In a deeply moving and momentous ceremony, the historic residences of the great leaders of previous generations — the holy Sfas Emes, zt”l, and the Imrei Emes, zt”l — were inaugurated this week in the town of Góra Kalwaria, Poland. This long-awaited redemption comes after fifteen years of complex, global bureaucratic efforts, made possible through the generous support of the distinguished Werdiger and Fishoff families.

A Moment of Elevation: Tears of History

It was nearly impossible to find a dry eye this week in Góra Kalwaria, as the historic apartments — once the very heartbeat of pre-war Polish Jewry — were revealed once more. In a unique and intimate gathering, attended by Harav Hatzaddik Nechemia Alter, shlita, son of the Gerrer Rebbe, shlita, alongside members of the donor families, the crown was restored to its former glory.

The event was conducted under the devoted leadership of Rabbi Yonasan Bornstein, CEO of Ichud Mosdos Gur, whose tireless dedication over many years brought this vision to fruition.

This remarkable structure is one of a kind in the world. It housed generations of Gerrer Rebbes and served as the formative center of the Gerrer Chassidus in Poland, and by extension the entire world. Within its walls, tens of thousands of Chassidim once came to seek counsel and brachos, Torah and Chassidus, many traveling with the famed kolejka from Warsaw.

The Struggle for Redemption: Fifteen Years of Effort

Reclaiming the building from foreign ownership was no simple task. Since the war years, local residents had occupied the premises, and a web of legal and bureaucratic challenges stood in the way of its return.

Working quietly yet resolutely behind the scenes, Rabbi Yonasan Bornstein led the effort for over fifteen years — navigating setbacks, complexities and moments of both despair and renewed hope.

When a breakthrough was finally achieved, the acquisition required an immense sum; millions of dollars. At that pivotal moment, the generous benefactors stepped forward: the esteemed philanthropist Reb Shlomo Werdiger and his family, renowned supporters of Torah in general and of Gerrer causes and institutions in particular, together with the distinguished Fishoff family, known for their far-reaching contributions to Torah and chessed, and their deep connection to the Gerrer dynasty.

For both families, this was a deeply personal and historic closing of a circle. Their forefathers — Reb Nechemia Werdiger, z”l, and Reb Bentzion Fischoff, z”l — had traveled to, and davened in, this very building before the Churban, carrying with them vivid memories of what once was.

The Chanukas Habayis and Affixing of Mezuzos

This Monday, 3 Iyar, history was made. Such emotion had not been witnessed in Góra Kalwaria since its destruction.

Rabbi Yonasan Bornstein opened the ceremony, his voice choked with emotion, as he recounted fifteen years of worldwide efforts — years marked by struggle and perseverance, despair and faith, bolstered by the brachos of tzaddikim and unwavering emunah, all culminating in this extraordinary moment: the reopening of this sacred and historic site. He then invited the donor families to unveil the impressive commemorative plaques placed at the front of the beautifully restored building. Reb Shlomo Werdiger, together with his sons and sons-in-law, stepped forward to reveal one plaque, as the moving melody of “Yizkor Ahavasam” filled the air.

“Moments later, members of the Fishoff family unveiled the parallel plaque. The renowned chazzan, R’ Yisrael Adler, led a heartfelt rendition of Keil Malei Rachamim, in memory of the multitudes who once filled the beis medrash — among them Reb Nechemia Werdiger, z”l, and Reb Yechiel Bentzion Fischoff, z”l.

One of the most stirring moments came as the participants entered the building itself. Harav Nechemia Alter affixed a mezuzah at the entrance — symbolizing the building’s return to authentic Jewish ownership, in the hands of those who carry forward the legacy of the Gerrer dynasty. Representatives of the families were then honored with affixing the mezuzos inside.

A profoundly moving tour followed, guided by Harav Hagaon Moshe Chaim Denderovitch, shlita, culminating in the signing of a beautifully prepared founding scroll reserved for those who restored the beis medrash building.

In a powerful and unexpected revelation, at the very spot where the Sfas Emes, zy”a, authored his renowned sefarim, a wall was uncovered bearing the words: “Sfas Emes Tikon L’ad” — “The language of truth shall stand forever.” Nearby stood a sefer Torah prepared by the Ichud Mosdos Ger, and the distinguished participants were invited to complete the final letters in the sefer Torah, which was then dedicated to the beis medrash for generations to come.

As the choir lifted their voices in the moving hymns “Torah HaKedoshah Hischaneni B’vakashah” and “Yizkerem Elokeinu L’Tovah,” an emotional procession made its way toward the restored beis medrash — one of the very few structures of batei medrash in Poland to have retained its original form after the Churban.

Seudas Mitzvah

During the seudas mitzvah that followed, participants were deeply moved as a historic speech by Reb Bentzion Fishoff, z”l — delivered within the very walls of the beis medrash some fifteen years ago — was played. In that address, he had turned to his dear friend, Reb Shlomo Werdiger, who was present at the time with his sons.

Now, years later, those words carried a powerful and almost awe-inspiring resonance, as the two families together merited to initiate and bring to completion the redemption of this sacred site in such a magnificent manner. In preparation for the occasion, a mikveh was also inaugurated on the premises, and the residences were readied to host Chassidim who wish to visit and spend time within these holy walls — walls still imbued with the atmosphere of bygone Poland, where the fiery ruach of Ger once radiated outward, illuminating Jewish life across Europe and Eretz Yisrael.

A particularly moving and unexpected moment came during the address of Harav Nechemia Alter, shlita.

In a gesture of rare distinction, he presented two bottles of fine wine sent personally by the Gerrer Rebbe, shlita, as a token of appreciation to the two distinguished donor families. Such a tribute is reserved in Ger for only the most exceptional occasions.

Heartfelt words were then shared by Reb Shlomo Werdiger, who recounted aspects of the earlier stages of redeeming the beis medrash many years ago, and concluded with the hope that the Rebbe himself will soon come to visit the restored makom kadosh. He was followed by Reb Dov Fishoff, who spoke movingly on behalf of his family.

A Vision for the Future

Beyond the redemption of the historic residences, the site has now been fully prepared to receive Chassidim from around the world who seek to reconnect with their roots, to walk once more through the pathways of the town, and to dwell in the shadow of these sacred walls.

A mikveh has been established, and the ancient beis medrash has been carefully restored, preserving its original form as much as possible.

Special appreciation was extended to Reb Yossi Chishinsky of Ashdod, who personally oversaw the restoration of the beis medrash and the residences, devoting himself to the project with exceptional care and dedication. The exciting news of the reopening has spread rapidly among thousands of Gerrer Chassidim across the world, stirring a deep yearning to return, to once again experience the unique atmosphere absorbed within those walls, and to cleave to the glorious heritage that has now, at long last, been restored to its rightful owners.”

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By: Moshe Spern

Yesterday, I sat in the City Council chambers as the newly formed New York City Council Task Force to Combat Antisemitism held its first official meeting. The hearing centered around testimony and updates from key city officials, including Phylisia Wisdom from the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, Michael Gerber from the NYPD, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and members of the community.

The room was filled for what became a nearly five-hour session examining the City’s response to rising antisemitism and the role of the NYPD in addressing hate crimes. Representatives from UJA-Federation, the American Jewish Committee (AJC), JCRC, the Auschwitz Jewish Center, NJAC, Lawfare, NYC Public School advocates, college students, community members, and myself—representing the United Jewish Teachers—were present.

Thank you @NYCCTaskForce @InnaVernikov @EricDinowitzNYC @SpeakerMenin for giving me the opportunity to begin sharing my experience and the experiences of others in @NYCSchools . While I have a great and supportive school despite the experiences not all teachers and students feel… pic.twitter.com/KRwCO2uW6B

— Moshe Spern (@moshespern) April 23, 2026

The task force, co-chaired by Republican Councilmember Inna Vernikov and Democrat Councilmember Eric Dinowitz, rigorously questioned the NYPD regarding its updated directive requiring additional verification before hate crimes are formally categorized. Council members expressed concern that this process may delay reporting and transparency. They also called for clearer, more consistent training and retraining protocols for officers on how hate crimes are identified and classified.

Attention then turned to Phylisia Wisdom, who has recently taken on her role in the Mayor’s Office. While it is important to recognize that her office is still in its early stages, her testimony raised several concerns among council members and advocates alike. She explained that the office plans to conduct a listening tour before producing a formal report. However, when asked how the public could currently reach the office—whether through a website, email, phone, or social media—she acknowledged that no clear communication system is yet in place, and that complaints should continue to be directed to the NYPD.

She was also questioned about whether the office would adopt established definitions of antisemitism, such as the IHRA or Nexus definitions, which have been used by various federal agencies. She stated that the office would not formally adopt a definition at this time, and that incidents would be evaluated “case by case.” This approach drew criticism from several attendees and at least one councilmember, who expressed frustration during the hearing.

At one point, Councilmember Simcha Felder, who is not a member of the task force, voiced strong disagreement and left the hearing in protest.

As a Jewish community advocate, I was not shocked or surprised by the proceedings, but I was deeply disappointed by the lack of concrete systems and clarity presented. The reliance on undefined processes and delayed accountability continues to be a concern.

When it was my turn to speak, nearly four hours into the hearing, I addressed the realities of combating antisemitism within schools and public institutions. Too often, when concerns are reported to higher levels of authority, they are met with silence or indifference. This pattern has persisted, and since October 7th, many in our community have yet to see meaningful solutions.

Despite this, I remain hopeful that this task force can at minimum bring transparency to the scope of the problem, even if solutions remain uncertain. Exposing gaps in response is an important first step toward meaningful change.

By: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

A few weeks after October 7th, a colleague approached me with an unusual request. His tone was more serious than usual. He asked if he could speak with me for a moment, and of course I agreed, though I wasn’t sure what to expect. He explained that someone from a national Jewish organization had been trying to reach me multiple times since October 7th and felt completely ignored. According to him, this individual was ready to write me off and had concluded that there was no relationship. My colleague asked me to do him a favor and simply respond. I was genuinely surprised. Ignoring someone repeatedly didn’t sound like me at all.

While I’m certainly not perfect, I try to respond to messages in a timely manner. Curious and confused, I took out my phone and showed him that I had no record of any outreach from this person. A few hours later, my colleague returned with an update. He had followed up and asked what number had been used. The answer was that he had been texting the Shul landline. All that time, messages had been sent into the void. Once the misunderstanding was clarified, I reached out, explained the situation, and thankfully everything was resolved.

Our parsha, Kedoshim, commands us to “judge our fellow with righteousness.” Rashi, quoting Chazal, explains that this means we should judge others favorably. We often understand this to mean that we lack the full picture. If someone behaves in a way that seems questionable, we assume there must be information we don’t have. Perhaps the person leaving a non-kosher restaurant had an innocent reason, or perhaps a message went unanswered because it was never received. While that is certainly true, it cannot be the entire definition of judging favorably.

The Gemara teaches that one who judges others favorably will be judged favorably by Hashem. This is difficult to understand, because unlike us, Hashem lacks no information. He knows every fact, every detail, and every hidden motive. So what does it mean for Hashem to judge favorably?

Rav Yosef Sorotzkin explains that human beings are extraordinarily complex. Every action is shaped by countless factors, including upbringing, personality, life experiences, emotional struggles, and unseen pressures.

We recite in the stirring Tefillas Zaka prayer before Yom Kippur:

It is revealed and known to You that I did not intend through these sins and iniquities to anger You and rebel against You, but I followed the counsel of my evil inclination, which always, each day, sets a trap for my feet, to ensnare me.

In essence, we are telling Hashem, “You know what I’m going through. You know how hard this is. You know my struggles. You know what I’m dealing with. You know all about my pressures, my fears, my anxieties, my strengths and my weaknesses, my opportunities and my liabilities. Externally, objectively, you have all the information and I am guilty as charged; but if you also include what is internal, if you consider the totality, I am struggling, so please judge me favorably.”

This is what it means for us to judge others favorably. It is not only about assuming we lack information, but about recognizing that even when we think we understand a situation, we still do not grasp the full inner world of another person. The Mishnah teaches, “Do not judge your fellow until you reach his place,” yet in truth we can never fully reach another person’s place. We cannot relive their experiences, feel their struggles, or understand the totality of what shapes them. Rav Chaim Shmulevitz adds that the issue is not what information is available, but what we choose to focus on. Every person has admirable qualities and flaws. The question is which aspects we emphasize and allow to shape our perception.

This idea is reinforced by another teaching in Pirkei Avos, which instructs us to judge the entire person favorably. The emphasis on “the entire person” reminds us that no one can be reduced to a single action or moment. There is always more beneath the surface, an inner life that remains hidden from view. When we train ourselves to see the whole person, we naturally become more compassionate and less judgmental.

This message is especially relevant during the period of Sefirah, when we mourn the students of Rebbe Akiva who perished because they did not treat one another with proper respect. A lack of respect often begins with judgment, particularly when we focus on differences rather than shared values.

We currently face so many enemies from without. Israel has been attacked for three years, and antisemitism is on the rise all over the world. With so much hostility around us, let’s be kind and generous within our communities and our families.

Judging favorably is not simply an ideal; it is essential for building strong relationships, healthy communities, and a more compassionate world. When we recognize that every person is carrying unseen burdens, when we choose to focus on what we share rather than what divides us, and when we see the whole person rather than isolated actions, we create an environment of respect and empathy. In turn, we merit that Hashem relates to us with that same compassion.

In a world so often marked by misunderstanding, choosing to judge favorably has the power to bring us closer to one another and ultimately closer to redemption.

New York, NY (April 22, 2026)

American Airlines has officially opened its redesigned Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, marking a major upgrade to its international operations in New York and a significant investment in passenger experience.

The revamped terminal introduces more than 60 new dining, retail and duty-free options, including around 20 local brands that reflect New York City’s food and culture. A centerpiece of the project is The Boroughs Food Hall, which features a mix of well-known establishments and newer concepts. New additions include first-to-airport offerings such as Eataly and concepts tied to Momofuku, along with a range of global and luxury retail brands.

Beyond food and shopping, the project includes expanded lounges, enhanced premium check-in areas, upgraded baggage systems and improved seating at gates, all aimed at streamlining the travel experience from arrival to departure.

Terminal 8 serves as American Airlines’ primary international hub at JFK, connecting New York to destinations across the United States and worldwide. The airline operates more than 240 daily flights from the region to over 95 destinations, serving millions of passengers annually.

The expansion also allows more partner and oneworld alliance airlines to operate from the same terminal, improving connectivity for international travelers.

The opening comes as American Airlines marks its 100th year of operation, highlighting its continued focus on modernization and growth in one of the country’s busiest travel markets.

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine pushed back against calls from Mayor Mamdani to divest from Israel Bonds, emphasizing that the decision is based on sound finance, not politics.

“This is not political. It shouldn’t be political,” Levine said. “Israel bonds have never missed a payment in 70 years — not once.”

He added: “By the way, we’ve heard no protests about our investments in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, or China — only this one tiny sliver.” (Side note: The difference is that Mamdani hates Israel).

NYC Comptroller Mark Levine defends Israel Bonds investments (Mayor Mamdani has urged him to end it):

“This is not political. It shouldn't be political… Israel bonds have never missed a payment in 70 years, ever, not once.”

“And by the way, we've had no protesting about our… pic.twitter.com/BDXsbH0mCH

— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) April 22, 2026

The attached footage is from a rare visit to Princeton, NJ, in 1951.

Rare historic footage of Israel’s founding father, David Ben-Gurion, meeting Dr. Albert Einstein in 1951.

Two Jews who changed the world. pic.twitter.com/Bx29nJDtID

— AP (@Average_NY_Guy) April 22, 2026

Update: Update 8:59 pm – Service was finally restored. A passenger just sent in the following: “I’m on LIRR 8:47 Jamaica to Far Rockaway. Conductor announced service just restored to Far Rockaway and we are going.”

Below are photos from commuters earlier who needed to vacate the trains and were transported by busses instead.

—
6:29 PM – Happening Now: There is currently a fire on the Far Rockaway line at Valley Stream. The train rails on all local tracks are currently stuck down, expect heavy delays around town.

Happening Now: There is currently a fire on the Far Rockaway line at Valley Stream. Potential delays. pic.twitter.com/I5w0fifyMJ

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) April 22, 2026

Pittsburgh, Pa. (April 22, 2026)

Chaim Galbut, an observant Orthodox Jewish basketball prospect from South Florida, has committed to Duquesne University, putting him on track to pursue a rare milestone at the Division I level while remaining firmly committed to Shabbos observance. Recent reporting on his decision described the pledge as a potentially historic step, with Galbut aiming to become the first observant Orthodox Jewish men’s player to complete a full four-year Division I college basketball career.

Galbut has drawn wide attention online for his size, athleticism and distinctive public identity, with clips circulating on social media showing the 6-foot-7 forward dunking while wearing a yarmulke. His rise has helped turn him into one of the most talked-about Orthodox Jewish high school basketball players in the country, especially after a strong senior season at Miami Country Day. Sports coverage from Florida this past season highlighted his production and impact, including standout performances in major games.

What makes the commitment especially notable is that Galbut has made clear that basketball will not come before religious observance. He has said he would not play on Saturday, even in the most high-profile setting, underscoring that his priorities are set long before any future college spotlight. That stance has become a defining part of his story and is one reason his commitment is being viewed as bigger than a typical recruiting headline.

For Duquesne, the addition represents more than athletic upside. It also introduces a player whose path will require unusual scheduling considerations and a program willing to work within those boundaries. For many in the Orthodox community, the commitment is being celebrated not only as a basketball achievement but as a public Kiddush Hashem, with Galbut showing that serious talent and serious religious commitment do not have to stand in opposition. We wish Chaim much Hatzlacha!

NEWS: Chaim Galbut has committed to Duquesne, where he'll aim to become the first observant Orthodox Jew to play four years of DI college basketball.

The 6'7 forward observes the Sabbath and was discovered on social media by Duquesne, throwing down dunks in a yarmulke. pic.twitter.com/6RZqpSP9IR

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 22, 2026

Real Fact: Chaim has confirmed he will not be playing any games on Saturdays in observance of Shabbat https://t.co/LmhW3SBSjw pic.twitter.com/dsTvabj2iv

— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) April 22, 2026

Pittsburgh, Pa. (April 22, 2026)

Chaim Galbut, an observant Orthodox Jewish basketball prospect from South Florida, has committed to Duquesne University, putting him on track to pursue a rare milestone at the Division I level while remaining firmly committed to Shabbos observance. Recent reporting on his decision described the pledge as a potentially historic step, with Galbut aiming to become the first observant Orthodox Jewish men’s player to complete a full four-year Division I college basketball career.

Galbut has drawn wide attention online for his size, athleticism and distinctive public identity, with clips circulating on social media showing the 6-foot-7 forward dunking while wearing a yarmulke. His rise has helped turn him into one of the most talked-about Orthodox Jewish high school basketball players in the country, especially after a strong senior season at Miami Country Day. Sports coverage from Florida this past season highlighted his production and impact, including standout performances in major games.

What makes the commitment especially notable is that Galbut has made clear that basketball will not come before religious observance. He has said he would not play on Saturday, even in the most high-profile setting, underscoring that his priorities are set long before any future college spotlight. That stance has become a defining part of his story and is one reason his commitment is being viewed as bigger than a typical recruiting headline.

For Duquesne, the addition represents more than athletic upside. It also introduces a player whose path will require unusual scheduling considerations and a program willing to work within those boundaries. For many in the Orthodox community, the commitment is being celebrated not only as a basketball achievement but as a public Kiddush Hashem, with Galbut showing that serious talent and serious religious commitment do not have to stand in opposition. We wish Chaim much Hatzlacha!

NEWS: Chaim Galbut has committed to Duquesne, where he’ll aim to become the first observant Orthodox Jew to play four years of DI college basketball.

The 6’7 forward observes the Sabbath and was discovered on social media by Duquesne, throwing down dunks in a yarmulke. pic.twitter.com/6RZqpSP9IR

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 22, 2026

Real Fact: Chaim has confirmed he will not be playing any games on Saturdays in observance of Shabbat https://t.co/LmhW3SBSjw pic.twitter.com/dsTvabj2iv

— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) April 22, 2026

Jerusalem, Israel (April 22, 2026)

President Donald Trump was awarded the Israel Prize on Wednesday during Israel’s Independence Day ceremony in Jerusalem, receiving the country’s top civilian honor for what officials described as his unique contribution to the Jewish people. The award had been announced in December, and Israeli officials later formally invited him to the April 22 ceremony.

