vilnagaon.org https://vilnagaon.org A Web Site That Adopts the Vilna Gaon Outlook to Crucial Issues Tue, 28 Oct 2025 05:56:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://vilnagaon.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cropped-bulla-logo4-32x32.jpg vilnagaon.org https://vilnagaon.org 32 32 A Grok AI Summary regarding a Youtube video on the topic: Breakthrough in Anti-Aging Research with Gene-Edited Stem Cells in Monkeys https://vilnagaon.org/anti-aging/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:19:05 +0000 https://vilnagaon.org/?p=12010 Continued]]>

### In-Depth Summary: Breakthrough in Anti-Aging Research with Gene-Edited Stem Cells in Monkeys

 

The following is a Grok summary of a YouTube video with the title “HUMAN Stem Cells Have Reversed Age In Monkey’s with ZERO Side Effects”. Some people don’t want to take the spiritual risks of seeing material on YouTube. So below is a Grok AI summary.

A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists in Beijing has demonstrated systemic age reversal in monkeys using genetically engineered human stem cells. Published in the journal *Cell*, this primate study has sparked widespread discussion for its potential implications in anti-aging therapies for humans. By modifying human embryonic stem cells with a specific gene variant, researchers achieved significant rejuvenation in aged monkeys, raising exciting possibilities—and important questions—about the future of longevity science.

 

#### The Science Behind the Study

 

The study focused on **senescence-resistant mesenchymal progenitor cells (SRCs)**, derived from human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) genetically modified with a variant of the **FOXO3 gene**. The FOXO3 gene belongs to the FOXO family of transcription factors, which act as master regulators of cellular processes. Certain FOXO3 variants are linked to exceptional longevity in humans, as they help protect cells from stress and aging. In aged cells, FOXO3 tends to be less active in the nucleus, reducing its ability to activate protective genes. The researchers introduced mutations to the FOXO3 gene to ensure it remains in the nucleus, effectively creating a “super soldier” version of the gene that continuously activates stress-response mechanisms.

 

These modified SRCs exhibited youthful characteristics, including:

– **Reduced cellular senescence**: Fewer cells entered a dysfunctional, non-dividing state.

– **Longer telomeres**: Indicating better cellular health and division potential.

– **Stable heterochromatin**: Ensuring more stable gene expression.

– **Lower inflammation**: Reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory factors.

 

Additionally, SRCs produced **exosomes**—tiny vesicles enriched with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory molecules, and metabolites like spermine, known to delay brain aging in mice. These exosomes were shown to independently reduce inflammation, DNA damage, and aging markers in multiple organs, acting like messengers that enhance cellular performance.

 

#### The Primate Experiment

 

The study involved **monkeys aged 19 to 23 years**, equivalent to 60- to 70-year-old humans. The monkeys were divided into three groups, each receiving intravenous infusions every two weeks for 44 weeks:

  1. 1. **Saline (control group)**: No active treatment.
  2. 2. **Wild-type mesenchymal progenitor cells (WTCs)**: Unmodified stem cells as a baseline comparison.
  3. 3. **FOXO3-enhanced SRCs**: The experimental gene-edited stem cells.

 

Each monkey received approximately **2 million cells per kilogram of body weight** per infusion, totaling around 200–300 million cells over the study period. This dosage aligns with safe limits for stem cell therapies, as higher doses could risk immune rejection, tumor formation, or vascular blockages (microemboli). Importantly, the monkeys tolerated the SRC treatment well, showing no signs of fever, immune rejection, metabolic issues, or tumor formation, suggesting the therapy’s safety for potential human trials.

 

#### Remarkable Results

 

The study yielded impressive results across multiple biological systems, as assessed through blood tests, MRIs, CT scans, and cognitive tasks:

 

  1. 1. **Brain Rejuvenation**:

– Monkeys treated with SRCs performed significantly better on memory tasks compared to the control and WTC groups.

– MRI scans showed restored cortical thickness and volume in the frontal and parietal lobes, with improved connectivity in the hippocampus and other memory-critical regions.

– The brain exhibited a younger structural and functional profile.

 

  1. 2. **Bone and Muscle Health**:

– Micro-CT imaging revealed reduced age-related bone loss and better preservation of bone structure in SRC-treated monkeys.

– Serum markers of bone formation improved, indicating stronger bones and reduced fracture risk.

– Skeletal muscle showed a transcriptomic age reduction of approximately **4.9 years** with SRCs, compared to **3.5 years** with WTCs.

 

  1. 3. **Systemic Age Reversal**:

– Transcriptomic and DNA methylation clocks, which measure biological age, indicated an average age reversal of **3.4 years across 54% of 61 tissues** from 10 organ systems in SRC-treated monkeys, compared to **2.8 years across 31% of tissues** with WTCs.

– Standout tissues included:

– **Skin**: -5.6 years (vs. -4.4 years with WTCs)

– **Lungs**: -4.1 years (vs. -3.3 years)

– **Skeletal muscle**: -4.9 years (vs. -3.2 years)

– **Spleen**: -2.6 years (vs. -1.9 years)

– **Hippocampus**: -2 years (vs. -1.5 years)

 

  1. 4. **Immune System Reset**:

– Peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed upregulated DNA repair and autophagy pathways, with downregulated pro-senescence and inflammatory genes.

– Inflammatory markers like IL-6, TNF-α, and CHIT1 (a neuroinflammation biomarker) decreased significantly.

 

  1. 5. **Reproductive Organ Rejuvenation**:

– The ovaries exhibited the largest age reversal, with a reduction of approximately **4.5 years**, and granulosa cells showed over **6 years** of reversal.

– Other reproductive tissues, including the fallopian tubes, also showed significant rejuvenation.

 

These results suggest that SRCs orchestrate a **multi-system rejuvenation**, addressing multiple hallmarks of aging simultaneously. Even WTCs showed notable benefits, indicating that stem cell therapy alone has anti-aging potential, though SRCs were consistently more effective.

