Victor Cohen

The observance of kashrut is a cornerstone of Jewish life, among the most important means by which we set ourselves apart from the rest of the world. We do not eat in the same restaurants as others, we do not buy the same foods as others, and we handle our dishes much differently.

Thankfully, our generation is blessed with numerous highly-competent organizations that we can trust to certify products and establishments as kosher. These include household names such as the Orthodox Union (OU), Star-K, and the Jersey Shore Orthodox Rabbinate (JSOR). These organizations, among others, allow us to purchase food and eat at restaurants confidently, knowing that the food we consume was prepared in compliance with kashrut laws.

Unfortunately, not everyoneunderstands the “ins and outs” of how certification works, and there are those who are not aware its necessity for certain foods or establishments. They may say, “I just eat cheese,” or “I just eat fish,” or “I just get salad.” They may further the question the purpose of certification if “it’s all kosher ingredients.”

The truth is that there is much more to kashrut than just the “kosher ingredients.” People need to realize that even if all the ingredients are 100 percent kosher, the product could still be halachically forbidden for consumption.

To gain a clearer understanding of the issues at hand, and to receive some practical guidelines for kosher consumers, I had the honor of interviewing Rabbi Hayim Asher Arking, Administrator of JSOR. He patiently explainedfor us in general terms how kashrut works, where potential misunderstandings may arise, and what the real issues at play are.

The Meaning of “Certified Kosher”

“Certification” is a broad term. It can apply to foods which must be prepared in a certain manner, to foods that can easily be substituted with a non-kosher alternative, or to the status of the utensils used in production.

Some foods or drinks are always considered kosher. Water, for instance, is always kosher,even water with electrolytes. The same goes for unflavored coffee, plain raw rice, flour, sugar, and fruits which are not prone to infestation. (It should be noted that Israeli fruits and vegetables do require supervision). Some foods change kashrut status depending on the circumstances, such as cooked rice, artichoke hearts which are prone to infestation, and others. There are also foods which always require certification, no matter what the ingredient panel states, because they must be prepared according to certain conditions. Rabbi Arking gave six examples of food categories that require certification despite their kosher ingredients:

1. All cheeses
2. All cooked foods (because of issues with bishul akum– products cooked by a gentile, the use of non-kosher utensils, and potentially problematic ingredients)
3. Wine, brandy, cognac
4. Fish
5. Meat/Poultry
6. Vegetables

Milk vs. Cheese

Many people are unaware of the important distinction between milk and cheese in regard to modern-day kashrut.Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ruled that here in the United States, commercially-produced milk does not require certification, due to the stringent regulatory restrictions of the FDA,whichall but guarantee that the milk we purchase came from a cow, and not a non-kosher species. Outside the USA, every location requires evaluation. Many hold to a higher standard and use onlyhalav Yisrael – which means milk which was produced under supervision, rather than being presumed to be permissible.

Cheese, however, is treated far more stringently, as the sages forbade consuming gevinat akum – cheese produced by a gentile. Thus, pizza or pasta with cheese from a non-certified restaurant is prohibited. Bringing one’s own cheese to a non-kosher restaurant is not a solution, as numerous halachic issues remain, such as the status of the utensils, gentiles preparing the food, added ingredients, and others.

Wine

The production of wine requires proper supervision throughout the entire process, and secure sealings of all barrels while aging. When you go to a liquor store and see a wine bottle bearing kosher certification, that means that a kashrut organization has guaranteed it reaches your hands under kosher conditions, by assuring that the numerous halachot relevant to wine were upheld.  Consumers must be advised that if the label says “not mevushal,” then the wine becomes prohibited if it is handled by a gentile at any point after the seal was open.

Meat

Generally, even those who are less scrupulous in their kashrut observance recognize the need for kosher certification for meat. Most misunderstandings arise when it comes to fish, dairy products, and vegetables, which is why JSOR has made a concerted effort over the last several years to facilitate many kosher dairy restaurants throughout the Deal area, in order to promote kashrut observance.

Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to review the basic principles relevant to the kosher status of meat.

You are in the butchery, and in front of you are two steaks: Steak A and Steak B. Steak A is certified, and Steak B is not. What makes A kosher and not B?

The following guidelines must be adhered to for meat to be kosher:

1. The meat must originate from a kosher species, such as a cow or sheep. Without valid certification, there is no guarantee that the meat was taken from an animal whose meat is permitted by the Torah for consumption.

