Now Who Is Bein Hametzarim?

2 Av 5786 

Bein Hametzarim (בין המצרים), or "Between the Straits" (often called "The Three Weeks"), is an annual period of Jewish mourning. It begins on the 17th of Tammuz (the fast commemorating the breaching of Jerusalem's walls) and culminates on Tisha B'Av, the 9th of Av (when both Holy Temples were destroyed).  (Gemini)

This may be the first time in all of human history that the nations of the world are caught "between the straits" during this period of time.  

The One Consistent Voice Upholding the Truth

1 Av 5786
Rosh Chodesh

[Translated from Hebrew.  See original.]

Rosh Chodesh Av.

Days of painful historical memory: "All her enemies have overtaken her between the straits."

And I think about Turkey, which is steadily entrenching itself in Syria and, through Jolani, establishing a modern and strong army on our northern border.

And I think about the Egyptians with their five divisions positioned on our southern border—ready and primed to charge toward Be'er Sheva—and I think about the alliance being forged between them for our destruction, and about the war drums and the horrifying rhetoric both in Turkey and in Egypt.

The Arabic translation of *Mein Kampf* remains the bestselling book in Cairo, and the Turkish interior minister wants to become the governor of the Jerusalem District...

And I think about Hamas, which has already rebuilt most of its capabilities and tunnels and even boasted yesterday about launching new rockets—thanks to the steady supply from Israel—and I think about Hezbollah, which has returned to its full strength, and I think about the Iranians, whose status as the Middle Eastern hegemon has only grown stronger, and I think about the Americans, who are pressuring us to withdraw from Erdogan's and Jolani's Syria and from Iran's and Hezbollah's Lebanon, and about Trump, who has grown tired of us—understandably from his perspective, since he initially expected us to take on the superpower responsibility for the Middle East, expel the Gazans, and seize a third of Syria, but we preferred to kick the ball back to him and remain an American client community, so Trump has placed all his chips on Erdogan and Jolani.

And I think about Abu Mazen's terrorist army—this one called the "Palestinian Authority"—which trains in broad daylight in Jericho for the conquest of Kfar Saba, and I think about the Bedouins and Arabs in Israel who, according to Col. Erez Weiner, already possess more weapons than the IDF,

and I think about our corrupt generals who have abandoned our security over the past 30 years and nothing substantial has changed in them since the disaster they brought upon us on October 7th, and I think about our statesmen, who have abandoned our security over the past 30 years and nothing has changed in them since the October 7th disaster.

And I think about the two political blocs whose leaders most accurately represent the two sides of the conception that led to the disaster and the terrible deterioration that followed it—Eizenkot as the representative of the military conception and Netanyahu as the representative of the political conception—thinking about the two sides of that same conception, accusing each other and seeking to continue exactly down the same path toward the abyss.

And I think about all the golden opportunities our Father in Heaven gave us to settle the campaign, to become the unassailable regional power, and to truly change the Middle Eastern reality from end to end—I think about the water valve whose closure would have brought Hamas's surrender within a week and the return of most of the hostages in Gaza, surrender followed by total conquest, total expulsion, and total sovereignty that only they would have brought to total victory. And I think about exploiting the success following the stunning pager operation shock, which should have led to conquest, expulsion, and settlement up to the Litani and a security strip up to the Zaharani and nonstop strikes on the capitals until the exile of all of Hezbollah—as we did with the PLO in the First Lebanon War and the establishment of an Israel-dependent regime in the capitals.

And I think about exploiting the opportunity in Syria that suddenly vanished, joining the Druze in southern Syria and the Kurds in the north, and I think about Iran, where with less than the capabilities we demonstrated in destroying its air defenses, we could have eliminated its oil production, its power stations, what remains of its dams and drinking water—yes, gas prices for New Jersey drivers would have risen and Trump would have paid the price in the midterms, but the price of our soldiers' blood, turned into sitting ducks due to an Iranian ultimatum to Trump—is higher.

They'll surely say to me now, Feiglin, what does he understand, he's not there and doesn't really get it...

That's exactly what they told me when I protested against Oslo, which brought the terrorists here.

That's exactly what they told me during the Disengagement.

That's exactly what they told me when I explained that Netanyahu's policy would lead to an Iranian nuke.

That's exactly what they told me during the Disengagement. That's what they said during Sinwar's release, in the endless opportunities when I warned of the disaster.

And what do they say today? Right, so you were right then, but now you don't understand, there's no choice...

And the truth?! The truth is it's always convenient to go back to the one who tells you everything's fine, and even after the disaster convinces you that the whole problem is only with the demon on the other side.

