New York, NY (May 27, 2026)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s housing agenda is facing sharp criticism that the plan could shift too much control over private apartment buildings toward government-backed nonprofits and tenant-led entities.

The debate intensified after Councilwoman Vickie Paladino warned that parts of the administration’s approach could place major real estate assets under the control of nonprofit organizations, raising questions about oversight, accountability, and the long-term impact on property owners. The proposal could discourage investment in rental housing and create opportunities for mismanagement if large sums of public money flow through outside organizations.

Mamdani’s housing plan is aimed at expanding affordable housing, preserving existing rent-regulated units, and cracking down on landlords accused of severe neglect. The administration has promoted the initiative as a way to protect tenants living in deteriorating buildings while creating clearer pathways for residents, nonprofits, or community-based groups to take over troubled properties in certain cases.

Supporters claim the policy is necessary because some landlords have allowed buildings to fall into dangerous conditions while tenants wait months or years for repairs. They argue that stronger legal tools could force improvements and prevent housing from being lost to neglect.

Opponents counter that New York City has a poor record managing its own public housing portfolio and should not expand its role in private property oversight without stronger safeguards. They also warn that nonprofit control of distressed buildings could become a costly system with limited transparency if the city does not establish clear rules for funding, management, and performance.

HOLY CRAP. NYC Councilwoman just exposed that Mayor Mamdani's plan to transfer ownership away from landlords will go into "NONPROFITS" to the tune of BILLIONS

It's a recipe for fraud. The 3rd world scammer is ripping everybody off!

"They want to take this and fund this all… pic.twitter.com/PCkZgMOrtc

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 27, 2026

The New York Post Editorial Board EVISCERATES Socialist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s radical plan to LEGALLY SEIZE buildings from landlords deemed to be in bad shape — and hand them over to tenants, nonprofits, or community land trusts. Headline: “Mamdani’s Plan to Squash Private… pic.twitter.com/uxwWLzPPsm

— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) May 27, 2026

After nearly two months and multiple extenders, Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders have finally reached an agreement on the 2026–27 New York State budget. The budget includes several important gains for New York’s yeshivas and nonpublic schools, reflecting priorities advanced by Agudath Israel and its coalition partners throughout this year’s legislative session.

At a time of rising antisemitism and increasing security threats facing Jewish institutions, security remained a major priority during budget negotiations. The budget includes $90 million for the Nonpublic School Safety Equipment (NPSE) program, a significant increase that will help yeshivas and nonpublic schools address the growing costs of protecting students and school facilities. The budget also includes an additional $35 million for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC) program for a two year total of $70 million, bringing Governor Hochul’s total investment in the program since taking office to more than $131 million.

The budget also continues to support the Mandated Services Program (MSA), the largest source of state funding provided to nonpublic schools. The agreement allocates nearly $246 million for Mandated Services Aid and CAP (Comprehensive Attendance Program) reimbursements, continuing a critical funding stream for Yeshivas and nonpublic schools statewide. Agudath Israel also appreciates the recent release of approximately $20 million to help address prior-year MSA shortfalls, providing meaningful relief to schools still awaiting reimbursement for services already performed.

Furthermore, the budget includes language establishing buffer zones around houses of worship and educational institutions amid growing concerns over harassment and protests targeting these locations. The provision also supersedes any local buffer-zone laws enacted by municipalities. Agudath Israel especially appreciates Governor Hochul’s leadership in prioritizing this issue during budget negotiations and her continued commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting those attending religious services across New York.

These achievements reflect the efforts of dedicated grassroots activists and community members who traveled to Albany, met with legislators, and made their voices heard throughout the budget process. Agudath Israel is also grateful to work alongside coalition partners including New York State Catholic Conference and Teach NYS in advocating for the needs of nonpublic schools and families.

“We are encouraged by many of the provisions included in this budget agreement,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations for Agudath Israel of America. “At a time when schools and families are facing real challenges, these investments in security and nonpublic school support will make a meaningful difference for communities across New York. We thank Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and the many legislators who worked to ensure these priorities were included.”

Brooklyn, NY (May 27, 2026)

Members of the Park Slope Food Coop voted Tuesday night to approve a boycott of Israeli products, ending a years-long internal battle that has deeply divided the well-known Brooklyn grocery cooperative.

More than 7,000 members participated in the virtual meeting, a turnout described by longtime members as the largest in the co-op’s 53-year history. The meeting had been moved online after some Jewish members raised safety concerns about attending in person amid months of heated debate and allegations of intimidation.

The boycott passed by a margin of 67 percent to 31 percent, with 2 percent abstaining. The vote followed an earlier procedural decision that lowered the threshold for approving boycotts from a 75 percent supermajority to a simple majority. That change passed with 61 percent support, allowing the later Israel boycott measure to succeed. Had the prior supermajority rule remained in effect, the measure would not have passed.

The dispute centered on whether the co-op should remove a small number of Israeli grocery items as part of a broader boycott campaign targeting Israel. The debate intensified after October 7 and became one of the most contentious issues in the co-op’s history, drawing far more participation than its usual meetings, which often attract only a small fraction of the membership.

Jewish members who opposed the measure said the process was unfair and contributed to an atmosphere in which many felt targeted or unsafe. Some criticized a move to proceed directly to a vote without allowing additional opposing speakers, while others raised concerns about technical problems during the Zoom polling process and suggested the matter could face further challenges.

Supporters of the boycott argued that the co-op has a history of taking political and social stands and said the vote reflected the will of the membership.

The decision marks a major turning point for the Park Slope institution, but it is unlikely to end the controversy. The vote has left many members questioning the future of the co-op’s internal culture and whether the highly charged debate will lead to resignations, legal disputes or lasting divisions.

Washington, D.C. (May 27, 2026)

A renewed effort in Congress to make daylight saving time permanent is drawing concern from observant Jewish communities, where leaders warn that darker winter mornings could seriously disrupt daily schedules built around Shacharis and school start times.

The proposal, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, has gained fresh momentum after advancing through a House committee as part of a broader legislative package. President Donald Trump has voiced support for ending the twice-yearly clock changes, and House Republicans have promoted the measure as a way to provide more evening daylight and reduce the disruption caused by resetting clocks each spring and fall.

For many frum families, however, the concern is not the end of clock changes but the choice of permanent daylight saving time rather than permanent standard time. Under year-round daylight saving time, sunrise would come an hour later during the winter months. In several major cities, that could push sunrise past 8 a.m. for extended periods, and in some western portions of time zones, close to or beyond 9 a.m.

That shift could create major challenges for men who daven Shacharis before work, yeshivos and girls’ schools setting morning schedules, and parents trying to balance carpool, chinuch and employment obligations. Since halachic morning prayer times depend on dawn and sunrise, a later sunrise would make many early minyanim impractical or significantly more complicated during parts of the winter.

Jewish community advocates say the issue requires serious attention from lawmakers before any final vote. While many Americans support ending the twice-a-year clock change, the debate over whether the country should remain on daylight saving time or standard time carries real consequences for religious communities, schoolchildren and morning commuters.

The legislation has not yet become law and would still need full congressional approval before taking effect. Still, the bill’s advancement has prompted renewed calls for elected officials to consider the impact on communities whose daily religious obligations are closely tied to natural daylight.

JUST IN: President Trump announces legislation has ADVANCED to make PERMANENT Daylight Saving Time through the Sunshine Protection Act — and demands Congress make it LAW

No more time changes soon!

"This is so important in that Hundreds of Millions of Dollars are spent… pic.twitter.com/VBHfUBFeIz

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 21, 2026

Los Angeles, CA (May 27, 2026)

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit against the University of California, alleging that UCLA failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from antisemitic harassment, discrimination and violence following the October 7 Hamas attacks.

The complaint focuses heavily on the April 2024 anti-Israel encampment at UCLA’s Royce Quad, where protesters allegedly set up barricades, checkpoints and restricted access to parts of campus. Federal officials say Jewish and Israeli students were blocked from classrooms, libraries and walkways, and in some cases were pressured to disavow Zionism before being allowed to pass.

The lawsuit alleges that students were subjected to physical attacks, threats, pepper spray and other forms of intimidation. Federal officials also cited allegations that some students were beaten or struck during the unrest, including one who was seriously injured during violent clashes.

According to the complaint, protesters created organized barriers and groups that controlled access to campus areas, while university officials failed to enforce school rules or intervene quickly enough. Federal officials described the encampment and surrounding clashes as a severe disruption that left many Jewish students afraid to attend class or move freely around campus.

The Justice Department says UCLA violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by showing deliberate indifference to a hostile educational environment based on Jewish and Israeli identity. The suit also alleges that more than 100 complaints from Jewish and Israeli students were not adequately addressed.

Federal officials cited internal findings indicating that UCLA leadership allowed the encampment to continue for days despite repeated reports of harassment and intimidation. The complaint says the university’s inaction led many Jewish students to avoid campus, consider transferring or feel excluded from normal student life.

The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in federal scrutiny of campus antisemitism following the wave of anti-Israel demonstrations that spread across universities after October 7. The Justice Department says universities receiving federal funds are legally required to protect students from discrimination and must respond decisively when targeted harassment interferes with education.

By: Rabbi Shay Tahan

The Israel Day Parade on Fifth Avenue is one of the most visible annual expressions of solidarity with the Jewish community and the State of Israel in New York City. Tens of thousands of participants—schools, synagogues, community organizations, and public figures—march through the city in a public display of identity, unity, and support. Because of its scale and visibility, the participation of elected officials, particularly the mayor of New York, is widely viewed as more than ceremonial. It is often understood as a public statement about how the city’s leadership relates to its Jewish community and whether it chooses to visibly stand with it in moments of communal expression.

Against this backdrop, when a sitting mayor does not participate in the parade, the discussion in the community is not limited to questions of scheduling or protocol. For many, it raises a broader sensitivity that Jewish tradition itself recognizes: the meaning of public presence and public absence at moments that carry communal and national symbolism.

Don’t be mistaken, this is not about needing his approval or seeking his friendliness, but about trying to understand the significance of how such a decision is perceived in the public sphere—especially when it contributes to a sense of distance or ambiguity regarding support for a deeply important communal expression.

In Torah, and later in Tanach, there is repeated attention to how leaders—both within Israel and outside it—publicly align or distance themselves from the Jewish people, and how their visibility or lack of it shapes perception, morale, and legitimacy.

Pharaoh

The very first thing Pharaoh did was not to enslave the Jews, but to publicly speak against the nation of Israel and portray them as a threat. “And Pharaoh said to his people: ‘Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us.’”
— (Shemot 1:9)

Only afterward did the persecution begin — first the slavery, and later the decrees against the Jewish babies.

The Torah emphasizes that before the physical oppression came the public rhetoric. Pharaoh first shaped public perception, presenting the Jewish people as dangerous and unwanted, and only then moved toward open persecution. The delegitimization preceded the oppression.

Balak

The same pattern appears with Balak. Before attempting to harm Israel through Bilaam’s curses, Balak first turns publicly to his people and frames the Jewish nation as a threat. The pasuk states: “Moav said to the elders of Midian: ‘Now this congregation will lick up all our surroundings, as an ox licks up the greenery of the field.’”— (Bamidbar 22:4)

Again, before any direct attack takes place, there is first the public rhetoric — portraying Israel as dangerous, unwanted, and threatening to society around them. Only afterward does Balak move toward active attempts to curse and destroy the nation.

Korach

This technique is used not only by the enemies of Israel, but even within internal Jewish conflicts. Before Korach openly challenges Moshe Rabbeinu, the Torah describes: “ויקח קרח”— (Bamidbar 16:1)

Rashi famously explains: “לקח את עצמו לצד אחד, להיות נחלק על העידה” — Korach first separated and distanced himself, placing himself on the opposite side before beginning the actual confrontation. The rebellion did not begin with open attack, but with public distancing and the creation of division. Only afterward did the direct conflict emerge.

The Song of Dvorah

In the Song of Dvorah, after Israel’s victory over Sisra, she does not only describe the battle, but carefully records who joined the national effort and who remained absent. Certain tribes are praised for their visible participation:

“Zebulun is a people that risked their lives unto death” — (Shoftim 5:18)

While others are rebuked for their distance: “Why did you sit among the sheepfolds…?” — (Shoftim 5:16)

And most sharply: “Curse Meroz… because they did not come to the help of Hashem”
— (Shoftim 5:23)

The emphasis is not only on action, but on presence—on whether different parts of the nation visibly stood together at a defining moment. Absence is not treated as neutral; it becomes part of how the national moment is recorded and remembered.

A similar sensitivity appears in the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the days of Nehemiah. The Navi carefully documents who participates in the rebuilding of the city walls, emphasizing collective engagement in restoring Jewish life and dignity. At the same time, it notes the failure of certain elites to fully join:

“Their nobles did not bring their necks to the work of Hashem” — (Nehemiah 3:5)

The point is not merely labor or logistics. Leadership is measured, in part, by whether one stands publicly with the people in moments of national rebuilding and restoration.

This pattern is especially clear when Tanach describes gentile rulers and their public stance toward the Jewish people. When Cyrus (Koresh) king of Persia issues a public proclamation allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple, the decree itself is recorded as part of the redemption narrative: “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: Hashem… has charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem” — (Ezra 1:2)

The significance is not only legal permission, but public recognition. The Jewish return is not hidden or marginal; it is acknowledged by imperial authority in a way that grants it legitimacy in the broader world.

Similarly, during the time of Daryavesh, imperial backing strengthens the rebuilding process and restrains interference from surrounding officials (Ezra 6). Again, the importance is not only administrative. Public support from ruling power contributes to the dignity, stability, and visibility of Jewish national life.

On the other hand, psukim also shows how public ridicule or distancing by foreign officials contributes to weakening perception. In the book of Nehemiah, Sanballat responds to the rebuilding of Jerusalem with open mockery:

“What are these feeble Jews doing?” — (Nehemiah 4:2)

The goal is not only opposition, but delegitimization—portraying Jewish national renewal as weak and unworthy of support. Public messaging becomes part of the struggle itself.

Across these sources, a consistent idea emerges: public moments of communal identity are never merely ceremonial. Presence communicates recognition, solidarity, and legitimacy; absence communicates distance, and is often experienced as such.

Within this framework, the participation of civic leaders in public expressions of communal identity carries symbolic weight. When such leaders choose to attend, it is perceived as public acknowledgment of the community’s place within the civic fabric. When they do not, the absence itself is noticed—not necessarily as policy, but as public positioning.

The Torah language suggests that these moments are never neutral. Whether in the tribes of Israel, the rebuilding of Yerushalayim, or the stance of foreign rulers toward Jewish restoration, visibility and absence become part of how communal reality is experienced, recorded, and remembered.

Albany, NY (May 27, 2026)

The New York State Legislature passed a new law Tuesday establishing protected buffer zones around houses of worship, following months of debate over how to respond to protests and harassment outside religious institutions.

The measure creates a 50-foot protected area around entrances to houses of worship and also applies to certain religious education sites and community centers. Police managing protests at these locations will be allowed to set larger perimeters when necessary to maintain access and public safety.

Under the law, interfering with someone entering or leaving a protected religious site can be prosecuted as a Class B misdemeanor. Supporters say the measure is aimed at stopping targeted intimidation while still allowing lawful demonstrations to continue at a reasonable distance.

Governor Kathy Hochul pushed for the legislation as part of the state budget process, arguing that New Yorkers must be able to enter shuls and other houses of worship without fear. The push gained momentum after a series of hostile anti-Israel demonstrations outside synagogues, including incidents where Jewish passersby were harassed and demonstrators displayed extremist symbols or voiced support for terror groups.

The legislation follows action by New York City, where lawmakers passed a related measure requiring the NYPD to develop public safety plans for protests near houses of worship. The city version does not create a fixed statewide distance requirement or the same criminal penalties. Mayor Zohran Mamdani separately vetoed a bill that would have expanded similar protections around educational facilities.

The issue has remained politically divisive, with supporters framing the new state law as a necessary response to rising antisemitism and targeted harassment. Opponents have argued that buffer zones could chill free speech and give police too much discretion over protests.

For Jewish communities across New York, the passage marks a significant victory after repeated calls for stronger protection around shuls, schools and communal spaces. Lawmakers backing the measure said the goal is to ensure that people of every faith can attend services, school programs and community events safely.

Sorry Mayor Mamdani, Albany will protect Jewish New Yorkers if you cannot.

New Yorkers who came tonight to Gracie Mansion protesting Zohran Mamdani discovered that Mamdani has a buffer zone near his house.

Let that sink in: the mayor who used his veto power to prevent Jewish schools from having buffer zones against Nazis protesting at their doorstep,…

— Rabbi Poupko (@RabbiPoupko) May 27, 2026

By Kayla Glickman

At a time when many Jewish students report hiding visible signs of their Jewish identity or avoiding speaking openly about Israel on campus, 100 students gathered at the fifth annual Nitzavim Fellowship Impact Project Showcase to mark the culmination of a year-long investment with a different message: the future of Jewish campus life will be shaped by students willing to lead proudly.

The showcase, hosted at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, featured seventeen finalists spanning six projects, with this year’s winning project, titled “Am Echad,” developed by Skylar Margulies of Long Island, Sacha Feit of New Milford, New Jersey, and Ari Gordon of Atlanta, Georgia. The team received $5,000 in seed funding to implement their initiative this fall at Washington University in St. Louis.

Their project aims to connect Jewish college students with Jewish high school and elementary school students from different religious backgrounds through free tutoring and mentorship opportunities, using academic support as a vehicle to strengthen Jewish unity and foster deeper connections.

This year, the judging panel comprised Deputy Director from the Ministry of Diaspora and Combating Anti-Semitism, Yom Tov Ranaan; Chief Development Officer of Masa Israel Journey Sacky Mitrani; Hebrew University Professor Ron Shor; and Program Director of Jewish Life at the Walder Foundation Jenni Richton.

“Jewish students can find real connection and community on campus through meaningful mentoring and tutoring relationships, one partnership at a time,” said Margulies, who grew up in the Five Towns. “We’ve already recruited 15 tutors and paired another 15 to 30 students, and we believe that by building strong mentorship networks, we can meaningfully strengthen both our community today and our future.”

Founded in 2021 by Rabbi Adi Isaacs in partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Seven Schwartz Brothers Leadership Trust, the Nitzavim Fellowship educates, engages, and empowers gap year students from North America and the UK to create impact projects that will solve problems they anticipate facing on campus.

“We are living through a time when many Jewish students feel the need to hide their identity or stay silent about Israel on campus, yet this showcase reflects a growing movement of young Jewish leaders choosing to proactively shape campus culture and strengthen Jewish life amid rising antisemitism across North American universities,” said Rabbi Isaacs. “What we saw at the showcase was an inspiring generation stepping forward with courage, creativity, and a deep sense of responsibility for the future of the Jewish people.”

The fellowship has expanded in recent years through its partnership with Masa Israel Journey to include leadership seminars, a Shabbaton for additional gap year students, and additional educational programming throughout the year.

“It’s clear that this program gives students incredible confidence, leadership training, and presentation skills,” said Jenni Richton, who sat on the judging panel. “What makes the program especially powerful is that it brings together students from such a diverse cross-section of Jewish life and campus experiences, and that diversity only strengthens the impact they are able to have together.”

High school graduates heading to Israel for a gap year before college can now apply for the 2026-27 Fellowship or get more information at Nitzavim.org.

Haifa, Israel (May 26, 2026)

Israeli doctors have achieved a major milestone in regenerative medicine after successfully implanting a lab-grown, 3D-bioprinted cornea in a patient who had been legally blind in one eye.

The procedure was performed at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa as part of an early clinical trial involving a bio-fabricated corneal implant made from cultured human cells. Following the surgery, the patient reportedly began detecting light and shapes, offering early evidence that the implant was functioning and that the eye was responding to the treatment.