2. The animal must be slaughtered properly by a trained, certified shohet (“slaughterer”). The animal cannot be stunned through the slaughter period, and a certain kind of knife must be used.
3. After slaughtering, the meat must be salted, certain veins and fats must be removed, and it must be handled properly.

Furthermore, meat in a non-certified restaurant may not be eaten even if it is otherwise kosher, because halachah forbids eating meat that was “concealed from view,” and not properly guarded.  And, the law of bishul akum forbids eating even inherently kosher food if it was cooked by a gentile. Even utensils used by a gentile for cooking become forbidden, such that the food cooked in them by a Jew thereafter may not be eaten.

Thus, when a restaurant is certified kosher, this means that the kashrut agency ascertained that all the ingredients used by the restaurant are kosher, and all the food served in the restaurant is prepared according to halachic requirements.

Fish is…Fishy

Many people mistakenly assume that since fish has far fewer kashrut restrictions than meat, it does not require supervision.  But this is not true.Alarmingly, many studies have found that“fish fraud” across the United States is at well over 30 percent, perhaps higher. It is incredibly easy to replace one fish with another – and this happens in stores, restaurants, and other establishments.

This means that if we buy fish without kosher supervision, we cannot know whether or not it originates from a permissible species. And when ordering fish in a non-certified restaurant, one also encounters the problem of bishul akum. We must emphasize that there are no halachic “loopholes” that can permit eating fish that does not have kosher supervision, and it must therefore be treated just as stringently as meat.

Vegetables

Vegetables are, in many ways, the most clear-cut category, though vegetables which are prone to infestation need to be checked before consumption. The checking is what makesthe produce kosher – and so it must be treated as non-kosher before it is inspected. The vegetables cannot be presumed to be checked, and thus salads in non-kosher restaurants are prohibited. Like with other foods, vegetables require certain procedures to become kosher, and unless these procedures are followed, they may not be eaten.

Needless to say, the laws of kashrut are intricate and complex, and in fact, some rabbis devote many years to the full-time study of these halachot. Additionally,the certification process is nuanced and complicated, with different agencies implementing different policies. Hopefully, though, this article offered the reader an informative and practical overview of how certification works, why it is needed, and how it applies to different food groups. If you have any specific questions about the status of a certain food, or of the validity of a particular agency’s certification, please direct them to your local rabbi.Baruch Hashem,over the past 50 years, our community has made significant strides in the area of kashrut. While some issues occasionally arise, new kosher restaurants continue to open, and people have become more aware of the need for supervision. Much of this is thanks to the work of the rabbinical, executive and operational teams at JSOR, who continue to facilitate the availability of kosher restaurants and products, which will positively impact halachic observance generally throughout our community.

Pnina Souid

One day, the Mitzvah Man organization received a unique request. The caller, Mrs. H, explained:

“Baruch Hashem, we are a wealthy family living in a luxurious home. Everything our family could possibly need is at our fingertips. Financially we are on top of the world. However, our 14-year-old son, Joey, just takes it all for granted. He is becoming extremely spoiled and doesn’t seem to be appreciative of what he has. We want to instill inhim a sense of values and a sense of appreciation.

“I have an idea, but it might not work. We know that the Mitzvah Man organization sends volunteers to deliver food packages to the needy and elderly. Might you be able to send a volunteer to pick up my son so that he could help him with the deliveries?”

The Mitzvah Man replied, “It would be our pleasure.”

The Experiment

The following Thursday afternoon, a volunteer named Avi arrived at Mrs. H’s home to pick Joey up. Their first stop was to pick up the boxes to be delivered.

Avi explained, “These food packages are goingto people who are ill, elderly, or in financial trouble. They have no family members to provide for them. Today, we are making six deliveries. Thank you for helping with this act of kindness.”

That day, the temperature hit 95 degrees and it was extremely humid. It was not a day you would find many people happily schlepping heavy boxes.

After Avi and Joey loaded the van, they headed to an apartment building where there were two families receiving food boxes. As Avi got out of the van Joey asked him if he should wait for him.

“No, I want you to feel the mitzvah,” Avi responded.

Joey had never seen such a rundown building. He had never been exposed to abject poverty in his life.

Joey told Avi that he was not going to liftthe boxes. But Avi responded that he needed his help.

“I will take one box and you will take one box.”

Joey looked up at the tenth floor and asked, “Why are the windows open? Don’t they have A/C?”

