FrumNews15 days agoBy FrumNews.com
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is set to finally unveil a record $124.7 billion executive budget for New York City, and Governor Kathy Hochul is plugging the city’s deficit.
The new budget drops the 10% property tax hike he warned could be “necessary” to pass the budget. The New York Post reports that the Mayor backed away from his threats to raise property taxes and drain the city’s reserves to help close a reputed $5.4 billion budget gap.
Instead, Governor Hochul is coming to Mamdani’s aid with a whopping $4 billion in state aid to close the gap, bringing the total new state assistance to nearly $8 billion over two years.
With this latest agreement, the Mamdani Administration will officially close the more than $12 billion deficit they claim was caused by the Adams administration, stabilizing the City’s finances “while advancing investments that make New York more affordable for working people,” (meaning making new progressive agendas when the city has insufficient finances).
File photo: Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Per the Post, the new budget will include:
“From day one, I have been committed to ensuring New York City succeeds, because a strong and stable City means an even stronger New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, we are fulfilling the promise to make free universal childcare a reality, making significant investments in education, public safety and infrastructure while providing the city the resources they need to continue to fund critical services for New Yorkers.”
Neither the Governor, nor the Mayor explains how they will right the ship in the long term, as the mayor wants to introduce millions in new socialist programs.
The mayor is trying to push the idea that the relationship between City Hall and Albany has been fixed, saying it has been “defined by dysfunction and infighting.” However, Mamdani’s recent push to raise taxes shows its limitations with Hochul.
It shows that Hochul, who is up for reelection, is willing to collaborate with the Mayor if it benefits her politically, with the uneasy political left.
“Governor Hochul and I, however, share a belief that government works best when we work together on behalf of the people we serve,” Mayor Mamdani said. “We have partnered through every step of this process to protect the fiscal health of our city. I am thankful for her collaboration and deep commitment to securing a future for our city that working people can afford.”
FrumNews15 days agoPresenting themselves as credible religious figures, these accounts recycle some of the oldest antisemitic tropes for the digital age. The messaging promotes claims of Jewish control over finance and depicts Jews as obsessed with money and wealth, while also portraying them as manipulating global systems for personal gain. In many cases, this material appears alongside commercial content, enabling those behind it to profit from both misinformation and prejudice.
Presented through a supposed “rabbi,” these claims recast antisemitic narratives as internal narrative rather than external hostility, lowering skepticism and making them harder to challenge.
Users encounter this material through recommended feeds that place invented authority alongside legitimate voices and amplify it before it can be scrutinized. CAM’s Antisemitism Research Center (ARC) documented how this material reaches millions, giving false personas significant reach and allowing even a small number of accounts to generate outsized visibility.
These narratives reinforce patterns that have consistently translated into harassment, intimidation, and violence against Jewish communities.
Artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever to create convincing identities and deploy them at scale. The result is a more pervasive form of digital antisemitism that is harder to detect, more difficult to trace, and faster to spread.
Following outreach from CAM, Meta has removed more than 60 identified Instagram accounts (in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish), demonstrating that targeted intervention can be effective when such activity is clearly exposed. Meta has been highly responsive in working with CAM to better understand this activity and identify ways to reduce its reach and minimize its exposure to users.
However, these identities are easily recreated and quickly reappear. CAM will continue to cooperate with Meta to address this expanding network.
Visibility is not driven by credibility. It is driven by engagement, and engagement alone is enough to push it into wider circulation.
Comparable activity has appeared on TikTok, demonstrating that this threat is not confined to a single platform. The same structure can be reproduced quickly, with minimal effort and increasing sophistication.
Antisemitism does not disappear. It adapts, taking on new formats while carrying forward the same underlying ideology. What once required coordination and resources can now be produced and distributed to large audiences with speed and precision.
The danger is not only the content, but the credibility these personas manufacture. These accounts do not just spread antisemitic narratives. They embed them within mainstream discourse, contributing to the normalization of antisemitism worldwide.
Without sustained monitoring and rapid response, these false identities will continue to shape online discourse, reinforcing hostility toward Jewish communities that translates into real-world violence.
CAM has launched Report It, a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent. Download it today on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
See it. Report it. Stop it.
FrumNews16 days agoBy Shmuel Sackett, founder and director of the Am Yisrael Chai Foundation
We are very proud of our project: “A Torah for every IDF Base.”
There is no question that the men and women serving on IDF bases help protect US… so we need to protect THEM!! One of the best ways to protect these modern-day Maccabees is by making sure a kosher Sefer Torah is on every IDF base across the country.
We have already donated a Torah to 4 different bases – down south (near Eilat), Jordan Valley, Kiryat Shemona and on the Golan Heights and last are proud to have added #5 to that list! This Torah will be going to the northern Lebanese border and will be protecting and serving our soldiers who are fighting Hezbollah.
Here are some pictures from the Hachnassat Sefer Torah:
The mother of the soldier in whose memory we dedicated the Torah
It is important to note that we had planned this dedication to be on the actual IDF base which will receive the Torah (on the Lebanese border) but, due to the security situation, this could not take place.
The Torah was given in memory of Major Amir Sikoori of the elite “MatKal combat unit,” who fell on October 7th.
Amir was married with a child, and we presented the Torah on Lag Ba’Omer – May 5th – his birthday!!
May this – and every Torah – protect the lives of our courageous and brave soldiers!!
Am Yisrael Chai!!
FrumNews16 days agoAn estimated 6,000 people gathered this year at the Lag Ba’omer Family Fair in Marine Park, transforming a major Brooklyn intersection into a vibrant hub of Jewish life and celebration.
Nostrand Ave came alive with activity as children of all ages enjoyed moon bounces, obstacle courses, rock climbing, rides, and carnival games. A petting zoo and pony rides added to the excitement, while families were treated to BBQ fare, lively entertainment, and the highlight of the evening, the Lag Ba’omer bonfire. Clowns entertained the children, and a dedicated “KiddieLand” area offered attractions geared toward younger kids.
Beyond the festive atmosphere, the scale and visibility of the event stood out. The fair required extensive coordination with the NYC Mayor’s Office and the NYPD, including the closure of Nostrand Ave and Gerritsen Ave, as well as the rerouting of major bus lines, underscoring both the logistical effort and the significance of the gathering.
At its core, the event carried a deeper message. By hosting such a large-scale celebration in a central public space, the organizers emphasized the importance of living and expressing Yiddishkeit with confidence and pride.
This approach echoes the Rebbe’s message that Lag Ba’omer is a day to express pride in being Jewish. That vision was brought to life by Chabad of Marine Park, led by Rabbi Levy Hendel, which organized the annual Lag Ba’omer Family Fair.
For the thousands in attendance, the message was clear: being part of Klal Yisrael is not only something to cherish privately, it is something to celebrate proudly and publicly.
Special thanks to NYPD Community Affairs Chief Richie Taylor, Uri Fraenkel, Director of Citywide Constituent Affairs in the Mayor’s Office, Dr. Effie Zuller of Flatbush Hatzalah, Bob Moskovitz, Executive Coordinator of Flatbush Shomrim, and Askan Yitzy Kalmanowitz, as well as the many community members who made this possible.
Photo Credits: Alex Gorokhov & Shalom Ross
FrumNewsFrumNews16 days agoBy FrumNews.com
Yerushalayim, Eretz Yisroel — The Israeli Air Force is doubling down on the F-35I and F-15IA fighter aircraft, moving forward with a new order for two more combat squadrons.
The Israeli government approved a plan to purchase two new combat squadrons of F-35 and F-15IA advanced fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing in a deal worth tens of billions of dollars, the defense ministry said.
The deal, approved by Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement (IMOD), is a first step in a 350 billion shekel ($119 billion) plan and broader strategy to “strengthen readiness ahead of a demanding decade for Israeli security.”
IMOD’s plan is to simultaneously acquire two new fighter squadrons of Lockheed Martin and Boeing aircraft, including:
The new squadrons will “serve as a cornerstone of the IDF’s long-term force development, addressing evolving regional threats and preserving Israel’s strategic air superiority.”
In past Israeli operations, including Operation Roaring Lion, not a single Israeli aircraft was shot down over Iran, Syria or Lebanon. Additionally, an IAF F-35I “Adir” fighter jet shot down an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 fighter jet — the first shootdown in history of a manned fighter aircraft by an F-35 “Adir” fighter jet.
“Operation Roaring Lion reinforced just how critical the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains,” IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram said. “The complementary capabilities of these two squadrons will give the Israeli Air Force the flexibility to handle a broad range of combat scenarios.”
“Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to secure the IDF’s military edge ten years from now and beyond,” Baram added.
Following the Committee’s approval, the Director General directed the IMOD’s Mission to the U.S. to move forward with finalizing the agreements with American government and military counterparts in the coming period.
“Operation Roaring Lion once again demonstrated the Israeli Air Force’s power and its decisive role in protecting Israel,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said. “The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come. The F-35 and F-15IA acquisitions are central to the ‘Shield of Israel’ plan, which is designed to give the IDF a lasting qualitative edge.”
“As part of this plan, the Israeli Air Force will be expected to lead a major technological leap – integrating autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defense systems, and establishing Israeli military dominance, both defensive and offensive, in space,” Katz continued. “Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time. We will continue to invest, to grow stronger, and to stay ahead of our enemies – to keep Israel secure today and in the future.”
The Israeli government has lobbied against the US selling F-35 aircraft to its foes and Turkey. The Saudi order is despite objections from Israel and Jewish groups in the US.
“Arming such a regime with the most advanced stealth fighter jets carries risks that are just too high for today’s Middle East,” Moshe Phillips, chairman of Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI), wrote in an op-ed on FrumNews.com. “Friendly-to-America strongmen rulers can be toppled, policies can shift overnight, and weapons placed in their hands can quickly be beyond U.S. influence or control.”
FrumNews17 days agoOp-Ed by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato
Dear Friends,
As some of you may have seen in the news, the Mayor of New York City recently vetoed a piece of legislation that would establish “protest buffer zones” around sensitive locations. I am incredibly disappointed in his actions, as we’ve seen hate crimes continue to grow. Earlier this year the NYC Council passed legislation in response to the unprecedented amount of Antisemitic actions we have seen disguised as protests. The City Council was right to pass this legislation to try to provide some protections to people affected by these protests. We as Jews find ourselves in a particularly disturbing situation, as we’ve observed attempts to block the entrance to a synagogue in Manhattan, or the heinous pro-Hamas chants flung at Jewish students and congregants outside a yeshiva and shul in Kew Gardens Hills. Let’s make one thing clear, protesting is a fundamental right; yet there is a big difference between protesting and harassment. Scaring people isn’t acceptable and worrying families that they’ll be attacked because of their faith or what they look like is not how we operate in New York. That’s why I’m working on the State level with Governor Hochul to do what the Mayor won’t do and enact legislation to create “protest buffer zones” at sensitive locations.
Governor Hochul has been a major supporter of this initiative. In her own words she referred to these buffer zones as “common sense.” I thank our Governor for this type of clear leadership as she is working to combat hate and allow New Yorkers to feel safe, while still maintaining their right to protest. The buffer zones don’t say you can’t protest, but rather clarify that one can’t block the entrance to a religious site or be right in the faces of students who are just trying to learn. Seems easy enough, right? Of course, there are people who disagree. In fact, they are waging a massive campaign in Albany citing that these types of protections would instead “restrict New Yorkers’ right to assembly and free speech.” They couldn’t be more wrong. Though some may say the current bill isn’t enough, based on the emails of support I have received from our community throughout Bayswater and Far Rockaway, it’s clear you are asking me to support this legislation and policy. That’s why I’m fighting to get us this protection on a State level which provides stronger safeguards and will apply everywhere, from New York City to Nassau County, and beyond.
In fact, it’s this type of fight that makes me think about who is going to be the next to represent our community on the State level. As many of you know I am not seeking re-election to the State Assembly next year. It’s these moments that show the importance of having a battle-tested and competent Assemblymember. That’s why we need an Assemblymember who represents those values, who will make sure we don’t back down to nay-sayers, who will stand up. It’s why I’m supporting Pesach Osina in the Democratic Primary on June 23. Pesach has worked in the NYS Assembly and the NYC Council, knows our issues, has been a problem solver, and has been consistently committed to helping people. He’s exactly who we need!
I have proudly said this district is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the City, possibly even the State. We need a representative who has experience in getting things done, is able to think outside the box, and is a unifying force. Pesach Osina is that guy! Over the next few weeks while I’m up in Albany passing legislation, you’ll see Pesach around our community, because this is his community too. Say hi, ask him questions. He’s a fighter, a mensch, and he’s ready to keep our families and our needs front and center in Albany starting on Day 1.
FrumNews17 days agoHaRav HaGaon Reb Gavriel Tzinner, Shlita, the mechaber of Nitei Gavriel, together with his son, met with the Admor of Liska, HaRav Tzvi Hersh Friedlander Shlita
FrumNews17 days agoBy FrumNews.com
El Al announced it had inaugurated the new in-flight catering facility of Tamam, part of the EL AL Group — one of the most advanced facilities in the world and the largest of its kind in kosher airline catering.
The new facility, nearly twice the size of the previous one, will enable the production of up to approximately 50,000 meals per day, almost double the previous production capacity.
“We continue to invest consistently and meaningfully in improving the flight experience, with the understanding that every component of the customer journey is part of the overall experience,” Levy Halevy, CEO of EL AL, said. “TAMAM’s new facility enables us to raise the culinary standard for EL AL passengers, expand our operational capabilities and support EL AL’s growth for years to come.”
“We continue to invest in enhancing the travel experience, with the understanding that every detail is part of the overall journey. The new facility will allow us to expand the variety of meals served onboard, further improve product quality, and elevate the culinary standard for EL AL passengers.”
“Behind every meal served onboard are dedicated people, advanced technologies, and careful attention to the smallest details – all to continue providing a thoughtful and high-quality service experience at 30,000 feet.”
The transition to full operations at the new facility will take place gradually over the coming months.
“The inauguration of the world’s largest kosher food facility is a meaningful moment for us, as an Israeli company and as those who believe in EL AL’s ability to continue leading,” Kenny Rozenberg, Controlling Shareholder of EL AL, added. “This investment reflects deep confidence in the company and its people and reinforces our commitment to continued growth and development. The new facility will enable the provision of kosher food of the highest standard to the international market as well.”
Tamam is a subsidiary of the El Al group and provides kosher meals not just to El Al but also to other airlines serving Israel. This parallels how it operates Borenstein Caterers in the US, which was acquired by El Al in the 1970s and is the leading Kosher aviation caterer in the country.
FrumNews17 days agoBy FrumNews.com
Washington DC — The House of Representatives passed $300 million in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) within the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, which passed at the end of April. The passage by the House (after earlier passage by the Senate) follows months of stalemate in Congress and has since been signed into law by President Donald Trump.
NSGP funding has been essential for the Jewish community and other vulnerable institutions at a time of heightened threats and surging anti-semitism.
The $300 million is a substantial increase over the $274.5 million provided for NSGP in fiscal year 2025. NSGP grants are awarded to synagogues, Jewish schools, and other at-risk institutions targeted by terrorist attacks to fund target hardening and personnel to help secure their facilities, including cameras, access controls, reinforced entryways, and contract security personnel.
Advocacy groups representing the frum community — Orthodox Union Advocacy Center (OUA) and Agudath Israel of America — welcomed the inclusion of $300 million in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. However, in light of the rise in anti-Semitism, Agudath Israel and the OUA forewarn that the appropriation falls short of adequately addressing the security needs of vulnerable nonprofit institutions.
“This increase over last year’s funding level is an important and very welcome step,” said Nathan Diament, Executive Director of the OUA. “While sadly even more funding is needed for Jewish community security, this increased level of funding will surely help. We will continue working with members of Congress and our allies to fund NSGP at even higher levels in 2027 to meet demand.”
“Agudath Israel of America appreciates that the Nonprofit Security Grant Program was included in the DHS funding bill by Congress and even provided a slight increase, but at a time when anti-Semitism is surging, the security of Jewish institutions needs to be a top priority. The fact that a majority of grant applicants are turned away due to lack of funds is very concerning,” explained Rabbi A.D. Motzen, national director of government affairs for Agudath Israel. “We remain committed to working with our allies to secure more robust funding that meets the scale of the threat facing Jewish communities and other at-risk nonprofits nationwide.”
“Jewish Federations appreciate the appropriations committee’s $25 million proposed increase to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is critical for protecting Jews and other faith communities from violence. This increase is an important step in the right direction,” said Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Eric Fingerhut. “Still, threats to the Jewish community are more frequent, visible, and normalized than ever before, and while Federations invest heavily in our communal safety, the cost for securing our community alone stands at an estimated $775 million a year. We look forward to working with Congress to use any vehicle possible to further increase funding for this life-saving program.”
According to data released by the Anti-Defamation League or ADL, there were nearly 9,000 antisemitic incidents in the United States in 2023 — the highest number on record since the ADL started tracking antisemitism in 1979. This included 5,200 incidents following October 7th — more than all of 2022 — and 830 incidents in New Jersey, specifically.
This NSGP is heavily oversubscribed: Applicants requested $679 million in funding this year for a program with only about $300 million available. In Marc
h, 148 Members of Congress requested $1 billion in federal funding — $700 million more than what ultimately was allocated — for the NSGP. In April, 20 nonprofit groups led by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) wrote a letter to the top leaders of each chamber.
In their letter, they note, “Houses of worship and faith-based institutions are cornerstones of their communities, serving as gathering places, schools and childcare centers, and providers of critical social services that offer much-needed assistance to the communities they serve. These institutions should be able to solely focus on serving and strengthening their communities, but in this heightened threat environment, they instead must also worry about the next attack and whether they have the resources to stay safe. Members of these communities should never be forced to weigh the risk of violence against the act of worship. Every American should be able to pray without fear for their safety.”
FrumNews20 days agoBy Moshe Phillips
An op-ed attacking AIPAC, authored by two Jews who oppose the existence of Israel as a Jewish state, would be unremarkable. Two people who hate Israel naturally also deeply despise AIPAC. Nothing surprising in that.
But an op-ed column attacking AIPAC by prominent figures in two mainstream American Jewish organizations—well, that’s something else entirely.
And that may explain what motivated the editors of a major daily newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, to publish a harsh attack on AIPAC on April 24—and to hide the fact that its co-authors are avowed anti-Zionists.
The op-ed demanded that candidates for public office reveal whether they have received contributions from any political action committee linked to AIPAC. It didn’t include any call for candidates to disclose contributions from anti-Israel groups. That’s a curious double standard, to say the very least.
The key to the op-ed’s credibility—or lack thereof—was its description of the co-authors.
Christie Balka was identified as “a member of the Tikkun Olam Chavurah in Northwest Philadelphia.” The Hebrew name no doubt left the average Philadelphia Inquirer reader with the impression that it is a mainstream Jewish institution.
The byline did not explain what the “Tikkun Olam Chavurah” stands for. One has to go to its website to find out. There, the group defines itself as “an anti-zionist (sic), queer-led community,”—meaning that it is part of the tiny fringe in the Jewish community that opposes the existence of Israel.
Balka’s co-author was a local Reconstructionist rabbi, Mordechai Liebling. According to the website of the anti-Zionist organization “Jewish Voice for Peace,” he is a member of its “rabbinic cabinet.”
But Liebling’s byline on the op-ed didn’t mention that. There, he was identified as an ex-professor and “a former member of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations.” That lent credibility to the piece by linking Liebling to the mainstream American Jewish community’s major leadership group.
But is that an accurate description? Anybody familiar with the Conference of Presidents knows that it’s a coalition of Jewish organizations, not individuals. (The I.D. line also misstated the Conference’s name, but that’s the least of the problems here.)
Forty years ago, Liebling was hired as executive director of the Jewish Reconstructionist Foundation, a small Jewish organization that happened to be one of the 50-plus organizations in the Conference of Presidents. That position didn’t make him a “member.” It didn’t make him a major Jewish leader. And it doesn’t change the fact that today, he is affiliated with an explicitly anti-Zionist organization. What’s more, no Reconstructionist movement affiliate is a current member of the Conference of Presidents.
What other anti-Israel organizations is Liebling involved with?
The Prayers for Peace Alliance prominently features Liebling on its website. The hate group IfNotNow and CAIR are both “sponsors” of the Prayers for Peace Alliance. The Anti-Defamation League examines the leadership role that IfNotNow has played in anti-Israel protests in its article “Who are the Primary Groups Behind the U.S. Anti-Israel Rallies?” on the ADL website.
On the Prayers for Peace Alliance website itself are accusations of “Israeli military’s campaign of ethnic cleansing” and that “Zionism has … produced a heavily militarized society in which a permanent state of occupation ultimately endangers everyone in the region.”
In 2009, Liebling was involved in the Jewish Fast for Gaza group, an entity that said their events were created “to call for a lifting of the blockade that prevents the entry of civilian goods and services into Gaza.” It was advocacy like this that led directly to the tragic easing of the blockade, allowing Hamas to rearm and expand its terror tunnel network. And we all know what that led to.
Lastly, as mentioned above, Liebling is on the Jewish Voice for Peace’s Rabbinical Council. The ADL has described JVP as a “radical anti-Zionist” and an “anti-Israel activist group” in multiple publications. JVP does not support a two-state scenario, and it is not advocating peace talks and negotiations. JVP calls for an end to the State of Israel.
It’s easy to see just how radical JVP really is with even a very quick review of their website, where they call for the removal of Jews from Israel. The section reads: “We imagine Arab, Middle Eastern and Southwest Asian/North African Jews having ethical and safe access to return to their original homelands.”
Balka and Liebling may hate AIPAC, but their real beef is with Israel itself. The organizations with which they identify, Tikkun Olam Chavurah and Jewish Voice for Peace, and the others, oppose the very existence of the Jewish state.
The co-authors and the editors of the Inquirer should have been upfront about that.
Moshe Phillips is national chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel (www.AFSI.org), a leading pro-Israel advocacy and education organization.
This article was first published on JNS.
FrumNews20 days agoBROOKLYN, NY — In a major victory for Brooklyn’s Jewish community and for all those standing against antisemitism, Assemblymember Michael Novakhov successfully led a multi-front public campaign that resulted in the cancellation of a planned concert by Uzbek singer Yulduz Usmanova at the Oceana Theater in Brighton Beach.
The concert, originally scheduled for May 9th in the heart of one of New York’s largest Jewish communities, sparked outrage after renewed attention was brought to Usmanova’s past antisemitic remarks targeting Jewish people and the State of Israel.
At the center of the effort to stop the performance was Assemblymember Novakhov, who rapidly mobilized elected officials, community leaders, media outlets, and grassroots activists in what became one of the most visible local fights against antisemitism in recent memory.
“This was never about politics or censorship,” said Novakhov. “This was about drawing a clear moral line. Someone who publicly calls for suffering upon Jews and their descendants should not be welcomed into the heart of Brooklyn’s Jewish community for applause and celebration.”
Before the public press conference was even announced, Novakhov personally authored and circulated a bipartisan letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting the revocation of Usmanova’s visa and urging federal authorities to review whether she should be permitted to enter the United States at all.
The letter quickly gained broad bipartisan support from Republican and Democratic elected officials serving in the New York State Assembly, New York State Senate, and the United States Congress — collectively representing approximately five million New Yorkers.
Central to the letter were translated excerpts of Usmanova’s own remarks, including the statement: “Пусть Всевышний сыплет на ваши головы, евреи, все невзгоды! Пусть все ужасы продолжаются на всех ваших потомках, следующих поколениях. Запомните это, евреи!” — translated into English as: “May the Almighty rain all misfortunes upon your heads, Jews! May all horrors continue upon all your descendants and future generations. Remember this, Jews!”
The remarks were widely condemned by elected officials and community leaders as vile antisemitic rhetoric targeting Jewish people collectively.
Following the letter, Novakhov organized and participated in a major press conference outside the Oceana Theater alongside fellow elected officials, including Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, calling public attention to the issue and demanding immediate action.
The campaign quickly gained momentum.
Community members across Brooklyn and beyond began sharing the story online, while local Jewish leaders, Holocaust survivors, activists, and residents voiced outrage that someone with such a record was scheduled to perform in the middle of Brooklyn’s Jewish community.
As pressure mounted and media coverage expanded, the Oceana Theater officially canceled the concert.
For many in the community, the cancellation represented far more than the loss of a single performance. It was viewed as a powerful statement that antisemitism — especially rhetoric targeting Jews collectively — would not be normalized or ignored in New York City.
Community leaders credited Novakhov’s leadership as the decisive factor that transformed public outrage into concrete action.
“Michael Novakhov moved mountains on this issue,” said one local activist involved in the campaign. “He did not stay silent. He acted immediately, rallied people together, brought major attention to the issue, and ultimately got results. That takes courage.”
Following the cancellation in Brooklyn, Novakhov expanded the effort nationally by launching a public petition campaign calling for the cancellation of Usmanova’s scheduled performance at the Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
In addition, the Assemblymember authored and sent another formal letter directed to President Donald Trump and the Board of Trustees of the Trump-Kennedy Center, urging them to immediately cancel the performance and arguing that President Trump’s name should not be associated with an individual accused of making vile antisemitic remarks.
The effort has continued gaining support online, with thousands of people engaging with the campaign and signing onto the petition demanding action.
“This sends a message,” Novakhov said. “Brooklyn will not tolerate antisemitism. Our Jewish community will not be intimidated, and we will never stay silent when hatred is directed at our people.”
The successful cancellation has since become a major topic of discussion throughout Brooklyn’s Jewish community and among advocates fighting rising antisemitism across New York and the country.
FrumNews21 days agoAssemblyman Avi Schnall has introduced two bills that would let school districts redirect unspent nonpublic school aid between related programs instead of returning the money to the State — a fix that could keep millions of dollars working for students each year.
Under current law, when a district does not spend the full amount of State aid it receives for a specific nonpublic school program, the leftover funds must be refunded to the State. The money cannot be moved to a related program where it might still be needed, even if students in that same district could benefit.
In FY 2024 alone, New Jersey districts refunded more than $21 million in unspent nonpublic school aid — about 14 percent of total entitlements. Lakewood, which serves the largest nonpublic school population in the state, refunded roughly $8.5 million that year, including $3.5 million in Auxiliary Aid and Transportation funds and $3 million in Handicapped Aid.
“This is money that was already approved, already appropriated, and already designated to support nonpublic school students,” said Assemblyman Schnall. “When a district has unspent funds in one program but unmet needs in another, it makes no sense to send that money back to Trenton. We should be letting districts use every dollar to serve the children it was meant for.”
Assemblyman Schnall’s legislation pairs together programs that serve overlapping needs and allows districts to shift unexpended aid between them: Nonpublic Textbook Aid and the Nonpublic Technology Initiative would be linked, recognizing that both programs support classroom learning materials. Nonpublic Nursing Services aid and Nonpublic Security Aid would also be linked, since both support student health and safety.
Any funds still unspent across both paired programs at year’s end would still be refunded to the State, preserving accountability while giving districts meaningful flexibility.
“Every school year, families and administrators identify real needs that go unfunded — a textbook shortage here, a security upgrade there,” Schnall said. “This bill is a commonsense fix that respects taxpayers and the students who depend on these services.”
FrumNews27 days agoby Rafael Medoff
Israel’s arrest of Hamas terrorist Hussam Abu Safiya is not only “a grave crime,” but is “at the core of the crime of genocide,” according to the Palestinian Authority’s Palestinian Prisoners Society.
The society’s declaration was publicized this week by the PA’s official news agency, Wafa. It illustrates again how the “genocide” charge is nothing more than an ever-expanding slur that Israel’s enemies use as a propaganda tool, without regard for facts or legal standards.
Safiya is the former director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, which was a major Hamas terror base.
When Safiya was arrested by the Israeli authorities, media critics and self-described human rights groups insisted that he was an innocent pediatrician.
But a bombshell report issued by NGO Monitor earlier this year revealed devastating evidence of Safiya’s involvement in Hamas:
Next to the text, he posted an image of terrorists parachuting into Israel on October 7.
The New York Times has not expressed any regret for publishing op-eds by Safiya, in October 2024 and December 2024, accusing Israel of “genocide.” Neither of the op-eds disclosed Safiya’s affiliation with Hamas.
Dr. Medoff is director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, and the author of more than 20 books about Jewish history, Zionism, and the Holocaust. Follow him on Facebook to read his daily commentaries on the news.)
FrumNews28 days agoBy FrumNews.com
OU Kosher announced that Patis Bakery locations have dropped the OU hashgacha, as new ownership transitions.
The OU said it continues to certify the central Patis Bakery commissary. “Due to various considerations during the transition to new ownership, Patis has chosen not to continue certification at any store locations.”
The OU said some stores may have other hashgachos and they “recommend that consumers verify that it meets their standards.”
Patis started in New Jersey in 2018, serving sought-after pastries, breads, salads, soups and pizzas. They later aggressively expanded to more than a dozen locations. On the rise, they offered gift cards at 50% off (which they honored), and took on some expensive leases (and debt), before hitting a hard patch. The company then filed for bankruptcy, focused on restructuring, and closed some stores.
“They expanded fairly quickly. Which is both a blessing and a curse for a business like theirs,” Dani Klein of YeahThatsKosher wrote. “It’s a blessing for consumers, at least those of us who are a fan of their products, as I am, to have access to great kosher food in more neighborhoods.”
“It’s a ‘curse’ for the business because it requires more rent, more oversight, management, staff, and any number of issues that can arise when a business expands,” Klein added.
FrumNews28 days agoLast updated 8:00 PM EST
By FrumNews.com
In a horrifying attack, two Yidden were stabbed on Highfield Avenue in Golders Green, London, on Wednesday morning, by a terrorist who ran down a street targeting Yidden—the latest in a spate of anti-Semitic attacks**.**
The two victims, one in his 70s and one in his 30s, were both in a stable condition in hospital, the London Metropolitan Police said.
The Jewish victims “suffered stab wounds in the attack and are now being looked after in hospital,” Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations Laurence Taylor said in a statement. “Metropolitan Police officers responding to the incident were also attacked, leading to the Tasering and arrest of a 45-year-old man.”
Officers said they arrested the suspect, a British national born in Somalia, on suspicion of attempted murder, and he remains in police custody. Counter Terrorism Policing London is leading the investigation.
Earlier this week, news broke that Iran was calling on Iranian residents to register for its “Jan Fada” or “sacrificing life” scheme. The timing couldn’t be more coincidental, as a London Shul was firebombed earlier this month as well.
Our highly specialized teams of officers are working with the Metropolitan Police to progress the investigation quickly – and establish exactly what has happened,” Taylor said. “We are also working with the security services to ensure we have a full intelligence picture. One of the lines of inquiry is whether this attack was deliberately targeting the Jewish community in London.
“I want to make it clear that Counter Terrorism Policing and police forces are mobilizing to provide additional support and reassurance, and we request that the public are vigilant and stand alongside communities who may be feeling worried this evening,” Taylor said. “Please report anything that doesn’t feel right and be alert to what is happening where you live.”
Always looking to show up late, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer—who finally pledged to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organization last week—said he was “deeply concerned about the terrorist attack that took place today.”
“This is not an isolated incident. It is the latest in a spate of utterly vile attacks on the Jewish community,” Starmer added.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expresses fury over what he calls an “unacceptable situation” for Jews in the Western world after the attack. “I am horrified by yet another violent attack on Jews in broad daylight on the streets of London. We are praying for a speedy recovery for all those injured.”
“Let me be clear: No Jew anywhere in the world should be a target because of their faith,” Herzog said. “In one of the great capital cities of the West, it has become dangerous to openly walk the streets as a Jew. This is an unacceptable situation. The British government and authorities must take urgent and immediate action before the next antisemitic attack occurs.”
FrumNews29 days agoNew legislation introduced by Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and State Senator Leroy Comrie has passed overwhelmingly in the New York State Assembly. The legislation (A2400/S1847) will require the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to consider the economic impact of proposed rate hikes on consumers’ ability to pay before approving them, aiming to ensure families are not priced out of essential services. While utility companies can still earn a fair return, this legislation strengthens protections for ratepayers and promotes a more balanced, transparent rate-setting process.
As part of this review, the PSC will evaluate local income levels, unemployment data, and national trends in fuel and utility costs. This legislation will ensure that proposed rate increases are carefully weighed against their affordability to local consumers, helping to protect residents from the growing burden of rising utility costs.
“For too long, New Yorkers have struggled under the weight of substantial utility rate hikes,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, the bill sponsor. “I am proud to have introduced this legislation, which will require the Public Service Commission to take a closer look at the economic impact of these increases. This is an important step toward easing the financial strain on families already dealing with the high cost of living in our state. I thank Senator Leroy Comrie for championing this bill in the State Senate.”
Assemblyman Eichenstein is committed to providing solutions that lower costs and help Midwood and Boro Park families afford everyday expenses. “No one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and making ends meet,” concluded Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein.
This legislation represents a victory for all New Yorkers and will lead towards greater transparency and fairness in determining utility rates across the state.
FrumNews29 days agoBy FrumNews.com
Crown Heights, NY — New York City is dumping 150 homeless people into Crown Heights, literally—and isn’t telling the community.
People familiar with the matter told FrumNews.com that the city will soon house homeless adults at the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel on Empire Blvd in Crown Heights.
Community Board 9 (CB9) was very verbally informed by the city ahead of the move, set to start June 1.
After some digging, FrumNews.com acquired a letter from the city to Fred Baptiste, the chair of Community Board 9 (as well as a video of the city pushing Community Board 9).