#### Implications for Human Longevity

The study’s findings are a significant step toward developing true anti-aging therapies. By targeting multiple aging mechanisms—stem cell exhaustion, DNA damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress—SRCs could shift the paradigm from treating age-related diseases (e.g., heart disease, arthritis, dementia) to preventing them by maintaining youthful resilience. The researchers estimate that the 3–5 years of biological age reversal in monkeys could translate to **9–15 years in humans**, though this is speculative due to differences in human and primate biology.

 

The study also highlights the role of **exosomes**, which could potentially be used as a standalone therapy to achieve similar effects without the need for cell infusions. This could simplify and reduce the cost of future treatments.

#### Challenges and Caveats

Despite the excitement, several challenges remain:

– **Long-Term Safety**: While no adverse effects were observed over 44 weeks, the long-term risks of gene-edited cell therapies, such as genomic instability or cancer, are unknown. Extended follow-up studies are needed.

– **Translatability to Humans**: Differences in immune systems, reproductive biology, and social factors may affect how SRCs perform in humans.

– **Cost and Accessibility**: Replicating the study’s protocol (bi-weekly infusions for nearly a year) would be prohibitively expensive, potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Early adopters with significant financial resources will likely drive initial development, but costs must decrease for broader accessibility.

– **Biodistribution and Durability**: Questions remain about where SRCs travel in the body, how long they survive, and whether their effects persist without continuous treatment.

– **Ethical and Regulatory Concerns**: The use of gene-edited human cells raises ethical questions, and regulatory approval for human trials will require rigorous safety data.

#### Broader Context and Future Directions

This study represents a leap forward in longevity science, moving closer to the dream of a single intervention that can measurably reverse aging. Unlike traditional approaches that target individual diseases, SRC therapy addresses aging itself, potentially preventing a range of age-related conditions. However, aging is a complex process driven by multiple intertwined factors, and no single therapy is likely to be a complete solution.

 

Future research will need to:

– Determine whether exosomes alone can replicate SRCs’ effects.

– Identify which tissues are less responsive and how to target them.

– Conduct human trials to validate safety and efficacy.

– Address scalability and cost to make the therapy accessible.

 

#### Conclusion

 

The Beijing study demonstrates that systemic age reversal is possible in primates using FOXO3-enhanced stem cells, with significant rejuvenation in the brain, bones, muscles, immune system, and reproductive organs. While not yet ready for clinical use, this research offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of anti-aging therapies. For longevity enthusiasts, it’s a milestone worth celebrating, but for regulators and ethicists, it raises critical questions about safety, equity, and the societal implications of extending human lifespans. As the field progresses, this study could mark the beginning of a new era in combating aging, bringing us closer to a world where staying young is not just a dream but a reality.

 

For those eager to track their own biological markers, tools like the **Hume Body Pod** (mentioned in the video) can provide insights into metrics like body fat, muscle mass, and bone density, helping individuals monitor their aging process. As longevity science advances, such tools may become integral to personalized health strategies.

Commentary on the Video: The Value of this study from a Torah perspective

1) When people see the biological possibility of anti-aging technology, it makes it easier for some of them to believe in the ages of some of the key people in the book of Breishit (Genesis).
2) Yishayahu (Isaiah) 65:20 informs us that there will be a time in the future:

There shall be no more there an infant who lives a few days, nor an old man that has not filled his days: for the youngest shall die a hundred years old; and the sinner being a hundred years old shall be deemed accursed.

It is possible that some medical discovery will help us fulfill this prophecy in a natural way.
3) Based on this research and prophetic sources, it is not appropriate to bless someone that he or she lives to the age of 120.

Therefore, this research has value, even if in the end the results might be achieved through more effective or efficient methods!

 

]]>
When there is a great war in the world, the power of the Mashiach awakens. https://vilnagaon.org/when-there-is-a-great-war-in-the-world-the-power-of-the-mashiach-awakens/ Sun, 26 Oct 2025 21:21:38 +0000 https://vilnagaon.org/?p=12008 Continued]]>

Quote from https://machonmeir.net/rabbi-kook-on-war/

Rabbi Avraham Y. Kook

Rabbi Avraham Y. Kook

War is also Redemption (Tractate Megilla)

by Tzvi Fishman

While HaRav Avraham Yitzhal HaKohen Kook possessed a towering love for all people, and while his writings on love are often quoted during times of fraternal conflict and global war, one should not get the impression that Rabbi Kook was a screaming liberal who fostered the creed of turning the other cheek. For example, in the midst of World War One when the nations of the world were engaged in a savage outburst of killing and destruction, Rabbi Kook wrote the following:

“When there is a great war in the world, the power of the Mashiach awakens. The time of the songbird has come, the weeding away of tyrants… The present World War is filled with deep and awesome expectations which point to the Revealed End leading to the settlement of Eretz Yisrael. ‘Master of wars, the sower of righteousness, Who causes salvation to sprout… cause a new light to shine upon Zion. May we all be speedily privileged to enjoy its light.’”

During the midst of World War One, with his penetrating gaze and deep Torah wisdom, Rabbi Kook understood that Hashem, ‘the Master of War,’ was bringing about a new stage in the history-sweeping drama of the Redemption of Israel. Indeed, in the aftermath of the war, the Balfour Proclamation opened a path toward the creation of an internationally-recognized Jewish Homeland. Similarly, in the aftermath of World War Two, the State of Israel was established. Today, we can see how Rabbi Kook’s vision applies as well to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. No doubt one of the outcomes will be a great influx of olim in the continuing ingathering of the exiles to the Promised Land.

In his essays concerning war in his book “Orot,” Rabbi Kook goes on to analyze the inner causes which led to the devastating world upheaval. He writes:

“The moral repression found in the profane culture which exerted vast dominion over the nations, brought oppression to their hearts, and caused evil traits, diseases, and anger to multiply and be pent up in the depths of their souls. And now these are erupting their fetters through the horrendously bloody and awesomely cruel battles, which are more in keeping with their still unrefined natures.”