Avi said, “They can’t afford it. Not everyone can.”

Joey noticed all the flies in the building and hesitated. Avi was right there with him.

“We have no choice. This is poverty and this is how these people live their lives 24/7. Let’s go. These families are waiting for their food delivery. You go to apartment 10L, and I will go to apartment 8B. You go first.”

“How do I open the lobby door?”

“You put the box down, press the button to open the door, pick the box back up, and push the door open. Then, when you get to the apartment, knock on the door and leave the box there. Don’t wait for them to open the door. We don’t want to embarrass the family.”

Joey looked around. He took in the reality of what it must feel like to actually live in such a dilapidated building. His expression was at first questioning, then thoughtful.

By the time Avi and Joey finished all the deliveries they were both covered in sweat. Avi reported back to the Mitzvah Man that their mission was accomplished. He assumed that Joey would not be back.

The Happy Ending

Mrs. H called the Mitzvah Man. “What did you do to my son? He loved it!”

“Excuse me, but what do you mean?” the Mitzvah Man asked.

“He wants to go again!”

Avi picked up Joey the following week. It was just as hot and humid as the previous week. Joey did his share of the deliveries with a smile. He continued to join Avi for another five weeks until school started.

His mother called the Mitzvah Man thrilled. “I think that this hesed has really made a difference. Joey is showing more appreciation for everything. I am incredibly grateful for the hesed that you did for our family.”

Eight years later, Avi sawhis old delivery buddy Joey, now with his own car,which was loaded full of food boxes!

Joey toldAvi, “I have my own car and I decided to dedicate myself to making food deliveries. The people need the food, and I am going to get it to them no matter what.” Train your children early in life to give to others. They deserve your investment in making them ba’alei hesed. Doing hesed is best learned young. Lead by example and b’ezrat Hashem you will see the results.

Dear Community Members,

We welcome you back to the City of Long Branch for another great
season at the Jersey Shore! Whether you are spending your summer
with us or just visiting for a day, we hope you will take advantage of
what Long Branch has available for you.

Our city has more to offer than ever before to make it the best place to be to enjoy your summer.

We have several parks for recreation. Manahasset Creek Park has fields and courts, a walking path, and fitness stations. Our revitalized Jackson Woods park is a peaceful place to enjoy nature as well as interesting outdoor sculptures.

Our Recreation Department offers a variety of programs including
five family-friendly Fun Days in various neighborhoods throughout the City. Our Arts & Cultural Center on Broadway offers many interesting exhibits and programs, our new Senior Center offers evening programs open to everyone, and our Fire and History Museum recognizes the city’s proud past.

Oceanfest features one of the best fireworks displays along the shore with fun for the whole family! There are many other events throughout the summer months. Please go to our website at longbranch.org under “Community Events” to see a comprehensive list of summer happenings.

Be sure to pick up a library card to utilize our beautiful, newly renovated main library, and explore all the programs and special exhibits they have to share.

Long Branch has four miles of beautiful beaches for you to enjoy. Some have extended hours, and two locations are fully accessible. Our
beaches are open through September 2, 2025. For more information, please visit our website under “Beach Information.”

We also offer daily passes for Long Branch residents at our refreshing community pool, and both residents and non-residents may purchase season passes.

The summer months are a time for relaxation and fun. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer!

Sincerely

John Pallone Mayor

In the heart of our vibrant and close-knit community, we hold fast to traditions that define us: strong family values, a deep sense of responsibility, and a commitment to both spiritual and personal success. These values have helped our community flourish across generations, blending the sacred and the practical with remarkable grace.

As our community continues to grow, so too does the need for purposeful careers – roles that not only support our families but also align with our beliefs, character, and long-term vision. For those who prioritize a balanced life, this harmony is essential: we seek integrity in our work, flexibility in our lives, and the ability to positively impact those around us.

A Career with Purpose and Flexibility

At New York Life, we understand the unique rhythm of a values-driven lifestyle. Personal commitments holidays, and time with family aren’t just “benefits” to accommodate – they are priorities to be honored. That’s why we offer career opportunities that provide the flexibility to uphold your commitments while building a future rooted in financial security and community leadership.

A career as a financial professional isn’t simply about numbers. It’s about building relationships, guiding families through important financial decisions, and becoming a trusted presence in your circle. Many of our top-performing professionals are individuals who have successfully balanced familyand professional achievement.