The breakthrough is being viewed as a significant advance in the effort to treat corneal blindness, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Corneal transplants are currently limited by the availability of suitable donor tissue, leaving many patients waiting for years or unable to receive treatment at all.

The new technology uses a biological 3D-printing process to create corneal tissue in a laboratory setting. Instead of relying on a full donor cornea for each patient, researchers say the platform could potentially produce many implantable corneas from a smaller amount of donor-derived cellular material. That could dramatically expand the supply of transplantable tissue if the technology continues to prove safe and effective.

Medical experts have described the achievement as an early but important step, noting that additional trials and long-term follow-up will be needed before the treatment can become widely available. Still, the successful implantation marks a promising development for patients suffering from corneal damage, disease or blindness.

Beyond eye care, the advance also points to the broader potential of bioprinting in medicine. Scientists around the world are working toward the ability to produce personalized tissues and, eventually, more complex organs for transplantation. While fully printed organs remain a developing frontier, this Israeli success shows how lab-grown tissue may one day help reduce dependence on traditional organ donation and ease severe global shortages.

For Israel’s medical and scientific community, the procedure represents both a source of national pride and a hopeful sign for patients who have long awaited new options for restoring vision.

New York, NY (May 26, 2026)

A large rally was held outside Gracie Mansion on Tuesday afternoon, as critics of Mayor Zohran Mamdani gathered to voice concern over his relationship with segments of New York City’s Jewish community.

The demonstration drew a sizable crowd of thousands of Jewish community members, activists and supporters who came to protest the mayor’s failure to adequately address antisemitism and his strained relationship with pro-Israel New Yorkers. The gathering reflected growing frustration among residents who believe City Hall has not shown sufficient sensitivity to Jewish communal concerns at a time of heightened anxiety.

Speakers and participants focused on several recent controversies involving Mamdani, including backlash over his decision not to attend the upcoming Israel Day on Fifth parade and broader criticism of his past statements and positions on Israel. Many attendees said the issue goes beyond politics, arguing that Jewish New Yorkers need to feel that city leadership stands firmly with them against antisemitism, harassment and intimidation.

The rally followed a Jewish Heritage Month event at Gracie Mansion that drew mixed reactions from community figures. While some Jewish leaders attended, others declined invitations or encouraged a boycott, citing concerns over the mayor’s public record and the administration’s handling of Jewish community issues.

Participants at Tuesday’s rally called on City Hall to strengthen outreach to Jewish neighborhoods, take public safety concerns more seriously and make clear that antisemitism will be confronted forcefully in every setting. The crowd also urged city officials to ensure that Jewish schools, shuls and public events receive the security support they need.

Mamdani has previously rejected accusations that his views amount to hostility toward Jews, and his administration has pointed to hate-crime prevention funding and interfaith outreach as evidence of its commitment to protecting all New Yorkers.

The rally ended peacefully, with organizers describing the turnout as a strong message that Jewish concerns must remain a priority for city leaders.

BREAKING: Massive crowd gathers in NYC to protest Mayor Mamdani and the wave of pro-Hamas mobs terrorizing the city. pic.twitter.com/IHABLdds2e

— Jayne Zirkle (@JayneZirkle) May 26, 2026

MASSIVE Anti-Mamdani Rally outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City pic.twitter.com/qUhqQp7rX8

— kevin smith (@kevin_smith45) May 26, 2026

HAPPENING NOW: Anti-Mamdani protest in NYC draws a massive crowd.

New Yorkers have had enough of this radical agenda! pic.twitter.com/YshxPfG5hc

— Jayne Zirkle (@JayneZirkle) May 26, 2026

New York, NY (May 26, 2026)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday released a broad housing agenda aimed at expanding affordable housing, strengthening tenant protections, overhauling public housing and taking action against chronically neglected apartment buildings.

Speaking in Gowanus, Mamdani outlined his Block by Block plan, a central part of his campaign pledge to address New York City’s housing shortage. The proposal calls for the construction of 200,000 affordable and rent-stabilized homes over the next decade, while also preserving another 200,000 existing affordable units.

The plan includes a $22 billion capital investment over five years, along with zoning and regulatory changes intended to make it easier to build new housing and create paths to homeownership. City officials say the goal is to expand supply while keeping new development accessible to working- and middle-class New Yorkers.

A major portion of the plan focuses on tenant protections. The administration is seeking changes to the city’s maintenance code, improved investigations of 311 complaints and stronger enforcement against negligent landlords. Beginning with the next heat season on October 1, the city plans to investigate every heat-related complaint and pursue legal action where landlords fail to meet their obligations.

Mamdani also announced that the city will seek to intervene in apartment buildings with long-standing patterns of neglect. Under the proposal, properties with severe and repeated maintenance failures could be moved away from irresponsible owners and placed under the control of non-profits, community land trusts or, in some cases, tenant-led ownership models. The administration says the approach is meant to ensure that troubled buildings are managed by entities focused on long-term stability and safe living conditions.

The city is also launching a $5 million loan program to help landlords cover overdue rent owed by tenants, a step officials say could prevent evictions while stabilizing affordable apartments. A separate city-backed insurance initiative is expected to help reduce insurance costs for apartment owners.

For NYCHA, the administration plans to commit $5.6 billion over five years toward renovations and repairs across more than 170,000 apartments in 335 developments.

The Rent Guidelines Board is expected to vote in June on allowable increases for rent-stabilized apartments, with tenant advocates and landlord groups closely watching the outcome.

R’ Yaakov Bender Shlita

Jerusalem, Israel (May 26, 2026)

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced that Tzvika Mor, a prominent voice among hostage families, will join the Religious Zionism party’s roster ahead of Israel’s upcoming Knesset elections.

Mor, the father of former hostage Eitan Mor, became a widely recognized public figure following the October 7 Hamas attack. His son was working as a security guard at the Nova music festival when terrorists overran the area. During the attack, Eitan assisted wounded and fleeing attendees before he was taken captive and brought into Gaza. He was later released after a lengthy period in captivity.

Tzvika Mor is also known as a co-founder and leading figure in the Tikva Forum, a group representing families of hostages and terror victims that has consistently pressed for a hardline approach toward Hamas. The forum has argued that Israel should maintain strong military pressure and avoid broad concessions that could endanger national security or leave Hamas in control.

Smotrich praised Mor’s decision to enter politics, presenting him as a symbol of personal strength, ideological commitment and public responsibility. The Religious Zionism leader said Mor’s experience as the father of a hostage, combined with his consistent advocacy for military pressure, gives him a powerful voice in national decision-making.

Mor’s addition to the slate appears aimed at reinforcing the party’s security-focused message as Israel moves closer to elections. Religious Zionism has made the war against Hamas, opposition to territorial concessions and a firm stance on national identity central parts of its platform.

The move also reflects the growing role of hostage families in Israel’s political conversation. Since October 7, relatives of captives have taken different public positions on how the government should pursue their loved ones’ return, with some calling for negotiated deals and others warning that concessions could strengthen Hamas.

By joining Smotrich’s party, Mor is formally entering the political arena after months of advocacy on one of the most sensitive issues in Israeli public life.

White Lake, NY (May 26, 2026)

The Jewish community is mourning the petirah of Harav Shmuel Yosef Fishbain ZT”L, who served for many decades as the Rav of Congregation Beth Sinai/White Lake Torah Center in White Lake, New York.

Under his leadership, the shul became a central address for Torah, tefillah and year-round Jewish life in the Town of Bethel. Founded in 1975, Congregation Beth Sinai/White Lake Torah Center grew into a respected makom Torah closely identified with Rav Fishbain’s steady guidance, warmth and deep devotion to every member of the kehillah.

Rav Fishbain was born in Chicago in 1927 and was raised in a home defined by mesiras nefesh for Torah and chinuch. His father, a Chernobyler chossid, was niftar when Rav Fishbain was still young, after devoting himself to building authentic Jewish education in Chicago during a time when many families were not yet sending their children to yeshivos.

His mother was known for her exceptional chessed and hachnasas orchim, opening her home to leading gedolei Yisroel and maintaining a deep commitment to Torah values despite difficult circumstances. She ensured that her sons attended Yeshiva Torah V’Daas and that her daughters received a Bais Yaakov education.

Rav Fishbain went on to learn in Telshe Yeshiva, Yeshiva Torah V’Daas and Yeshiva Netzach Yisrael, where he later served as a Ram. He was a talmid of Hagaon HaRav Yisrael Gustman and maintained close connections with many gedolei Torah throughout his life.

Before arriving in White Lake nearly five decades ago, Rav Fishbain served as Rav in Hurleyville, where he was already known for his humility, warmth and personal care for every Yid.

Hamakom Yinacheim.

**
Sydney, Australia (May 26, 2026)**

Australian police are facing renewed scrutiny after a public inquiry heard that no dedicated threat assessment was prepared for the Chanukah gathering at Bondi Beach where a mass shooting killed 15 people last December.

The Royal Commission examining antisemitism and social cohesion was told that New South Wales Police did not complete a specific security assessment for the open-air Jewish community event, despite warnings from communal security officials about heightened risks. Testimony indicated that such an assessment could have helped align police resources with the threat environment at the time.

The inquiry also heard that a Jewish security organization had raised concerns before the event, pointing to the visibility of Jewish families in a public setting and the broader rise in antisemitic hostility across Australia. A request for a fixed police presence at the beach was not approved, with authorities instead relying on other patrol arrangements.

Senior police officials acknowledged that the handling of the event is now being examined closely, including whether Chanukah gatherings should have received planning similar to other major Jewish holidays. The event’s open setting, expected attendance, and inability of private security volunteers to carry weapons have all become central issues in the commission’s review.

The hearings have also focused on the wider security climate following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. National security officials told the commission that antisemitic intimidation and violence escalated over time, contributing to Australia’s decision in August 2024 to raise its terrorism threat level from possible to probable.

Investigators have described a pattern of antisemitic incidents targeting homes, schools, synagogues, vehicles, and Jewish-owned businesses before the Bondi attack. Intelligence officials also linked Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to separate antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, while indicating that other suspected foreign-backed activity could not be definitively proven.

The commission’s latest hearings underscore growing questions over whether authorities adequately responded to the danger facing Jewish Australians before the Bondi massacre, and whether stronger coordination between police, intelligence agencies, and community security groups could help prevent future attacks.

**
Jerusalem, Israel (May 26, 2026)**

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel remains in an active war against Hezbollah, pledging to intensify military pressure as the terror group increases drone and rocket attacks along the northern front.

Netanyahu said Israeli forces have killed more than 600 Hezbollah terrorists in recent weeks, describing the ongoing campaign as necessary to prevent the Iran-backed group from regaining strength near Israel’s border. He said Israel would continue expanding operations rather than easing its response.

The remarks came as Israeli forces carried out a broader wave of strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, including weapons sites, command infrastructure, and launch areas used in recent attacks. The military campaign follows a sharp rise in Hezbollah drone activity, including the use of FPV drones that have posed a growing challenge for Israeli troops operating near the border.

Israeli officials say specialized teams are working on new ways to counter the drone threat, which has become one of Hezbollah’s most persistent tools in the current fighting. The aircraft are difficult to stop because of their small size, maneuverability, and ability to strike soldiers, vehicles, and border communities with precision.

The escalation has further strained an already fragile ceasefire framework between Israel and Lebanon. While diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a wider regional conflict, Hezbollah’s attacks have fueled calls inside Israel for a more aggressive military response.

American officials have also signaled that Israel may have broader room to act if Hezbollah continues targeting Israeli forces and civilians. That position comes as Washington-backed talks seek to strengthen Lebanese state control and reduce the influence of armed groups operating outside the government’s authority.

For residents of northern Israel, the renewed fighting has extended months of uncertainty and disruption. Israeli leaders say the goal remains restoring security to the border region and ensuring that displaced families can safely return home.

Netanyahu’s latest comments indicate that Israel does not view the current round of fighting as a limited exchange, but as an ongoing campaign to weaken Hezbollah’s military capabilities and deter further attacks.

Jerusalem, Israel (May 26, 2026)

The United States may be prepared to back a wider Israeli military response in Lebanon as Hezbollah’s attacks across the northern border intensify, according to a senior American official familiar with the matter.

The warning comes during a sharp escalation in hostilities, with Hezbollah launching a large wave of drones and rockets toward Israel in recent days. The attacks have targeted both military positions and civilian areas, heightening pressure on Israeli leaders to respond more forcefully.

The American official indicated that Washington views the latest Hezbollah activity as a serious challenge to ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Israel and Lebanon. The official said the group has continued its attacks despite repeated warnings to halt fire and suggested that the United States would not expect Israel to absorb sustained strikes without responding.

Recent fighting has unfolded against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire framework that has struggled to hold since Hezbollah resumed attacks in early March. Israeli officials have accused the Iran-backed organization of attempting to undermine negotiations that could strengthen the Lebanese government and reduce Hezbollah’s military influence.

Israel has already expanded strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon and other areas, while officials in Jerusalem face growing domestic calls for a stronger campaign. The possibility of a broader operation raises concerns about further destabilizing Lebanon, where the conflict has caused heavy damage and deepened an already severe political and economic crisis.

At the center of the dispute is the future of Hezbollah’s armed presence in Lebanon. A durable ceasefire led by the Lebanese state would likely require a significant shift in the balance of power inside the country, a development Hezbollah has long resisted.

Besuros Tovos.

Lipa Schmeltzer is not engaged.

A rumor claiming he was started circulating on WhatsApp, so he addressed it directly and with incredible grace.

This is how you shut down false rumors the right way.

He even ended it by giving everyone a bracha, even the one who initiated the rumors.

Lipa Schmeltzer is not engaged.

But it went around on WhatsApp that he was.

So he addressed it head on.

Here’s a masterclass on how to handle false rumors.

He even gave them a bracha . He really is one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/K2DFv5WZH8

— Yaakov Langer (@jacklanger) May 26, 2026

Video via Yaakov Langer

Early Friday morning, during Shavuos, Bagels & Co., a kosher Jewish-owned business in Jamaica Estates, was vandalized while closed. Reports say the suspect smashed flower pots, overturned furniture, and tried to damage the storefront; the NYPD is investigating it as a possible hate crime.

This attack is part of a deeply disturbing pattern of intimidation against Jewish New Yorkers. Mayor Mamdani must immediately increase NYPD protection for Jewish schools, synagogues, and businesses across Queens and the city.

Jewish New Yorkers deserve safety, security, and equal protection—without excuses and without delay.

@NYCMayor Antisemitic Vandalism in Queens Must Stop!!

Early Friday morning at 1 AM during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, while closed, a man was caught on video smashing up Bagels & Co., a kosher Jewish-owned bagel shop in Queens. He destroyed flower pots, flipped tables, and… pic.twitter.com/O0ne2LjeNs

— Moshe Spern (@moshespern) May 24, 2026

A public notice has been issued by prominent Rabbanim in the Chicago Jewish community, cautioning members against a growing issue of individuals exploiting communal chesed by soliciting large loans or credit card use that are not repaid. The warning, pinned with pushpins in a local Shul, emphasizes the importance of consulting a Rav before proceeding with significant financial requests.

This issue is not limited to Chicago. It is happening in New York, Lakewood, and frum communities everywhere. We are all one family, but that doesn’t mean we should lend without thinking. Chazal gave us guidelines before extending loans for a very good reason, we must use them.

New York, NY (May 25, 2026)

Moshe Spern is voicing support for renewed efforts to strengthen protections around schools during demonstrations, while also raising broader concerns about antisemitism in the city.

Spern recently joined a program hosted by former Governor Andrew Cuomo to discuss legislation being advanced by City Council Speaker Julie Menin. The measure is aimed at addressing protest activity near schools and comes amid continued debate over how the city should balance public safety, student access and free speech rights.

I had the opportunity to call into @andrewcuomo show yesterday to discuss @SpeakerMenin new bill to protect schools from protests and plus share my continuing concerns about the @NYCMayor and the rising antisemitism in the city. Thank you former Governor Cuomo for having me on. pic.twitter.com/NBrq0ofS0Y

— Moshe Spern (@moshespern) May 25, 2026

The latest proposal follows earlier controversy over a school protest safety measure that was vetoed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Council leaders have since moved toward a revised version that more narrowly focuses on early childhood programs and most K–12 schools, while leaving out colleges and other institutions that had raised concerns among critics of the prior bill.

Clearer rules are needed to protect students, parents and school staff from harassment or intimidation when protests take place near educational settings. Children should not have to navigate hostile demonstrations while entering or leaving school.

Spern, who has previously spoken out about antisemitism in New York City schools and civic institutions, said the issue should be viewed as part of a larger challenge facing Jewish New Yorkers. He has expressed concern that city leadership has not done enough to confront antisemitic rhetoric and incidents with the urgency they require.

Washington, DC (May 25, 2026)

President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are signaling a united public stance as negotiations continue over a potential agreement with Iran, with both leaders emphasizing that any final deal must prevent Tehran from developing or obtaining nuclear weapons.

Trump said he has instructed his negotiating team not to rush the process, arguing that the United States has leverage and that any agreement must be completed carefully. His comments come as discussions continue over Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and broader regional security arrangements. Recent reporting indicates that a possible framework has been under discussion, though major details remain unresolved and the proposal has drawn criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials concerned about enforceability and sequencing.

Netanyahu said he spoke with Trump about a memorandum of understanding connected to the Strait of Hormuz and upcoming talks over Iran’s nuclear program. The Israeli leader stressed that Israel’s position remains unchanged: Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, and any agreement must dismantle enrichment capabilities and remove enriched nuclear material from Iranian territory.

The statements reflect the delicate balance facing Washington and Jerusalem as negotiators pursue a diplomatic path while maintaining pressure on Tehran. The potential agreement has major implications for Israel’s security, regional stability, global energy markets, and the future of the Abraham Accords. ([MarketWatch][2])

Full statement from President Donald J. Trump:

“One of the worst deals ever made by our Country was the Iran Nuclear Deal, put forth and signed into existence by Barack Hussein Obama and the rank amateurs of the Obama Administration.

It was a direct path to Iran developing a Nuclear Weapon. Not so with the transaction currently being negotiated with Iran by the Trump Administration – THE EXACT OPPOSITE, in fact!

The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side. The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed. Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!

Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one. They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. I would like to thank, thus far, all of the countries of the Middle East for their support and cooperation, which will be further enhanced and strengthened by their joining the Nations of the historic Abraham Accords and, who knows, perhaps the Islamic Republic of Iran would like to join, as well!

Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP”

Full statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

“Last night, I spoke with President Donald Trump about the memorandum of understanding regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and about the upcoming negotiations toward a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.

I expressed to President Trump my deep appreciation for his firm commitment to Israel’s security, including during the operations “Roaring Lion” and “Epic Fury,” in which American and Israeli forces fought shoulder to shoulder against the Iranian threat.

President Trump and I agreed that any final agreement with Iran must eliminate the nuclear threat. This means dismantling Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities and removing enriched nuclear material from its territory.

President Trump reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself against threats on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

The partnership between our two countries has been proven on the battlefield and has never been stronger.

My policy, like that of President Trump, remains unchanged: Iran will not have nuclear weapons.”

5TC Exclusive: President Trump is also apparently not into this no left turn in Cedarhurst! pic.twitter.com/HFaLOZcd03

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) May 24, 2026

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (May 24, 2026)

Health officials are racing to contain a widening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo after more than 900 suspected cases were identified, including more than 100 confirmed infections, according to the latest reported figures.

The outbreak has centered heavily in eastern Congo, where conflict, displacement, limited medical resources, and mistrust of authorities have complicated efforts to isolate patients, trace contacts, and safely handle burials. The crisis has also placed major strain on local hospitals and health workers, many of whom are operating in difficult and dangerous conditions.

The World Health Organization has described the situation as a serious public health emergency, while noting that the risk remains highest inside Congo and the surrounding region. The global spread risk is currently considered low, though neighboring countries and international health agencies have increased monitoring and preparedness efforts.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a form of the virus for which there is currently no approved vaccine. That has made containment especially urgent, as public health teams rely heavily on early detection, patient isolation, protective equipment, safe burial practices, and community cooperation to slow transmission.