In the letter, Jamar Hook, NYC Deputy Commissioner of Intergovernmental Affairs, said the city plans to use 140 beds at the Ramada Hotel, until the end of summer 2026. “To ensure continuity of services, DSS-DHS will transition intake operations to an alternative site in Manhattan starting on May 1, 2026, and has transferred the assessment beds from the Bellevue site to several alternative sites elsewhere in the City. The collateral impact of the movement of these assessment beds has required that we seek alternative shelter sites to accommodate the capacity needs of our single adult men population, including this site on Empire Boulevard.”
“The city is taking their crisis to destroy our community,” an askan told FrumNews.com. “It’ll be four months of gehenom!”
CB9 discussed it at the April executive meeting, with one saying there was no prior notice. When asked why there was no public hearing, the response is “I don’t know!” adding, “I don’t know when the contract hearing is. I didn’t receive any information about the contract hearing. They likely will never send information about the contract hearing. And even if they did, who’s gone?”
“Because the developer of that building is notorious for building hotels that turn into shelters. He does this all over the city,” one CB9 member commented at the meeting. Another retorted, “Well, at $400 a night for a room, it’s a great deal for the city!” Another commented, “It is just not a tourist-class hotel.”
“When it says ‘temporary,’ that’s just BS… It’s temporary for the residents, right?” Members complained that the neighborhood was the only one targeted for a homeless shelter:
“[W]e need to have a response to this. We need to also engage the local council member, and we need to talk about what are the real numbers for fair share here—because I think that this needs to be brought back; you can’t tell me they couldn’t find anywhere else in Brooklyn that had a hotel or whatever.”
“They did from this, or you know what part of the problem is the electeds need to understand this, because this is part of the reason why we always push back because these are the things that always happen and these are the games that happen, ‘oh yeah sure I’m going to build a hotel, then I’m going to charge this. [But] what if I don’t get full occupancy, the city will be my best client, and they’ll pay my top rate.’”
“This is what happens consistently, and that goes part of the land allian use question again going to the fair use aspect of it as well, where it’s like operate.”
But why now? Because Mayor Zohran Mamdani closed a dilapidated shelter in Midtown Manhattan, he has chosen to scatter the homeless individuals across the city. It’s similar to former Mayor Adams’ move to rent out Hotels across the city during the migrant crisis.
In recent years, several hotels in NYC have been converted into emergency shelters or temporary housing, more than in any other area of the city. Hotels like Ramada lack the robust on-site medical, security, psychiatric, and job placement services required for successful reintegration.
The city’s dysfunction is so bad that they are taking up hotels again. And they won’t make it public, it wants to sneak the homeless into the neighborhoods of the outer boroughs—Queens, Bronx, Staten Island or Brooklyn—because they believe there won’t be pushback. It has become a permanent “temporary” solution that the city uses at the community’s expense.
There has been no public meeting, no outreach beyond the Community Board, no efforts to engage with the Jewish community encircling the shelter, and no additional security.
The Mamdani administration sees the Community Boards as the only factor when deciding what happens in the community, and when pushed back, they will override them, while local pols look the other way.
It’s not an isolated event. Nearby, the city is pushing another homeless shelter at the site of the Kingsboro psychiatric center, boxing in the thriving community, as it did previously with the homeless shelter at the Bedford-Atlantic Armory.
“They are pushing us out,” a local aksan told FrumNews.com. “In the north, they added and turned the Bedford-Atlantic Armory into a massive shelter; in the south, at Kinsbrook. Now on Empire. What’s next? Another on Kingston?”
In Boro Park, FrumNews.com previously reported that the city is pushing for a major homeless shelter at 50th St. and 10th Ave, which would limit the growth of the Boro Park community.
FrumNews1 month agoBy Shmuel Sackett, founder and director of the Am Yisrael Chai Foundation
We all love a good story so let me jump right in with a few that should put a smile on your face. These all took place in various bomb shelters (“miklatim”) across Eretz Yisrael in the recent war with Iran.
The first story is simple but very sweet. A friend of mine, who davens with me in our morning minyan, is the Rosh Kollel in Nof Yam, a community next to Herziliya. In addition to being a tremendous Talmid Chacham, this Rav is involved in acts of chesed, on a regular basis. Before Pesach, he financially helps 16 families with their Pesach shopping. These families cannot afford the beautiful – but very expensive – holiday of Pesach and he personally sees to all their needs. He buys them everything including meat, wine, fish, vegetables, dairy products and of course; hand-made shmurah matzah. It’s not easy to take upon yourself such a commitment, but he does it with a smile. 3 days before Pesach he told me that he bought everything except the fish. He needed 2,000 shekel but had finished calling his donor list and simply did not have anyone else to ask for funds. He said, “Shmuel, I did the best I could. I guess these families will have everything for Pesach except fish.” I told him that he shouldn’t give up yet… Pesach was in 3 days which is more than enough time for HaShem to perform His miracles! He thanked me for the optimism and assured me that he would keep trying.
The next day, he came to minyan earlier than usual with a huge smile on his face. “Shmuel – I came here early because I had to share this with you. Yesterday afternoon, there was a siren and I was on the road with nowhere to go. I quickly made a few turns and found myself in an industrial area next to a factory that looked open. I quickly parked my car and ran in, asking if I could stand in their bomb shelter. The only person in the factory was an older gentleman who owned the company. “Of course you can come in. Stand with me and everything will be fine.” While the two of us stood there, we started schmoozing and he asked me what I was doing. I told this complete stranger about my Pesach fund and that I drove to see a friend who I had hoped would help me with my fish purchase but, unfortunately, he was not able to see me. The factory owner told me not to worry – he would help with some money for fish. He asked for my bank details and – when the “all clear” was given – sent me out of his factory with a smile. I never mentioned that I was 2,000 shekel short and he did not commit to any specific amount. When I returned home, I checked my bank account and… he wired exactly 2,000 shekel into my account!!”
Let’s move on to story #2, which gives me the chills every time I think about it. The time is 2am and another Rabbi friend of mine is in the miklat with many of his neighbors. (Note: Yes, I have a lot of friends who are Rabbis. Not sure why…) He told me that he had stood there many times with his neighbors, but this time decided to try something different. He went over to a non-religious fellow and asked him if he would be interested in learning Torah with him once a week. “No pressure. No coercion. Pick any topic you want… Just a few minutes each week to learn Torah as study partners.” The neighbor looked at him and said, “We have been neighbors for 12 years and I was wondering when you would ask me such a question. I see that you teach Torah across Israel and I kept asking myself – when will he teach me some Torah?” My friend was stunned. He had nothing to say because he knew the man was right. 12 years they lived together in the same building yet for 12 years my Rabbi friend simply offered a sweet hello. He felt terrible and said, “For 12 years I passed a thirsty man – while holding a bottle of cold water – yet never offered him a drink.” Needless to say, these men now learn Torah together once each week…
The final story is not from a friend, but is from a Rabbi. As Yom Ha’Atzmaut was coming to a close, I attended an amazing shiur by Rav Reuven Sasson, Rosh Yeshiva of the Ramat Ha’Sharon Hesder Yeshiva. He pointed out the many miracles that HaShem performed for us during the recent war and kept stressing that we need to focus on the positive in every situation. “Take, for example, the time we all spent in the miklatim. I do not have a private one so, like many of us, I had to run to the communal miklat in my area. There we were – in our pajamas – standing together. I looked around and realized that in this bomb shelter – standing with me is… Am Yisrael. There was a guy who was holding his two cats, an older woman with Mickey Mouse pajamas, a Yeshiva boy saying Tehillim, a family with a dog bigger than their kids, plus my family as well… all together, all anxious, all wondering when this will end… That’s when I realized that despite our differences, we are not really different at all. Standing in that miklat were the different faces of Am Yisrael – the one and only nation of HaShem. Thoughts began racing through my head that maybe this is why HaShem is doing this… to bring us together (literally) and to knock down the walls that we foolishly built between ourselves. I immediately took upon myself to focus more on Ahavat Yisrael – on what unites us as opposed to what divides us.”
Think for a few minutes about these three stories. HaShem is sending us messages yet, time after time, we tend to ignore them. What did we learn from Covid? From October 7th? From the wars with Iran? Let’s open our eyes – and our hearts – to the lessons we need to take from all these challenges. I have no doubt that HaShem is talking to us.
My only question is… Are we listening?
_Am Yisrael Chai!
_
FrumNews1 month agoBy Shmuel Sackett, founder and director of the Am Yisrael Chai Foundation
We all love a good story so let me jump right in with a few that should put a smile on your face. These all took place in various bomb shelters (“miklatim”) across Eretz Yisrael in the recent war with Iran.
The first story is simple but very sweet. A friend of mine, who davens with me in our morning minyan, is the Rosh Kollel in Nof Yam, a community next to Herziliya. In addition to being a tremendous Talmid Chacham, this Rav is involved in acts of chesed, on a regular basis. Before Pesach, he financially helps 16 families with their Pesach shopping. These families cannot afford the beautiful – but very expensive – holiday of Pesach and he personally sees to all their needs. He buys them everything including meat, wine, fish, vegetables, dairy products and of course; hand-made shmurah matzah. It’s not easy to take upon yourself such a commitment, but he does it with a smile. 3 days before Pesach he told me that he bought everything except the fish. He needed 2,000 shekel but had finished calling his donor list and simply did not have anyone else to ask for funds. He said, “Shmuel, I did the best I could. I guess these families will have everything for Pesach except fish.” I told him that he shouldn’t give up yet… Pesach was in 3 days which is more than enough time for HaShem to perform His miracles! He thanked me for the optimism and assured me that he would keep trying.
The next day, he came to minyan earlier than usual with a huge smile on his face. “Shmuel – I came here early because I had to share this with you. Yesterday afternoon, there was a siren and I was on the road with nowhere to go. I quickly made a few turns and found myself in an industrial area next to a factory that looked open. I quickly parked my car and ran in, asking if I could stand in their bomb shelter. The only person in the factory was an older gentleman who owned the company. “Of course you can come in. Stand with me and everything will be fine.” While the two of us stood there, we started schmoozing and he asked me what I was doing. I told this complete stranger about my Pesach fund and that I drove to see a friend who I had hoped would help me with my fish purchase but, unfortunately, he was not able to see me. The factory owner told me not to worry – he would help with some money for fish. He asked for my bank details and – when the “all clear” was given – sent me out of his factory with a smile. I never mentioned that I was 2,000 shekel short and he did not commit to any specific amount. When I returned home, I checked my bank account and… he wired exactly 2,000 shekel into my account!!”
Let’s move on to story #2, which gives me the chills every time I think about it. The time is 2am and another Rabbi friend of mine is in the miklat with many of his neighbors. (Note: Yes, I have a lot of friends who are Rabbis. Not sure why…) He told me that he had stood there many times with his neighbors, but this time decided to try something different. He went over to a non-religious fellow and asked him if he would be interested in learning Torah with him once a week. “No pressure. No coercion. Pick any topic you want… Just a few minutes each week to learn Torah as study partners.” The neighbor looked at him and said, “We have been neighbors for 12 years and I was wondering when you would ask me such a question. I see that you teach Torah across Israel and I kept asking myself – when will he teach me some Torah?” My friend was stunned. He had nothing to say because he knew the man was right. 12 years they lived together in the same building yet for 12 years my Rabbi friend simply offered a sweet hello. He felt terrible and said, “For 12 years I passed a thirsty man – while holding a bottle of cold water – yet never offered him a drink.” Needless to say, these men now learn Torah together once each week…
The final story is not from a friend, but is from a Rabbi. As Yom Ha’Atzmaut was coming to a close, I attended an amazing shiur by Rav Reuven Sasson, Rosh Yeshiva of the Ramat Ha’Sharon Hesder Yeshiva. He pointed out the many miracles that HaShem performed for us during the recent war and kept stressing that we need to focus on the positive in every situation. “Take, for example, the time we all spent in the miklatim. I do not have a private one so, like many of us, I had to run to the communal miklat in my area. There we were – in our pajamas – standing together. I looked around and realized that in this bomb shelter – standing with me is… Am Yisrael. There was a guy who was holding his two cats, an older woman with Mickey Mouse pajamas, a Yeshiva boy saying Tehillim, a family with a dog bigger than their kids, plus my family as well… all together, all anxious, all wondering when this will end… That’s when I realized that despite our differences, we are not really different at all. Standing in that miklat were the different faces of Am Yisrael – the one and only nation of HaShem. Thoughts began racing through my head that maybe this is why HaShem is doing this… to bring us together (literally) and to knock down the walls that we foolishly built between ourselves. I immediately took upon myself to focus more on Ahavat Yisrael – on what unites us as opposed to what divides us.”
Think for a few minutes about these three stories. HaShem is sending us messages yet, time after time, we tend to ignore them. What did we learn from Covid? From October 7th? From the wars with Iran? Let’s open our eyes – and our hearts – to the lessons we need to take from all these challenges. I have no doubt that HaShem is talking to us.
My only question is… Are we listening?
_Am Yisrael Chai!
_
FrumNews1 month agoEditor’s note: We are reposting it again. After a Satmar account denounced Mamdani’s veto of the Shul protest ban, many—including many prominent accounts—bashed them for voting for him. As we covered here, based on data, they didn’t.
🚨 We’re horrified by @NYCMayor Mamdani’s decision to veto Intro 175, legislation that would have mandated clear safety plans around our schools and Yeshivas. Our children’s safety should always be a top priority! This veto clearly doesn’t defend rights! It puts the safety of…
— Satmar Headquarters (@HQSatmar) April 26, 2026
By Moti Langham
When reporting that Zohran Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa, a Jewish News site took aim at the Satmar community, claiming that it helped—and legitimized Jewish support—get Mamdani into Gracie Mansion.
But that never happened.
A close look at election data maps, block by block, shows that South Williamsburg, which is majority Chassidish, voted for Cuomo with a gradient of data from 60 to 91%.
There is little to no data that the community as a whole voted for Mamdani by a wider margin than similar communities in Crown Heights, Boro Park, or Flatbush.
For comparison, the district bordered by Lee and Bedford Ave, Hewes and Lynch St (ED 47 in AD 50),* voted for Andrew Cuomo with 89% of the vote; Mandani got just 1.6%, behind Eric Adams, and Curtis Silwa. (In 2021, it went 49.4% for Adams).
In Boro Park, the district bordered by 16 and 15 Ave, 52 and 47 St (ED 51 in AD 48),* voted for Andre Cuomo with 92% of the vote; Mamdani got third place with just 1.8%. (In 2021, it went 54% for Silwa).
Overall, frum Jewish communities voted for Cuomo and Silwa; few, if any, voted for Mandani. Williamsburg was no different—voter turnout was significantly higher and as a whole didn’t vote for Mamdani.
Should our Rabbonim and Askanim meet with those who oppose us and seek to destroy us? That’s a different debate, a different op-ed. But in the 2025 mayoral race, Williamsburg wasn’t an outlier in this election
*These are electoral districts (ed) within an assembly district (ad), they are used as an example, as some of the most heavily Jewish blocks in Williamsburg and Boro Park, respectively.
***
Originally published Nov. 18, 2025
FrumNews1 month agoBy FrumNews.com
Rockland County’s Legislature shocked the county by voting 14-1 to approve a controversial update to the county’s Home Improvement Contractors’ Law, earlier this month, which loosens restrictions on home improvement contractor licensing.
The contentious changes to the law drew a large crowd at a public meeting, with tensions running high as homeowners, contractors and others voiced their opinions.
Rockland County, with over 350,000 residents, currently has 2,844 licensed home improvement contractors, including landscapers, fence installers and excavators, who account for a significant number of license holders.
According to the legislature, the law updates regulations that have seen few significant changes since 1984. The overhaul aligns Rockland’s rules with those used in Westchester County and aims to streamline licensing and strengthen consumer protections.
Several major changes include moving decisions on contractor licenses from the Home Improvement Licensing Board to the Director of Consumer Protection, turning the board into a strictly advisory body. As well as opening up competition to contractors from outside of Rockland County. Contractors who have been licensed in other jurisdictions for at least five years and have no consumer protection complaints can now automatically obtain a Rockland license.
Such a law pits many against each other: large local contractors who want less regulation; mom-and-pop contractors, who don’t want competition; statewide and national contractors, who don’t want added restrictions on entering the Rockland market; homeowners, who want both lower costs and better quality; and others.
Advocates, including many contractors, for the rules, said the current rules put in place in the 1980s were too burdensome. Legislator Itamar Yeger, the bill’s sponsor, said the home improvement contractor licensing rules were crafted to better reflect the job’s needs and better protect homeowners.
“Nothing in this law gives the Legislature new powers over licensing decisions, and the volunteer Board continues to play an important advisory role,” Rockland County Legislator Itamar Yeger argued. “These changes modernize a system that hadn’t been updated in decades, making it fairer, faster, and more transparent for everyone involved.”
Opponents, which include including County Executive Ed Day, decried the move, saying it loosens the rules in place that protect homeowners and keep the county safe.
“The County Legislature led the process of revising Rockland’s Home Improvement Law, Majority and Minority legislators met with staff from my administration and, after much discussion and significant modifications, reached a compromise.” County Executive Ed Day said in a statement ahead of the vote. “While I still need to review this legislation after it is voted on, I support this bipartisan and collaborative process and look forward to reviewing it,” County Executive Ed Day said in a statement ahead of the vote.
Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash
Under the new law, home improvement contractors will still be required to hold a valid county license. However, the authority to grant or deny that license will shift from the Home Improvement Licensing Board to the Director of the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection. The Licensing Board, which meets monthly and comprises volunteer experts from various home improvement fields, will continue to serve in an advisory role, offering guidance and recommendations to the Director.
Legislature leaders said its role under the new law remains unchanged as the body that hears appeals. “The Legislature does not participate in granting, denying, suspending, or revoking licenses. It continues solely as the body that hears appeals from aggrieved parties and retains its existing authority to approve or reject proposed Rules and Regulations.”
“There has been a lot of misinformation circulating about this update, but the truth is simple: this law was adopted to make things better for both contractors and consumers,” Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said. “It streamlines the licensing process, establishes clear timelines, strengthens protections for homeowners, and ensures qualified contractors can get to work without unnecessary delays.”
For the first time, the county must respond to licensing applications within 45 days. If the county fails to notify an applicant of missing paperwork or other issues regarding the application within that period, the license is automatically deemed approved. Any denial must include specific reasons and notice of the contractor’s right to appeal.
“There’s nothing wrong with reforming and modernizing,” Robert Zitt, a contractor, told Lohud at the public hearing, but it “comes at the cost of safety.”
The law also enhances consumer protections by requiring general contractors to use only licensed and properly insured subcontractors; reaffirming that all contractors must carry liability insurance and NY state-required workers’ compensation and disability insurance, with suspension possible for noncompliance; and adding new violations for failing to meet contract standards, including providing written three‑day cancellation rights. Contractors who arrange financing for projects face new compliance rules.
Several measures will streamline the licensing process, including eliminating the decal requirement for personal vehicles, creating simplified licensing pathways, and allowing contractors licensed elsewhere for at least five years with no complaints to apply through an expedited process.
The new law requires a bond for contractors who use the simplified application pathway, providing financial protection for homeowners and ensuring that work is completed.
The update follows concerns raised by contractors who reported long delays and inconsistent outcomes in the current licensing process. It also addresses the top complaint from homeowners – that they are out of money because a job wasn’t completed or was done incorrectly. As with any major update, adjustments and refinements may be made in the months ahead to ensure the law continues to work as intended for the entire community.
FrumNews1 month agoBy FrumNews.com
Yerushalayim — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been given a clean bill of health following successful treatment for early-stage prostate cancer—revealed publicly for the first time—according to an official medical report released by his office.
The annual report, dated April 20, 2026, confirmed that Netanyahu, who is currently 76—the oldest to serve as Israel’s Prime Minister—underwent treatment after a small malignant growth was discovered during routine monitoring.
The condition was caught at a very early stage, according to the report, with no spread or metastasis, and has since been completely resolved.
A routine MRI identified a minuscule suspicious lesion measuring less than one millimeter in the prostate. Further diagnostic tests confirmed the presence of early-stage prostate cancer with no evidence of metastases.
The prime minister said the report was delayed “by two months so that it would not be released at the height of the war, in order not to allow the Iranian terror regime to spread even more false propaganda against Israel.”
“You already know me. When I’m given information in time about a potential danger, I want to address it immediately,” Netanyahu went on. “This is true on the national level and also on the personal level. That’s what I did. I went to a few short treatments, read a book, and continued working. The spot disappeared completely.”
“Baruch Hashem, I overcame this, too.”
Netanyahu used the announcement as an opportunity to raise awareness of the frequency of prostate cancer. “The doctors told me that this is very common among men my age… Take care of your health. Get tested. And follow the doctors’ instructions.”
היום התפרסם הדו״ח הרפואי השנתי שלי.
ביקשתי לעכב את פרסומו בחודשיים כדי שהוא לא יפורסם בשיא המלחמה על מנת שלא לאפשר למשטר הטרור באיראן להפיץ עוד תעמולת כזב נגד ישראל.
אני מבקש לשתף אתכם בשלושה דברים:
1 – ברוך השם, אני בריא.
2 – אני בכושר גופני מצויין.
3 – הייתה לי בעיה…
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 24, 2026
FrumNews1 month agoMagen David Adom has established an emergency clinic inside a shelter in Kibbutz Misgav Am, a community along Israel’s northern border, as Hezbollah terrorists attack Israel’s north.
The clinic is equipped with CPR equipment, first aid supplies, bandages, medications, beds, and more advanced medical equipment. Kibbutz Misgav Am residents and those of nearby communities will be able to receive initial treatment during emergencies until additional MDA teams arrive.
Located in the upper Galilee just across Israel’s border with Lebanon, Kibbutz Misgav Am is a community of approximately 240 residents. The nearest city is Kiryat Shmona.
“MDA is committed to making lifesaving treatment accessible even in the most remote and threatened communities,” remarked MDA Director-General Eli Bin of the new emergency facility.
MDA paramedic Igor Krasny, a kibbutz resident who will help manage the clinic, explained its importance saying, “We are right on the Lebanon border. The nearest MDA station is in Kiryat Shmona, and rocket fire can block the roads. Now we have the equipment we need to treat the injured until MDA teams arrive.”
Kibbutz residents also received first aid training to strengthen community resilience during emergencies. MDA Chief Paramedic Dr. Shafir Botner and Yossi Halabi, director of the immediate response department, led the effort to establish the fully equipped clinic.
Kibbutz members were grateful for the new MDA clinic. “The clinic can serve not only us but also the surrounding communities,” said Misgav Am’s secretary, Erez Bergman.
“Thank you to MDA for this wonderful contribution. The clinic allows us to provide an immediate medical response and save lives,” kibbutz chairman Bogdan Domitrescu added. “We must be prepared for any scenario.”
FrumNews1 month agoPresident Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were rushed off stage after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner by Secret Service agents on Saturday evening.
Reuters reported that attendees at the dinner stopped talking and began screaming “Get down, get down!” immediately after the noises were heard.
Secret Service officers in combat gear ran into the dining room, as the President and the first lady had bent down behind the podium before being hustled out by officers.
About an hour after Trump was rushed from the event, he posted on Truth Social that a “shooter had been apprehended.” Adding, “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job.”
This is a developing story and will be updated when available
FrumNews1 month agoUpdate: Sunday, 4 PM
“Like you, my wife and I were shocked to hear about the repeated attempt to assassinate President Trump and his wife,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the Start of today’s cabinet meeting. “We were glad that both of them, along with senior U.S. government officials, emerged unharmed. There is no place for violence, not against political leaders and not against anyone.”
“This includes not only the United States; it includes, first and foremost, the State of Israel, from within,” the prime minster added.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were rushed off stage after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner by Secret Service agents on Saturday evening.
Reuters reported that attendees at the dinner stopped talking and began screaming “Get down, get down!” immediately after the noises were heard.
Secret Service officers in combat gear ran into the dining room, as the President and the first lady had bent down behind the podium before being hustled out by officers.
“It was a very, very serious weapon, he starts shooting,” CNN’s Wolf Blitzer told his network that he was just feet away from the shooter. “I happened to been a few feet away from him as he was shooting. And of course, the first thing that went through my mind, is he trying to shoot me?”
About an hour after Trump was rushed from the event, he posted on Truth Social that a “shooter had been apprehended.” Adding, “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job.”
This is a developing story and will be updated when available
FrumNews1 month agoBy FrumNews.com
Florida-based Spirit Airlines is in advanced discussions with the Trump Administration over a potential federally backed loan package of up to $500 million to help it survive its second bankruptcy and possible restructuring amid high oil prices and an urgent cash shortfall.
The struggling ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) is seeking approx $500 million in government-backed funding to help it survive the crisis, according to a filing made in bankruptcy court. A lawyer representing Spirit said financing could stabilize the airline and position Spirit as a stronger competitor in the ULCC market.
According to the WSJ, the Trump administration is nearing a rescue deal for Spirit Airlines that would involve a loan and warrants for a significant stake. Members of President Trump’s team aired differing views at a private meeting at the White House on Tuesday night, according to the Journal, regarding the plan to save Spirit Airlines.
For Spirit, the need for funding is immediate. Spirit requires access to hundreds of millions of dollars within days to continue operating, avoid liquidation and prevent a massive drop in competition in the US airline market.
Furthermore, the airline was prevented from merging with JetBlue by a federal judge in 2024 when the Biden admin brought them to court.
Spirit’s struggles were compounded by a sharp rise in jet fuel costs—due to the Iran war. Higher costs have been incurred due to engine issues on some jets and increased competition from legacy carriers.
Under the proposed deal, the federal government could receive a stake in the airline that may translate into a stake in the struggling airline. Supporters, including labor unions, argue the move is necessary to preserve jobs and maintain competition in the airline industry.
Trump confirmed his admin is direct talk, “They have some good aircraft and good assets, and when the prices of oil goes down, we’ll sell it for a profit,” Trump said at an Oval Office event. “I’d love to be able to save those jobs. I’d love to be able to save an airline.”
“And we’re looking, if we could get it for the right price, I’d do it to save the jobs,” the president added.
Some Republicans have quickly delivered an apparent brushback pitch against the Trump administration’s idea to bail out Spirit.
“This is an absolutely TERRIBLE idea,” Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas posted on X (Twitter). “The TARP corporate bailouts [which bailed out the banks in 2008] were a huge mistake & the government doesn’t know a damn thing about running a failed budget airline (that the Biden admin killed).”
Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas was a little less adamant. “If Spirit’s creditors or other potential investors don’t think they can run it profitably coming out of its second bankruptcy in under two years, I doubt the US Government can either.”
“Not the best use of taxpayer dollars,” Cotton added.
The talks remain ongoing, with no standard agreement announced, leaving the airline’s future uncertain as pressure mounts in the immediate future.
FrumNews1 month agoby Rafael Medoff
US officials say they are planning to bar antisemitic agitators from attending the World Cup soccer matches that will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
Those facing a ban could include the participants in the antisemitic soccer riots in Amsterdam in November 2024, and those who blocked Israelis from attending a soccer match in England in September 2025.
Another name that should be high on the banned list is the president of the Palestinian Football [Soccer] Association, Jibril Rajoub. He is a convicted terrorist who spent 15 years in prison but clearly never changed his hateful ways, because in 2018, FIFA (the International Federation of Association Football—which is in charge of the World Cup) suspended Rajoub for a year for inciting hatred and violence against an Argentinian soccer player who interacted with Israelis.
Rajoub has continued his incitement and support for violence in recent years. He publicly praised the Hamas mass murders and gang-rapes of October 7 as “acts of heroism” and “our war of defense against the occupation.”
Not only that, but Rajoub says openly that he considers sports to be a vehicle for waging war against Israel. He has pledged that “Palestinian sports will continue to be a means of struggle and a platform to sound the Palestinian people’s voice and expose the occupation’s crimes,” the official PA daily newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadida reported on July 7, 2025.
(Translation courtesy of Palestinian Media Watch.)
Keeping out haters such as Rajoub is important. Foreign antisemites and champions of violence need to know they are not welcome in the United States. But what about foreign governments that promote antisemitism? Why should they be treated any differently from individual haters?
The US State Department’s most recent report on human rights around the world identifies several regimes that actively spread antisemitism as a matter of policy.
Regarding the Palestinian Authority, the State Department found that “Antisemitism, including expressions of longing for a world without Israel and glorification of terror attacks on both Israelis and Jews, [were] regularly featured in public discourse, [and] was repeatedly broadcast on official media…Some Palestinian and Muslim religious leaders used antisemitic rhetoric, including Holocaust denial.”
The report also noted that according to experts who have analyzed the PA’s school books, “there was problematic content in PA textbooks…such as antisemitic content, incitement to violence directed against Israel, and the glorification of terrorism.”
Jordan’s promotion of antisemitism is also a severe problem, the State Department found. “Antisemitic rhetoric and tropes were prevalent in local [Jordanian government-controlled] media throughout the year,” according to the report. “The national school curriculum, including materials on tolerance education, did not mention the Holocaust and used antisemitic tropes,” and “Antisemitic hate speech proliferated in the country on social media, in public and private schools.”
As for Qatar, “Cartoons, opinion articles, and certain news coverage in local [government-controlled] newspapers and other regional media outlets periodically carried antisemitic content,” the State Department reported.
Over the years, a number of countries have been banned from participating in the World Cup games for various reasons. South Africa was barred from 1970 to 1990 because of its apartheid policies. Yugoslavia was kept out in 1994 due to its aggression and human rights atrocities against Bosnia and Croatia. Russia has been banned since 2022 because of its invasion of Ukraine.
Regimes that promote anti-Jewish incitement should be considered in the same light. Such hate-mongering has consequences. The antisemitism and glorification of violence in the Palestinian Authority’s media and school books have helped inspired anti-Israel violence.
All October 7 terrorists who were in their 20s—which was the vast majority of them—were educated in Gaza schools run by the PA. That’s where they were taught to hate Jews and idolize mass murderers.
Our nation’s leaders should exclude those whose behavior violates America’s fundamental moral values. That will send a message to athletes and aspiring athletes around the world that the United States rejects bigotry.
But closing America’s doors to individual antisemitic soccer fans and officials such as Jibril Rajoub is not enough. Entire regimes that promote antisemitic hatred are even more dangerous. Indeed, Rajoub himself is a minister in the PA cabinet, and the PA fully supports his vicious agenda. It devotes its manpower and financial resources to raising generations of young people to hate and kill.
Barring regimes that incite anti-Jewish violence, just like barring regimes that practice racism, military aggression, or ethnic cleansing, simply is the right thing to do.
First published in the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles
Dr. Medoff is director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, and the author of more than 20 books about Jewish history, Zionism, and the Holocaust. Follow him on Facebook to read his daily commentaries on the news.
FrumNews1 month agoFrom household-name foods to restaurants, simcha venues, and hotels, it’s easy to take the remarkable range of kosher options for granted. Rarely do we stop to consider the meticulous supervision, time, and effort required to ensure that each product and establishment meets the highest standards of kashrus.
OU Kosher’s new Keeping It Kosher podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of the world of hashgachot, revealing what it truly takes to certify food and facilities as kosher and highlighting the dedicated people who make it all happen.
Geared toward everyone from seasoned to new kosher consumers, the podcast, with the tagline Kashrus Conversations for the Curious, features firsthand insights from mashgichim, poskim, and global kashrus experts.
“Beyond certifying food and establishments as kosher, a key part of our mission is educating people about kashrus, something we find very fulfilling,” says OU Kosher Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Moshe Elefant, who oversees roughly 15,000 plants in 105 countries and was the podcast’s first guest.
“Keeping It Kosher is a wonderful opportunity to enlighten people about kashrus in a serious yet engaging way,” he says. “Kosher food doesn’t happen automatically, or because a rabbi blesses it. It takes tremendous effort, world travel, research, and care. Understanding what goes into kashrus certification adds a deeper dimension to keeping the mitzvah.”
Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, 24Six, and Naki Radio, Keeping It Kosher emphasizes transparency and explores the intersection of technology and culture. Episodes highlight fascinating stories behind the OU symbol, relationships between mashgichim and companies, and the reasoning behind kashrus _halachot a_nd minhagim.
Ahead of Pesach, the first episode, Gebrokts Unpacked: Origins of the Minhag and Its Applications, explored navigating situations where some family members eat gebrokts while others do not; why people in chutz la’aretz stop eating it on the eighth day of Pesach; and the thousands of Pesach questions OU Kosher fields each year. The episode has reached close to 30,000 views since launch.
OU Kosher Director of Education and Community Relations Rabbi Eli Eleff hopes the podcast will highlight the challenges kashrus professionals face and show their human side.
“I think people will gain a greater appreciation for kashrus professionals, who work tirelessly on behalf of the community,” he says.
OU Director of Torah and Halacha Initiatives Rabbi Ezra Sarna hosts the podcast, and is eager to learn about OU Kosher’s inner workings alongside podcast viewers and listeners.
“The easiest part of hosting this podcast is looking genuinely interested and curious about what my esteemed guests are saying,” he says. “It’s all new to me too. Their experience and knowledge are staggering. I’m excited for the Torah world to meet the giants that work at OU Kosher — serious talmidei chachamim, experts in the practical and modern application of halacha, food scientists, and business-minded individuals with rock-solid integrity and yirat shamayim. More than just appreciating their work, you’ll hear about their lives. It’s powerful.”
New episodes are released monthly on Motzei Shabbos. The second episode will explore alcohol and the halachic considerations of wine. The third episode ahead of Shavuot, will focus on cheese, including varieties that require waiting six hours before eating meat. The fourth, summer-themed episode, will cover kashrus considerations while traveling.