Why This Career Resonates with Our Values

• Family-Oriented Work: You’ll be helping families safeguard their futures – whether it’s through life insurance, retirement planning, or intergenerational wealth transfer.
• Community-Centered: Your clients are often people you already know and care about. Your integrity and understanding of their needs become key assets.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: With the freedom to build your own practice, you’re not tied to the conventional 9–5. You control your schedule, your goals, and your impact.
• Legacy Building: Just as we pass down traditions and values, we also pass down financial stability and ethical business conduct. This is a career that honors both.

Support from a Community-Focused Team

We are actively seeking candidates who are passionate about making a difference. As a Managing Partner at New York Life Brooklyn General Office, I understand the importance of balancing personal values with professional growth. I work personally with new professionals to provide mentorship, understanding, and long-term career development.

Whether you’re exploring a new path or looking for a career that aligns with your values, I invite you to consider how a role at New York Life can empower you and those around you. Let’s build something meaningful together – something that honors our past and secures our future. For more information, please contact Managing Partner, David Hoory, dhoory@newyorklife.com, (718) 307-3400.For more information about financial professional income and benefits, please visit www.newyorklife.com.New York Life is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Dear Residents, Visitors, and Friends,

Welcome back to Deal.

It’s always a special time of year when summer returns and the town comes alive again. Whether you live here year-round, spend the season with us, or are visiting for a short time – we’re glad to have you in Deal.

Over the past few months, we’ve been working hard to get everything ready. We’ve improved roads, refreshed public spaces, and continued coordinating with state and federal agencies on key infrastructure and safety projects. Our goal remains the same: to keep Deal a safe, beautiful, and enjoyable place for everyone.

As the town gets busier, I ask all of you to help keep our streets safe. Please drive carefully, obey the speed limits, watch for pedestrians, and don’t use your phone while driving. If you’re biking, wear a helmet if you’re under 17 – and no matter your age, stay alert and share the road.

Let’s all do our part to look out for one another and make this a safe and enjoyable summer.

On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I wish you and your families a great season ahead. I look forward to seeing you around town. Sincerely,

Sam Cohen
Mayor, Borough of Deal

Michele Shrem

Anti-Semitism is a word heavy with history, pain, and injustice. From ancient persecution to the horrors of the Holocaust, and now to the current rise of hate incidents, Jewish communities around the world continue to grapple with different forms of anti-Semitism. While the word “anti-Semitism” carries a shared meaning, how it is felt and experienced is deeply personal.

Here community members weigh in on this sensitive topic. Their voices reflect anger, confusion, resilience, pride, and a yearning to be seen beyond the stereotypes.

David B.

“The strange thing about anti-Semitism is that it can feel invisible until suddenly it’s not. One day I’m at a dinner party and someone makes a joke about Jews and money like it is casual trivia. And I think, would you say that about any other group and expect me to laugh?” David describes himself as “visibly Jewish,” often wearing a kippah in public. He has been verbally harassed on the subway and once had to escort his children away from a protest where anti-Semitic slurs were being chanted. “It’s not just the violence,” he says. “It’s the constant drip of assumption and suspicion.”

Maya T.

“Being Jewish on campus feels like walking a tightrope. I’m proud of who I am, but I also know if I speak up about anti-Semitism, some people will say I’m just being dramatic.” Maya is active in her university’s Jewish student group. She notes an uptick in hostility around discussions about Israel, where “Jewish students are often held responsible for geopolitical decisions thousands of miles away.” For her, the line between criticism and anti-Semitism is sometimes crossed with alarming ease.

Eli C.

“There’s a spiritual wound that comes with being hated for simply existing. My role is to help my community heal, but also to prepare.” Eli has led community responses to local synagogue vandalism and helps coordinate security training with law enforcement. “It’s a strange contradiction – offering spiritual peace while knowing someone might walk through our doors with a gun.”

Isaac O.

“There’s this myth that anti-Semitism died after the Holocaust. I see it in classrooms when students doubt what I say, or ask if I’m exaggerating.” Isaac has dedicated his life to educating young people about the Holocaust, but he’s often disheartened by the skepticism he encounters. “When you have people who say it [the Holocaust] didn’t happen, or that it wasn’t that bad, that’s not just ignorance – it’s hatred repackaged as opinion.”

Sara S.