Response efforts have been further challenged by unrest around treatment centers. In recent days, some Ebola facilities have reportedly come under attack amid anger and fear over burial restrictions and the handling of victims’ bodies. Health officials have warned that unsafe contact with infected bodies can spread the virus quickly, making public cooperation critical.

The growing number of suspected cases has raised concern that the outbreak may be larger than official confirmed totals show. International health partners are now working with Congolese authorities to expand testing, strengthen surveillance, and deliver supplies to affected areas.

For communities already facing insecurity and hardship, the outbreak has added another layer of fear. Health officials are urging residents to report symptoms quickly, avoid direct contact with suspected patients or victims, and follow public health guidance as containment efforts continue.

New York, NY (May 24, 2026)

Calls for heightened security are growing ahead of this year’s Israel Day on Fifth parade, as Jewish community leaders and elected officials weigh how best to protect participants and spectators during one of the city’s largest annual pro-Israel events.

Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism and a former New York state assemblyman from Brooklyn, is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to deploy the National Guard in support of the NYPD for the May 31 parade. Hikind said the request is not a criticism of the police department, but an effort to add another layer of protection amid ongoing concerns over antisemitism and anti-Israel demonstrations across the city.

GOVERNOR HOCHUL:
CALL IN THE NATIONAL GUARD FOR THE ISRAELI DAY PARADE.

Give New Yorkers an extra layer of protection.

I am grateful to the following elected officials who have joined in this request to @GovKathyHochul:

Assembly members:
Kalman Yeger, D-Brooklyn.
Michael… pic.twitter.com/hqJYM9YOKf

— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) May 24, 2026

The parade is scheduled to run along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan from 62nd Street to 74th Street. Hikind has warned that security planning should extend beyond the main parade route, noting that attendees carrying Israeli flags or wearing visibly pro-Israel items could face harassment or threats in nearby areas before and after the event.

Several elected officials have joined Hikind’s request, including Assembly members Kalman Yeger, Michael Novakhov, Lester Chang, David Weprin and Ari Brown, as well as Councilman Jim Gennaro.

Organizers of Israel Day on Fifth have taken a different position. The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, which hosts the event, has said it is working closely with law enforcement and is not seeking a National Guard deployment. JCRC leadership has expressed confidence in the NYPD and said extensive security planning is already underway with city and communal security partners.

Concerns surrounding the parade come after recent anti-Israel protests outside Jewish institutions in Brooklyn and Manhattan, including demonstrations near Park East Synagogue and Young Israel Senior Services in Midwood. The event has also drawn political attention after Mayor Zohran Mamdani indicated he does not plan to attend.

With thousands expected to gather next Sunday, community leaders say the focus remains on ensuring that the parade can proceed safely while allowing participants to publicly express support for Israel.

New York, NY (May 24, 2026)

A notable halachic moment unfolded aboard an El Al flight when Rav Ezriel Auerbach Shlita was seen consulting with a flight attendant to determine the proper time to count the Omer during a long-haul journey from Los Angeles to Israel.

The question arose because of the flight’s unusual timing and route. As the aircraft traveled eastward across multiple time zones, passengers experienced an extended period of daylight, making it unclear when nightfall should be considered to have arrived for the purposes of Sefiras HaOmer.

To clarify the matter, Rav Urbach reviewed the aircraft’s real-time flight path using the seatback screen, which displayed the plane’s location and the region beneath it. With assistance from the flight attendant, he was able to determine that although daylight was still visible from the aircraft, it was already nighttime on the ground below the flight path.

That information helped resolve the halachic question, allowing him to determine the appropriate time for counting the Omer while in the air.

The scene highlighted the practical challenges that can arise when halacha meets modern travel, especially on long international flights crossing several time zones. For observant Jewish travelers, questions involving zmanim, tefillah, Shabbos, Yom Tov, and Sefiras HaOmer can become complex when sunrise, sunset, and nightfall do not align neatly with what passengers see from the cabin window.

New York, NY (May 24, 2026)

A notable halachic moment unfolded aboard an El Al flight when Rav Aszriel Urbach Shlita was seen consulting with a flight attendant to determine the proper time to count the Omer during a long-haul journey from Los Angeles to Israel.

The question arose because of the flight’s unusual timing and route. As the aircraft traveled eastward across multiple time zones, passengers experienced an extended period of daylight, making it unclear when nightfall should be considered to have arrived for the purposes of Sefiras HaOmer.

To clarify the matter, Rav Urbach reviewed the aircraft’s real-time flight path using the seatback screen, which displayed the plane’s location and the region beneath it. With assistance from the flight attendant, he was able to determine that although daylight was still visible from the aircraft, it was already nighttime on the ground below the flight path.

That information helped resolve the halachic question, allowing him to determine the appropriate time for counting the Omer while in the air.

The scene highlighted the practical challenges that can arise when halacha meets modern travel, especially on long international flights crossing several time zones. For observant Jewish travelers, questions involving zmanim, tefillah, Shabbos, Yom Tov, and Sefiras HaOmer can become complex when sunrise, sunset, and nightfall do not align neatly with what passengers see from the cabin window.

New York, NY (May 24, 2026)

B&H Photo drew attention online after a customer posted that he was unable to complete a website purchase because the company’s checkout system was closed for Shabbos.

The Manhattan-based electronics retailer, founded and operated by Orthodox Jews, has long maintained a policy of closing both its physical store and online checkout during Shabbos and Yomim Tovim. Customers can still browse products and add items to their carts, but purchases cannot be completed until checkout reopens after Shabbos.

The post, which showed a message on the B&H website explaining that checkout would reopen later, sparked widespread discussion online. Some users expressed frustration at being unable to immediately purchase an item, while others praised the company for maintaining its religious values in a highly competitive retail market.

B&H has become one of the most prominent camera, video, audio, and electronics retailers in the country, serving professional photographers, filmmakers, businesses, institutions, and everyday consumers. Its continued success while adhering to Shabbos observance has made it a well-known example of a major business refusing to compromise on religious principles, even in the fast-moving world of e-commerce.

For many in the Jewish community, the moment was not only about a delayed purchase. It was a reminder that success does not have to come at the expense of conviction. In an era when companies often chase every possible sale and every extra hour of activity, B&H’s policy stands out as a public statement that values can and must come before convenience.

The company’s decision may occasionally surprise or frustrate customers unfamiliar with Shabbos observance. But for decades, B&H has shown that a business can close, pause, and honor its beliefs while still earning respect and loyalty around the world.

In a marketplace that rarely stops moving, B&H’s weekly pause remains one of its most recognizable features — and, for many, one of its most admirable.

Far Rockaway, NY (May 24, 2026)

A cleaning lady was arrested after thousands of dollars were allegedly stolen from a local home over an extended period, following a coordinated response by the NYPD and Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol.

According to community safety officials, the homeowners became concerned after money repeatedly went missing from the residence. After installing cameras inside the home, they discovered that the person responsible was a cleaning woman who had been working there.

The information was turned over to authorities, leading to a coordinated operation between police and RNSP members. The worker was taken into custody shortly afterward.

The incident serves as an important reminder for families to take basic precautions when hiring anyone to work inside a private home. Community members are encouraged to ask for references, verify information when possible, and avoid leaving cash, jewelry, or other valuables in unsecured areas.

Simple steps such as securing valuables, keeping records, and installing basic in-home surveillance can help protect families and provide critical evidence if something goes wrong.

Residents who believe they may be victims of theft by someone working in their home should not confront the individual directly. Instead, they should contact 911 and then call the RNSP 24-hour hotline at (516) 858-7300.

Authorities and community safety volunteers continue to urge vigilance, especially when allowing regular access to cleaning staff, contractors, aides, or other workers inside the home.

A person doing work in a stole from her place of work. The excellent #collaboration between the RNSP (Rockaway Nassau Shomrim) and the @NYPD101Pct Day Tour & Q-Team resulted in #OneUnder.@NYPDDetectives@NYPDQueensSouth#PublicSafety Tips:
* Before hiring someone to work in… pic.twitter.com/dp1dTTB6Od

— RNSP (@RockawayNassau) May 24, 2026

**
Toronto, Ontario (May 24, 2026)**

The urgent search for 14-year-old Esther, also known as Esti, has been made even more painful after missing-person flyers posted across Toronto were torn down, an act that has deeply disturbed community members already shaken by her disappearance.

Esther has been missing for more than a week after last being seen late Friday night, May 15, near Earl Bales Park in North York, around Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West. Toronto Police have upgraded the case to a Priority 1 investigation, signaling serious concern for her safety and the need for immediate public assistance.

She is described as 5-foot-2 with a medium build and brown hair. At the time she was last seen, she was wearing a green long-sleeve shirt, gray sweatpants, and no shoes.

Volunteers and community members have been working to spread awareness by placing flyers in public areas, hoping that someone may recognize Esther or recall seeing something important. Many of those posters were ripped down intensifying anguish across the Jewish community, where many see the act as part of a broader climate of hostility that became painfully familiar after October 7, when posters of Israeli hostages were repeatedly removed or vandalized in cities around the world.

While authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive for the removal of Esther’s flyers, community members say the focus must remain on bringing her home safely and ensuring that hatred does not interfere with a search for a missing child.

Police are asking residents, drivers, businesses, and property owners near Earl Bales Park and the surrounding North York area to review security footage, dashcam video, yards, sheds, stairwells, and other spaces where Esther may have passed through or sought shelter.

Anyone who sees Esther or has urgent information should call 911 immediately. Tips may also be directed to Toronto Police at 416-808-3200 or Shomrim Toronto at 647-557-6735. Besuros Tovos.

Posters torn down for a missing 14 yr old Jewish girl in North York in one of the most Jewish neighborhoods in Canada & reportedly happened across the city of Toronto.

Reminiscent of the disrespect of the Hostage Posters. The same exact Jew hate.

Be ashamed, Canada pic.twitter.com/c5kG9XVCpQ

— Dan Levy דניאל אליהו בן מאניש דוד (@TheDanLevy) May 23, 2026

A missing 14-year-old girl’s posters are being ripped down.

Let that sink in.

This is not politics.
This is not activism.
This is a child on the spectrum who is still missing.

If you see someone tearing down Esti’s signs — call it out. Stand up to it. This is not who Canadians… pic.twitter.com/UrOx6KhVYC

— Matthew Taub (@MatthewTaub) May 23, 2026

New York, NY (May 24, 2026)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing renewed scrutiny, as usual, over his past meetings with a Queens imam whose public record includes inflammatory comments about Israel, Hamas, and the Holocaust.

The controversy centers on Sheikh Fadhel Al-Sahlani, the imam of the Al-Khoei Islamic Center in Jamaica, Queens. Mamdani reportedly visited the center multiple times beginning in 2025, including appearances before and after his election as mayor. His most recent visit drew attention because it came after Al-Sahlani had publicly framed Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel in favorable terms and described the group’s actions as having sparked broad change.

Al-Sahlani has also been criticized for past Holocaust-related statements and for accusing Israel of severe misconduct during the war in Gaza. His remarks have alarmed Jewish leaders and critics of the mayor, who say elected officials must be especially careful about appearing alongside religious figures who have made extremist or antisemitic statements.

Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, has long been an outspoken critic of Israel’s policies and has faced criticism from Jewish community leaders over his handling of Israel-related issues. His critics argue that repeated contact with Al-Sahlani adds to broader concerns about his approach to antisemitism and Middle East tensions.

A spokesman for the mayor said Mamdani rejects Holocaust denial and does not agree with the imam’s comments about Hamas. The spokesman also said visits to religious institutions should not be interpreted as support for every statement made by individuals connected to those institutions.

Previous New York City mayors have also appeared at events connected to Al-Sahlani, but Mamdani’s interactions have drawn sharper attention because they occurred after the October 7 massacre and amid heightened fears over antisemitism in New York.

The mayor’s office has sought to frame the visits as part of broader outreach to faith communities across the city. Critics, however, say the administration must do more to reassure Jewish New Yorkers that extremist rhetoric will not be normalized or overlooked.

Staten Island, NY (May 24, 2026)

A deadly explosion at a Staten Island shipyard left one worker dead and dozens of emergency responders injured Friday afternoon, turning a fire response at a waterfront industrial site into a major rescue operation.

The incident unfolded at 3075 Richmond Terrace in Mariners Harbor, where firefighters were called at about 3:30 p.m. for a fire at a dockside repair facility. Initial reports indicated that workers may have been trapped inside a structure at the site, prompting crews to enter the building and begin search operations.

A powerful blast erupted as firefighters were working to reach those inside. A second explosion followed while emergency personnel were still operating in the structure, causing additional injuries and rapidly worsening conditions.

One civilian worker was killed, and another civilian was injured. More than 30 FDNY members and emergency medical personnel were also hurt, including at least two first responders who sustained serious blast-related injuries. One fire marshal remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition after suffering severe head trauma, while another firefighter was listed in serious condition.

The emergency drew a large response, with roughly 200 fire and EMS personnel sent to the scene. Crews battled difficult conditions inside a large metal-framed industrial building, where enclosed spaces and waterfront operations added to the danger.

The fire was eventually brought under control Friday evening, but investigators continued working through the weekend to determine what caused the blaze and the explosions. Authorities are examining conditions at the shipyard, the type of work being performed, and whether flammable materials or confined spaces contributed to the severity of the blast.

Officials said the investigation remains active, and further details are expected as inspectors and fire marshals complete their review.

NYC—At least 16 people were reportedly injured following a fire and major explosion at a shipyard in Staten Island, New York, according to the AP. Emergency crews responded as thick smoke and flames engulfed the area. pic.twitter.com/A476xZFvmP

— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) May 23, 2026

JUST IN:
At least 1 person has been killed and more than 30 others injured following a fire and explosion at a Staten Island shipyard, according to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Emergency crews remain on the scene as the investigation continues. https://t.co/OqW24ykcPb pic.twitter.com/Pd3hC9oG4W

— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) May 23, 2026

A major fire and explosion at a Staten Island shipyard in New York has left at least 16 people injured.

The facility is one of New York Harbor’s key maritime repair yards, servicing ferries, tugboats, barges, and commercial vessels operating along the East Coast.#sstvi pic.twitter.com/2N57K9uQnW

— GlobeUpdate (@Globupdate) May 23, 2026

By Dr. Rafael Medoff, historian and author:

The words “Free Palestine” and “F— Israel” were painted on the windows of a wellness studio in Vermont last week, over two Israeli flags that the Jewish owner had placed there.

Mark Treinkman, a leader in Vermont’s Jewish community, pointed out that in recent months, synagogues in Vermont have received death threats, swastikas have been painted on school walls, and Jewish students have been the targets of antisemitic bullying.

Treinkman says the latest assault is “the predictable consequence of a political campaign in Vermont that demonizes Israel and pressures local communities to treat Jews and Zionists as equivalent to Nazis.” He noted that a local hate group, the Palestine Solidarity Coalition, has been promoting a campaign accusing Israel of apartheid.

“Apartheid Israel”—where the Supreme Court has an Arab member; where Arab citizens have served in the cabinet, as ambassadors, and even as Miss Israel; and where an Arab party recently was part of the governing coalition.

“Apartheid Israel”—the only country in the world that has airlifted tens of thousands of black Africans out of lands of famine and oppression, bringing them to freedom and safety.

But never mind those inconvenient facts!

“When anti-Zionist activists tell people that Jews with deep spiritual, cultural, and familial ties to Israel are ‘baby killers’ and ‘genocide supporters,’ it sends a dangerous signal that intimidation against them is understandable, deserved, or even justified,” Treinkman added.

But the bullies of the Palestine Solidarity Coalition are not the only Vermonters spreading such vicious slurs—nor are they the most influential.

That title belongs to the most powerful political leader in Vermont, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders.

— During his 2019 presidential campaign, Sanders’s team posted a video accusing Israel of imposing “apartheid-like conditions in Palestine.” Sanders has also repeatedly called Israel’s government “racist.”

— In 2024, Sanders claimed Israel was carrying out “ethnic cleansing.”

— In 2025, Sanders wrote: “Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.”

— In recent weeks, Sanders has accused Israel of “dragging” America into war.

Did Sen. Sanders’s extremist rhetoric helped incite last week’s vandalism in Vermont? Perhaps we’ll learn the answer to that question when the vandal is apprehended.

In the meantime, one thing is clear: the anti-Israel lies that Sanders continually spreads have helped create an atmosphere of hatred. And in such an atmosphere, there’s no telling what will happen next.

“I am deeply concerned about what we are hearing about an Iran “deal,” being pushed by some voices in the administration.

President Trump’s decision to strike Iran was the most consequential decision of his second term. He was right to do so, and we achieved extraordinary military results—including destroying all of their missiles & drones and sinking their entire navy.

If the result of all that is to be an Iranian regime—still run by Islamists who chant “death to America”—now receiving billions of dollars, being able to enrich uranium & develop nuclear weapons, and having effective control over the Strait of Hormuz, then that outcome would be a disastrous mistake.

The details are still coming out—and I pray the early reports are wrong—but the fact that Biden’s Rob Malley is praising the deal is not encouraging.

President Trump believes in peace through strength, and his strong leadership has already made America much safer. He should continue to hold the line, defend America & enforce the red lines he has repeatedly drawn.”

New York, NY (May 23, 2026)

A proposed tax on all-cash real estate purchases over $1 million in New York City is expected to be removed from the state budget, easing concerns from buyers, sellers, and the real estate industry.

The proposal would have added a 1% charge on qualifying home purchases made without financing. Lawmakers had considered the measure as one way to raise revenue for New York City as officials work to close a significant budget gap. But amid budget negotiations in Albany, the plan now appears likely to be left out of the final agreement.

The all-cash tax was aimed at wealthier buyers who can purchase property without relying on a mortgage. Supporters argued that the measure could generate new revenue from higher-end transactions while addressing an increasingly uneven housing market. Critics said the tax would create new complications, discourage deals, burden sellers indirectly, and include loopholes that could weaken its impact.

All-cash purchases have become a major force in New York City’s housing market, especially as high mortgage rates have made financing more expensive. Cash offers are often more attractive to sellers because they can close more quickly and carry less risk of falling apart during the mortgage approval process. A recent housing analysis found that all-cash deals made up more than 60% of home sales in the city during the first half of 2025.

While the cash-purchase tax is expected to fall away, state officials are still moving forward with a separate pied-à-terre tax targeting expensive second homes. That proposal would apply to New York City properties valued at more than $5 million and is expected to affect roughly 10,000 homes. Officials estimate it could raise at least $500 million annually for the city.

The debate reflects the broader challenge facing city and state leaders as they search for revenue without raising income or corporate taxes. For now, the likely removal of the all-cash purchase tax marks a win for the real estate sector, while the fight over luxury housing taxes continues in Albany.

Albany, NY (May 23, 2026)

New York lawmakers have advanced a wide-ranging public safety and government budget bill that would significantly limit how local police, jails, and public agencies cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

The Public Protection and General Government bill, listed as S9005C/A10005C, includes several immigration-related provisions backed by Governor Kathy Hochul and Democratic lawmakers. The legislation would bar local governments from entering 287(g) agreements, which allow local officers to perform certain federal immigration enforcement functions, and would also restrict detention agreements that permit county jails to hold people for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The bill would require existing ICE-related detention contracts to be wound down and would prevent local police and correctional facilities from using public resources for civil immigration enforcement. Supporters say the measure is intended to keep local law enforcement focused on local crimes while protecting immigrant communities from being drawn into federal enforcement actions when no judicial warrant is involved.

Another major part of the package would create protections for sensitive locations, including schools, houses of worship, hospitals, childcare centers, and polling places. Under the proposal, immigration authorities could be denied access to non-public areas of those sites unless they present a warrant signed by a federal judge.