Trump was honored in the category of special contribution to the Jewish people, becoming the first foreign leader to receive the prize under that designation. Israeli leaders tied the decision to a series of moves long viewed in Israel as major diplomatic achievements, including the Abraham Accords and other steps that reshaped U.S.-Israel relations during his presidency.

The ceremony was held at Jerusalem’s International Convention Center as part of Israel’s 78th Independence Day events. Reports from the event said Trump received the prize in absentia rather than in person.

Israeli officials have indicated that Trump is expected to receive the honor formally during a future visit. His selection had already been framed by senior Israeli leaders as an unprecedented decision reflecting broad appreciation for his support of Israel and the Jewish people.

Mineola, NY (April 22, 2026)

Nassau County police announced a major gang takedown this week that led to 35 arrests, including 15 alleged gang members, during a countywide crackdown that began April 15. Authorities said those arrested were tied to the Bloods, Crips, MS-13 and Zoe Pound.

Police said nine of those arrested are believed to be Bloods members, two are tied to the Crips, three to MS-13 and one to Zoe Pound. The other 20 people arrested were not identified as gang members but were taken into custody on related criminal charges during the operation.

During the raids, investigators seized 10 illegal guns, along with drugs and other weapons. Officials said the operation involved multiple search warrants and targeted gang activity that they say has fueled violence in parts of Nassau County.

The takedown comes just days after the gang-related shooting at Eisenhower Park that left a 15-year-old dead and two others injured, though police have not said all of the arrests were directly tied to that case. Nassau officials said more enforcement actions are expected in the coming weeks as investigators continue building cases.

NEW YORK – On Yom HaZikaron, a New York State Appellate Division five-judge panel unanimously (5-0) upheld the New York State Supreme Court’s dismissal of a baseless, defamatory lawsuit brought against the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), its national president, Morton Klein, and four officers and board members. (Decision: Paul Tartell et al v. Morton Klein et al, N.Y. App. Div, 1st Dept., Apr. 21, 2026).

The case, brought by former board members, who made allegations about the organization’s finances and governance, resulted in the ZOA’s board convening an independent committee that investigated all allegations and meticulously reviewed years of the organization’s financial records. The committee found no financial or other wrongdoing by ZOA, Klein or others.

The Appellate Division’s decision further pointed to the ZOA’s Board (consisting almost entirely of independent directors) reaffirming ZOA’s support for Morton Klein by re-electing him by an overwhelming majority.

“The lawsuit’s allegations were false and completely meritless,” said Klein. “I’m grateful that the Appellate Division unanimously upheld its dismissal. The fact that the court published its findings on Yom HaZikaron, the day set aside to remember those who have sacrificed everything on behalf of the Jewish state, reminds us of the importance of the ZOA’s mission to advocate for and educate about Israel and to combat antisemitism wherever it emerges. That work will continue without distraction.”

The five-judge Appellate Division panel that issued this decision consisted of: Presiding Judge Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, Hon. David Friedman, Hon. Ellen Gesmer, Hon. Bahaati Pitt-Burke and Hon. Shlomo Hagler. The underlying New York Supreme Court decision in favor of ZOA, Morton Klein, etc., was issued by Hon. Arthur F. Engoron.

In addition to its chapters across the country, and the ZOA’s national efforts to educate and advocate for strengthening US-Israeli relations and combat antisemitism, the organization’s three major divisions continue to fight for Israel and the Jewish people, including: the ZOA Center for Law and Justice, headed by Susan Tuchman, Esq.; the ZOA Center for Government Relations, headed by Dan Pollak; and ZOA Campus, headed by Jonathan Ginsburg.

From last night’s beautiful Yom Hazikaron/Ha’atzmaut program at Young Israel of Woodmere.

Also in attendance were Yuval Donio-Gideon, Consul for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Israel and former hostage Segev Kalfon.

From last night's beautiful Yom Hazikaron/Ha'atzmaut program at Young Israel of Woodmere. Also in attendance were Yuval Donio-Gideon, Consul for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Israel and former hostage Segev Kalfon. pic.twitter.com/kxvPiwmYwK

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) April 22, 2026

This video features a Q&A session with Rav Asher Weiss Shlit”a at the Chemed Medical Conference. The discussion covers various practical applications of Halacha within the modern medical field.

Key topics discussed include:

Cultured Meat and Artificial Milk: Rav Weiss discusses the Halachic status of these new products. He classifies cultured meat as fleshig if derived from a kosher animal, while suggesting that certain new artificial milk products do not share the same Halachic status as dairy.

Doctor’s Routine and Prayer: Guidelines for medical professionals regarding davening while balancing the mitzvah of healing. He emphasizes the importance of planning a daily routine to fulfill both professional and religious obligations.

Kabbalah and Halacha: The role of Kabbalah in contemporary Jewish practice and ruling, cautioning against following self-proclaimed experts.

Palliative and Hospice Care: Rav Weiss strongly defends palliative care, clarifying that its goal is to alleviate suffering and pain, not to hasten death. He highlights the importance of morphine and pain management for terminal patients.

Taking Medication on Shabbos: Insights on taking pain medications like Tylenol or Advil on Shabbos, noting his tendency to be lenient regarding medications for those truly in pain or necessary for daily functioning.

Science and Vaccination: The importance of trusting mainstream science and medical consensus, particularly in the context of vaccinations and public health.

Emergency Situations and Halacha: A discussion on whether it is permissible to make non-emergency administrative phone calls on Yom Tov or Shabbos to secure better medical care or insurance coverage, referencing the principles of Mitzvah and Masei Mitzvah.

Choosing a Physician: The challenge of defining the ‘best’ doctor in an era of extensive PR, advising that patients choose based on reputation and the doctor’s familiarity with their specific medical needs.

Update From The White Shul:

“Dear Kehilla,

We’d like to share an important update regarding the work on Virginia Street.

The New York City Department of Transportation will be moving ahead with the next phase of the project, which includes repaving Virginia Street on Wednesday and Thursday, April 22–23.

At this time, the exact work hours are not yet known. We will continue to keep everyone updated as more information becomes available.

During this phase:

The back parking lot will be closed

The exit will be used for both entrance and exit

Shomrim will be on site to help direct traffic

Please note that this work is being handled entirely by the city and is subject to their schedule. We are grateful for the improvements being made to our street.

We kindly ask everyone to please not drive to Shul unless absolutely necessary, and to drive slowly and carefully in the area.

Thank you for your cooperation.”

White Shul Update:

“Dear Kehilla,

We’d like to share an important update regarding the work on Virginia Street.

The New York City Department of Transportation will be moving ahead with the next phase of the project, which includes repaving Virginia Street on Wednesday and Thursday, April 22–23.

At this time, the exact work hours are not yet known. We will continue to keep everyone updated as more information becomes available.

During this phase:

The back parking lot will be closed

The exit will be used for both entrance and exit

Shomrim will be on site to help direct traffic

Please note that this work is being handled entirely by the city and is subject to their schedule. We are grateful for the improvements being made to our street.

We kindly ask everyone to please not drive to Shul unless absolutely necessary, and to drive slowly and carefully in the area.

Thank you for your cooperation.”

For the 78th year in a row, the historic Ponevezh Yeshiva continues its longstanding tradition of proudly flying the Israeli flag atop its roof in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Brooklyn, NY (April 22, 2026)

A group of roughly 150 American bochurim connected to Yeshiva Gedola Kedushas Tzion will remain in the United States for now following guidance from the Bobover Rebbe amid continued instability tied to the conflict involving Iran.

The bachurim, who ordinarily learn at the yeshiva’s campus in Bat Yam near Tel Aviv, returned to the United States for Pesach and were then directed not to head back to Israel at this time. Instead, they traveled on Sunday to Camp Kerem Shlomo D’Bobov, where the summer zman is now being held under a temporary arrangement designed to allow learning to continue without interruption.

The move affects a major group of overseas talmidim enrolled in the yeshiva, which also serves students from Europe in addition to those from America. By shifting the program to the United States, the leadership is seeking to preserve the yeshiva’s regular structure while responding to uncertainty surrounding travel and security conditions in Israel.

The current setup includes a blended hanhala made up of rebbeim who arrived from Eretz Yisroel together with additional staff brought in from New York. That arrangement is intended to maintain continuity in both the academic and spiritual environment, even as the yeshiva operates far from its usual home base.

For families and students, the decision provides a measure of stability during a period of broader concern across the Jewish world over events in the region. Rather than suspending the zman or dispersing the bochurim to different locations, the yeshiva has created a centralized framework that keeps the group together and preserves its daily learning schedule.

The temporary relocation reflects a broader pattern seen in recent periods of regional tension, as mosdos weigh how best to balance safety, travel realities and the need for uninterrupted Torah study. For now, the bochurim are expected to continue learning in the United States until conditions allow for a possible return.

Washington, D.C. (April 22, 2026)

The Trump administration is signaling that foreign nationals linked to antisemitic activity could be blocked from entering the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding a new layer of scrutiny ahead of one of the largest international sporting events ever hosted in North America.

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, the U.S. special envoy responsible for monitoring and combating antisemitism, said the administration intends to use existing visa and travel review procedures to deny entry to individuals accused of promoting anti-Jewish hatred abroad. The warning appears aimed at a broad range of possible visitors, including fans, public figures and political activists, rather than targeting any one national team or country.

The policy message comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, with millions of visitors expected to travel across the region. American officials have been emphasizing both security and screening as preparations accelerate, and the latest comments suggest antisemitism will be treated as a factor in individual admissibility decisions.

Officials have not released a formal public list of specific criteria, nor have they identified categories of people who would automatically be barred. Instead, the approach appears to rely on case-by-case vetting through the government’s normal entry system. That leaves important questions unresolved, including how conduct abroad would be documented, what threshold would trigger denial, and whether past statements, affiliations or public activity would be weighed differently from criminal findings.

The administration’s stance reflects a broader push to present antisemitism as an issue with immigration and national security implications, not only a domestic civil rights concern. Supporters are likely to view the move as a forceful warning against importing hate into the country during a high-profile global event. Critics, however, may press for more clarity on standards and due process before the tournament begins.

With the World Cup still more than a year away, the remarks serve as an early notice that entry decisions for some visitors could face far closer examination than usual.

We’re excited to introduce a new 5 Towns Central initiative to help celebrate our community’s simchas together.

Each week, we’ll compile and share a beautifully designed graphic highlighting local simchas — from engagements and weddings to births, bar/bat mitzvahs, and other special milestones. This is a meaningful way for the entire community to stay connected and share in each other’s joy.

To be included, simply submit your simcha using the form below by Thursdays at 5:00 PM each week.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

https://forms.gle/UbjHNijP2JDAMXL86

Daniel Harris, associate principal of Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Chicago, has turned his love of baseball into a lesson about values by collecting baseballs signed not by Hall of Famers, but by leading Rabbanim and Gedolim.

What started as sports memorabilia became a way for him to show students who his true heroes are and to spark conversations about greatness, character, and Torah.

And over the weekend, he added to that one-of-a-kind collection again, this time by having HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch sign a baseball while visiting Chicago.

Albany, NY (April 21, 2026)

A newly introduced bill in the New York State Senate would require hospitals, morgues, funeral directors and other institutions handling certain unclaimed bodies to contact Jewish burial organizations before final disposition takes place. The measure is aimed at creating a formal process for cases in which the deceased is known to have been of Jewish descent and no relative or other claimant has come forward.

Filed on April 16 by State Sen. Sam Sutton, the proposal would direct officials to notify organizations including Misaskim and Chesed Shel Emes, or successor groups, to determine whether they are willing to assume responsibility for burial expenses and arrangements. If one of those organizations agrees to take over the matter, the body would be released for burial rather than being processed without that intervention.

The change is intended to protect religious burial practices while also offering a practical option for handling unclaimed remains. The legislation reflects concerns that, under current procedures, some deceased individuals could be cremated or otherwise disposed of in ways that conflict with Jewish religious standards. Backers also argue that in some cases private organizations may be willing to cover costs that would otherwise fall to local authorities.

The proposal specifically states that it would not override any prior written directions left by the deceased concerning anatomical gifts or organ donation. That carveout preserves existing legal instructions even if the person’s background is known and a burial group is prepared to step in.

The bill is still in its earliest stage and has been referred to the Senate Health Committee for review. If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, it would take effect 90 days later.

The measure follows a similar push in Kentucky, where lawmakers recently adopted legislation requiring consultation with religious communities in certain cases involving unclaimed bodies. In New York, the proposal could open a broader debate over religious accommodation, public health procedure and the treatment of the dead when no family is immediately available.

Washington, DC (April 19, 2026)

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a wrongful death lawsuit against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo tied to the state’s controversial nursing home policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The case was brought by Daniel Arbeeny, who alleged that Cuomo’s 2020 directive requiring nursing homes to accept patients regardless of COVID status contributed to his father’s death at a Brooklyn facility. Lower courts dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that state officials were protected by qualified immunity while acting in their official capacity during a public health emergency.

Cuomo’s representatives said the decision reinforces prior findings clearing him of wrongdoing, pointing to multiple reviews that concluded New York’s guidance aligned with federal policy at the time. They also cited data indicating the facility in question did not admit COVID-positive patients until after Arbeeny’s father had left.

Arbeeny, however, criticized the Supreme Court’s decision not to take up the case. His father, Norman Arbeeny, died at 89 shortly after being discharged from the facility.

The issue of nursing home deaths has remained a point of controversy in New York since the early months of the pandemic, including disputes over reporting totals and calls for accountability from affected families.

The Supreme Court did not provide a reason for declining to review the case, which is standard practice when it denies a petition.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee:

“It was 4,000 years ago here in Jerusalem, where God chose His people. He not only chose a people, but He chose a place.

And then He chose for the people in this place a purpose.

The people were the Jewish people, the place Israel.

And the purpose was to be a light to the world. After 2,000 years of expulsions, pogroms, persecutions, and the evil atrocities committed during the Holocaust, it was 78 years ago that David Ben-Gurion declared the restoration of Jewish sovereignty in their ancient homeland, and then the establishment of the modern state of Israel..

The U.S.-Israel relationship has never been stronger.”

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee:

It was 4,000 years ago here in Jerusalem, where God chose His people. He not only chose a people, but He chose a place.

And then He chose for the people in this place a purpose.

The people were the Jewish people, the place Israel.… pic.twitter.com/sDp6BslwvG

— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) April 21, 2026

Washington, D.C. (April 21, 2026)

A temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran was extended Tuesday in an unexpected diplomatic turn, easing fears of an immediate return to open conflict even as negotiations remained frozen and military pressure continued across the region.

The decision came just as the truce was nearing its expiration, with uncertainty growing over whether a second round of talks in Islamabad would move forward. Plans for Vice President JD Vance to travel for the discussions were put on hold after Iran signaled it would not join new negotiations under current conditions. Tehran has maintained that it will not resume talks while pressure tactics remain in place, particularly the U.S. naval blockade affecting Iranian ports and shipping.

The extension gives mediators more time to prevent the crisis from sliding back into direct confrontation. Pakistan, which has been playing a central role in trying to keep both sides engaged, has continued pressing for diplomacy as tensions over maritime access, sanctions and Iran’s nuclear program remain unresolved.

Despite the pause in fighting, the wider standoff is far from settled. U.S. officials have kept a hard line in public, warning that military action could resume if diplomacy fails. Iran, for its part, has signaled that it is prepared to answer further pressure with its own escalation if key demands are ignored. That leaves the ceasefire looking more like a temporary holding arrangement than a durable agreement.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has been instructed to return urgently to Washington for continued consultations at the White House.

The blockade remains one of the biggest obstacles to progress. Iranian officials view it as an unacceptable act of coercion, while Washington has framed it as part of a broader effort to restrict Iranian capabilities and force concessions at the negotiating table. With that dispute unresolved, hopes for a quick breakthrough appear limited.

For now, the extension has delayed a potentially dangerous next phase of the conflict. But with talks stalled, travel plans scrapped and both sides still deeply divided, the ceasefire remains fragile and subject to rapid change.

Why would President Trump extend the ceasefire after Iran has continuously violated it? Do you think Trump is bluffing? Time will tell.

Rav Uri Deutsch Shlita via Torah Anytime.

Los Angeles, CA (April 19, 2026)

The search for a missing 78-year-old woman in Los Angeles has expanded in recent days, with dozens of volunteers from New York joining local efforts to locate Jeanne Litvin, who has been missing for nearly a week.

Litvin was last seen on the morning of April 15 at approximately 7:25 a.m. leaving her home in the Hancock Park neighborhood. Since then, there have been no confirmed sightings, prompting a large-scale, coordinated search involving multiple agencies and community groups.

Hatzolah of Los Angeles has been leading the effort in coordination with the Los Angeles Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. On Sunday, members of Chaverim of Rockland traveled from New York to assist, with approximately 30 volunteers arriving to support the ongoing operation.

Search teams are utilizing a wide range of tools, including drone technology, surveillance footage analysis and systematic ground searches, in an effort to track Litvin’s movements after she left her home. Volunteers are also canvassing neighborhoods, distributing flyers and checking transit routes throughout the area.

Officials say the search is particularly challenging due to Litvin’s medical condition. She has aphasia, which can impair communication, raising concerns that she may not be able to identify herself or ask for help if approached.

Authorities have released a description of Litvin, noting that she was last seen wearing a red and black sweater over a black dress. A reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to her safe return.

Law enforcement is urging anyone with information to contact the LAPD’s Wilshire Division as the search continues to expand across Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

Besuros Tovos.

Chaverim Of Rockland Deploys To Los Angeles To Assist In Search for an Missing 78-year-old Jewish woman who went missing in Los Angeles last week.

Jeanne Rus Litvin was reported missing after leaving her residence at 148 S Alta Vista Blvd at approximately 7:25 a.m. on Wednesday,… https://t.co/nPbFPkTSTd

— Satmar550 (@Satmar550) April 20, 2026

SILVER ALERT – Los Angeles County
Last seen: Alta Vista Boulevard and West 2nd Street, Los Angeles@LAPDHQ

IF SEEN, CALL 9-1-1 pic.twitter.com/UzuBQiT13V

— CHP – Alerts (@CHPAlerts) April 15, 2026

Seattle, WA (April 18, 2026)

The U.S. Department of Justice is moving to investigate the University of Washington over its handling of antisemitism on campus, according to Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, who said she has authorized a civil rights probe into the public university.

The investigation centers in part on a student group known as Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return (SUPER UW), which officials say has been linked to prior disruptive and allegedly antisemitic activity. Dhillon pointed to a planned campus event described as a fundraiser related to Lebanon, raising concerns about its messaging and potential implications.

University officials have previously stated that SUPER UW lost its official recognition in May of last year and is not eligible for reinstatement. Despite that, individuals associated with the group have remained active, including involvement in recent demonstrations.

Authorities are also reviewing past incidents tied to the group, including a protest that caused significant damage to a university engineering building, with dozens of individuals now facing charges in connection with that event. Additional demonstrations over the weekend also drew attention after turning confrontational near a separate event in Seattle.

The university has faced mounting pressure in recent months to address concerns from Jewish students and community members about campus climate and safety. Earlier this year, university leadership held discussions with local community members to address those concerns and outline steps to combat antisemitism.

It remains unclear whether the federal review has formally begun or is in the final stages of authorization. If carried out, the probe would examine whether the university’s actions complied with federal civil rights laws governing discrimination and campus safety.

A serious child abuse case involving a two-month-old infant from the local community was uncovered inside a family’s home, authorities said.

The situation came to light after the parents grew concerned about the caretaker’s conduct. When they reviewed home surveillance footage, they found troubling behavior. RNSP was alerted and coordinated with the NYPD, leading to the caretaker’s arrest.

The child is now safe, b’chasdei Hashem.

The incident is a stark reminder for families to thoroughly vet and closely monitor anyone entrusted with the care of children or other vulnerable individuals.