During his 37 years at OU Kosher, Rabbi Elefant has seen a significant shift in consumers’ interest in kashrus certification.
“In the past, people were satisfied with a limited selection of kosher food,” he reflects. “Today, kosher consumers want everything, including a different exotic wine for each of the four kosot. More than that, they are educated and genuinely care about what makes something kosher.”
The community’s fascination with every detail of kashrus is remarkable, he says.
“People are thirsty for knowledge. We see it in the volume of calls and emails we receive constantly. They are careful about what they eat and do not take anything for granted. An educated consumer is the best consumer. When consumers understand kashrus, they become true partners in maintaining its highest standards.”
To watch or listen to Keeping It Kosher: Kashrus Conversations for the Curious, visit https://keepingitkosher.org.
FrumNews1 month agoBy FrumNews.com
The Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation directing state agencies to use the historically accurate name “Judea and Samaria” in place of the politically charged “West Bank” in official state materials.
The “Recognizing Judea and Samaria Act” reflects the enduring historical and cultural ties of the Jewish People to their ancestral homeland and reinforces the importance of the use of accurate place names in government affairs, media, and public conversation.
“We applaud Tennessee’s lawmakers for their leadership and commitment to historical truth,” stated Moshe Phillips, chairman of Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI). “At a time of increasing misinformation and the targeting of Israel, this bill sends a clear message about the important significance of recognizing the Jewish People’s deep ties, since the times of the Bible, to the Land of Israel. The city of Hebron is in Judea and is the ancient resting place of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah; this testifies to the Jewish heritage of this region.”
The bill focuses on Israel’s right to the land, both strategically and historically. It directs state agencies to use the historically accurate name “Judea and Samaria” in place of the politically charged “West Bank” in official state materials.
“The strategic importance of Judea and Samaria to the State of Israel is irrefutable,” HB 1446/SB 1663 reads. “Without Judea and Samaria, the width of Israel is only nine miles at its narrowest point, between Netanya and Tulkarm, rendering the state militarily indefensible.” Furthermore, the bill recognizes that “Israel’s control of Judea and Samaria is essential to its defense and deterrence capabilities. Hostile control of the area would place Israel’s major cities and transportation arteries at risk.”
“The ideological and cultural conflict over Judea and Samaria represents a broader civilizational struggle between Judeo-Christian values,” it reads. “Radical Islamic ideologies that seek to undermine Western democratic principles and religious freedom.”
It continues, “Supporting Jewish sovereignty in Judea and Samaria is an affirmation of: (A) The moral and historical legitimacy of the Jewish people’s connection to their land; (B) The authenticity and enduring relevance of the Bible; and (C) The values that underpin both Western civilization and American constitutional democracy.”
The bill passed 24-8 in the Senate, and 70-22 in the House of Representatives. It now heads for the governor’s signature.
On the Federal Level
Since the Six-Day War, the U.S. Government — as well as state governments — hasn’t recognized the name of the Yehuda and Shomron (secularly known as Judea and Samaria) region. Rather, it uses the term “West Bank,” which implies that the region is Jordan’s and not historically part of Eretz Hakodesh.
In 1995, the Clinton administration changed longstanding U.S. policy. It required “Made in West Bank” country-of-origin (COO) labels for Israeli goods produced in Judea and Samaria, even though the U.S. government treats these products as “articles of Israel” for trade purposes. In 2016, the Obama administration republished these labeling guidelines as part of a broader effort to oppose the Israeli government.
In 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States would formally recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, Yehuda and Shomron. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, under Biden, reversed this position, stating the Biden administration’s disappointment in Israel’s recent decision to expand its Yishuvim in the region. This condemnation comes in spite of the fact that under the Oslo Accords, Israel was granted full military and civilian control over the majority of Yehuda and Shomron.
At the federal level, several bills have been introduced in the House or Senate over the years, primarily the “RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act, which FrumNews.com reported on in 2024. In 2025, Sen. Tom Coton and Rep. Claudia Tenney reintroduced it. This bill would require the use of historically accurate terminology and align U.S. policy language with the region’s geographical and cultural significance.
“The Jewish people’s legal and historic rights to Judea and Samaria goes back thousands of years. The U.S. should stop using the politically charged term West Bank to refer to the biblical heartland of Israel,” said Senator Cotton.
“The Israeli people have an undeniable and indisputable historical and legal claim over Judea and Samaria,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “We are working to reaffirm Israel’s rightful claim to its territory. I am dedicated to working with President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and Ambassador Huckabee to support communities in the region while opposing the establishment of a hostile state that promotes terrorism in Judea and Samaria. I remain committed to defending the integrity of the Jewish state and fully supporting Israel’s sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.”
“The Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus expresses the deep friendship between the American people and the biblical heartland, Judea and Samaria,” said Yossi Dagan, Governor of Samaria. “The founding fathers of the United States were influenced by the Bible, which is the reason for biblical names in many cities in the United States. Judea and Samaria is not only a matter of historical justice, but also the protective belt of the State of Israel – and therefore also of the United States, which shares our values and the fight against the same threats.”
***
FrumNews.com notes it is mind-boggling that some “Frum” news websites, when they copy and paste their news syndicate(s) daily from the far-left, liberal media, publishing the news to their frum readers and audience, continuously use the term “Occupied Territories” or “West Bank” instead of Yehuda and Shomron. As well as other anti-Frum and anti-Yidden terminology, which we noted in our mission statement article.
FrumNews1 month agoBoro Park, NY — In a significant development for the frum community, Apple Bank—the largest state-chartered savings bank in New York—has officially become kosher certified through the Kosher Financial Institute (KFI), marking a major step forward in the availability of properly structured Heter Iska within mainstream banking.
With this certification, Apple Bank will now offer the KFI’s individual Heter Iska to its customers, allowing individuals and businesses to formally enter into a halachically compliant framework for their financial transactions, in accordance with the highest standards.
Importantly, on the 25th, the bank’s Board of Directors officially approved and adopted the KFI Heter Iska, and it is now available for execution in every branch, making it fully accessible to customers across the bank’s network.
Until now, Apple Bank had maintained a general Heter Iska (Heter Iska Kloli), upon which many relied. However, the introduction of the KFI-certified structure significantly elevates the standard, providing a clearer, more robust, and widely recognized framework that can be individually executed.
Askonim note that issues of ribbis in modern finance have long been complex, often leaving consumers uncertain as to the proper halachic approach. The availability of a structured, accessible, and professionally implemented Heter Iska through a major financial institution addresses a longstanding need in the oilam.
The KFI certification is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous in the field, with careful oversight and adherence to halachic requirements. Its adoption by a major institution such as Apple Bank reflects a growing awareness and demand for higher standards in these inyanim.
With Apple Bank’s broad reach and established presence, this move is expected to have a meaningful impact, making it easier for the tzibbur to conduct everyday financial dealings without shailos of ribbis.
As more institutions begin to recognize the importance of these concerns, askonim anticipate that additional banks and lenders may follow suit, further expanding access to properly structured Heter Iska across the industry.
FrumNewsFrumNews1 month agoBy FrumNews.com
Midwood, Brooklyn, NY — After the city got bored with redesigning Flatbush Ave, the new Mamdani administration aims to ruin tackle the next busy arterial road in Brooklyn and Queens: Linden Blvd.
Mayor Mamdani and NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced plans to install new bus lanes and safety upgrades along Linden Boulevard, one of Brooklyn’s trafficked and—according to the city—dangerous corridors, from Fountain Avenue to Conduit Avenue in East New York. The DOT is also starting to redesign Conduit Avenue, which feeds into Linden and the Belt Pkwy.
If you think it doesn’t affect you, since there’s no major Jewish community there, Linden is a major arterial road between Brooklyn and Queens; if you are going between Brooklyn and Queens or Nassau, Linden might be what the GPS suggests. It’s also a major trucking corridor.
Currently, the road is served by several buses, primarily the B15 (which just got automatic cameras), B13, B20, Q8, and the BM5 express route.
What’s missing is any mention by city officials of the MTA’s Brooklyn Bus Redesign, which will reroute many of these routes (the final plan is due soon). Currently, it plans to scale down the B15 and replace the Church Ave B35 Ltd with a B55 SBS route from JFK Airport to the border of Boro Park, at McDonald and Church Ave.
The new B55 will route along this stretch of Linden Blvd, where the city will now add bus lanes. The next step would be to continue on Linden and then add bus lanes to Church Ave, which will likely require more political capital. (The local B35 will keep the same route but run to 1st Ave at all times.)
The DOT says it will deliver faster, “more reliable buses for 60,000 daily riders, while improving access to nearby subway lines and reconnecting neighborhoods long divided by the boulevard. Along this stretch, one person is injured in a traffic crash every four days, on average.”
Under Adams, this would be a signature move, but the Mamdani admin has pushed this and other projects at breakneck speed.
“Faster buses and safer streets are what New Yorkers deserve,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “These improvements will not only ensure quicker commutes and safer conditions for residents, but they will also better connect neighborhoods, bringing real-life improvements to the entire area.”
NYC DOT expects to complete the Linden Boulevard redesign in 2027.
“Installing new bus lanes along Linden Boulevard is an important first step for increased connectivity and improved street safety in Brooklyn’s eastern neighborhoods,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Many Brooklynites living along Linden Boulevard currently face serious subway gaps…I thank the NYC DOT for making this important update, and I look forward to continuing working together to improve transit for Brooklynites.”
***
Removing driving lanes from Linden Blvd is only a gotcha scheme backed by the left’s war on cars, that will further create gridlock traffic jams and try to force Brooklyn residents into the crime-filled, homeless and drug-infested city bus mass-transit system, which is mismanaged by the MTA.
Let’s not forget that in New York City, driving is a privilege, not a right.
FrumNews1 month agoBy Moshe Phillips
“Obviously, he’ll influence the president to be pro-Israel. Why wouldn’t he? What is he, an Arab? He’s not going to be mopping floors at the White House.” — Dr. Benjamin Emanuel, 2008.
The above remark made by the father of former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel was made to a reporter for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz just days after Barack Obama was first elected president.
Benjamin Emanuel, a pediatrician, was born in Jerusalem in 1927, more than two decades before Israel’s independence in May 1948, and his remark caused headlines. The subsequent embarrassment for the embryonic administration was so severe that Rahm called the president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee to apologize in an act that generated additional headlines.
Now Rahm Emanuel’s own remarks about Israel are generating headlines.
On “Real Time with Bill Maher” on April 17, they included: “Israel’s a very wealthy nation … ,” “There should be no more taxpayer support for what they want to do, and they get the same deal that any one of our allies does,” and “The United States should never spill any blood for the State of Israel’s security.”
The outright wrongheadedness inherent in each of these statements needs to be exposed. Not just for Israel’s well-being but for America’s.
We live in a time when synagogues and Jewish-sponsored events are under violent attack—Australia to England to Michigan. Emanuel’s decision to make comments about Israel and money at this point in time is horrifically irresponsible. His remarks echo one of the most enduring antisemitic tropes from some of the darkest periods in recent Jewish history. It must be called out as both hateful and dangerous.
You’ll often hear that American aid to Israel is a “blank check.” It isn’t. U.S. military assistance to Jerusalem is governed by agreements and legal frameworks that require much of that funding to be spent on American-made defense systems. In practice, that means a significant share of the aid flows back into the U.S. economy—supporting domestic manufacturing, defense jobs and technological development.
You can debate the policy. But calling it a blank check is simply inaccurate. Yet the phrase persists because it fits a far too often preferred anti-Israel narrative. And it’s very hard to believe that Rahm Emanuel—a 66-year-old politician and diplomat—doesn’t know this. There is a huge difference in the strategic relationship that America has with Israel from any of its other allies. Israel offers the United States military support, intelligence and experience that are simply unparalleled.
The Iron Dome and David’s Sling—the key components of Israel’s multi-layered missile-defense system—are battle-proven in Israel. America has reaped the benefit of this. No U.S. ally in any corner of the world has contributed to Washington’s defense in such an undeniable way.
It’s very hard to believe that Emanuel does not know this, too.
Consider that in “Operation Eagle Claw,” the failed April 1980 U.S. military mission to rescue 52 American hostages held in Tehran, eight U.S. servicemen were killed.
The United States invaded Grenada in 1983 (interestingly, named “Operation Urgent Fury”) in large part, as then-President Ronald Reagan stated at the time, due to “concerns over the 600 U.S. medical students on the island.” Reagan didn’t want another hostage crisis in Grenada like President Jimmy Carter had in Iran. Nineteen American service members were killed and more than 100 wounded.
In the December 1989 invasion of Panama ordered by then-President George H. W. Bush, 23 servicemen were killed and 325 wounded.
Estimates suggest that between 5,000 and 6,000 American college students attend study-abroad and gap-year programs in Israel every year. More than that, the number of American citizens living in the Jewish state has low-end estimates of 200,000; the actual figure could be more than twice as many.
Emanuel must know that an enormous number of American citizens live in Israel—possibly more than the entire population of Wyoming.
Many say he may be a Democratic presidential candidate. If that is the case, even more so, he knows that Israel’s security matters to America and is worth every dollar, no matter what he told Bill Maher’s audience.
Moshe Phillips is national chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel (www.AFSI.org), a leading pro-Israel advocacy and education organization.
This article was first published on JNS.
The views and opinions presented here belong solely to the author and do not reflect the opinions of the FrumNews editorial team. We accept no responsibility for their content. Your voice matters! Send us your opinion piece to [email protected]
FrumNews1 month agoBy M.C. Millman
BORO PARK, NY — Nearly two hundred entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals gathered at the BPJCC Community Center on Sunday, April 19, for the highly anticipated BPJCC Business and Networking Breakfast, for a morning of networking and practical takeaways, presented by the Boro Park Jewish Community Council in partnership with Metropolitan Commercial Bank.
The sold-out event brought together members of Boro Park’s thriving business community for an impactful morning of networking, expert-led panels, practical strategies, and relationship building, all designed to help local businesses expand.
Guests enjoyed a gourmet five-star breakfast brunch and an opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, vendors, and decision-makers from across the community.
The program included a discussion of one of today’s most relevant topics, AI and its impact on small and mid-sized businesses, along with remarks from Thomas Goldrick, SBA Director of Metropolitan Commercial Bank, and a roundtable conversation featuring well-known local sales coaches.
Metropolitan Commercial Bank was well represented at the event, with Rus Ilishayev, Vice President and Market Sales Manager of the MCB Boro Park Banking Center, Daniel Delahanty, CRA and Fair Banking Director, and Thomas Goldrick, MCB SBA Lender, all of whom spent time connecting with attendees and sharing how the Bank supports local businesses.
“Metropolitan Commercial Bank is proud to partner with BPJCC to bring together such a dynamic group of local business leaders. Events like this highlight the strength and resilience of the Boro Park business community, and we remain committed to supporting their growth through the financial solutions, guidance, and relationships they need to succeed.” Mark R. Defazio, Founder, President & CEO, Metropolitan Commercial Bank
“This event was about creating real opportunities for local business owners to learn, connect, and grow together,” said Avi Greenstein, CEO of BPJCC. “Boro Park is home to an incredible entrepreneurial spirit, and today’s turnout showed how committed this community is to taking their businesses to the next level. I want to thank Metropolitan Commercial Bank for their incredible partnership and continued strong support of the Boro Park community in so many ways.”
Attendees praised the event, coordinated by Yaakov Shapiro from Cube production, for delivering immediate value and meaningful connections.
“This was one of the most practical business events I’ve attended,” said Shimon Gelbart, owner of Product and Food Photography. “I walked away with actionable ideas I can implement immediately and several valuable new contacts. I also appreciate the past BPJCC business workshops I attended, which gave me the push to continue with my business.”
“The energy in the room was incredible,” said Motty Markowitz, owner of Glitz Home of Gifts. “It was inspiring to see so many local business owners committed to growing together and supporting one another.”
The event was emceed by local business promoter Chaim Perlowitz, who kept the program engaging and energized throughout the morning.
With overwhelming attendance and enthusiastic feedback, Greenstein says this summit is just the beginning of expanded business programming for the Boro Park community.
For more information about future business initiatives and upcoming events, visit www.bpjcc.org.
https://frumnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WhatsApp-Video-2026-04-21-at-2.33.54-PM-1.mp4
https://frumnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WhatsApp-Video-2026-04-21-at-2.33.54-PM.mp4
https://frumnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WhatsApp-Video-2026-04-21-at-2.33.55-PM.mp4
FrumNews1 month agoBy FrumNews.com
In a disturbing video, a YouTuber is claiming that Russia’s Chief Rabbi and Chabad Head Shliach is Putin’s middleman in an Israeli conspiracy.
YouTuber Roman Albertovich Abalin, who goes by his screen name NFKRZ, published a video to his millions of followers on the relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Claiming that they are allies, despite Putin supporting Israel’s enemies—Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas—for decades. (The Israel-Russia relationship has been more transactional than friendly, as millions of Russian citizens live in Israel.)
In the video, NFKRZ tries to frame the Chief Rabbi as Putin’s middleman to Israel by correlating Putin’s rise to power and Rabbi Lazar’s appointment as Chief Rabbi around 2000, despite Lazar’s entry into Russia in 1990, when Putin was still operating as a KGB officer in Berlin.
Rabbi Berel Lazar first arrived in Moscow in 1990—before the dissolution of the Soviet Union—as the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Shliach to rejuvenate Yiddishkeit in Russia. Since then, as the Chief Rabbi, the Jewish community in Russia has flourished. Jews who hid their identity under the Soviets have openly celebrated Yiddishkeit at the grand Shuls of Russia, which was unimaginable 40 years ago.
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Rabbi Lazar has had to walk a fine line, as Chabad doesn’t endorse any government action, domestic or foreign.
NFKRZ frames Rabbi Lazar’s refusal to condemn Putin, which would put Russian Jewry in danger and his public support for Eretz Yisroel’s right to exist, like any Lubavitcher Shliach, as part of a conspiracy between Russia, Chabad and Israel, that started with the Ukraine war.
“We don’t get into the question of who is right and who is wrong,” Rabbi Lazar said as the war started. “It’s not our place to judge – that’s not what we’re here for.”
Abalin uses Rabbi Lazar to argue that he is in Putin’s inner circle so deeply, that Putin must be connected to Zionism and Israel, contrary to the image of an “anti-Zionist leader projected by some.” (In reality, Putin plays both sides against each other as he often does, one day he will threaten Israel and support Hamas, and another day he attacks Hamas).
The YouTuber also claims that Rabbi Lazar and the Shluchim have supported Putin’s war effort, and even pushed his propaganda, despite two facts: 1. Chabad, an NGO, doesn’t support any governments. 2. He and Chabad of Russia called out for peace at the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
“Peace is one of the names of G-d,” wrote Rabbi Lazar in a letter released at the start of the war, “whom we pray to every day to give peace between man and fellow, and between the different nations, and that is also what we want. And we will do everything in our power to enable everyone to live together in peace.”
NFKRZ also claimed that the Chief Rabbi is a “supporter” of Putin, which is false, as he or Chabad of Russia has not made any public endorsement beyond some nice comments. The Shluchim have only pushed for the interests of the Jewish community. The relationship between Putin and Chabad has not been a secret conspiracy, as he claims.
Lazar & Putin in 2005
Abalin also quoted Rabbi Lazar as saying that he is happy that “not a single rabbi has left Russia,” despite the war, as a sign of support for it. But this misses the point, Chabad doesn’t abandon their communities! (The mentality of Chabad is that they will not abandon their place of Shlichus until the arrival of Moshiach or if they ch”v cannot operate in their place of Shlichus.)
“Packing up and running away would probably be the last option to cross our minds.” Elchanan Poupko wrote on the subject in the Times of Israel. “None of us demand Rabbi Yehuda Gerami, the Chief Rabbi of Iran, abandon his community, nor did any British Jews judge German rabbis for not protesting in Berlin during WWI.”
These claims miss the fact that Chabad operates in about 100 countries, under many types of governments—China, Russia, the US, or Belgium. Yet Chabad has never endorsed a single government.
This is not the first time someone has made the correlation. After Trump won the 2016 election, Politico alleged that Chabad helped Russia interfere in the election by connecting the Trump family and Putin. Haaretz ludicrously alleged that Russia has a “Chabad’s Long Faustian Bargain With Russia and Putin.”
“Defamatory revisionist history propagated against Chabad in outlets ranging from Politico to Ha’aretz has led this false charge against Chabad for their crime of remaining in Russia and servicing more than 175,000 Russian Jews,” Poupko wrote. “We cannot conflate servicing local Jewish communities with the actions of foreign governments.”
These comments, whether it be a YouTuber or a reporter, echo loudly as Jews for centuries have been positioned as if they have dual allegiances, whether it be Israel today, France during the Crusades, or Rome at the time of Churban Beis Sheini. It’s not that we are here and now, it’s that our communities, be it Russia, China, or Belgium, are attacked for existing where we find ourselves.
FrumNews1 month agoBy Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
“Do American Jews really care?”
This is a question that has haunted us over the past two months. No one questioned American Jewry’s commitment and concern for our brothers and sisters in Israel after October 7th. We rallied, marched, packed bags, went on missions, and sent more money than ever to causes big and small; the Israeli slogan “b’yachad nenatzei’ach, together we will overcome,” resonated fiercely across the Atlantic.
But on February 28th, when the war with Iran resumed, the call for unity was barely heard. While we ran around delivering mishloach manot, our brothers and sisters ran into their safe rooms. While we scrambled to get our teenage children to safety outside of Israel, our brothers and sisters were sending their teenage children into war. While we made Pesach plans around proximity to kosher food, our brothers and sisters made Pesach plans around proximity to bomb shelters. When the OU launched a pre-Pesach campaign to support those who were affected by the war, the response was not the same as it was after October 7th. Yes, we resumed our recital of Tehillim, but if I am being honest with myself, my kavanah was lacking. I don’t think it was just me.
More embarrassingly, this question is not just in my head, it’s been posed to me by my friends in Israel. They too have noticed the muted response on social media, they too have observed how distracted we seem to be. They are starting to wonder if we really are our brother’s keeper.
In Orot, Rav Kook invokes the famous tale of King Shlomo and the baby fought over by two mothers. One wholeheartedly agrees with his suggestion to split the child and the other loudly protests, willing to give up her motherhood to save the child. Rav Kook sees in this story a long-standing debate within the Jewish world. There is one view that is comfortable with splitting the nation. Be it on ideological grounds or geographic, they feel that there are differences that cannot be bridged, and in order to survive, we may sometimes have to go our own way. The other view does not resolve the tension; it acknowledges that there are insurmountable differences, and yet is willing to forego those differences, even with grave results, for the sake of keeping the nation together. “She is the true mother!” proclaimed Shlomo Hamelech. The one who recognizes that the essence of our nation is found in the unity of our nation, and our togetherness must be maintained at all costs, she can rightfully lay claim to Am Yisrael.
On Yom Ha’atzmaut tomorrow evening, the people of Israel will celebrate how this small plot of land has turned into a flourishing country, housing the majority of Jews, with a thriving economy and military dominance, and the source of unprecedented Talmud Torah. Naturally, we will join them in celebration.
But this evening, on Yom Hazikaron, the State of Israel will come to a grinding halt. Every man, woman, and child will pause to remember loved ones who gave up their lives for this dream of peoplehood. We may not have sirens, but the blood of our brother calls out to us. Can we pause and reflect on these heroes? Can we carve a moment out of our very different American reality to acknowledge the sacrifice of these brave men and women?
It is not just this week of ‘Yoms’ that demands our attention. When was the last time I reached out to friends and family in Israel letting them know that I was thinking of them? One friend downloaded the app that lets him know when there is a siren alerting an incoming missile attack. Another friend told me how he sent a short text check-in message to everyone he knew in Israel over Pesach – including a WhatsApp to his last taxi driver. These small gestures made a deep impact. We all feel that sense of unity, but it behooves us to express it in actions, demonstrating our nesiat ol with our brothers and sisters.
Those who live in Israel sacrifice daily for the dream of Jewish peoplehood. We, who do not yet live there, have a greater obligation to demonstrate that nothing, not ideology or geographical distance, can hold us apart. Let us double our efforts to not only feel that connection but to demonstrate it to our beloved other half in every way we can. Let us send our chizuk from one side of the ocean to the other and let us all nitchazek. Let us echo the true mother’s calling.
FrumNews1 month agoOŚWIĘCIM, Poland – In the shadow of one of history’s darkest sites, more than 120 senior law enforcement leaders gathered this week in Poland for a program with an urgent mandate to translate memory into action.
The seminar, titled “Operationalizing Never Again Not On Our Watch 2026,” was hosted at the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation in Oświęcim, adjacent to the former Nazi death camp Auschwitz. Organized in partnership with the Rutgers University Miller Center on Policing and Community Resilience and the University of Virginia, the program brought together police leaders, policymakers and security officials from across the United States, Europe and beyond for an intensive period of study and discussion.
Among the highest-ranking participants were New Jersey State Police Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle, New York Police Department Executive Director Amy E. Bishop, Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Chief Tasha Bryant and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superintendent Sanjaya Wijayakoon, alongside senior European leadership, including German Police Union Federal Chairman Jochen Kopelke. Their presence underscored the program’s reach into the upper ranks of global policing at a moment of heightened concern over extremism, antisemitism and other forms of hate.
For the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, the convening reflects a broader educational mission that has, over the past decade, engaged tens of thousands of diplomats, military personnel, law enforcement officials and educators in Holocaust based training programs focused on tolerance, human rights and ethical leadership.
Participants spent time in Oświęcim combining historical study with professional dialogue. They toured the remains of the Auschwitz Birkenau camp complex, engaged in seminars on the role of state institutions in enabling atrocities and took part in discussions designed to connect those lessons to contemporary policing.
“Law enforcement officers hold immense authority and responsibility,” said Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation Director General Jack Simony. “Our responsibility is to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are not confined to history but are actively shaping how today’s leaders confront bigotry, hatred and the dehumanization of others.”
The program’s structure reflects a growing emphasis on professional audiences particularly those entrusted with public authority. While Holocaust education has long focused on students and the general public, institutions like the Auschwitz Jewish Center have increasingly tailored their work to judges, diplomats and law enforcement officials, arguing that such groups play a decisive role in preventing hate and protecting vulnerable communities.
“Never Again is not a slogan, it is a responsibility,” said Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation Chairman Simon Bergson. “By bringing together leaders from across countries and disciplines we are building a community committed to recognizing warning signs and acting before prejudice and hatred escalate into violence.”
The delegation reflected that international scope. In addition to senior American officials, participants included police leaders and union representatives from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Estonia as well as officials from Canada, Kenya and Australia. Many hold positions that shape training standards, departmental policy and national policing strategy.
The program was led by Paul Goldenberg, chair of the initiative, alongside colleagues from Rutgers and the University of Virginia and featured a mix of lectures, site visits and small group discussions.
2026.04.13 Oświęcim Muzeum Oshpitzin Wizyta policjantów © Andrzej Rudiak
2026.04.13 Oświęcim Muzeum Oshpitzin Wizyta policjantów © Andrzej Rudiak
2026.04.13 Oświęcim Muzeum Oshpitzin Wizyta policjantów © Andrzej Rudiak
For many, the setting itself a short distance from the barracks and crematoria of Auschwitz served as a stark reminder of how ordinary institutions including police forces were once drawn into systems of persecution and mass murder.
“In Oświęcim, where the consequences of hatred were carried out with the participation of ordinary institutions, we are consistently reminded that the line between protection and persecution is defined by human choices,” said Tomasz Kuncewicz. “Programs like this are about equipping today’s leaders with the awareness and moral clarity to ensure that authority is always used to defend human dignity, never to erode it.”
Sessions focused on the incremental nature of authoritarianism, the normalization of bias and the ethical obligations of officers when confronted with unlawful or discriminatory directives.
The delegation included senior law enforcement officials from across the United States and abroad. including:
As the program concluded, participants departed Oświęcim with a shared charge to carry forward the lessons of a place synonymous with human destruction into institutions tasked with protecting life and liberty.
For the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation, the hope is that such efforts will ensure that remembrance is not passive but operational embedded in the daily decisions of those who wield authority in societies around the world.
The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the lessons learned from the Holocaust to combat hatred and bigotry through educational programs and by providing direct humanitarian aid to victims of mass atrocities. It supports survivors of genocides and other tragedies, including Ukrainian refugees and those impacted by Hamas’s October 7 attacks. The Foundation maintains the Auschwitz Jewish Center, the last remaining synagogue in Oświęcim (Auschwitz) and serves as the primary institution dedicated to preserving the memory of the town’s Jewish community while addressing hate. To date, over a million people have visited the center, more than 300,000 students participated in its educational programs and tens of thousands of diplomats, military and law enforcement personnel and educators, have taken part in its educational initiatives on tolerance and the Holocaust. For more information, visit: https://ajcfus.org/.
FrumNews1 month agoby Rafael Medoff
As Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, began yesterday evening, candles were lit around the world to honor the memory of millions of murdered Jews.
Except in Ramallah, where the leaders of the Palestinian Authority gathered to honor the memory of a man who devoted his life to promoting the mass murder of Jews.
PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas decided that Yom Hashoah evening was the appropriate occasion to posthumously bestow the PA’s highest honor, the “Star of Merit of the Order of the State of Palestine,” upon the late Qadri Abu Bakr.
Abu Bakr was the longtime head of the notorious “Pay for Slay” program, through which the PA provides salaries to imprisoned terrorists, and lifetime stipends to the families of dead terrorists. It currently spends $300 million annually, 8% of the PA’s national budget, on these rewards for murder.
That’s more than the percentage of America’s national budget that the US federal government spends each year on education, training, employment, social services, and transportation—combined.
Beginning in the 1960s, Abu Bakr’s job in the Fatah movement was to provide weapons to terrorists so they could murder Jews. He spent 20 years in Israeli prisons; the Israeli authorities considered him so dangerous that they exiled him to Iraq when he was released from jail. He then served as a senior aide to the notorious terror leader Abu Jihad (Khalil al-Wazir), before the PA named him Commissioner for Prisoners’ Affairs and director of the pay-for-slay program.
Pay-for-Slay is so important to the PA that it’s enshrined in the recently-drafted text of the “Constitution of the State of Palestine”—twice.
Article 24 requires “care for the families of martyrs and the wounded and prisoners and those released from the occupation prisons.”
Article 44 reiterates that there must be “comprehensive care for the families of martyrs, the wounded, and prisoners, and those released.”
Abu Bakr died in a traffic accident three years ago. He’s gone but not forgotten, thanks to PA chairman Abbas, who chose Yom Hashoah evening to honor Abu Bakr’s “distinguished national career and struggle,” and his “leadership role in serving his homeland and the Palestinian people,” the PA’s official news agency, Wafa, reported.
Is it just a coincidence that Abbas chose to honor Abu Bakr on Holocaust Remembrance Day? Probably not, given Abbas’s own deep interest in the Holocaust.
In his 1983 Ph.D. dissertation-turned-book, titled The Other Side: The Secret Relations Between Nazism and the Leadership of the Zionist Movement, Abbas asserted that David Ben-Gurion and other Zionist leaders “collaborated with Hitler” and wanted the Nazis to kill Jews, because “having more victims meant greater rights and stronger privilege to join the negotiating table for dividing the spoils of war once it was over.”
The “real” number of Jews murdered by the Nazis was “much lower” than six million and might well have been “below one million,” Abbas wrote. “Many scholars have debated the figure of six million and reached stunning conclusions—fixing the number of Jewish victims at only a few hundred thousand.”
Asked about his Holocaust writings in a January 2013 interview with a Lebanese television station, Abbas replied: “I challenge anyone to deny the relationship between Zionism and Nazism before World War II.” He added that he has “seventy more books that I still haven’t published” that he says would prove his claims.
So perhaps it’s not surprising that Abbas, a serial desecrator of the Holocaust, chose Yom Hashoah as the occasion to honor a man who devoted his life to facilitating and incentivizing the mass murder of Jews.
Dr. Medoff is director of the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and the author of more than 20 books about Jewish history, Zionism and the Holocaust. Follow him on Facebook to read his daily commentaries on the news.
FrumNews1 month agoBy FrumNews.com
In a flashy announcement, Delta unveiled new next-generation Delta One suites for its new Airbus A350-1000—its largest aircraft.
Set to launch in 2027, this will be Delta’s most premium seat yet. According to the airline, the new suites follow “a two-year intentional design process and a decade of data from customers and employees alike.”
This follows United and American Airlines, which both announced their new suites with doors in the past year, named “United Elevated Polaris” and “Flagship Suite,” respectively, on their new aircraft, with some older ones getting retrofits. Alaska, which will launch flights to Europe later this month, also announced new suites.
Delta will also retrofit Delta One suites to its Airbus A330-200/300 fleet for the first time as part of a nose-to-tail refresh and introduce an always-open self-serve snack station for Delta One customers—whether it will feature Kosher snacks, we’ll have to see.
Delta said that every seat in every cabin on both fleets — the A350-1000 and refreshed A330-200/300 — will feature Delta’s largest seatback screens ever, featuring HD quality, Bluetooth, USB-C and universal AC power outlets, and memory foam cushions.
Unlike United, which equips its long-haul widebody aircraft with the same Polaris business-class seats, Delta offers a mix of suite types across its widebody fleet—resulting in an inconsistent experience that will likely continue. This could change as Delta expects to retrofit over 800 aircraft with new interiors and will retire its oldest aircraft over the coming years.
“Every time a customer boards a Delta flight, the experience and surroundings should feel familiar — creating a sense of home and comfort when you’re away,” said Mauricio Parise, vice president of Brand Experience. “That was the driving factor behind every intentional design feature and investment we made in developing our brand new A350-1000 experience, which we extended through nose-to-tail upgrades of our A330-200/300s and will continue to roll out across our fleet.”