The legislation also includes new identification rules for law enforcement officers. On-duty officers interacting with the public would generally be required to display identifying information such as names, badge numbers, and agency markings, with exceptions for undercover work, medical or hazardous conditions, and certain rescue operations.

Republican lawmakers and some county officials have sharply criticized the proposal, arguing that it could make communities less safe by restricting cooperation between local and federal authorities. Supporters counter that the bill preserves cooperation in criminal investigations while drawing a firm line against using local agencies for civil immigration enforcement.

If enacted, the measure would mark one of New York’s most significant state-level efforts to limit ICE involvement in local policing and public institutions.

UPDATE: Memorial Day Ceremony

Due to the forecasted inclement weather expected on Sunday, May 24, our annual Cedarhurst-Lawrence Memorial Day Parade has unfortunately been canceled. While we are disappointed that we will not be able to gather along the parade route this year, we remain committed to honoring and remembering the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

We warmly invite all residents, families, and community members to join us for our Memorial Day Ceremony at 11:00 AM at Cedarhurst Village Hall, located at 200 Cedarhurst Avenue. Together, we will pay tribute to our nation’s heroes through reflection, remembrance, and gratitude.

Village Board
Benjamin Weinstock, Mayor
Ari Brown, Deputy Mayor
Myrna Zisman, Trustee
Israel Wasser, Trustee
Daniel Plaut, Trustee

Washington, DC (May 23, 2026)

The United States and Iran appeared to move closer Saturday toward a framework aimed at preventing a renewed regional war, even as Israeli and American officials continued preparing for the possibility that diplomacy could fail.

President Donald Trump said discussions over a proposed understanding with Tehran had advanced significantly, with final details still being reviewed. The emerging arrangement is expected to focus first on ending active hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and creating a limited window for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

The talks have drawn in several regional governments, including Gulf states, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, and Bahrain. Trump also held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has expressed concern that any agreement must address Iran’s uranium enrichment, missile development, and ability to threaten Israel or global energy routes.

Israeli military officials remain on alert for a possible return to fighting if the diplomatic track collapses. Concerns in Jerusalem center on whether a temporary de-escalation would leave Tehran with major strategic capabilities intact while easing pressure on the regime.

In Washington, senior administration officials gathered for urgent consultations as the White House weighed competing options. Some advisers have pressed for continued diplomacy, while others have warned that a weak agreement could leave Iran positioned to rebuild leverage across the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue in the talks. The waterway is critical to international energy markets, and its closure or restriction has been a major factor in the crisis. Any arrangement involving its reopening would be closely watched by both regional governments and global markets.

Separately, U.S. authorities are reviewing an alleged Iran-linked plot involving a suspect accused of targeting Ivanka Trump in retaliation for the 2020 killing of Qassem Soleimani. She was not harmed, and the suspect is in custody.

The next stage of negotiations is expected to determine whether the crisis moves toward a broader ceasefire process or returns to open military confrontation.

President Trump was rushed back to the White House last night and canceled plans to attend his son Don Jr.’s wedding.

“While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr., and the newest member of the Trump Family, his soon to be wife, Bettina, circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so,” Trump said.

“I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time. Congratulations to Don and Bettina!”

Senator Lindsey Graham warned that if the conflict ends while Iran still retains the ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf oil infrastructure, Tehran will be perceived as a dominant regional force requiring a diplomatic solution.

Graham said such a perception would mark a major shift in the regional balance of power and could become a long-term problem for Israel.

He added that he remains skeptical Iran cannot be denied the ability to threaten the Strait and the region, stressing: “It is important we get this right.”

Besuros Tovos.

HEWLETT, NY — Following the successful passage of its 2026-2027 budget vote, the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library (HWPL) is proud to announce a comprehensive summer season dedicated to both artistic expression and community mental wellness. Highlights include the Community Art Show (May 31 – June 30), the launch of a new cognitive health initiative designed to support neurodiversity, and expanded facility modernizations funded by sustained community support.

Community Backing for Next-Generation Service

The newly approved 2026-2027 budget ensures the continuity and growth of HWPL’s premier programming, specialized historical collections, and inclusive public resources. In the election, the budget passed with robust community participation, receiving 1,270 “yes” votes to 713 “no” votes out of 1,983 total ballots cast. Additionally, voters elected Theodore Simmons to the Library Board of Trustees for a five-year term. This positive community vote directly empowers the library to maintain its status as Nassau County’s co-central hub for the arts while investing in critical infrastructure upgrades and high-caliber neighborhood services.

Celebrating Local Art and Heritage

The summer season officially begins with our first Community Art Show, featuring works from the Young Adult Craft Circle alongside a unique showcase of original art created by the library’s dedicated staff members. An opening reception will be held on Monday, June 1, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the library gallery, featuring live music from a professional harpist.

Expanding this artistic celebration into the digital space, the library will also host a virtual solo exhibition throughout June featuring the vibrant works of Mitchell Rodbell. Titled My Still Colorful Life Too, Rodbell’s online showcase utilizes rich bursts of acrylic and watercolor to explore the fluid beauty of nature, oceans, and everyday life, reminding viewers of the vibrant energy in the world around us.

A Commitment to Mental Wellness and Brain Health

Aligned with its voter-supported mission to foster lifelong learning, HWPL is introducing a robust schedule of programs focused on mental wellness and cognitive health. In partnership with Willing Hearts Helpful Hands (a division of the Parker Jewish Center), the library will host a specialized “Memory Cafe” for adults experiencing memory loss and their caregivers on Monday, June 29 and Tuesday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Additional live summer lectures on cognitive health include:

• Building Brain Healthy Habits: Arranged in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association of Long Island (Thursday, July 23 at 2:30 p.m.).

• Sleep Hygiene: Led by Adrienne Bernstein (Tuesday, August 11 at 3:00 p.m.).

• Understanding Mental Health and Memory in Aging: Featuring Nurse Practitioner Larissa Yossefi (Wednesday, September 20 at 3:00 p.m.).

Facility Modernization and Professional Production Standards

These upcoming cultural and wellness programs are heavily supported by recent facility upgrades designed for maximum physical accessibility and professional production standards. Significant lighting overhauls and technical improvements have been completed in Gold Hall, the library’s nearly 200-seat professional theater. Featuring a 34’ x 15’ stage and brand-new energy-efficient LED technology, the space provides enhanced visibility and high-fidelity production value for the library’s year-round theater and concert programs.

Complementary exterior improvements — including parking, curb, and sidewalk paving upgrades — ensure a sensory-friendly, low-pressure transition environment for all community members, including those with mobile and neurodivergent needs.

“The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library represents a perfect blend of intellectual and artistic enrichment, and we are deeply grateful to our community for securing that vision through this week’s budget vote,” says Library Director Michelle Young. “Our summer 2026 initiatives reflect our absolute commitment to supporting the soul through the arts and the mind through essential wellness, structural accessibility, and cognitive health resources.”

Why does spiritual growth often feel exciting in the beginning… but harder later on? Why do people sometimes lose the passion and inspiration they once felt for Torah, mitzvos, prayer and Judaism?

In this deeply moving Torah class, we explore a powerful teaching from the Baal Shem Tov and Rav Nachman of Breslov about:

Spiritual highs and spiritual struggles
Why Hashem sometimes “lets go”
The hidden meaning of Sefiras HaOmer
The difference between Pesach and Shavuos
How true spiritual growth happens
Why falling is part of becoming stronger

Update: The power at Bingo is back on!

Hopefully, many in the area have also had their power restored, though we do not know that yet.

Attached is footage from Bingo when the power had gone out.

[

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—
Update: There is currently heavy flooding on Peninsula Blvd. Expect flooding around town.

Additionally, the traffic lights on 878 just went out. The lights from Central until Burnside are out. Many others as well. Please drive with caution.

—
Major power outages reported in Inwood now. Most of Inwood is without power, according to reports.

Additionally, Bingo and other surrounding stores lost power as well. Please contact them ahead of time. Updates to follow.

New York, NY (May 20, 2026)

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that it will provide an additional $200 million to move forward with a major reconstruction of New York’s Penn Station, advancing an estimated $8 billion plan to modernize the nation’s busiest rail hub.

The funding is intended to help begin construction by the end of next year on a long-awaited overhaul of the aging station, which serves Amtrak, the Long Island Rail Road, and NJ Transit. Penn Station handles millions of travelers annually and remains one of the most important transportation links in the Northeast Corridor.

The redevelopment plan includes expanded track capacity, a new train hall, improved passenger walkways, wider concourses, updated retail areas, and a redesigned exterior. A major feature of the proposal is a grand new entrance along Eighth Avenue, intended to make the station easier to navigate and more welcoming for commuters and visitors.

The plan will not require Madison Square Garden to relocate. The arena, home to the Knicks, Rangers, concerts, and major events, has long sat above Penn Station and was a central issue in earlier redevelopment debates. Under the current approach, the station will be rebuilt around the existing arena footprint.

Transportation officials said the project is part of a broader federal investment in rail infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor, including upgrades to major stations and rail systems that serve millions of passengers from Washington, D.C., to Boston.

The announcement follows the 2021 opening of Moynihan Train Hall across Eighth Avenue, which expanded passenger space for Amtrak and LIRR riders inside the former Farley Post Office building. While Moynihan improved the travel experience for many passengers, Penn Station itself has continued to face criticism for crowding, confusing layouts, aging corridors, and limited natural light.

For New Yorkers and regional commuters, the project represents a major step toward transforming a station long viewed as outdated and difficult to navigate. While construction is expected to take years, officials say the goal is to deliver a cleaner, brighter, more efficient transit hub that can meet the needs of the region for decades to come.

BREAKING: PENN STATION UPDATE

I’m proud to announce that @USDOT and @Amtrak have officially selected the MASTER DEVELOPER TEAM for the historic New York Penn Station renovation!

To keep the momentum moving, we are investing an additional $200 MILLION TODAY to ensure the… https://t.co/Mi8csC6AA6

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) May 20, 2026

New York, NY (May 20, 2026)

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin is preparing a revised version of a school protest safety bill after Mayor Zohran Mamdani vetoed an earlier measure that would have required the NYPD to create security plans around educational facilities during demonstrations.

The new legislation is expected to narrow the scope of the proposal by focusing on early childhood centers and most K-12 schools. Colleges, universities, libraries, and teaching hospitals would be excluded, addressing one of the central concerns raised by opponents who argued that the original bill was too broad and could interfere with protected protest activity.

The earlier measure was advanced as part of the City Council’s response to rising antisemitism and concerns over demonstrations near schools. Supporters said students and families should be able to enter school buildings safely without intimidation or harassment. Critics warned that the bill could give police too much authority over protests and restrict lawful speech.

Mamdani vetoed the school-focused bill last month, citing constitutional concerns and the need to protect the right to protest. The veto marked a significant clash between City Hall and the Council over how to balance public safety, civil rights, and the city’s response to hate-driven incidents.

Menin has said the Council had enough support to attempt an override, but she is instead moving forward with an amended bill designed to draw broader backing and avoid another veto fight. The revised version is expected to receive a hearing soon.

A separate bill requiring protest safety planning around houses of worship already passed the City Council with a veto-proof majority. That measure moved forward amid concerns from Jewish leaders and other faith communities about protests near synagogues and religious institutions.

Due to weather and thunderstorms, a Traffic Management Program is currently in effect for flights arriving at JFK. As a result, flights are experiencing average delays of approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes.

Be sure to check your flight status.

5TC Sneak Peak: Check out a first sneak peak of TYH Boys filming for an upcoming release! pic.twitter.com/jRee57qih1

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) May 20, 2026

Staying awake all night

⁃ This is a minhag not Halacha.

⁃ One who will not be able to Daven properly or do other mitzvos properly should not stay awake all night.

⁃ Staying awake until dawn and then going to sleep is allowed, as long as no Zmanim are missed and as long as a shomer is appointed to remind you to Daven.

⁃ One who’s awake all night should wash the hands at dawn.

⁃ No bracha should be made on washing the hands unless you go to the bathroom.

⁃ If it’s going to cause bitul Torah then you can wait until before davening to wash the hands.

⁃ Birchas Hatorah shouldn’t be made. However if you slept at least a half hour during the day then birchas hatorah can be made in the morning.

⁃ All other birchos hahsachar can be said except for נשמה אלוקי and שינה המעביר מעיני.

⁃ One who goes to sleep for a few hours after staying up all night should not take off the tzitzis and should not make birchas hatorah again after waking up.

⁃ No bracha should be made on tziztis. One should hear the bracha from someone who puts on a talis gadol.

⁃ Bracha on talis shouldn’t be made before the proper time.

Dairy

⁃ There are various customs of eating dairy on Shavuos.

⁃ If one is going to make a dairy meal then it’s preferable to be a night meal and not a day meal.

⁃ If one is eating dairy followed by meat in the same meal:
⁃ 1. New challah/bread must be brought to the table
⁃ 2. Hands must be washed
⁃ 3. Some parve food must be eaten

⁃ Many have the custom to wait an hour between eating meat and dairy. Some wait half an hour.

⁃ If one just ate dairy before the meal but didn’t wash for bread, a bracha achrona must be said before proceeding to wash for the meal.

⁃ Cheese that’s aged for more than 6 months requires a 6 hour wait before eating meat.

⁃ Real parmesan cheese is aged 6 months.

⁃ If the cheese was melted then no waiting is required.

⁃ There are those that are lenient with our aged cheeses. If necessary, this opinion can be relied upon.

– Parve foods made in/with meat utensils can be eaten at dairy meals and vice versa but not in the same mouthful as dairy. This applies even if they were used for hot meat in the last twenty four hours.

– If the utensils weren’t used for hot meat in the last twenty-four hours then they can even be eaten in the same mouthful as dairy and vice versa.

Oven use for meat and dairy

The following Halachos apply for baking dairy in a clean meat oven or meat in a clean dairy oven (even if used in the last 24 hours):

• If it’s covered (even one cover) it’s allowed.

• If it’s uncovered and it’s solid food (e.g. challah, cake, cheesecake) it’s allowed.

• If it’s liquid, turn the oven on 550 for an hour and it will be kashered. (This cannot be done on Yom Tov).

• Parve, even liquid, can be baked, even uncovered, in a CLEAN meat or dairy oven and it will remain parve.

• In all of the above situations it’s better to put foil down on the grates before baking in case something spills.

• A meat hot plate/blech can be used to heat up dairy if the hot plate is covered with foil.

• The foil can be placed onto the hot plate/ blech on Yom Tov, as long as the foil was precut.

• On Yom Tov, crockpots, hot plates, coffee makers, etc. can be put on Shabbos clocks to go on and off.

• Once the above are turned on, the pins can be removed with a shinui in order for them to remain on or off.

Flowers

• Many have the custom to put out flowers etc.

• Flowers can be moved on Shabbos and Yom Tov, even when they’re in a vase.

• Flowers that fall out of the vase can be returned to the vase as long as they’ve fully blossomed.

• Water can be added to the vase but only up to half the amount of water that’s already there.

• Plants and flowers in pots can also be moved but not into the sun.

• Petals that fall off are muktza but can be disposed of if it’s bothering you.

New York, NY (May 20, 2026)

New York City is getting an early taste of summer Wednesday, with temperatures expected to climb into the low 90s before thunderstorms bring a sharp change later in the day.

The National Weather Service has a Heat Advisory in effect until 8:00 p.m., with heat index values expected to reach the mid-90s in parts of the city. The city’s Heat Emergency Plan has also been activated as officials urge residents to take precautions during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Forecasters expect a high near 92 to 93 degrees, making Wednesday one of the warmest days of the season so far. The heat may feel especially uncomfortable due to humidity and strong late-spring sun, particularly for seniors, young children, outdoor workers, and people with medical conditions.

Relief is expected later in the day as a cold front moves toward the tri-state area. Showers and thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon, with a greater chance of storms after 5:00 p.m., which could affect the evening commute.

Some storms may produce heavy downpours and localized damaging wind gusts. Drivers should prepare for reduced visibility, slick roads, and possible delays during the ride home. Those using public transportation should also allow extra travel time if storms intensify during peak commuting hours.

Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water, limit strenuous outdoor activity, check on vulnerable neighbors, and avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles.

Cooler weather is expected Thursday, with highs dropping into the 60s after the front passes through.

Tel Aviv, Israel (May 20, 2026)

Israeli officials currently expect Ben Gurion Airport to remain operational even if fighting with Iran resumes, marking a major shift from previous rounds of conflict in which the airport was shut down shortly after hostilities began.

According to Israeli media reports, the assessment is based on a significant decline in Iran’s missile-launch capabilities following recent fighting. During earlier rounds, including the 12-day war and Operation “Roar of the Lion,” Iran began with large missile barrages that forced Israel to quickly close its airspace and halt regular airport activity.

Current assessments indicate that Iran may no longer be capable of launching the same type of large-scale salvos. Instead of waves of dozens or even around 100 missiles, Israeli officials believe Iran may now be limited to smaller launches, possibly in the range of 10 to 15 missiles at a time.

As a result, Ben Gurion Airport is currently expected to continue operating if renewed hostilities break out, though officials stressed that the policy would be reassessed constantly based on the security situation. Any major change in the scale of attacks, missile accuracy, air-defense needs, or risk to civilian aviation could still lead to restrictions or closure.

Israeli airlines are expected to continue flying under security guidance if the airport remains open. Foreign carriers, however, are widely expected to act more cautiously. Many international airlines that recently resumed service to Israel could again suspend flights if tensions escalate, even if Israeli authorities keep the airport open.

The issue remains critical for travelers, as previous airport closures left thousands stranded abroad and sharply reduced available flights in and out of the country.

For now, the working assumption is that Israel will try to preserve air connectivity as long as safety conditions allow, while maintaining flexibility to impose limits if the threat level changes.

North York, Ontario (May 20, 2026)

Toronto Police have upgraded the search for 14-year-old Esther (Esti) to a Priority 1 investigation as officers, Shomrim Toronto, Misaskim, and large numbers of community volunteers continue working to locate her safely.

Esther has been missing since late Friday night, May 15, when she was last seen near Earl Bales Park in North York, around Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West. She is described as 5-foot-2, with a medium build and brown hair. At the time she disappeared, she was wearing a green long-sleeve shirt, gray sweatpants, and no shoes.

The search has expanded significantly in recent days, with Toronto Police deploying extensive resources across the area. Volunteers from the Jewish community have joined the effort, canvassing nearby streets, distributing flyers, and searching wooded sections of the park, trails, yards, and surrounding properties.

A command post has been established in the parking lot of Petah Tikvah shul on Danby Road, where volunteers and search coordinators are assisting with the ongoing effort.

Earl Bales Park is a large, wooded area with trails and natural terrain, making the search difficult and urgent. Authorities are asking residents in the surrounding neighborhood to check security camera footage from Friday night onward, especially near Bathurst Street, Sheppard Avenue West, Danby Road, and nearby residential blocks.

Residents are also being asked to check backyards, sheds, garages, alleyways, parked vehicles, and any outdoor structures where someone may have taken shelter.

Anyone who sees Esther or has information about her whereabouts should call 911 immediately. Shomrim Toronto can be reached at 647-557-6735, and Toronto Police can be contacted at 416-808-3200.

Community members are urged to continue sharing Esther’s photo and information as her family and search teams work urgently to bring her home safely.

Besuros Tovos.

The search for missing youth Esti has now been escalated to Priority 1. Bringing her home safely remains our top priority. We joined Esti’s family today as the search continues, and we are grateful to the @TorontoPolice and Inspector Peter Wallace for dedicating every available… pic.twitter.com/zmr4DkIuZJ

— James Pasternak (@PasternakTO) May 19, 2026

Shavuot Myths
By Rabbi Shay Tahan

As we prepare for Shavuot, it’s important to revisit not only the text of the Torah but also our perceptions of it. The giving of the Torah—Matan Torah—was a world-changing event, yet over the years, many myths and misconceptions have crept into our collective understanding. Some of these stem from artistic representations and others from common misunderstandings. Below are some of the more widespread errors, particularly regarding the Luchot (Tablets):

Myth: The Luchot had only the surface engraved with letters.