“Yoni was my wonderful brother.

My North Star who helped me navigate my path through the twists and turns of life.

He served as an example and a model for me and my brother Udi, and gave us support and advice at many crossroads.

From a young age, he possessed a rare combination of inner peace, determination, and a clear sense of purpose.

He always knew where he was going, and what was required of him.

Throughout its life, the State of Israel has fought for its very existence.

As long as Yoni was alive, I was convinced that he would be there at the forefront, in leadership, in the place that would help ensure its future.

When I learned that Yoni had fallen in Operation Yonatan to rescue our hostages, I felt that my life had come to an end.

It wasn’t just the loss of a beloved brother.

It was the loss of an anchor.

I was certain that I would never recover.

But with time, I understood that Yoni’s legacy did not end with his death.

On the contrary.

Generations of young people have read his book of letters; generations of fighters have drawn inspiration from his values.

Yoni did not leave behind only a memory of heroism.

He left us a path.

From the depths of grief, a profound sense of mission grew within me.

Yoni’s sacrifice propelled me forward into public service.

As Prime Minister of Israel in these days of an existential war, when I send our soldiers into battle and our pilots to Iran, I see each and every one of them as if they were my brother.

I remember my parents, and I think of their parents.

I know what is at stake.

I know what every decision means.

I guard our warriors, and they guard us.

I miss you, Yoni, my beloved brother.

I miss you terribly.”

Jerusalem, Israel (April 20, 2026)

A nationwide siren sounded across Israel on Monday evening, opening the country’s annual Memorial Day observances in honor of soldiers killed in service and civilians lost in attacks. The one-minute pause at 8 p.m. marked the start of a solemn period of remembrance held across the country each year ahead of Independence Day.

The central opening ceremony took place at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where senior state and military officials gathered for the official launch of the commemoration. Among those attending were President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, underscoring the national significance of the day.

Memorial events are set to continue Tuesday with a series of ceremonies at Mount Herzl, Israel’s national military cemetery. At 8:30 a.m., the names of fallen service members will be read at the Hall of Remembrance. Later in the morning, a two-minute siren will sound nationwide at 11 a.m., followed by the main state memorial ceremony at the site, where families, officials and members of the public are expected to gather.

Updated figures released for this year’s observance show that 147 names were added to the list of Israel’s fallen since the previous Memorial Day. Another 47 disabled veterans who died and were later recognized as fallen service members were also included. The total number of those commemorated since 1860 now stands at 25,648.

The latest count includes soldiers killed in recent incidents, among them two who died over the weekend in southern Lebanon, as well as two others whose deaths occurred in non-combat circumstances. Their inclusion reflects the broad scope of national remembrance observed on this day, which honors military personnel across generations and conflicts.

As ceremonies continue into Tuesday, Israel enters one of its most emotional national observances, with communities pausing to remember those whose deaths remain deeply woven into the country’s public life and collective memory.

May there be no more lives lost to terror in Klal Yisroel.

America joins the people of @Israel in observing Yom HaZikaron — Israel’s Memorial Day — and in honoring the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism who have given their lives in defense of the Jewish State. May their memories forever be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/sZFkA5oeQj

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@USAmbIsrael) April 20, 2026

There is no doubt that we are experiencing a moment in history unlike any our nation has seen since the days of King David and Shlomo. For two thousand years, we endured every form of persecution in every corner of the world, facing relentless and often vicious accusations. We were charged with horrific crimes without the ability to defend ourselves.

The world itself has not fundamentally changed—even after the Holocaust, deep-seated prejudices and accusations have not disappeared. We continue to encounter old narratives in new forms. Just as we were once subject to blood libels of killing children, we are still blamed and called baby killers. Just as we were accused of controlling the world, we continue to face those same claims—now repackaged in modern forms, such as accusations that Jews manipulate global events or push America into a war for their own benefit.

Public figures and political voices contribute to these narratives, reflecting how enduring and complex these perceptions remain across different societies. Figures such as the Pope have joined in criticizing the recent war, and leaders in countries like Spain—the very land of the Inquisition—position themselves at the forefront of opposition to the Jewish people.

Yet something remarkable has changed. As our Prime Minister has often emphasized, we are no longer helpless. Today, we possess the ability to defend ourselves—and we do so with strength and success beyond all expectations.

Rising Lion

The unimaginable success of the Jewish nation is evident in many fields. Militarily, the Israeli army is regarded as a world power, known for its technological advancement, intelligence capabilities, and operational effectiveness. Economically, the shekel has shown notable strength and resilience over time, reflecting broader indicators of stability and growth.

In innovation as well, Israel has earned the reputation of a “Start-Up Nation,” producing leading developments in cyber security, agriculture, medical technology, and high-tech industries that are used around the world. Its contributions to science, medicine, and technology continue to grow, often far exceeding its size and resources.

Across many other areas—education, research, culture, and humanitarian aid—its achievements are striking and widely recognized, reflecting a pattern of influence and advancement that continues to expand.

On top of all this, in the Land of Israel the Torah world is flourishing like never before. Torah study is taking place in numbers unprecedented in history, alongside widespread acts of chesed and a growing atmosphere of kedushah. Cities are filled with Torah schools, yeshivot, and tinokot shel beit rabban, creating vibrant centers of learning and spiritual life throughout the land.

Step-by-Step Redemption- Talmud View

This very phenomenon is already described in the Talmud and the Zohar as part of the process preceding the coming of Mashiach in the end of days—how Israel will rise slowly and steadily, step by step, until it shines forth upon all the nations of the world.

Chazal describe the process of the Geulah—the final redemption—as unfolding in a gradual manner. Contrary to popular belief, it will not occur all at once, but rather slowly, step by step. The Yerushalmi (Brachot 1,1) opens with the following story: “Rabbi Chiya bar Abba and Rabbi Shimon ben Chalafta were walking in the Valley of Arbel when they saw the first light of dawn. Rabbi Chiya said: So too is the redemption of Israel—at first it comes little by little, but as it progresses, it grows stronger and stronger.”

He compared it to the progression of the Jews in the story of Purim, where the salvation unfolded gradually:

“At first—‘Mordechai sat at the king’s gate’; then—‘Haman took the royal garments and the horse’; afterward—‘Mordechai returned to the king’s gate’; then—‘Mordechai went out from before the king in royal garments’; and finally—‘the Jews had light and joy.’”

The Maharal (in his introduction to Ohr Chadash on Megillat Esther), explains that since the redemption comes from Hashem, it does not occur all at once, but rather unfolds in stages. It is impossible to ascend to the highest level of redemption in a single moment.

The reason for this, as the Midrash Tanchuma (Dvarim 1,2) explains, is that when Hashem reveals His light upon Israel, He does not bestow all of His goodness at once, because they would not be able to endure such an overwhelming abundance. If He were to grant His full goodness in a single moment, they would all perish.

For this reason, Chazal compare the redemption to a deer, which advances through swift leaps—one jump after another. So too the Geulah: beginning from the lowly state of Israel in exile and striving toward the highest heights, it must proceed gradually and cannot come all at once.

Chazal explain that just as the night is completely dark, so too was the exile—filled with unimaginable suffering of every kind. Just as the darkness before dawn is the deepest darkness—as the Midrash Shocher Tov teaches (68)—so too, Israel experienced its greatest suffering, as in the Holocaust, just before returning to its land (see also Kli Yakar, Shemot 6,1).

Then, as the day begins, a faint light appears on the horizon and gradually grows brighter and stronger. So too is the redemption: it does not come all at once, but rather unfolds slowly, as Israel becomes stronger and stronger gradually over time. At the moment when a ray of light first begins to shine, the sky is still mostly dark. So too is the beginning of the Geulah: it does not happen all at once. When it begins, there is already some light—glimpses of success—yet much darkness and suffering still remain. But as time progresses, the light grows stronger and the darkness fades. In the same way, Israel continues to grow stronger, and the suffering gradually diminishes, until finally, the sun emerges in full strength, shining with complete intensity. And just as anything that comes too close to the sun is consumed by its power, so too will Israel stand in its ultimate strength.

Today, that which our grandparents yearned for over generations—we are privileged to witness with our own eyes.

The Zohar Words

The Zohar (Bereshit 160,1) also follows this principle: “‘Mi zot hanishkafah’—this refers to Israel. When Hashem will raise them up and bring them out of exile, He will first open for them a very small, thin opening of light. Afterwards, He will open another gate, slightly larger than the first, until He eventually opens for them the higher gates that face all four directions of the world.

This is comparable to a person who has been sitting in darkness all his life. When one wants to illuminate him, one does not suddenly flood him with great light. Rather, one first introduces a small ray of light—like the eye of a needle—then a slightly larger light, and so on, gradually increasing it, until the full light is revealed properly.”

The Malbim

The Malbim (Micha 4,8) also explains this process in detail, describing the restoration of the Jewish people as a “strong fortress” that will unfold in three stages:

1.     Those exiled from Yehuda and Binyamin will begin to return to Tzion.

2.     A “small government” will emerge, similar to the period before the first monarchy in Israel, led by shoftim (judges). (It is remarkable to note that he describes a stage in which the country would be led by judges rather than leaders, or a prime minister, etc. Some have observed that in today’s reality, the judicial system plays a very significant role in the governance and legal framework of the state, influencing many aspects of life in the country.)

3.     Ultimately, there will be the establishment of the Malchut Beit David, the Davidic kingdom.

Is Zionism Compatible with the Torah View?

Contrary to the popular belief that Zionism was purely a secular movement, some of its earliest founders were devout rabbis:

Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer (1795–1874), a student of Rabbi Akiva Eiger, was one of the earliest and most influential rabbinic voices to articulate a religious framework for Jewish return to Eretz Yisrael in the modern era.

At the core of his ideology was the belief that redemption does not come through miraculous intervention, but unfolds through natural historical processes initiated by human action. He strongly rejected the idea that Jews must remain passive in exile while waiting for divine redemption. Instead, he argued that the nation has a responsibility to actively pursue settlement in the Land of Israel, agricultural development, and communal rebuilding, even before the arrival of Mashiach.

In his seminal work Derishat Tzion (“Seeking Zion”), which received many warm rabbinic approbations (haskamot), including from the Malbim and Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank, Rabbi Kalischer outlines a vision in which the ingathering of the exiles and the rebuilding of the Land are not contradictions to faith, but rather expressions of it.

A key element of his thought is the idea of “natural redemption” (geulah tiv’it), meaning that historical processes themselves can serve as instruments of divine providence. In this framework, political sovereignty, economic development, and settlement activity are not merely secular developments, but potential stages in a larger redemptive unfolding.

Rabbi Kalischer also emphasized practical steps: encouraging agricultural training, supporting Jewish settlement in Eretz Yisrael, and establishing institutions that would enable a self-sustaining Jewish presence in the land. He saw these efforts as not only permissible but spiritually significant, potentially hastening the final redemption.

Although controversial in his time, his ideas later became foundational for various religious Zionist approaches, which saw in his writings an early articulation of the concept that redemption can develop gradually through historical and national revival rather than occurring solely through sudden supernatural transformation.

In this sense, Rabbi Kalischer’s ideology represents a shift in emphasis: from waiting for redemption to participating in its unfolding.

Rabbi Yehuda Kalischer expresses the idea of gradual redemption:

“The redemption of Israel for which we await should not be imagined as something that will come suddenly—where Hashem will descend from Heaven to earth and say to His people, ‘Go forth,’ or that He will send His Mashiach in an instant from the heavens to sound the great shofar for the dispersed of Israel, gather them to Jerusalem, and surround it with a wall of fire.

Certainly, all the prophecies will be fulfilled in the end of days, and not a single word will be lost, Heaven forbid. But it will not occur in haste, nor in a single day. Rather, the redemption of Israel will come little by little. The beginning of the redemption will be through an awakening of generous spirits and through the will of the nations to gather some of the dispersed of Israel to the Holy Land…

And when many of the dispersed of Israel will be in the Holy Land and in Jerusalem, and they will offer their sacrifices as a pleasing fragrance to Hashem, then it will be will before the Master of all to bestow upon His people the light of Ruach HaKodesh.”

This passage powerfully reinforces the central theme: redemption is not a sudden miracle, but a gradual, unfolding process—beginning with human initiative and culminating in divine revelation.

Rabbi Yehuda Alkalai

Another rabbi was Rabbi Yehuda Alkalai, a student of Rabbi Eliezer Papo- the Pele Yoets, who was among the early rabbinic figures to advocate for active Jewish settlement in Eretz Yisrael. He developed a religious framework that emphasized human initiative in the process of redemption, arguing that the return to the Land of Israel should be advanced through practical steps such as organized settlement, communal cooperation, and the establishment of Jewish agricultural life in the land.

Rabbi Alkalai viewed these efforts not as a replacement for divine redemption, but as part of the unfolding process through which Geulah would gradually emerge. He drew on classical sources to support the idea that Israel has a role to play in preparing the conditions for its own national restoration, thereby hastening the fulfillment of prophetic redemption.

Those rabbis lived roughly fifty years before the emergence of modern secular Zionist figures such as Theodor Herzl, and in many ways they helped lay the ideological groundwork that later influenced the development of the Zionist movement, rather than the other way around.

Rabbi Yissachar Shlomo Teichtal

Rabbi Yissachar Shlomo Teichtal (1885–1945), author of Eim HaBanim Semeichah, was one of the most striking rabbinic figures of the 20th century to radically reassess his earlier views on Jewish settlement in Eretz Yisrael in light of the Holocaust.

Originally a member of the Hungarian Orthodox establishment, Rabbi Teichtal initially opposed active Zionist initiatives and held the prevailing view in his environment that redemption would come only through divine intervention, not human-driven national rebuilding. However, during the horrors of World War II, as he witnessed the destruction of European Jewry firsthand, he underwent a profound intellectual and spiritual transformation.

In Eim HaBanim Semeichah, written while in hiding during the war, he argues passionately that the Jewish people had erred in remaining passive regarding the rebuilding of Eretz Yisrael. He re-examines classical sources and concludes that redemption is not meant to be awaited in passivity, but rather pursued through action—particularly through settling the Land of Israel, strengthening Jewish unity, and taking responsibility for national restoration.

A central theme of his work is that human initiative is not a contradiction to faith, but part of the divine plan. He interprets historical suffering as a wake-up call, urging Am Yisrael to engage in practical steps toward redemption rather than relying solely on miraculous intervention.

Summary

When we think about Zionism, it is important to distinguish between different meanings of the term. Secular Zionism is a national-political ideology that is independent of Torah values which is negative. However, Zionism as an idea of return to Eretz Yisrael has deep roots within Torah sources and rabbinic thought long before its modern political expression.

Of course, there are many different approaches within this discussion—from rejectionist views such as those associated with Satmar, to various intermediate positions—but I felt it important to highlight voices that are often overlooked. These rabbinic figures are frequently not given a platform in popular discourse, despite the fact that their vision, in many respects, has unfolded before our own eyes in remarkable ways.

President Donald Trump pushed back against claims about U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran, while reiterating his longstanding position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions in a new social media post.

“Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did. I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged. Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing – And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future! President DJT”

If you know @POTUS, and I do, this rings completely true:

1. No one could possibly “talk him into a war.” He makes his own decisions solely on the basis of what is best for America; and

2. Unlike Biden, Harris and the Democrat “DON’T” approach to radical Islamic terrorism,… https://t.co/jxZbXobFEa

— David M Friedman (@DavidM_Friedman) April 20, 2026

Bodrogkeresztúr, Hungary (April 18, 2026)

Thousands are marking the 101st yahrtzeit of Reb Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir, widely known as Reb Shaya’le, whose legacy of extraordinary generosity and devotion to others continues to draw visitors from around the world.

Observed on the third of Iyar, the annual yahrtzeit has, in recent decades, become a major gathering in the small Hungarian village of Bodrogkeresztúr, where the revered tzaddik lived and led his community. Since the fall of communism, increasing numbers of visitors have traveled to the site, many seeking inspiration, connection and spiritual merit associated with his life and teachings.

Born in 1851 in Zboró, then part of Hungary, Reb Shaya’le was orphaned at a young age and went on to become a close disciple of prominent rabbinic leaders of his time. He later settled in Kerestir, where he became known for his humility, leadership and unwavering commitment to helping others.

His home became a place of refuge for those in need, where visitors were welcomed with dignity and provided with food and care regardless of their circumstances. Accounts of his life frequently highlight his dedication to ensuring that no one left hungry, a value he upheld personally even during the most demanding times.

Reb Shaya’le passed away in 1925, but his influence has endured for generations. His modest home, which still stands today, has become a focal point for those visiting the town, symbolizing a life centered on compassion and service.

For many, the annual yahrtzeit is not only a time of remembrance but also an opportunity to reflect on the values he embodied. Acts of Tzedakah and Chessed are often performed in his zechus, continuing a tradition closely associated with his name.

Yihi Zichro Baruch.

Anderson Cooper spoke with Rachel Goldberg-Polin, an American Israeli mother whose son, Hersh, was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 and then executed R”L.

During a CNN interview with Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin back in 2023, Anderson Cooper realized he had seen a video of their son Hersh HY”D being abducted by Hamas. After the interview, Anderson informed the family.

Rabbi Shais Taub and Dr. Ilyssa Bass, PhD. on let’s get real with Coach Menachem Sunday April 19th.

Parenting Kids with Hidden Differences / How to Support Extra Sensitive, Complex, and Neurodivergent Children.

What do you do when your child feels different… more sensitive, more reactive, harder to understand?

Joined by Shais Taub for a powerful conversation on parenting children with hidden differences.

We explore what’s really going on beneath the behavior — and how parents can support children who are extra sensitive, complex, or neurodivergent… without losing themselves in the process.

If you’ve ever felt:
• “Why isn’t anything working?”
• “Am I doing enough?”
• “I don’t understand my child”
• Or simply overwhelmed and exhausted…

This conversation will help you slow down, see deeper, and respond differently.

New York, NY (April 18, 2026)

A late-season chill is gripping the tri-state area Tuesday morning, with temperatures dropping near or below freezing overnight and cold weather alerts in effect across parts of southern New York and northern New Jersey.

Frost advisories and freeze warnings were issued as lows fell into the 20s and 30s, raising concerns for early spring plants and outdoor conditions. After the cold start, Tuesday is expected to turn sunnier, with temperatures gradually climbing to around 50 degrees in most areas.

The chilly conditions follow a breezy Monday that saw similar highs near 50, but the pattern is already beginning to shift. A gradual warm-up is expected to take hold by midweek, bringing a noticeable change after the brief return to winterlike weather.

On Wednesday, scattered morning showers could affect the commute, but temperatures are forecast to rise into the low 60s. By Thursday, a more significant warm-up arrives, with highs reaching into the 70s and more comfortable spring conditions continuing into Friday.

The milder stretch may not last long. Rain is expected to move in over the weekend, accompanied by another cooldown that will bring temperatures back below seasonal averages.

For now, the focus remains on the cold start to Tuesday, as residents wake up to freezing conditions before a quick rebound into more typical spring weather later in the week.

Washington, DC (April 18, 2026)

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy intensified the federal government’s dispute with New York over commercial driver’s licenses issued to non-resident drivers, warning that billions in funding and even the state’s licensing authority could be at risk if it does not comply with federal standards.

Duffy said a federal audit found that 53% of commercial driver’s licenses issued to foreign nationals in New York did not meet federal requirements. According to the Transportation Department, states are typically given 30 days to correct such issues, but New York was granted four months to review and potentially revoke licenses issued outside federal guidelines.

Despite that extended timeline, Duffy said the state has not taken the requested corrective steps, prompting the federal government to withhold $73 million in highway funding. He added that additional funding could be pulled in the coming months if the issue remains unresolved.

The dispute centers on federal safety and compliance rules governing who is eligible to receive a commercial driver’s license, particularly for non-domiciled or temporary-status drivers. Federal officials argue that failure to properly vet and regulate these licenses poses a risk to roadway safety and undermines national standards.

Duffy also signaled that the consequences could go beyond funding cuts. If New York does not bring its licensing practices into compliance, the federal government could move to revoke the state’s authority to issue commercial driver’s licenses altogether, a step that would have major implications for the trucking industry and interstate commerce.