Delta said the new seats come after months of research and feedback with its Members, “customers are clear that comfort is their number one priority when flying Delta One — 97% say Delta’s flat-bed is the reason for choosing the cabin,” Parise said. “This led us to a new design that, when combined with our current mattress pad and luxury bedding from Missoni, makes for an incomparable sleep at 30,000 feet.”
Like United, Delta is introducing a dedicated refreshment station for Delta One customers located at the main entryway on the A350-1000 and at the front of the A330-200/300. “Whether stretching your legs or simply in the mood for something between services, it’s there for you any time — no waiting.”
Photos: Delta Airlines
Photos: Delta Airlines
Photos: Delta Airlines
Photos: Delta Airlines
Photos: Delta Airlines
Photos: Delta Airlines
Photos: Delta Airlines
Photos: Delta Airlines
While Delta would likely have launched the new seats anyway, the upmarket push from its competitors —American, Alaska, and, most importantly, United—pushed Delta upmarket.
In the post COVID-era, the competition for high-paying business or leisure customers is heating up with new suites and better lounges. United is wooing away frequent fliers from Delta and has a larger international reach in Asia and Australia. American, which has been floundering, is looking to add seat-back screens to its domestic fleet and controls the Caribbean and South American markets. Alaska is fighting back against Delta in Seattle, and to a lesser extent, JetBlue (which has a deal with United) in Boston and New York.
United's Elevated Polaris suites. Credit: United
U.S. airlines are pushing at an unprecedented rate, though still lacking in certain areas, competing head-to-head with Delta.
The market is ever-growing and competitive, even as some come and go or merge. In the end its Delta’s market to lose. However, Delta is not sitting idle, and—with $14 billion in revenue in its first quarter of 2026 alone—it knows how to win.
“They have assets – a strong balance sheet, strong control of many of their partners through ownership stakes, and great slot and gate portfolios,” Gary Leff wrote on his View from the Wing blog. “They built a brand that created a halo, helped drive card adoption and spend, and that they’re now living off of.”
FrumNews1 month agoBy Moshe Phillips
Pesach is behind us. In our post October 7th world the question of what can we learn from Shvi’i shel Pesach, the last part of the holiday, is a question I encourage you to ask. What is truly remarkable is that the reasons that we have the yom tov of the “seventh day of Pesach” is not detailed in the written Torah. However, the Midrash tells us that the miracle of the Red Sea splitting took place seven days after the Jewish people left Egypt. What is more, we can be sure that it is no coincidence that the ancient rabbis included in the Torah reading for holiday the entire story of the miracle and also the Song at the Sea (Shirat HaYam).
Of course, Pesach is characterized by the themes of freedom, redemption, and . But there are further lessons to be learned from Shevii Shel Pesach.
In order to properly internalize the full meaning behind Shevii Shel Pesach it is very instructive to take a close look at what made the men of Nachshon’s family so distinctive.
The most distinguishing character trait of this family is their ability to take the lead, show complete disregard for their own, individual wellbeing, and step forward into danger.
Consider:
Yehuda (Judah), the son of Yakov (Jacob), stepped forward, when no one else would, and saved the life of his brother Yosef (Joseph) when his other brothers had murder in their hearts.
Nachshon stepped forward, when no one else would, and entered the Red Sea and demonstrated a genuine faith that we recall until today.
Boaz stepped forward, when no one else would, at great risk to his reputation and took responsibility for Ruth, a convert from Moab, a people with whom Jewish women were prohibited from marrying their men.
David, while still a boy, stepped forward, when no one else would, and on the field of battle faced Goliath. Goliath had daily cursed the name of G-d. David took the giant’s life with a single stone from his sling.
And in the Book of Ruth, we also find out how those other members of the family who ran from their inclination to step forward suffered for this. Ploni Almoni, Boaz’s kinsman, who would not take responsibility for Ruth loses his place in Jewish history and we do not even know his name. Ploni Almoni being Biblical Hebrew for “so and so.”
But Ruth’s first father-in-law, Elimelech, fares far worse than Ploni Almoni. When he left the Land of Israel for Moab, he was a community leader and when the times were rough, due to a drought, he took his wife, Naomi, and his sons and chose exile rather than step forward and provide our people with leadership. He was never to return to Israel. He and his sons died in Moab and no future generations would come from their family line.
The lessons are clear.
Those who are blessed with the necessary talent and fortitude to do what is necessary to help a fellow Jew, whether many people or an individual, must heed the call.
And, also the Land of Israel is precious and must be treasured. This is not just a Zionist belief: it’s a Jewish imperative.
This is Pesach. This is Judaism. This is Zionism.
When Herzl stepped forward and initiated the Zionist movement he heard the call. When Jabotinsky stepped forward and proclaimed it was time to leave behind the character of the ghetto Jew and show young Jews it was far better to take a stand he heard the call.
When the young resistance fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto stepped forward to battle the Nazis 80 years ago this month they heard the call.
When the young soldiers of the Irgun and Stern Group (LEHI) stepped forward to free Israel from the British Mandate they heard the call.
When the Refuseniks and the American student Jewish activists of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s stepped forward against the totalitarian Soviet Union they heard the call.
When Israeli intelligence operatives in the 1980s went into the heart of Africa and covertly evacuated Ethiopian Jewish refugees to Israel they heard the call. What other nation in history ever went into Africa with the sole purpose of bringing Africans out to freedom, honor, and safety? Israel did that.
This is Zionism. This is Judaism. This is the love of a brother being responsible for a brother. This is beautiful and it is eternal.
We, who live outside of Israel all must do everything we can to support the heroes of the Israel Defense Forces. Consider joining the larger fight to advocate for the State of Israel and the necessarily simultaneous struggle to help unify the Jewish community by showing faith in our G-d and His promise of the indestructibility of the Jewish People.
This is what Nachshon stood for and this is the eternal message we are obligated to take with us as we leave the Pesach season.
Moshe Phillips is national chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel, AFSI, (www.AFSI.org), a leading pro-Israel advocacy and education organization.
FrumNews1 month ago“Rebbe, Yidden come to me with their Kvitlich and requests…am I worthy of blessing them? Do I know what to say to them? I only accept the kvitlich in the merit of the Rebbe….I beseech the Rebbe to please intercede in shomayim on their behalf so they should merit a yeshoua!”
These are the pure and heartfelt words with which Rav Shayla Keristerer ZY’A implored with his pure heart at the holy tziyon of his holy rebbe in Liska as he presented the countless kvitlich he received from Yidden across Hungary who sent them asking him to daven on their behalf.
Rav Shayla kept all the kvitlich in his private room, called “the holtz kamer,” which was organized according to the level of the request; Rav Shayla kept the very difficult kvitlich in a special purse.
During the entire fifty years that Rav Shayla was rebbe, he would travel each and every Erev Rosh Chodesh to go every night on the eve of Rosh Chodesh to the tziyon of his rebbe, Rav Tzvi Hirsch M’Liska, to whom he was attached and connected with every fiber his soul taking along with him the bag of kvitlich that Yidden brought to him throughout the month. If a particularly difficult kvitlich lwould arrive during the month Rav Shaya’a would immediately travel to Liska so that he could read the Kvittel without delay. .
Arriving in Liska, he used to stop at the house of one of the residents in the city and arranged envelopes with the “pidyonim” that he received with the kvitlich and instructed that they be delivered to the children and grandchildren of his Rebbe. An exact name was written on each envelope. Then he went over to the home of the Tal Chaim of Liska (successor of Rav Tzvi Hersh of Liska, author of Ach Pri Tevuah) where he presented his personal Kvittel and then proceeded to the OHEL of his Rebbe. .
Arriving at the Ohel he lit a candle and emptied the bag with the Kvitlich, began saying Tehilim and then took out the special purse where he put the Kvitlach containing the most difficult “cases” where he personally read each and every Kvittel by the tziyon pleading to Hashen that in the merit of his rebbe Rav Rzvy Hersh of Liska that the “yiddisha Kinder” may the Jewish children and all their requests be fulfilled.
There as he spoke at the tziyon he said in the Yiddish language as one would speak to his rebbe in his lifetime: Rebbe, yidden come to me with their requests, yet can I bless them? Do I know what to say to them? I only accpet them in the merit of the rebbi, therefore Rebbe please forgive me and pray that they appeals be granted!” !!”
In fact every year on the 14th of Menachem Av, at the yahrtzeit of his rebbe, Rav Shayla would travel to Liska and after davening at the tziyon would participate at the Tish in honor of the Hillula conducted by the Tal Chaim of Liska and later with his son, the Sharei Hayosher of Liska and also participate in the expenses of the Seudas Hillula!.
***
Yiddish Kinder, do not miss this opportunity!
You are looking for a yeshua like you did during the lifetime of Rav Shayla
Make sure to bring your tziyon in Liska.
Remember what Rav Tzvi Hersh of Liska, promised before his petiriah::
Whoever prays at my kever will be helped by me, even more so when I was still in this world. adding I will be more helpful in my socks than in my shoes”
The tziyon of Rav Tzvi Hersh of Liska is located 10 minutes by car from Kerestir and open 24 hours a day. A Hachnosos Orchim was recently inaugurated literally adjacent to the OHEL with a large parking lot that can accommodate buses and cars. For those that want to see the remnants of the Shul built by Rav Tzvi Hersh of Liska (with the original mizrach vant” still standing, it is located 1 minute by car at Kossuth Lajos út 15, Olaszliszka 3933 Hungary.
FrumNews1 month agoThe annual Free Family Fun Extravaganzas—sponsored by Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Councilman Simcha Felder in partnership with COJO of Flatbush and the Boro Park Jewish Community Council—have once again become a cherished Chol Hamoed tradition in Boro Park and Midwood, drawing thousands of families from across the community. Year after year, these events continue to be eagerly anticipated by residents of all ages.
This year, the Extravaganzas were an outstanding success, with strong turnout at both locations. Families enjoyed a wide range of attractions, including exciting rides, interactive activities, engaging entertainment, and family-friendly performances.
On Sunday, April 5th, the second day of Chol Hamoed Pesach, the Midwood event featured a full day of entertainment and attractions. Highlights included performances by popular entertainers R’ Shloime Taussig, Yisroel Werdyger, Yidi Bialostozky, and more. Children enjoyed the bumper cars, rock climbing, a monkey show, and a variety of attractions as well as free balloons and cotton candy.
On Tuesday, April 7th, the Boro Park Extravaganza brought another day of excitement, featuring performances by Uncle Moishy, Yiddish Nachas, and a ventriloquist along with plenty of rides and inflatables, a petting zoo, and much more.
“It was a pleasure working with Assemblyman Eichenstein on this Chol Hamoed event that brought tremendous joy to thousands of kids and families in our community,” said Councilman Simcha Felder. “The kids had an incredible time, the rides and entertainment were fantastic, and most importantly, parents and grandparents could breathe easy, because it was all totally free. I’m grateful to be part of it and look forward to doing more events like this together in the future.”
“It was an honor to partner with Councilman Felder in sponsoring this year’s Family Fun Extravaganza,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “I was especially thrilled to see so many families, young and old, spending quality time together enjoying a joyful and meaningful afternoon, all at absolutely no cost. I’ve sponsored these annual events for several years and it’s still as fun and exciting as ever. It never gets old.”
“It gave us a great deal of pleasure,” said COJO Flatbush CEO Louis Welz, “to once again give local families the opportunity to enjoy a free and fun-filled ‘country carnival in the big city’ this past Chol Hamoed. Even the rain failed to erase the thousands of smiles that lit up the afternoon. And of course we cannot express enough thanks to Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein and City Councilmember Simcha Felder for their efforts to secure the necessary funding that ensured its success.”
“After working so hard to ensure that this event is a success, it was heartwarming for us at the BPJCC to see so many Boro Park families enjoying themselves at this year’s Extravaganza,” said Rabbi Avi Greenstein, CEO of the BPJCC. “I want to thank Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Councilman Simcha Felder for making this happen. The feedback was incredible. So many people thanked us for enhancing their simchas Yom Tov, all at no cost. Of course, watching the children jumping for joy and running from one attraction to another was the best feedback of all.”
Community members from across the area reached out to thank Councilman Felder and Assemblyman Eichenstein, noting the positive energy during the events, and grateful for the cost-free high-quality activities and entertainment. “At a time when many families are facing financial challenges, it was especially meaningful to provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy a fun-filled outing together,” Assemblyman Eichenstein added. “These are the memories that last long after Yom Tov ends.”
FrumNews1 month agoBy Rabbi Yitschak Rudomin
Most educated people know that there is a vast difference and fierce rivalry between Sunni Muslims and Shiite Muslims who hate each other with a passion. It is beyond the scope of this short essay to go into the history of how and why the differences and rivalries arose between Sunnis and Shiites. Suffice it to say that by now most intelligent and well informed people in the world know that there is a vast chasm and fierce rivalry in Islamic theology and life between the Arabs who are mostly Sunni Muslims and the Persians or as they are known today Iranians who are mostly Shiite Muslims. One thing they do share in common is their hatred of Israel specifically and their equal antisemitism and xenophobia towards Jews in general.
The outbreak of the current war between the United States of America, with Israel, and the Islamic Republic of Iran has pitted the top technologically advanced Western country and the world’s leading superpower against Iran with its arsenals of missiles and drones. Iran is the most fanatical and belligerent Islamic country on Earth. America is joined by its ally Israel in pro-actively attacking Iran’s military and nuclear development points and Iran is joined by its psychophant proxies, notably Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen in striking back at both Israel proper and United States military, diplomatic and economic targets located in the Arab countries of the Middle East especially those nearest to the geographical borders of Iran in the Gulf.
Not only has Iran struck Israelis and American assets but it has also directly attacked all the Arab countries facing its borders and coastlines. Not only are Israel’s bases in its own Jewish homeland and American bases in Arab lands attacked but Iran has upped the ante and struck at every single Arab country that faces it. Of course the Iranians’ excuse is that they are “only” targeting American assets in the Arabian part of the Middle East but in fact they have also been firing missiles and drones at a wide range of non-military targets in the various Arab countries facing them.
In March 2026, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against nearly all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations members in response to U.S. and Israeli military operations.
Not to mention the blockading of the vital passageway of the Straits of Hormuz that has strangled the export of oil from the Gulf nations and effectively hamstrung if not crippled their oil-based economies. Yet, the counter-military response by these Sunni Arab nations has been an underwhelming less than a whimper. They have all relied on United States and Israeli airpower to hammer the Iranians to cut them down to size.
What about all the hundreds of billions of dollars in military hardware that the United States and Western Europe have sold to these Arab “emperors without clothes” over decades? There have been countless articles in the media over the years about all the sophisticated planes and military technology that the United States has sold to Saudi Arabia in particular and about all kinds of weapons systems and hardware that these Arab nations have gleefully demanded, bought and received from the United States and the West.
Now is the time for the Sunni Arabs to unite as one and face up to the direct open attacks of the Shiite Iranians on their countries and to unlock the grip of Iran over the Straits of Hormuz. During World War One (1914-1918) there was the so-called Great Arab Revolt, supported by the Western Allies, by the Arabs against the Ottoman Turks. At that time the Arabs successfully sided with the Western Allies. Unlike the Second World War (1939-1945) when the Arabs sat around passively while the Allies fought the Axis Powers in the Middle East, while there were also Muslim leaders who supported the Nazis. Now, what exactly have the Arabs done with all the military help they received from America and the West and when exactly do they plan to use it against their common Iranian enemies who are now pummeling Arab nations with virtual impunity?
For example when will the Saudi air force counter-bomb Iran? When will the Arab Gulf states use the missiles and military technology they bought that they still possess to counter strike Iran? When will they put together an Arab expeditionary force to take on the tyrannical Shiite clerics and fanatics in Iran just as they did over a hundred years ago against the oppressive Ottoman Turks? In short, when will they show some backbone and resolve and not just hide behind the American and Israeli “apron strings”?
Until such time as the Sunni Arabs grow up and come to their senses and act like self-respecting nations that fight like lions to defend their lands and Sunni faith from the onslaught of the vitriolic Iranian Shiites, they are not even toothless paper tigers living on borrowed time. Oh, and by the way, where is Egypt, the largest Sunni Arab nation of them all, in all of this? Egypt has received tens of billions of dollars in American military help over the decades and rather than eyeing Israel as its number one enemy and militarizing the Sinai and assisting Hamas in Gaza under the table, or is it under the ground, and massing tanks and troops on its borders with Israel, it should speak up loudly against Iranian hegemony and come to the aid of its Sunni Arab brothers facing open and violent Iranian aggression.
Rabbi Yitschak Rudomin is an alumnus of Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin and of Teachers College-Columbia University, and heads the Jewish Professionals Institute dedicated to Jewish Adult Education and Outreach – Kiruv Rechokim.
FrumNewsFrumNews1 month agoA heartfelt new song by Ari Samet was released about the bein hazmanim — a time of freedom, choices, and growth.
“Mein Mama Luzt Nisht” captures the balance between independence and the deep mitzvah of kibbud av v’eim, reminding us that even when we want to do our own thing, there is strength and bracha in listening to our parents.
Listen:
https://frumnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Audio-•-Mein-Mama-Luzt-Nisht-•[email protected]
Credits:
Composed, Music, Lyrics: Teitelbaum Records
Vocals Recorded & Background Vocals By: Yitzi Lindner
Tune Mix & Master: Yanky Cohen
Digital Marketing By: Motty Klein @MusicOnTime
FrumNews1 month agoBy FrumNews.com
Philadelphia, PA — The iconic 70-year-old Delaware River Bridge, which connects Burlington County, NJ and Bucks County, PA, will soon be replaced after $600 million was secured for the project from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The Delaware River Bridge currently carries more than 67,000 vehicles daily, with truck traffic accounting for approximately 16 percent of total volume. Given this heavy demand, the bridge’s existing four-lane configuration is no longer considered by officials to be sufficient to meet the capacity needs of the I-95 corridor—which stretches 1,917 miles from Miami, Florida, to the Canadian border in Maine—one of the busiest and most economically vital highway corridors in the United States.
“The project will widen the bridge to align with surrounding approach roadways and accommodate projected long-term traffic growth, while also addressing critical infrastructure risk, enhancing travel reliability, improving safety, and bolstering flood resilience,” according to a press release.
According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the bridge has been under replacement plans since “an unexpected fracture in one of the bridge’s support trusses led to a full closure that lasted over six weeks.” The shutdown disrupted travel for nearly 67,000 daily drivers and made it clear that a long-term solution was needed.
The funding will come through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s FY 2025 Bridge Investment Program, and was primarily secured by Pennsylvania Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.
“This $600 million investment is one of the most consequential infrastructure commitments in Pennsylvania’s history, and we are proud to have fought to secure this funding by writing directly to Transportation Secretary Duffy to make the case for why the Delaware River Bridge deserves federal investment,” Sen. McCormick and Fetterman said in a joint press statement. “The Delaware River Bridge is not just a Pennsylvania asset; it is a backbone of our national freight and passenger transportation network. This funding will make it safer and more resilient for the commuters, families, and businesses that depend on it every single day.”
View north along Interstate 95 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Delaware River Extension) just north of Exit 42 in Bristol Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. By Famartin - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121270258
“This is a major win for New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the millions of people and businesses that rely on this corridor,” said Senator Booker. “Replacing this aging bridge will strengthen regional connectivity, improve safety, and free up state resources for other urgent transportation priorities. I’m proud to have supported this project and grateful for the strong partnership between the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.”
The Delaware River Bridge Replacement Project is the third phase of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Interstate 95 Interchange Program.
The project team is currently reviewing a range of options to replace the bridge, according to the PA Turnpike website. That includes looking at different bridge designs, alignments, and long-term solutions. The goal is to identify the safest, most efficient, and most cost-effective option for the future.
“Once the Alternatives Analysis is complete and a preferred approach is selected, preliminary design work will continue through 2027. As part of this process, the SEIS will carefully review changes since 2003, assess potential environmental and community impacts, and incorporate input from federal, state, and local partners—as well as the public.”
This project contrasts with the gateway program, which both Trump administrations have tried to squash by pulling funding.
“Part of making government work means 21st Century infrastructure that works for New Jerseyans,” said New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. “The Delaware River Bridge is a critical link for drivers and freight traffic alike. Like so much of the aging infrastructure we’ve relied on in this region for decades, it needs replacing and modernization.”
FrumNews1 month agoEarlier this Month, Agudath Israel of America held its third 2026 Albany Advocacy Day, with yeshiva leaders and community advocates joining Agudah staff and board members to meet with legislators and push for key initiatives on behalf of New York’s Orthodox Jewish community.
The highlight of the day was a meeting with Governor Kathy Hochul, during which she engaged in a meaningful discussion with Agudah leaders and community representatives about the pressing issues facing the Orthodox Jewish community.
Governor Hochul reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to be a voice in pushing backs against rising antisemitism. The delegation urged her to opt-in to the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) to ensure that New Yorkers can fully benefit from the law and expand educational opportunities for families across the state. Starting in 2027, the FSTC allows individual taxpayers to contribute to a nonprofit scholarship granting organization (SGO) and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit worth up to $1700. The SGO then pools the funds and distributes scholarships to eligible students for a wide range of K-12 educational expenses including private school tuition. However, in order for SGOs to be approved, the state in which they are located must opt in to the tax credit.
One of the most helpful tools for ensuring children’s security is the Nonpublic School Safety Equipment Grant (NPSE) program which reimburses nonpublic schools in New York State for certain safety and security equipment and services. Agudah advocates encouraged all the legislators to retain the $90 million allocation as proposed in the executive budget.
Agudath Israel Delegation with New York Governor Kathy Hochul
Agudath Israel delegation with Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris
Agudath Israel delegation with Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris
Agudath Israel delegation with Assemblymember Simcha Eichenstein
Agudath Israel delegation with State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton
Agudath Israel delegation with Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny
Agudath Israel delegation with Assemblymember Jeffery Dinowitz
Agudath Israel delegation with State Senator Julia Salazar
Agudath Israel Delegation (partial)
Agudath Israel Delegation (partial)
A key priority was preserving the reimbursement for Mandated Services Aid (MSA), the largest source of nonpublic school funding in New York, which reimburses nonpublic schools for services mandated by the state. During the past two budget cycles, MSA has been underfunded by approximately $20 million, leaving schools unreimbursed for mandated services that the state is legally obligated to cover. Delegates asked for language allowing the release of the funding from the prior shortfall to be released immediately upon passage of the budget. At the same time delegates asked legislators to consider expanding funding for nonpublic school record-keeping of student immunization data to include the entire state, not just the three cities that previously received this allocation
Another important priority was the protection of due process rights for students with special needs to ensure they do not lose vital services because they attend a nonpublic school. To that end, legislators were asked to support important legislation proposed by Assemblymember Robert Carroll and Senator Jessica Scarcell-Spanton which would enshrine this right into law.
Over 25 Senators and Assemblymembers joined the delegation for lunch, hosted by Assemblymember David Weprin (D-24). Many of the legislators addressed the delegates, committing to support New York’s Jewish community.
Delegates met with the offices of Deputy Senate Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D-12), Assemblymembers Jeffery Dinowitz (D-81), Simcha Eichenstein (D-48), Alec Brook Krasny (R-46), David Weprin (D-24), Kalman Yeger (D-41), Maritza Davila (D-53), Mike Benedetto (D-82), William Colton (D-47), Amy Paulin (D-88), Alex Bores (D-73), Jamie Williams (D-59), Latrice Walker (D-55), Charles Fall (D-61), Sarah Clark (D-136), Al Taylor (D-71), as well as State Senators Julia Salazar (D-18), Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-23), Zelnor Myrie (D-20), Sam Sutton (D-22), Samra Brouk (D-55), Roxanne Persaud (D-19), Brian Kavanagh (D-27), Steve Chan (R-17).
State Senator Bill Weber
Assemblymember Aaron Wieder
Assemblymember David Weprin
Assemblymember Steve Stern
Assemblymember Michael Novakhov
State Senator Leroy Comrie
Assemblymember Charles Lavine
Assemblymember Dana Levenberg
Assemblymember Kalman Yeger
Assemblymember Kal Brabenec
Assemblymember Grace Lee
State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
State Senator John Liu
Assemblymember Chris Eachus
Assemblymember Patrick Carroll
Assemblymember Brian Cunningham
Photo Credits: Agudath Israel of America/ Moshe Gershbaum/ Kuvien
FrumNews1 month agoby Rafael Medoff
There was a time when Harvard’s “Jewish problem” was that many young Jews wanted to attend, but the university limited the number it would admit.
But the tables have turned. A new report has revealed that Jewish undergraduate enrollment at Harvard is down to just 7% of the student body, the lowest figure in more than a century.
The university is so worried that the dean of admissions and financial aid, William Fitzsimmons, announced that he will be making a special effort to target potential students in Jewish day schools. It will not make his task an easier that the faculty committee on Admissions and Financial Aid has among its members anti-Israel extremists such as Ali Asani and Maya Jasanoff.
Jewish students’ diminishing interest in Harvard no doubt is related to the prominence of such anti-Israel faculty members, and the well-known scenes of campus mobs cheering the mass murder of Israeli Jews and calling for the annihilation of the Jewish state. It’s not hard to understand why that would make prospective enrollees uneasy.
Harvard was not particularly hospitable to Jews in the 1920s, either, but for different reasons.
The American children of European Jewish immigrants, pursuing the American dream through education and hard work, gradually rose to about 25% of the Harvard student body in the years following World War I. That did not sit well with Harvard President A. Lawrence Lowell and his colleagues.
In a letter to an alumnus in 1922, Lowell blamed campus antisemitism on the Jews. “The anti-Semitic feeling among students is increasing, and it grows in proportion to the increase in the number of Jews,” the Harvard president wrote. “If their number should become 40 per cent of the student body, the race feeling would become intense…All this seems to me fraught with great evils for the Jews, and very great peril for our community.”
That was why Lowell went to the Harvard Board of Overseers in 1922 with a proposal to reduce the number of Jewish students on campus to 15% of the student body.
Until then, admissions had been determined on the basis of merit, that is, grades and test scores. Lowell and the board devised new criteria that would allow “careful discernment of differences among individuals,” as Lowell put it.
Under the new rules, a Harvard admissions officer could reject an application based on the applicant’s “character.” Also, the applicant would be required to state his “race and color” and “religious preference,” and would have to explain if either of his parents had ever changed their names—so that the admissions officer would know whose “character” required special scrutiny.
Applicants from New York City were classified according to whether their family name and photograph indicated they might be Jews. They were classified as “J1” (definitely Jewish), “J2” (probably Jewish), or “J3” (possibly Jewish). Thus Jews could be singled out for rejection without anybody having to explain that it was because they were Jews.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served on the Harvard board in the 1920s, later boasted of his role in this episode. He and his fellow-board members decided that “the number of Jews should be reduced one or two per cent a year until it was down to 15%,” President Roosevelt explained to Henry Morgenthau, Jr., the only Jewish member of his cabinet, in 1941. “You can’t get a disproportionate amount of any one religion.”
Lowell and FDR also shared an indifference to the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany. In his book The Third Reich in the Ivory Tower, Prof. Stephen Norwood described Lowell’s rejection of an offer by a charitable foundation in 1933 to pay the salary of a refugee scholar from Nazi Germany if Harvard would hire him. Lowell accused the foundation of trying “to use the College for purposes of propaganda.”
James G. McDonald, the League of Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from Germany, requested an appointment with Lowell in March 1934. Lowell’s secretary told McDonald—according to the latter’s diary— “that he wasn’t interested in German refugees,” and “that he was tied up the whole day,” so therefore “couldn’t see me.” But when Hitler’s foreign spokesman, Harvard alumnus Ernst “Putzi” Hanfstaengl, visited the campus three months later, Lowell found the time to have a friendly meeting with him.
In those days, Harvard rejected the Jews. Today, the Jews are rejecting Harvard. The plummeting Jewish enrollment actually began long before October 7, 2023, although the outpouring on campus of pro-Hamas sentiment following the massacre, and the administration’s tepid response, accelerated the trend.
According to a study by the Harvard Jewish Alumni Alliance, in the years preceding October 7, Harvard’s history, political science, and social sciences departments offered a torrent of courses “promoting the view that the Palestinian people are innocent victims of Jewish (white) oppression and that known terrorist groups are simply ‘political movements’.” It was that biased curriculum which planted the seeds for the eruption of pro-Hamas protests on camps in the autumn of 2023.
Following the October 7 massacres, dozens of student groups at Harvard endorsed Hamas, more than 100 faculty members joined the pro-Hamas “Faculty for Justice in Palestine” group, and the recommendations of the university’s task force on antisemitism were ignored, prompting some of its members to resign. The administration appointed, as the new co-chair of the task force, a faculty member who had accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing” and “apartheid.”
Ironically, then, A. Lawrence Lowell’s prediction in 1922 that the campus environment would become hostile to Jews has indeed come true—not because the Jews provoked the bigots, as Lowell expected, but because anti-Jewish bigots, masquerading as anti-Zionists, were emboldened by the university itself to let their true feelings show. The dwindling Jewish application numbers are a natural response.
Dr. Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust. Follow him on Facebook to read his daily commentaries on the news.
FrumNews1 month ago• Exclusive by FrumNews.com
For more than a year, Boro Park’s Jewish residents have been sounding the alarm over New York City’s plan to convert two apartment buildings in the Boro Park community — 5001 10th Ave and 1016 50th St — into a homeless shelter complex. Public reporting last year described hundreds of protesters, widespread neighborhood opposition, and a project expected to house 82 families with children at those two addresses.
On top of that, public records show a City contract for this project worth more than $52 million.
Now the matter is in court.
A formal filing submitted on March 27 places the controversy squarely before a judge and frames this not as a political disagreement, not as a neighborhood complaint, and not as a misunderstanding—but as a challenge to the legality of the process itself. The filing alleges that long-term rent-stabilized tenants were denied proper notice, that the project proceeded without critical procedural safeguards, and that the rights of existing residents were not merely overlooked, but violated.
That is where the story changes.
Because once a matter reaches this point, the question is no longer whether people are upset. The question becomes far more serious: How did a project of this magnitude move forward in the heart of a dense residential neighborhood while so many basic legal, safety, and transparency concerns remained unresolved?
This is not an attack on homeless families. It is an indictment of secrecy, bureaucratic indifference, and a governmental process that, according to the filing, trampled notice requirements, bypassed meaningful transparency, and left residents to discover the transformation of their own neighborhood after the machinery was already in motion.
And Boro Park has every right to ask: Who is representing us?
The question matters because Boro Park is not an area known for visible street encampments. The City’s own HOPE program conducts annual counts of unsheltered people in public spaces across New York City, and the broader public conversation around visible street homelessness is usually centered on other parts of the city, not Boro Park.
That is precisely why residents are asking a fair and obvious question: if this community is not the epicenter of the homelessness epidemic, if there are no public encampments defining daily life here—then why was this neighborhood selected for a shelter project of this scale, and why was it advanced in a manner that residents say deprived them of lawful notice and meaningful participation?
The filing itself is not timid. It alleges that there was no filed ALT-1 application reflecting a change of use for 5001 10th Avenue, that 1016 50th Street had no certificate of occupancy on file, that the temporary certificate tied to 5001 covered only the cellar and was set to expire on April 14, 2026, and that no valid Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance operating certificate appeared in publicly available records for the subject premises. It further alleges the absence of ULURP review, environmental review, and Fair Share analysis. Those are not technical footnotes. Those are the kinds of procedural and regulatory failures that go to the heart of whether the City followed the law before imposing a major siting decision on the Boro Park community.
The papers are also explicit about conditions inside the building. They describe eyewitness observations of bunk beds installed in units, including five bunk beds in a two-bedroom apartment and three bunk beds in a small studio apartment, and they argue that such occupancy configurations violate applicable standards, especially in a project intended for families with children. The memorandum of law also points to nearby schools and a surrounding area already under substantial strain.
That is why Boro Park residents are not speaking in abstractions. They are speaking about density, safety, habitability, lawful occupancy, community burden, and the rights of people who have lived in these buildings for decades. The filing reports that the five tenant-petitioners alone represent more than 221 combined years of residency. That is not a transient population. That is the human backbone of a neighborhood.
“Most of the tenants are working two jobs to get by, and now their building would be converted in part to a homeless shelter,” then-mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa argued last year. “This would lead to unsafe conditions for residents and the homeless who need safer shelter spaces.”
And yet, despite the seriousness of the allegations, despite the visible concern from the community, and despite the fact that this issue has been public for over a year, too many of the people elected or expected to stand up for Boro Park were absent when it counted most.
That is the political story here.
At the recent press conference and public push surrounding the filing, some people showed up and did the work. Assemblyman Lester Chang stood with his constituents and backed the community’s demand for answers. His own February 2025 statement had already reflected concerns about the proposed shelter, and the court filing now references a March 26, 2026, letter from him supporting judicial intervention and stating that no meaningful clarification regarding project approvals had been provided by the City.
“The residents of Boro Park deserve transparency, fairness and a say in decisions that impact their community,” said Chang. “This shelter proposal was pushed through without public input, raising serious concerns about safety, infrastructure and the overall well-being of our people.”
“We stand united in protecting the integrity of our neighborhood,” Chang added. “Our community is compassionate, but we will not allow reckless policies to jeopardize the safety of our children, businesses and institutions. There must be a better plan that considers the concerns of residents.”