“I live in two worlds. In Israel, being Jewish is normal. In New York, it can feel like a liability, especially in certain professional settings.” Sara splits her time between Israel and the U.S. and she’s noticed how her colleagues in the tech industry avoid Jewish topics. “People will talk about diversity all day, but when I mention anti-Semitism, it’s like I’ve said a dirty word.”

Egal Z.

“I want my kids to be proud Jews, but I worry every time they wear their Star of David necklaces outside.” There has seen a troubling rise in anti-Semitic attacks, and Egal has taught his children how to recognize danger. “We’ve had serious talks about where to sit on the bus, how to respond to threats, when to hide their identity. It’s heartbreaking.”

Joey D.

“Anti-Semitism doesn’t always wear a swastika. Sometimes it wears a smile and asks why we’re always so ‘pushy’ or ‘successful.’” Joey has lost clients after revealing he’s Jewish. He’s also had vendors assume he’d be “good with money” or he’d be an “aggressive negotiator.” “These stereotypes are older than me, but they still shape how people see us. That’s exhausting.”

What Unites These Voices

What emerges from these deeply personal reflections is that anti-Semitism isn’t just an external threat – it shapes daily choices, instills fear, and, paradoxically, strengthens identity. From America to Europe, in schools, workplaces, and places of worship, Jews continue to face a unique form of prejudice that often goes unchallenged.

But what also emerges is strength. The act of speaking out, of refusing to disappear, is itself resistance. Whether through education, art, activism, or simple persistence, these individuals – and countless others like them – are shaping a world where hate does not get the final word. We are not defined by the hatred we face, but rather, we are defined by the lives we build in spite of it.

Anti-Semitism on College Campuses

College campuses have long been considered bastions of free thought, diversity, and inclusion. Yet for many Jewish students, that ideal is being eroded by a troubling resurgence of anti-Semitism across North American and European universities. From hostile rhetoric to physical threats, students report an environment that often feels more alienating than empowering. While the rise in ant-Semitism isnot exclusive to universities, the setting presents unique dangers-where ideas gain traction quickly, peer influence is powerful, and institutional responses are often delayed, inconsistent, or politically constrained.

There has been a climate of fear, and since 2020 Jewish students have reported a dramatic increase in anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Hillel International documented hundreds of cases in the 2023–2024 academic year alone, ranging from hateful graffiti and swastikas in dormitories to verbal harassment, social media intimidation, and even physical violence. In many cases, Jewish students say they are not just afraid,they also feel isolated. Instead of openly wearing a Star of David necklace, many are now tucking their necklaces in while walking through campus.

Subtle and Less Subtle Forms of Anti-Semitism

Anti-Semitism on campus does not always take the form of overt slurs or vandalism. More often, it’s subtle: Jewish students being left out of progressive student groups for their alleged “Zionist” views, professors singling out Jewish students during political discussions, or students being asked to denounce Israel in order to prove their commitment to justice. At its most extreme, anti-Semitism on campus has become violent. In several recent cases, Jewish students have reported being physically threatened or assaulted at protests, or targeted online with coordinated harassment campaigns.

Perhaps the most controversial and difficult line to draw on college campuses is the one between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. Criticism of Israel’s government and policies – like criticism of any country – is legitimate and protected under the right to free speech. However, when this criticism morphs into blanket hostility toward Jewish students, or denial of Israel’s right to exist, it often veers into blatant ant-Semitism. Some professors and student leaders have also fueled this divide, painting Jewish identity and Zionism as inherently colonial, thereby erasing the complex and diverse relationship many Jews have with Israel.

Universities’ Apathy and the Response

Many Jewish students say their universities have failed to seriously address anti-Semitism on campus. Despite the existence of diversity and inclusion offices, anti-Semitic incidents are often underreported, dismissed, or reframed as political debate. In some cases, students claim they are told to simply avoid certain events or “stay silent to deescalate.”

In response, some Jewish advocacy groups have begun lobbying for stronger protections. The U.S., the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has opened several investigations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which protects students from discrimination based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, which includes anti-Semitism.

The emotional burden of anti-Semitism on college students is severe. According to Hillel International, nearly one in three Jewish students say they’ve felt unsafe or unwelcome on campus. For many, this leads to self-censorship, isolation, or disengagement from Jewish life. Some Jewish students even feel forced to “pass” as non-Jews in academic or social settings –not affixing or actually removing mezuzahs from their dorm rooms, removing Jewish identifiers from social media, or refraining from speaking up in class.