New York officials have pushed back against the federal position, setting up a high-stakes standoff between Albany and Washington. The outcome could determine not only the fate of millions in infrastructure funding, but also how far the federal government is willing to go to enforce transportation rules at the state level.

.@SecDuffy: 53% of Commercial Driver's Licenses issued to foreigners in New York were issued illegally.

We gave them FOUR MONTHS to comply with the law. They refused, so we had no choice but to pull funding — and if they still refuse, we can pull their ability to issue CDLs. pic.twitter.com/Y34iGN0U2Z

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 19, 2026

Jerusalem, Israel (April 18, 2026)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Argentine President Javier Milei on Sunday during an official visit to Israel, highlighting a growing partnership between the two countries and signaling a broader push to deepen Israel’s ties with Latin America.

The leaders held a private meeting followed by plans for a formal signing ceremony of what is being called the Isaac Accords, an initiative aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic and strategic cooperation between Israel and countries in the region. The agreement is expected to focus on expanding bilateral engagement and fostering new areas of collaboration.

A key development announced alongside the visit is the launch of a new direct air route between Israel and Argentina. El Al confirmed that nonstop flights are expected to begin in 2026, a move intended to boost tourism, facilitate business travel and increase cultural and personal connections between the two nations.

In parallel discussions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with Argentine officials to outline additional areas of cooperation. These include plans for a financial credit line to support Israeli business activity in Argentina, an agreement on counterterrorism coordination and a partnership focused on artificial intelligence development.

Senior Israeli officials from multiple ministries participated in the meetings, reflecting the wide scope of the emerging relationship. The agreements under discussion point to a strategic effort to expand Israel’s global partnerships beyond its traditional allies.

The visit marks another step in strengthening ties between Jerusalem and Buenos Aires, with both sides emphasizing economic growth, innovation and security cooperation as central pillars of the relationship moving forward.

En el Muro… pic.twitter.com/AD3cLUoYY4

— Javier Milei (@JMilei) April 19, 2026

ברוך הבא לישראל, ברוך הבא לירושלים, חברי נשיא ארגנטינה חאבייר מיליי, חבר גדול של מדינת ישראל.

ישראל וארגנטינה עומדות יחד, חזקות מתמיד.
—-
Bienvenido a Israel, bienvenido a Jerusalén, mi amigo, Presidente de Argentina @JMilei, un gran amigo del Estado de Israel.

Israel y… pic.twitter.com/ammraov0cu

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 19, 2026

Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, became emotional after kissing the Western Wall in Israel.

Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/vetInHnH6h

— AF Post (@AFpost) April 19, 2026

London, UK (April 18, 2026)

An attempted arson attack on Kenton United Synagogue in northwest London overnight Sunday has heightened concerns over the safety of Jewish institutions across the United Kingdom, as authorities investigate a possible link to a broader pattern of incidents.

Emergency services responded quickly to the scene and were able to extinguish the fire before it caused major structural damage. Officials said the synagogue sustained minor smoke damage, and no injuries were reported.

The incident comes amid a series of recent security alerts involving Jewish sites in the region, including a prior arson case at a synagogue in nearby Finchley. Law enforcement agencies are now examining whether these events are connected as part of a wider coordinated effort.

British security officials are reportedly looking into a group with suspected ties to Iran that has claimed responsibility for multiple recent attacks on Jewish-affiliated buildings and media outlets critical of Tehran. Authorities have not yet confirmed the extent of that group’s involvement in the Kenton incident.

Community leaders say the attack has unsettled local residents and reinforced the need for heightened vigilance. The Community Security Trust has urged synagogues and Jewish organizations to strictly follow security protocols while the investigation continues.

The latest incident adds to growing concern about threats facing Jewish communities in the UK, as officials work to determine whether the attack represents an isolated case or part of a broader campaign.

Besuros Tovos.

Last night yet another synagogue, this time in Kenton, was targeted in a cowardly arson attack. It follows the attack in Finchley on Wednesday and the attempted attack on what was the Jewish Futures building in Hendon on Friday night, making three Jewish sites attacked in London…

— Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) April 19, 2026

Attackers threw a firebomb through the window of Kenton United Synagogue in the Harrow area of northwest London.

The device reportedly smashed through the medical room window and caused damage inside the building.

Local reports say this was the third attempted attack of this… pic.twitter.com/iWOpFxX62A

— Emily Schrader – אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) April 19, 2026

Jerusalem, Israel (April 19, 2026)

Israel’s military said it carried out a major wave of operations against Hezbollah in the final day before a temporary ceasefire with Lebanon took effect, reporting that more than 150 fighters were killed and roughly 300 military targets were hit across southern Lebanon.

According to the Israeli account, the final round of strikes focused on rocket launch sites, command compounds, weapons depots and other positions that had been used in attacks on northern Israeli communities. Israeli officials also said one of those killed was Ali Rida Abbas, identified as Hezbollah’s commander in the Bint Jbeil sector, an area long viewed as a central stronghold for the group near the border.

At the same time, Israeli defense officials outlined a broader plan for maintaining a military security belt inside southern Lebanon even as the ceasefire remains in effect. The army has publicly identified a forward defense line, described by Israeli leaders as a buffer zone extending about 10 kilometers from the Israeli border. Officials said forces are positioned across key terrain, including the Beaufort Ridge, which they view as strategically important for surveillance and operational control.

Israeli leaders have said the purpose of the zone is to block future cross-border raids, anti-tank fire and renewed militant entrenchment near northern towns. The military has also designated dozens of Lebanese villages within that area as restricted zones, with officials warning that the campaign to remove Hezbollah infrastructure is continuing despite the pause in large-scale fighting.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel intends to keep using ground and air power against what it considers active threats, including suspected weapons routes, fortified structures and areas believed to endanger Israeli troops. He said the larger goal remains the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military presence south of the Litani River and the long-term protection of border communities.

WILD FOOTAGE

An Israeli drone flew through Hezbollah stronghold Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, showing the scale of destruction following IDF operations. pic.twitter.com/eHTCJ8tS4M

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 19, 2026

Former President Donald Trump voiced strong support for Israel in a recent social media post, highlighting the country’s role as a key U.S. ally and praising its actions during times of conflict.

“Whether people like Israel or not, they have proven to be a GREAT Ally of the United States of America. They are Courageous, Bold, Loyal, and Smart and, unlike others that have shown their true colors in a moment of conflict and stress, Israel fights hard, and knows how to WIN! President DJT”

New York, NY (April 18, 2026)

Plans for transporting fans to FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium are drawing sharp criticism after NJ Transit confirmed that round-trip train tickets from New York to New Jersey will cost $150, far above the typical fare for the short trip.

The special pricing applies to ticket holders attending the eight matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium between mid-June and mid-July. Under the current plan, most spectators will not be permitted to park at the stadium, making public transportation the primary option for tens of thousands of attendees.

The cost of travel has quickly become a point of contention. A standard rail ticket for the same route typically costs under $15, meaning the World Cup fare represents more than a tenfold increase. Alternative options are also limited and expensive, with shuttle buses priced around $80 for a restricted number of seats, while nearby parking at the American Dream Mall is expected to exceed $200. Ride-share costs remain unpredictable and are likely to surge during peak travel times.

The transportation plan also includes temporary access restrictions at Penn Station, where portions of the facility would be reserved exclusively for World Cup ticket holders before and after matches. Rail tickets are scheduled to go on sale May 13, with approximately 40,000 seats available per match day, about half of the expected stadium capacity. An additional 10,000 shuttle seats per game are also planned.

The pricing and logistics have triggered a public dispute involving New York and New Jersey officials and FIFA, which is overseeing the tournament. Critics argue the costs place an undue burden on fans, while organizers maintain that the plan is necessary to manage large crowds and ensure smooth operations during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

NJ Transit on Friday confirmed that round-trip train ticket prices between New York City and MetLife Stadium will increase from $12.90 to $150 during the FIFA World Cup.

At a news conference, NJ Transit officials defended the decision, saying it would cost the agency $48 million… pic.twitter.com/5WfxRaLitB

— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) April 17, 2026

To Recap:

Our Administration inherited an agreement where FIFA contributes $0 toward transportation for the World Cup – while also eliminating parking at MetLife Stadium.

Except for premium parking, where FIFA is charging over $200 per spot.

As a result, NJ TRANSIT must carry…

— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) April 16, 2026

We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup.

And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion.

I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years… pic.twitter.com/pugU8davkW

— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) April 15, 2026

**
Jerusalem, Israel (April 17, 2026)**

An Israeli reservist was killed and nine other soldiers were wounded, including one seriously, after an explosive device detonated during operations in southern Lebanon, the military said.

The soldier was identified as Sgt. First Class (res.) Lidor Porat HY”D, 31, of Ashdod, who served in the 769th “Hiram” Regional Brigade’s 7106th Battalion. According to an initial military assessment, the incident occurred while forces were operating in an area under Israeli control, where an engineering vehicle struck a bomb believed to have been planted in advance.

Troops positioned nearby to secure the heavy equipment were caught in the blast. In addition to the fatality, one soldier was listed in serious condition, four were moderately wounded and four sustained lighter injuries. All of the wounded were evacuated by air to hospitals, and their families have been notified.

Following the explosion, Israeli forces carried out strikes on several targets in the surrounding area, as the military responded to what it described as a hostile act in a sensitive operational zone.

The incident comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting the volatility that persists even as diplomatic efforts continue. Israeli officials have maintained that operations in certain areas will continue as part of ongoing security measures, particularly against threats such as hidden explosives and remaining militant infrastructure.

The latest casualty adds to the toll on reserve forces operating along the northern front and reflects the continuing dangers faced by troops on the ground, even during periods officially marked by reduced hostilities.

Yihi Zichro Baruch. Besuros Tovos.

Bronx, NY (April 17, 2026)

Former President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met in person for the first time over the weekend during an unannounced visit to a pre-kindergarten center in the South Bronx, offering a rare public glimpse of the two leaders together.

According to City Hall, the pair spent part of the day reading to young children at the Learning Through Play Pre-K Center, joining in songs and activities while highlighting early childhood education. The visit, which was not disclosed ahead of time, also included a private discussion about the mayor’s vision for New York City and the role of early education in long-term development.

The meeting marks the first known in-person interaction between Obama and Mamdani since the mayor took office earlier this year. While the former president did not formally endorse Mamdani during his campaign, he had previously expressed interest in the race. In a phone call in 2025, Obama described Mamdani’s campaign as notable and indicated he would be open to offering guidance if Mamdani won the election.

Saturday’s appearance focused largely on education and community engagement rather than politics, with the setting underscoring shared emphasis on early learning initiatives. The South Bronx, where the visit took place, has long been a focal point for programs aimed at expanding access to quality pre-K education and support services for families.

Though brief, the meeting signals a connection between the two figures that could carry significance beyond the classroom setting, particularly as Mamdani continues to shape his administration and policy priorities.

Today, President Barack Obama and I read to a group of toddlers at Learning Through Play Pre-K Center in the South Bronx.

In between singing wheels on the bus, we discussed our administration’s vision for this City — one where New York’s Cutest have the strongest start possible. pic.twitter.com/U9e1c1LzQf

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) April 18, 2026

Child: I know your name. Mamdani.

Obama: What’s his first name?

Child: Mayor. pic.twitter.com/lXIpdt5Yzb

— Acyn (@Acyn) April 18, 2026

Barack Obama and Zohran Mamdani sing ‘Wheels on the Bus’ at a childcare center in the Bronx. pic.twitter.com/mdra2jCsJa

— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 18, 2026

Great spending time with New York City’s Cutest. And thanks to @NYCMayor for giving me an excuse to break out my best “Wheels on the Bus” pic.twitter.com/RxJ7ZRZse6

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 18, 2026

**
New York, NY (April 17, 2026)**

New York City is moving to strengthen pedestrian protections with a proposed update to traffic rules that would require drivers and cyclists to remain stopped at intersections until pedestrians have fully crossed the roadway. The change, described as a “full-stop” approach, would apply at intersections without traffic signals or stop signs and extend to both marked and unmarked crosswalks.

The proposal is part of a broader push to improve street safety and reduce collisions involving pedestrians, a longstanding concern in the city’s Vision Zero efforts. If implemented as described, the rule would go beyond current expectations by requiring vehicles to wait until pedestrians reach the opposite curb, rather than simply yielding while they are in the vehicle’s path.

Alongside the rule change, officials are also weighing stricter penalties tied to failure-to-yield violations. Under the proposal, the number of points assigned to such infractions could increase, raising the risk of license suspension for repeat offenders. The changes would be part of a wider review of traffic enforcement and driver accountability.

However, details surrounding the rule’s implementation and enforcement remain unclear, and it is not yet confirmed whether the policy has been formally adopted or is still under consideration. Transportation experts note that similar rules exist in other jurisdictions but often face challenges in consistent enforcement.

The proposal is likely to draw mixed reactions. Safety advocates are expected to support stronger pedestrian protections, while drivers and transportation groups may raise concerns about practicality, enforcement and potential unintended consequences.

City officials have not yet announced a final timeline for implementation, but the discussion signals a continued focus on pedestrian safety as a central issue in New York’s evolving traffic policy.

New York, NY (April 17, 2026)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is proposing a new city-backed insurance initiative aimed at lowering rising costs for landlords of rent-stabilized and affordable housing, marking a notable shift as his administration seeks to ease tensions with building owners while advancing broader housing goals.

Under the plan, the city would help create an insurance program designed to offer more affordable coverage by leveraging public backing and access to lower-cost financing. Officials say the initiative could initially cover about 20,000 housing units by 2027, with a long-term goal of reaching up to 100,000 units by the end of the decade.

City Hall has pointed to a sharp rise in insurance premiums, which have tripled since 2017, as a growing burden on property owners and a contributing factor to higher housing costs. The proposed program would be operated by a private entity, with the city maintaining an ownership stake and oversight role as it competes with existing insurers.

While the administration argues the model could eventually become self-sustaining, it would first require approval from the City Council to use public funds as a financial backstop. Key details, including total startup costs and how buildings will be selected for the initial phase, have not yet been finalized.

Officials say high insurance costs are also affecting the city’s own housing efforts. According to City Hall, rising premiums increase the amount of public subsidy needed for new affordable housing projects, putting additional strain on capital budgets.

Public-sector involvement in insurance markets has precedent, though past efforts have produced mixed results. Supporters of the proposal argue that a targeted, modern approach could stabilize costs and support housing preservation, while critics are expected to closely scrutinize the risks of taxpayer exposure.

The proposal adds a new dimension to the city’s housing strategy, as leaders attempt to balance tenant protections with the financial pressures facing property owners in an increasingly expensive market.

Albany, NY (April 16, 2026)

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is proposing a major expansion of funding to help protect communities targeted by hate crimes, as antisemitic incidents continue to make up the largest share of reported cases statewide.

The plan would double current funding for at-risk organizations, adding $35 million to an existing $35 million allocation through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program. The grants are designed to help nonprofits, religious institutions and community groups strengthen security through physical upgrades and cybersecurity measures, including surveillance systems, reinforced entryways and emergency alert tools.

Eligible organizations would be able to apply for up to $250,000 per site, with applications due in early July and awards expected later in the year. The proposal is part of the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget, which remains under negotiation in Albany after missing the April 1 deadline.

State data shows hate crimes remain a persistent concern, with 696 incidents recorded between January and November 2025. Of those, 418 targeted Jewish individuals or institutions, accounting for just over half of all reported cases. While that figure represents a decline compared with the same period the previous year, it still reflects a high level of activity.

The funding increase has drawn support from a range of Jewish and community organizations, which have pushed for additional resources to address ongoing security concerns. At the same time, state and city leaders are weighing additional measures tied to public safety around houses of worship.

One such proposal would establish a 25-foot buffer zone around religious sites, restricting protests in close proximity. Supporters argue it would help prevent intimidation and ensure safe access, while critics say it could raise constitutional concerns related to free speech.

As budget talks continue, the expanded funding proposal highlights the state’s effort to balance civil liberties with growing demands for security, particularly as communities seek stronger protections in response to ongoing threats.

Gut Vuch & Shavuah Tov to all!

Iran has reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz after briefly signaling it was open, and AP reports Iranian forces fired on commercial vessels while the U.S. says it is still enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports. That has turned the shipping lane back into the main flashpoint in the war and raised the risk of another escalation tied to oil transit and maritime traffic.

On diplomacy, the U.S. is still publicly signaling that negotiations with Iran are possible, but the two sides are clearly not on the same page. President Trump said the U.S. will keep the Strait of Hormuz blockade in place until a final deal with Iran is reached. He also said the U.S. will work with Iran to recover its enriched uranium and return it to the U.S., stating: “The U.S. will work with Iran to recover its enriched uranium and will bring it back to the U.S. We will go in at a leisurely pace to recover the uranium”.

Trump said Iran agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely, would not receive frozen U.S. funds, and had agreed to stop supporting groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. He also said U.S. and Iranian negotiators would probably meet soon and that any final deal would “make Israel safe” and that “Israel is going to come out great” at the end of the war.

Iranian officials publicly rejected these claims. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said there is no plan to transfer 60% enriched uranium to the U.S., and Iranian officials said Tehran is not ready for a new round of talks, arguing that Washington has maintained excessive demands and has not abandoned its hardline stance.

For Israel specifically, the Israel-Lebanon front remains active even with the newly announced 10-day cessation framework. The U.S. said the ceasefire began April 16 and is meant to create space for direct Israel-Lebanon talks, the first such high-level engagement in decades, but fighting has not fully disappeared. On Saturday, Israeli strikes in Lebanon were reported again, with the IDF saying it targeted Hezbollah operatives under the agreement’s self-defense provisions.

One of the most serious weekend-related developments on that front is the killing of a French UN peacekeeper in southern Lebanon. AP says France and UNIFIL blamed Hezbollah for the attack, while Hezbollah denied responsibility. That incident has added new strain to an already fragile ceasefire environment involving Israel’s northern border.

Inside Israel, the broader wartime posture has been easing in some areas compared with earlier this month, but not uniformly. Earlier Home Front Command changes had relaxed restrictions in much of the country as the Iran ceasefire appeared to hold, though northern areas remained more constrained and later adjustments were made as the Lebanon situation stayed volatile.

U.S.-facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon are now openly on the table, including discussion of border demarcation and longer-term security arrangements. That does not mean peace is close, but it is one of the clearest diplomatic openings involving Israel since this phase of the regional war intensified.

Israel is still watching the Iran file closely even as the center of gravity has shifted from direct large-scale strikes to coercive diplomacy and maritime pressure. Times of Israel’s latest roundup reports Trump saying talks are “really well” despite accusing Iran of getting “a little cute” over Hormuz, which captures the current moment: active crisis, no final settlement, and a high risk of sudden reversal.

Besuros Tovos.

**
Washington, DC (April 16, 2026)**

A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is set to take effect Thursday evening, creating a narrow opening for direct negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and laying the groundwork for a broader long-term agreement between the two countries. Under the framework outlined by the U.S. State Department, the cessation of hostilities is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time and last for an initial period of 10 days.

The arrangement is being presented as a goodwill step designed to create space for diplomacy after months of conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border. The United States said both sides are expected to enter direct negotiations in good faith with the goal of reaching a more durable security and peace understanding. The pause in fighting may be extended if both governments agree that talks are progressing and if Lebanon demonstrates greater control over its territory.

Under the terms described by Washington, Israel is expected to halt offensive military operations in Lebanon by land, air and sea once the ceasefire begins, while still maintaining its claimed right to act in self-defense against imminent or ongoing threats. Lebanon, with international backing, is expected to take steps to prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups from launching attacks against Israeli targets from Lebanese territory.

The agreement also reinforces the position that Lebanon’s official security forces alone are responsible for the country’s sovereignty and national defense, a point with major implications for Hezbollah’s role inside the country. Another major objective of the coming talks is to address unresolved disputes, including the demarcation of the international land boundary.