Rabbi Kook sought to explain how an enlightened, industrialized, and cultured Europe could unleash such destructive barbaric forces that brought the world to a cataclysmic and death-filled war. Some 20,000,000 people were killed and another 21,000,000 wounded. What went wrong?

The “profane culture” he writes about which grew to dominate Western civilization is the outgrowth of Christianity, whose doctrines of repression burst through Christianity’s outer guise of gentility and brotherhood into a monstrous storm of violence and hate. Rabbi Kook explains that in denying the Torah and its commandments, Christianity separated mankind from Hashem. Unlike the constant self-correction and moral improvement demanded by the Torah, through the diligent work of perfecting character traits, Christianity’s false show of morals proved impotent in uplifting man’s baser traits. Only the Torah, Rabbi Kook explains, has the unique power to refine man’s nature. All other disciplines, whether religious, secular, philosophical, or scientific, can add to man’s quantitative knowledge, but they cannot effect any lasting inner change.

In his eye-opening essays, Rabbi Kook teaches that Christian civilization, and the profane secular culture which grew out from it, knows what is evil, but does not know how to correct it. It learned about morals from the Hebrew Bible, but in cutting itself off from Israel and the commandments of the Torah, requiring only a statement of belief in the Christian messiah, it separated mankind from the one and only path to Hashem and true morality. Rabbi Kook uses the expression, “Forgetters of Hashem in their innards and carrying His Name on the lips,” (Orot, 2:8). According to Rabbi Kook’s Torah worldview, Christianity left man simmering in secular and pseudo-religious darkness in a cauldron of unrefined passions and lusts which finally exploded in the devastating world war. He continues:

“The sin of those who shed blood is saturated with stain – the evil kings of the land and the murderers who bring terror on the earth. ‘The land will not be atoned for the blood which has been spilled upon it except through the blood of those who spilled it’ (Jeremiah, 2:22), and atonement is sure to come – the total annulment of all of today’s cultural edifices, with all of their lies and deceit, with all of their evil pollutions and venomous poisons. The entire culture which flatters itself with melodious lies must be erased from the world, and in their stead will be established the kingdom of the high holy ones.”

Here we can see that although Rabbi Kook loved all of humanity, he wasn’t blind to the evil which existed in the world and he demands, in the light of the Torah and Prophets of Israel, that the evil culture haunting mankind be obliterated from the earth. In its place will shine forth the light of Israel:

“The light of Israel will appear, to establish a world whose nations are possessed of a new spirit, nations who will no longer speak emptiness, and who will no longer act contemptuously against Hashem and against His Mashiach, against the life-light of the world, and against the perfection and belief embodied in the eternal covenant of the Torah… Then it will be known and proven that only in Him, in the G-d of Israel, is there salvation, and the salvation of Hashem will surely come.

“The dissipation of the powers of the heathens, who are drunk with a poisonous cup, is sure to come. Hashem has opened His arsenal and taken out His weapons of war. Then the present-day culture will be totally erased, with all of its foundations, libraries, and theaters. And all of the vain and cruel laws, and the evil and sinful customs of life, will all pass away to oblivion. And Hashem alone will be exalted above all on that day… ‘And it shall come to pass in the end of days, that the mountain of the Lord’s House shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all of the nations shall stream unto it’” (Orot, Chapter 2:8).

May it be soon.

[Based on the book, “War and Peace,” by Rabbi David Samson and Tzvi Fishman.]

]]>
President Trump, “the bribe taker”, after handing Qatar a Win in Gaza, now ponders about forcing Netanyahu to release the Mass Murderer Marwan Barghouti from Prison https://vilnagaon.org/the-bribe-taker/ Fri, 24 Oct 2025 02:57:25 +0000 https://vilnagaon.org/?p=12000 Continued]]>

In a recent interview with “Time” when asked about whether he would support freeing Barghouti, who has long been seen by Palestinians and some diplomats as a potential unifying leader. “I am literally being confronted with that question about 15 minutes before you called. That was the question. That was my question of the day. So I’ll be making a decision,” he said.

A Summary of Ethical Complaints Against Donald Trump and his negotiator, Steve Witkoff (with the help of Grok AI)

Opponents, including Democratic lawmakers, ethics watchdogs, and former White House officials, have accused Trump of blurring the lines between his personal/family business interests and U.S. foreign policy toward Qatar. These stem primarily from 2025 developments during his second term, building on earlier concerns from his first term. Key complaints include:

 

– **Acceptance of a $400 million luxury jet as a “gift” from Qatar’s royal family**: Critics, including Senate Democrats like Chuck Schumer and Sen. Chris Murphy, argue this violates the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, as it constitutes a foreign gift without congressional approval. They claim it’s a quid pro quo for favorable policies, such as military protection for Qatar, and enriches Trump personally (he plans to transfer the plane to his presidential library). Richard Painter, a former ethics lawyer under George W. Bush, called it unconstitutional and unethical, especially given Qatar’s human rights record and ties to Hamas. Even some MAGA-aligned figures like Laura Loomer and Ben Shapiro criticized it as corrupt influence-peddling.

 

– **Trump Organization’s luxury golf resort deal with Qatar**: In April 2025, Trump’s sons announced a multibillion-dollar project (including villas and an 18-hole course) with a Qatari government-owned firm. Watchdog groups like Accountable.US accused Trump of using U.S. taxpayers to subsidize protection for his “luxury Qatar golf course” while currying favor with Qatari partners. Critics like Matt Duss (executive director of the Center for International Policy) labeled it nepotism and a conflict of interest, tying it to Trump’s Gaza ceasefire push and mediation role for Hamas (hosted in Doha).