My friends in the Right and Religious Zionism. In the end, it's our children and grandchildren, the magnificent generation of heroes rising among us, who pay with their blood for our unwillingness to take responsibility, who pay for the reins being in the hands of leadership devoid of identity—lacking any vision beyond the Oslo vision of bloodshed.

Leadership that doesn't send our sons out to win...

This is the time! Let's start the faith revolution in leading our precious state, because only such a revolution can save it.

It will hurt, it will require all of us to step out of our comfort zones—to start building true national faith-based leadership.  

Over the grave of my grandson Yair HY"D, I swore I wouldn't let them take victory from him. This generation of heroes deserves to win. We can't dump on their shoulders the responsibility for the Oslo conception that continues to run us. Right now I'm running for the position of Defense Minister, but the ultimate goal is leading the state. 

IT'S ALL FOR OUR GOOD

1 Av 5786
Rosh Chodesh 

Do you have any idea how much merit goes to the Erev Rav for supporting Torah learners?  Do you have any inkling how much merit accrues to our oppressors around the world for their "friendship" and "support"?

Now, it's all being jerked back right out of our hands, right before our eyes.  If this makes you feel lost and abandoned, it's only because you don't see the bigger picture.

HaKadosh Baruch Hu is anxious to bring the complete redemption.  In order to remove the power of the nations and the Erev Rav from upon us, they must lose these merits.

Until now, HKB"H caused some of them to be disposed kindly towards us.  He overrode their natural hatred for us.  Lest you think antisemitism is an aberration.  NO!  That is their natural state.  When there was "friendship," THAT was the aberration.  

Mashiach is here now, although as yet unrevealed, but that revelation is imminent.  Therefore, as the verse says, "There will be survivors on Mount Zion."  It is safe now for HKB"H to remove His restraint in order that our enemies may be judged fully and finally and removed from this reality.

We should be grateful and thankful to HKB"H for our persecution.  Feel confident and hopeful in the face of it for it doesn't happen without His prior approval and ...

IT'S ALL FOR OUR ULTIMATE GOOD

CHODESH AV TOV

Rosh Chodesh Av 5786 : What's coming ...

1 Av 5786
Rosh Chodesh

If this is truly to be the year of our redemption, we can expect the scariest parts of what is leading us to the ultimate victory to begin at this time.  But, have no fear.  HKB"H is doing all of this FOR us, not TO us.

* * *

(July 13, 2026)  The Midnight Interdiction: United States Orders Total Naval Blockade of Iranian Coastline Starting Tomorrow Night   [i.e., TONIGHT]

A sweeping maritime quarantine is about to close the vise on the Persian Gulf, forcing global shipping networks into an immediate state of high alert. The United States Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center officially announced that the American military will begin enforcing a total naval blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas starting tomorrow, July 14, at exactly 20:00 GMT. The sweeping operational order is explicitly designed to halt all Iranian maritime trade, including critical crude oil exports and illicit ship to ship transfers.

The looming enforcement deadline has sent immediate shockwaves through international shipping corridors, causing commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to collapse to historic lows. Trade intelligence tracking data confirms that only fourteen vessels, including just four crude oil tankers, crossed the vital chokepoint on Sunday. This represents a staggering sixty percent drop from the thirty seven crossings recorded on the same day last week, illustrating the severe logistical paralysis gripping the region.

...Neutral vessels have now been explicitly warned by the Pentagon to depart the blockaded zones immediately, with official notifications making it clear that any blockade runners risk being fired upon by American warships.

"They Do Not Want You There": Trump Demands Netanyahu Pull Troops Out of Syria and Lebanon During Tense Call

* * * 

Let This Song Infuse Your Heart and Mind:  "Kol Ha'Olam Kulo"

Kol ha'olam kulo gesher tzar me'od,

Veha'ikar lo lifached klal.

The whole entire world is a very narrow bridge, 

And the most important thing is not to fear at all

(The melody was composed by Rabbi Baruch Chait, and the lyrics are adapted from the writings of the Hasidic master Rebbe Nachman of Breslov.)

 ~ CHODESH TOV UMEVORACH ~

Lindsey Graham: A Cautionary Tale

29 Tammuz 5786
Yom Kippur Katan 

The way US Senator Lindsey Graham was seemingly snatched right out of thin air; a seemingly healthy, vital human being, active at a very powerful level, was truly shocking, as it was meant to be.

It is irrelevant whether "natural causes" was the method or a political assassination carried out by enemy states, the true Source of the event was, and always is, the Master of the Universe - HaKadosh Baruch Hu.