Reality: The letters of the Ten Commandments were engraved entirely through the stone, not merely on the surface. This means there was empty space where the letters were carved—nothing behind them.
Even more miraculously, when the Luchot were turned, the letters didn’t appear reversed. They remained legible from both sides (Rav Hirsch, Shemot 32:15).
In fact, Chazal teach (Ra’avad on Avot 5:6) that the letters could be read from all four sides of the stone—a supernatural feature.

Myth: The Luchot were hard and rigid.

Reality: There was a lesser-known miracle: the Luchot could be rolled like a Sefer Torah (Ra’avad and Tosefot Yom Tov on Avot 5:6). According to this view, Moshe may have held the Luchot rolled up, rather than as flat stone tablets. This also explains the opinion of the Radbaz (Siman 8803), who wrote that the letters on the Luchot were not visible to outsiders.

Myth: Only partial phrases were written on the Luchot (e.g., “Anochi Hashem,” “Lo Yihiyeh Lecha”).

Reality: The entire text of each of the Ten Commandments was engraved on the Luchot. One clear proof is that the letters samech (ס) and mem sofit (ם) appear only later in the verses, yet Chazal say they floated miraculously inside the stone. This would only make sense if the full text was included.

Myth: The Luchot had rounded tops, as shown in common illustrations.

Reality: The Gemara (Bava Batra 14a) states clearly that each Luchah was six tefachim wide by six tefachim high, and three tefachim thick—making them perfectly square, not rounded. The rounded image is an artistic convention with no source in Chazal.

Myth: One tablet had five commandments and the other five.

Reality: While this is the opinion of Rabbi Chanina, the majority opinion of the Chachamim is that all ten commandments were written on both tablets—each tablet containing the full text (Yerushalmi Shekalim 14). This duplication reflected a contract format, with one copy for each “party”—Hashem and Bnei Yisrael.
Rashi (Shemot 34:1) even compares the Luchot to a ketubah, a marriage contract between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai offers a third view: that twenty commandments were written on each Luchah. This may align with the view that the text was visible from all four sides, thus appearing to be repeated four times.

Potential Confusion: The Hebrew term “Aseret HaDibrot” (Ten Commandments) is grammatically incorrect.

Reality: The word dibrot is a feminine plural, yet the correct masculine plural would be devarim. Indeed, the Torah itself refers to the Ten Commandments three times as Aseret HaDevarim:

• “…And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Devarim” (Shemot 34:28)
• “He told you His covenant… the Ten Devarim” (Devarim 4:13)
• “…He wrote on the tablets, like the first writing, the Ten Devarim” (Devarim 10:4)

The Mishnah (Tamid 5:1) also uses the phrase Aseret HaDevarim. However, the Gemara (Berachot 11b) does use the more familiar term Aseret HaDibrot, making both usages somewhat acceptable, though the Torah’s phrasing is more accurate.

Myth: Only the Ten Commandments were engraved on the Luchot.

Reality: According to Midrashim and the Radbaz (Vol. 3, Siman 915), not only the commandments but also their explanations and details were engraved. This miraculous compression of vast content is called me’at hamachzik et hamerubeh—a small space holding much.

Summary:
A crucial part of learning Torah is ensuring that our study is done with truth and accuracy. We must not take for granted what we hear from others but develop a critical mindset that carefully examines and questions, seeking understanding rather than accepting ideas blindly.

May our Torah study bring us closer to appreciating the greatness of that moment at Har Sinai.

May 20, 2026

Voters across the Five Towns headed to the polls Tuesday for the annual school budget votes and Board of Education elections in the Lawrence and Hewlett-Woodmere school districts.

Both districts saw their proposed budgets approved by voters, while several trustee races drew strong community interest throughout the day and into the evening.

Lawrence School District

The Lawrence Union Free School District’s proposed 2026-2027 budget passed Tuesday night by a vote of 1,496 to 406, at 80% approval.

District officials had emphasized throughout budget season that the proposal maintained a zero percent tax levy increase for the 12th consecutive year while continuing funding for academics, athletics, transportation, technology upgrades, security initiatives, mental health support services, and districtwide capital improvements.

Among the major projects discussed during the budget process were renovations at Lawrence High School, upgrades to athletic facilities, drainage and FEMA-related infrastructure work, and continued classroom modernization throughout the district.

Several trustee and proposition races were also contested across the district’s four polling places.

Lawrence had no tax increase. Hewlett-Woodmere both raised taxes, as expected.

Board of Education Results

A. Mansdorf – 1,776 votes

M. Foreman – 1,524 votes

P. Nolan — 228 votes

A. Dicker — 152 votes

Library

J. Joseph — 433 votes

S. Isaacson — 867 votes

The vote totals reflected strong turnout across Atlantic Beach, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, and Inwood polling locations throughout the day.

Proposition Results

Additional propositions on the ballot also drew attention from voters.

Proposition #3 passed 1235 to 513.

Proposition #4 passed 1124 to 483.

The Peninsula Public Library budget proposition passed.

Hewlett-Woodmere School District

In Hewlett-Woodmere, voters approved the district’s proposed $149.9 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year.

The spending plan includes funding for districtwide capital reinvestment projects, including HVAC upgrades, athletic field improvements, parking lot reconstruction, building repairs, floor replacements, and infrastructure maintenance throughout the district.

District officials stated that the budget increase was largely driven by rising transportation costs, special education services, employee benefits, insurance, and contractual obligations.

The budget includes a 2.61 percent tax levy increase, which remains below New York State’s tax cap threshold.

Two Board of Education seats were also on the ballot.

Incumbents Shari Amitrano and Cheryl May, both running unopposed, were re-elected to new three-year terms.

The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library budget proposition also received voter approval.

Queens, NY (May 19, 2026)

A major search operation is underway after a teenage boy went missing Tuesday afternoon in the water off Rockaway Beach, prompting a large emergency response from the NYPD and FDNY.

Police said the teen entered the ocean near Beach 73rd Street shortly before 3:30 p.m. and did not return to shore. Emergency crews quickly responded to the area, launching a search that included NYPD Harbor and Aviation units, FDNY rescue swimmers, emergency boats, and other first responders.

The incident unfolded as New York City remained under a heat advisory, with high temperatures drawing many people to beaches across the city. However, the official beach season has not yet begun, meaning lifeguards were not on duty at the time. City beaches are expected to open for swimming with lifeguard coverage this weekend.

Video from the scene showed multiple emergency vessels scanning the water as crews searched the area near the shoreline. Officials urged the public to stay away from the scene so emergency workers could continue their efforts without interference.

City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers said first responders were doing everything possible to locate the missing teen and reminded residents of the serious dangers of entering the water before lifeguards are on duty.

The Rockaways are a popular summer destination, but the waters can be dangerous, especially when strong currents, drop-offs, and rough surf are present. City officials regularly warn beachgoers not to swim when lifeguards are absent, even during hot weather.

As of the latest available information, the teen had not been located, and the search remained active. Authorities have not released the teen’s name.

The incident is a painful reminder of how quickly a day at the beach can turn tragic. As emergency crews continue their search, the community is davening for the teen to be found safely and for strength for his family during this terrifying ordeal.

A water rescue a short while ago @ Rockaway Beach. pic.twitter.com/ji6BIB13qn

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) May 19, 2026

WATER SEARCH: A teenager went missing in the waters in Rockaway Beach on Tuesday, prompting a large-scale search.#News12BK #RockawayBeach pic.twitter.com/x8hLMBVSkw

— News12BK (@News12BK) May 20, 2026

BREAKING: Swimmers form a human chain to search for a 17-year-old still missing at a beach in Queens, New York.

According to police, the 17-year-old was swimming with his friends in the Rockaways when he disappeared.

NYPD says they have launched drones and sent marine teams… pic.twitter.com/lBVULfdtoG

— E X X ➠A L E R T S (@ExxAlerts) May 19, 2026

Washington, DC (May 19, 2026)

The U.S. Department of Justice Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism has announced a new 15-city National Awareness & Action Tour, an initiative aimed at strengthening the federal response to antisemitic threats, discrimination, and harassment across the country.

The tour will bring federal officials into direct contact with local leaders, law enforcement agencies, school officials, faith representatives, and Jewish community members. The goal is to improve reporting, build stronger partnerships, and help communities develop practical ways to respond when antisemitic incidents occur.

The initiative comes as Jewish communities nationwide continue to face heightened concern over threats, vandalism, harassment, campus hostility, and acts of intimidation. Federal officials said the tour is intended to encourage more consistent reporting of antisemitic acts while helping local communities understand the tools available through civil rights enforcement and law enforcement coordination.

Led by Leo Terrell, chair of the DOJ Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, the tour will focus heavily on community safety and prevention. Officials are expected to meet with local authorities and residents to discuss how federal, state, and local partners can work together more quickly when threats emerge.

The effort will also include outreach to schools, educators, and community organizations, with an emphasis on protecting students from religious harassment and discrimination. Federal officials have repeatedly identified schools and campuses as a central focus of their antisemitism response, citing concerns that Jewish students and faculty have faced hostility in educational settings.

Another goal of the tour is to promote broader solidarity against hate, including conversations among Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and other faith communities. Officials said those discussions are meant to reinforce that public safety and religious freedom require cooperation across communities.

The new tour expands the Justice Department’s ongoing work under the federal task force, which was created to coordinate government action against antisemitism. For Jewish communities seeking stronger protection and clearer accountability, the initiative represents another attempt to turn federal attention into concrete support on the ground.

Washington, DC (May 19, 2026)

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced the creation of a new Anti-Semitism Advisory Committee, a federal panel that will provide guidance to the Attorney General and senior Justice Department officials on efforts to confront antisemitic threats, harassment, and violence across the country.

The committee is expected to bring together citizen leaders, community advocates, and subject matter experts with experience in public safety, civil rights, law enforcement, education, and Jewish communal security. Its role will be to help identify practical strategies for preventing antisemitic incidents, improving response coordination, and supporting communities facing heightened threats.

The advisory body will work alongside the Justice Department’s broader efforts to address antisemitism, including initiatives focused on schools, college campuses, public spaces, and local communities. Officials say the goal is to strengthen communication between federal agencies, local leaders, law enforcement, and affected communities so that threats can be addressed more quickly and effectively.

The committee will be led by Leo Terrell, who chairs the Justice Department’s Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. Under his leadership, the new panel is expected to review policy options, recommend enforcement priorities, and help develop solutions aimed at improving safety for Jewish Americans and other communities targeted by hate.

The announcement comes amid continued concern over rising antisemitic incidents nationwide, including harassment, threats, vandalism, campus unrest, and attacks connected to Jewish identity or support for Israel. Community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger federal coordination and clearer accountability for those who engage in hate-fueled intimidation or violence.

Justice Department officials say the committee will support a more proactive approach to civil rights enforcement, with an emphasis on protecting constitutional rights, responding to credible threats, and ensuring that extremists who break the law are held accountable.

For Jewish communities across the United States, the formation of the committee represents another step in the federal response to a climate of fear and uncertainty that has intensified in recent years. Its effectiveness will depend on whether its recommendations lead to meaningful action, improved security, and a stronger sense of protection for those facing antisemitic hate.

Ariel, Israel (May 19, 2026)

The IDF announced Tuesday that Maj. (res.) Itamar Sapir HY”D, a 27-year-old reserve officer from Ariel, was killed in combat in southern Lebanon, bringing fresh grief to his family, his community, and the nation.

Sapir served as a platoon commander in the Maglan special forces unit, part of the IDF Commando Brigade. He had been called up for reserve duty and fell while operating on the northern front, where Israeli forces have continued to face deadly threats from Hezbollah and other terror elements in southern Lebanon.

He is survived by his wife, their one-and-a-half-year-old son Maayan, his parents, and three siblings. He had grown up in Eli and later made his home in Ariel, building the life of a young husband and father while continuing to answer the call to defend Israel.

His death is a devastating reminder of the painful burden carried by Israel’s reserve soldiers and their families. These are men who leave behind wives, children, jobs, homes, and ordinary routines, stepping away from daily life to protect the country in moments of danger. For Sapir’s family, that sacrifice has now become an unimaginable personal loss.

Maj. (res.) Itamar Sapir will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, dedicated officer, and brave defender of Israel.

Boruch Dayan HaEmes. Hamakom Yinacheim.

Agudath Israel of America endorses the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act, introduced by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

The bill takes steps to protect Jewish students, secure Jewish communities, and combat online antisemitism. Key provisions of the bill include creating an Antisemitism Coordinator at the Department of Education and authorizing $1 billion for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program among other components of this comprehensive legislation.

“Jewish Americans face antisemitism wherever they turn: at school, at synagogue and even at home thanks to the cesspool of unabashed antisemitism that is growing exponentially online,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, Agudath Israel of America’s national director of government affairs. “The bipartisan Jewish American Security Act addresses all of these forms of hate in one comprehensive bill and deserves to be enacted by Congress as soon as possible.

Queens, NY (May 19, 2026)

An investigation is underway after a 75-year-old Queens man was found fatally shot Monday evening near Kissena Lake in East Flushing, leaving the local community shaken and searching for answers.

Police responded shortly before 5 p.m. to a report of an unconscious man along the shoreline inside Kissena Park. When officers arrived, they found Albert Itzkowitz HY”D, a Queens resident, suffering from gunshot wounds to his neck and back. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police have not publicly released a motive or suspect description as detectives continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The discovery drew a large emergency response to the park, a well-known Queens gathering place used by families, walkers, and local residents. The violent nature of the incident, along with the victim’s age, has deepened concern in the surrounding community.

Volunteers from Chesed Shel Emes responded to the scene to ensure kavod hameis.

For those who knew Mr. Itzkowitz, the loss is a heartbreaking blow. What began as an ordinary Monday ended with a family plunged into mourning and a community confronting yet another act of violence in a public space.

Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the NYPD.

Baruch Dayan HaEmes. Yihi Zichro Baruch.

NYPD officers work the scene following the discovery of 75-year-old Albert Itzkowitz who was found dead along the Kissena Lake shore line with multiple gunshot wounds, Queens, New York, USA, May 19, 2026. On Monday, May 18, 2026, at approximately 4:55 PM, police responded to a… pic.twitter.com/ArpioUiyY7

— Kyle Mazza (@KyleMazzaWUNF) May 19, 2026

Tel Aviv, Israel (May 19, 2026)

British Airways and Iberia Express have once again delayed the resumption of flights to Ben Gurion Airport, as international carriers continue to reassess service to Israel amid ongoing regional security concerns.

British Airways is now expected to restart its Tel Aviv route on August 1, postponing a previously planned return. When service resumes, the airline is expected to operate one daily flight between London and Tel Aviv, rather than the twice-daily schedule it had previously maintained.

Iberia Express has also extended its suspension, canceling flights to and from Tel Aviv through July 27. The move adds to the continued uncertainty facing travelers as airlines across Europe monitor security conditions, airspace restrictions, insurance considerations, and operational risks tied to the broader Middle East situation.

The latest delays are another setback for passengers hoping to see international flight options return to normal after months of instability. While several foreign carriers have periodically announced plans to resume Israel service, those timelines have repeatedly shifted as conditions change.

Ben Gurion Airport has remained open, and Israeli carriers have continued operating many routes. Still, the reduced presence of major international airlines has affected pricing, availability, and travel planning for Israelis, visitors, business travelers, and families trying to fly in and out of the country.

For now, passengers booked on affected flights are expected to receive updated options from the airlines, including rebooking or refund arrangements depending on ticket terms. Travelers are being urged to check directly with their carrier before heading to the airport, as schedules remain subject to change.

The postponements reflect the cautious approach many airlines are taking toward Israel-bound service. Even as demand remains strong, carriers continue to weigh passenger safety, crew security, and regional developments before restoring full operations.

Rav Asher Weiss Shlita discusses the unique nature of Shavuos as the only one of the Shalosh Regalim that lacks specific mitzvos in the Torah. Because of this absence, various minhagim, such as staying up all night to study Torah and eating blintzes, take center stage.

Rav Weiss emphasizes the importance of demonstrating to children that a life of Torah is not merely one of hardship, but is instead the happiest life one can choose. He explains that the minhag of eating and drinking on the Y”T serves as a way to prove that it is a time of genuine happiness and celebration.

Referencing the Bnei Yissaschar, he reflects on historical tragedies where families lost their connection to the next generation. He suggests this often occurred because parents focused too heavily on the burdens of religious life rather than fostering joy and warmth within the family home.

Reflecting on a conversation with the Klausenberger Rebbe zt”l, Rav Weiss explores the balance between Avodah and Yishuv HaOlam. He argues that while Torah learning is essential, it must be integrated with the beauty of family and life, serving as two sides of the same coin.

Rav Weiss concludes that Shavuos is about thanking Hashem, rejoicing in the gift of Torah, and fostering a home environment that demonstrates the beauty and fulfillment of a life committed to Torah values.

All local school board elections will take place on TODAY, May 19 from 7:00am to 10:00pm. These local elections are of critical importance to our community, and we expect every member of our community to vote.

Regardless of which school district you live in and whether school board seats are being contested, our participation in the democratic process is our currency with our political leaders. Our voice needs to be heard at every level of government.

Voting information:

Polling locations are not necessarily the same as a general election.

For Hewlett-Woodmere (District 14), you will vote at One Johnson Place, Woodmere.

For Lawrence (District 15), please click here (https://nb.findmypollplace.com/lawrenceufsd/AmIRegistered.aspx?language=en) to look up where to vote if you are not sure – most residents will vote at Lawrence High School, 2 Rielly Road.

If you live in another district, please refer to your local school board website for more information.

Washington, DC (May 19, 2026)

The Trump administration is expanding its prescription drug pricing website with the addition of more than 600 generic medications, a major increase for the months-old federal platform aimed at helping Americans find lower-cost options for common prescriptions.

The expanded TrumpRx website is designed to give consumers a broader way to compare cash prices, identify lower-cost alternatives, and locate participating pharmacies or delivery options. The administration says the new generic drug listings will make the tool more useful for patients who are uninsured, have high deductibles, or may find that paying directly is cheaper than using their insurance coverage.

The website was launched earlier this year as part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to reduce prescription drug costs. Its initial focus was on a smaller group of brand-name medications offered through direct-to-consumer arrangements with pharmaceutical manufacturers. The new expansion shifts the platform toward everyday prescriptions used by millions of Americans, including generic medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and other common health needs.

Administration officials say many patients are unaware that generic versions of widely used drugs may be available at significantly lower prices than brand-name versions. By listing hundreds of generic options in one place, the White House hopes to increase price transparency and encourage consumers to ask doctors and pharmacists about more affordable alternatives.

The announcement comes as health care affordability remains a major concern for families nationwide. Prescription costs can vary widely depending on insurance status, pharmacy, manufacturer discounts, and available coupons. Officials said the site will continue adding tools intended to help patients compare prices and find the lowest available option near them.

The initiative is also part of the administration’s larger drug pricing agenda, which includes efforts to tie certain U.S. prices more closely to those paid in other developed countries. Supporters say the expansion could help patients make better-informed choices, while health policy analysts caution that savings may vary depending on the medication, insurance plan, and pharmacy access.

For consumers struggling with rising costs, the expanded platform represents another potential way to search for savings before filling a prescription.

Americans went from paying the MOST anywhere in the world for medications to paying the LOWEST drug prices for anybody in any country.

All we needed was a new president. pic.twitter.com/SDVjH7z66T

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 18, 2026

Mark Cuban on https://t.co/NmF0njNWnZ: "As our volumes go up, our costs go down, which means we'll be ending up charging less to people over a period of time… This is a special partnership. 559 of those drugs are ours, so we're really excited to be part of this." pic.twitter.com/VSnxBYtEPd

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 18, 2026

New York, NY (May 19, 2026)

A federal judge has sharply limited the ability of federal agents to carry out immigration arrests at New York City immigration courts, delivering a major setback to a policy that had become one of the most visible parts of the federal government’s immigration crackdown in Manhattan.