Respected community advocate Zack Lichtenstein spoke at the press conference, joining others in the neighborhood who refused to accept the usual scripted performance of “we are monitoring the situation” while the situation barrels forward unchecked. State Senator Steve Chan appeared in support of the community as well, even though this was not even his district. That matters. People notice who crosses district lines to stand with a community, and they also notice who cannot seem to cross the street.
And then there is attorney Abraham Hoshander.
At a time when many in positions of influence remained on the sidelines, Hoshander was the only one who stepped forward to assist with the court filing, spending days speaking directly with tenants and concerned community members, and working closely with Assemblyman Chang and his Chief of Staff, Soya Radin. The filing bears his name. The community is fortunate that someone was willing to assemble a serious legal challenge when so many others offered distance, caution, or silence. Boro Park needed action, and action is what he provided.
That contrast should not be softened.
Because this episode has exposed a harsh truth that voters would be wise to remember: representation is not a title, not a flyer, not a photo-op, and not a carefully worded promise to “look into it.” Representation is measured by who stands up when the community is under pressure, when legal issues are difficult, when the bureaucracy is opaque, and when speaking plainly may upset those in power.
On that standard, some passed, and some failed.
This is also where the oversight question becomes impossible to ignore. The New York City Public Advocate’s office explicitly describes itself as an ombudsman for city government, tasked with agency oversight and investigation of citizens’ complaints about city services. That makes it entirely fair for Boro Park residents to ask where the oversight was, where the scrutiny was, and why it should take desperate residents and a legal filing to force basic questions into the open.
The same question naturally extends to other oversight-oriented bodies. When residents allege secrecy, procedural evasion, unlawful conditions, and the sidelining of tenant rights, it should not be considered radical to expect review. It should be considered routine. That it does not feel routine is part of the problem.
Nor is this happening in a vacuum.
In Manhattan, an Upper East Side shelter dispute recently produced a temporary restraining order before later developments in that litigation.
In Crown Heights, the Jewish community is fighting against the proposed homeless shelter at Kingsbrook, which would tear down the historic Kingsbrook Shul—one of the oldest Shuls in Crown Heights—and box in the thriving community, as it did previously with the homeless shelter at the Brooklyn Armory.
The point is not that the cases are identical. They are not. The point is that courts are plainly being asked, in more than one community, to examine whether the City followed lawful procedures before advancing shelter projects with serious neighborhood impact.
Boro Park, therefore, is not hysterical, and it is not unreasonable. It is doing what communities are supposed to do when government ceases to inspire confidence: it is asking questions, demanding records, showing up publicly, and, now, going to court.
That should concern every New Yorker, even those with no connection to Boro Park.
Because if long-term tenants can be left in the dark while their residential buildings are allegedly repurposed under dubious conditions, if communities can be brushed aside while agencies proceed without giving convincing answers, and if elected officials can disappear at the moment their constituents need them most, then this is not only a Boro Park story. It is a New York story.
Still, Boro Park has every right to make it personal.
This neighborhood is close-knit, family-centered, heavily residential, and full of schools, houses of worship, local businesses, bus traffic, and daily pedestrian life. It is not a dumping ground for decisions made elsewhere. It is not a place where the community should be expected to accept sweeping changes first and explanations later. And it is certainly not a place where residents should be asked to trust a process that, according to the filing, failed at nearly every stage where transparency and legality were required.
So once again, the question stands.
Who is representing us?
Who listened when residents first raised concerns?
Who demanded answers before the situation reached a courtroom?
Who showed up when it mattered?
Who did the work?
Who stood with the tenants whose rights, according to the filing, were violated?
And who was nowhere to be found?
Boro Park deserves answers.
Boro Park deserves lawful process.
Boro Park deserves real representation.
And after this, voters should know exactly who offered it, and who did not.
FrumNews1 month agoBoro Park families can once again look forward to a fun, family-oriented Chol Hamoed celebration as the Boro Park Jewish Community Council (BPJCC) partners with Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Councilman Simcha Felder to present a free Pesach Fun Family Extravaganza.
The much-anticipated annual event will take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the fourth day of Chol Hamoed, from 11:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. at 18th Avenue Park. The annual event has become a staple of the Yom Tov season, offering local families an opportunity to enjoy a full day of family entertainment without leaving the neighborhood.
This year’s extravaganza will feature a wide variety of attractions. Families can expect more rides and inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting, balloon sculpting, and a photo booth. The entertainment lineup will once again bring top talent to the stage, including the ever-popular Uncle Moishy, Yiddish Nachas boys choir, the Nussi Friedman Show, Nikolas the Ventriloquist and friends, a live monkey show, and live music throughout the day.
“Pesach outings with the family are an important part of yomtif,” Councilman Simcha Felder said, “but they are an exorbitant expense. The simple idea, to bring free family fun to the community, was launched years ago, and it’s so gratifying to see it grow into a cherished Boro Park family tradition. I am thankful to have great partners in Assemblyman Eichenstein and the incredible staff at BPJCC, led by Avi Greenstein, who put in a lot of hard work to pull off this Extravaganza.”
Attendees with Medicaid can stop by the BPJCC Meals kiosk to see if they qualify for BPJCC’s free catered meals program, done in partnership with WholeYouNYC.
“This event is about bringing the community together, creating simcha for our children, and making Yom Tov memories that everyone can share,” Avi Greenstein, CEO of the BPJCC, said. “ We are so grateful to Assemblyman Eichenstein and Councilman Felder for partnering with us and allowing us to offer this free experience which will bring such joy to our community”
The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required at www.bpjcc.org.
“The Chol Hamoed Extravaganzas are a highlight of the year for me,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “I take great pleasure in watching thousands of children throughout our community enjoy the rides, shows, and entertainment. Most of all, I love seeing local families spending quality time together at these joyful events without paying a dime. It’s an honor to once again offer these celebrations to our community. Bring the whole family and experience the true Yom Tov spirit. Thank you to Councilman Simcha Felder for co-sponsoring this event with me, and to COJO Flatbush and BPJCC for making these events possible. I look forward to seeing everyone there.”
FrumNews2 months agoBrooklyn, NY – During the Pesach season, thousands of Yidden drive between the Tristate area and Florida. At the request of many readers FrumNews and 2A613 present a detailed guide on firearm laws for newly concealed carry license holders, driving across state lines on the U.S. East Coast between New York / New Jersey and Florida.
As FrumNews previously reported, the number of concealed carry permit applications has skyrocketed in the Jewish communities since the attacks on Simchas Torah in Eretz Yisroel and the rise of antisemitic threats that followed, as thousands of Yidden across New York City, New York State and New Jersey have been legally arming themselves.
This year, many newly concealed carry permit holders will be driving to Florida for Pesach with their firearm.
If it is a state that you are legally licensed to carry, you still need to know the laws pertaining to if you get pulled over by law enforcement while driving, if you have a duty to inform the officer that you are carrying a firearm or not.
Furthermore, Are you are legally permitted to carry in a rest area? At a highway gas station? and do you know the local “Restricted/Sensitive Locations”, magazine limits laws for each state that you will be passing thru etc.
Keep in mind, the states that you do not have a permit to carry, your firearm must be locked, unloaded and locked in a secure lockbox travel safe with the ammo separate, that is away from the driver’s seat – inaccessible to you or any passengers (in the trunk). A Glove Box Compartment is NOT an option (even if it’s locked) according to the law. Remember to say תפילת הדרך and drive safely.
It is also noteworthy to point out that most hotel rooms have a built in safe inside which you can securely lock your firearm, while not carrying. But most rental homes in Florida do not have a built in safe, as well theme parks and many attractions even in the great state of Florida prohibit visitors from carrying their legal firearm, so plan accordingly and safely.
The following is a table of the laws for the states that you will or might be passing:
Video below of NRA Instructor Rabbi Raziel Cohen, known as “The Tactical Rabbi” explaining the legal process, airport and airline rules if traveling with a firearm, by plane
https://t.co/WmVAesPPFJ pic.twitter.com/0Fu4mTFYJS
— FrumNews.com (@Frum_News) April 6, 2025
For anyone driving down south to Florida for Pesach, there is an unbelievable Chessed group offering all assistance that one may need, join the United95 Group. This wonderful group assists thousands of frum families traveling between NY/NJ and Florida for Pesach (and all year-round) with Roadside assistance, Minyanim, Rest stops, Kosher Food stops, Medical assistance. United95 is not just a WhatsApp Group, It is a frum traveling community helping each other Join now and ask your questions to the United95 community!
*****
Disclaimer: This FrumNews Public Service Announcement article is published for the benefit of the community, it is for general information purposes only, and is not intended to be considered legal advise. You should do your own research and consult with a qualified legal professional.
FrumNews2 months agoTestifying before the New Jersey State Assembly Budget Committee, Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office, urged legislators to raise the state’s Nonpublic School Security Aid in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
In his testimony, Schorr noted that the security aid program has been instrumental in helping schools install cameras, secure entrances, and upgrade access control systems.
However, he emphasized that funding has remained flat for four consecutive budget cycles, even as security needs have evolved, and urged legislators to raise the aid from $205 to $260 per pupil
“Security is no longer simply a precaution — it is a daily necessity,” Schorr told lawmakers. “Our schools are facing a heightened threat environment, and the cost of protecting students has increased significantly.”
Agudath Israel’s proposal would increase funding to help schools hire trained security personnel while continuing to maintain critical infrastructure improvements.
Schorr pointed to recent incidents, including a mass shooting at a religious school last year and the foiled attack in Michigan just last week, as evidence of the real and immediate risks facing faith-based institutions, and the importance of trained security personnel.
“The focus has shifted from infrastructure alone to the urgent need for trained, on-site security personnel,” Schorr said. “For many schools, maintaining a consistent and professional security presence is becoming increasingly difficult without additional state support.”
He also cited the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness’ 2026 Threat Assessment, which warns that extremist actors continue to target religious communities, houses of worship, and schools.
“These are not hypothetical concerns,” Schorr said. “They are documented threats that require a serious and proactive response.”
Schorr also expressed appreciation for the Legislature’s longstanding partnership with the nonpublic school community and urged lawmakers to adopt the proposed increase as part of the final budget.
“We are grateful for the support the Legislature has shown over the years,” Schorr concluded. “We respectfully ask that you take this next step to ensure the safety and well-being of nearly 160,000 nonpublic school students across our state.”
FrumNews2 months agoby Rafael Medoff
Did you know that two Nazi collaborators are honored on Broadway?
There are 206 granite plaques embedded in the sidewalks along a half-mile stretch of Lower Broadway known as the “Canyon of Heroes.” Among those honored are Pierre Laval and Philippe Pétain, the leaders of the pro-Nazi Vichy regime in France during the Holocaust.
The plaques for Laval and Petain were added in 1931, to honor their service in World War I, long before they embraced the Nazis. After World War II, both Laval and Petain were convicted of treason for collaborating with the Nazis, and sentenced to death. Despite the convictions, New York City never got rid of their plaques.
City workers recently removed some of the plaques, including Laval’s, because they had become a tripping hazard. Whether Laval’s marker will be reinstalled after the work is completed remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, halfway around the world, another Nazi collaborator is being honored. The official Palestinian Authority newspaper, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, reported last week that “Under the auspices of [PA chairman] Mahmoud Abbas,” an event was held at which the mayor of Jericho and the PA’s Jordan Valley District Governor “laid the cornerstone for the Mufti Haj Amin al-Husseini Multi-Purpose Hall.”
Governor Hamayel announced that “the laying of the cornerstone was done out of loyalty to the great figures of our people, and according to direct instructions from President [Abbas] regarding the need to commemorate the memory of the leaders and fighters.”
A large sign at the site likewise emphasizes that the naming of the site was done “Under the auspices of His Honor President Mahmoud Abbas, may All-h protect him.”
(Translation courtesy of Palestinian Media Watch)
As mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini was the senior Islamic religious authority of the Palestinian Arab community. He instigated mass violence against Jews in British Mandatory Palestine during the 1920s and 1930s. In 1941, Husseini took part in the pro-Nazi coup in Iraq, and then traveled to Nazi Germany, where he was personally welcomed by Adolf Hitler. The Mufti remained in Berlin for the rest of the war.
Husseini composed fiery anti-Jewish speeches that were broadcast from Germany to the Arab world. He helped develop an Arab Legion of the German army, and organized Arab sabotage squads that were parachuted into the Mideast to attack Allied facilities. They nearly succeeded in carrying out one of the Mufti’s pet schemes—dumping large quantities of German chemical poison into the Tel Aviv water system.
Husseini repeatedly interfered with negotiations for the ransoming of Jewish refugees from Nazi territory. In one case, his objections persuaded the Nazis to reject a proposed exchange of 4,000 Jewish children for German POWs held by the British. Instead of being placed on a train to freedom, the children were sent to Auschwitz.
The Mufti also recruited Bosnian Muslims for an all-Muslim unit of the SS called the “Handschar” division. It committed so many atrocities that 38 of its officers were later tried as war criminals.
In July 1945, Husseini himself was indicted for war crimes by the government of Yugoslavia. He eluded justice only because the French and the British, who were nervous about angering the Arab world, allowed him to escape to Egypt.
It’s bad enough that New York City has resisted removing an offensive plaque that wasn’t offensive when it was originally installed. It’s much worse to have the leader of a regime knowingly and publicly honoring a Nazi war criminal today. That’s the wrong message to be sending to the Palestinian Arab public—and yet another reason so many Israelis doubt that the Palestinian Authority is interested in living in peace with Israel.
Dr. Medoff is director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, and the author of more than 20 books about Jewish history, Zionism, and the Holocaust. Follow him on Facebook to read his daily commentaries on the news.
FrumNews2 months agoAs war broke out between the US, Israel and Iran, Israel’s flag carrier EL Al put out a statement that it is preparing a recovery operation to bring Israelis currently abroad back home — once airspace reopens.
Full statement:
“EL AL is preparing a recovery operation to bring Israelis currently abroad back home. Once flight operations resume and approval is granted to operate recovery flights to Israel, customers holding an EL AL ticket will receive first priority for these flights.
“At this stage, it is not possible to purchase EL AL tickets for flights until March 21 or until all EL AL customers holding a valid ticket have been rebooked. Closing ticket sales is intended to ensure full priority for customers whose tickets were issued before the current situation and to guarantee their travel as soon as possible.
“Customers holding a ticket will be automatically rebooked on flights, and EL AL will proactively update them with their new departure time. Based on the current assessment, there is no need at this stage to transfer customers to another destination worldwide.
“As of now, EL AL flights scheduled through March 1, 2026 are canceled. Customers whose flights were canceled due to the security situation are eligible for a refund or a credit voucher.
“Real-time updates are continuously posted on the EL AL website”
FrumNews2 months agoThe United States Military and Israel Defense Forces launched a major joint attack on Iran on Shabbos morning, carrying out strikes against hundreds of targets in Iran — including the leadership of the Iranian regime.
Israeli officials confirmed that the Iranian Regime’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was eliminated in an airstrike. Trump followed and confirmed the death of the Iranian leader on social media, with a statement:
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead.
“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. “As I said last night, “Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!” Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!”
Others, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, were also targeted in the opening strikes.
Israelis spent Shabbos day running in and out of bomb shelters, as Iran fired missiles and drones at Israel, baruch Hashem, no Israelis were seriously injured by these strikes
The IDF posted, “The public is requested to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command. At this time, the Israeli Air Force is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat.
Here’s what happened in the last 12 hours: pic.twitter.com/F8eUvm4eNF
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 28, 2026
FrumNews2 months agoBy FrumNews.com
The U.S. State Department announced that it started evacuating “non-emergency government personnel” from its embassy in Israel due to increased “safety risks” amid growing tensions with Iran.
Only non-essential staff are being evacuated; the embassy will remain operational. The ambassador, diplomats, and U.S. personnel handling security, military, political, intelligence, and citizen assistance will remain.
“On February 27, 2026, the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of U.S. government personnel from Mission Israel due to safety risks,” the embassy said on its website.
It follows the previous evacuation from Beirut, Lebanon, of all non-essential staff and their family members.
It follows the pattern of evacuating embassies ahead of expected military campaigns—such as ahead of the 12-day campaign against Iran last summer—and with growing tensions, the evacuation signals an imminent attack on the Iranian regime may be on the horizon.
According to reports, Ambassador Mike Huckabee wrote in a message to embassy staff that whoever wants to leave the country should do so by Friday.
The evacuation is only for non-essential staff, and the embassy will continue operating. The ambassador, diplomats and U.S. personnel working on assistance to U.S. citizens, security, military, political and intelligence affairs will stay in the country.
FrumNews3 months agoBy FrumNews.com
London, UK — A proposed bill that requires clear labeling of Kosher and Halal meat, just passed the first reading, is raising alarms among the British Jewish community.
The proposed bill, which passed its first reading in the United Kingdom’s House of Commons on Tuesday, is raising alarm that it is the first step toward banning shechita in the UK by forcing stunning during shechita, which is against Halacha (and, lehvdil, against Halal laws).
The bill didn’t originate from the left, rather right-wing Tory MP Esther McVey of Tatton — who controversially used a Holocaust poem to oppose a proposed smoking ban — and was backed by MPs from both sides, who claim that a lack of stunning causes “severe pain” for animals.
Among the backers is independent MP Rupert Lowe, formerly of Reform, who has repeatedly said he would like to see the religious slaughter process outlawed.
“All kosher meat and products containing kosher meat are already clearly labelled. I think it is fair to say that Jews invented the concept of food labelling a very long time ago,” Shimon Cohen of Shechita UK said in a letter questioning why the bill focused solely on kosher and halal meat. “That you are only calling for the ‘labelling (of halal) and kosher meat’ leads me to think that you are not seeking to provide Jews (and Muslims) with information, but you are seeking to provide information beyond audiences of consumers who choose to buy kosher or halal products.”
“This isn’t about animal welfare,” Labour MP David Pinto-Duschinsky of Hendon, which has a large Jewish community, slammed McVey’s bill on X. “It’s about dog whistles that brand minorities & their religious practices as cruel. I expected this of Rupert Lowe, who sponsored a Westminster Hall debate on this a few months ago—but am shocked that senior Tories are following his lead.”
According to The London Standard, MPs rejected a 2014 move proposed by then Tory MP Philip Davies, who is now married to MP McVey, to compel the labelling of halal and kosher meat.
“I do not see why Jews and Muslims alone should be compelled by law to have the meat they eat labelled in a way that no other meat is labelled,” the late Jewish MP Gerald Kaufman of Manchester blasted a similar bill proposed by Davies during a 2012 debate in the House of Commons. “[Davies] is picking out two small minority religions that have a special way in which the meat they eat is killed and asking that they, and they alone, have their meat labelled.”
We have seen this play before in the Western world, where forcing such measures is the first step by these countries to fully ban shechita, as seen in Canada and Europe (including Slovenia, Wallonia and Flanders in Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland) — as well as failed efforts in Australia and New Zealand.
The first modern-day regulations (claiming it for animal welfare) against shechita were from Switzerland in the late 1800s, which was the first country to institute a ban on ritual slaughter, allegedly did so as a anti-Semetic response to increased immigration of Yidden from Eastern Europe. Germany, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, and Sweden enacted similar bans in the lead-up to World War II.
As anti-Semitism spikes in the UK and Europe, it’s a veiled way of saying that Jews and other religious minorities are no longer welcome.
A 2020 report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) clearly lays this out, reporting that in Europe, “These laws force individuals to abandon deeply held religious doctrine and imply a message of exclusion to all those who seek to follow their religion’s dietary requirements.” Adding a quote from the former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, Elan Carr, who called such restrictions “disgraceful.”
Animal “rights” groups, such as The British Veterinary Association, the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals, have long been slandering shechita in a bad light by writing letters to newspapers and journals, running inflammatory advertisements, and backing efforts to ban it — even with peer-reviewed studies which demonstrate shechita is the most humane way to slaughter.
FrumNews3 months agoBy FrumNews.com
The Kokoriko restaurant in Paris was vandalized last week in an anti-Semitic attack. The attackers doused and sprayed acid throughout the kosher restaurant overnight.
Attackers forced the door open and sprayed corrosive acid across both floors, destroying the interior—including tables, counters, and furnishings, and forcing its closure.
Staff at the Kosher restaurant in the large Jewish community in Paris’s 17th arrondissement immediately alerted authorities. In response, the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) sent its nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical unit to the scene. Technicians from the Central Laboratory of the Police Prefecture examined the substance to determine its composition.
Damage to the establishment is estimated to be about $176,000.
The kosher restaurant Kokoriko in Paris was vandalized with acid.
Attackers forced the door open and sprayed corrosive acid across both floors, destroying the interior, including tables, counters, and furnishings, and forcing its closure.
This was the third attack against this… pic.twitter.com/u1dvJHgSkr
— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) February 23, 2026
French prosecutors are treating the attack as a hate crime investigation, “into damage to property carried out using a means considered dangerous to people, with the act treated as motivated by race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. Under French law, that charge carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of €150,000.
This is the third time this restaurant has been attacked, and the second by acid. However, the previous attack was “closed without further action due to the lack of identification of the perpetrators,” the Paris prosecutor’s office said, Le Parisien reported.
The attack comes as the overall tally for anti-Semitic attacks rose to 1,320 incidents — which is a little over half of all hate crimes recorded in France — in 2025.
Attacks on kosher establishments in France are not new and have been widely reported; among them are two attacks that are well known in recent history:
FrumNews3 months agoBy FrumNews.com
A State of Emergency was issued across the Northeast U.S. as a blizzard is expected to hit the region, which included travel bans.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a travel ban for New York City ahead of the city’s first blizzard in a decade, which is about to slam the city with up to two feet of snow.
The declaration establishes a temporary citywide travel restriction by closing NYC streets, highways, bridges and tunnels to vehicular traffic from 9 PM Sunday to 12 PM Monday.
Most vehicle traffic – including but not limited to commercial trucks, electric bicycles, scooters, and mopeds – is prohibited during that period, except for authorized categories.
Long Island and Westchester are also under a travel ban beginning at 9 PM, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
The MTA said that as of 3 PM on Sunday, there will be service changes on subways, buses, the LIRR, Metro-North Railroad, and Access-A-Ride due to the ongoing winter storm. “Avoid unnecessary travel; if you must travel, check service status before you go,” the MTA said.
NJ Transit is suspending bus and light rail services by 6 p.m., while trains are expected to run later into the night (weather dependent).
“We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non-essential travel,” Mamdani said.
Gov. Hochul also issued a state of emergency for Southern New York.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for New Jersey, beginning at noon Sunday, noting that updated forecasts show rapidly worsening conditions.
FrumNews previously reported that the Northeast is under a blizzard warning from Sunday morning until Monday morning, with 18 to 24 inches of snow possible.
Gov. Sherrill emphasized that this system will be dramatically different from the January storm that brought heavy snow. “At its peak, the January storm had about one inch per hour. This will be considerably worse.”
“A major, potentially historic winter storm is expected to bring very heavy, crippling snowfall and areas of blizzard conditions,” the NWS said in an update on Sunday morning. “Your window to finalize preparations is rapidly closing.”
FrumNews3 months agoBy FrumNews.com
A State of Emergency was issued across the Northeast U.S. as a blizzard is expected to hit the region, which included travel bans.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a travel ban for New York City ahead of the city’s first blizzard in a decade, which is about to slam the city with up to two feet of snow.
The declaration establishes a temporary citywide travel restriction by closing NYC streets, highways, bridges and tunnels to vehicular traffic from 9 PM Sunday to 12 PM Monday.
Most vehicle traffic – including but not limited to commercial trucks, electric bicycles, scooters, and mopeds – is prohibited during that period, except for authorized categories.
Long Island and Westchester are also under a travel ban beginning at 9 PM, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
The MTA said that as of 3 PM on Sunday, there will be service changes on subways, buses, the LIRR, Metro-North Railroad, and Access-A-Ride due to the ongoing winter storm. “Avoid unnecessary travel; if you must travel, check service status before you go,” the MTA said.
NJ Transit is suspending bus and light rail services by 6 p.m., while trains are expected to run later into the night (weather dependent).
“We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non-essential travel,” Mamdani said.
Gov. Hochul also issued a state of emergency for Southern New York.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency for New Jersey, beginning at noon Sunday, noting that updated forecasts show rapidly worsening conditions.
FrumNews previously reported that the Northeast is under a blizzard warning from Sunday morning until Monday morning, with 18 to 24 inches of snow possible.
Gov. Sherrill emphasized that this system will be dramatically different from the January storm that brought heavy snow. “At its peak, the January storm had about one inch per hour. This will be considerably worse.”
“A major, potentially historic winter storm is expected to bring very heavy, crippling snowfall and areas of blizzard conditions,” the NWS said in an update on Sunday morning. “Your window to finalize preparations is rapidly closing.”
FrumNews3 months agoWith a major winter storm expected to impact our area Sunday into Monday, Hatzolah of Central Jersey is urging residents—especially seniors and those with medical needs—to take important precautions now.
Residents who rely on prescription medications are advised to refill and secure all necessary medications as soon as possible. Severe weather conditions may make travel difficult or impossible for several days, limiting access to pharmacies and medical facilities.
Hatzolah is also warning of the potential for widespread power outages during the storm. Elderly individuals and medically vulnerable residents who depend on electricity for medical equipment, heating, or other essential needs should make arrangements in advance. When possible, they are encouraged to stay with family members or friends who have reliable backup power, such as generators.
Additionally, Hatzolah is warning that this storm is expected to bring mostly wet, heavy snow, which is significantly harder to shovel and can place severe strain on the heart. Every winter, emergency responders see a rise in cardiac emergencies linked to snow shoveling. Residents—particularly older adults and those with heart conditions—are strongly urged to avoid overexertion, shovel slowly and in stages, take frequent breaks, or arrange for others to assist. If chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue occurs, stop immediately and call Hatzolah.
“We strongly encourage families to check in on elderly relatives and neighbors and help them prepare,” Hatzolah said. “Taking steps now can prevent emergencies later.”
Residents are also reminded to stock up on basic necessities, remain indoors during dangerous conditions, and avoid unnecessary travel.
Hatzolah of Central Jersey remains on standby and fully prepared to respond throughout the storm. In case of emergency, residents should call Hatzolah immediately.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and look out for one another.
FrumNews3 months agoBy FrumNews.com
Monsey, NY — The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Blizzard Warning for New York and New Jersey for the first time in eight years, with total snow accumulation of 15 to 24 inches possible:
The NWS said the warning will go into effect on Sunday at 1 PM and remain in effect through Monday. Wind gusts are expected to go up to 50 mph, with moderate coastal flooding also possible.
The forecast is still evolving, and a storm tracking farther east could mean much less snow. Some weather models show less than 10 inches of accumulation.
“I’m asking all New Yorkers to stay inside and stay off the roads for your safety. These have the potential to be even more hazardous conditions than we faced the last time around,” NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani said during a news conference on Shabbos.
The storm could produce the most snowfall the city has seen since 2021, when 14.8 inches hit the five boroughs. The last time NYC faced a blizzard warning was back in March 2017.
From the NWS on Saturday, 3 PM:
FrumNews3 months agoLakewood, NJ – CHEMED Health, the region’s leader in community-based healthcare, hosted its annual Medical and Ethics Conference, drawing more than 1,000 participants, including physicians, nurses, medical students, rabbanim, and healthcare leaders for an intensive, multi-day gathering exploring the intersection of medicine, ethics, and Halacha.
The conference opened Thursday evening with an inspiring keynote lecture by Rav Sholom Kamenetsky, titled “AI, Autonomy, and Halacha: How Jewish Law Approaches the Future of Decision Making.” His address set the tone for a program focused on navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of modern medicine through the lens of timeless ethical and Torah-based principles.
Over the course of the conference, attendees participated in 52 lectures featuring prominent rabbinic authorities, academic leaders, and medical professionals. Notable presenters included Rabbi Doctor Aaron E. Glatt, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Katz, Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz, Rav Professor Avrohom Steinberg, and Dr. Isaac Schechter, among many others, who addressed a wide range of clinical, ethical, and policy-related topics shaping contemporary healthcare practice.
On Motzei Shabbos, a highlight of the conference was a special question-and-answer session with Rav Asher Weiss שליט״א, who traveled from Eretz Yisroel for the occasion. Rav Weiss opened his remarks with warm and effusive praise for CHEMED and for Dr. Dovid Friedman’s leadership and vision before engaging attendees in an in-depth discussion of complex medical halachic scenarios, offering guidance that reflected both rigorous scholarship and real-world clinical sensitivity.
The conference concluded with a major announcement from Dr. Dovid Friedman, CEO of CHEMED, who, together with the Medical Village development team, presented a comprehensive vision for CHEMED’s next chapter through a special video unveiling of The Medical Village — a transformative outpatient healthcare campus designed to redefine coordinated care for the region.
The Medical Village represents CHEMED’s most ambitious initiative to date — a first-of-its-kind, fully integrated outpatient campus that will bring more than 50 medical specialties together under one coordinated system. The campus will include primary care, pediatric and adult subspecialties, dental services, behavioral health, women’s health, advanced diagnostic radiology, an ambulatory surgery center, and a standalone emergency department, all designed to provide seamless, high-level care within a single environment.
“For nearly two decades, CHEMED has been committed to expanding access to quality care,” said Dr. Friedman. “The Medical Village reflects our next step forward — building a future-ready healthcare model that integrates specialty medicine, academic training, and coordinated care delivery to serve our rapidly growing community.”
Beyond its clinical scope, the campus will also feature dedicated educational space for medical students and residents, strengthening training opportunities and advancing the level of academic medicine in the region.
With record attendance, a robust educational program, and the unveiling of a transformative healthcare initiative, this year’s conference underscored CHEMED’s dual commitment: advancing medical excellence while grounding healthcare delivery in enduring ethical and community-centered values.
FrumNewsFrumNews3 months agoBy FrumNews.com
The Pentagon has dispatched a second aircraft carrier group, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Arabian Ocean to put pressure on Iran as talks are ongoing, reports indicate.
Trump told reporters on Friday he’s dispatching the second carrier group in case he is unable to reach a diplomatic agreement, “I think they’ll be successful. And if they’re not, it’s going to be a bad day for Iran — very bad,” Trump told reporters. Adding the ships would depart if diplomacy is successful.
.@POTUS on Iran negotiations: “I think they’ll be successful, and if they’re not, it’s going to be a bad day for Iran — very bad.” pic.twitter.com/jJNKO8jLzV
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 13, 2026
The Ford carrier strike group is the most advanced carrier the U.S. currently has, which was positioned in the Caribbean Sea for several months amid Trump’s campaign against Venezuela, which led to the arrest and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Previously, the USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, arrived in the Indian Ocean last month after the Iranian protest broke out, putting it closer to assisting in any potential US operations targeting Iran.
FrumNews3 months agoYeshiva Kinyan Daas in Yerushalayim, headed by Rabbi Moshe Roth, celebrated the Siyum on the Seder Kodshim, combined with Tu Bishvat, in a particularly moving and uplifting event.
During a visit to Eretz Yisroel, the musician Rabbi Shlomie Taussig from the U.S., who maintains a close and ongoing connection with the yeshiva, joined this special Farbrengen. At his request of Shlomie, his close friend, the musician Rabbi Akiva Gruman, also joined the evening—along with musician Nachman Cohen and his orchestra.
During the evening, the great power of kind words between friends was emphasized, with the popular Yiddish song “Ein Gut Vort.” Rabbi Akiva Gruman added a unique touch when he put Yiddish lyrics to the song “Tzi’uka” by Mordechai Ben David, and taught it to the talmidim with great enthusiasm and an atmosphere of elation.
The event left a deep impression on the participants, blending Torah, emotion, music, and encouragement, befitting such a sublime occasion.
FrumNews3 months agoBy FrumNews.com
Brooklyn, NY — Instacart, the food delivery service, blindsided its customers in New York City by adding a $6 surprise fee per delivery. The company claims this is a “Regulatory Response Fee” following the enactment of a new law.
The fixed $5.99 fee, labeled “NYC regulatory response fee,” came because Instacart was mad that the city placed a minimum wage of $21.44 per hour for delivery apps, at first it only applied to food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash—but it was expanded to cover grocery delivery workers as well.
The worker protection measure will further raise the minimum rate to $22.13 per hour by April due to inflation. Previously, there was no legal minimum specifically for grocery delivery workers.
Instacart, like Uber and DoorDash, responded to the new regulations with added fees, hoping its paying users will force and vote those who introduced these fees out of office.
The fees are the same for premium subscribers, such as Instacart+, which makes you wonder whether Instacart and Uber are worth the convenience in the first place.
Dummy cart using Instacart+ delivery, showing $12 of added fees, including the "regulatory response fee," on a $51 food delivery order from Aldi
An Instacart spokesperson told FOX Business that the new fees are in place as a “is the direct result of the City Council’s misguided and burdensome grocery delivery laws.” Adding that “For months, we raised clear, data-backed concerns that the policy would increase grocery delivery costs for New Yorkers, but those warnings were repeatedly ignored.”
More egregiously, Instacart secretly used your data to charge you more through algorithmic pricing—until Consumer Reports caught on and it stopped.
The company was also forced to refund $60 in fees as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission several months ago.
The FTC alleged that Instacart engaged in deceptive practices that misled consumers about fees for its delivery promotion, made it difficult to initiate refund requests, and did not fully disclose the terms of the Instacart+ membership trial.
“Rather than truthfully advertising the cost of its delivery services, Instacart forced consumers to invest their valuable time and energy — in many cases exceeding 30 minutes — so that it could coerce them into paying hidden fees,” the FTC said in the complaint.
