Society

At a protest in the Netherlands, Stars of David with the letter B were distributed, comparing the situation to the persecution of Jews during the Holocaust. The organization's leader justified it: "A great injustice is being done to us." The Jewish organization CIDI: "Misuse of history, desecration of the Holocaust."

Right-wing activist Mordechai David announced in an interview on the program "Riklin and Partners" that starting Wednesday he intends to hold a series of Selichot prayers with full gender segregation in public spaces in Tel Aviv. The first event will be held at 18:00 at Habima Square, followed by a planned prayer at Dizengoff Square.

The woman who stated, "The Jewish community, there are too many of you," was summoned for questioning by the Gendarmerie. French media reported that she provided explanations regarding the context of her remarks. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence in the case, which has sparked significant public outcry.

Seven French Jews were surrounded by a mob at the Barcelona port, facing 40 minutes of antisemitic slurs, spitting, and humiliation. One of the victims, Jimmy Zagron, recounted the terrifying ordeal in an interview with French television.

Twenty-four years before the State of Israel would be established, driven by a sense of mission, Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak HaCohen Kook entered the gates of the White House, with no foreign ministry, embassy, or state to represent. "His vision was long-term. One of the greatest Zionist leaders of the Jewish people," says the director of "Beit HaRav Kook" regarding his dominant and beloved figure.

According to the arbitration ruling, Rabbi Shmuel Markovich's students will be required to vacate the yeshiva complex by September 30. In addition, Rabbi Markovich and his associates were ordered to pay approximately 10 million shekels, including 7.5 million shekels in usage fees and 2.5 million shekels for building maintenance expenses. It was determined that Rabbi Markovich's associates will not...

A Chabad House that opened about a month ago in Hiriketiya in southern Sri Lanka has become a focal point of conflict: residents and Buddhist monks demonstrated against it and demanded to check the legality of its operations, while the Chabad House reports threats, firecrackers, stones, and harassment of Israelis. The Chabad House stated: "We need urgent help so we can continue to operate safely."

Several copies of the book were found in the "Afaq" store, which opened earlier this month in central London. The owners claim that the books were placed in the back next to history books and were not prominently displayed, but a city council member who documented them claims: "They chose 'Mein Kampf' as one of the first books to display."

34 antisemitic incidents were documented in London within a week, many of them during a demonstration against Israel, where claims were heard about "Zionist control" over the British government and economy — rhetoric that originates in far-right conspiracy theories.

Shabbat Parashat Shoftim, 1st of Elul 5786, begins this evening, Friday, 14.08.2026, bringing with it the commandments of Shabbat and the preparation for the day of rest. Below are the times for the beginning of Shabbat, the end of Shabbat, and Rabbeinu Tam times in various cities across the country.

The portion of Shoftim explores the deep meaning of being "dead" through the lens of gratitude to the Creator. Using a parable about a flower and King David's institution of one hundred daily blessings, the author explains how failing to appreciate the Almighty's gifts disconnects a person from the source of life.

Singer Odaya Azulai, known as the "Child of Faith," donated a Torah scroll this Thursday evening at her home in Rishon LeZion. During the special ceremony, the singer participated in the dedication of the scroll, which she chose to donate to the local synagogue. The moving event was held in the spirit of the beginning of the month of Elul, the month of mercy and forgiveness.

Starting this coming Saturday night, Channel 14 will broadcast the Selichot services from the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem every evening. The broadcasts will be available on the channel and on all C14 platforms – on the website, in the app, and on YouTube. This way, even those who cannot physically reach the Western Wall plaza will be able to join the moving event and be an integral part of the...

On a farm in Moshav Shadmot Mechola, staff were surprised to discover the rare birth of a reddish-brown heifer. A delegation from the Temple Institute and rabbis examined the heifer and found it kosher for the time being. A red heifer is considered a complex commandment, dependent on finding a rare cow without any blemish. A few months ago, an Iranian missile fell on the farm and did not explode...

The hidden synagogues of Jerusalem preserve ancient Selichot traditions, from the melodies of the Jews of Yazd and Greece to the prayers of Breslov and Yemenite Jews. Alongside the prayers are woven stories of kindness, heroism, and Jerusalem legends that have become an inseparable part of the nights of Elul in the city.

The study found a strong link between antisemitic beliefs, conspiracy theories, and anti-Israel attitudes. The researchers found that conspiratorial beliefs related to Jews and Israel explained more than half of the anti-Israel attitudes tested - but they emphasize: criticism of Israel is not necessarily antisemitic.

A homeless Algerian citizen with a criminal record was arrested on suspicion of attacking a Jewish tourist from France in central Rome. Searches are underway for additional suspects.

Following the coronavirus and the war in Ukraine, the 'refuseniks' crisis means many young people cannot fly to the grave of Rabbi Nachman in Uman for fear of being arrested. This year, hundreds of Breslov Hasidim plan to hold Rosh Hashanah at the Adama VeShamayim farm in the moshav of Yavne'el — 'With the same prayers, the same sermons, and the same atmosphere, only with more experiences,'...

Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services, Yehuda Avidan, issued a warning after Supreme Court Judge Alex Stein blocked the transfer of 33 million shekels intended for site security, maintenance, and utilities. If no solution is reached by the end of August, operations at the National Center for the Development of Holy Sites will stop in early September.

The storm surrounding the wedding of Shahar Taboch refuses to subside. After Rabbi Raphael Yonatan Polisook clarified that he has already married 80 same-sex couples and does not regret it, hostage survivor Rom Braslavsky attacked him in a confrontation. The rabbi responded: "To imply that I do this for money is a shame."

Openly gay Rabbi Raphael Yonatan Polisook addressed the online backlash following his decision to officiate the wedding of singer Shahar Taboch and shared how he dealt with the reactions.

The Chief Rabbinate revoked kosher certificates for 198 tons of imported meat following a change in the ritual slaughter team. The importer, Leviatan, suffered significant losses and is suing the Rabbinate for 5.7 million shekels.

A family visiting from the US to celebrate their son's Bar Mitzvah donated 25 sets of tefillin to soldiers of the Paratroopers Brigade. During the ceremony, they expressed that it was a great privilege to support the soldiers and uphold the tradition.

The Satmar Admor of Williamsburg spoke out last night at the central tish in New York against the protests by ultra-Orthodox Jews against the Mayor of New York. Unlike most of the Jewish community, the Satmar Hasidic sect hosted Mamdani, and parts of it even supported him in the elections.

The fast of Yom Kippur 5787 will begin on Sunday, 9 Tishrei, 20.09.2026, and will last until the end of the fast on Monday evening, 10 Tishrei, 21.09.2026.

The Ministry of Religious Services and the Chief Rabbinate issued a clarification following claims by the "Anachnu Tchelet" association regarding its cooperation with the Rabbinate.

The Religious Council of Yokneam has immediately revoked the Kashrut certificate from the popular business 'Shawarma Yisraelov' at the Paz gas station, following the serious discovery of non-kosher fat.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrated in Safed and at the Meron junction against the operation of public transport before the end of Shabbat, attempting to delay buses. Police arrived at the scene, alongside secular protesters who sought to prevent the disruption of traffic.

Elias, an Israeli living in Berlin, reported an incident where a waiter refused to serve him after identifying his Israeli accent. After the restaurant ignored his inquiries, he filed a civil lawsuit in court.

From the riots at the 'Maccabi' field in 1931, through the ambush on Teddy Kollek, to the current storm at 'Cafe in the Alley': this is how Jerusalem became an endless battlefield over the character of the Sabbath. A look at the history of confrontations, violence, and quiet agreements.

Chabad emissaries will integrate into the leadership of the prestigious "Park East" synagogue. The move will give Chabad access to a historic venue in exchange for injecting manpower, young people, and families into the veteran community. Rabbi Schneier and Rabbi Krasnianski stated: "Our goal is to create opportunities for Jewish life to flourish."

Against the backdrop of prolonged reserve service, the IDF hosts events for soldiers' families. However, the organization 'Women for the Sanctity of the Camp' reports a lack of accommodations for religious families, despite their significant presence among the ranks.

C14 presents the Shabbat entry and exit times for Parashat Re'eh, 24 Av 5786, across the country. We wish you a Shabbat Shalom and a blessed weekend.

More than 350 children of Chabad emissaries from around the world arrived in Israel for a unique summer camp. Alongside activities and studies, they developed community projects and won grants to help them bring them to fruition.

The Gur and Satmar Hasidic sects have formed an alliance to act against the State of Israel. The leaders are planning to establish a funded legal body to file complaints in international forums.

Entrepreneur Yoely Landau, whose fortune is estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, is establishing a fund to fight against the conscription of yeshiva students. The organization will provide legal funding for those who refuse to enlist and will utilize international legal tools.

Following a Supreme Court ruling that halted the transfer of funds, senior officials in the religious services system warn of a complete cessation of services to citizens as early as this coming Sunday. The freeze will prevent the opening of divorce cases, Jewish status inquiries, and the issuance of travel bans. A senior official in the religious services system harshly criticized the move...

Tens of thousands gathered at the Western Wall for the introduction of the ninth Torah scroll of the children of Israel, written following the registration of 304,805 children worldwide. The event featured the completion of the final letters, a grand procession, and traditional Hakafot.

Meeting a Chabadnik who asks to put on tefillin might not be rare, but when Shmuel Darshan does it on rollerblades and documents the activity for TikTok, it looks completely different. His special approach, which includes offering warm hugs to those who decline, aims to remove imaginary barriers between people. In an interview, he shares his journey from personal crisis to a mission of...

Following a series of disasters that have recently struck the ultra-Orthodox public, the Chief Rabbinate recalls the call of the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Gaon Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar, to strengthen awareness of safety rules and to exercise extra caution in every home and institution. The Rabbinate emphasizes that maintaining safety rules is an integral part of the value of the sanctity of life, and...