Even with the ceasefire in place, uncertainty remains high. Reporting on the deal has described it as fragile, with questions still hanging over enforcement, Hezbollah’s stance and Israel’s continued military posture in southern Lebanon. Still, the agreement marks a rare diplomatic opening between two countries that have long remained in a state of conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening:

"We have an opportunity to forge a historic peace agreement with Lebanon. President @realDonaldTrump intends to invite me and the President of Lebanon in order to try to advance this agreement.

1/13 pic.twitter.com/lYMjAzm2Je

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 16, 2026

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman is joining the backlash against New York’s proposed pied-à-terre tax, arguing that wealthy part-time residents and major employers help sustain the city’s economy rather than drain it. His comments come as Gov. Kathy Hochul backs a new surcharge on second homes in New York City valued at $5 million and up, a proposal that supporters say would raise revenue from ultra-wealthy property owners and critics say could drive investment away.

Full words of Bill Ackman:

“Non-residents who spend millions of dollars on NYC apartments help drive NYC’s economy. Most of the profit in condominium development is in the penthouses. The Ken Griffins of the world make NYC high end development viable, driving high-paying construction, brokerage, legal, marketing, and other jobs in NYC. We should be applauding Ken for spending $238 million in NYC, not attacking him for doing so.

Importantly, non-resident owners of NYC apartments who leave their apartments vacant for much of the year are not a burden to NYC schools, services, or other resources while they drive growth in retail sales, restaurants, theater, and other important drivers of our economy. They also often support NYC non-profits with donations.

Ken’s company is a major employer in NYC of very high paying jobs which drive a considerable amount of our tax base. We wouldn’t want him to move even more employees to Miami.

These non-resident owners also already pay a lot of taxes including mansion taxes, real estate taxes, sales taxes and more.

While Mayor Mamdani likes the tag line “Tax the rich.” Unfortunately, his policies will harm the constituencies he is supposedly trying to help.

I can’t imagine the NYC construction unions are excited about his plan.”

Ackman is in response to the below video of Mamdani railing on Ken Griffin, who will likely take his money and taxes to Florida instead of Mamdani’s ridiculous policies in New York.

Happy Tax Day, New York. We’re taxing the rich. pic.twitter.com/Wky2LFXC9W

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) April 15, 2026

Albany, NY (April 16, 2026)

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the federal government is pulling roughly $73 million in highway funding from New York, escalating a growing dispute over how the state handles commercial driver’s licenses issued to foreign truck drivers. The administration says New York failed to follow federal requirements aimed at ensuring non-domiciled commercial drivers are properly vetted and remain legally qualified to operate on American roads.

The conflict centers on New York’s treatment of commercial licenses issued to non-resident drivers whose work authorization may have expired. Federal officials say a nationwide review found major problems in the state’s program, including licenses that remained active well beyond the expiration of underlying legal status. The Transportation Department has argued that New York should move to review and revoke improperly issued licenses or face financial penalties tied to federal highway aid.

New York has pushed back against the federal action, maintaining that it is acting within the law and disputing the administration’s interpretation of its obligations. State officials have cast the funding threat as part of a broader political attack on Democratic-led states, while federal officials say the issue is one of highway safety and legal compliance, not politics.

The standoff could carry broader consequences beyond the initial funding loss. Federal officials have warned that additional money could also be at risk if the state does not change course, raising the stakes for both Albany and transportation planners who depend on federal support for road and infrastructure projects.

The dispute now sets up another high-profile confrontation between New York and Washington, this time over immigration-related licensing policy and the federal government’s power to enforce transportation rules through the purse strings.

I’m pulling $73 MILLION in federal highway grants from New York until the state follows OUR RULES and makes sure foreign truckers are VETTED and QUALIFIED @USDOT will not fund Governor Hochul’s dangerous anti-American policies. Full stop.https://t.co/HhIvF39Qj6

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) April 16, 2026

East Meadow, NY (April 16, 2026)

A 15-year-old boy was killed and two other people were wounded in a shooting Wednesday night at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, prompting a large police response and an active investigation into what authorities say may have been a gang-related gathering. Police said the gunfire broke out shortly before 8:30 p.m. near Field 2 after reports of multiple people being shot.

Investigators say the shooting occurred during a barbecue-style event that had been promoted on social media and was linked to the Bloods gang. According to reports citing Nassau County police, an argument between two people escalated before shots were fired. The 15-year-old victim later died, while the two other injured victims were hospitalized in stable condition and undergoing surgery Thursday morning.

Authorities also said the park was closed at the time, with workers in the process of clearing the grounds and locking the gates when the violence erupted. An ambulance medic who was already inside the park reportedly heard the first shots and ran toward the scene, as officers moved in to secure the area and manage a large crowd. Roads around the park were closed as the investigation unfolded.

Two people were taken into custody, and reports said they were allegedly found with weapons, though it was not immediately clear Thursday whether either had been formally charged in connection with the shooting itself. Nassau County police continue to search for additional suspects and have not yet released further details on what led to the confrontation.

New York, NY (April 16, 2026)

Rama Duwaji, the wife of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, said she regrets the harm caused by resurfaced social media posts from her teenage years and early 20s, addressing the controversy publicly for the first time as scrutiny over her past online activity continues to grow. In a recent interview, she acknowledged that some of the language in those posts was damaging and said confronting them now has brought a sense of shame and forced reflection on how they affected others.

The renewed attention follows the circulation of archived posts linked to Duwaji that drew criticism for inflammatory language about Israel, praise for Palestinian militant figures and the use of a racial slur in an old post from her teens. Additional backlash followed separate reporting last month that she had liked social media posts after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that were seen by critics as supportive of the assault or dismissive of reported atrocities.

In her public remarks, Duwaji did not address each post individually. Instead, she focused on the broader impact of the material and said the episode has altered her life personally and professionally. She described herself as still processing what the fallout means for her as an artist and as a public figure adjacent to City Hall, while signaling that she intends to move forward by focusing on her work with greater care.

Mayor Mamdani has previously defended his wife by emphasizing that she holds no formal role in his administration and is not a government official. Even so, the controversy has become politically charged because of the mayor’s high profile and his own sharp criticism of Israeli policy, with opponents arguing that the issue raises broader questions about judgment and accountability.

The episode is likely to remain in public view as debate continues over where the line falls between youthful online behavior, political expression and material that many see as hateful or deeply offensive. For now, Duwaji’s remarks appear aimed at acknowledging the pain caused by the posts without reopening each individual controversy in detail.

Long Island, NY (April 16, 2026)

A new Long Island-based survey is raising concern among educators after finding that a notable share of registered voters either do not believe Holocaust education should be required in schools or declined to say. The results come in a state where public schools are already required to provide instruction on the Holocaust as part of broader teaching on human rights and genocide.

According to the poll of 400 registered voters, 30% either said the Holocaust should not be a required part of school curriculum or refused to answer the question. Another 15% said the number of Holocaust deaths had been exaggerated or declined to respond, while 27% either agreed with or would not answer a question asking whether Jews are too focused on the Holocaust and should move on.

The findings have set off alarm among educators and Jewish community advocates, who say the results point to troubling gaps in public understanding of one of history’s most documented atrocities. For many, the numbers also reinforce concerns that Holocaust distortion and historical ignorance remain serious problems even in communities where formal instruction is already mandated.

In New York, state education guidance requires districts to include Holocaust instruction, though debates have continued in recent years over how consistently and how deeply the subject is taught from one district to another. That concern has only grown as antisemitic incidents have remained elevated in New York and across the country, putting added pressure on schools to ensure students receive clear and meaningful historical education.

The survey’s release comes at a moment when Holocaust education is taking on added urgency, with the population of living survivors continuing to decline and schools increasingly seen as one of the last institutions capable of passing on firsthand historical understanding to younger generations. On Long Island, where Jewish communities are deeply rooted and Holocaust remembrance efforts remain active, the poll is likely to intensify calls for stronger classroom instruction and broader public education.

New York, NY (April 16, 2026)

New York City shattered an 85-year-old temperature record Wednesday as Central Park climbed to 90 degrees, making it the hottest April 15 recorded there since official observations began. The previous mark for the date was 87 degrees, set in 1941.

The record-setting warmth gave the city a midsummer feel in the middle of April, with sunny skies and unusually hot conditions drawing crowds outdoors across the five boroughs. The brief surge of heat is part of a broader weather pattern that has pushed temperatures well above normal across much of the eastern United States this week.

The warm stretch is expected to continue into Thursday, when highs in New York could again approach 90 degrees. Friday should remain warm, though not quite as intense, with temperatures around 80 before a more noticeable cooldown arrives for the weekend. Forecasts show highs dropping to the mid-60s Saturday, then slipping into the 50s Sunday and Monday as more typical April air returns to the region.

Forecasters say the unusual burst of heat has been driven by a large-scale weather pattern that has allowed warm air to build over the East while stormier conditions in the western United States have helped keep colder air from pushing through. The result has been a short-lived but striking temperature spike more common in early summer than in mid-April.

By early next week, the city is expected to feel a sharp contrast from Wednesday’s record warmth. Highs are projected to fall to about 52 on Monday and 56 on Tuesday before moderating again later in the month. After several days of summerlike weather, the return to cooler conditions may come as a jolt for New Yorkers who briefly got a preview of the season ahead.

Washington, DC (April 16, 2026)

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted down two measures led by self hating Jew Sen. Bernie Sanders that sought to block specific military sales to Israel, marking the latest failed effort to curb American weapons transfers during the war that began in October 2023. One resolution targeting a $151 million sale of 1,000-pound bombs failed by a 36-63 vote, while another aimed at stopping a $295 million sale of bulldozers was rejected 40-59.

Although both resolutions were defeated, the vote showed growing Democratic support for restricting at least some military assistance to Israel. More than three dozen Senate Democrats backed the measures, with the bulldozer resolution drawing support from 40 Democrats and the bomb resolution receiving 36 Democratic votes. The outcome underscored a widening divide within the party over the Netanyahu government, the war in Gaza and the broader U.S. role in the region.

The votes were the fourth Senate attempt to block arms sales to Israel since the start of the war. Sanders and his allies have used joint resolutions of disapproval to force public votes on weapons transfers, even though such measures face steep odds in Congress. Previous efforts also failed, but this round attracted more support than earlier attempts, signaling a shift in sentiment among some lawmakers as the conflict continues.

Several prominent Democrats still voted to allow the sales to proceed, including party leaders and senior members who have continued to support military aid to Israel even while expressing concern about the humanitarian toll of the war. At the same time, some Democrats seen as potential future presidential contenders voted for the resolutions, adding political significance to the result beyond the immediate legislative defeat.

While the measures did not pass, the vote added fresh evidence that support for unrestricted arms transfers to Israel is no longer as unified inside the Democratic caucus as it once was. The issue is expected to remain a point of conflict on Capitol Hill as lawmakers face continued pressure over U.S. policy in the Middle East.

NOW: US Senate votes AGAINST stopping arms sales to Israel, 40-59

A whopping 85% of Senate Democrats supported the move

It was brought by Sen. Bernie Sanders pic.twitter.com/BV3eZZTDrD

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 15, 2026

Dear @BernieSanders
You are an antisemite. Not simply because you lie, distort numbers, misquote laws, and apply double standards to Israel, though you do. No, mainly because even as you do those things you never miss a chance to target innocent American Jews.
Let me explain: https://t.co/nHASWxR1PC

— Mark Goldfeder (@MarkGoldfeder) April 16, 2026

**
Albany, NY (April 15, 2026)**

A newly proposed tax on high-value second homes in New York City is quickly becoming a flashpoint in the state’s broader debate over wealth, investment and how to close the city’s growing budget gap.

The proposal, backed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and praised by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, would place an annual surcharge on secondary residences in the city valued at $5 million or more. Supporters argue the measure would require owners of ultra-luxury properties that sit largely unused to contribute more toward public services at a time when city finances are under pressure.

The plan is being framed by its backers as a way to raise substantial revenue without increasing taxes on primary residences or broadening the burden to working- and middle-class New Yorkers. City officials have also tied the measure to efforts to preserve core services and fund priorities such as child care and other affordability programs.

But the idea is already drawing fierce criticism from opponents who say it sends the wrong signal to investors and wealthy homeowners at a time when New York is still competing with lower-tax states for residents, businesses and capital. Critics argue that imposing another levy on luxury property ownership could discourage investment, depress high-end real estate values and reduce the very tax base the city depends on. Some also warn that targeting part-time owners may leave more units vacant for longer rather than bringing them into fuller use.

The clash reflects a familiar divide in New York politics: whether the state should ask more of top earners and high-asset property owners, or whether doing so risks accelerating out-migration and weakening long-term economic growth. With Albany still weighing major budget decisions, the second-home surcharge has become both a fiscal proposal and a symbolic battle over the future direction of tax policy in the city and state.

As negotiations continue, the measure is likely to remain at the center of a larger argument over who should pay more to keep New York running — and whether higher taxes on wealth can stabilize public finances without pushing more money out the door.

Happy Tax Day, New York. We’re taxing the rich. pic.twitter.com/Wky2LFXC9W

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) April 15, 2026

New York, NY (April 15, 2026)

Two Pennsylvania teenagers accused of throwing homemade explosive devices during a protest outside Gracie Mansion pleaded not guilty Wednesday in federal court, moving a closely watched terrorism case into its next phase. Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, are charged in connection with a March 7 incident near Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s official residence, where authorities say an anti-Islam demonstration and a counterprotest had drawn a crowd before the situation unraveled.

Prosecutors allege the pair traveled from the Philadelphia area to Manhattan and brought improvised explosive devices containing TATP and shrapnel. According to the indictment, one device was ignited and thrown toward demonstrators, while a second was lit and dropped near police officers before both suspects were arrested nearby. No injuries were reported, but investigators say the materials had the potential to cause mass casualties.

The federal case includes some of the most serious charges available in terrorism prosecutions, including attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and use of a weapon of mass destruction. Authorities say the investigation expanded after the arrests, leading to the recovery of additional evidence that included planning notes, bomb-making material and digital records now under review. Prosecutors told the court they are preparing a large volume of discovery as the case proceeds.

Investigators contend both defendants expressed support for ISIS after the attack and that electronic evidence captured discussions about causing a far greater level of harm. The allegations have pushed the matter into the center of a broader public safety debate in New York, particularly because the devices were allegedly used in a crowded protest setting near the mayor’s residence. Defense lawyers entered not guilty pleas on behalf of both men, and the case is scheduled to return to court on June 16.

The Peninsula Public Library is holding its monthly board meeting tomorrow, Thursday, April 16, at 4:00 p.m. The meeting, which takes place in the Bentley Room in the library’s basement, is a time when the public can share its concerns and thoughts with the board. When the library is running smoothly, attendance tends to be low, but we are now at a time when public input is needed more than ever.

The library has been without a director for months, despite the previous director having given notice five months in advance. The building has been suffering from leaks, mold, and, since October, an elevator that has been out of service, putting Peninsula out of compliance with accessibility laws. The current board has been slow to address these issues. Moreover, it has chosen to set aside a $10 million renovation plan for the aging building, a plan that a previous board voted to pursue in 2025, and its budget for the coming year includes no increase in funding for maintenance or repairs.

One way in which the public has been involved with library policy has been through the election of the library board. When there is a vacancy, and there have been several this past year, the other members of the board are able to appoint temporary replacements. But this has been balanced under New York State law by a rule that such replacements hold office only until the next election, at which point the public gets to decide who will hold the seat going forward. The board has been trying to do an end run around this.

The board held a surprise special meeting on March 12 with only a half hour’s advance notice, which is not the normal order of things. At that meeting, it resolved to change the rules so that the board can fill vacancies with permanent replacements who will remain in office until the end of the term, with no ratification needed from the public. Board President Akiva Lubin, who was up for reelection this May, then resigned and was immediately appointed back to the board, filling the seat of departing member Reva Oliner. This would allow him to avoid the upcoming election and stay in office for an additional three years.

The following meeting, on March 24, had been scheduled for 5:00 p.m. but was changed to 3:00 p.m., again with less than an hour’s notice. The minutes from this meeting are not yet online, but the Nassau Herald reported that the special meeting’s resolution violated state law and was pushed back against by the few attendees who showed up despite the scheduling shenanigans.

Regardless of how one feels about the job the board members are doing, accountability to the public is a basic democratic principle, and it is disturbing that they seem to be trying to avoid it in every way possible. Meetings are supposed to have at least three days’ advance notice, not 30 minutes. It should not be possible for a member to dodge reelection by changing the rules. The board is supposed to represent and serve the public, so why does it seem determined to minimize public input?

As of this afternoon, the next meeting is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. Hopefully that remains the meeting time, and hopefully the public is well represented there.

Disclaimer: The Peninsula Public Library is an independent body governed by its own elected officials and should not be confused with the Village of Lawrence, which is a separate municipality with its own independently elected officials.

– – –
*These views express the opinions of the authors alone and not necessarily those of the owners & management of 5TownsCentral.

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**
Portland, Ore. (April 15, 2026)**

Deni Avdija delivered the defining performance of his NBA career Tuesday night, erupting for 41 points as the Portland Trail Blazers rallied past the Phoenix Suns, 114-110, in a play-in showdown that secured Portland the Western Conference’s No. 7 seed and a first-round playoff matchup with San Antonio. He added 12 assists and seven rebounds, capping the night with the go-ahead three-point play with 16.1 seconds remaining.

The victory sent Portland into the playoffs for the first time since 2021 and turned Avdija into the clear focal point of one of the postseason’s opening storylines. With the Trail Blazers trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, he helped spark a late surge and took control in the closing moments, delivering the basket that put Portland ahead for good. The win completed a dramatic comeback and underscored his growing importance to the team in the season’s biggest moments.

For Israeli basketball fans, the night marked another major milestone, though not the first Israeli appearance in the NBA playoffs. That distinction belongs to T.J. Leaf, who became the first Israeli national to play in an NBA playoff game in 2018 for the Pacers. Avdija’s achievement instead stands as a landmark of a different kind: a starring, game-changing performance that carried his team into the postseason and elevated him further in the history of Israeli players in the league.

The latest chapter adds to an already significant rise for the 25-year-old forward, who has increasingly emerged as one of Portland’s most versatile and trusted players. On a night when everything was on the line, he was not simply part of the story — he drove it.

Now, with a playoff series against the Spurs set to begin Sunday, Avdija enters the postseason with momentum, confidence and one of the most memorable performances any Israeli player has produced on an NBA stage.

DENI DELIVERED. https://t.co/B4pNyTF9bS pic.twitter.com/CK7HmTTFz3

— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2026

Deni Avdija makes history as the first Israeli to reach the NBA Playoffs
He didn’t just get to the Playoffs…he led the way. A historic night, scoring 41 points and game-changing baskets, with the go-ahead shot at just 16 seconds left. Israeli pride shining on the NBA… pic.twitter.com/as00QgHECp

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) April 15, 2026

DENI JUST DOMINATED

41 PTS
7 REB
12 AST
2 BLK
3 3PM

Portland clinches the West #7 seed and will face San Antonio in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs presented by @Google! pic.twitter.com/4dF1VcsLC1

— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2026

By: Rabbi Shay Tahan

The widespread minhag not to take haircuts during the days of the Omer is rooted in the mourning customs observed in this period. These practices commemorate the tragic deaths of the students of Rabbi Akiva, who perished during these weeks due to a spiritual failing of not showing proper respect for one another.

Haircutting falls under the broader category of grooming, which is a classic expression of personal dignity and celebration. By refraining from it, one adopts a visible sign of aveilut (mourning), similar to the halachot observed during periods of personal loss.

There are two primary minhagim regarding when to refrain from haircuts during the Omer:

1. From Pesach until Lag BaOmer
This view holds that the mourning lasts from the second day of Pesach until the 33rd day of the Omer (Lag BaOmer). According to this tradition, haircuts are avoided throughout this period, and are then permitted starting on Lag BaOmer, when the students of Rabbi Akiva ceased dying. Sepharadim shave on the 34th day of the Omer.

2. From Rosh Chodesh Iyar until Shavuot
According to this minhag, which is followed by many Ashkenazim, the main mourning period begins later—on Rosh Chodesh Iyar—and continues until Shavuot. This approach is based on calculating 33 days of mourning within the Omer, but not necessarily consecutively from Pesach.

Each community follows its established custom, and one should adhere to his family or communal practice.