FrumNews3 months agoBy Moshe Phillips
Ever since taking office for his second term, President Donald Trump has regularly spoken about the Nobel Peace Prize, and this month marks one year since President Trump presented his idea during a White House press conference that Gaza’s population be relocated to “a good, fresh, beautiful piece of land” in another country.
The two items are far more connected than may be obvious.
“I feel very differently about Gaza than a lot of people,” explained President Trump as he outlined his relocation idea. While it may be true that “a lot of people” disagree, President Trump was expressing the same idea that Israeli Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner Yitzhak Rabin once proposed.
In 1973, Rabin, a former chief of staff of the Israeli army, was serving as Israel’s ambassador in Washington. In an interview published in the Israeli daily Maariv on February 16, Rabin discussed the question of what should be done about the large number of Palestinian Arab refugees residing in Gaza. Much of Gaza’s population consisted of Arabs who had settled there during the 1948 War of Independence and their descendants. Rabin said: “The problem of the refugees of the Gaza Strip should not be solved in Gaza or el-Arish [in the Sinai] but mainly in the East Bank”—meaning the Kingdom of Jordan.
Rabin continued: “I want to create conditions such that during the next 10 or 20 years, there will be a natural movement of population to the East Bank. We can achieve that, in my opinion, with [King] Hussein and not with Yasser Arafat.” As far as I know, Rabin never backtracked on that comment.
He was not a “racist,” “fascist,” advocate of “ethnic cleansing,” or any of the other harsh names now being hurled at Trump. The future prime minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate was simply taking a long, hard look at a difficult problem and proposing what he considered to be a practical solution.
The heart of the problem facing Rabin was that when Egypt illegally occupied Gaza from 1948 to 1967, it refused to absorb the refugees into the Egyptian population. The Egyptian government kept the Gazans impoverished and kept separate, languishing in shanty towns and refugee camps administered by the United Nations. What’s more, Egypt sponsored Gaza-based terrorist groups, known as fedayeen, to attack Israel.
During Egypt’s rule in Gaza, the United Nations set up schools run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East—the same morally bankrupt UNRWA that Israel has only very recently taken action against. In UNRWA schools, young Gazans were educated to hate Jews and Israel and to glorify Arab terrorism.
Following the 1967 war, Israel found itself dealing with all these hate-filled Gazans. So unless something was done to change the situation, Israel would continue to face constant terrorist attacks from Gaza.
And that’s exactly what happened. Nobody listened to Rabin’s 1973 advice to move the Gazans to Jordan. The Gazans stayed in Gaza, launched constant terrorist attacks on Israel, and eventually voted Hamas into power in 2007. The horrors of October 7, 2023, followed.
It made perfect sense for Rabin to think of Jordan as the destination for the Gazans. After all, Palestinian Arabs who settled in Gaza and those who settled in Jordan are indistinguishable. They have the same history, culture, language, and religion.
The problem, though, is that Jordan’s King Hussein had lost patience with them. For years, Hussein let the PLO set up its bases on Jordanian territory. Hussein was fine with the PLO attacking Israel. But some of Arafat’s terrorists began talking about how Jordan really was Palestine. Hussein became concerned that the PLO would try to overthrow him.
The PLO terrorist army was also causing Jordan problems in the international arena by repeatedly hijacking planes, forcing them to land in Jordan, and then holding the passengers hostage while demanding to trade them for imprisoned terrorists. Some things never change, it seems.
How did King Hussein solve the problem? He kicked them out. In the autumn of 1970, the King of Jordan forcibly relocated more than 2,000 PLO terrorists, including their entire leadership, to Syria. From there, they continued into Lebanon, where they soon plunged that country into years of chaos, civil war, and bloodshed.
Understandably, the current king, Hussein’s son Abdullah, may not be too keen on welcoming in Gazans. Or, on the other hand, he might decide to exclude terrorists while welcoming ordinary Gazans—in the same manner that Jordan took in so many refugees from the bloody Syrian civil war.
It remains to be seen if the Board of Peace moves forward with the relocation ideas of Trump and Rabin. If they don’t, what will stop history from repeating itself?
Moshe Phillips is national chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel (AFSI, www.AFSI.org), a leading pro-Israel advocacy and education organization.
FrumNews3 months agoby Rafael Medoff
The Norwegian capital of Oslo, where the accords between Israel and the Palestinian Arab leadership were negotiated thirty-three years ago, this week became their burial site.
Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas visited Oslo this week, where he met with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and other officials of the Labour Party-led government.
A previous Norwegian Labour government shepherded the talks that led to the Oslo accords in 1993. Yet Prime Minister Store did not say anything this week about the PA’s decades of flagrant violations of the accords, including its failure to outlaw or disarm terrorist groups; its refusal to honor Israel’s 36 requests for the extradition of terrorists; its payment of salaries to imprisoned terrorists and the families of dead terrorists; or the torrent of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel propaganda in the PA’s news media, schools, and summer camps.
The PA’s hostile propaganda—which is explicitly prohibited by the Oslo accords—includes its notorious policy of naming institutions after terrorists.
Yet that did not stop the Norwegian government from contributing 500 million kroner ($52-million) or more each year to the Palestinian Authority.
In 2013, Norwegians elected a Conservative Party government, and in 2017 it suspended Norway’s $16-million annual grant to UN Women because that agency’s “Palestine” branch gave Norwegian funds to a PA women’s center that was named after mass murderer Dalal Mughrabi.
Mughrabi was the leader of the terrorist gang that slaughtered 37 Jews in the Tel Aviv Highway bus hijacking in 1978. Among Mughrabi’s victims was American Jewish nature photographer Gail Rubin, the niece of U.S. Senator Abraham Ribicoff (D-Connecticut).
At the trial of one of Mughrabi’s accomplices, a survivor of the attack testified that when the bus caught fire, Mughrabi “grabbed a baby and threw it on a burning [seat].”
In October 2021, four years after the Norwegian funding of UN Women was suspended, Norway’s Labor Party returned to power. The new government soon announced it would contribute 9 million kroner (about $1-million) to UN Women’s projects in PA territory. The announcement said nothing about whether Mughrabi’s name was ever removed from that PA women’s center.
Mughrabi’s name also adorns numerous schools, streets, parks and sports tournaments in the PA territories. Both her birthday and the anniversary of the massacre she led are celebrated by PA officials and media. She is presented as a hero in the textbooks used in PA schools.
Yet such blatant violations of the Oslo agreements appear to be of no interest to the international community, not even to the very government in Oslo that helped engineer the accords in the first place.
The visit to Oslo this week by the serial violator of the Oslo accords was an opportunity to uphold the integrity of those agreements. Instead, Oslo’s leaders remained silent, and in doing so symbolically presided over the funeral of their own handiwork.
Dr. Medoff is the author of more than 20 books about Jewish history, Zionism, and the Holocaust. Follow him on Facebook to read his daily commentaries on the news.
FrumNews3 months agoBy FrumNews.com
In the aftermath of the UK’s shift to the left in the 2024 election, in which the Labour Party took over 10 Downing Street. British Jews have been left suffering, literally, as anti-Semitic incidents and attacks have risen to 3,700 in 2025 — and the UK’s political leaders disregarded the warning signs, new data shows.
The Community Security Trust (CST) watchdog group reported that it recorded 3,700 anti-Semitic incidents in the UK in 2025, the second-highest total ever reported to CST in a single calendar year. This is an increase of 4% from the 3,556 anti-Jewish hate incidents recorded by CST in 2024, and 14% lower than the highest-ever annual total of 4,298 anti-Semitic incidents reported in 2023. CST recorded 1,662 anti-Semitic incidents in 2022 and 2,261 in 2021.
The year has seen a number of high-profile attacks and incidents, including the deadly terror attack at Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur in Manchester, which resulted in the deaths of Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby and left three others seriously injured. This was the first time that an anti-Semitic terror attack in the UK has resulted in the loss of life since CST began recording incidents in 1984.
The annual total reflects that anti-Semitic incident levels remain significantly higher than they were prior to 7 October 2023. CST recorded an average of 308 anti-Semitic incidents per month, exactly double the monthly average of 154 incidents reported in the year preceding Hamas’ attack on Israel. For the first time ever, CST recorded over 200 cases of anti-Jewish hate in every calendar month in 2025. Prior to October 2023, monthly incident totals exceeding 200 had only been reported by CST on five occasions, each coinciding with past periods when Israel was at war.
Other incidents have caught the news, such as when a music venue abruptly canceled a Benny Friedman concert at the last second, or when chants of “Death to the IDF” at the Glastonbury Music Festival were broadcast live by the BBC. And with the return of the Labour Party to 10 Downing Street, which pushed for anti-Israel policies in the UK, the climate doesn’t look bright for the UK’s Jews.
The attacks mirror the anti-Semitism in the rest of the Western world, such as Paris, New York, Toronto and Sydney, which have seen a dramatic rise in hate crimes — and terror attacks — against the Jewish community since teror attack of October 7th.
When Terror Strikes, Incidents Spike
The terror attack in Manchester triggered an immediate spike in anti-Semitism, CST stated. It recorded 40 anti-Semitic incidents on 2 October, the day of the attack, and another 40 the following day, 3 October. These were the two highest daily totals for anti-Semitic incidents in 2025. In the week preceding the attack, CST recorded 64 cases of anti-Jewish hate.
In the following week, CST recorded 181 incidents, an increase of 183% from the previous week. CST recorded 463 instances of anti-Semitism across October, a 65% rise from the 281 incidents in September. This makes October 2025 the highest monthly total in 2025 and the fifth-worst month for anti-Semitism in CST’s records. While CST usually records a small increase in anti-Semitic incidents on Yom Kippur – for example, there were 17 incidents recorded on Yom Kippur in 2024 – this alone cannot explain the much larger spike in incidents on the day of, and days following, the attack.
Of the 80 anti-Semitic incidents recorded across 2 and 3 October, 42 (53%) involved direct reactions to the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue. Three involved face-to-face taunting and celebration of the attack toward Jewish people, while 39 were anti-Semitic social media posts referencing the attack, abusive responses to public condemnations of the attack from Jewish organisations and individuals, or antagonistic emails sent to Jewish people and institutions. As observed in previous years, violent attacks on Jews, whether in Britain, Israel or elsewhere, sometimes generate more anti-Jewish invective from anti-Semites who feel emboldened to express their prejudice.
Similarly, a smaller spike was observed in December in the wake of the Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack at a Chanukah event in Bondi Beach, Australia. This shooting claimed the lives of 15 people who attended the event. CST’s highest daily incident totals for December 2025 fell on 14 December, the day of the attack, with 16 incidents reported, and the two subsequent days, with 19 and 15 incidents recorded respectively. Of these 50 incidents, 21 directly referenced the attack on Bondi Beach – 20 online and one offline – and recycled much of the same anti-Jewish rhetoric observed in incidents reported in the wake of the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue.
The Numbers
CST recorded 170 incidents in the category of Assault, a decrease of 16% from the 202 reported in 2024. These comprise anti-Semitic physical attacks that did not have the intention or potential to cause life-changing or life-threatening injuries. Taken together with the four instances of Extreme Violence, physical attacks on Jewish people constitute 5% of the annual total in 2025, compared to 6% in 2024.
Cases of Damage and Desecration to Jewish property rose by 38%, from 157 in 2024 to 217 in 2025, the highest annual total ever recorded in this category. Sixty-eight of these involved damage to the homes and vehicles of Jewish people, 51 to posters, ribbons and memorials in honour of the hostages captured by Hamas, 25 to synagogues, 20 to the property of Jewish businesses and organisations (including six to public chanukiahs – a candelabra used during the festival of Chanukah), eight to Jewish schools, six to kosher food aisles at supermarkets, and three to Jewish cemeteries.
There were 196 incidents reported to CST in the category of Threats in 2025, which includes direct threats and explicit incitement of violence to people, institutions or property, rather than general abuse containing non-specific threatening language. This is a decrease of 22% from the 251 incidents of this type recorded in 2024.
CST recorded 3,086 reports in the category of Abusive Behaviour in 2025, more than in any other year bar 2023 and a 6% rise from the 2,917 such incidents logged in 2024. This figure eclipses every previous annual figure across all categories with the exception of 2023 and 2024, and forms 83% of all cases of anti-Jewish hate reported to CST in 2025.
There were 27 incidents reported to CST in the category of mass-produced anti-Semitic Literature in 2025, equal to the number of such cases recorded in 2024.
Of the 3,700 anti-Semitic incidents recorded by CST in 2025, 1,977 (53%) referenced, or were linked to, Israel, Palestine, the Hamas terror attack or the subsequent war. Each of these cases also evidenced anti-Jewish language, motivation or targeting. This was true of 52% of the incidents reported in 2024, 43% of those in 2023 and 15% of those in 2022, a year unaffected by a significant trigger event in the region.
CST recorded four incidents that involved Grievous Bodily Harm or threat to life in 2025 (including the fatal attack at Heaton Park Synagogue), meaning that they were severe enough to be categorised as Extreme Violence, double the number recorded in 2024 and more than the total for the previous three years combined. There were an additional 170 cases of anti-Semitic Assault. Taken together with the four reports of Extreme Violence, physical attacks accounted for 5% of all incidents, compared to 6% in 2024. Incidents of Damage & Desecration of Jewish property rose sharply by 38% to a record 217 cases, including attacks on homes, vehicles, synagogues, schools, Jewish businesses and hostage memorials. CST recorded 196 direct anti-Semitic Threats, 27 cases of mass-produced anti-Semitic Literature, and 3,086 instances of Abusive Behaviour. The latter is the widest and most frequently logged category of anti-Jewish hate, accounting for 83% of all anti-Semitic incidents in 2025.
You can read the full report here.
FrumNews3 months agoIn a truly inspiring display of commitment to Torah learning, the Kav Halacha Kollel, located in Ramat Eshkol, Yerushalayim, recently marked the completion of Hilchos Nidda by its Avreichim. The event, a Semicha Siyum, was a powerful night of chizuk that highlighted the Kollel’s critical mission: preparing the next generation of highly qualified Rabbanim and community leaders. Avreichim in the chaburah include those from Lakewood, Brooklyn, Far Rockaway and RBS.
One of the projects of the Kav Halcha Network worldwide, the Kollel has a strong emphasis on practical Halacha -learning from active Poskim. This unique focus includes bringing in leading Rabbanim and experts in various fields to perfectly equip the Avreichim to become truly excellent and competent leaders for Klal Yisrael in the near future.
R' Ari Plutchenik recvies an award from Rav Asher Weiss and Rav Sofer of Kav Halacha
Rav Asher Weiss addressing the Kav Halacha Network Asifia for aspiring Yungeleit
Some of the Bnei Chaburah
Rav Asher Weiss testing and teaching the Yungleit in his home
The evening’s significance was underscored by the distinguished Rabbanim who personally tested the graduates. After being thoroughly tested within the Kollel by the Roshei Kollel, Harav Shimon Sofer and Harav Matis Zelman, the Avreichim faced rigorous tests from senior Poskim, Harav Pinchas Breur Shlit”a, Harav Bentzion Wosner Shlit”a, and Harav Asher Weiss Shlit”a. Each also gave hadracha and lessons in practical Psak.
Harav Asher Weiss also graced the Siyum with a powerful address focused on the crucial importance of training future Rabbanim and addressed the urgent need facing Klal Yisrael. Harav Weiss noted that while the Jewish population is growing at a rapid pace, the number of new, qualified Rabbanim, who trianedn and learned with shimush l’maaseh, available to guide them is simply not keeping up.
He was profoundly impressed after speaking with the Avreichim, commenting on how well they knew the Halachos and their clear competence to hopefully take on vital leadership roles one day.
The evening concluded on a high note as Harav Weiss personally presented the Avreichim with plaque of recognition and divrei hadracha from Rav Shimon Sofer. Rav Sofer who serves as the Rosh Kollel also is a director of the Kav Halcha Network which with over 100 Rabbonim worldwide answers hundreds of shailos each day on its flagship hotline. From his in the trenches experience he shared chizuk as they continue their learning in other areas of Halacha, ensuring they are fully qualified to become the exceptional leaders that our generation desperately needs. This siyum marked a momentous occasion and plan are underway to open avenues of limud and shimush for others in Lakewood and with virtual chaburos as well as encouraged by the Gedolai HaPoskim.
Learn more: www.KavHalacha.org
FrumNews3 months agoBy Moshe Phillips
“Gaza Crossing to Egypt Reopens in Step Forward for Fragile Cease-Fire,” celebrated The New York Times on Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. And just like the 1993 Bill Murray film of the same name, it feels like we are seeing the same thing occur yet again.
Only this is real life and far from funny. It’s deadly serious. Opening the Rafah border crossing while Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad continue to be fully armed benefits the terrorists more than anyone.
Aside from handing Hamas more to brag about to everyday Gazans, it gives the terrorists every reason to hope that they can continue to remain armed. Meanwhile, the leadership of Hamas can see the opening as a sign that they will be able to escape from the Strip.
All of this seems tragically familiar. Dennis Ross is now a pundit, but he served as an American diplomat focused on Israel in the Clinton, George H. W. Bush, and Obama administrations. In 2023, Ross said that “the way to end the war in Gaza” would be for Israel to allow the Hamas leadership to leave the territory in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages. He said that he hoped the Biden administration would promote such a proposal. Thankfully, Hamas leaders have not been able to escape.
Those remarks referenced above were made when he appeared on MSNBC on Nov. 21, 2023. At the time, Ross cited a precedent: Israel’s decision in 1982, under U.S. pressure, to allow Yasser Arafat and the rest of the PLO terrorist leadership escape from Beirut.
While on MSNBC (now called MS NOW), Ross failed to tell his viewers what happened after Arafat was allowed to leave Lebanon. The PLO and Arafat did not ride off into the sunset of some quiet and peaceful retirement. He sailed to Tunisia, set up PLO terrorist headquarters there and embarked on 20 more years of deadly terrorism—shootings and stabbings, bus bombings and intifadas. Thousands of Israelis were murdered or maimed in the process.
And now the pressure is on Israel to keep the Rafah crossing open. It appears that this could be only the first part of the effort to get Israel to repeat the tragic mistake made with the PLO, this time with the much more dangerous Hamas terror group. Once again, international pressure is being exerted so that terrorist leaders are rescued, which would leave them with the capacity to orchestrate more Oct. 7-style massacres, God forbid.
Israel’s political leadership has seldom been very good at learning the lesson that far too many foreign diplomats, even Jewish ones like Ross, have bad ideas.
This is, after all, the same Dennis Ross who publicly admitted—on the op-ed page of The Washington Post—that he pressured Israel to let Hamas import concrete. Ross insisted that the concrete would be used to build houses. Israel was afraid it would be used to build terror tunnels. But under Ross’s pressure, the Israelis gave in, despite the danger.
Years later, when the damage was already done and the terrorists had built a vast tunnel network, Ross admitted that the Israelis were right to be worried.
Israeli families paid the price for that grave error. Hundreds of innocent Israelis—and other foreign nationals, including American citizens—were kidnapped and taken to those terrorist tunnels, which were built with the concrete Ross helped bring into Gaza.
Former American diplomats are quoted regularly in The New York Times and appear frequently on television shows, where they are asked softball questions and dish out unsolicited advice on how Jerusalem should conduct itself. They are treated as if the fact that they were involved in past Middle East diplomatic efforts somehow makes them experts on how to bring peace to region today.
Nobody seems to notice that far too often, their diplomacy is an utter failure. Not only did they fail to achieve anything remotely resembling peace with the Palestinian Arabs; they actually made things worse. Much worse.
They pressured Israel to make one-sided concessions that were never reciprocated. They intimidated Israel into setting free hundreds of terrorists in worthless “gestures.” They emboldened Palestinian Arab extremism by covering up the Palestinian Authority’s constant violations of the Oslo Accords. And they helped turn world public opinion against Israel by constantly blaming it as the main obstacle to peace.
And, after all that, now they have the gall to show up on op-ed pages and talk shows, posing as neutral experts, trotting out new proposals that are supposed to magically succeed where every previous proposal of theirs has failed.
Isn’t it time to learn some lessons from history? Isn’t it time to learn from the mistakes of the past? Rescuing terrorist leaders always leads to more terrorism and atrocities.
That’s what happened with Arafat in 1978, when U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his administration stopped Israel from completing “Operation Litani” against the PLO in Southern Lebanon.
That’s what happened again with Arafat in 1982, when U.S. President Ronald Reagan and his administration stopped the IDF from destroying the PLO when it was cornered in Beirut.
Having the Rafah border crossing open while Hamas is armed—and when it has pledged to stay armed—must be called out for the utter mistake that it is.
Moshe Phillips is national chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel, AFSI, (www.AFSI.org), a leading pro-Israel advocacy and education organization.
FrumNews3 months agoHatzolah of Central Jersey held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week to mark the addition of a newly dedicated Shabbos vehicle to its growing operational fleet, an initiative designed to support emergency response while upholding the community’s commitment to Shemiras Shabbos at the highest level.
The Shabbos vehicle was generously sponsored by Lilac & Creme, a beloved local cheesecake company known throughout the region for its quality products and strong commitment to our community. The dedication ceremony recognized Lilac & Creme’s meaningful contribution and the impact the vehicle will have on Hatzolah’s ability to serve patients quickly and responsibly around the clock.
Shabbos vehicles play a unique and essential role in HCJ’s emergency operations. When Hatzolah members respond to medical emergencies on Shabbos, their focus remains solely on delivering immediate care and safe transport when needed. After a call is completed, a Shabbos vehicle, operated by a non-Jewish driver, enables members to return home without unnecessary additional driving, helping HCJ maintain both operational readiness and a rigorous standard of Kedushas Shabbos.
“This vehicle exemplifies who we are and how we serve,” said Meilech Esterzohn, CEO of Hatzolah of Central Jersey. “Our community relies on us for rapid, professional emergency medical response, and we take that responsibility seriously every day of the week. We are equally serious about maintaining the highest standard of Shemiras Shabbos. This vehicle helps us do both, and we’re deeply grateful to Lilac & Creme for stepping forward in such a thoughtful and impactful way.”
Hatzolah of Central Jersey thanked Lilac & Creme for its generosity and partnership, and expressed appreciation to community members whose ongoing support enables HCJ to expand its lifesaving work.
FrumNews4 months agoBy Rabbi Yitschak Rudomin
In a clear case of perversion of logic and reality, Israel the victim, yet again, became the “villain” in the eyes of the looney leftist mobs and pro Islamist Hamas supporters around the world who go about screaming “Free, free Palestine” in opposition to Israel’s self-defense in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 massacres by Hamas. As long as Israel has the audacity to fight for its survival, and win, the global Intifada will not rest in its sloganeering against Israel and Jews in general, such as “From the river to the sea” and “genocide in Gaza”. With demonstrations against Israel where the ubiquitous Palestinian flag always dominates regardless of the country they live in.
Now, reports coming out of Iran say that anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 Iranian demonstrators have been killed by the Ayatollah regime in just a few weeks of anti-government demonstrations. The Iranian demonstrators are unarmed but determined to make their voices heard while the Iranian government and its security forces have resorted to the maximum use of live firepower to quell the uprising. Nobody even knows the exact number of Iranian citizens executed by the oppressive Islamic fundamentalist regime because the protests are constant and so is the rising death toll of shot and dead protesters.
There are no mass protests in the Western capitals and cities of Western Europe and the United States and Canada against the mass killings of its own citizens by the Iranian Mullah regime. All seems eerily quiet on this front in London, Paris, New York while the media is reporting the events in Iran in very measured tones unlike the panicked type of reporting when Israel was battling Hamas militias inside Gaza to kill the heartless killers and to find and liberate the missing dead and alive Israeli hostages.
The hypocritical silence of all the leftist pro Hamas agitators is deafening. It would seem to be that this is in fact a conspiracy of silence, a kind of unspoken pact that leftists and Muslims living in Western countries not to criticize fellow Muslims even if they are at the point of massacring their own citizens.
In America the leftist loonies have taken to protesting the capture of Venezuela’s former dictator Maduro and falsely claiming that Trump has brought the United States to be “at war” with Venezuela when it is just not so. The recent US attack on Venezuela to extract Maduro lasted a few hours and there was no ground invasion. Now in addition the lefties are mourning the death of a woman, who has a “wife”, who was shot by a US ICE agent in Minneapolis when she deliberately inserted herself and her vehicle into the midst of a law enforcement operation obstructing the work of ICE agents on the street that resulted in ICE opening fire on her and her vehicle.
Maduro and Minneapolis are used as useful idiot canon fodder and decoys to distract the leftist radicals and the left-leaning media while no one speaks up for the hundreds of thousands of living Iranian demonstrators and the mounting death toll as they face execution on the streets. In America all sorts of leftist and radical Islamic agitators enjoy the freedom of expression and of the press and religion and all the protections and privileges of established freedom and democracy. While in the Islamic Republic of Iran no such protections and privileges exist for its citizens.
While blood is flowing in the streets of Iran’s cities and towns as those pleading for freedom and democracy are crushed and trampled underfoot, in Western countries all is quiet on the streets as the leftist lunatics and Islamic jihadists are pretending as if nothing is happening and show zero sympathy and compassion for the Iranian people fighting for basic liberties and finally rejecting the yoke of the murderous Iranian Islamic tyranny!
Rabbi Yitschak Rudomin is an alumnus of Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin and of Teachers College-Columbia University, and heads the Jewish Professionals Institute dedicated to Jewish Adult Education and Outreach – Kiruv Rechokim.
• First Published on Israel National News
The post Op-Ed: The missing cry not heard around the world – Free, free Iran appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoFlorida — Over 1,200 guests gathered at the magnificent Diplomat Hotel for CHAZAQ’s historic Gala Dinner, an unforgettable evening dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity and education for the next generation. The ballroom was transformed into a breathtaking setting of elegant floral arrangements, glowing candlelight, and dramatic spotlighting, creating an atmosphere of warmth, dignity, and celebration.
The program opened with stirring musical performances by renowned artist Gad Elbaz, beginning with soulful melodies and rising into lively, uplifting songs that set the tone for a night of inspiration. A powerful video presentation followed, showcasing CHAZAQ’s life-changing work across dozens of communities, touching the lives of public-school Jewish children in over 25 locations.
Introductory remarks were delivered by distinguished philanthropist Mr. Harry Adjimi, followed by an address from Rabbi David Ozeirey of the Yad Yosef Center in Brooklyn, who spoke passionately about CHAZAQ’s transformative mission across the United States. CHAZAQ Director Rabbi Ilan Meirov then presented compelling data and personal stories reflecting the organization’s remarkable impact and rapid growth.
The evening continued with the honoring of exceptional supporters who have served as ambassadors of CHAZAQ’s mission:
• Mr. and Mrs. Kobi Karp
• Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Ilishayev
• Mr. and Mrs. Shalom Zirkiev
• Mr. and Mrs. Michael Farah
Each honoree was recognized for their unwavering dedication to Jewish continuity and for championing CHAZAQ’s life-changing work.
A special tribute was presented to NBA legend Mr. Amar’e Stoudemire, whose extraordinary personal journey captivated the audience. A video chronicled his rise from humble beginnings to NBA stardom, his spiritual awakening while playing for the New York Knicks, and his years of Torah study in Jerusalem. Today, he proudly serves as an ambassador of CHAZAQ’s mission, inspiring thousands with his story of transformation.
The highlight of the evening was the arrival of the Chief Rabbi of Israel, the Rishon LeTzion HaRav David Yosef, whose presence elevated the event to historic significance. The entire ballroom rose in a standing ovation as the Chief Rabbi entered, accompanied by security, in a powerful display of honor and respect.
In his address, the Chief Rabbi spoke of his close involvement with CHAZAQ over the past decade and his admiration for its extraordinary growth under the leadership of Rabbi Ilan Meirov. He urged attendees to join CHAZAQ and assume leadership roles in their communities to ensure that every Jewish child receives a strong and proud Jewish education.
Guests enjoyed a luxurious gourmet dinner, surrounded by an atmosphere of unity and purpose, as Jews of all backgrounds came together in support of a shared mission.
A particularly moving element of the evening was the extraordinary gathering of rabbinic leadership who came to show support for CHAZAQ’s mission. Over fifty rabbanim joined this special event, including the Chief Rabbi of the Bukharian Community, HaRav Yitzchak Yisraeli, and HaRav Yosef Galamidi of the Safra Synagogue. Also in attendance were Rabbi Moshe Matz, Rabbi Abraham Dadoun, Rabbi Duvi Katz, Rabbi Ronen Abitbul, Rabbi Yaakov Blejer, Rabbi Shai Amar, Rabbi Chaim Frankel, Rabbi Yair Massri, and many other respected rabbinic and community leaders — a powerful display of unity behind the cause of Jewish education and continuity.
“The purpose of this event in Florida is to enable CHAZAQ to gradually expand into new communities,” said Rabbi Yaniv Meirov. “Florida has a rapidly growing population of Jewish families — many from Israel — who lack access to Jewish education. Together with local rabbanim and community leaders, and with Hashem’s help, we aim to spark a major revolution in Jewish life throughout the state.”
The evening concluded with inspiration, gratitude, and renewed commitment — a powerful testament to CHAZAQ’s mission:
Born in Queens. Inspiring the Globe.
https://frumnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/WhatsApp-Video-2026-01-13-at-8.13.35-PM.mp4
The post CHAZAQ Hosts Landmark Gala in Florida — A Night of Inspiration, Unity, and Jewish Pride appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoBy FrumNews.com
Williamsburg — With Pesach several months away, Matzah is on everyone’s mind — if you run a Matzah bakery, that is — especially as tariffs on it were recently waived.
For the past several years, FrumNews has reported extensively that New York City was adding a rule that effectively “banned” New York’s Matzah bakeries, forcing them to acquire expensive new equipment to continue operating. (While this law was intended to go after NYC Pizza shops, Matzah bakeries have been collateral damage.)
Now, the city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) did a small reversal after a year-long battle and a public hearing in December, allowing a Matzah bakery to continue using its wood oven for Matzah.
The Matzah bakery that received a waiver is the famous Kehilath Yakov Pupa & Zehlem Matza Bakery in Williamsburg, famous for its high-quality, handmade shmurah matzah. The bakery argued that based on emission tests, “the facility meets the required emission standard and the requirement to install an emission control device is an unnecessary hardship.”
File Photo: Oded Kaizerman/FrocksInStock.com
According to documents reviewed by FrumNews.com, the bakery obtained the waiver from the DEP because it proved it wouldn’t “harm the environment.”
“[The] DEP reviewed the testimony and comments, only one of which was in opposition. DEP also reviewed the application, lab report and cook stove registration, which are attached to this determination,” the DEP said in its approval letter to the bakery. “Your variance application or testimony stated that a small amount of firewood is used when baking matzoh to maintain a religious custom. The application also demonstrates from the lab results that even without an emission control device, this establishment’s emissions do not exceed the 10 ug/m3 upper limit for particulate matter.”
The waiver is also a narrow 100-day window, allowing each oven to use 32 logs over 8 hours per day.
In NY’s Pizza scene, one pizza shop, Don Giovanni, also submitted an application to use coal- or wood-burning stoves at its two shops, which is under review. It that “This cooking method is essential to our business and creates a product that cannot be replicated with gas, electric, or wood-fired alternatives,” Giovanni’s argues in its application. “Our three-decade track record demonstrates that anthracite ovens can operate safely and cleanly. This method is integral to our authentic Italian pizza preparation and the distinct flavor profile our customers expect.”
The key difference is that for Matzah, it’s a Halachic issue, whereas for pizza shops, it’s a matter of preference and cost.
For example, a Brooklyn Matzah bakery would have to incur significant expenses to comply with these new regulations, thereby significantly raising the cost of our locally produced Matzah and pushing customers to non-New York City Matzah bakeries, which can better compete with lower costs.
(These disastrous regulations have had one casualty since they went into effect: the revered Boro Park Matzah bakery, which tragically went up in flames last month. The Fire was at least in part due to the new gas unit installed — that was installed due to the new regulation — which apparently blew up inside the bakery, according to a mashgiach who spoke to Anash.org.)
Last year, FrumNews.com reported that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s office was aware of the oven ban and was considering all legal options against the state of New York to save the Matzah bakeries.
It’s clear now that Matzah bakeries didn’t see that federal relief on the horizon and took this seriously, and are seeking waivers from the city — such as the one we see here.
Some argued for this bill on environmental grounds, including one opinion piece on FrumNews, “this regulation is to save our lungs from further damage,” the author wrote. “The air quality of these levels is harming our quality of life. It is up to us to change that narrative and save ourselves from further damage.”
However, what changed was that the Pupa-Zehlem Matzah Bakery proved to the DEP that their ovens aren’t causing the emissions the city claimed they did.
The post EXCLUSIVE: Matzah Bakery Scores Win As NYC Reverses Course On Oven Ban appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoLakewood, NJ — Legislation reforming New Jersey’s nonpublic school auxiliary services funding program, known as Chapter 192/193, was signed into law by former Governor Phil Murphy as one of his final actions in office.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Avi Schnall, updates and streamlines the way Chapter 192/193 funds are allocated to nonpublic schools, ensuring that existing state dollars are fully utilized to provide compensatory and remedial education services to eligible students—without increasing overall state spending.
Chapter 192 funding was established to support nonpublic school students who require additional educational services. However, the allocation system has long relied on outdated enrollment data, creating significant inefficiencies. In fast-growing communities, this lag has resulted in underfunding, while in other areas it has led to unused allocations that must be returned to the state.
For Fiscal Year 2024 (SY23-24), unused allocations that had to be returned to the state totaled $15,841,336. Lakewood’s portion of that figure was $6,635,333 – more than 40 percent of the total.