 

– **Broader foreign policy favoritism tied to business gains**: Trump’s May 2025 Middle East trip (including Qatar) coincided with new Trump-branded deals worth billions in the Gulf. Opponents, including Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), argue it creates the appearance of self-dealing, with U.S. security guarantees (e.g., an October 2025 executive order treating attacks on Qatar as threats to U.S. security) benefiting Qatar in exchange for investments. This echoes 2017 concerns when Trump sided with a Saudi-led boycott of Qatar amid his own undisclosed business ties (e.g., Qatar Airways as a Trump Tower tenant).

 

– **Suspension of anti-corruption laws favoring Qatar**: Trump ordered a halt to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement and narrowed foreign lobbying disclosures. Critics link this to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s prior $1 million+ lobbying for Qatar, accusing the administration of enabling bribery and influence-buying.

 

These accusations have drawn bipartisan unease, with GOP senators like Tillis calling for transparency and some conservatives (e.g., Erick Erickson) warning of legal risks.

 

### Complaints Against Steve Witkoff Regarding Unethical Business Relations with Qatar

 

As Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East (appointed in November 2024), Witkoff—a real estate developer and Trump confidant—faces scrutiny for his family’s ongoing business pursuits overlapping with his diplomatic role in Gaza ceasefire talks. Key complaints from outlets like The New York Times, Senate Democrats, and critics like Jewish Insider include:

 

– **Son Alex Witkoff soliciting billions from Qatar during Gaza negotiations**: In 2025, while Steve Witkoff mediated Israel-Hamas talks (with Qatar as a key player), Alex pitched a $4 billion U.S. real estate fund to Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, claiming prior pledges from Gulf states. Critics argue this creates a conflict, as Qatar could leverage investments to influence U.S. policy. The fund could yield hundreds of millions for the Witkoff Group, which Steve founded.

 

– **Longstanding family investments from Qatar raising influence concerns**: Qatar’s Investment Authority bailed out Witkoff’s Park Lane Hotel in 2023 for $620 million during financial distress. A 2017 Qatari lobbying memo (via lobbyist Joey Allaham) targeted Witkoff as a “confidant” to Trump for investments to build goodwill. Opponents claim this made Witkoff “indebted” to Qatar, compromising his neutrality in talks involving Hamas (hosted in Doha).

 

– **Blending diplomacy with crypto and real estate ventures**: Witkoff promoted a Trump-linked crypto project (World Liberty Financial) at conferences while negotiating with Gulf states like Qatar and the UAE, which invested $2 billion. Senate Democrats launched a probe in October 2025 over potential ethics violations, questioning if his role influenced AI and investment deals.

 

The Witkoff family and White House deny conflicts, stating Steve divested in 2024 and complies with ethics rules; Qatar calls accusations “absurd.” However, critics like those in The Atlantic argue it exemplifies “kleptocracy,” with no evidence of policy sway but strong appearances of impropriety. The family threatened a defamation suit against The New York Times over its reporting.

Ways the Recent Gaza Ceasefire Deal Benefited Qatar’s Interests

  • NATO-Like Security Guarantees Against External Threats: The executive order elevated Qatar’s defense status, providing a unilateral U.S. commitment to defend its territorial integrity—explicitly in response to the Israeli strike that killed six, including a Qatari security officer, and violated Doha’s sovereignty. This “compensation” reassured Qatar amid its mediation efforts, deterring future attacks from Israel or Iran-backed groups and allowing Doha to host Hamas without fear of reprisals. Critics noted it bypassed Senate ratification, but for Qatar, it locked in enhanced military protection via the Al Udeid base and joint operations, far surpassing prior major non-NATO ally status granted in 2022.
  • Leverage from Pre-War Funding and Hosting of Hamas: Qatar’s longstanding financial support for Hamas—over $1.8 billion total, escalating to $360 million annually by 2021 for Gaza salaries, fuel, and aid—gave Doha unparalleled access and influence over the group. Approved by Israel and the U.S. to stabilize Gaza and counter the Palestinian Authority, this funding (often delivered in cash suitcases) allowed Qatar to host Hamas’s political office and leaders like Ismail Haniyeh since 2012, making it indispensable in negotiations. The ceasefire deal capitalized on this relationship, enabling Qatar to extract concessions from Hamas (e.g., hostage releases) while preserving its role as mediator, thereby sustaining its diplomatic clout without severing ties that could undermine future influence.
  • Enhanced Diplomatic Prestige and Soft Power: Qatar’s pivotal mediation, including drafting elements of the 21-point peace plan shared in New York, solidified its status as a global diplomacy hub. This success, praised by President Trump and international leaders, elevated Qatar’s relevance amid regional volatility, providing a “backstop of global support” for the small Gulf state sandwiched between larger powers like Saudi Arabia and Iran. It also built on prior wins, such as facilitating the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Iran-U.S. prisoner swap, reinforcing Qatar’s image as a neutral broker capable of resolving high-stakes conflicts.
  • Strengthened U.S. Alliance and Military Ties: The deal deepened Qatar’s partnership with the Trump administration, which repeatedly turned to Doha when other intermediaries failed. Hosting the U.S.’s largest Middle East air base (Al Udeid), Qatar used the mediation to prove its value on American foreign policy goals, including hostage releases and regional stability. U.S. officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, publicly thanked Qatar, paving the way for sustained defense cooperation and potential expansions in joint exercises or arms deals. This alignment also countered criticisms from U.S. Congress members wary of Qatar’s Hamas ties, by demonstrating tangible results.
  • Regional Stability and Reduced Spillover Risks: By halting the war—responsible for over 46,000 Palestinian deaths and economic fallout—the ceasefire minimized threats to Qatar’s security, such as refugee flows, proxy escalations (e.g., with Hezbollah or Iran), or disruptions to Gulf energy markets. Qatar’s foreign policy emphasizes counterbalancing alliances to maintain neutrality; the deal advanced this by easing Israel-Iran tensions and preventing Syrian chaos from spilling over, allowing Doha to focus on domestic priorities like post-World Cup infrastructure without regional distractions.
  • Economic and Business Leverage: Qatar’s close ties with the Trump family, including investments in Trump Organization projects and a $620 million bailout for Witkoff Group’s Park Lane Hotel, were indirectly bolstered. The ceasefire, celebrated during Trump’s Middle East trip, coincided with billions in new Gulf deals, including Trump-branded ventures in Qatar. Additionally, as a conduit for Gaza aid (hundreds of millions in prior funding with Israeli approval), Qatar positioned itself for reconstruction contracts and sovereign wealth fund opportunities in post-war Gaza, potentially yielding returns on its humanitarian investments.
  • Humanitarian Leadership and Aid Coordination: The agreement’s provisions for a “surge” of aid into Gaza aligned with Qatar’s long-standing role as a donor, having funneled funds for families, salaries, and infrastructure. This not only burnished Qatar’s image as a compassionate actor but also ensured smoother aid logistics through Doha-hosted talks, reducing criticism over past diversions to Hamas and opening doors for UN partnerships in rebuilding.