U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel issued the order Monday, largely barring arrests in and around several Manhattan immigration court locations except under limited circumstances involving public safety or other exceptional factors. The ruling affects courthouse activity at sites including 26 Federal Plaza, where immigration arrests had become a frequent source of fear, protest, and public outrage.

The decision comes after federal lawyers acknowledged that the government had relied on a Department of Homeland Security memo in a way that was later determined to be incorrect. That admission became central to renewed legal challenges brought by immigrant advocacy groups, who argued that the courthouse arrests discouraged people from attending required hearings and undermined the immigration court process.

For months, immigrants arriving for routine proceedings in Manhattan faced the possibility of being detained before or after their hearings. Families, attorneys, and advocates said the practice created a climate of fear, especially for people pursuing asylum claims or attempting to comply with court requirements. Protesters repeatedly gathered outside the courthouse, and several public officials and advocates were detained during demonstrations connected to the arrests.

Federal officials defended the policy by arguing that courthouses provided a controlled setting for enforcement actions and reduced the risks associated with arrests in neighborhoods or homes. But opponents said the practice punished people for showing up to court and made the legal system harder to access.

The judge’s ruling does not end immigration enforcement in New York City, nor does it prevent arrests in all circumstances. However, it significantly restricts a practice that had transformed routine court appearances into moments of uncertainty for many immigrant families.

Elon Musk: “I’m a huge admirer of the innovation coming out of Israel. I think, objectively, that Israel punches far above its weight for its population.”

.@elonmusk speaking live:
“I’m a huge admirer of the innovation coming out of Israel, it is objectively true that Israel punches high above its weight — I think honestly number one in the world… innovation per capita, Israel is by far number one in the world.” pic.twitter.com/PdICcVepsP

— Michael Granoff (@mikejgr) May 18, 2026

A coordinated-looking package theft is actively taking place in our community.

This incident was captured in Far Rockaway today at 1:54 PM.

If you see the man involved, please contact the authorities immediately and share any additional information or sightings. Stay vigilant and keep an eye on your deliveries!

Porch Pirate: A coordinated looking package theft currently taking place in the community. This was in Far Rockaway today at 1:54 pm. Anyone who sees the man, please contact authorities asap! pic.twitter.com/uFP29qs52s

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) May 18, 2026

**
New York, NY (May 18, 2026)**

The Long Island Rail Road strike that disrupted travel for hundreds of thousands of commuters has ended after the MTA and five unions representing LIRR workers reached a tentative agreement, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday evening.

Tonight, the @MTA reached a fair deal with the five LIRR unions that delivers raises for workers while protecting riders and taxpayers.

I’m pleased to announce that phased LIRR service will resume beginning tomorrow at noon.

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 19, 2026

The walkout began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday after contract talks broke down between the MTA and unions representing approximately 3,500 workers. The strike halted LIRR service across the system, forcing commuters to find alternate ways into New York City and across Long Island through shuttle buses, subways, carpools, ferries, and remote work arrangements.

Service is expected to resume in phases beginning Tuesday at noon, bringing relief to riders who spent days dealing with major uncertainty and limited transportation options. The disruption affected one of the busiest commuter rail systems in North America and created serious challenges for workers, students, medical patients, and families who rely on the railroad every day.

During the shutdown, the MTA operated shuttle buses from Long Island to subway connections in Queens, but many riders described the experience as slow, crowded, confusing, or impractical. Some commuters said their trips stretched for hours, while others said the alternatives did not work for people traveling outside peak commuting times.

The agreement brings an end to a tense labor standoff that centered on pay, benefits, and long-term cost concerns. While full details of the deal were not immediately released, officials said the agreement provides raises for workers while aiming to protect riders and taxpayers.

For Long Island residents, the end of the strike means a return to normal travel may finally be in sight. Still, the disruption left many commuters frustrated over the speed and severity of the shutdown, and the coming days will likely bring continued scrutiny of how both sides handled the dispute.

After days of stalled trains, crowded alternatives, and widespread frustration, Tuesday’s planned service restoration marks the first step toward getting the region’s daily commute back on track.

Heads up for LIRR customers: Service will remain suspended for the AM rush tomorrow.

Please telework if that’s an option.

If you must travel, we’ll be offering limited shuttle bus service between Long Island and Queens for the AM and PM rush. Some subway stations in Brooklyn… pic.twitter.com/ffRN9otN7A

— LIRR (@LIRR) May 18, 2026

Strikes are never easy on workers, commuters, or families.

But together, we got it done.

Now it’s time to get Long Island moving again. pic.twitter.com/jfWDI3O2gX

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 19, 2026

R’ Daniel Glatstein

Source: Torah Anytime

**
New York, NY (May 18, 2026)**

Long Island commuters faced another difficult day Monday as the Long Island Rail Road strike continued to suspend train service systemwide, forcing thousands of riders to rely on shuttle buses, subways, carpools, ferries, and other alternatives to reach New York City.

The MTA said it operated a large shuttle bus effort from several Long Island locations to subway connections in Queens, with staff members stationed on the ground to help direct riders. Agency officials thanked employees and customers for their patience during what they described as extraordinary circumstances.

But for many commuters, the reality on the ground was far more difficult. Riders reported long waits, crowded conditions, confusing routes, and commutes that stretched far beyond normal travel times. Some said the shuttle bus option was helpful but insufficient, especially for those who travel outside traditional rush-hour windows or live far from designated pickup locations.

The disruption has been especially hard on workers who cannot stay home, including health care aides, service employees, hourly workers, and others whose jobs require them to be physically present. For some, the shutdown has meant waking up hours earlier, walking long distances, or piecing together multiple forms of transportation just to reach work.

Public frustration also grew online, where commuters criticized both the strike and the limited alternatives. Many questioned why service could not be restored sooner, while others called on the MTA and union leaders to reach an agreement before more riders are left stranded.

The LIRR said monthly ticket holders may receive prorated refunds for business days when service remains suspended because of the strike, though the plan still requires MTA board approval. More details are expected once the agency finalizes the refund process.

For now, the shutdown continues to reshape daily life across Long Island and New York City. What is normally a routine commute has become a stressful and uncertain journey, leaving riders caught between a labor dispute and the practical reality of needing to get to work, school, appointments, and home.

5TC was informed by a follower that the QM563 bus from Rosedale is a great option. Check out schedule and more details by clicking here.

Please help local residents find the best commuting option by sharing helpful information in the comments.

**
New York, NY (May 18, 2026)**

Long Island commuters faced another difficult day Monday as the Long Island Rail Road strike continued to suspend train service systemwide, forcing thousands of riders to rely on shuttle buses, subways, carpools, ferries, and other alternatives to reach New York City.

The MTA said it operated a large shuttle bus effort from several Long Island locations to subway connections in Queens, with staff members stationed on the ground to help direct riders. Agency officials thanked employees and customers for their patience during what they described as extraordinary circumstances.

But for many commuters, the reality on the ground was far more difficult. Riders reported long waits, crowded conditions, confusing routes, and commutes that stretched far beyond normal travel times. Some said the shuttle bus option was helpful but insufficient, especially for those who travel outside traditional rush-hour windows or live far from designated pickup locations.

The disruption has been especially hard on workers who cannot stay home, including health care aides, service employees, hourly workers, and others whose jobs require them to be physically present. For some, the shutdown has meant waking up hours earlier, walking long distances, or piecing together multiple forms of transportation just to reach work.

Public frustration also grew online, where commuters criticized both the strike and the limited alternatives. Many questioned why service could not be restored sooner, while others called on the MTA and union leaders to reach an agreement before more riders are left stranded.

The LIRR said monthly ticket holders may receive prorated refunds for business days when service remains suspended because of the strike, though the plan still requires MTA board approval. More details are expected once the agency finalizes the refund process.

For now, the shutdown continues to reshape daily life across Long Island and New York City. What is normally a routine commute has become a stressful and uncertain journey, leaving riders caught between a labor dispute and the practical reality of needing to get to work, school, appointments, and home.

Rabbi Daniel Kleinman on Let’s Get Real with Coach Menachem, Sunday May 17th.

More Comfort Less Connection: Shavuos When Gashmius Becomes the Focus We Risk Losing Touch With What Truly Nourishes the Soul

As we prepare for Shavuos, many of us are living in a world with more comfort, convenience, and material success than ever before—yet we may still feel disconnected inside.

Join Doniel Kleinman for a thought-provoking discussion on the relationship between gashmiyus and ruchniyus, and how an increasing focus on comfort, money, and status can leave the soul feeling empty.

Together we will explore what Shavuos teaches us about what truly nourishes the soul, what it means to receive the Torah in a personal way, and how to build a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Hashem.

Whether you feel spiritually connected or are searching for clarity and purpose, this conversation will offer practical insight and inspiration for preparing to receive the Torah this year.

Far Rockaway, NY (May 18, 2026)

The NYPD and RNSP held another successful bike, scooter, and device registration event on Sunday, drawing families from across the community for an afternoon focused on safety and crime prevention.

The event brought together RNSP Shomrim volunteers, NYPD Queens South, the NYPD 101st Precinct, NYPD Community Affairs, and Crime Prevention teams. Together, they helped register hundreds of bicycles, scooters, and electronic devices with identifying information that can assist in recovering lost or stolen property.

The registration program allows each item to be connected to its rightful owner through a shared system used by RNSP and law enforcement partners. If a registered item is later lost, stolen, and recovered, the identifying information can help ensure that it is traced and returned.

Families attended throughout the day, turning the safety initiative into a community event while taking practical steps to protect valuable property. Bikes, scooters, and electronic devices are frequently targeted for theft, and registration provides an added layer of protection for owners.

RNSP has long worked with local police on neighborhood safety efforts, including patrols, emergency response, missing-person searches, and crime prevention initiatives. The latest registration event is part of that broader mission to help residents take proactive steps before incidents occur.

Organizers said hundreds of registered items have been returned to their rightful owners over the years thanks to similar efforts.

Far Rockaway, NY (May 18, 2026)

Rockaway Nassau Shomrim held another successful bike, scooter, and device registration event on Sunday, drawing families from across the community for an afternoon focused on safety and crime prevention.

The event brought together RNSP Shomrim volunteers, NYPD Queens South, the NYPD 101st Precinct, NYPD Community Affairs, and Crime Prevention teams. Together, they helped register hundreds of bicycles, scooters, and electronic devices with identifying information that can assist in recovering lost or stolen property.

The registration program allows each item to be connected to its rightful owner through a shared system used by RNSP and law enforcement partners. If a registered item is later lost, stolen, and recovered, the identifying information can help ensure that it is traced and returned.

Families attended throughout the day, turning the safety initiative into a community event while taking practical steps to protect valuable property. Bikes, scooters, and electronic devices are frequently targeted for theft, and registration provides an added layer of protection for owners.

RNSP has long worked with local police on neighborhood safety efforts, including patrols, emergency response, missing-person searches, and crime prevention initiatives. The latest registration event is part of that broader mission to help residents take proactive steps before incidents occur.

Organizers said hundreds of registered items have been returned to their rightful owners over the years thanks to similar efforts.

Albany, NY (May 18, 2026)

New York lawmakers have passed legislation that would ban potassium bromate, a flour additive used in some baked goods including pizza dough and bagels, amid health concerns over its possible link to cancer.

The measure, known as the Food Safety and Chemical Disclosure Act, has passed both the State Senate and Assembly and now awaits action from Governor Kathy Hochul. If signed into law, it would prohibit the manufacture and sale of food products in New York containing potassium bromate, along with several other additives including Red Dye 3 and propylparaben.

Potassium bromate is used by some commercial bakers and pizzerias to strengthen dough, improve texture, and help baked goods rise. It has already been restricted or banned in several other countries, including in the European Union and Canada, but remains permitted in the United States under federal rules.

Supporters of the New York bill say the state should act more aggressively to remove additives that raise public health concerns, particularly when safer alternatives are already available. They argue the measure would give consumers stronger protections and push food manufacturers toward cleaner ingredients.

Some bakery and pizza shop owners have raised concerns about the possible effect on cost, consistency, and the texture of traditional New York foods. Businesses that rely on bromated flour may need to adjust recipes, suppliers, or baking methods if the ban becomes law.

The legislation also includes broader ingredient transparency requirements related to chemicals used in food products. Supporters say those provisions are intended to close gaps in the current system and give the public more information about what is in the food supply.

If approved by the governor, the law would give certain businesses time to transition before enforcement begins.

North York, Ontario (May 18, 2026)

Shomrim of Toronto, Misaskim, Toronto Police, and additional emergency personnel are continuing an urgent search for a missing 14-year-old girl last seen Friday night in North York.

The missing teen, identified as Esther, also known as Esti, was last seen around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, in the Earl Bales Park area near Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West. Police said she was seen heading in a northeasterly direction. She is described as approximately five-foot-two, with a medium build and brown hair. At the time she was last seen, she was wearing a green and grey long-sleeve shirt and grey sweatpants.

Earl Bales Park is a large, heavily wooded park with trails and natural terrain, making the search especially complex. The West Don River also runs through the park area.

Search teams have been working on the ground, while police drones equipped with heat-detection capabilities have also been deployed in an effort to locate any possible signs of the missing girl. Community volunteers and emergency responders are urging residents in the area to remain alert and check yards, sheds, garages, building entrances, security cameras, and any secluded areas where someone may have taken shelter.

Anyone who may have seen Esther, or who has information that could assist the search, is urged to contact Shomrim of Toronto at 647-557-6735 or Toronto Police at 416-808-3200.

The reference case number is 264-7312.

Besuros Tovos.

SEARCH UPDATE

Shomrim, Toronto Police, Hatzoloh, Matzil Search & Rescue, and community volunteers continue searching for 14-year-old Esther (“Esti”).

If you spot her:
DO NOT APPROACH
CALL 911 & SHOMRIM IMMEDIATELY

Please keep sharing. Awareness matters.

… pic.twitter.com/mrD2lRLBzv

— JEWISH LIFE NOW-Your tribe with a new vibe (@JewishLifeNow) May 18, 2026

—-

New York, NY (May 18, 2026)

New York City is under an Air Quality Health Advisory today, with state environmental officials forecasting pollution levels that may be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the advisory after the Air Quality Index was forecast to reach Code Orange, which means AQI levels between 101 and 150. At that level, most healthy people face a low risk from outdoor activity, but those more vulnerable to air pollution may experience health effects.

Sensitive groups include adults over 65, children under 14, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers, and people with heart disease, lung disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.

Officials are urging those at higher risk to reduce strenuous outdoor activities, take extra breaks while outside, and watch for symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. People with asthma or chronic lung conditions should keep quick-relief medication available and follow their regular care plans.

The advisory is in effect for Monday, May 18. Residents are encouraged to monitor local air quality throughout the day and adjust outdoor plans as needed, especially during periods of heavier exertion or prolonged time outside.

Schools, camps, workplaces, and community organizations with outdoor activities may also consider limiting strenuous activity for children, seniors, and others at increased risk until conditions improve.

Itamar, Israel (May 18, 2026)

Capt. Maoz Israel Recanati HY”D, a 24-year-old Golani Brigade officer from Itamar, was killed in combat in southern Lebanon, leaving behind a grieving family, a heartbroken Kallah, and a nation once again forced to confront the unbearable cost of its survival.

Recanati served as a platoon commander in the 12th Battalion of the Golani Brigade. He was killed after an explosive drone struck Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon, where troops have continued to face threats from Hezbollah. He had been expected to marry his fiancée next month. Instead of preparing for a wedding, his loved ones are now preparing to sit shivah.

The details are almost too painful to absorb. A young couple had an invitation, plans, dreams, and a future. They were supposed to build a home together. They were supposed to begin a life filled with ordinary blessings: marriage, family, children, years of growing together. In an instant, those dreams were shattered.

For his young Kallah, the calendar will never look the same. A date that was meant to mark joy will now carry a wound no words can repair. For his parents and siblings, the loss is the kind that reverses the natural order of the world. Parents are meant to bless their children under a chuppah, not bury them before their lives have truly begun.

Recanati’s death is not only a military loss. It is a personal tragedy, a communal heartbreak, and a reminder of the debt carried by every person who wakes up safely while soldiers stand in danger.

There are moments when a nation must stop everything else and remember what matters most. Not the noise, not the distractions, not the passing headlines. A young officer gave his life in defense of his people. His name deserves to be known, his sacrifice remembered, and his memory carried forward with gratitude, dignity, and action.

May the memory of Capt. Maoz Israel Recanati be a blessing. Yihi Zichro Baruch.

May klal yisroel experience no more pain.

I had to pause this video 5 second in because it made me break down in tears.

The father of Capt Maoz Recanati who was killed by Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon departs from him at the funeral with the Sephardic High Holiday liturgy of Et Shaare Ratzon, speaking about the… pic.twitter.com/HekMvueZkT

— Rabbi Poupko (@RabbiPoupko) May 18, 2026

Captain Maoz Israel Recanati’s funeral.

Killed by Hezbollah drone strike in southern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/TPhYHeNM25

— Alert Clash (@Alert_Clash) May 18, 2026

*I Wanted To See You A Father:* Roni, fiance of fallen soldier Maoz Recanati, had planned their wedding for just a month later. Speaking to a crowd of several hundred at his funeral, she spelled out in tears all the dreams she had hoped to see with him – but never will. pic.twitter.com/GAFPpaYcS9

— (((IsraelMatzav))) (@IsraelMatzav) May 17, 2026

Albany, NY (May 18, 2026)

The New York State Assembly has passed legislation aimed at strengthening volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps by significantly increasing tax benefits for those who serve.

The bill, A.6790, would raise the state personal income tax credit for eligible volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers from $200 to $800 for individual filers. For married couples filing jointly, the credit would increase from $400 to $1,600.

The measure was introduced by Assemblymember Karen McMahon, supported by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and cosponsored by lawmakers including Assemblyman Aron Wieder of Spring Valley. It now heads to the State Senate, where it has been referred to the Budget and Revenue Committee.

In addition to raising the credit, the bill would end a long-standing limitation that required eligible volunteers to choose between receiving the state income tax credit or a local property tax exemption. Under the proposed law, qualifying volunteers would be allowed to claim both benefits at the same time, creating a stronger incentive for continued service.

If approved by the Senate and signed into law, the increased credit would apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Supporters say the legislation comes at a critical time for emergency services across the state. New York has approximately 20,000 fewer volunteer firefighters than it had two decades ago, placing pressure on local departments that rely heavily on volunteers to respond to fires, medical emergencies, accidents, and other urgent calls.

The proposal follows recommendations from the state’s Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Task Force, which called for stronger incentives to help departments attract and keep members.

Volunteer fire and ambulance organizations remain essential in many communities, particularly in suburban and rural areas where paid emergency services may be limited. Advocates say increasing financial benefits is a practical step toward recognizing the time, training, and personal risk taken on by volunteers who respond to emergencies at all hours.

As of Monday, May 18, 2026, the LIRR strike is still in effect and service remains suspended systemwide. MTA and the striking LIRR unions resumed talks Monday morning, and MTA CEO Janno Lieber said he was “cautiously optimistic,” but there is no service restoration yet. Even if a deal is reached, the MTA says full train service may not return until the next day.

The MTA’s main message is: work from home if possible. Officials say there is no real substitute for the LIRR, and all alternatives are expected to be crowded, slower, and affected by heavy road congestion.

For people who must commute, the MTA is running free weekday peak-hour shuttle buses from six Long Island locations to Queens subway connections. Morning buses toward Manhattan run from 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; evening buses back to Long Island run from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The shuttle locations are:

Bay Shore LIRR to Howard Beach-JFK Airport, where riders can take the A train.

Hicksville LIRR to Howard Beach-JFK Airport, for the A train.

Mineola LIRR to Howard Beach-JFK Airport, for the A train.