Rosh Chodesh Iyar

The question arises: what is the halacha regarding Rosh Chodesh Iyar—may one take a haircut on Rosh Chodesh?

Obviously, this question only applies according to the minhag that begins from Pesach, since it is not relevant to the second minhag, which starts only from Rosh Chodesh Iyar.

Many poskim write that it is permitted, and this is the common practice among Ashkenazim (Mishna Brura). However, the Shulchan Aruch (493, 3), which Sepharadim generally follow, writes that this is a mistake and that one should refrain.

Still, some Sephardic poskim disagreed and permitted it, such as the Radbaz—one of the greatest authorities and a teacher of the Arizal—as well as the Maharikash and the Pri Chadash.

Nevertheless, there are those who maintain a minhag in accordance with the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch and refrain from taking haircuts on Rosh Chodesh Iyar.

Rosh Chodesh Iyar that Falls on Shabbat

Another layer of discussion arises when Rosh Chodesh Iyar falls on Shabbat, as it does this year. May one take a haircut on Friday in honor of the dual occasion of Rosh Chodesh and Shabbat?

The Bach permits this, and some prominent Sephardic authorities follow his opinion, such as the Knesset HaGedolah and the Pri Chadash.

The Kaf HaChaim (493, 12) brings this leniency but concludes that it applies only to Ashkenazim, while Sepharadim should be stringent. There is, however, a debate regarding how to understand his words: some explain that his stringency refers only to when Rosh Chodesh falls on a weekday, but when it coincides with Shabbat, even he would agree to permit it.

Shaving

An additional important point is that the original minhag was not to refrain from shaving, but specifically from haircuts. This is mentioned by the Chatam Sofer (O.C. 158) and in Yalkut Yosef (Omer 493:25). Accordingly, one of the leading poskim in Israel, Harav Ofir Malka, permits shaving on Rosh Chodesh Iyar that falls on Shabbat.

On the other hand, Harav Yitzchak Yosef rules stringently. However, in his sefer Yalkut Yosef, he writes that one who is distressed and finds it very difficult not to shave may be lenient.

Moreover, there were many places where the minhag was not to refrain from shaving at all.

For example, in Egypt the minhag was to shave, as was the practice in other Sephardic countries (see Sefer Minhagei Mitzrayim). Additionally, in Yeshivat Porat Yosef in Jerusalem of the previous generation, they would shave during the Omer.

In fact, when Chacham Shalom Cohen eulogized Chacham Ben Tzion Abba Shaul, he praised him for refraining from shaving in his youth during the Omer—indicating that others did not follow this practice.

Furthermore, Harav Ovadia Hadaya (Yaskil Avdi 6:6) writes that in most places the minhag to refrain from shaving was not accepted.

Summery

This year, when Rosh Chodesh Iyar falls on Shabbat, Harav Ofir Malka permits shaving without concern for two main reasons:

1.     It is a double joyful occasion—Rosh Chodesh and Shabbat.

2.     The original minhag was only to refrain from haircuts, not shaving.

On the other hand, Harav Yitzchak Yosef rules stringently; however, he writes that one who finds it very difficult may be lenient and shave.

Albany, NY (April 15, 2026)

Gov. Kathy Hochul is advancing a proposal to impose a new annual surcharge on high-value second homes in New York City, adding a fresh tax debate in Albany as city leaders press for more revenue to confront mounting fiscal pressure. The plan would apply to non-primary residences valued at $5 million or more and would create higher tiers for properties at even greater values.

The measure, commonly described as a pied-à-terre tax, would target luxury apartments and houses used as second homes rather than full-time residences. Reports on the proposal say it could affect roughly 13,000 properties across the city, with the administration presenting it as a way to ask the wealthiest homeowners to contribute more at a time of budget strain. Hochul has framed the idea as a fairness measure focused on owners with the means to absorb an added cost.

The proposal is emerging as New York grapples with wider financial concerns, including pressure tied to federal Medicaid reductions and continuing debate over how much support the state should provide to New York City. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office on January 1, has been urging Albany to help close a major city budget gap and has argued for broader tax increases on top earners and corporations.

Business and real estate groups are already pushing back, warning that a new levy on expensive second homes could weaken property values, discourage investment and produce less revenue than supporters expect. Critics also argue that even a narrowly targeted tax on luxury residences could ripple outward into the city’s broader housing and development market.

The debate now sets up another high-stakes clash over who should bear more of the burden as New York searches for ways to stabilize public finances without slowing investment. Whether the proposal survives negotiations in Albany could help shape both the city’s tax climate and the state’s approach to taxing concentrated wealth in the years ahead.

We will be taxing the ultra-wealthy and global elites. https://t.co/j7U4VClsS2

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) April 15, 2026

It is with deep sadness and pain that we share the passing our beloved R’ Mo Kreindler A”H, Moshe Yosef ben Yehoshuah Dovid.

R’ Moshe was involved in a serious accident in Woodmere several weeks ago. After weeks of intensive medical treatment, he tragically succumbed to his injuries, R”L.

The levaya will take place today at 1 PM. Location: Beis Tefilah of Inwood, 259 Doughty Blvd. Inwood, NY 11096.

Levaya Zoom information below.

Shiva info will be added when we receive it.

הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אֶתְכֶם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם

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Time: Apr 15, 2026 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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A column from Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst)

Today, April 14, Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is never simply a date on the calendar for me. It is not only about six million murdered Jews, nor only about memorial candles and ceremonies. It is deeply personal because my own family lived through one of the least-known chapters of that history.

My mother was born in Milano, Italy. My grandmother carried memories that no person should ever have to carry. Their lives became part of the remarkable story later told by Ruth Gruber in Haven, the account of one thousand refugees brought from Italy to the United States in 1944.

Most people know the broad story of the Holocaust, but very few know that while Europe was still burning, and while millions were already being murdered, one thousand refugees were permitted to enter America outside normal immigration quotas.

One thousand, no more.

At a time when ships carrying desperate refugees were often turned away, when nations debated while innocent people were being slaughtered, one thousand human beings were suddenly given a chance to live.

President Franklin Roosevelt approved that rescue, though history also reminds us that America at the time was deeply reluctant to accept Jewish refugees. Antisemitism existed openly in American public life. Henry Ford had circulated poisonous antisemitic ideas across the country. Charles Lindbergh, admired by millions, publicly warned against foreign influence and helped fuel suspicion toward Jews. Even within government, there were officials who wanted America’s doors closed.

Roosevelt himself did not act quickly enough while millions remained trapped in Europe. That remains one of history’s painful truths. Yet in 1944, under military realities created by Allied advances through Italy and pressure from people inside his own administration who understood the horror unfolding, one thousand refugees were finally allowed entry.

Those refugees were sent to Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York, but even there, freedom was incomplete.

They arrived in America, but behind fences.

Fort Ontario was a former military base surrounded by barbed wire. Guards stood watch. Families were counted, supervised, and restricted. They had escaped Europe, but they still did not yet know if America would truly become home.

In many ways, it resembled internment.

Not a death camp, not a prison in the way Europe knew prisons, but still a place where refugees who had escaped persecution once again lived behind barriers. The comparison was often made to the Japanese internment camps operating in America during that same war. The circumstances were different, but the emotional truth was similar: even rescue came with caution, hesitation, and uncertainty.

My mother and grandmother lived inside that uncertainty for eighteen months.

For eighteen months, they did not know whether they would remain in America or be forced back to Europe once the war ended. That uncertainty lasted until President Truman finally allowed the refugees to leave Fort Ontario and remain legally in the United States.

Think about what that meant. They had survived war, persecution, and exile, yet still did not know whether they had a permanent future.

Ruth Gruber became central to this story. She was not simply the author years later. Sent by Secretary Harold Ickes, she traveled to Italy, boarded the ship, spoke German and Yiddish, comforted frightened mothers and children, and escorted these refugees across the ocean.

I had the privilege of meeting Ruth Gruber in 1984 during the fortieth reunion connected to that rescue. Meeting her meant meeting someone who had physically carried part of my family’s history in her own hands.

What is often forgotten is what happened next.

Those one thousand refugees did not remain strangers.

They became Americans.

They worked, built families, opened businesses, served communities, raised children, and became part of the fabric of this country.

And I can assure you, every one of them wanted exactly that.

They did not come here to protest America. They did not come here to reject America. They came here grateful for life itself and determined to belong.

That may be the strongest answer to hatred.

From one thousand frightened refugees came generations of Americans. My mother’s life became children, grandchildren, and a living answer to those who believed Jews would disappear.

History always asks difficult questions. Why only one thousand when millions were dying? Why so late? Why did it take so much pressure to do what should have been morally obvious?

Those are fair questions, and history should never avoid them.

But one thousand lives saved still meant one thousand futures created.

For my family, that number meant everything.

That is why Yom HaShoah matters. Memory is not only mourning. It is proof, proof that survival became contribution, proof that people nearly erased became citizens, neighbors, parents, grandparents, and part of the American story.

The lesson is not only what evil destroyed.

It is also what courage, survival, and opportunity allowed to live again.

“I hope speculation and rumors about yet another extension of the ceasefire to reach a deal with Iran are off base.

To me, President Trump’s position is clear. I fear the Iranians will play the same old game they always play, dragging things out by doing things like making menial concessions.

I believe the bottom line for President Trump is:

– No enrichment

– American control of the approximately 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium

– The opening of the Strait of Hormuz without interference from Iran

– Iran must abandon its long-range ballistic missile program and any effort to develop a nuclear weapon

– And Iran must cease support for all terrorists proxies in the region

This would allow Iran to exist as a nation but not as the largest state sponsor of terrorism.

If there is no deal, it is time to finish the job.”

Ashreinu: Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsh last night on Felter Ave in Woodmere.

The Gedolim intervened to try and help support the Shuvu School Network, which is struggling financially due to government budget cuts.

Ashreinu: Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsh last night on Felter Ave in Woodmere.

The Gedolim intervened to try and help support the Shuvu School Network, which is struggling financially due to government budget cuts. pic.twitter.com/hvr6qNKWtm

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) April 14, 2026

This video features Rav Asher Weiss addressing a group of podcasters on how to balance being a Ben Torah with the demands of a professional career and family life. The discussion centers on the idea that there is no singular “magic formula” for this balance, but rather it relies on individual attitude, priorities, and personal integrity.

Rav Weiss emphasizes that working for a living is not bedieved; it has been the standard for the vast majority of Jewish history. He highlights that one should not feel inferior for working to provide for a family, as that is a significant mitzvah.

He suggests that work can be elevated to avodas Hashem if a person maintains the intention that they are working to provide for their family, community, and to enable a life of Torah.

While professional life is important, he advises that learning must remain a priority. He discourages married, working individuals from focusing solely on iyun , suggesting instead a focus on Gemara as a foundation, paired with Mussar to foster personal spiritual growth.

When navigating the professional world, he stresses the importance of being polite, kind, and professional. He notes that working in secular environments provides unique opportunities for Kiddush Hashem through integrity and positive conduct.

He emphasizes that while having a Rebbi is important for spiritual and halachic guidance, it does not mean they should make every personal or professional decision for the individual. A Ben Torah must still use their own intelligence and common sense when making life choices.

Video Source: “Shtark Tank”

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Tel Aviv, Israel (April 14, 2026)**

International airlines are beginning to recalibrate their schedules at Ben Gurion Airport as the regional ceasefire prompts a gradual reopening of service, though carriers are returning at different speeds and with varying levels of confidence. Recent reporting indicates that several foreign airlines have started restoring flights to Israel this week, while others continue to take a more cautious approach.

Among the carriers moving first is Uzbekistan Airways, which is resuming service from Tashkent and reentering the Israeli market as travel activity begins to recover. Flydubai is also expected to return soon, signaling renewed movement on one of the most important regional connections into Tel Aviv. The broader picture at Ben Gurion remains fluid, however, with airport operations expanding in phases rather than returning all at once to normal pre-conflict patterns.

Not every airline is moving on the same timetable. Wizz Air has postponed its return until early May, reflecting the continued caution among some low-cost and European carriers as they assess security conditions and operational reliability. Smartwings is also planning a later resumption, adding to the staggered nature of the recovery now underway.

The uneven rollout highlights the uncertainty still facing travelers despite the ceasefire. While Israel’s main gateway is preparing for increased traffic and more international service, many airlines are continuing to make short-term decisions and may revise schedules again if the regional situation shifts. Recent coverage of Ben Gurion’s reopening has emphasized that normalization remains incomplete, even as more carriers begin returning to the market.

For passengers, that means more options are starting to reappear, but flexibility remains essential. Airline schedules are improving, yet the return of foreign service to Israel is still developing day by day rather than all at once.

Albany, NY (April 14, 2026)

A new statewide law taking effect Saturday will bar most employers in New York from using a person’s credit history when making hiring decisions, marking a significant change in how job applicants and workers are evaluated across the state. The measure, signed into law in December, applies beginning April 18, 2026 and extends beyond hiring to cover decisions involving promotions, compensation, discipline and termination.

The law amends New York’s Fair Credit Reporting Act and makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for employers, labor organizations, employment agencies and their agents to request or use consumer credit history for employment purposes in most cases. The new rules also limit when background screening companies can provide that information, closing off a practice that critics said could unfairly damage a person’s job prospects even when credit problems had little connection to work performance.

State officials and legal summaries of the measure note that the ban is not absolute. Employers may still review credit history for certain jobs involving national security or law enforcement functions, positions that require specific security clearances, roles with authority to commit the employer to significant financial obligations, and jobs that provide regular access to trade secrets or similarly sensitive financial information. Those exceptions are expected to become an important focus for employers as they revise policies and determine which positions, if any, still qualify.

New York City already had a local credit-check restriction in place, but the statewide change now extends similar protections across New York. Supporters of the law have argued that personal credit history can reflect medical debt, family hardship or other financial strain rather than job readiness, and that removing it from the employment process could widen access to work and advancement.

For employers, the law means immediate changes in screening practices. For workers and applicants, it means one more barrier to employment is being removed as the state reshapes the rules around fairness in the workplace.

Jerusalem, Israel (April 14, 2026)

A new annual study released ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day has found that deadly antisemitic violence around the world reached its highest level in more than 30 years during 2025, with 20 Jews killed in four attacks across three continents. The findings point to a continued surge in serious anti-Jewish violence that intensified after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the war that followed in Gaza.

The report says the deadliest incidents were recorded in Australia, the United States and Britain. Fifteen people were killed in an attack tied to a Hanukkah gathering in Sydney in December, while additional fatalities were reported in separate antisemitic attacks in Washington, D.C., Boulder, Colorado, and Manchester, England. Researchers said the 2025 death toll marked the worst year for lethal antisemitic violence since 1994, when the bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Argentina killed 85 people.

Beyond the killings, the study found that incidents involving physical harm, including beatings and stone-throwing, also increased. Overall antisemitic activity rose more moderately compared with 2024, but remained far above levels seen before the Gaza war. The report tracks a broad range of incidents, including assaults, vandalism, threats and online abuse, and said the early spike seen immediately after October 7 never fully subsided in 2025.

Country-by-country data showed continued pressure on Jewish communities in several Western nations. In the United Kingdom, recorded incidents rose to about 3,700 in 2025 from 3,556 the year before. Canada climbed to roughly 6,800 from 6,219, while Australia recorded 588 incidents between October and December 2025, up from 492 during the same period a year earlier. Researchers said many of the physical attacks were carried out by lone individuals, making prevention especially difficult.

The new findings arrive as Israel begins its annual commemoration of the Holocaust, adding fresh urgency to concerns about the persistence of anti-Jewish violence worldwide.

Besuros Tovos.

New York, NY (April 14, 2026)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s first proposed city-owned grocery store is expected to cost about $30 million to build at La Marqueta in East Harlem, giving the administration its most detailed public look yet at a signature affordability initiative tied to the mayor’s first months in office.

The East Harlem site, announced during a weekend event marking Mamdani’s first 100 days in office, is expected to be the most ambitious of the five planned stores because it would require construction from the ground up on city-owned property. While La Marqueta appears to be the first location publicly identified, city officials have indicated that other stores could open sooner if suitable sites are found that do not require a full new build.

The grocery plan is backed by an initial $70 million city commitment, with the administration framing the stores as a way to reduce household food costs in neighborhoods where many residents rely on public assistance or nutrition benefits. In outlining the East Harlem project, Mamdani pointed to the surrounding community’s economic needs and cast the proposal as part of a broader push to make basic goods more affordable for working families.

The selection of La Marqueta also carries historical significance. The longtime public market in East Harlem has deep roots in the city’s food economy and has long been associated with low-cost access to fresh goods for neighborhood residents. By choosing the site, the administration is tying the new grocery effort to that legacy while trying to give new purpose to city-controlled space in a part of Manhattan where affordability remains a central concern.

La Marqueta is one of New York City’s public market locations and has long served as a cultural and commercial landmark in East Harlem. The mayor’s team has suggested that the broader grocery rollout will continue citywide, with one location planned in each borough before the end of the current term.

The cost of the first project is likely to draw continued attention as the city moves from concept to construction, especially as officials work to show that a publicly backed grocery model can be delivered on schedule and at prices residents can feel at the checkout counter.

Jerusalem, Israel (April 14, 2026)

The global Jewish population has climbed to 15.8 million, according to new figures released in Israel ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day, bringing the worldwide total closer to the level recorded before World War II while also underscoring the enduring demographic impact of the Holocaust. The new estimate places about 7.2 million Jews in Israel, roughly 45% of the global total, and about 6.3 million in the United States, or about 40%.

The report shows that the Jewish population worldwide has still not fully returned to its prewar level. In 1939, on the eve of World War II, the global Jewish population stood at 16.6 million, with only 449,000 living in what is now Israel. By 1948, around the time of Israel’s founding, that figure had fallen to 11.5 million, including 650,000 in Israel. The latest numbers reflect continued long-term growth since 2020, when the global Jewish population was estimated at 15.2 million.

At the same time, the number of Holocaust survivors and victims of antisemitic persecution living in Israel continues to decline. Current estimates place that population at about 111,000, down sharply from about 165,000 in 2021. Women account for 63% of that group, while men make up 37%, reflecting both the age of the survivor population and broader life expectancy trends.

The figures also trace the major immigration waves that reshaped Israel after the Holocaust. About 6% of survivors now living in Israel arrived between 1933 and 1947, while 30.2% came in the first years after statehood from 1948 to 1951. Another 30.2% immigrated between 1952 and 1989, and 33.6% arrived from the 1990s onward, largely during the major immigration wave from the former Soviet Union.

Taken together, the new data capture two parallel realities: the steady rebuilding of Jewish life worldwide and the rapid fading of the last living generation with direct ties to the Holocaust. As Israel marks Holocaust Remembrance Day, the numbers serve as both a measure of recovery and a reminder of the losses that still shape Jewish life today.

Kein Yirbu!

As the spring season begins, the Village of Lawrence continues to undertake a series of initiatives to enhance quality of life, improve infrastructure, and support residents.

The Department of Public Works has commenced its annual spring cleanup efforts throughout the Village. Crews are actively removing winter debris, clearing storm drains, and preparing public spaces to ensure a clean and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. As part of ongoing repaving efforts in Lawrence, milling, paving, and striping was conducted at the Lawrence Train Station parking lot as well as the intersection of Washington Avenue. In addition, the Village anticipates Water/Gas infrastructure upgrades followed by repaving on Lord Ave, Lismore Rd, Wentworth Pl, Stevens Pl, Rand Pl, and Wildacre Ave. Additional streets are still being analyzed for potential inclusion in the 2026 cycle.

Following the winter months, road crews are addressing potholes across the Village. Repairs are being conducted on a rolling basis, prioritizing heavily traveled roadways to ensure safe and smooth driving conditions. Residents are encouraged to report potholes to Village Hall to assist in timely response.

Due to the Village’s proximity to coastal marshlands, greenhead fly activity remains a seasonal challenge. Building on last year’s success, the Village will again deploy approximately 200 specialized fly traps along wetland perimeters. This environmentally conscious approach, developed in consultation with regional experts, has proven effective in reducing nuisance populations and improving outdoor comfort.