While some critics, like those in the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warn Qatar may revert to pro-Hamas stances (e.g., Emir Tamim’s October 21 speech blaming Israel without mentioning the October 7 attacks), the deal’s immediate outcomes overwhelmingly served Doha’s multifaceted interests. Ongoing phases, including Hamas disarmament and governance transitions, will test whether these gains endure, but Qatar’s central guarantor role ensures continued influence.

Pro-Israel activists should protest Donald Trump’s tilt towards Israel’s enemies! Qatar and Mass Murderer Marwan Barghouti are enemies.

Editor’s note: “Palestinian” is a propaganda term, invented by the enemy. 

]]>
Vice President J.D. Vance Insults the Bible. He should be rejected as a Future Candidate for President. https://vilnagaon.org/vance-insults-the-bible/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:40:28 +0000 https://vilnagaon.org/?p=11994 Continued]]>

A map according to Ohr Yechezkel of the future Tribal Division of the Land of Israel according to the last 2 Chapters of Ezekiel.

A map according to Ohr Yechezkel of the future Tribal Division of the Land of Israel according to the last 2 Chapters of Ezekiel.

See The Future Borders of the Tribes of Israel as Evidence for the Size of a Cubit for additional viewpoints concerning the future tribal division.

The Bible says it is a Spiritual Crime to Back 2 State Solutions that Deprive the Nation of Israel’s Ownership of Biblical Israel!

The Biblical book of Yoel (Joel) Chapter 4 as translated by https://www.sefaria.org.il/Joel.4.2?lang=bi states:
For lo! in those days And in that time, When I restore the fortunes Of Judah and Jerusalem,
I will gather all the nations And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will contend with them Over My very own people, Israel, Which they scattered among the nations. For they divided My land among themselves.

Dividing Biblical Israel is a crime for which the nations will be punished.

See also Why G-d let Bin-Laden Succeed! A Jewish Perspective on the Destruction of the World Trade Center in New York for greater details of why America’s support for the Oslo Terror Accords brought and brings disaster to America.

Vice President J.D. Vance recently stated that he felt insulted and strongly opposed the Knesset’s declaration that all of Judea and Samaria belongs to the Nation of Israel and not to the Muslim invaders, that call themselves “Palestinians” for propaganda purposes.

I am insulted that he contradicts many verses in the Bible by his statement and as things stand now will not vote for him if he runs for President in a future election.

post by: Shlomo Moshe Scheinman

 

]]>
Words Do Matter! Knesset Approves in a Preliminary Reading: Sovereignty Over Judea and Samaria and Ma’ale Adumim https://vilnagaon.org/sovereignty/ Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:50:53 +0000 https://vilnagaon.org/?p=11982 Continued]]>

The Knesset approved today (Wednesday), in a preliminary reading, two bills to apply Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria and over Ma’ale Adumim.

avi maoz

The bill by MK Avi Maoz (Noam party) to apply sovereignty over Judea and Samaria passed by a narrow margin—25 in favor and 24 against.

The bill by MK Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beitenu) to apply sovereignty over Ma’ale Adumim passed with a wider majority—32 in favor and 9 against.

Both proposals will now be forwarded to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for further discussion.

MK Maoz said in the plenum:

“The Holy One, blessed be He, gave the Land of Israel to the people of Israel. Settlement is redemption and national revival. Applying sovereignty over Judea and Samaria corrects a wrong that is long overdue to be fixed.”

Education Minister Yoav Kisch, presenting the government’s position, emphasized:

“I believe in sovereignty,”

but argued:

“This is not the way to achieve it—not through private opposition legislation, but in coordination with the United States and at the appropriate time.”

Meanwhile, the Religious Zionism party announced support for Maoz’s initiative, citing

“Israel’s lack of response to the tsunami of unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.”

It’s worth noting that about three months ago, the Knesset passed a declarative resolution calling for sovereignty in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley, with a majority of 71 MKs—but it was not a practical legislative step.

Regarding Ma’ale Adumim

Ma’ale Adumim was established around 48 years ago and has since grown into a city of around 40,000 residents. It’s located approximately 7 km east of Jerusalem, on the route to the Dead Sea—a strategic junction for securing the road to Jerusalem and connecting the Jordan Valley, Judean Desert, and Jerusalem. Ma’ale Adumim is in a region that has always been an inseparable part of the historic Land of Israel. There is broad national and international agreement on applying Israeli sovereignty there. It’s noted that this move would not significantly alter Israel’s demographic balance or harm the democratic character of the state.

Vilnagaon.org supports the legistlation proposed by Avi Maoz because “Words do Matter!” as explained in the post: Words do Matter!

Ma’ale Adumim is part of Judea and Samaria.