The outpouring of Jewish and Israeli "love" which follows, however, is very relevant.  The goyim who "love" and "support" the State of Israel are, in fact, lovers and supporters of the Erev Rav regime which constantly seeks union with the "Judeo-Chr*stian" West.  And it is not they who are becoming Jewish.  It is Jews who are becoming goyim!!  

In recent weeks, with the ongoing destruction of US bases in our region by Iran, there has been open discussion about the US "relocating" their military bases to Israel.  This comes after the CENTCOM takeover of IDF forces.  

Israel’s Move to USCENTCOM is Transformational

(BESA Center Perspectives Paper No. 2,184, February 27, 2023)

...The move has transformed the strategic landscape. Under USCENTCOM’s umbrella, the IDF is now conducting exercises with Arab militaries, opportunities in long-range air operations have emerged, efficiencies in missile defense have been created, and former adversaries are now eager to purchase Israel’s military technology. Also, the shift creates a more natural and cooperative military environment for the IDF.

The second anniversary of Israel’s shift to US Central Command (USCENTCOM) has arrived, and the regional and strategic impact of the change is readily apparent. Security cooperation with Arab states, multinational exercises, and frequent visits by the USCENTCOM commander are all indications of Jerusalem’s deepening role as a regional power.

In January 2021, as part of the Trump administration’s adjustments to the Unified Command Plan (UCP), Israel was officially transferred from US European Command (USEUCOM) to USCENTCOM. This meant Israel was expected to engage in security cooperation (e.g., exercises, military sales, operational planning) with US regional allies and partners also in USCENTCOM – specifically, with moderate Arab states. The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, were a vital precursor to this move and a harbinger of future Arab-Israeli collaboration.

The goal is ALWAYS to bring Israel under Western control and basically hog-tied by the so-called shared Judeo-Chr*stian values!!  Hey!  What are "friends" for???

So, the reason this is so compelling now, another three years on is that THIS is what was on Senator Graham's mind just before his ticket was punched.

Inside Lindsey Graham's final push for Saudi-Israel peace

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who died suddenly Saturday, spent his final weeks laying the groundwork for an ambitious new push to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, he told me in multiple conversations over the past several weeks.

...Graham was one of Washington's most influential and energetic foreign policy figures. He spent decades trying to shape America's role in the world and was still pursuing some of his biggest diplomatic ambitions in the final hours of his life.

...Graham saw Saudi-Israel normalization as the defining prize of a broader postwar settlement in the Middle East — one that could outlast the military campaign against Iran and fundamentally reshape the region.

He had worked on the issue for years, including with the Biden administration, and believed the opening created by Iran's weakening could give President Trump a rare chance to broker a historic agreement.

Graham's plan was to begin an intensive diplomatic push after Israel's October elections and the U.S. midterms, with the goal of reaching a deal before the new Congress was sworn in in January.

...In mid-May, Graham began urging Trump to make Saudi-Israel normalization the centerpiece of a broader regional "day-after" plan for the war.

A week later, Trump told the leaders of several Arab and Muslim countries during a conference call that he wanted them to establish relations with Israel if an agreement could be reached to end the war with Iran. His primary focus was Saudi Arabia.

...Saudi officials continued to insist that any deal must include an irreversible, time-bound path toward the creation of a Palestinian state.

...He had been planning a trip to Saudi Arabia and Israel in the coming weeks to assess the appetite for reopening talks.

Graham told me that, should there be an opening, he wanted intensive work to begin in September so the pieces of a deal could be in place by November. 

Graham told me he intended to work with Trump and his team to make clear to Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders that Washington expected the next government to move in that direction — and to press it hard to do so.  

[Yeah, this is typical treatment by our Western "friends."]

A person who spoke with Graham shortly afterward said the senator complained that he was feeling unwell. When the person urged him to seek medical attention immediately, Graham said he would do so Sunday morning after his scheduled appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Graham then joked: "I can't die now... 

I still need to do the Russia sanctions, get Iran sorted out and do Israeli-Saudi normalization."

He passed away several hours later. 

And so will be that fate of all who continue to push their own agendas in contravention of their Creator's will regarding the future of Israel. "Friend" or no friend.
__________________

RELATED:  REPORT: Saudi Arabia Open To Abraham Accords, But Sets Conditions For Israel

Saudi Arabia Draws a Red Line: Peace With Israel, But Not With Netanyahu

SHOCKING NEWS!

 27 Tammuz 5786

Marked in Tehran, Dead in South Carolina Days Later:
The Chilling Coincidence Around Lindsey Graham's Death

* * *

A few days ago, he was at the top of Iran's hit list.  On the day he would die a new list came out.  He was no longer on it!