Hempstead Lake State Park, near Lakeview LIRR, to Howard Beach-JFK Airport, for the A train.

Huntington LIRR to Jamaica-179 St, for the F train.

Ronkonkoma LIRR to Jamaica-179 St, for the F train.

Bay Shore, Huntington, and Ronkonkoma have both peak and limited reverse-peak service. Hempstead Lake State Park, Hicksville, and Mineola are peak-direction only.

For Nassau commuters, NICE Bus is another major option. NICE is adding service starting Monday to and from key hubs including Hicksville, Mineola, Great Neck, and Freeport. MTA also lists useful NICE connections into Queens at 179 St, Far Rockaway-Mott Av, Flushing-Main St, Jamaica Bus Terminal near 169 St, and Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer.

For the Five Towns/Far Rockaway area, the closest practical subway drop-off is Far Rockaway-Mott Av on the A train. MTA specifically lists it as a recommended passenger drop-off point, but notes there is no parking lot there, so it should be used for drop-offs, not park-and-ride. NICE routes serving that area include n31, n31x/m, n32, and n33.

Other MTA-recommended drop-off points near major roads are Kew Gardens-Union Tpke, Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd, Sheepshead Bay, and Woodhaven Blvd. These also do not have parking lots.

Citi Field parking is another option: commuters can park there for $6 and take the 7 train into Manhattan while the Mets are away. Officials are also encouraging carpooling, especially for drivers using the LIE/HOV lane.

May monthly ticket holders are expected to receive prorated refunds for business days when service is suspended due to the strike, pending MTA board approval.

Good luck to all!

Please comment in the comment section below to assist local travelers. Carpool anyone?

If you need help with your trip to/from Long Island today, we’ve got you.

• Customer ambassadors will be at shuttle bus sites on Long Island and in Queens to assist with directions, travel guidance, and more.
• Call 511 to get help from MTA staff 24/7.
• Use MTA app chat…

— LIRR (@LIRR) May 18, 2026

New York, NY (May 16, 2026) — New York City and much of the eastern United States are preparing for an unusual burst of early-season heat this week, with forecasters warning that temperatures could approach 100 degrees in some areas.

Meteorologists say the most intense conditions are expected around May 19 and 20, when a combination of high temperatures and rising humidity may push heat index values into the triple digits across parts of the region.

The National Weather Service attributed the sudden warm-up to a large high-pressure system settling over the eastern United States, creating conditions favorable for prolonged heat and limited cloud cover. The system is expected to dominate much of the East Coast before a cold front later in the week brings some relief.

Officials are already encouraging residents to prepare for potentially dangerous heat conditions, particularly vulnerable populations such as seniors, young children, and individuals with medical conditions. The early timing of the heat wave has also raised concerns because many people may not yet be acclimated to summer-like temperatures.

The expected surge comes as city and state agencies continue promoting cooling assistance programs and broader heat preparedness efforts ahead of the summer season.

Forecasters say temperatures should gradually return closer to seasonal averages once the cold front moves through later next week.

NEXT WEEK'S HEAT MAY OVERACHIEVE FOR MANY

This isn’t your typical “warm May days.”
We are talking about a VERY rapid jump from cool ocean air to widespread 90s by Tuesday & Wednesday across the Tri-State. Reviewing the morning models I see a noticable trend in the 850mb… pic.twitter.com/jYW6oVwqTb

— Mike Masco (@MikeMasco) May 16, 2026

New York, NY (May 16, 2026) — New York residents may be eligible to receive a free air conditioner or fan this summer through a state cooling assistance program designed to help households manage extreme heat.

The benefit, offered through the Home Energy Assistance Program’s Summer Cooling Assistance initiative, covers the full cost of one cooling unit per household, including installation, labor, materials, and removal of older equipment.

Officials said qualifying households can receive up to $800 toward a portable air conditioner, window unit, or fan, while existing wall sleeve units may qualify for coverage of up to $1,000.

Applications opened in mid-April and are being processed on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning funding could run out before all applicants are served.

The program comes as New York continues expanding heat protection policies for tenants and vulnerable residents. State and city officials have increasingly focused on cooling access amid rising summer temperatures and public health concerns tied to extreme heat.

The assistance program also aligns with a recently adopted city law requiring landlords of tenant-occupied buildings to provide cooling systems to residents who request them by 2030. The law additionally sets maximum indoor temperature standards during summer months for buildings where landlords control the heat and cooling systems.

Residents seeking assistance can apply online through the ACCESS HRA system or contact state agencies directly for additional information and eligibility requirements.

London, UK (May 17, 2026) — Elon Musk’s social media platform X has agreed to strengthen its enforcement against terrorist content, antisemitism, and other forms of illegal hate speech in the United Kingdom following growing regulatory pressure and rising concerns over attacks targeting the Jewish community.

Britain’s communications regulator announced that the platform committed to reviewing reports involving suspected terrorism-related or hateful content more quickly, with most cases expected to be assessed within two days. The agreement also includes new measures aimed at limiting access within the UK to accounts associated with organizations banned under British terrorism laws.

As part of the arrangement, X will provide regular performance reports to regulators and work with outside experts to improve its reporting and moderation systems after concerns that flagged content was not consistently addressed.

British officials said the move comes amid evidence that extremist and antisemitic material continues circulating on major social media platforms, particularly during a period of heightened tensions and recent hate-driven incidents affecting Jewish communities across the country.

Jewish advocacy groups cautiously welcomed the commitments while arguing that far more work remains to combat racism and online extremism effectively. Digital watchdog organizations also pointed to sustained public pressure following several recent violent incidents tied to antisemitic hate.

The developments reflect a broader international push to force social media companies to take stronger action against illegal content. Regulators in Europe and elsewhere have increasingly scrutinized X and other platforms over concerns involving hate speech, terrorism-related material, and online safety enforcement.

The agreement marks one of the most significant regulatory understandings reached by X since Musk acquired the platform, as governments continue debating how aggressively tech companies should police harmful online content.

Far Rockaway, NY (May 17, 2026)

Rockaway Nassau Shomrim will host its annual bike, scooter, and device etching event on Sunday, May 17, giving community members an opportunity to better protect their property and improve the chances of recovery if items are lost or stolen.

The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the intersection of Reads Lane and Elvira Avenue.

RNSP will be joined by the NYPD 101st Precinct Crime Prevention team and NYPD Community Affairs officers. Together, they will help residents register bicycles, scooters, and electronic devices with a unique serial number assigned to the owner.

That identifying information will be stored electronically in a shared database used by RNSP and the NYPD. If a registered item is later lost, stolen, and recovered, the serial number can help authorities identify the rightful owner and return the property more efficiently.

The program is designed to reduce theft and help residents take simple preventive steps before an incident occurs. Property marking and registration are commonly used by law enforcement and community safety groups to make stolen items harder to resell and easier to trace.

Organizers say the effort has already helped return hundreds of bicycles, scooters, and devices to their owners over the years. Community members are encouraged to bring any eligible items they would like registered during the two-hour event.

The event is free and open to the public. Residents bringing bikes, scooters, or devices should make sure they have the items with them at the registration site so they can be properly marked and entered into the system.

Still waiting to receive a REAL ID or dealing with DMV delays?  A passport is a great alternative especially if you’re planning to fly within the U.S.

Thanks to Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti and Town Clerk Kate Murray, getting your passport just got easier! On Sunday, May 17th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Village of Cedarhurst is excited to welcome the Town of Hempstead’s Mobile Passport Unit to Village Hall, making it easy to apply for a U.S. Passport right here in the Village.

Appointments are required, so be sure to call the Hempstead Town Clerk’s Office at (516) 812-3100 to reserve your spot.  Appointments fill up quickly!

Before your appointment, we recommend downloading the passport application and taking a quick look so you know what documents you’ll need (like proof of identity and citizenship). You can fill it out ahead of time, but hold off on signing until you’re with the passport officer.

For details on passport fees and accepted payment methods, visit the Town of Hempstead website.

No photo? No problem! Passport photos will be available on-site for just $10.

Village Board

Benjamin Weinstock, Mayor
Ari Brown, Deputy Mayor
Myrna Zisman, Trustee
Israel Wasser, Trustee
Daniel Plaut, Trustee

“Dear Members,

I am excited to share that Young Israel of Woodmere has recently signed a contract for the purchase of the Woodmere Club House property and surrounding areas. Importantly, entering into this contract did not require any outlay of funds from the shul or membership.

While there is still much work ahead and additional steps that must take place before the process is finalized, this opportunity has the potential to open the door to many exciting possibilities for our kehillah and community. One of the central goals of this project is to create something that will meaningfully benefit Young Israel of Woodmere members and strengthen our community for generations to come. Potential opportunities may include expanded space for tefillah, catering and event space, affordable weddings and other simchas for members, playgrounds and recreational areas, and many other future communal uses and opportunities designed to enhance the communal experience for our membership.

Most importantly, we are pleased to share that this project is being structured in a way that will not require any additional assessments or building fund obligations from the membership. As this process moves forward, any final decision to complete the purchase would be brought before the membership for a formal vote.

I look forward to sharing continued updates with the community as this exciting project progresses.

With gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership,

Ari Schulman, President of Young Israel of Woodmere”

We wish Kehillah much Hatzlacha!

New York, NY (May 16, 2026)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing fierce criticism from Jewish and pro-Israel advocates after marking Nakba Day with a message critics say presented a one-sided and deeply misleading account of Israel’s founding.

In his post, Mamdani described Nakba Day as a day remembering the displacement of more than 700,000 Palestinians between 1947 and 1949, during and after the creation of the State of Israel. He also shared the story of a New Yorker identified as a Nakba survivor, framing the message around family memory, home, and loss.

Today marks Nakba Day, an annual day of remembrance to commemorate the expulsion of more than 700,000 Palestinians between 1947 and 1949 during the creation of the State of Israel and the year that followed.

Inea is a New Yorker and a Nakba survivor. She shared her story with us… pic.twitter.com/z2PBOaJq5Z

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

The mayor’s statement omitted essential historical context, including the 1947 United Nations partition plan, which called for separate Jewish and Arab states, and the rejection of that plan by Arab leaders. The following year, after Israel declared independence, armies from neighboring Arab countries joined the war against the newly established Jewish state. Of course the mayor forgot to mention that part.

Mamdani also failed to acknowledge the roughly 850,000 Jews who were expelled or forced to flee Arab countries and Iran during the 20th century, many in the years following Israel’s establishment.

The backlash comes at a time of heightened fear among Jewish New Yorkers, following antisemitic vandalism in Queens, hostile demonstrations outside synagogues, and rising concern over anti-Israel rhetoric spilling into intimidation of Jewish communities.

Mamdani’s post turned a complicated and painful history into political messaging that casts Israel’s birth as a singular act of wrongdoing while ignoring the war launched against it and the Jewish refugee crisis that followed.

A New York City mayor has a responsibility to speak with historical balance, especially in a city with the largest Jewish population outside Israel.

Mamdani, you should focus on New York. You’re doing a fantastic job driving out business leaders and asking Governor Hochul for billions more in funding.

Aviva Klompas: “Shame on you Mamdani. This is political propaganda masquerading as compassion. Mamdani erases the fact that the Arab world rejected the UN’s partition plan which would have created a Palestinian state and instead launched a war to destroy the newborn Jewish state in 1948.

He ignores that roughly 850,000 Jews were expelled or forced to flee Arab countries in the years that followed. And he presents “Nakba Day” as though it is about grief, when in reality it is a movement that rejects Israel’s existence (and along with it millions of Jews).

In a city where Jews are already facing rampant harassment and violence, this kind of one-sided historical revisionism fuels hostility toward Jews.”

Stop Antisemitism: “Nakba Day – on May 14, 1948 Israel declared its independence. A coalition of five Arab nations including Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq immediately declared war and invaded Israel.

Israel won the war. The Arab nations created a day to commemorate the embarrassing loss.”

Dr. Maalouf: “The so-called “Nakba” is when Arabs (not a single person identified as ‘Palestinian’ back then) started a war of extermination against Holocaust survivors and Jewish refugees from Muslim countries, and lost it. The UN had partitioned the land between Jews and Arabs (most of whom had only arrived after Jews developed the land). The Jews accepted it. The Arabs rejected it, started a war and lost it, and created a day to commemorate their pathetic loss.

Remember: For every Jew, there’s 125 Muslims. Muslims are not an oppressed minority, they are the oppressive majority and the real colonizers.”

The Mayor of NY City is commemorating the Nakba, when Arab countries lost a war they started with Israel, and the Palestinians rejected every deal for a Two State Solution for the last 78 years.

That's only the real "catastrophe" here. pic.twitter.com/aCTh3O6m4d

— Joel M. Petlin (@Joelmpetlin) May 15, 2026

New York, NY (May 16, 2026)

Long Island Rail Road service was suspended systemwide Saturday after union workers went on strike following failed overnight negotiations with the MTA.

The strike began at 12:01 a.m. after the two sides were unable to reach a new labor agreement. The walkout affects the nation’s busiest commuter rail system and could disrupt travel for hundreds of thousands of riders who rely on the LIRR between Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.

The dispute centers largely on wages and contract terms for thousands of workers represented by several rail unions, including engineers, signal workers, machinists, and other employees. Union leaders said workers have gone years without a completed contract and are seeking pay increases they say reflect inflation and the cost of living. The MTA has argued that meeting the unions’ full demands could place additional pressure on fares, taxes, or service levels.

The MTA said LIRR service will remain suspended while the strike continues and urged riders to work from home if possible. Limited shuttle bus options are expected, but officials have warned that replacement service cannot come close to matching normal rail capacity.

The shutdown is expected to cause major congestion across Long Island and New York City, particularly if the strike continues into the workweek. Riders heading to weekend events, airports, medical appointments, and family obligations are already facing limited alternatives and higher travel costs.

Governor Kathy Hochul has urged both sides to continue negotiating and said a strike harms commuters, workers, and the broader regional economy. Political blame has intensified, with state, federal, and local officials trading criticism over how talks reached this point.

The strike is the first LIRR walkout in more than three decades. Negotiations are expected to remain under intense pressure as riders wait to learn when service can resume.

This LIRR strike was only possible because the Trump administration authorized it last fall. Before that, a strike could not happen.⁰⁰Facts still matter, @POTUS.

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 16, 2026

President Trump lashed out on NY Gov. Kathy Hochul for blaming him for the Long Island Rail strike:

“Failed New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, a Dumacrat, just blamed ME for her Long Island Railroad STRIKE, when she knows, full well, that I have NOTHING TO DO WITH IT – never even heard about it until this morning.”

“She just blurted out, “it’s President Trump’s fault.” No, Kathy, it’s your fault, and now looking over the facts, you should not have allowed this to happen.”

“If you can’t solve it, let me know, and I’ll show you how to properly get things done. This would be an easy one for BRUCE BLAKEMAN.”

“He should be your next Governor and New York State would turn around fast, including far less Crime, and much lower taxes!!! Kathy, call me if you can’t do it, I will get it done – I know all the players, great people!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

NOW: President Trump ERUPTS on NY Gov. Kathy Hochul for blaming HIM for the Long Island Rail strike

"Failed New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, a Dumacrat, just blamed ME for her Long Island Railroad STRIKE, when she knows, full well, that I have NOTHING TO DO WITH IT -… pic.twitter.com/8jOUX6z6Xp

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 16, 2026

NOW: "LIRR Strike in Effect" – signs seen on Long Island Expressway in Queens with traffic heavier than usual. pic.twitter.com/M6deeM2HOR

— Oliya Scootercaster (@ScooterCasterNY) May 16, 2026

More information on refunds will be available soon. Check our website for details: https://t.co/aiUtPwr3Wm -AP

— LIRR (@LIRR) May 16, 2026

I stand with LIRR riders and will fight to preserve the long-term stability of the MTA. pic.twitter.com/YnS9yPUijZ

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 16, 2026

Jerusalem, Israel (May 16, 2026)

Gut Vuch / Shavuah Tov & Gut Chodesh Sivan to all!

Israel carried out extensive operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon over the past week while also announcing the elimination of senior Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad in Gaza City, marking a significant escalation on multiple fronts.

The IDF said it has continued striking Hezbollah launch sites, weapons depots, observation posts, drone positions, and other military infrastructure used to threaten Israeli forces and northern communities. Israeli operations in southern Lebanon have included airstrikes guided by ground forces, with the military reporting strikes on ready-to-use launchers and buildings used by Hezbollah operatives. Recent reporting also confirmed continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon following renewed ceasefire-related diplomatic efforts.

Hezbollah has continued launching rockets, mortar shells, and drones toward areas where IDF soldiers are operating in southern Lebanon and along the northern border. Israeli air defenses intercepted several aerial threats, while other launches fell in open areas or near operational zones. No injuries were reported in several of the latest incidents, though the repeated drone and rocket fire has kept northern communities on high alert.

In Gaza, Israel said it eliminated Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who had become one of Hamas’ most senior remaining military figures and was described by Israel as a key planner of the October 7 attacks. The strike took place in Gaza City, and international reports said several others were killed as well.

Israeli officials said Haddad had been involved in rebuilding Hamas’ military capabilities and managing parts of the hostage-holding network during the war. His elimination is being viewed by Israel as a major blow to Hamas’ remaining command structure in Gaza.

The developments come amid broader regional tension involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and stalled nuclear-related diplomacy. Recent reporting indicates that U.S.-Iran discussions remain focused on sequencing issues, including maritime security and nuclear restrictions, while European leaders have urged Tehran not to pursue nuclear weapons and to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Israeli forces remain on heightened alert in both the north and south, with military leaders warning that operations will continue against terror groups attempting to attack Israeli civilians or soldiers.

Besuros Tovos.

BREAKING: The IDF has found a Hezbollah terror tunnel 25 meters underground, directly beneath a children’s clothing store in southern Lebanon.

This is only 2.7 miles from the Israeli border. pic.twitter.com/nn41OMoSXl

— Vivid. (@VividProwess) May 16, 2026

After Hezbollah rockets attacks on IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon on Friday, IAF hit 2 terrorists operating from a structure in the area from which the rockets had been launched. Secondary explosions were identified, indicating the presence of munitions inside the structure pic.twitter.com/CfUSRO0ib7

— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) May 16, 2026

CONFIRMED: Hamas chief, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, has been eliminated. https://t.co/pfp1axb1Rk pic.twitter.com/WYBZjSaKG3

— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) May 15, 2026

Melville, NY (May 15, 2026)

A large sinkhole opened on the Long Island Expressway in Suffolk County on Thursday afternoon, disrupting traffic and nearly swallowing part of a vehicle.

The hole appeared in the westbound lanes near Exit 49 in Melville shortly after 1:00 p.m. Authorities said the opening measured roughly 10 feet wide and 8 feet deep, forcing emergency crews to close two lanes as repair work began.

One vehicle partially entered the sinkhole before coming to a stop. No injuries were reported.

The right and center westbound lanes were closed while crews worked to secure the area and repair the damaged pavement. The left lane and HOV lane remained open, though drivers were urged to use alternate routes as delays built ahead of the evening commute.

State transportation crews responded to the scene and began emergency repairs, with officials indicating that the lane closures could remain in place for at least 24 hours.

The incident created major concern for drivers on one of Long Island’s busiest roadways and comes during a season when potholes and pavement failures are a frequent hazard across the region.

Motorists are being reminded to slow down near work zones, avoid sudden lane changes, and report dangerous road conditions to state transportation officials.

Monster sinkhole swallows car on LIE, sends other drivers skidding out of control

@sophiabhall1 reports

Sophia Hall, Jeffrey Jimenez pic.twitter.com/DA4tcT02j4

— 1010 WINS on 92.3 FM (@1010WINS) May 14, 2026

New York, NY (May 15, 2026)

Antisemitic incidents worldwide rose sharply last week, with 183 cases documented globally, according to newly released data from the Combat Antisemitism Movement.

The total represents a roughly 30% increase over the organization’s 2026 weekly average of 141 incidents. Since the beginning of January, the group says it has tracked 2,543 antisemitic incidents around the world.