Those who observe Passover enjoyed the Village’s designated, supervised chametz burning and disposal site for residents in collaboration with the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department and Sanitary District 1. This service is offered to ensure a safe and convenient option for the community in advance of the holiday.

Mayor Samuel Nahmias stated, “Spring is a time of renewal, and our teams are working hard to ensure that the Village remains clean, safe, and prepared for the season ahead. From infrastructure improvements to quality-of-life initiatives, we are committed to serving our residents every day.”

For additional information, visit lawrenceny.gov.

Today is Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.

In a touching tribute to the more than 1,200 Jewish lives saved by Oskar Schindler, here is a young Ben Shapiro, who continues making us proud.

Shapiro, at just 12 years old, performing the beautiful theme from Schindler’s List on violin.

Introduced by Larry King exactly 30 years ago in 1996 — watch this wonderful and moving performance.A perfect way to remember and honor the courage of those who risked everything to save lives during one of history’s darkest chapters.

It’s Holocaust Remembrance Day today, and who better than a 12 year old @benshapiro to bring us something wonderful to commemorate the over 1200 Jewish lives saved during the war by a special man, Oskar Schindler.

Watch as a young Ben plays the theme tune from Schindler’s List… pic.twitter.com/7Fz2UpCWyM

— Mor Edge Insight (@MorEdge_Insight) April 13, 2026

Agudath Israel of America has filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief, asking the Supreme Court of the United States to hear the case of Grand v. City of University Heights, Ohio. This case involves the First Amendment and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) with significant ramifications for religious Americans across the country.

The case centers on Daniel Grand, a man who sought to organize an at-home minyan (a Jewish prayer gathering requiring a quorum of ten men) on Shabbos. Because observant Jews cannot drive or use electronics on Shabbos, concerns about traffic and noise violations were entirely negated. Nonetheless, the City of University Heights issued Grand a cease-and-desist order, classifying the gathering as “a home operating as a house of worship” and requiring a special use permit. The City further deployed police surveillance of the home and encouraged neighbors to report the gathering to authorities. Facing prosecution, Mr. Grand sued the City in Federal Court.

Rather than protecting religious liberty, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the City, holding that the religious liberty claims were not yet ripe because the local zoning board had not yet determined whether the ordinance applied to Mr. Grand’s gatherings.

The amicus brief asks the Supreme Court to take up the case in light of the crucial constitutional First Amendment issues at stake, as well as potential violations of RLUIPA. The brief argues that the government’s actions represent a direct assault on religious exercise.

“The City’s order to cease and desist a small prayer gathering in a private home is not a mere land‑use dispute; it is a direct intrusion on religious exercise at the place where the First Amendment’s protection should be at its apex.”

The brief continues:

“For centuries, [various religious traditions] have centered core forms of worship in the home, and American law has consistently refused to treat such ordinary religious practice as an activity that exists only at the sufferance of local officials. By allowing a discretionary permitting regime to burden that practice—and then delaying judicial review until the religious plaintiff submits to it—the decision below entrenches the very system of permission‑based religion that the First Amendment was designed to eliminate.”

“This case strikes at the very heart of religious freedom in America,” said Daniel Kaminetsky, General Counsel of Agudath Israel. “The City of University Heights’ actions against Mr. Grand represent exactly the kind of government overreach that RLUIPA and the First Amendment were designed to prevent. We urge the Supreme Court to take up this case.”

Agudath Israel thanks Joshua C. McDaniel, Parker W. Knight III, Kathryn F. Mahoney, and Jacob M. McIntosh of the Religious Freedom Clinic at Harvard Law School, who prepared the brief.

10:30 PM – Reports indicate that one of the two burglars was located and taken into custody.

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9:58 PM – A Nassau County Police helicopter is currently circling over Woodmere and Hewlett in response to a burglary on Peninsula Blvd.

Officers are actively searching for two suspects and have set up a perimeter in the area.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the community as more information becomes available.

Happening Now: There is a police helicopter flying over Woodmere/Hewlett now in response to a burglary on Peninsula Blvd. Nassau County Police are actively searching for 2 subjects and setting up a perimeter around the area. We will continue to update the community. pic.twitter.com/Y1youkrkWW

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) April 14, 2026

Washington, DC (April 13, 2026)

Sen. Bernie Sanders is moving to force a Senate vote this week on legislation aimed at blocking a major U.S. arms transfer to Israel, escalating his latest challenge to continued American military support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government amid the war in Gaza. Sanders said the package he is targeting is worth nearly $500 million and includes bombs and bulldozers.

The Vermont independent, who caucuses with Democrats, has repeatedly used joint resolutions of disapproval to compel Senate consideration of weapons sales to Israel. The approach does not guarantee success, but it does force lawmakers to take a public position on a politically divisive issue that has deepened splits inside Washington, particularly among Democrats.

Sanders has sharply criticized Israel’s military campaign and argued that the United States should not continue supplying offensive weapons while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains severe. His latest effort follows similar attempts earlier this year. In March, he filed resolutions seeking to block nearly $659 million in offensive weaponry for Israel, including bomb-related sales.

Previous efforts to stop arms transfers through the Senate have fallen well short of passage, underscoring the difficulty of translating growing criticism into legislative action. Even so, the renewed push is expected to keep pressure on lawmakers as debate continues over the U.S.-Israel relationship, regional conflict, and the extent of American involvement in the fighting.

The upcoming vote is likely to serve as another test of how much support exists in Congress for restricting military aid to Israel during a period of heightened tension in the Middle East. While the measure faces long odds, it is poised to intensify scrutiny of future arms deals and sharpen the policy divide on Capitol Hill in the days ahead.

MASPETH, NY — The Knockdown Center was a sea of posters on Sunday evening as thousands of city workers, Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members, and media personalities gathered to mark Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s first 100 days in office.

The event, which felt more like a high-energy campaign rally than a standard municipal update, featured an appearance by Senator Bernie Sanders and a soundtrack of synchronized chants: “DSA!” and “Tax the Rich!”. Throughout his address, Mamdani leaned heavily into the socialist rhetoric that carried him to City Hall, framing his early tenure as a battle against corporate interests and “middlemen.”

In a speech that spanned over an half hour, Mamdani leaned into what he dubbed “pothole politics.” He boasted that his administration has already filled 100,000 potholes, arguing that government must prove it can handle the small things—like smooth roads—to earn the trust required for massive social overhauls.

The Mayor’s headline-grabbing promise of the night, however, was his plan to launch New York City’s first government-run supermarket.

• The Goal: A city-owned grocery store to combat food inflation.

• The Timeline: The first pilot is slated for the Bronx (specifically targeting East Harlem and borough border zones) by next year.

• The Vision: Mamdani promised that “eggs and bread will be cheaper” because the city will waive rent and taxes for the operation.

  On the transit front, the Mayor addressed his signature “Free Bus” campaign promise with a dose of realism. While he still aims for “free” in the long term, he announced a push for “faster” bus service in the interim, citing the need for immediate efficiency while the city negotiates funding with Albany.

Despite the cheers inside the venue, one critic argued that the administration is prioritizing performance over progress. Among them was Moshe Spern, a community advocate from the 5 Towns and leader of the United Jewish Teachers.

Spern, who also sits on the board of the newly formed 501(c)(4) ActJew, attended the rally to witness the proceedings firsthand. In interviews with CBS, NBC, and ABC following the event, Spern offered a blistering assessment.

“This felt much more like a campaign rally with more campaign promises than an actual sense of any accomplishment,” Spern told reporters. “Marist polls have him at 48% approval, and there is a reason for that.”

Spern highlighted several glaring omissions in the Mayor’s address:

• Antisemitism: Spern noted that 55% of all hate crimes in the city are Jewish-based, yet the Mayor made “zero mention” this fact or a plan to combat this rising tide.

• Homelessness: The advocate pointed to the 20+ homeless deaths reported during the city’s recent record-breaking cold snap, an issue he feels was glossed over.

• Accountability: Spern raised concerns regarding the social media record of the Mayor’s wife, which has been a point of contention for some community leaders.

“Someone in that room needed to be a voice of reason,” Spern said. “The Jewish community cannot stay silent while there are bad actors attempting to uproot our ability to be Jewish. We shouldn’t be celebrating when there is nothing to celebrate yet.”

As Mamdani moves into his second 100 days, the pressure is mounting.

Help community members perform the Mitzvah! If you have a fruit tree on your property that is accessible to the public, please provide the location in the form below. Locations can also be listed in the comments of this article. Tizku L’mitzvos!

Click here to add your address.

The end of the month of Nissan is rapidly approaching if you haven’t yet gotten around to it! As long as trees are still budding, one can still say the Beracha even after Nissan, according to Rav shmuel kamenetsky Shlita (ask your personal Rav).

LOCATIONS AROUND TOWN:

Woodmere

923 Cliffside Ave – Use the path on the left when facing the house. Pear, cherry, and persimmon trees in the backyard. Signs with the bracha are on two of the trees.

410 Eastwood Road – Multiple fruit trees on the front lawn.

656 Emerson Street

*1000 Westwood Road no longer has a live tree, as in prior years.
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Cedarhurst

579 Trysting Place – Apple, plum, and cherry trees in the front yard

In front of Hachaim Vihashalom
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Far Rockaway / Bayswater

2547 Healy Ave (Bayswater) – Left side of the property near the sidewalk; bracha displayed on the tree

1328 Trist Place (Bayswater) – Front of house

Chabad of Far Rockaway – Front yard
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Far Rockaway

449 Beach 6th Street (Meehan Ave side) – Apple and cherry trees with a plaque displaying the bracha

520 Jarvis Avenue – Front of house

The Hole the Size of a Needle: How One Sharp, Honest, Slightly Painful Step Changes the Trajectory of a Life

What if the breakthrough you’re looking for isn’t a big, dramatic change…but one small, honest step you’ve been avoiding?

Tonight on Let’s Get Real with Coach Menachem, we’re joined by Issumer Ginsburg for a powerful conversation:

“The Hole the Size of a Needle”
How one sharp, honest, slightly painful step changes the trajectory of a life

We explore why we avoid the very things that could move us forward, how honesty with ourselves can feel uncomfortable—but freeing—and what it actually looks like to take that first small step in real life.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, unsure what needs to change, or holding yourself back from something you know matters… this conversation will speak directly to you.

New York, NY (April 13, 2026)

A dramatic weather swing is underway across New York and New Jersey as a cool start to the week quickly gives way to an unusual stretch of midspring warmth more typical of early summer. Forecasts show temperatures climbing well above seasonal norms beginning Monday, with the warmest conditions expected from Tuesday through Thursday.

After a crisp weekend and overnight lows that dipped into the 40s in parts of the region, Monday opens the door to a much warmer pattern. New York City is expected to reach the upper 70s under mostly cloudy skies, with a brief afternoon shower possible. By Tuesday, highs are forecast to move into the low 80s, and the chance for a pop-up afternoon storm increases as warmer air continues to build over the tri-state area.

The hottest part of the stretch is expected in the middle of the week. In New York City, temperatures are forecast to surge to about 88 degrees Wednesday and remain in the mid-80s Thursday, while inland communities in New Jersey and the lower Hudson Valley could run even hotter. Along the shoreline, however, the ocean will keep conditions noticeably cooler. Montauk, for example, is expected to stay mainly in the upper 60s to low 70s during the same period, highlighting the sharp contrast between inland and coastal areas.

The warm pattern is not expected to last through the full weekend. Friday should still feel summerlike, with highs near 80 in the city, but a more meaningful cooldown is projected by Saturday, when temperatures fall back into the 60s. Sunday is expected to remain mild but cloudier, and cooler air is likely to arrive by early next week.

For residents across the region, the week ahead will bring a little of everything: a reminder of spring’s volatility, a burst of near-record warmth, and then a quick return to more typical April conditions.

TEL AVIV – Ahead of Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, CyberWell, a nonprofit that partners with social media platforms to combat Holocaust denial and antisemitism online, flags that Holocaust denial, distortion and justification continues to circulate widely across social media, with an important twist – increasingly, content is now generated by artificial intelligence and surges during periods of geopolitical crisis.

“Generative AI has dramatically lowered the barrier to producing and distributing antisemitic content,” said CyberWell Founder & CEO Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor. “What once required coordination, creativity, basic technical skills and time can now be created instantly and shared at scale. While many platforms already have Holocaust denial removal guidelines and techniques, the emergence of AI-generated content has challenged existing moderation mechanisms. Meanwhile, content creators are also using emojis, the guise of humor, and coded language to avoid detection.”

Generative AI systems, such as Sora AI, Suno AI and Veo3, are capable of producing text, images, video, audio and synthetic news-style media, changing the dynamics of online antisemitism. One trend that CyberWell identified was an AI-generated, Pixar-style trailer titled “Caust,” which trivializes the Holocaust by presenting it as child-friendly entertainment, glorifying Hitler, and mocking Holocaust victims. Other AI-produced content has glorified Nazi figures through coded language, animation and parody formats designed to evade detection.

Overall, CyberWell’s monitoring has identified a growing volume of AI-generated media that trivializes the Holocaust, glorifies Nazi figures or mocks victims. The content is frequently packaged as memes, parody videos, songs or stylized animation designed to evade automated moderation systems. The material denies, distorts and mocks the Holocaust and remains a persistent component of antisemitic content online, often paired with rhetoric that demonizes Jews.

“Content moderation efforts on social media platforms need to adjust to meet the scaling use and abuse of generative AI platforms. This includes expanding integrated partnerships with organizations and technologies that have contextual and subject matter expertise,” Cohen Montemayor added. “Integrating partnerships more deeply can support scalable and effective digital policy enforcement.”

CyberWell’s monitoring also shows how quickly Holocaust-related rhetoric can spike during geopolitical crises. During the joint US/Israel war against the Islamic Republic Guard Corps regime, posts containing “Hitler was right” surged dramatically on X, according to social listening tools utilized by CyberWell. In the six months prior to the conflict, the phrase averaged 669 posts per day. However, since the start of the war, February 28th, 2026, usage jumped to a daily average of 847 posts, reflecting a 26 percent increase. The peak occurred on March 1, the first full day of the war, with 3,843 posts, marking a 474 percent increase compared to the prior daily average.

Earlier this year, CyberWell documented broader trends in Holocaust-related hate speech in its 2025 annual report on online antisemitism. The research found that Holocaust denial, distortion and mockery remain recurring themes across major social media platforms despite improvements in enforcement against explicit violations. It also noted that antisemitic actors increasingly rely on coded language, irony, and stylized digital media to evade detection.

“On Yom HaShoah, remembrance must be matched with vigilance,” Cohen Montemayor said. “As technology evolves and manipulated content becomes increasingly believable, platforms must ensure their policies and enforcement infrastructure address the ways this hatred adapts and spreads in the digital age.”

CyberWell is an independent, tech-based nonprofit combating the spread of antisemitism online, operating globally. Its AI-technologies monitor social media in English and Arabic for posts that promulgate antisemitism, Holocaust denial and promote violence against Jews and their allies based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.

As the month of Nissan draws to a close, it is important to be mindful of the opportunity to recite Birkat Ha’Ilanot, which is primarily associated with this time of year. With the arrival of the next month, the opportunity may no longer be available according to some opinions, making these final days especially significant.

In the following, we will review the basic halachot of Birkat Ha’Ilanot, so that one can fulfill this beautiful once-a-year blessing properly and in a timely manner.

When is the Bracha Recited?

As mentioned, there is a dispute among the poskim as to whether the blessing may be recited after Nissan. The wording of the Gemara is “one who goes out during the days of Nissan,” which some understand to mean that it is limited specifically to that month. This is also the view of many authorities of Kabbalah, and accordingly the Kaf HaChaim writes that once Nissan has passed, the opportunity has been lost. Even according to those opinions, one may recite the blessing during the month of Iyar without mentioning Hashem’s Name.

If one did not recite the blessing during Nissan, he may still say it on the first day of Rosh Chodesh, as brought by the Chesed LaAlafim.

While many Sepharadic authorities follow this approach, Chacham Ovadia Yosef was lenient, allowing one who did not recite it during Nissan to do so afterward. On the contrary, the Mishnah Berurah explains that Chazal mentioned Nissan as the typical case, since that is when trees generally blossom with fruit-bearing flowers; however, in any place or time where trees are in blossom, the blessing may still be recited.

The bracha may be recited even at night, provided one is able to see the blossoms. It may also be recited from behind a window, such as a car window, despite the glass separating between the person and the trees (Or LeTzion).

Which Trees Qualify for the Bracha?

The blessing is recited only on fruit-bearing trees, and the proper time to say the bracha is when the blossoms are visible. If the tree has only leaves and no flowers, one may not recite the blessing.

Similarly, if all the blossoms have already fallen and the fruits have fully emerged, the opportunity for the bracha has passed. However, if even some blossoms remain on the tree, one may still recite the blessing (Or LeTzion).

It is preferable to recite the bracha over two or more trees, as Chazal use the expression “one who sees trees” in the plural. Nevertheless, if only one tree is available, the bracha should still be recited.

There is a dispute among the poskim whether one who saw the blossoming trees earlier but did not recite the bracha at that time may still do so later. The halacha appears to follow the view that one may still recite the bracha in such a case.

It is preferable to recite the bracha in an area outside the city; however, if it is difficult to travel or one is unsure where fruit trees are available, it may certainly be recited within the city.

How Should the Bracha Be Recited?

The proper manner of recitation is to stand, look at the blossoms, and then immediately recite the bracha. It may be recited even from a distance, as long as the flowers are clearly visible.

There are also those who add supplications and praises to Hashem before and after the bracha, as found in many siddurim.

It is also preferable to gather a minyan to recite the bracha, and afterward to say Tehillim and Kaddish.

One should not enter someone else’s backyard or property without permission in order to recite the bracha.

Women should also recite this bracha. Although it is connected to a specific time of year, it is not considered a time-bound mitzvah. Likewise, children should be trained to recite it as well.

Conclusion

We conclude with what the mekubalim write regarding the significance of this bracha. They explain that there are neshamot that, due to sins from previous lives, are “trapped” within the trees. When one recites Birkat Ha’Ilanot, these souls are elevated and freed, allowing them to reach their proper place.

For this reason, according to Kabbalah, one should not recite this bracha on Shabbat, as it involves a form of “separation,” which is not appropriate for that day. This also explains the preference to go outside the city, into fields where there are more trees—and, correspondingly, more souls in need of elevation.

This perspective sheds light on why people are particularly careful to pursue this bracha. Unlike other blessings—where we do not typically go out of our way, such as to see the ocean or visit a cemetery—here there is an added dimension, as one’s recitation has a direct spiritual impact beyond the act itself.

The Arizal also explains that this process begins specifically in the month of Nissan, which is why the bracha is recited at that time.

However, the simple understanding of the bracha is to praise Hashem, who created for us not only essential needs—such as oxygen, food, and water, without which we could not survive—but also fruit-bearing trees that provide enjoyment and pleasure. As the text of the bracha expresses: “Blessed is Hashem… who created good trees to benefit mankind.”

How the Democrats Are Shifting on Israel Amid the Iran Conflict

Alan Dershowitz joins Talkline with Zev Brenner to discuss why months ago he has broke with the Democratic Party and how they are moving further left during the current crisis involving Iran and Israel. He reflects on what he views as a significant change in the party’s approach to Israel and explains the factors that led to his public split.

Dershowitz also recounts his role in advising the Trump administration on blockading the Strait of Hormuz—an effort aimed at ensuring that global oil could move freely in and out of the waterway without Iranian obstruction.

President Herzog to Award the “Presidential Medal of Honor” to the President of Argentina Javier Milei During His Visit to Israel

As the State of Israel marks 78 years of independence, President Isaac Herzog will confer the “Presidential Medal of Honor” upon the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, in recognition of his consistent and outspoken commitment to the State of Israel since assuming office in 2023. President Milei has demonstrated unwavering support for Israel on the international stage, stood alongside the families of the hostages, and has expressed a deep connection to the Jewish people and its heritage. Through his policies, he has positioned Argentina as a key ally of Israel, including through clear diplomatic and security measures and his decision to relocate the Argentine Embassy to Jerusalem — reflecting a profound commitment to Israel’s security and its standing in the international community.