 

]]>
A Jewish lawyer was detained by London police after wearing a Magen David necklace at a pro-Palestinian rally. Officers reportedly described the Jewish symbol as a “possible antagonistic emblem or sign.” https://vilnagaon.org/detained-for-jewish-symbol/ Sun, 19 Oct 2025 18:35:06 +0000 https://vilnagaon.org/?p=11979 Continued]]>

The symbol used in modern times by many Jews is called by the name Magen David in Hebrew. It is incorrectly translated into English as “Star of David”. The proper translation is Shield of David. See the post: Regarding the Parochet (ark curtain) that has upon it the shape of a Magen David, if there is any concern about this: why the incorrect translation might have halachic implications.

Source of the quotation below: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/416463

The author of this quotation Stephen M. Flatlow uses the flawed translation of Magen David in his opinion piece. Here is an excerpt of his words:

Something chilling happened in London this week – something that should worry not only British Jews but Jews everywhere.

 

A Jewish lawyer was detained by London police after wearing a Star of David necklace at a pro-Palestinian rally. Officers reportedly described the Jewish symbol as a “possible antagonistic emblem or sign.” He was held for around ten hours under questioning.

 

Pause on that for a moment. A Jewish symbol – one worn daily by millions of Jews worldwide – was treated by British law enforcement as a provocation.

 

This is not happening in Tehran or Ramallah. This is London, 2025.

 

The Metropolitan Police claimed the lawyer was not arrested because of the necklace but for “breaching” protest-zone restrictions separating pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian Arab demonstrators. Yet even the police acknowledged that the Star of David itself was flagged as a flashpoint.

 

Would they have said the same if it had been a cross, a hijab, or a Sikh turban?

 

For Britain’s Jewish community, this incident touches a raw nerve: a symbol of Jewish faith was treated as something dangerous. It raises the question of whether the state sees Jewish identity as something to protect – or to manage.

 

The detained lawyer put it bluntly:

 

“It is outrageous that police should claim wearing a Star of David somehow antagonizes (sic) people. In an environment of antisemitism, I will not be cowed by this.”

 

This isn’t the first time British police have treated visible Jewish identity as a “problem.”

 

In April 2024, Gideon Falter, head of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, was stopped while walking home from synagogue in London. An officer told him his “quite openly Jewish” appearance could “provoke a reaction.” The Met later apologized – but the damage was done.

 

The message received was unmistakable: being visibly Jewish in public is now treated as a liability.

 

Daniel Sugarman of the Board of Deputies of British Jews warned that many in the community “feel extremely disturbed” by weekly marches that include “deeply disturbing slogans and antisemitic signs.”

 

Even UK Interior Minister James Cleverly felt compelled to weigh in, saying: “No one should feel unsafe due to their religion.”

 

And yet, Jews in London increasingly do.

For the ultimate solution for the problem described above, see the article:

Rabbi Yissachar S. Teichtal (H”YD) A Victim of the Holocaust, Explains Why Hashem Let It Happen

 

]]>
What is the Basis for the State of Israel’s Failure? https://vilnagaon.org/basis-for-failure/ Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:17:24 +0000 https://vilnagaon.org/?p=11968 Continued]]>

Wednesday, 23 Tishrei 5786 – Isru Chag Shemini Atzeret

What is the Basis for the State of Israel’s Failure?

Gaza Strip and Gush Katif

 

It is difficult, extremely difficult, to decide from which angle to approach the disgraceful agreement that everyone is celebrating. It could fill dozens of articles, and yet few would grasp the depth of the fracture. Benjamin Netanyahu, master of rhetoric and oratory, wizard of international relations and champion of mass media, knows his flock well. Only he, with his sleight of hand, could turn a shameful failure into an “absolute victory,” a humiliating surrender into a “monumental achievement,” and a national disgrace into “diplomatic strength.”

 

One could write about the inconceivable ease with which nearly two thousand terrorists were released, including murderers (that is, those who succeeded in murdering; the rest only tried and failed), after Netanyahu himself was once a leading opponent of deals to free murderers. In a world ruled by logic, there would be grounds for outrage, especially given that the horrific massacre two years ago was a direct result of the Shalit deal. One might have expected at least that Netanyahu would learn the bitter lesson from that bitter experience. But apparently, common sense is a rare commodity today; many prefer superficiality over it, and they refuse to let the facts and the stark, murderous reality staring them in the face dim the wishes of their hearts. The holy words of the Gemara echo through the generations (Yoma 86b): “Rav Huna said: Once a person commits a transgression and repeats it, it becomes permitted to him. Permitted to him? One might think so? Rather, say: It becomes as if permitted to him.”

 

One could write about the unbearable capitulation to a handful of anarchists who hold Netanyahu by the throat, and his refusal to make the courageous decision to break free from their grip. If the hypothesis is correct—that the reckless protests against the elected government were the trigger that enabled Hamas to carry out the horrific massacre—then it can equally be stated that in the night of Galant’s dismissal, when Netanyahu surrendered to that deranged and reckless handful (by rescinding his decision), the foundations were laid for the current capitulation, which would not have come to pass without the funded and publicized “hostage campaign.”

 

One could write about the treachery, defeatism, auto-antisemitism, self-destructive impulse, and other maladies of the Left, and the media that gave a platform to the campaign that knowingly sabotaged the war—cynically plucking at emotional strings, employing false and abusive motifs from our sources such as “redeeming captives,” and consciously collaborating with the worst of Israel’s enemies—yes, even with the Gazan murderers.

 

One could write about so many failures: the senior military command that threw sand in the gears of the war; the IDF Code of Ethics, whose adherents are directly responsible for the murder of countless Jewish soldiers and civilians due to their mercy toward the cruel enemy; the blind Bibi-ism that blinds the faithful public, which should have cried out bitterly against the deal and prevented it by any means; the naivety, intellectual negligence, and lack of initiative of the Haredi politicians, who thought that supporting a reckless deal would somehow help them with the draft law; the no less profound naivety of large segments of Religious Zionism, who collaborated with the Kaplan Street protest activists against Torah scholars instead of understanding that the knife the Left stabs into the backs of the fighters gets further sharpened when it succeeds in stabbing into the crowd of believers.