During the funeral procession for the slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 6, 2026, mourners and state-backed participants carried large placards designed as assassination target lists. These posters featured red crosshairs superimposed directly over the faces of several prominent U.S. and pro-Israel figures under the warning, "Sooner or later...".

The specific names displayed on those red-crosshair target lists included:  Lindsey Graham (U.S. Senator); Donald Trump (U.S. President); Ben Shapiro (Conservative commentator); Laura Loomer (Political activist); Miriam Adelson (Israeli-American billionaire); Mark Dubowitz (Chief of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies); Peter Thiel (Tech investor).

While Donald Trump noted he was considered "number one" by Tehran's intelligence, Senator Graham's prominent placement on the funeral placards explains why his name was so heavily associated with the regime's public hit lists right before his sudden passing on July 11.   (Gemini)

Early Saturday morning in Tehran, the Hamshahri newspaper published a new hit list.  Senator Graham was not on it.  Twenty-four hours later, he was being eulogized after his "sudden" demise.  He was supposed to be interviewed on Meet the Press this morning.  So both "sudden" and "unexpected"!

Playing Right Into the Hands of the Enemy

27 Tammuz 5786

Nachlaot is not what it used to be.  It was my home from 2002 until 2012, except for one year when I lived in Talbiya.  It had the Old Jerusalem charm while being the most affordable neighborhood in the center of town and right on the doorstep of the Mahane Yehudah market.  But, when it ceased to be all Jewish and foreign workers began renting in the area, the missionaries were not far behind.

The place of winding pedestrian pathways framed in hanging vines and baskets of flowers against weathered stone and archways on this Shabbat was the scene of a murder and a public battle over an open cafe.

 

Second Weekend of Clashes: Ultra-Orthodox
Extremists Protest at Jerusalem Cafe
(WARNING on some images: Turn on auto-dub for English voice-over.)

I know the chareidi protesters mean well, but their actions have actually increased the Shabbat desecration and what's more, it has brought money and publicity pouring into the endeavor. This is a missionary's dream come true. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain from this attention.

The following information comes directly from the Google AI Gemini...

Yoel Ben David is a Jerusalem-born entrepreneur who recently gained significant local attention as the owner and founder of Cafe BaSimta. 

He identifies deeply as a Jerusalemite. He has expressed publicly that he opened the cafe out of personal frustration regarding the lack of secular, social spaces open during weekends in central Jerusalem. He has praised the overwhelming wave of secular residents who showed up at his cafe to create a peaceful barrier against the demonstrators, turning him and his business into a focal point for the ongoing cultural debate regarding weekend business operations in Jerusalem.

Although individuals like Yoel Ben David manage day-to-day operations at its physical sites (such as Cafe BaSimta), Ariel 23 (the actual owner) is entirely funded and owned by the international Messianic Jewish missionary organization Jews for Jesus. 

The organization holds all the shares of the company. Public corporate registration records show that Ariel 23 is legally registered at the exact same physical address as the primary Jews for Jesus offices located in Tel Aviv.

The “Cafe Ministry” Model: The organization uses Ariel 23 as a business vehicle to secure real estate and open commercial venues, particularly cafes. 

The Objective: Rather than operating under an overt religious banner, the company sets up trendy, secular-facing spaces. This approach aims to establish local community touchpoints, create financial sustainability, and provide subtle platforms for outreach.

Instead of playing right into the hands of our enemies and actually fueling their successes, let's finally get smart about it.  Understand that it is the Government itself which allows Shabbat desecration, as well as missionary activities, and even enshrines their "rights" in their own anti-Torah laws.

A Jewish State must have a Jewish government.

The Message Is Finally Getting Through, B"H!

25 Tammuz 5786
Erev Shabbat Kodesh
Parashat Matot-Mas'ei/Mevarchim

"...this is about far more than military enlistment."

Political Firestorm After Candidate Says Chareidi Society Must Be ‘Dismantled’ to Increase IDF Enlistment

A political uproar has erupted after Inbar Harush-Gitty, a former Defense Ministry official who helped establish several chareidi military enlistment initiatives and is now running as a candidate in Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party, argued that increasing chareidi enlistment requires far more than military recruitment—it requires, in her words, dismantling the chareidi community’s autonomy.      (Read on...)

May their fate be one with the Midianites who also thought they could corrupt Klal Yisrael and thereby break the eternal covenant between us and HKB"H. 

~ SHABBAT SHALOM UMEVORACH ~