Fighting Back

Despite the hostility, many Jewish students are choosing to fight back -with dignity and strength. They launch educational campaigns, and push for clear university policies on anti-Semitism. Social media is also a battleground where Jewish students share stories, organize support, and challenge misinformation.

Addressing anti-Semitism on campus requires more than statements and hashtags. It demands a clear definition of anti-Semitism that includes contemporary forms, such as anti-Zionist hostility when targeted at Jews. Mandatory education on anti-Semitism needs to be instituted, rapid response protocols for anti-Semitic incidents must be put into place with real accountability, and safe spaces need to be put into place for Jewish students to practice, explore, and celebrate their identity without fear. Most importantly, addressing anti-Semitism requires listening – to Jewish students, to their concerns, and to their complex identities.

Anti-Semitism on college campuses is not an isolated problem – it reflects wider societal tensions. But when anti-Semitism occurs in academic spaces, it undermines the very values these institutions claim to uphold – open inquiry, mutual respect, and intellectual freedom. To truly combat anti-Semitism, colleges must treat it not as a fringe concern but as a core challenge to their mission. 

“By defending ourselves, we’re also defending others. We’re defending our Arab neighbors, our Arab friends in peace, we’re defending Europe, we’re helping defend also the United States, which helps us all the time in our defense. This is an important mission.”

–  Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Dave Gordon

In the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, Israel launched a massive and coordinated military campaign against Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. The operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” marked the most extensive Israeli assault on Iranian soil since the Iran-Iraq War, targeting not only nuclear facilities but also the upper echelons of Iran’s military and scientific leadership. The codename comes from the Biblical verse that points to s victorious future for a powerful Israel: Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion (Numbers 23:24).

The Israeli cabinet divided the Book of Psalms between them before making the decision to launch an attack on Iran. Hours before the operation, Prime Minister Netanya was photographed at the Kotel, placing a note between the cracks of the Wall.

According to BBC News and a public address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the decision to strike came after intelligence confirmed that Iran had amassed enough enriched uranium to build multiple nuclear bombs and was actively assembling weapon components. Netanyahu, addressing the nation, declared that further delay would have meant an existential threat to Israel.

Israeli Air Force Strikes

At around 3:30am in Iran, the Israeli Air Force unleashed waves of airstrikes across the country. More than 200 fighter jets participated, hitting dozens of strategic sites – nuclear enrichment complexes in Fordow, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Tabriz, Tehran, Qom, and others, according to Col. John Spencer.Ballistic missile bases in Piranshahr and IRGC HQ in Kermanshah were hit. IRGC headquarters in Kermanshah, Iran was reportedly attacked.

Various reports say that Netanyahu and his cabinet played up a public riff to throw Iran off the scent, and make them believe no military actions would occur.

The IAF deployed massive bunker-buster bombs in a direct strike on Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility, one of the regime’s most fortified and strategically critical nuclear sites, according to a June 13th story in BBC News.

The Mossad in Action

The strikes were meticulously planned, with months of Mossad-led intelligence gathering culminating in simultaneous commando raids, sabotage operations, and drone attacks launched from within Iran itself, according to BBC News.

In a separate operation, the Mossad operatives embedded sophisticated attack technologies inside civilian vehicles near high-value air defense installations, according to a Free Press report.

At the onset of the Israeli strike, these hidden systems were triggered, destroying Iran’s defensive radar and interception capabilities, clearing the skies for the IAF.

Long before the aerial attack, the Mossad had already established a covert drone launch base within Iran, smuggling in explosives over time. During the main assault, these drones were launched at surface-to-surface missile launchers housed at the Asfaqabad base near Tehran. The attack neutralized a major component of Iran’s offensive missile threat.

Confirmed Casualties

In the Israeli operation, several of Iran’s most senior military and nuclear figures were killed. Confirmed casualties included IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri, and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. Ali Shamkhani, a key adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a principal negotiator in nuclear talks, was also reportedly killed, as was Khosal Reza Mossvarini, a senior officer in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp intelligence headquarters in Tehran was set on fire.

IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin declared, “At this time, we can say that we have achieved full aerial superiority over Tehran’s skies.” Military experts cited by outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider note that Israel’s suppression of Iranian air defenses allows its warplanes – including older F-15s and F-16s – to drop bombs from within Iranian airspace, and not just rely on long-range missiles.