 

As stated, it is extremely difficult to decide which aspect to write about. I will admit without shame: my holiday joy was mingled with great sorrow over the state of the nation—two years in which there was hope for revival, for shaking off the dust, for returning to the source, to the identity, to the Jewish root; for returning to the vision of conquering the Land, settling it, and dwelling in it. And now, with our own hands, we are squandering it all and sacrificing our future on the altar of the “hostage religion” and American dictates.

 

And now Shemini Atzeret has arrived—the day when the Jewish people unite with their God after the days of Sukkot; the day we complete the Torah reading and celebrate its conclusion; and the day when, two years ago, the order of the world collapsed, forcing even the willfully blind to open their eyes and see the enemy as he is (until they decided to close them again by force). And when we reached the Torah reading, I understood that it all begins here, with “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1), in the first Rashi that we all know but don’t always internalize: our exclusive right to the Land granted by the Creator of the world. Only by recognizing this can we truly sit here securely and repel the claims of “you are thieves.”

At the sycophantic celebration held in the Knesset in honor of Donald Trump, who forced this disgraceful agreement on Israel due to his economic interests in Qatar and Saudi Arabia (and the Israeli government, of course, would not refuse a “friendly” president, whose friendship matters more to the government than the friendship of the Beloved from the Song of Songs), Opposition Leader Yair Lapid delivered a speech and received applause even from government members. These were his words:

“From here, I say to everyone who protested against Israel in the last two years, in London and Rome, in Paris and at Columbia University: I do not represent the government; I am the head of the opposition, and yet I say to you: You were fooled. The truth is there was no genocide. There was no intent to starve…”

 

When historians in hundreds of years investigate the annals of Israeli flaccidity in the struggle for the Land, these words will stand out as one of the most blatant documents of the phenomenon. Our modern-day Nazis carried out a horrific massacre against us, with an undisguised intent to destroy us. For two years, they held our hostages in inhuman conditions under the protection of the supporting civilian population (try imagining the most “extremist” Jews in Yitzhar holding an Arab hostage, and think how many minutes it would take for him to be released—then perhaps you’ll understand that to hold a hostage, you need civilian backing; that’s what they call “non-involved”…). And after all this, what matters to us is to tell the world that we didn’t commit genocide. This is how one behaves who does not believe in his right to exist on this Land. This is how one behaves who did not study Chumash with Rashi, who did not study Chumash at all. This is how one behaves who does not believe in his right to win the war. It’s not just Lapid; this is the full right-wing government, addicted to that same conception, and the Kaplan Street protest activists knew full well how to identify its Achilles’ heel and stab their dagger into it.

The disgraceful surrender agreement—its birth was in the cabinet decision at the start of the war, which defined the war’s goals as releasing the hostages and toppling Hamas. Had they studied Chumash with Rashi, the goals would have been defined as conquering Gaza, destroying the enemy, expelling the Arab enemy from it, and establishing Jewish settlement within it. With all the good intentions, without Torah study for its own sake, you get nowhere. Let us pray to the Creator of the world to have mercy on us, to grant us another chance to return to Him, to sprinkle pure water upon us and pour out upon us a spirit from on high, that we may merit to save ourselves from ourselves, and that the fallen shall not have died in vain…

The author of this article is Rabbi Yehuda Epstein – Chairman of Agudat Kedushat Zion.

The translation into English is by Vilnagaon.org

]]>
Knesset Member Tzvi Yedidia Sukkot Shook a Lulav on the Temple Mount During Succot https://vilnagaon.org/tzvi-sukkot-lulav/ Sun, 12 Oct 2025 20:37:41 +0000 https://vilnagaon.org/?p=11961 Continued]]>

Tzvi Sukkot Shaking a Lulav on the Temple Mount

 

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein

Here is the ChatGPT translation regarding Rabbi Moshe Feinstein’s View About Shaking the Lulav on Har Habayit on Chol Hamoed

Here’s a clear and accurate English translation of the passage from **Rabbi Moshe Feinstein**, *Igros Moshe, Yoreh De’ah*, Vol. 4, Siman 63:

 

**”And I saw in the Minchas Chinuch, mitzvah 324, some puzzling things.** He writes that the law that the lulav [must be taken] in the Mikdash (Temple) for seven days applies specifically in the *Azarah* (Temple Courtyard), which is the *Machaneh Shechinah* (Camp of the Divine Presence), and that the Har HaBayis (Temple Mount) is not included in this — because the verse says ‘before the Lord your God,’ and that applies only in the Machaneh Shechinah.

But this is puzzling — for regarding the trumpets and the sound of the shofar, it also says ‘before the King, Hashem,’ and that took place on the Temple Mount!

And generally, we cannot interpret the verse ourselves to say it refers to the Azarah. After all, the eating of *maaser sheni* and *kodshim kalim* (lesser sanctified offerings) takes place throughout the city of Jerusalem, even though the verse says (Devarim 14:23), *’And you shall eat before the Lord your God.’*

If so, this expression also applies to [the rest of] Jerusalem, and certainly it applies to the Temple Mount.

Therefore, we have nothing except what the Gemara explicitly says about how to interpret these verses — for [the Sages] have other scriptural sources or traditions (kabbalah) that that is indeed the correct interpretation.”**


Appendix: Quote from the post: The Eulogy of the Temple Institute for Rabbi Moshe Tendler zt”l and the Eulogy of his Chevruta (learning partner)

For many years it has been the custom of Rabbi Dr. Moshe Dovid Tendler, famed posek, professor, and son-in-law of the great Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, זצ’ל to perform the commandment of “Mora Mikdash” – showing reverence to G-d at the place of the Holy Temple, by ascending the Temple Mount in strict accordance with halacha – Jewish law.