He acts out of a deep personal commitment to the State of Israel and to the fight against antisemitism. During his visit, President Milei is due to light a torch at the official Independence Day state ceremony and inaugurate the Argentine Embassy in Jerusalem.

The Israeli Presidential Medal will be presented by the President of Israel during the upcoming visit of the President of Argentina to Israel. The ceremony will take place at the President’s Residence. Further details will be provided in due course.

The Advisory Committee to the President of Israel on the “Presidential Medal of Honor,” chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Dr. Yoram Danziger, unanimously recommended that the President confer the Presidential Medal of Honor upon President Milei. Notice of the decision was conveyed to the President of Argentina through the Argentine Ambassador to Israel by the Director-General of the Office of the President .​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Statement by President Isaac Herzog:

The President accepted the recommendation and stated: “As early as the beginning of 2024, just a few months after the October 7th massacre, President Milei chose to make his first state visit as president to the State of Israel while a war was still underway. Together, we toured Kibbutz Nir Oz and together we wept at the sight of the destruction. Faced with the profound grief and trauma experienced by all of Israeli society, the President of Argentina offered courageous friendship and genuine partnership at some of the most difficult moments we have ever known.

“At a time when one campaign follows another and turning one’s back on Israel has become more prevalent than ever, President Milei represents bold leadership and pursues a clear and unequivocal policy of standing with the State of Israel, as an ardent Zionist, through thick and thin. He holds a warm place in his heart for the people of Israel, and I have therefore seen fit to honor all of his efforts on our behalf.”

About the Presidential Medal of Honor

The Presidential Medal of Honor is awarded to those who have made an exceptional contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity through their talent, service, or other means.

Upon taking office, President Isaac Herzog appointed an advisory committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Professor Yoram Danziger, to recommend suitable candidates for the Medal from time to time. Since then, the President has conferred the Medal upon prominent figures in Israel and around the world across various fields, including heads of state, key social figures from diverse sectors, and Jewish leaders in Israel and abroad. The Presidential Medal of Honor is the highest civilian decoration in the State of Israel.

“As Yom HaShoah begins this evening, we remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered by the Nazis in the Holocaust, the systematic attempt to annihilate the Jewish people from the face of the earth.”

As Yom HaShoah begins this evening, we remember the six million Jewish men, women, and children murdered by the Nazis in the Holocaust, the systematic attempt to annihilate the Jewish people from the face of the earth. pic.twitter.com/X0X9DLBTXG

— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@USAmbIsrael) April 13, 2026

Green Brook, NJ (April 12, 2026)

A new pilot program in Green Brook is bringing commercial drone food delivery to New Jersey for the first time, opening a three-month test that could reshape how some local meals reach customers.

The initiative brings together Grubhub, Wonder and Dexa, combining restaurant ordering, meal preparation and automated air delivery in a single service. Operating from Wonder’s Green Brook location, the program gives qualifying customers the option to receive food by drone rather than by car, expanding a form of rapid delivery that has remained limited in much of the region. Public rollout details indicate the test began in March and serves homes near the Green Brook site.

Customers who fall within the service area can choose drone drop-off when placing an order through the Grubhub app. The offering includes meals from multiple restaurant concepts prepared at the Wonder facility, giving nearby households access to a wider range of menu options through the same delivery system.

The flights use Dexa’s DE-2020 aircraft, an automated drone designed to avoid road congestion and shorten delivery times. After an order is packed and cleared for dispatch, the aircraft travels along a preapproved route to the customer’s address. Instead of touching down, the drone hovers overhead and lowers the order to the ground using a tether, a method intended to complete the handoff while keeping the aircraft airborne.

The service is being offered without an extra drone surcharge beyond standard delivery-related charges, and customers can follow the trip through live tracking and app notifications. Company announcements describe the pilot as the first commercial food delivery program of its kind in New Jersey and say its early performance will help determine whether the model expands to additional nearby restaurant partners after the test period ends.

For Green Brook residents inside the coverage zone, the launch introduces a new delivery option that trades traffic lights and road delays for a faster route through the air.

Tel Aviv, Israel (April 12, 2026)

EL AL said it will significantly expand its international flight schedule beginning next Sunday, April 19, increasing service from 30 destinations to about 40 cities worldwide as the carrier continues its gradual ramp-up in operations.

Under the updated plan, the airline expects to operate roughly 660 flights per week, marking a notable increase in overall capacity as travel demand builds heading into the late spring and summer season.

Among the destinations being added to the network are Boston, Krakow, London Luton, Marseille, Paphos, Rhodes, Thessaloniki, Tivat in Montenegro, and Sofia. The expansion is expected to provide travelers with more direct options across North America and Europe while strengthening the company’s broader route map during one of the busiest booking periods of the year.

The airline also said it has introduced maximum fare caps across all of its destinations through the end of August. The move is aimed at keeping ticket prices within reach as demand is expected to rise in the coming months, particularly ahead of the summer travel rush.

With more seats expected to enter the market over the next week, the carrier is signaling confidence in its ability to continue restoring and growing service. At the same time, company officials are urging passengers to secure reservations early, warning that strong seasonal demand could limit availability on some routes if bookings accelerate.

The latest expansion reflects a continued push to widen travel options for passengers while balancing capacity, pricing, and demand during a period of increased activity for international aviation. For travelers planning trips in the coming months, the combination of added destinations and capped fares could offer a broader range of choices as the summer schedule takes shape.

By: R’ Simcha Bunim Londinski via Torah Anytime

The Fourth Squad reports the arrest of two Inwood men for an incident that occurred on Tuesday, April 7th at 8:38 PM in Inwood.

According to detectives, officers conducted a Vehicle Traffic Law investigation on a 2017 Nissan on Bayview Avenue in the vicinity of Jeanette Avenue. Subsequent to the investigation, the driver was found to be operating the vehicle with a suspended license. The passenger, Defendant W***** R******, 43, of L****** Street, was found to be in possession of a loaded revolver. Both occupants were taken into custody without incident.

The driver is charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 2nd Degree and numerous Vehicle Traffic Law violations. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable to First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

Defendant W***** R****** is charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. He was arraigned on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

**Counting the Omer
**

⁃ Sefira should be counted as early in the night as possible but one shouldn’t say it early if it means not counting with a minyan.

⁃ Although sefira can be counted starting after sunset, it’s preferable to wait until nightfall.

⁃ Nightfall for counting Sefira preferably is forty minutes after shkiah.

⁃ If you counted before nightfall, it’s best to count again after nightfall without a bracha.

⁃ Sefira can be counted the entire night.

⁃ If you forgot to count at night then you can count during the day without a bracha.

⁃ If you miss counting at night and also forgot to count during the day then you can no longer count with a bracha. However, you’re still required to count every night even though it’s without a bracha.

⁃ In this situation, it’s best to have someone that counts with a bracha to say the bracha out loud and have you in mind.

⁃ If you remembered to count the previous nights’ counting during bein hashmashos then you can continue to count with a bracha.

⁃ If you’re not sure if you counted the previous night at all or if you’re not sure if you counted correctly, you can continue counting with a bracha.

⁃ You have to understand what you’re counting and if you don’t then you’re not yotzei. Therefore you can count in any language.

⁃ Sefira should be said standing up. If it was said sitting down then it’s fine.

⁃ After the first week, both days and weeks are counted.

⁃ If days were counted and not weeks then it’s fine.

⁃ If weeks were counted and not days then it’s not good and you can’t continue to count with a bracha.

⁃ After the bracha “yhi ratzon” is said.

⁃ Before counting sefira at night with a bracha, don’t say “tonight is…..” because then you’ve already counted and therefore you can no longer make a bracha that night.

⁃ This applies to counting in any language.

⁃ If all you said was a number then that’s not considered counting and you can still count that night with a bracha. For ex. If you’re asked what night is tonight? You can answer for ex. “3” and that’s not called counting and you’d still be able to count that night with a bracha.

⁃ Asking someone as a question is not considered counting. For ex. Asking “is tonight the third night?”

⁃ If you feel that you have to spell out the exact night of sefira and you haven’t yet counted with a bracha then you can say the exact counting but have in your mind that you’re not being yotzi with what you’re saying.

⁃ Since the earlier counting wasn’t done intentionally, even if you can no longer count that night with a bracha, you still have to count that night without a bracha.

⁃ Make sure to know the correct night before starting the bracha.

⁃ you’re not allowed to start eating from a half-hour before the proper time to count, unless you appoint someone to remind you.

⁃ If you have a set time to daven maariv then you’re allowed to start eating even though you haven’t yet counted.

Aveilus of sefira

⁃ The minhag in klal yisroel has been to keep aveilus for thirty-three days between Pesach and Shavuos.

⁃ There are two basic minhagim: 1) aveilus starts on the second day of pesach and ends on Lag Beomer. 2) aveilus starts on Rosh Chodesh Iyar and ends on the third day of Sivan.

⁃ There are slight variations to the above.

⁃ There are no restrictions on buying new clothes.

⁃ Some have a minhag not to buy anything that would require the bracha of Shechayanu.

Haircuts

⁃ Haircuts are not allowed for men or for women.

⁃ Shaving and trimming beards are not allowed.

⁃ Electrolysis, waxing, etc. for women is allowed.

⁃ If one is going to take a loss then shaving/haircuts are allowed.

⁃ Mustache that prevents you from eating can be cut.

⁃ Wigs can be cut if necessary.

– According to basic Halacha, minors can take haircuts but seems like the minhag is not to. If necessary it’s certainly allowed.

– If you think she’ll say no to you because you look bad then you can shave but beware that she may say no to you because you shaved during sfira/3 weeks so it’s your call.

– Men that have a heter for body hair removal can also remove body hair.

Music

⁃ No music or dancing even at a seudas mitzva. Singing is fine.

⁃ Music tapes are not allowed.

⁃ Music lessons are fine.

⁃ If necessary, slow inspirational or classical music is fine.

⁃ Music for exercise is allowed.

⁃ Music to keep you up while you drive is allowed.

⁃ Accapela is not recommended, but is permitted.

– Any music is better than listening to the radio.

– Music is allowed during Chol Hamoed.

– Children below the age of seven can listen to music and there’s no problem for adults to hear it (playgroups, driving etc.)

– Music while studying and working is allowed if it will help concentration.

Lab Baomer

– Most opinions say that haircuts/shaving can start on the morning of lag beomer (it doesn’t have to wait for chatzos).

– There are opinions that haircuts/shaving can start from mincha time the afternoon before lag beomer.

– Even those keeping second half of sefira can take haircuts on lag beomer.

– When Lag Beomer falls out on Sunday, haircuts are allowed on Friday (some say to wait until after chatzos) and if necessary Thursday night too.

– There’s a debate if music/weddings are allowed the night of lag beomer. It’s best to be strict.

– Those that have the minhag to make bonfires “hilula” are relying on the opinions that lag beomer is a Yom tov.

– It’s not preferable to say “tonight is lag beomer” before actually counting the Omer on the night of Lag Beomer.

New York, NY (April 12, 2026)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has acknowledged that his campaign promise to make city buses free will not be implemented this year, signaling a significant delay for one of his most attention-grabbing transit pledges. In comments first reported by Politico and echoed by other outlets, Mamdani said the idea remains alive in Albany budget talks, but only in the form of a limited pilot program rather than a citywide fare-free system.

The mayor said both houses of the state Legislature included language in their one-house budget proposals supporting the return of a free-bus pilot. Official Assembly materials confirm that the chamber’s proposal includes $15 million for a fare-free bus program in New York City, with one route in each borough.

Mamdani has continued to insist he is still committed to the broader vision, saying he wants buses to become “fast and free,” but his latest remarks make clear that a full rollout is not imminent. Instead, the current focus appears to be on securing a narrower first step in 2026 through negotiations with Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders.

The shift marks a notable scaling back from the promise that helped define Mamdani’s campaign message on affordability and transit. A one-year state bill for a fare-free New York City bus pilot has also been introduced in Albany, underscoring that the live option right now is experimentation on a small number of routes, not a sweeping elimination of fares across the system.

For now, the mayor is trying to frame the delay as a phased approach rather than a retreat. But the practical reality is that free buses across New York City are not arriving anytime soon, and the only version still under active discussion is a limited pilot that would test the idea on a much smaller scale.

New York, NY (April 12, 2026)

An 18-year-old New York City resident has been arrested after police said he made violent antisemitic threats aimed at Jewish children in Brooklyn, prompting a rapid response from law enforcement and renewed concern about threats targeting visibly Jewish neighborhoods. Authorities identified the suspect as Eslam Alsaedi and said he is facing charges including aggravated harassment as a hate crime, making a terroristic threat, and threatening mass harm.

The arrest followed the circulation of a video online in which the suspect allegedly spoke about traveling from Harlem to Brooklyn to target Jews, including children. The video spread quickly on social media and drew widespread outrage because of the explicit focus on schools and large Jewish gatherings. Police moved in after the footage was flagged to officials, and the suspect was later taken into custody.

Although no attack was carried out, the case immediately raised fears across Jewish communities in Brooklyn, where families, schools, and synagogues have remained on edge amid a broader rise in antisemitic incidents. The specificity of the alleged threats made the episode especially disturbing, as it appeared to move beyond hateful rhetoric into a direct expression of intent toward vulnerable targets.

This terrorist threatened to come to Brooklyn, find a BIG BUILDING with JEWISH PEOPLE and KILL JEWISH CHILDREN. He thought he would get away with it. We contacted NYPD’s counter terrorism unit and they were immediately on it! Last night, he was ARRESTED by undercover intel cops.… pic.twitter.com/hYpgoI3GW1

— Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikov) April 7, 2026

CNN aired a new poll showing Tucker Carlson’s net favorability among Republicans has plummeted by 47 points.

“Tucker Carlson has been in absolute free fall with Republicans,” CNN reported.

His net approval now stands at just +7% among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents.

He’s become political poison for any candidate he touches. His hatred and obsession with Israel has certainly not helped his cause. Glad to see the free fall.

CNN aired a poll showing Tucker Carlson's @TuckerCarlson approval rating in the GOP has gone down 47%!!

“Tucker Carlson has been in absolute free fall with Republicans”, @CNN said.

Only 7% of Republicans approve of Tucker.

He’s cancer to all candidates.

PSA to everyone… https://t.co/Duv3fFwbTa pic.twitter.com/QskCOUFVjT

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) April 11, 2026

Gut vuch & Shvuah Tov to all!

The ceasefire between Iran and the U.S./Israel has not collapsed, but it is still very shaky. The biggest development today is that U.S. and Iranian delegations held a third round of face-to-face talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, and AP reported the talks concluded before dawn Sunday and are set to resume after a break. That means diplomacy is still alive, but there is no sign yet of a final durable agreement.

What is holding the ceasefire back is not mainly direct Israel-Iran fire right now, but the side fronts. Israel is still hitting Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran continues to argue that Lebanon should be covered by the truce. AP reported earlier this week that Netanyahu authorized direct talks with Lebanon, but also made clear Israel will keep striking Hezbollah until northern Israel is secure.

The Strait of Hormuz is still another major pressure point. Shipping has resumed only partially, and Trump has publicly accused Iran of not honoring the understandings on oil transit. AP quoted him saying: “Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz.” He added: “That is not the agreement we have!”

On the Trump side more broadly, the White House is still presenting the war phase as a military success and the current moment as a negotiation phase rather than a full peace. In an official White House release on April 8, the administration said Iran had “agreed to a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz” and that the U.S. was now negotiating “a broader peace agreement.”

Netanyahu’s latest message is that Israel is not treating this as finished. In remarks reported Saturday, he said: “The campaign is not over yet. Iran wanted to eliminate us. Now it is fighting to survive. We still have more to do.” He also said Lebanon approached him for direct negotiations and that he approved them only on condition of “Hezbollah’s disarmament and a real peace agreement.”

Statement from PM Netanyahu:

צפו בהצהרה שלי הערב >> pic.twitter.com/oJowkYDUtw

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 11, 2026

Full Statement:

“Dear citizens of Israel, my dear brothers and sisters,

The term of the campaign has come to an end, but it is already clear that we have historical achievements. I want to remember where we were. Iran tried to catch us off guard.

Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Assad regime in Syria, the militias in Iraq, the foreigners in Yemen, Iran itself. They wanted to subdue us, and we are subduing them. They threatened us with destruction, and now they are fighting to survive.

We have defeated them, we still have a lot to do, and I will explain this later. But I want to start with Iran itself, with the head of the organization. I have dedicated a significant part of my life to preventing one thing, that this terrorist regime will achieve a nuclear weapon.

I have spoken about this at the Congress, the UN, and in various parliaments. But the world has not heard. Many have said, this is not that terrible. I have even heard them within us. And I, as the Prime Minister of Israel, could not accept this.

We were the first to break the barrier of fear, operating in Iran itself. If I had told you a year ago that our pilots would fly in Iran, who would have believed it? And that the United States would fight alongside us, shoulder to shoulder, for nearly 40 days—who would have believed it?

But all of this happened because we initiated, we acted, we attacked. Iran was very close to obtaining nuclear weapons and the ability to produce thousands and thousands of missiles—two existential threats we were determined to remove.

We eliminated 12 of their top nuclear scientists. We attacked their nuclear facilities together with our American friends. We also attacked thousands of missiles and hundreds of launchers.

Later, we eliminated eight more nuclear scientists, destroyed the reactor in Arak, destroyed their centrifuge system and uranium production plant. We reached a point where Iran does not have a single active enrichment plant.

We also weakened the regime to its lowest level since it was established 47 years ago. We eliminated senior leadership across the regime, struck Revolutionary Guards infrastructure, and targeted their economic and military capabilities.

Iran is no longer the same Iran, and Israel is no longer the same Israel. They who dared to destroy us are now fighting for their own survival.

In Gaza, we control more than 50% of the territory. In Lebanon, we destroyed the majority of a 150,000 missile arsenal in six hours and prevented infiltration plans into the Galilee. We continue to fight Hezbollah and restore security to the north.

As a result of this strength, Lebanon has approached us multiple times to begin direct peace talks—something that has not happened in history.

Many countries are now turning to us and to the United States for cooperation. Israel is stronger than ever—small in size, but huge in spirit and determination.

These are historic achievements. We bombed the nuclear weapons, we bombed the missiles, we bombed the regime. Together with the United States, we have changed the balance of power.

There is still a long way to go. But with our brave soldiers, our fallen heroes, and the strength of our people—we will continue.

And with God’s help, we will continue to work together, and we will continue to win.”
**
Besuros Tovos!**

New York, NY (April 10, 2026)

A new city report is putting numbers to a reality many New Yorkers already feel every month: even basic stability now demands far more income than many households actually bring in. The newly released True Cost of Living measure found that a median two-adult household with no children needs more than $106,000 a year to cover essential expenses in New York City, while a single adult needs about $70,334. City officials said the measure was created after voters overwhelmingly approved a 2022 ballot proposal requiring a more realistic standard than the traditional poverty line.

The report found that 61.8% of New Yorkers, or about 5.04 million people, do not have the resources needed to meet that baseline cost of living. That gap is far larger than what older poverty measurements have shown, highlighting how many families may be earning too much to be counted as poor while still falling well short of what it takes to live with basic financial security in the city. For households below that threshold, the average shortfall was put at roughly $39,603.

The findings also showed major disparities across race, age, and geography. Hispanic New Yorkers faced the highest share below the city’s cost-of-living threshold at 77.6%, followed by Black residents at 65.6%, Asian and Pacific Islander residents at 63.3%, and white residents at 43.7%. Children were especially affected, with 72.5% of those under 18 living in households below the threshold. By borough, the Bronx had the highest share of residents falling short, followed by Brooklyn and Queens. [1])

The report focused on core necessities such as housing, food, health care, child care, transportation, technology, taxes, and savings. But for many Orthodox families, the real cost of living can feel even higher. Tuition, kosher food, Yom Tov expenses, and the financial demands of family life can add layers of pressure that are not fully captured by broad citywide formulas. For frum families already juggling high housing costs and large household budgets, the report’s headline numbers may actually understate the strain.

The result is a picture of a city where survival and stability are no longer the same thing. The new measure does not just show that New York is expensive. It shows how many families are living without enough room to build savings, absorb emergencies, or keep up with the real cost of daily life.