Iran Retaliates

Iran’s retaliation was swift but less effective than anticipated, revealing limitations in its ability to inflict mass casualties on Israel, largely due to the effectiveness of Israeli missile defenses. Iran launched several waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and northern towns.

The Associated Press reported that some Iranian missiles were intercepted in the sky above the Jordanian capital, Amman.

By  June 16th, at least 24 Israelis were killed and some 600 wounded from Iranian missile attacks, fired at Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, according to Israel Hayom. Reports of buildings collapsing and fatalities in Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv, and other cities are confirmed. A Bat Yam apartment building was hit, according to the Times of Israel, where seven were killed and a hundred injured. In the northern Arab city of Tamra a home took a direct hit and four family members were killed, reports Times of Israel. 

Israel’s Reach and America’s Folly

Israel’s unprecedented ability to strike deep into Iranian territory – including the heart of Tehran – has shattered long-held assumptions about Iran’s security and exposed vulnerabilities in its air defenses. The operation’s sophistication, involving covert Mossad operations and drone strikes launched from within Iran, has demonstrated a new level of operational reach and intelligence dominance.

In a recent National Post exclusive interview by this author, the pro-Israel exiled Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the former Shah of Iran, cautioned the world against the continued folly of “the policy of containment, or appeasement” saying that “after 40 years of this, how much more proof do you need that it doesn’t work?” He condemned the Obama-Biden administration for releasing to the Iranian regime billions that only allowed the mullahs to fund more of its terror-spreading extremist proxies.

He added on X on June 14th, “The Islamic Republic and its incompetent and criminal leaders have dragged Iran into war.”

World Leaders Weigh In

Various world powers had differing responses to the Israeli attack.

The German government, represented by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, did not condemn Israel’s bombing of Iran. German officials emphasized Israel’s “right to defend its existence and the safety and security of its citizens,” particularly in light of the perceived nuclear threat from Iran. At the same time, Germany called for restraint and diplomacy from all parties, urging both Israel and Iran to avoid actions that could escalate tensions further.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed “grave concerns” over Iran’s nuclear program and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, but stated, “Now is the time for restraint, calm, and a return to diplomacy. Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate.”

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has called for de-escalation following Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. She warned that “further action risks triggering a broader regional conflict with devastating consequences,” and urged both Israel and Iran to “refrain from actions that further destabilize the region.” Anand reiterated that Canada “always favors negotiated resolutions and encourages the involved parties to engage in dialogue,” emphasizing diplomacy as the path to enduring peace and security in the region.

The Iranian Regime – Axis of Terror

A year ago, the Iranian regime launched over 380 rockets and suicide drones at Israel in a coordinated attempt to murder civilians and ignite an all-out war. Meanwhile, it armed the Houthis, who fired rockets into Israel. The regime controls Hezbollah, and Iran bankrolled and orchestrated the October 7th massacre, the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Israel is standing on the front line against a regime that has exported Jihad, terrorism, and death across the globe, and turned Islam into a weapon of political conquest. But now, Netanyahu stated, “Iranian leaders are packing their bags” amid Israeli airstrikes.

What is unfolding in Iran might lead to the return of pre-revolutionary Iran, to the return of Western values, and the end of colonial Islamic darkness. And if it does, it will have been Israel paving the way, striking deep, standing firm, and saving the world from the continued grip of this evil.

Thousands in Iranians are now flooding the streets, not in fear, but in defiance and celebration of this now-crippled Islamic regime.

Netanyahu and Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement June 14th, addressing President Donald Trump by saying: “You’ve been an extraordinary leader: decisive, courageous, clear vision, clear action. You have done great things for Israel. You’ve been an extraordinary friend to the Jewish state and to me personally.

“And we appreciate what you’re doing now, helping protect Israeli lives against the criminal regime in Iran… By defending ourselves, we’re also defending others. We’re defending our Arab neighbors, our Arab friends in peace, we’re defending Europe, we’re helping defend also the United States, which helps us all the time in our defense. This is an important mission.

“Our enemy is your enemy. And by doing what we’re doing, we’re dealing with something that will threaten all of us sooner or later. Our victory will be your victory.”

An Open Miracle

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel sums up the feelings of many of us. He tweeted on June 13th, “If you didn’t believe in miracles before, you should now. The skill, precision, and dramatically successful results of Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and missile silos, coupled with Israel’s interception of more than 100 attack drones launched against it by Iran before any drone crossed into Israel airspace, tells you pretty clearly that Gd is at work here, and whose side He is on!”