israel’s Netanyahu ‘won’t have any choice’ in accepting Iran peace deal after fresh strikes: ‘I call the shots’

 https://nypost.com/2026/06/07/us-news/trump-tells-the-post-things-are-going-very-well-advises-netanyahu-not-to-fire-back-at-iran/

President Trump said Israel’s prime minister would be forced to play ball with Iran after the Islamic Republic launched a missile attack on the Jewish State Sunday — and insisted that he is still the one who “calls the shots.” 

Trump told the Financial Times that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have to accept any ceasefire deal that the US brokers because he “doesn’t call the shots.”

Trump ties Israel’s hands, as the partnership that went to war 100 days ago collapses

 https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-ties-israels-hands-as-the-partnership-that-went-to-war-100-days-ago-collapses/

Telling Israel it had better not respond to an Iranian missile attack, the US president, desperate for a deal with the devilish regime, presents Netanyahu with a terrible dilemma

One hundred days after they went to war together to thwart Iran’s rogue nuclear weapons program, radically degrade its ballistic missile industry, end its support for the Hezbollah and Hamas terror armies, and create the conditions for the fall of the regime, the US-Israel alliance against the Islamic Republic on Sunday reached its nadir.

Trump has repeatedly denied claims that Netanyahu dragged him and the United States into the war. But he has made it increasingly clear that he is desperate to end it, even with none of the declared US-Israeli goals achieved. He’s still insisting that he is holding out for terms that will ensure the regime never gets nuclear weapons, but there’s no guarantee of that in the leaked drafts of the Memorandum of Understanding he’s been working toward. And his overt priority is to get the Strait of Hormuz dependably open again, and alleviate the global energy chaos that Tehran has proved so adept at creating.