]]>
An AI Summary and Comment on Moshe Feiglin’s Interview by a BBC Reporter Regarding “Occupation, Displacement, and Settlement” as the Path to a “True Win” in the Conflict. https://vilnagaon.org/an-ai-summary-and-comment-on-moshe-feiglins-interview-by-a-bbc-reporter-regarding-occupation-displacement-and-settlement-as-the-path-to-a-true-win-in-the-confli/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:43:51 +0000 https://vilnagaon.org/?p=11955 Continued]]>

Moshe Feiglin

In a heated BBC interview, Moshe Feiglin, a prominent Israeli politician known for his far-right views, articulated a hardline stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on themes of Jewish sovereignty, denial of Palestinian national identity, and dismissal of international law. The interview, conducted in the context of ongoing tensions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, covered Feiglin’s controversial Instagram post advocating for “occupation, displacement, and settlement” as the path to a “true win” in the conflict.

Key Points from the Interview:

  1. Denial of Palestinian Nationhood: Feiglin categorically rejected the existence of a Palestinian people, describing them as part of the broader Arab nation and asserting that the concept of a Palestinian nation is a “false reality” and a “weapon” designed to undermine Jewish sovereignty. He argued that prior to the 1967 Six-Day War, when Jordan and Egypt controlled the West Bank and Gaza, there was no demand for a Palestinian state, suggesting the identity emerged solely to oppose Jewish control. He called this narrative “the biggest lie of the 20th century” and refused to use the term “Palestinian,” insisting it implies Jews are occupiers of their own land.
  2. Advocacy for Displacement: Feiglin proposed the displacement of Arabs from Gaza, claiming only 800,000 remain there (disputing higher population estimates) and that many wish to leave but are prevented by external political forces. He suggested that opening Gaza’s borders would allow residents to emigrate to Arab countries like Dubai or Turkey, or to Europe, where he claimed many had already gone. He argued that Gaza is a “terrible place” for its residents, framing displacement as a solution to their plight and a means to secure Jewish control over the land. When pressed on where these people should go, he referenced the creation of Jordan as a Palestinian state by the British in the 1920s, implying Arabs have ample alternatives while Jews have only Israel.
  3. Rejection of International Law: The interviewer cited international law, specifically Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which Israel ratified, declaring Israeli settlements in occupied territories illegal, and Article 24 of the UN Charter, which views settlement expansion as annexation. Feiglin dismissed these laws as biased tools selectively applied against Israel. He argued that international law ignores atrocities in places like Syria, North Korea, or China, yet disproportionately targets Jews “resettling their Promised Land.” He called Israel’s acceptance of the Geneva Convention a “terrible mistake” and suggested it should withdraw from such commitments.
  4. Accusations Against the UN and BBC: Feiglin accused the United Nations of being complicit in terrorism and failing to unequivocally condemn Hamas’s actions, particularly the October 7 attack. He similarly criticized the BBC, alleging the interview’s framing—focusing on Israeli actions rather than Hamas’s violence—aligned it with the “evil side of history.” He claimed the international community, including the BBC, perpetuates a narrative that paints Israelis as aggressors while ignoring Arab violence.
  5. Response to Settler Violence Allegations: When confronted with UN data reporting 503 Palestinian deaths, 111 injuries, and over 1,200 displacements (including nearly 600 children) due to settler attacks in the West Bank between October 7, 2023, and February 20, 2024, Feiglin outright denied the figures, calling them “ridiculous” and a “big lie.” He insisted there is no settler violence against Arabs, claiming the reverse—that Arabs are killing Jews—and likened the accusations to blaming a victim for resisting an attacker. He accused the UN of supporting terror by spreading such claims.
  6. View on the Gaza Conflict and Hostages: Feiglin argued that Israel’s failure to decisively defeat Hamas immediately after October 7 prolonged the conflict and the plight of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. He compared Israel’s situation to World War II, suggesting that just as the Allies bombed German cities like Dresden, Israel should have cut off Gaza’s water, gas, and electricity to force Hamas to surrender. He described Gaza’s population as indistinguishable from Hamas, claiming 80% voted for the group, making them collectively responsible. He argued that treating Hamas as separate from Gaza’s people is a lie that perpetuates the war. Regarding hostages, he suggested that prioritizing national interests over individual lives, by avoiding past prisoner swaps that released terrorists like Yahya Sinwar, would prevent future hostage situations.
  7. Biblical and Moral Framing: Feiglin framed Jewish settlement in Israel as a biblical and moral imperative, describing it as a “redemption” for humanity. He referenced the Balfour Declaration as evidence of historical recognition of Jewish rights to the land and accused those who recognize Palestinian identity of obstructing this divine mission. He insisted that peace is possible only if non-Jews accept exclusive Jewish rights to the biblical Land of Israel, comparing demands for Palestinian rights to claiming half of London.
  8. Openness to Peace with Conditions: While Feiglin expressed openness to peaceful coexistence with Arabs or other groups, he stipulated that it must be on terms that recognize Jewish sovereignty over all of Israel, including Gaza and the West Bank. He argued that using the term “Palestinian” inherently declares war by challenging Jewish claims to the land. He suggested that cooperation is possible only if this identity is abandoned.

 

Comment: We will judge Feiglin for the benefit of the doubt that point 8 mentioned in the summary was a mistake made under the pressure of a hostile interview.

See the post: A Few Days After the Attack on the World Trade Center – Moshe Feiglin Already Predicted the U.S.A. Would Lose the War. His Analysis Also Has Implications for the Efforts to “De-Nazifi” Gaza to explain our outlook.

In the worst case scenario that Feiglin really believes in what he said in point 8 in the interview, we remain loyal to the Torah ideal as expressed by the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh, The Chazon Ish (Shviit #24) and Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach’s last ruling in his life (Piskei Din, Yerushalayim, Laws of money and clarification of Jewish status, Vol. 6 pages 107 -109).

]]>
The 39 Melachos (Melachot) that are Forbidden on Shabbos (Shabbat) according to Rabbi Abramowitz on OU.org https://vilnagaon.org/39-activities/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:34:45 +0000 https://vilnagaon.org/?p=11951

]]>