Under the new law, funding will be based on current student data and on the actual services delivered by schools, rather than projections. The legislation also requires the Commissioner of Education to ensure that all allocated funds are used within the school year, with adjustments made to maximize per-student services. These changes are intended to increase instructional time, reduce class sizes, and improve program effectiveness, all within existing budgetary constraints.
“This legislation reflects years of collaboration and careful work to fix a system that was not serving students as intended,” Schnall said. “I am grateful to Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office, and especially to Rabbi Shlomo Schorr, for their leadership and persistence in helping move this bill across the finish line.”
The reforms take effect beginning with the upcoming school year and are expected to significantly improve the delivery of auxiliary services to nonpublic school students across New Jersey.
The post Assemblyman Schnall’s Legislation Fixing Funding for Nonpublic School Services Becomes Law appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoBy FrumNews.com
Pennsylvania’s Jewish Governor, Josh Shapiro, who was a frontrunner to be the running mate for Kamala Harris, was apparently asked, “Have you ever been an agent of the Israeli government?” — along with other related inquiries as he was being vetted to be the Vice Presidential pick for the 2024 Democratic ticket, a role that went to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
The question allegedly came from President Joe Biden’s former White House counsel, Dana Remus, who was a key member of Harris’s VP search team, according to Shapiro’s upcoming book.
Shapiro says he took umbrage at the question. Shapiro wrote, “Had I been a double agent for Israel? Was she kidding? I told her how offensive the question was.”
“These sessions were completely professional and businesslike,” Mr. Shapiro asserts, according to The New York Times. “But I just had a knot in my stomach through all of it.”
He was pressed on other questions about Israel, according to the Times. “I wondered whether these questions were being posed to just me — the only Jewish guy in the running — or if everyone who had not held a federal office was being grilled about Israel in the same way.”
The Atlantic reported that the interaction became even more tense, he writes, when Remus asked whether Shapiro had ever spoken with an undercover Israeli agent. The questions left Governor Shapiro feeling uneasy about the prospect of being Harris’s VP pick.
After Harris and Walz lost to Donald Trump, numerous Democrats were critical of her decision to skip over Shapiro, the popular governor of the nation’s largest — and most crucial — swing state.
In the forthcoming book, Shapiro says that the decision may not have been fully hers; he says he had “a knot in my stomach” throughout a vetting process that was more combative than he had expected. Shapiro wrote that he decided to withdraw his name from consideration after a one-on-one meeting with Harris that featured more clashes, including over Israel.
At the time, the Harris campaign called the claim that Governor Shapiro wasn’t picked because he was Jewish, or because of Israel, “absurd” and “absolutely ridiculous and offensive,” according to The Forward.
Now, as the political fortunes of Tim Waltz have ended (after a number of scandals), and Shapiro looks forward to a 2028 run for President — even as the Democratic Party becomes more socialist and anti-Semitic — a bit ironic.
Aaron Keyak, Biden’s former Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism in the U.S. Department of State, slammed the former Harris campaign and the Democratic Party’s vetting system, over the line of questioning — calling it “an antisemitic inquiry,” and that “now and especially during the next Presidential campaign, we must demand better.”
“The minimum demand of Jews in the United States and our allies—even those in public service—is to simply be treated like any other American, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or race. That Governor Josh Shapiro wrote that he was asked if he was a double agent of the world’s only Jewish state is an antisemitic inquiry,” Aaron Keyak said in a statement. “While we can safely assume that asking all potential Vice Presidential picks if they are an Israeli double agent is not included on the standard list, the obvious question is why it was Governor Shapiro who was targeted by the staff of the presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee, Kamala Harris, in particular.”
“The truth is, we almost certainly know why,” Keyak added. “Unfortunately, this is not the first time the U.S. government or a presidential campaign has applied a double standard to American Jews during the vetting process for a wide range of officials. I have heard from too many [people] being asked similar questions over many years and I can speak from personal experience. During my vetting process, I faced questions in a classified setting that my fellow non-Jewish political appointees did not. These sort of antisemitic questions are anti-American and do not represent the best that the Democratic Party offers. Now and especially during the next Presidential campaign, we must demand better.”
The post “Are You An Israeli Agent?” – Governor Josh Shapiro Claims Harris Campaign Grilled Him Over Israel appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoby Rafael Medoff
You wouldn’t think Vladimir Putin, the BBC, and the National Education Association have much in common. But in recent weeks, they have demonstrated that they share a peculiar understanding of the Holocaust—one which omits the Jews.
Putin last week announced the establishment of a “Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Genocide of the Soviet People” by the Nazis during World War II. The actual victims of that genocide, Europe’s Jews, were not mentioned in Putin’s description of what the Nazis did.
Not that this is anything new for the Soviet dictator. Back in 2005, Putin spoke at the site of the Auschwitz death camp about Soviet soldiers who died while liberating Poland from the Nazis, and about other Russians who were killed in World War II. But no mention of the Jews.
Coincidentally, the BBC last week aired a television program about the Kindertransport, which brought 10,000 children from Nazi territory to Great Britain in 1938-1939.
Somehow the writers and producers forgot to mention that nearly all the children were Jewish, and were fleeing antisemitic persecution. According to the London Jewish Chronicle, actress Helen Mirren, who appeared in the program, did mention the word “Jew”—but it was edited out.
Meanwhile, on this side of the Atlantic, the National Education Association—the largest union of public educators—has been circulating a similarly revised version of the Holocaust.
The NEA’s annual handbook contains a description of the Holocaust as having claimed the lives of “more than 12 million victims of different faiths, ethnicities, races, political beliefs, genders, and gender identification, abilities/disabilities, and other targeted characteristics.”
The “12 million” figure was calculated by combining the fatality numbers among various people who suffered in the war, but who were not targeted by the Nazis for mass annihilation. And, incredibly, the NEA did not even mention the actual victims of the genocide, the Jews.
All of this is painfully reminiscent of the way in which President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his administration omitted Jews from their references to the Holocaust—even as the mass murder was still raging.
The Roosevelt administration’s statement announcing a conference in Bermuda in 1943 to discuss the Jewish refugee crisis emphasized: “The refugee problem should not be considered as being confined to persons of any particular race or faith.”
Senior American, British, and Soviet officials met in Moscow later that year to discuss the war effort. Afterwards, they issued a statement threatening postwar punishment for Nazi war crimes against “French, Dutch, Belgian or Norwegian hostages…Cretan peasants…[and] the people of Poland”—but not Jews.
President Roosevelt did not use the word “Jews” even in his 1944 statement commemorating the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto revolt—a revolt by the Jews against the Nazis.
In early 1944, officials of the U.S. War Refugee Board prepared a draft of a statement that they wanted the president to send to the people of Axis-occupied countries, warning them not to collaborate in atrocities against Jews. But White House aides informed the Board that President Roosevelt “wanted the statement rewritten so as to be aimed less directly at the atrocities against the Jews.”
The final version deleted a reference to Jews being murdered “solely because they were Jews.” It also removed three of the statement’s six references to Jews. And it added three introductory paragraphs naming various other nationalities who were suffering because of the war.
In September of that year, the War Refugee Board ran into a similar problem with General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe.
The Board drafted a leaflet which it wanted U.S. planes to drop over Europe, warning civilians to refrain from participating in Nazi atrocities against Jews. But Eisenhower insisted on deleting the leaflet’s reference to Jews. The final version urged readers not to “molest, harm or persecute” any of the “great many men” who were being held by the German authorities, “no matter what their religion or nationality may be.”
Arthur Szyk, the famous artist and Jewish activist, charged that the persecution of Europe’s Jews was being “treated as a pornographical subject—you cannot discuss it in polite society.”
There was a reason behind the Roosevelt administration’s policy of downplaying or denying the Jewish identity of Hitler’s victims. FDR and his advisers were concerned that if they publicly recognized that the Jews were being singled out, then “the various [Allied] Governments would expose themselves to increased pressure from all sides to do something more specific in order to aid these people,” as one State Department official explained in an internal discussion.
Obviously the motives of today’s Holocaust-revisers are different from those of the Roosevelt White House. But whether today’s distorters are motivated by callousness, political convenience, or simply ignorance, the result is the same—the Jews are still regarded as unmentionable.
Dr. Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust. Follow him on Facebook to read his daily commentaries on the news.
• Originally published in the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles – Jan. 14, 2026
The post Op-ed by Rafael Medoff: The Holocaust, Without Jews appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoBy Moshe Phillips
Bangladeshi officials issued statements on Jan. 10 saying that their military should be deployed as part of the planned “International Stabilization Force” in the Gaza Strip. They also claimed that their national security adviser, Khalilur Rahman, also an economist and a former U.N. official, met with members of the Trump administration in Washington and discussed the idea. News reports indicated that the U.S. State Department had no immediate comment on the Bangladeshi claims.
This is very disturbing, as Bangladesh is completely unfit to be involved in any way with future peacekeeping forces in Gaza.
The success of any future “International Stabilization Force” in the Palestinian enclave hinges on one principle: genuine neutrality. Without it, no peacekeeping mission can function. That is why the deployment of Bangladeshi soldiers to the Strip as part of a future force should be a non-starter for U.S. diplomats and mediators.
It is time for the American government to realize that nations with a documented history of hostility toward Israel cannot credibly serve as neutral peacekeepers. Bangladesh does not recognize Israel; officially prohibits trade with Israel; bars its citizens from traveling there; and consistently sides with Israel’s enemies at the United Nations and at other international bodies. It has also persecuted its own citizens who have shown interest in a rapprochement with Israel. These are far from insignificant positions; they are core elements of Bangladeshi state policy toward Israel.
Also troubling is that in 2024, Bangladesh rescinded a ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami Party, which has been linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood rejects Israel’s existence and seeks the destruction of the Jewish state.
In January 2024, Bangladesh accused Israel of violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. That fact alone should rule out Bangladesh from having any role in Gaza.
This libel against Israel was included in a U.N-published 10-page official “Written Statement” from Bangladesh that is little more than a tirade against Israel.
In this “Statement,” Bangladesh places no responsibility on the Palestinian Authority for violence in Judea and Samaria. The P.A. has never fulfilled its obligations under the Oslo Accords, which include fighting terrorism and halting Palestinian incitement. Responsible nations that claim to care about negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Arabs cannot be taken seriously if they ignore P.A. incitement and support for terrorism.
Bangladesh’s 2024 anti-Israel “statement” was outrageous not only for what it omitted, but for how it excused the P.A.’s intransigence by arguing that “the Palestinian people must not be compelled to negotiate.”
This Bangladeshi “Written Statement” also charges Israel with “illegal” acts 23 separate times. Also in the “Statement,” Bangladesh denies Israel’s rights to Jerusalem’s Old City. The statement asserts that Israel is “occupying” what it refers to as “East Jerusalem,” meaning the heart of Jerusalem: the walled Old City where the Western Wall and the Temple Mount, Judaism’s holiest site, are located; the area where, after the 1948-49 war, Jordan destroyed 58 synagogues and desecrated thousands of Jewish gravestones in the Mount of Olives cemetery; and the section of the city where Jordan enforced real-life apartheid by barring Jews from entry for 19 years.
Another highly disturbing part of the 2024 “Written Statement” is Bangladesh’s support for the International Court of Justice’s opinion against Israel’s anti-terror barrier (the so-called “Wall”). Opposing this barrier effectively denies Israel’s right to defend its civilians from terrorism. Given Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria, can one imagine what that day of horrors may have looked like if the anti-terror self-defense barrier had not been in place?
This “Written Statement” and Bangladesh’s other official policies make the idea of its participation in an effective peacekeeping role simply absurd. Peacekeepers must be trusted by all sides if they are to function effectively. Given Bangladesh’s record, Israel cannot reasonably be expected to view Bangladeshi soldiers as neutral actors. Nor should the United States do so.
Washington, therefore, faces a clear responsibility. If the United States wants a credible, functional and genuinely stabilizing international mission in Gaza, then it must make clear that no force involving Bangladesh will receive American diplomatic, financial or military support. A peacekeeping unit cannot include a nation that refuses to maintain any relations with Israel.
Moshe Phillips is national chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel (www.AFSI.org), a leading pro-Israel advocacy and education organization.
The post Op-ed: No Postwar Role for Bangladesh in Gaza appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoBy FrumNews.com
Far Rockaway, NY — Pesach Osina, a longtime frum political staffer and former New York City Council candidate, announced he will seek the seat vacated by Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer-Amato, who represents the Jewish community of Far Rockaway, this coming November.
“In these roles, I wasn’t focused on titles—I was focused on people. I listened, I educated, I advocated, and I helped residents navigate government so they could get real, meaningful results,” Pesach Osina said. “With so much uncertainty, we need elected leaders who understand how to make government work for working people. That’s what I’ve done my whole career, and that’s how I’ll deliver for our communities as our next Assemblymember.”
Pheffer-Amato, the incumbent, swiftly announced her strong endorsement of Osina, saying he “will be a commonsense legislator in Albany by supporting our first responders and law enforcement, fighting to make our neighborhoods more affordable, and standing up for our community.”
“I’m proud to endorse my good friend Pesach Osina for NYS Assembly. I’ve worked hand in hand with Pesach over the last decade and know he will show up and deliver for our community,” said Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato. “Pesach will be a commonsense legislator in Albany by supporting our first responders and law enforcement, fighting to make our neighborhoods more affordable, and standing up for our community. In challenging times like these, we need a leader who knows how to cut through the noise and focus on what’s really important. That’s Pesach Osina and that’s why I’m strongly endorsing him for NYS Assembly.”
“I am running to serve as the next Assemblymember for the 23rd District—not for a title, but to serve, to lead with humility,” Pesach Osina said. “Our communities need a leader who understands the issues on the ground, and can build coalitions across neighborhoods. In a divided city, I will be that bridge – bringing resources, attention, and action to every corner of the district—so that all communities are seen, supported, and able to thrive.”
In a statement, the Osina campaign emphasized his experience as the case of Pesach Osina, saying he “has the experience to lead on day one”, and that for the past two decades “he has been responsive, accessible and has held numerous roles in government, including this Assembly District,” as well as the New York City Comptroller’s office and for the past four years with the New York City Council Speaker’s office.
The campaign also focused on his work during Superstorm Sandy, “Osina worked alongside community leaders and local stakeholders to prepare neighborhoods across the district. As the storm hit, he stayed through the night coordinating with local organizations to reach stranded families. In the months that followed, he traveled throughout the district—helping establish relief sites, working side by side with stakeholders, to ensure that no community, no family, and no individual was forgotten.”
In November, FrumNews reported that Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer-Amato announced she wouldn’t seek reelection in 2026, after 10 years in the job.
In both 2022 and 2024, she narrowly beat GOP candidate Thomas Sullivan for the seat, which was widely reported by FrumNews. In 2024, she won by less than 2000 votes, and in 2022, she won by just 15 votes.
Sullivan confirmed to The Wave, a local news organization, that he will run again in 2026.
The post Pesach Osina Enters Race For Far Rockaway’s State Assembly Seat appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoBy FrumNews.com
Yerushalayim — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it eliminated Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, a terror leader affiliated with the terror organization, Al-Qaeda, who had direct ties to an ISIS terrorist responsible for an ambush, which killed two U.S. service members and an American interpreter in December.
According to Central Command, Al-Jasim was an experienced terrorist leader who plotted attacks and was directly connected with the ISIS gunman, who killed and injured American and Syrian personnel last month in Palmyra, Syria.
“The death of a terrorist operative linked the death of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “There is no safe place for those who conduct, plot, or inspire attacks on American citizens and our warfighters. We will find you.”
German Soldiers load into an LMTV for transportation to the Schützenschnur qualification at Beneswala Range on Oct. 31, 2025. The movement supported seamless integration for partnered forces participating in the joint marksmanship event. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Doniel Kennedy.)
Central Command said it launched large-scale strikes in Syria in response to the Dec. 13 attack. The operation, dubbed Hawkeye Strike, resulted in U.S. and partner forces hitting more than 100 ISIS infrastructure and weapons site targets with over 200 precision munitions.
Additionally, U.S. and partner forces have captured more than 300 ISIS operatives and killed over 20 across Syria during the past year, removing terrorists who posed a direct threat to the United States and regional security, Central Command said.
According to Fox News, Tom Barrack, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (who was also heavily affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the past), Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and members of their team in Damascus on January 10 to discuss recent developments in Aleppo and the broader path forward for Syria’s so-called “historic transition.”
The post “We Will Find You” – U.S. Strike Eliminates ISIS-Linked Terrorist Who Killed 3 Americans in Syria appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoThe Montreal community warmly hosted the National Bnos Agudas Yisroel Leaders Convention, an extraordinary gathering that left a lasting impact on nearly 500 young leaders who traveled from 20 different cities across the globe, including Miami, Los Angeles, and Lakewood. Despite the freezing winter temperatures outside, the atmosphere inside was electric. This year’s event shattered expectations, hitting capacity before the early bird deadline and leaving a significant waiting list.
The convention serves a vital mission: providing Bnos leaders a unique platform to gather with peers from across the globe to realize they are not just leaders in their own cities, but part of a larger, unified movement. By bringing the leaders together, the convention offers a space to network, gain chizuk, and acquire practical tips to bring back to their local branches. The theme, “From Roots to Fruits: Rooted and Responsible,” focused on the importance of strengthening one’s personal spiritual foundations to create a lasting impact on others.
In signature Bnos style, the program offered a perfect mix of practical training and spiritual recharging. The attendees participated in targeted workshops focusing on essential leadership skills and the art of storytelling, complemented by a Game Expo. The sessions were balanced by insights from esteemed speakers. Rabbi Yisroel Besser spoke on the power of Tefillah, while Mrs. M. Paneth discussed the essence of Achrayus. The leaders also engaged in a live “Ask the Menahel” session with Rabbi Menachem M. Karmel and received inspiration from Rabbi Kirzner, Rav of Agudas Yisroel of Montreal.
Beyond the formal sessions, the convention fostered a sense of community through unforgettable shared experiences. The girls enjoyed a Friday bowling trip and a live Cantata presentation, followed by a beautiful Kumzitz and an energetic “Theme Dance.” This combination of tochen and ruach ensured that every participant felt both professionally equipped and spiritually uplifted.
The influence of the convention has already caught the attention of educators and school administrators. One school principal noted that this is the only convention for which she grants her students two full days off, as they return “truly charged and full of substance”. Another school was so moved by the impact on its students that they held an entire assembly dedicated to the convention’s lessons. As one advisor remarked, the inspiration and networking carry the leaders long after the weekend concludes.
“The girls see that they’re part of a bigger picture,” says Mrs. Chana Baila Hass, National Director of Bnos Agudas Yisroel. “They go back home with renewed purpose and enthusiasm”. The effects of the event are set to reverberate for months, with many cities already planning local “mini-conventions” to share the “Bnos Energy” with those who were unable to attend. Bnos Agudas Yisroel extends its heartfelt thanks to the Montreal coordinators, Mrs. Chaya Huttman and Mrs. Chaya Gestetner, for making this “magical” event possible.
To learn more about leadership opportunities or to bring Bnos to your city, please contact [email protected]
The post Rooted and Responsible: National Bnos Agudas Yisroel Leadership Convention Inspires Hundreds in Montreal appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoYerushalayim — ZAKA Search & Rescue volunteers are entering 2026 with a renewed focus on training and preparedness, conducting intensive disaster exercises alongside the IDF Home Front Command. The drills test volunteers’ skills in search and rescue, casualty extraction, operation of specialized equipment, and multi-agency coordination under pressure, preparing responders for both the rescue of the living and the dignified recovery of the deceased.
“Training is the foundation of everything we do,” said ZAKA CEO Dubi Weissenstern. “Our volunteers must be ready not only to save lives but also to honor those who have passed. Every exercise ensures we respond with professionalism, precision, and compassion, giving families a measure of closure in their darkest moments.”
ZAKA’s dual mission is central to its training philosophy. Volunteers practice rapid response to emergencies, from car accidents to collapsed buildings to mass-casualty events, while also emphasizing _Kavod Hameis,_ the dignified handling of human remains in accordance with Jewish faith and tradition. These exercises ensure that victims are treated with respect, and that families can trust their loved ones are cared for when they cannot be present.
“What we do in drills translates directly to how we respond to real-life emergencies,” said ZAKA Vice President of Operations Chaim Weingarten. “Working alongside the IDF Home Front Command allows our volunteers to integrate and operate seamlessly alongside Israel’s emergency services, ensuring that both lives and the dignity of the deceased are protected when every second matters.”
Beyond its drills for volunteers in Israel, ZAKA is expanding its awareness and training programs for U.S. law enforcement leaders. It continues to offer its _Kavod Hameis Awareness Seminar_ nationwide and, in early 2026, will host a more intensive program in Israel for senior law enforcement officials, homicide investigators, and medical examiners. These courses help U.S. agencies understand the religious and cultural needs of the Jewish community in fatal incidents while integrating these considerations into investigative practices.
“By sharing our expertise with U.S. agencies, we help investigators across the United States to better understand the unique customs surrounding Jewish fatalities,” said ZAKA U.S. Executive Director Moshe Rozenberg. “We showcase how Israel has integrated these customs into its emergency and investigative practices and discuss what can be adapted in their own jurisdictions.”
“Every drill, every training session, every partnership matters,” Weissenstern added. “We are investing in preparedness today so that when disaster strikes tomorrow, our volunteers and partners are ready to save lives and honor those who have passed.”
The post ZAKA Invests In Training & Preparedness to Strengthen Rescue & Recovery Ops In Israel & Abroad appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoWashington, DC — In response to recent hate crimes and attacks, a new proposal would create a multi-million-dollar federal grant program to help protect shuls – lehavdil other houses of worship – and at-risk religious institutions from attacks.
The new proposal is contained in the recently released Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026. It will designate “not less than $5 million” of the grant funds provided to state and local police by the U.S. Department of Justice to be awarded to local law enforcement agencies that provide more protection to at-risk religious institutions.
The Orthodox Union Advocacy Center (OUA), the public policy arm of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, praised the proposed grant program, which it helped introduce.
“Jewish communities have been forced to pay what amounts to an ‘antisemitism tax’ to fund private security guards because local law enforcement does not have the resources to meet the rise in antisemitic threats,” OUA Executive Director Nathan Diament said. “This new program will start to alleviate that burden at a crucial moment when antisemitic crimes have skyrocketed.”
OUA worked closely with key congressional allies to introduce and include this new line item in the face of the recent increase in violent hate crimes. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, and Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, spearheaded this effort.
“We thank Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06) for spearheading this effort and taking the Jewish community’s concerns to heart.”
“Last year, I attended the funeral for a young Kansas woman, Sarah Milgrim, who was killed in a targeted, antisemitic attack,” said Senator Moran. “In the months since then, the Jewish community has been rocked by numerous attacks that have prompted increased police presence at synagogues and houses of worship across the country. The freedom to worship is one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. While it is disheartening that places of worship and faith-based organizations are coming under attack, we have a responsibility to protect these institutions and in doing so, protect the rights of Americans of all faiths.”
“In recent years, there has been a significant rise in attacks on houses of worship of Americans of many faiths, including the Jewish community,” said Congresswoman Meng. “As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, public safety is a top priority for me. That’s why I was proud to work across the aisle to secure millions in federal funds to make it easier for houses of worship to hire security personnel. This bipartisan win will help stop incidents before they occur and builds on existing programs that help at-risk institutions enhance their physical security. I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect Americans of all faith communities.”
In the coming weeks, the House of Representatives will vote on the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act, part of the minibus released Monday, as Congress seeks to pass 2026 funding bills before the end of the month.
The post Proposed Multi-Million Federal Grant to Help Protect Shuls From Hate Crimes appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoLakewood, NJ — The room was filled with energy, gratitude, and appreciation as Shomrim hosted its Member Appreciation Event on Tuesday night, honoring the volunteers and partners who stand on the front lines of community safety every day. Community leaders, law enforcement officials, public servants, and families gathered for a powerful celebration of service, sacrifice, and unity.
With nearly 100 highly trained volunteers, Shomrim has become a driving force in public safety across greater Lakewood. From overnight patrols while the community sleeps, to rapid emergency response, to securing massive events with tens of thousands in attendance, Shomrim’s presence is constant, professional, and trusted. Its specialized divisions—ranging from dispatch, first responders, aviation and drone units, search and rescue, surveillance, traffic and event coordination, crime prevention, and violence intervention—operate with one shared mission: keeping the town safe.
What made the evening especially meaningful was the overwhelming show of respect from law enforcement at every level. Shomrim leadership opened the program by recognizing the volunteers and the families who support them. Rabbi Hillel Eisenberg spoke passionately about the responsibility and merit of serving others. Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer delivered a heartfelt message praising Shomrim’s professionalism and reliability, citing countless joint efforts that have prevented crime, led to arrests, and strengthened public trust.
That message was echoed by Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, Mayor Ray Coles, Lt. Colonel Sean Kilcommons of the New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronordy, and Chief Casey Long of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, each emphasizing how extraordinary it is to have a 24-hour volunteer organization of this caliber and how vital Shomrim’s partnership has become to modern public safety.
The night balanced emotion with celebration. Laughter filled the room during a stand-up performance by comedian Ami Kozak, while appreciation awards were presented to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, and Lakewood Police Department. A powerful video recap highlighted Shomrim’s 2025 operations, including security for major regional events, expanded drone and surveillance capabilities, and the quiet vigilance of members who patrol nightly and respond instantly when needed.
In a forward-looking announcement, Shomrim unveiled a new advanced internal operations app designed to dramatically improve dispatch, response time, data security, and coordination, with public features expected to roll out soon.
As the evening came to a close, one message was unmistakable: Shomrim is more than an organization—it is a partnership, a commitment, and a promise. A promise that Lakewood’s safety is guarded every hour of every day, by those who show up, step forward, and serve.
The post Around-the-Clock Heroes: Lakewood Shomrim Celebrates Volunteers and Partners appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoLakewood, NJ — On the final day of voting in the New Jersey Legislature’s current two-year session, Assemblyman Avi Schnall successfully secured $750,000 in critical state funding for two vital organizations serving Lakewood and surrounding communities.
The supplemental funding bill approved by the Legislature includes $500,000 for Tomchei Shabbos of Lakewood and $250,000 for Bridges.
Tomchei Shabbos has been a cornerstone of the community since 1986, providing basic kosher food provisions to thousands of families experiencing economic distress. The organization is widely respected for delivering assistance with discretion and sensitivity, ensuring that individuals and families receive essential support while preserving their dignity.
“Tomchei Shabbos exists to ensure that the basic food needs of every family in our community are met,” said Rabbi Yossi Schreiber, Executive Director of Tomchei Shabbos. “This funding will allow us to continue and strengthen our mission of helping families with care, compassion, and dignity. We are deeply grateful to Assemblyman Schnall for securing this critical support and for recognizing the essential role Tomchei Shabbos plays in caring for those in need.”
The legislation also allocates $250,000 to Bridges, an organization dedicated to supporting families in crisis by providing respite care, host homes, and comprehensive case management. Bridges offers children nurturing environments after school, on weekends, or for longer-term placements when needed, while simultaneously connecting families with therapeutic and practical resources to help them stabilize and thrive.
“I see firsthand how much the right support at the right time can change things for a family,” said Mrs. Rechy Zolty, Founder and Executive Director of Bridges. “Bridges works closely with children and parents during crises, helping bring stability and direction when it’s needed most. This funding allows us to reach more families and do that work thoughtfully and responsibly. We are incredibly grateful to Assemblyman Avi Schnall for his commitment to children and families and for making this support possible.”
Assemblyman Schnall said securing the funding on the final day of the current legislative session was especially meaningful.
“When I joined the Assembly at the beginning of this session, my goal was simple: to help our district on the state level in real, tangible ways,” Schnall said. “In addition to the accomplishments we have – b’siyata d’shmaya – been able to deliver so far, capping off this legislative session by securing additional funding for two such vital organizations is especially fitting. I am deeply grateful that we were able to deliver these resources, and I look forward to continuing this work and accomplishing even more in the next legislative session.”
The post Assemblyman Schnall Secures $750,000 in Funding for Tomchei Shabbos and Bridges on Final Day of Legislative Session appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoBy Shmuel Sackett שמואל סקט
October 7, 2023, will be remembered as the day that changed Israel forever. From the first news report and right up to this very moment, world Jewry “stepped up to the plate” and shared a tremendous burden with fellow Yidden in Eretz Yisroel. From unprecedented donations of money and supplies, to helping fight evil on social media, Jews – in every part of the world – assisted in countless ways… and we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It is now time for us to return the favor.
My dear brothers and sisters across the globe; it has become crystal clear that – despite the difficulties and challenges – there is no better place for a Yid to live other than in Eretz Yisrael. Yes, it’s dangerous at times, but having the knowledge that we don’t need to run to the goyim to protect us… is priceless and special. After escaping and fleeing for 2,000 years, from one country to the next, and literally being defenseless… our future, protection and revenge are – Finally! – solely dependent on our unique partnership between HaShem and our own, Jewish army. No longer must we cower in the Shtetels or send a delegation to the Czar to save us. This time, we call on our own brave men and women and arm them with everything they need to fight like Shimon and Levi. Simultaneously, as they courageously fight the enemy, we pierce the Heavens with our Torah, our Tefillos, Gemillas Chasadim and our tears.
Yes, it’s true that things are a bit scary and often frightening… but we do our best to focus on the privilege and opportunity that HaShem has given us to take our place in Jewish history alongside the great Jewish warriors such as Pinchas, Dovid Hamelech, Yiftach, and Yehuda the Maccabee. How unfortunate that Jews outside the Land of Israel – even in 2025 – still run to the nations of the world to plead for help. We have all seen the speeches in the United Nations and the testimony of students begging for help fighting anti-Semitism. How happy we are when the Mayor of NYC promises to protect us or when a university professor stands up to condemn hatred on campus!
Happy when that happens? Satisfied when an email is sent to students urging tolerance of Jews? Comfortable with off-duty cops patrolling your shul on Shabbos protecting your kids? I have the complete opposite reaction. All of these examples – plus many more – prove that the shtetlach mentality still exists. It shows that despite all of our advances, we still need the goyim to protect us. This is the main difference with life in Eretz Yisroel, where it’s our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts… plus our own fathers and mothers fighting, battling and defending Jewish lives and property. In Israel, we don’t turn to the Eric Adams, Kathy Hochul‘s, Phil Murphy‘s or Gavin Newsom‘s for help. We don’t pay off duty Tony and Vinny to protect our shul and we certainly don’t run to Washington to beg Senators and Congressmen to watch over us.
Yidden of the velt; read my words carefully, not because I am anyone special, but because I say what others are afraid to: Your future is in Eretz Yisroel but until that B’ezrat Hashem happens, make sure you put yourselves in charge of your own security! Every neighborhood, every community needs to have patrols and every shul and Yeshiva needs to be carefully watched by. Those that can apply for a concealed carry firearms permit, should!
Jewish eyes. Should an anti-Semite threaten a Yid in any way – whether in Walmart, the pizza store or on campus – that Jew-hater must be taught a lesson with the Jewish fist, not the Jewish head. We don’t condemn acts of anti-Semitism… we crush the anti-Semites the way Moshe did to the Egyptians. A dear friend of mine told me that last Shabbat, a group of 20 pro-Hamas demonstrators stood outside one of the biggest shuls in London with signs – in Arabic – that said, “Kill the Jews”. My response to him was very clear. Find 30 tough Jews to make sure those protestors can’t walk for 6 months because if not, the 20 protestors will turn into 100 rock-throwing rioters. Now is the time to act!
I cannot emphasize this point enough. Anti-Semitism is growing at an alarming rate and until your Nefesh b’Nefesh aliyah flight touches down in Israel, you must be vigilant in securing all Jewish sites. This means patrols which may affect your work schedule but needs to be done immediately. If you think this is too difficult, here’s a word that will change your mind: Hatzola. The amazing volunteers of this incredible organization worked night and day – including Shabbat and Yom Tov – and have successfully changed our minds in cases of a medical emergency. In Frum communities served by Hatzola, who still calls 911? Answer – Nobody!! That is the mindset what I’m talking about when it comes to securing our neighborhoods.
I am not advocating that there should be no need for Law Enforcement, but when the police are only “just 2 minutes away” and the threat and attack is now… Let Jews defend Jewish homes, businesses, shuls and yeshivas, let Jews teach the haters that we are the descendants of Shimshon, Yoav and the Purim hero; Mordechai where it says; “For the fear of Jews had fallen upon them” (Megillat Esther)
***
Shmuel Sackett is the founder and director of the Am Yisrael Chai Foundation and the popular Yerushalayim Dream Raffle
The post Op-Ed: Jews Outside Israel – Protect Yourselves appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoSydney, Australia — Nearly one month after the deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, CyberWell said online reactions to the attack followed a familiar global pattern. These included the glorification of violence, calls for further attacks against Jews, victim-blaming claims that Jews orchestrated the incident and conspiracy theories portraying it as a Jewish or Israeli “false flag” operation.
As part of its initial review, CyberWell, a nonprofit Trusted Partner of Meta, TikTok and YouTube to address online anti-Semitism, analyzed a sample of 164 pieces of content, which together generated more than 8.1 million views and over 255,000 interactions, including likes, shares and comments. The organization said the sample represents only a partial snapshot of the broader online conversation but mirrors patterns it has documented and previously flagged to platforms, following other antisemitic attacks since Oct. 7, including synagogue arsons in Australia, organized violence in Europe and terrorist attacks and physical assaults in the United States.
CyberWell said that in those cases, online spaces often became arenas where violence was justified, normalized, or redirected toward victims through conspiracy narratives, including claims that Jews orchestrated attacks against themselves.
“We are deeply concerned by the nature and volume of this content. This discourse attempts to quickly erase any acknowledgement of Jews as victims of violence. This type of online antisemitism in the wake of the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack, like other targeted attacks, has one dehumanizing message: that Jews are not worthy of empathy, protection, or sympathy. This purposeful dehumanization and open calls to additional violence we observed in our analysis lay the groundwork for the next attack,” said CyberWell Founder & CEO Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor.
Many posts, the organization said, celebrated the deaths of Jewish victims, praised the attacker, and framed the violence as justified because of the victims’ Jewish identity.
In one example, a post written in Arabic compared the Bondi Beach attack to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, in which 11 Israeli athletes and a German police officer were killed, praising those who murder Jews “generation after generation.”
The group also identified several conspiracy narratives shifting blame from the perpetrator to the victims, including false claims of Israeli military or intelligence involvement, assertions of Israeli “foreknowledge” based on misleading or fabricated Google Trends screenshots and posts claiming that victims’ injuries were staged or exaggerated. CyberWell also found a screenshot of a fake Facebook account under the name ‘David Cohen’ circulating across all major platforms with the image of one of terrorists on it. This was used to support the wild conspiracy claiming that the terrorist was a former IDF soldier.
“When violence against Jews is justified or reframed through conspiracy narratives meant to shift the blame from perpetrators to victims, the harm does not end with the physical attack,” said Cohen Montemayor. “This discourse strips victims of empathy and accountability and helps normalize further violence against a minority group that is viciously under attack.”
CyberWell also noted a shift in how such content spreads online. Rather than being driven mainly by algorithms or bots, much of the amplification after last month’s attack came from real users, in some cases boosted by influencers and recommendation systems that reward sensational or extreme material.
“Post-attack glorification of violence and conspiracy-driven victim blaming are indicators of broader societal risk, including erosion of trust, social cohesion, and the breakdown of perceived truth,” Cohen Montemayor added. “Social media platforms should be leveraging community standards, Trust & Safety mechanisms, and the generative AI to account and mitigate the risks around these conspiracy theories that perpetuate more violence.”
The post Online Reaction to Bondi Beach Attack Glorified Terrorists & Called for Further Violence against Jews appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoSubmitted to the FrumNews inbox
It began with the change of music. Soon, the benchers and washing station were tucked away, hidden in hard-to-see places. Ask the waiter if the bread is Hamotzi or Mezonos and you are met with a blank stare and a mumbled “I’ll check with the manager”. Of course, the manager was none the wiser as they only learned of Kosher and Pas Yisroel the other day. The change crept up on us slowly but soon completely altered the Kosher dining experience.
As Frum Yidden, we still only eat at restaurants with the best Hechsherim in the world, which employ professional Mashgichim who observe the gleaming kitchens and confirm that every lettuce leaf was carefully checked. Our meat comes from the shochtim who are Yirei Shamayim with the strictest chumros. Our bread are baked with Yoshon wheat and the tape on our delivery bags with the Hashgocha symbol on it is the strongest yet. Everything is very Kosher, but hardly Jewish.
Eating out in luxury has its place and is perfectly compatible with our frum life. It is just important to remember that we are eating out as frum yidden. There is something that makes our kosher restaurants different from the treif’e steakhouse down the street. The big sign with many signatures denoting the top-notch hashgacha alongside the A+ health rating sign, along with many awards and positive reviews, only tells a small part of the story. Is this a Jewish restaurant? Will this be a Jewish environment where the things necessary for a frum Jew to enjoy their meal come as easily and naturally as the waiter refilling the glass of water?
For hundreds of years, the marketplaces and Kretchme’s in the Shtetlach of Europe and Russia, the bustling Mellah’s were run by bubby’s, zaidy’s, and innkeepers who all wore their Yiddishkeit on their sleeve. You could not walk into their shop without immediately being enveloped in a world that screamed unapologetically we are Torah Yidden.
This is something that has significantly changed in the past years. That feeling when you walk into a restaurant and you know immediately that you are in a Jewish space is slowly disappearing. No matter how up-scale or exclusive a restaurant, there used to always be the tell-tale signs that you were in a place made for frum Yidden. Now, however, it seems that feeling is slipping away. It is often unintentional on the owner’s part. They are running a high-stakes, stressful business and barely have enough time to walk inside their actual store to see what it looks like as a visitor. They are overworked and can barely concentrate on the bills stacking up and their payroll, let alone check if their waiters are knowledgeable in the specific details and Halachos of frum life.
One way to mitigate this is hiring frum managers. This has the advantage of firstly giving a frum Yid a good parnasah, and secondly having someone on-site who is intimately familiar with the needs of frum Yidden and our unique sensitivities. They are constantly aware of the ambiance of the restaurant and can take steps to make it a more comfortable experience for frum clientele. They will be aware when the playlist plays music that does not belong and can step in when matters need the attention of someone who knows the neighborhood well.
We have also all heard of far too many stories in recent years where, despite restaurants having frum owners, non-kosher food was still brought in and served to unwitting customers. This has led to deep mistrust on the customers’ part that even a store with a good hashgacha can’t prevent such things from happening when all the backroom staff will never be able to really understand why this matter is so important to us. Having a full-time frum store manager, at the bare minimum, will provide an extra set of eyes on the process. Hiring someone well-regarded will give regular customers confidence again that kashrus is something this kosher restaurant takes seriously.
There are only benefits to such an arrangement and providing community members with good paying jobs whilst also raising the standards of our restaurants kashrus is a win win for all.
*
The views expressed here 100% reflect the views of FrumNews Otherwise, we would not have published this opinion piece.
The post Op-Ed: I Ate In a Kosher Restaurant, But Is It a ‘Jewish’ Establishment? appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews4 months agoBy Moshe Phillips
When Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, tweeted on Dec. 9 that America “is in ongoing discussions with Turkey regarding their desire to rejoin the F-35 program,” it should have sent chills through any American who cares about the future of the Middle East. An F-35 stealth fighter jet taking off from Turkey could reach Israeli airspace in about 15 minutes. Cyprus is even closer, and Turkey doesn’t even recognize the Republic of Cyprus.
The reaction to Barrack’s statement was both swift and intense—and that should come as no surprise.
At a summit in Jerusalem on Dec. 22, Greece, Cyprus and Israel adopted a strident tone and agreed to strengthen trilateral cooperation in the Mediterranean. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides signed a joint declaration to advance an energy deal and pledged to “reinforce our ongoing trilateral cooperation on security, defense and military matters.”
Clearly addressing Turkey and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during a joint press conference, Netanyahu stated: “To those who fantasize they can re-establish their empires and their dominion over our lands, I say: Forget it. It’s not going to happen. Don’t even think about it.”
Erdoğan responded by sharply criticizing Israel and Cyprus. “We will not permit the violation of the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots,” he said. About Israel, he said: “Turkey … will not back down, we will not stay silent, we will not forget; we will never leave Gaza alone.”
It is also worthwhile to consider who might come after Erdoğan.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey arriving at a NATO summit in 2018
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is often mentioned as a possible successor and has repeatedly condemned Israeli actions. On Nov. 30, while in Iran, he described Israel as “the biggest threat to stability in the Middle East,” even as he touted expanded Turkish cooperation with Iran on energy, trade, border security and regional security matters.
In August, Fidan said that “Israel’s reckless attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Iran are the clearest sign of a terrorist state mentality defying international order,” and accused Israel of “committing genocide in Gaza for the past two years, ignoring basic humanitarian values right before the world’s eyes.”
While Turkey presents itself as a U.S. ally and a NATO member with regional influence, this nominal status cannot override its extensive ties to Hamas. These ties raise serious questions about whether Turkey should be a recipient of advanced American F-35 fighter jets, especially when Fidan’s frequent anti-Israel rhetoric is taken into account.
For years, Turkey has described Hamas as a “liberation movement” and has not formally designated it as a terrorist organization. Hamas has used Turkish territory as a base for coordination, recruitment and financial operations linked to terrorism. U.S. and allied security services have repeatedly warned about networks tied to Hamas activities on Turkish soil.
Since at least 2023, senior Hamas leaders have had connections with Turkey. Ismail Haniyeh, the former head of Hamas’s political bureau, was killed in Tehran in July 2024, and Turkey publicly mourned his death.
Turkey’s ruling party, the AKP, and Hamas share ideological roots in the broader Muslim Brotherhood movement. Erdoğan has been a vocal critic of Israel’s response to the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and has used his international platform to offer political support to Hamas. And he has consistently rejected characterizing Hamas as a terrorist organization.
Washington must reconsider selling advanced weapons to authoritarian rulers in the Middle East. History shows how quickly allies can turn into adversaries.
Selling cutting-edge weapons like the F-35 to autocratic governments is a national security risk. Congress must act quickly to place strict limits on these sales. Greece, Cyprus and Israel are depending on America to do the right thing.
Moshe Phillips is national chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel (www.AFSI.org), a leading pro-Israel advocacy and education organization.
The post Op-Ed: Washington should hold off on selling F-35s to Turkey appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoby Rafael Medoff
It’s not against the law to paint an antisemitic mural.
But that doesn’t mean that a museum is required to display it—especially when that museum is funded by taxpayers.
The museum in question is the History Colorado Center, a state institution, which commissioned a local artist named Madalyn Drewno to paint a portrait of Denver’s Vietnamese immigrant community.
Drewno decided, instead, to paint a mural showcasing anti-Israel and anti-Jewish themes, with a few Vietnamese-Americans thrown in. The history center objected, and now Drewno and the American Civil Liberties Union are accusing the museum of suppressing her right to free artistic expression.
Several scenes in the mural indulge in Holocaust-inversion, by falsely accusing Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza. One charges U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-Col.) with “funding genocide,” because he supports enabling Israel to defend itself against the mass murderers and gang-rapists of Hamas.
It should be noted that comparing Israeli actions to those of the Nazis—which is what the genocide slur means—is antisemitic, according to the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which the Obama administration began using more than fifteen years ago.
Several of Drewno’s images depict Jewish money controlling American politicians, which is one of the oldest antisemitic canards in the book.
In one, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Col.) has dollar signs instead of eyes. In case anybody misses her meaning, Drewno helpfully explained to the New York Times this week that she was referring to Hickenlooper receiving donations from “pro-Israel lobbyists.”
The mural also has an image of a protester holding a sign that reads, “Congress is Not For Sale,” calling to mind the infamous claim by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) that her colleagues support Israel because they are bribed by the Jews. “It’s all about the Benjamins,” Omar declared.
There are quite a few scenes involving protesters in Drewno’s mural. Some show them waving the official flag of the PLO, a longtime symbol of the campaign to destroy Israel and replace it with “Palestine.” No fewer than thirteen PLO flags appear in the painting.
The most ironic aspect of the mural is its image of someone holding a sign that reads “Sudan Stands with Palestine.” The Biden administration labeled the ongoing slaughter in Sudan as “genocide” because “Arab militias” there “have systematically murdered men and boys—even infants—on an ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence.” That sounds a lot like October 7.
In Sudan, Arabs are massacring non-Arabs. In southern Israel two years ago, Arabs massacred 1,200 non-Arabs. That’s why both the Arab militias of Sudan and Hamas are guilty of genocide.
Thus the sign Drewno painted should say “Sudan Stands with Israel,” alluding to the natural kinship of victims of genocide.
Instead, in her mural, perpetrators of genocide in effect “stand” with other perpetrators of genocide, and Drewno cheers them on. The slogan “Sudan Stands with Palestine” will be remembered for its painful, unintended irony.
In its reporting this week on the Drewno controversy, the New York Times noted that the Colorado town of Vail last year canceled the artist residency of Danielle SeeWalker because, as the Times put it, she “posted a piece on social media that reflects her views on the war in Gaza.”
The problem was not that Vail objected to artists expressing their “views” on Gaza. The problem was that the piece in question promoted the same Holocaust-inverting lie as Drewno’s mural—that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
SeeWalker titled her painting “G is for Genocide,” and wrote this accompanying text: “Some days I have overwhelming grief & guilt for walking around privileged while people in Gaza are suffering.” Instead of expressing her grief by, say, donating her salary to Gazans, SeeWalker opted to invert the Holocaust and sue Vail when it objected.
The town of Vail decided to settle SeeWalker’s suit out of court. It remains to be seen whether Drewno will sue the History Colorado Center.
It’s difficult to imagine that Drewno has any legal grounds to force the taxpayer-funded history center to display her antisemitic mural. But leaving legal technicalities aside, let’s consider the moral angle.
What if the History Colorado Center commissioned an artist to create a mural about the state’s African-American community, and the artist produced a painting that justified lynching and apartheid, and glorified white supremacists marching through black neighborhoods waving racist flags?
Would that qualify as artistic free expression that the public must support and display? Would civil libertarians leap to the artist’s defense? Or would the bigoted mural be shunned?
In the United States, racist and antisemitic artists are free to paint whatever they choose. But that does not mean the public must embrace or fund them.
Dr. Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust. His latest is The Road to October 7: Hamas, the Holocaust, and the Eternal War Against the Jews, published by the Jewish Publication Society & University of Nebraska Press.
• Originally published in the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles – Dec. 19, 2025
The post Op-ed by Rafael Medoff: Art in the Service of Antisemitism appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoEarlier this week, Governor Hochul announced she would sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which would legalize physician-assisted suicide in New York.
Agudath Israel expresses its profound disappointment at Hochul’s announcement. “For over a decade, Agudath Israel has been a leader in opposing physician-assisted suicide. That opposition remains today. We have had dozens of meetings with legislators, presented public testimony, made personal pleas to the governor, and circulated many action alerts, which generated thousands of emails and phone calls. Our longtime opposition, and that of our coalition partners, has surely deferred this day. This law reflects, sadly, societal shifts on the value of life.”
This past July, in a letter to the governor, Aguda wrote that the legislation would represent a paradigm shift in how New York treats life and its most vulnerable citizens. It raises a host of deep moral, medical and religious concerns.
“While we appreciate the proposed amendments to the new bill that would add additional safeguards against abuse of the newly created right to assisted suicide (in addition to the two clauses added last year a) to allow medical practitioners to decline participation without fear of sanctions, and b) to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage for end of life treatment), our opposition to the bill remains steadfast,” Aguda wrote in a statement.
“Physician-assisted suicide crosses a moral line that has long been sacrosanct. It no longer is. This is a dark day.”
The post “A Dark Day” – Hochul To Sign Bill Legalizing Physician-assisted Suicide in NY appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoA great night at the White House Chanukah party with the best President ever @realDonaldTrump @howardlutnick @AAGDhillon pic.twitter.com/R6NG5iNFhO
— Sheya Landa (@LandaSheya) December 17, 2025
The post Picture of the Day appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoLakewood, NJ — Assemblyman Avi Schnall is co-sponsoring new legislation that would fix one of the biggest problems in New Jersey’s school funding system: how the state pays for special education.
According to Schnall’s office, under the current system, the state funds special education by assuming that 16 percent of students in any district need special education services. But in Lakewood – the 30th District’s largest municipality – the public school census lists only about 5,000 students, even though the town is home to more than 60,000 school-aged children. Thousands of these children receive special education services funded by the public school system while attending specialized nonpublic programs such as the School for Children with Hidden Intelligence (SCHI) and the Special Children’s Center. Because the formula only counts public school enrollment, these students were left out completely.
“For years, school districts across New Jersey have been shortchanged by a formula that never reflected reality,” Schnall says. “Districts with large and diverse student populations were hit especially hard. In the 30th Legislative District, no community has felt this more acutely than Lakewood. The result has been devastating underfunding year after year.”
The effects became clear last year when Governor Murphy temporarily fixed the formula and counted Lakewood’s full student population. That adjustment resulted in an additional $10 million for the district.
“That wasn’t a bonus,” Schnall says. “That was a restoration of what our students should have been receiving all along. It demonstrated how urgently this fix is needed.”
The new legislation, introduced in the Senate by Senator Vin Gopal and in the Assembly by Assemblywomen Margie Donlon, Luanne M. Peterpaul, and Verlina Jackson-Reynolds, would make this correction permanent. Rather than relying on the limited public school census, the state would fund special education based on real enrollment numbers.
“By funding based on real school counts, we ensure that districts are no longer penalized simply because their public school census fails to capture the full scope of their student populations,” Schnall said after signing on as a co-sponsor of the bill.
Beyond fixing the formula, the bill also increases transparency by requiring clear public explanations of how state aid is calculated. It strengthens the Educational Adequacy Report process, which guides school funding statewide, and creates a Special Education Funding Review Task Force to recommend future improvements.
Assemblyman Schnall expressed his appreciation for the bipartisan coalition behind the effort. “I thank Senator Gopal for his leadership, and I am grateful to my Assembly colleagues for championing this legislation. Our students, families, and educators deserve nothing less than a funding system that is accurate, fair, and sustainable.”
The post Assemblyman Schnall Co-Sponsors Legislation to Fix New Jersey’s Broken Special Education Funding Formula appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoFrom “Hidden Lights: Chanukah and the Jewish/Greek Conflict” (David Dov Publications, 2005, pp. 41-3) by Rabbi Pinchas Stolper (1931–2022) based on a lecture by Rav Yitzchok Hutner (1906–1980) in 1978.
Presented by Rabbi Yitschak Rudomin
“What is the significance of the eventual Jewish Maccabean victory over Greece? The Ancient Greeks under Alexander the Great (356 BCE–323 BCE) had conquered Judea about 2,300 years ago and prided themselves in their great Greek philosophy. Ancient Greek wisdom tore chunks from the Torah as it has been doing throughout the ages. The essential Chanukah miracle, greater even than the miracle of the Temple Menorah or the miracle of ‘the weak and the few who overcame the strong and the many’ (i.e. the eventual military victory of the Maccabees against the Greeks) was the initiation of a new era of Torah learning and transmission. The rekindling of the Temple Menorah on Chanukah represents this new era of Torah transmission. The Temple Menorah was located in the southern side of the Temple. For this reason the Talmudic Sages teach: ‘He who wishes to pursue wisdom should face south’ (Baba Basra 25b); i.e. the acquisition of Torah wisdom is symbolized by the Menorah itself.
We have already mentioned (in previous lectures) that the Chanukah menorah is an extension of the Temple Menorah. As we light the menorah on Chanukah, we say, ‘These lights are holy, it is forbidden to make use of them; we are only permitted to gaze on them.’ The rule that ‘it is forbidden to use the Chanukah lights’, says the RAN (Rabbi Nissim of Gerona, 1290–1376), derives from the laws governing the Temple Menorah. The Temple Menorah was the flame of Klal Yisrael — the Jewish collective. On Chanukah, we place the Temple Menorah in the home of each and every Jew to mark the transition from collective Torah to the Torah of the individual.
The Beis Hamikdash (Jewish Temple in Jerusalem) is a sacred precinct. Reshus G’vohah (‘higher domain’), sanctified and elevated territory, while the outside world is secular territory. While it is true that all of ‘the earth is the Lord’s,’ Jewish Law defines the world as secular territory. Even if on some level everything in the world is sanctified and belongs to G-d, Halachically (according to Jewish Law) only the Holy Jewish Temple in Jerusalem is sacred territory.
On Chanukah, when we install the flame of the Temple Menorah in each Jew’s home, each Jewish home becomes sacred territory. G-d said to a dejected Aaron the High Priest (Moses’ brother), ‘Your portion is greater than theirs’ (i.e. greater than the other heads of the Tribes of Israel) because your Menorah will glow forever!
When we say in the Chanukah prayers: ‘You created a great and holy Name in Your world,’ means that G-d’s Name is holy not only in the Temple, but also in the home of each Jew. This is accomplished through the annual re-enactment of the Chanukah miracle. The Temple Menorah has now become the menorah of each individual Jew. As each Jew installs the sacred menorah in his home, its light spreads from there to the world.
The phrase in the Chanukah prayers: ‘You have made for Yourself a great and Holy Name in Your World’ refers to the task of each Jew and every Jewish home to serve as an instrument for generating and disseminating sanctity. The collective Torah of Klal Yisrael is now the Torah of the individual through the instrumentality of the Chanukah Menorah.
From the time of the confrontation with Ancient Greece over 2,300 years ago, until the destruction of the Second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem by Ancient Rome about 2,000 years ago, the Jewish People underwent a major transformation. Until this period inspiration came from the Jewish Biblical Prophets, from the multifaceted Jewish Temple, and from the presence of G-d as a readily apparent force. The Jews were inspired by external experiences. Beginning with Chanukah and the confrontation with Ancient Greece, motivation had to come from within each individual Jewish person.
So long as the Jewish Biblical Prophets proclaimed the Divine message of G-d, so long as the Jewish Temple stood, these institutions carried the Jewish People. They were the source of instruction, inspiration and motivation. The Anshei Knesses Hagedolah (‘Men of the Great Assembly’ that lived about 2,500 years ago) and the Sanhedrin (the highest Jewish Court that coexisted with the Jewish Temples at the time the Jewish Temples stood) defined the Jewish People. Then (after the decline and destruction of the Jewish Temples) a new era dawned. The Temple Menorah, so to speak, was ‘installed’ in each Jewish home (in miniature) in the form of the Chanukah menorahs. From then on and into the future until the present, Torah tradition had to be borne aloft by inspired Jewish individuals.
This is how Jewry prepared for 2,000 years of exile following the destruction of the Second Jewish Temple 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Each Jewish home was transformed into a (‘miniature’) Jewish Temple; like the ancient Maccabees individual Jews demonstrated martyrdom and heroism throughout the ages. Holiness could no longer be obtained from the Jewish Biblical Prophets and the fallen Jewish Temples, now it had to glow from within each individual Jew and each Jewish home wherever they may exist and be found. Simultaneously on the other hand, the Jewish People had also become equipped with the wherewithal to provide that glow of the Chanukah lights that represented the glow of Torah.”
• This article was first published in Israel National News
The post Chanukah: Rav Yitzchok Hutner on the significance of the Maccabees’ victory over the Greeks appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoJoin us for an uplifting Shabbos experience in the Poconos, featuring world-renowned speaker Rabbi Shais Taub. This exclusive weekend, taking place January 30 – February 1 (12–14 Shevat) at the Bushkill Inn, offers a unique blend of spiritual inspiration, relaxation, and family-friendly programming.
Guests will enjoy inspiring sessions with Rabbi Taub, Motzei Shabbos entertainment with Dr. Schnitzel, and a gourmet culinary experience throughout Shabbos.
The weekend also includes access to an indoor heated pool, elegant ballrooms, comfortable hotel rooms, a 24-hour tea room, and a Musical Kumzitz. Only 55 rooms will be sold creating a intimate warm atmosphere. Babysitting and day camp services are available, making it ideal for families with children.
Whether you’re seeking a meaningful weekend getaway or looking to recharge, this Shabbaton will be spiritually enriching and deeply refreshing. For more information or to reserve your room, email [email protected] or call 201-298-3299.
And when Shabbos ends, the fun continues! Hit the slopes for snow tubing and skiing, and catch the amazing Midwinter Concertfeaturing Benny Friedman, Avraham Fried, and Moshe Tischler — get concert details at MidwinterConcert.com
The post Shabbos in the Poconos: A Serene, Inspiring Winter Retreat appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoLast Tuesday afternoon marked the first day of operations at Masbia’s newest food pantry, located in the yard of Congregation Shearith Israel, the historic Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue on the Upper West Side. The pantry served local families through both pickup appointments via the Plentiful app and home deliveries through DoorDash.
“While most of the equipment needed for full operation is still on its way, we were committed to beginning service before Hanukkah, just as we announced,” said Alexander Rapaport, Executive Director of the Masbia Soup Kitchen Network.
Masbia was invited by America’s oldest Jewish congregation, founded in 1654, to open this new annex as part of Shearith Israel’s celebration of America turning 250 years old. The partnership emphasizes sharing with others and strengthening community ties through acts of giving.
In preparation for the opening, Masbia contacted rabbis across Manhattan to identify families in need of Kosher food assistance and created a delivery list to reach them directly. The pantry is also open to the general public through Plentiful, where pickup appointments become available 24 hours in advance. For those without the app, appointments can be made by texting FOOD to 726879, where an automated chatbot assists with scheduling.
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce\_SELRES\_start"></span>
On its first day, the new annex served about a dozen families in person and sent out nearly three dozen home deliveries. Masbia expects these numbers to increase significantly as more people become aware of the new resource.
One of those showing up, at the beginning, was an elderly woman who arrived with her service dog. She told the Masbia staff that she was blind and needed help identifying each of the nearly 50 items we were giving out that day. The staff went through them one by one, slowly, patiently, and she chose what she felt she could manage to carry home in her knapsack. She made careful decisions as every item mattered. Even the 3-pound bag of onions, she asked to open so she could take only a few. But when she heard there was a pack of chicken, her face lit up. That was the item she was most excited to bring home.
Later, back at the office, staff looked up her name in Plentiful, and called the number on her profile. She was asked whether she might prefer DoorDash home delivery, part of Masbia’s partnership to help clients who cannot easily carry food back themselves. She was overjoyed. On the phone, she shared her full name with us for the first time and confirmed her address. From now on, she will receive deliveries directly to her home, without having to choose between the food offered and what she can physically carry.
To support Masbia’s efforts or learn more, please visit www.masbia.org
Masbia relief food distribution at Congregation Shearith Israel The Spanish and Portuguese synagogue, Manhattan NY Photo by Stefano Giovannini
The post Masbia Opens New Annex on the Upper West Side at Congregation Shearith Israel appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoTax credits for K-12 scholarships are one step closer to implementation.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced they are seeking feedback on key issues related to the new federal scholarship tax credit (FSTC).
Starting in 2027, the FSTC allows individual taxpayers to contribute to a nonprofit scholarship granting organization (SGO) and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit worth up to $1700. The SGO then pools the funds and distributes scholarships to eligible students for a wide range of K-12 educational expenses including private school tuition However, in order for SGOs to be approved, the state in which they are located must opt in to the tax credit and include them on a list sent to Treasury.
The administration’s first official memo on the FSTC included some encouraging hints about where they may end up on key issues, such as the role of governors in approving scholarship organizations. Agudah helped draft a coalition letter to the Treasury earlier this year with initial comments and will be following up with additional recommendations. Agudah will also be providing guidance to other stakeholders who want to submit comments to Treasury before the December 26th deadline.
Agudath Israel of America celebrated the announcement.
“We thank Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Assistant Secretary Ken Kies for sharing our sense of urgency in prioritizing this tax credit in rule-making,” said Rabbi A. D. Motzen, Agudath Israel of America’s national director of government affairs. “This game-changing legislation has the potential to generate billions of dollars to enhance the education of children in all 50 states and we look forward to working with Treasury and other stakeholders to get it right.”
The post Nationwide K-12 Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Inches Forward appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoUPDATE Dec. 10: Frumnews.com has learned that NYC inspectors have continued to crack down on fining Grocery stores in Crown Heights and other neighborhoods.
UPDATE Nov. 23: Frumnews.com has learned learned that other stores have been targeted in Crown Heights.
Original post Nov 20:
By FrumNews.com
Brooklyn, NY — New York City officials are fining Grocery stores in Boro Park and Crown Heights for distributing plastic bags, a regulation the city imposed a while back, but never enforced.
Earlier this week, BoroPark24 reported that inspectors issued separate fines for each cash register, resulting in significant penalties for some Kosher grocery stores in Boro Park.
For now, the stores absorbed the cost, but the burden is already being felt. “This is a new reality,” a grocer told BP24. “We received many fines at once, and we simply cannot keep absorbing these costs.”
FrumNews was informed that a Crown Heights Kosher store, The Market Place, informed customers that they would not be supplying grocery bags at the register.
According to the law, businesses are required to collect a non-taxable 5-cent fee from customers on paper carryout bags, with some exceptions. You can avoid paying the paper bag fee by bringing your own reusable bags to stores. Stores are required to allow the use of reusable shopping bags.
***
Photo: David Katash/frocksinstock
Over the decade that liberals tried to shoehorn this “tax” on New Yorkers, frum legislators—Simcha Felder, Chaim Deutsch, Kalman Yeger, and Simcha Eichenstein—rallied against the law, which hurts the frum community. Even after it passed, Felder pushed a bill that would reverse the tax.
“I am completely opposed to the legislation…requiring retail and grocery stores to charge at least 10 cents for paper and plastic bags at retail and grocery stores,” then-State Senator Simcha Felder said in 2013. “New Yorkers cannot afford the basics, and now the City Council is essentially telling the average New Yorker who’s in trouble, ‘not only are you suffering, but we’re really going to stomp on your head by charging you 10 cents extra per bag.’ This is nothing more than a tax and an attempt to make money. People are already overtaxed and overburdened…It was a tax five years ago, and it’s still a tax today.”
Perhaps because of the heavy backlash by the frum legislators and their community, officials never really enforced the law on Kosher supermarkets, but now that’s changing.
One askan told FrumNews, “Now the officials are going specifically to the so-called ‘Hasidic’ community, because according to officials, they are separate from the wider Jewish community and they can easily target them, just like during COVID.”
“Kosher food is expensive enough, so why is the city making it even more expensive and unmanageable?” a Crown Heights resident told FrumNews. “Here in Brooklyn, where more people shop without a car, this law just makes life harder.”
***
Kosher grocers are urging residents to bring reusable bags to avoid extra charges and help stores stay compliant. “Reuse your bags so you won’t get charged all the time,” a grocer told BP24—hoping that cooperation from the community would ease the burden of the new regulations.
The post NYC Cracks Down: Kosher Groceries Hit With Wave of Bag Fines (Updated) appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoCedarhurst, NY — Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his bid for New York governor, taking on Rep. Elise Stefanik for the GOP nomination, and potentially Democratic incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul.
For weeks, speculation over whether Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a longtime friend of President Trump, would take the fight to Stefanik was brewing. He is a known commodity in Downstate New York as a firebrand Republican in an overall Democratic part of the City. In the November election, Blakeman got 56% of the vote in Nassau County—more than the barely 50% Mamdani got in all of New York City.
In interviews following the announcement, Blakeman said he would be using his track record in Nassau County as a model for how he would handle crime and rising costs.
“New York is desperate for change, for new leadership that will put New Yorkers first,” said a narrator in Blakeman’s two-minute ad announcing his candidacy. “For too long, Albany has been controlled by one party, the Democrats. We need a strong Republican, one who will take the fight to Hochul and her liberal policies that are causing taxes, utility bills and crime to soar.”
In October, Stefanik launched her campaign with a post on social media, calling Hochul—who endorsed Zohran Mamdani against her former boss Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral race—“the worst governor in America,” a line Republicans have been calling her for months.
For Blakeman, it will be an uphill battle with Stefanik, who, as previously reported by FrumNews.com, secured support from many Republicans, including Congressman Mike Lawler and 58 County GOP Chairs representing over 75% of the New York Republican Party’s weighted vote in her campaign for Governor.
In the 2022 gubernatorial election, GOP nominee Lee Zeldin (who is now Trump’s EPA head) ran up the numbers against Hochul, losing by just 6%. In 2024, Trump improved his vote share from 38% in 2020 to 43%. Now with Mamdani coming onto the stage—and with Hochul’s low polling numbers—Stefanik and New York Republicans are hoping the political winds will change over the next 11 months against New York Democrats.
The post It’s Official: Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman Enters New York’s Governor Race appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoNetanyahu addressed his request for a pardon from President Isaac Herzog during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is on a visit to Israel, vowing that he would “not retire from politics in exchange for a pardon.”
Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a formal request for a pardon from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, saying it would free him to “tackle national security without trial distractions.”
President Donald J. Trump
The request comes after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened in a letter to President Herzog, requesting a pardon for the Prime Minister, labeling the corruption charges against Netanyahu as a political attack on a strong wartime leader.
The ongoing trials since 2020 charge Netanyahu with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, which the Prime Minister and his allies have called a political witch hunt.
President Herzog said he will consider Netanyahu’s pardon request after getting all the necessary legal opinions. That process could take two months.
The post Netanyahu: “I Won’t Retire From Politics In Exchange for a Pardon.” appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
FrumNews5 months agoBy FrumNews.com
Paris, France — Leila Y., a 42-year-old Algerian Muslim woman, was hired by a French Jewish family as a live-in nanny in a Paris suburb in January 2024.
But just a month later, she was accused and arrested for mixing toxic household products into the Jewish family’s food and drink, which resulted in them falling sick for over eight days, including three young children, Baruch Hashem, they survived.
The family grew suspicious of Leila, who was hired using a fake Belgian ID, after tasting drinks and dishes with strange flavors. But the investigation shifted dramatically after the family’s 5-year-old testified that she saw the nanny pour a soapy liquid into a bottle of alcohol.
They also alleged that, after Leila left the home the evening before, there was foam on a bottle of grape juice and a bleach smell coming from a bottle of wine.
During later interviews, the children also reported that the nanny “regularly asked them questions about religion,” according to the Daily Mail.
After her arrest, Leila admitted to using a soap-based lotion as “punishment” and “warning” related to salary issues.
Toxicology results showed that massive amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chemical agents were found in the wine, whisky, fig brandy, grape juice, and pasta.
The nanny, who has been detained since February, is set to be tried at the Nanterre Criminal Court in December for “administering a harmful substance resulting in incapacity exceeding eight days, committed on the grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion.”
The nanny didn’t even try to justify or deny her actions. On the contrary, she said blatantly, “I never should have worked for a Jew. They have money and power. This brought me only problems.”
In other words, she tried to murder them for being Jewish.
The post “Absolutely Horrifying” – Anti-Semitic Nanny On Trial For Poisoning French Jewish Family In Their Paris Home appeared first on FrumNews.com – News For The Frum Community!.