The organization’s Antisemitism Research Center said its monitoring system relies on verified reports and vetted sources, while excluding general social media rhetoric that does not meet its reporting standards. Incidents are classified through a review process meant to distinguish documented antisemitic acts from broader political commentary or online expression.

Among the recent cases highlighted were swastikas and antisemitic graffiti targeting synagogues, homes, vehicles, and public spaces in Queens. Those incidents have prompted condemnation from city officials and a continuing NYPD investigation.

The report also cited a drive-by gel-pellet shooting in Toronto that targeted visibly Jewish pedestrians and caused minor injuries, along with hostile demonstrations outside Jewish institutions in New York City. Some recent protests connected to anti-Israel activism have included inflammatory slogans and confrontations near synagogues, heightening fears among Jewish communities already on alert.

The increase comes amid a broader global climate of concern over antisemitism since the October 7 attacks and the ongoing war in Gaza. Jewish organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community security groups have warned that threats, vandalism, harassment, and physical attacks have become more frequent in many cities with large Jewish populations.

The latest figures add to calls for stronger enforcement, better reporting systems, and increased public awareness. Community advocates say the data points to a continuing need for governments, schools, police departments, and civic leaders to treat antisemitism as an urgent public safety and social concern.

While the weekly total reflects incidents across multiple countries and categories, Jewish leaders say the pattern is clear: antisemitic activity remains elevated and is affecting Jewish life in both public and private spaces.

Albany, NY (May 14, 2026) — New York lawmakers are reportedly considering a new tax aimed at high-end all-cash home purchases in New York City as part of ongoing negotiations over the state budget.

According to reports, the proposal would apply to residential properties purchased entirely in cash for $1 million or more. Officials expect the measure could generate roughly $160 million in additional revenue, helping address mounting fiscal pressures facing the city.

The proposed tax is part of broader discussions surrounding the state’s FY2027 budget, which lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul are continuing to finalize. Hochul’s office said there is already a general agreement on many major components of the budget package, though final legislative language and details are still being completed.

Additional taxes on real estate could further cool New York City’s housing market and discourage investment.

The proposal comes amid an ongoing push by state and city leaders to identify new revenue streams while avoiding broader tax increases on working residents. Recent discussions have also included taxes targeting luxury second homes and other high-value assets as officials attempt to close budget gaps without major cuts to public services.

If approved, the measure would mark another significant shift in New York’s approach to taxing high-end real estate transactions as affordability and fiscal stability remain central issues in state politics.

This week’s Living with Emunah was filmed live from the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst.

Why are so many people exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to relax?

In this week’s Living with Emunah, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg explores a powerful idea: The more we try to control every outcome, every detail, and every uncertainty in life… the heavier life becomes.

Through deeply personal stories, reflections on technology and distraction, and the timeless words of Mizmor L’David, this class explores what it means to stop fighting for control over things that were never truly in our hands

Golders Green, London (May 14, 2026)

King Charles visited Golders Green on Thursday in a public show of support for London’s Jewish community following a series of antisemitic attacks, including last month’s knife attack in the heavily Jewish neighborhood.

During the visit, the King stopped at a Jewish Care center in northwest London, where he met with victims of the April 29 stabbing attack and spoke with community members affected by the recent violence. The visit came amid heightened concern over the safety of British Jews after several incidents targeting Jewish individuals and institutions.

The King also met with members of Shomrim, the Jewish volunteer neighborhood safety organization that helped respond to the Golders Green attack. Volunteers from Shomrim and Hatzola were among those who assisted at the scene and helped protect the public until police took control.

The April 29 attack left two Jewish men injured and was later treated by police as a terror-related incident. Authorities said the suspect was arrested after the attack and charged in connection with attempted murder. The incident shook the local Jewish community and prompted a wider security response across the area.

Golders Green is home to one of the United Kingdom’s largest Jewish communities, with many shuls, schools, kosher businesses, and communal organizations. The King’s visit was seen by many residents as an important gesture of solidarity at a time when Jewish families have been facing increased fear and uncertainty.

The visit also followed warnings from senior police officials about the seriousness of the current threat environment facing Jewish Londoners. Community leaders have called for stronger protection, faster enforcement, and clear national leadership against antisemitism.

By meeting victims and first responders in person, the King reaffirmed his support for the Jewish community and recognized the courage of those who stepped forward during the attack.

Golders Green: King Charles paying a visit to the Golders Green community. pic.twitter.com/MmPjRTdxnE

— In Stamford Hill (@instamfordhill) May 14, 2026

At Golders Green today, The King reaffirmed his support for the Jewish community, following a series of antisemitic attacks.

During his time at the Jewish Care centre in North-West London, The King spoke to victims of the recent knife attack that took place in the area on 29th… pic.twitter.com/Mr8tvAOdW9

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 14, 2026

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for coming today to Golders Green to bring comfort and encouragement to our Jewish community!” pic.twitter.com/wMSBABFFGh

— Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) May 14, 2026

“This Is Not Protest. This Is Intimidation.”

Speaking before hundreds of yeshiva leaders at the Agudath Israel Yeshiva Summit in Staten Island, Comptroller Mark Levine delivered an unequivocal condemnation regarding the most recent wave of antisemitic demonstrations targeting Jewish neighborhoods and institutions across the city.

Referring to recent protests outside synagogues and within heavily Jewish residential communities on the Upper East Side, in Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, and most recently in Midwood, Levine warned that the situation has crossed far beyond the bounds of legitimate political protest.

“What we’ve seen now outside of synagogues and Jewish institutions … is really, really unacceptable,” Levine said during his keynote address. “I support the right to free speech and peaceable assembly and protest with all my heart. This is a bedrock value of America and New York City, and it always will be. But what we’re seeing … crosses the line.”

Levine described the demonstrations as “open bigotry,” “threats and harassment,” and “celebration of terrorist organizations,” stressing that Jewish families were being targeted simply because they were Jewish.

“In the case of Midwood,” he said, “people went through the entire community, through the homes of Jewish families who did nothing other than be Jewish families living in the neighborhood.”

He further noted that the Midwood protests resulted in arrests and acts of violence, calling the events “over the line.”

“This is not policy disagreement anymore,” Levine declared. “This is intimidation. And we are not going to accept it.”

The remarks drew strong reaction from attendees, many of whom have expressed growing alarm not only over the increasingly aggressive demonstrations outside synagogues, Jewish schools, community centers, and residential neighborhoods, but also over the near silence from much of the political establishment as these incidents continue to escalate.

Levine’s comments reflected a growing recognition that what is unfolding in many of these incidents is not ordinary protest activity, but the deliberate targeting and intimidation of visibly Jewish communities.

“We cannot normalize this,” Levine said. “And we cannot allow it to become acceptable in New York City.”

NYC Comptroller Mark Levine says recent pro-Palestinian protests are “unacceptable” and “crosses the line” on free speech.

On Midwood protest: “People who went through the entire community to the homes of Jewish families who did nothing other than be Jewish families living in… pic.twitter.com/9A03sp7ZdT

— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) May 14, 2026

New York, NY (May 14, 2026) — An antisemitic flag featuring swastikas and imagery resembling a modified Israeli flag was raised above New York University’s campus in Lower Manhattan this week, prompting condemnation from university officials and an ongoing police investigation.

The flag was spotted flying atop a campus building overlooking Washington Square Park during graduation week before it was quickly removed. Witnesses described the banner as containing stripes and a Star of David alongside large swastikas, creating what officials called a hateful antisemitic symbol.

NYU administrators said campus safety officers responded immediately after the flag was discovered. University officials stated they were deeply disturbed by the incident and confirmed they are working with the NYPD to identify those responsible.

The incident has renewed concerns about antisemitism on college campuses, particularly in New York City, where Jewish advocacy groups say antisemitic incidents have sharply increased in recent years. The Anti-Defamation League recently reported that New York State recorded the highest number of antisemitic incidents nationwide in 2025, with New York City accounting for hundreds of cases.

The latest episode also comes months after another antisemitic incident at NYU, when a Jewish freshman reported hateful graffiti targeting him on his dormitory door. University leadership at the time publicly condemned the act and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward antisemitism and discrimination.

Officials emphasized that the university community would continue working to prevent hate from taking hold on campus as investigators attempt to determine who was behind the display.

The incident also sparked political backlash online, with critics questioning continued federal support for the university. One widely shared response directly addressed Education Secretary Linda McMahon, asking why NYU should continue receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding amid repeated antisemitic incidents on campus.

Graduation is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, not fear and hate.

We are in close contact with NYU and have offered assistance to @NYPDnews as they investigate this disgusting act.

Antisemitism has no place in our state, on our campuses, or in our communities. https://t.co/qy5Kh2Nkso

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 14, 2026

Brooklyn, NY (May 14, 2026)

A New Jersey man pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court after admitting that he intentionally rammed his vehicle into the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway earlier this year.

Dan Sohail, 36, of Carteret, New Jersey, entered a guilty plea Wednesday to one count of intentionally damaging religious property. The federal civil rights charge carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison, along with possible fines and restitution connected to the damage caused to the building.

The incident took place on January 28, while dozens of people were inside 770 for a major Chabad gathering. Prosecutors said Sohail drove a 2012 Honda Accord to a side entrance of the building, moved protective barriers, signaled for people nearby to move away, and then repeatedly drove into the entrance. The impact damaged the door and the front of the vehicle. No injuries were reported.

During the court appearance, Sohail admitted that he drove to the building with the intent to damage it because it was the Chabad headquarters. The plea resolves the federal case, though prosecutors did not pursue a hate crime charge as part of the agreement.

Authorities initially investigated the incident as a hate crime, but federal prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to secure that specific charge. Sentencing guidelines are expected to be significantly lower than the maximum penalty, with a possible range of zero to six months in prison.

The attack caused concern throughout Crown Heights and the broader Jewish community, particularly because it targeted one of the most recognizable Jewish religious sites in the world during a heavily attended event.

Sohail is expected to be sentenced later this year after probation officials submit their recommendation. He is being transferred from Rikers Island to the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn while the case moves toward sentencing.

Chabad representatives and community members expressed concern that a short sentence would fail to reflect the seriousness of an intentional attack on a Jewish house of worship.

By: Rabbi Shay Tahan

In an unprecedented moment, a sitting president, Donald J. Trump issued an official proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month alongside America’s 250th anniversary, expressing profound appreciation for Judaism and urging Jews to honor the coming Shabbat by observing it.

The Proclamation opens with the following: “This Jewish American Heritage Month, we honor the countless contributions of Jewish Americans throughout our Nation’s 250 glorious years of independence, and we celebrate their unwavering commitment to the values that make our country great — faith, family, and freedom.”

He continues: “Since the earliest days of our Republic, Jewish Americans have helped build the cause of liberty and sustain the greatness of our Nation”.

“This month, we celebrate the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to our way of life, we honor their role in shaping the story of our Nation, and we remember that religious devotion, learning, and service to others are enduring pillars of a thriving culture.  Through every trial and triumph, the contributions of Jewish Americans have shaped our past, have strengthened our communities, and will continue to inspire American greatness for generations to come.”

“From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation,” writes Trump. “This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.”

On one hand, this deeply warms the heart to have a leader of such stature praise our nation, and it raises hope that people may be inspired to heed his call and keep the holy Shabbat.

But on the other hand, one could argue that it is not his place, and that one should not keep Shabbat because a president requested it, but only because Hashem commanded it. If we keep the Torah merely because someone influential asks us to do so, it can seem to diminish the essence of Torah observance, transforming it from obedience to the Divine will into a response to human approval.

In order to understand the proper approach, we need to turn to our Torah sources and see how Hashem and Chazal address similar ideas.

Artachshasta proclamation

One of the clearest and most similar examples appear in Sefer Ezra (Ezra 7:12–28), where we can learn how the Torah relates to external support for Torah observance.

There, a Persian king—Artachshasta (Artaxerxes I)—issues a royal letter to Ezra. In it, he appoints Ezra to oversee whether the Jews in Yerushalayim are properly observing the Torah, and he expresses strong support for the Beis HaMikdash. He contributes significant amounts of gold and silver for the upkeep of the Mikdash and for korbanos, and he instructs that any remaining funds be used for whatever purposes are aligned with Hashem’s will. He also exempts the Kohanim, Leviim, and all those engaged in Divine service from taxation.

The letter concludes (Ezra 7:26) with a warning that anyone who does not obey the laws of Hashem will face punishment—ranging from legal prosecution to fines, imprisonment, exile, or even harsher penalties.

When Ezra receives the letter, he responds with praise, declaring (7:27) that Hashem is blessed for placing such goodwill in the heart of the king, enabling the strengthening and beautification of the Beis HaMikdash.

We see from this that the Torah views such requests favorably, and that when they align with Hashem’s will, they may be followed.

Koresh- My anointed one

Another example is mentioned at the beginning of Sefer Ezra, where we are introduced to Koresh (Cyrus). Koresh acknowledges that Hashem has appointed him as king and granted him dominion over his kingdom, and he recognizes that Hashem has charged him with rebuilding the Beit HaMikdash.

He then encourages the Jewish people to return to Yerushalayim to take part in this mission, and he calls upon those who remain in exile to support the endeavor with silver, gold, and other resources. In effect, he mobilizes an entire national effort for the rebuilding of the Mikdash.

From a Torah perspective, the language used about Koresh is striking. Hashem refers to him as Mashiach- “My anointed one” (Yeshayahu 45:1)—a rare and extraordinary expression of approval for a non-Jewish king. The pasuk says “Thus said Hashem to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held to subdue nations before him, and to loosen the loins of kings; to open doors before him, and that gates shall not be shut”.

This reflects the idea that even global political powers can be instruments in bringing about Hashem’s will in the world, particularly in the rebuilding of Yerushalayim and the Beis HaMikdash.

King Nebuchadnezzar

In the Book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar II represents a striking example of a foreign ruler who, after witnessing miracles performed for the sake of the God of Israel, issues imperial proclamations acknowledging His supremacy.

After the episode of the fiery furnace (Daniel 3), Nebuchadnezzar declares a royal decree that no one in his empire is permitted to speak disrespectfully about Hashem, while he commands a form of reverence toward the God of Israel across his vast kingdom.

Later, in Daniel 4, following his dream of the tree and his period of humiliation, Nebuchadnezzar again proclaims the greatness of the God of Israel, stating that His dominion is eternal and that all earthly kings are subordinate to Him.

Together, these episodes illustrate a broader biblical theme: even the most powerful Gentile monarchs can be led, through divine intervention, to publicly affirm the sovereignty of the God of Israel.

Following Hashem, Not Man

But again, we need to ask: why should we follow another person’s command to listen to Hashem? One must ultimately listen and obey Hashem Himself, not act under external influence. This idea may be illuminated by a Rambam in Hilchos Gerushin (Mishneh Torah, 2:20), where he addresses a case of a man whom Beis Din requires to give a get, but he refuses. The Rambam rules that he is compelled—he is even physically coerced—until he agrees to give the divorce.

The Rambam then raises a difficulty: how can such a get be valid if it is given under duress? After all, a coerced get should be invalid. The Rambam famously answers that since, in truth, every Jew desires to fulfill the will of Hashem, the coercion merely removes external resistance and reveals his inner will—so the get is considered given willingly.

Similarly here, when we respond to a president’s request, we are not observing Shabbat because of his call. Rather, his words serve as a reminder and a public affirmation of something deeper within us—to follow Hashem’s ways and to keep Shabbat as He commanded.

When even the leader of a secular superpower recognizes the beauty and wisdom of Shabbat, it highlights how timeless and universal the Torah’s values are. When the world pauses to acknowledge the greatness of Torah, it becomes a form of kiddush Hashem — a reminder that the truth of the Torah can shine so brightly that even those outside of it are moved to recognize its value.

New York, NY (May 14, 2026)

UJA-Federation of New York has named Dr. Michael A. Kay as its next chief executive officer, selecting a longtime Jewish educator to lead one of the most influential Jewish philanthropic organizations in the country.

Kay will succeed Eric Goldstein, who has led UJA-Federation for 12 years and announced last year that he would step down. Kay is expected to officially assume the role on October 5.

For the past 13 years, Kay has served as head of school at The Leffell School in Westchester, formerly known as Solomon Schechter School of Westchester. His appointment brings a background in Jewish education, leadership development, and community-building to an organization that plays a central role in Jewish life across New York, Israel, and communities around the world.

UJA-Federation supports a broad network of social service agencies, Jewish institutions, Israel-related initiatives, emergency response efforts, and programs addressing poverty, mental health, elder care, security, and Jewish identity. Its next leader will take over at a particularly sensitive moment, as Jewish New Yorkers face rising antisemitism, intense debate over Israel, and growing pressure on communal institutions.

Kay said his work will focus on engaging the next generation, strengthening ties with Israel, and drawing on the full range of Jewish communal experience to meet current challenges.

Goldstein’s tenure included major crises for the Jewish community, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the aftermath of the October 7 attacks in Israel, and a surge in antisemitic incidents in New York and across the country. He has been widely viewed as a steady and respected figure in American Jewish communal leadership.

Kay’s selection signals a continued emphasis on Jewish education and long-term communal resilience as UJA-Federation prepares for its next chapter. His transition comes as the organization looks to maintain broad community unity while responding to new political, social, and security challenges facing Jewish New York.

New York, NY (May 14, 2026)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism from Jewish and pro-Israel leaders after confirming that he does not plan to attend this year’s Israel Day on Fifth parade, scheduled for Sunday, May 31, along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Not that this information should surprise anyone.

The annual parade is one of the largest public displays of support for Israel in the United States and traditionally draws tens of thousands of marchers, spectators, elected officials, Jewish organizations, schools, and community leaders. This year’s event is expected to take place amid heightened concern over antisemitism and recent unrest outside Jewish institutions in New York City.

Mamdani’s decision marks a break from the long-standing practice of New York City mayors participating in or publicly supporting the parade in person. His office has indicated that the city will still provide necessary permits and security for the event, but critics say his absence sends the wrong message at a time when Jewish New Yorkers are feeling increasingly vulnerable.

Assemblyman Michael Novakhov and other pro-Israel voices have criticized the mayor’s decision, pointing to recent incidents that included swastikas found at Queens synagogues and homes, as well as confrontations outside Jewish venues connected to Israeli events. Demonstrations in recent weeks have included inflammatory chants and the display of terror-linked flags, further intensifying calls for strong public support from city leaders. Mandami has yet to comment on the aggressive protests either.

The controversy also comes as Israel’s Knesset is expected to send a significant delegation to the parade, signaling a major show of support despite political tension in New York.

Unverified claims have circulated online alleging possible reductions in police presence at the parade, but no official announcement has confirmed such a move. Given the size and sensitivity of the event, security preparations are expected to remain a major focus for city officials and organizers.

Is this really the mayor of “All New Yorkers” like Mamdani says he is or does “All New Yorkers” come to the exclusion of the Jewish people?

SCOOP: Source tells me New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been communicating with @ZohranKMamdani about issuing a stand down order for the NYPD for the upcoming Israel Parade in NYC.

Source says Hochul is getting pressure to not attend this year and Mamdani is telling his staff…

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 13, 2026

Zohran Mamdani has officially confirmed that he will boycott New York City’s Israel Day Parade — becoming the face of a Democratic Party now controlled by radical anti-Israel extremists.

After weeks of antisemitic chaos outside synagogues across our city, this should surprise… pic.twitter.com/rhKZzxZPU0

— Michael Novakhov (@MichaelforNY) May 13, 2026

I love and respect my friend @AlizaLicht but this rumor that the @nypd is prepared to “stand down” at this year’s Israeli Day Parade is FAKE NEWS! How do I know? I spoke to the Commissioner’s office and they’ve NEVER lied to me. Do I think @NYCMayor wants that? 100% Mr. Jew Hater…

— Sid Rosenberg (@sidrosenberg19) May 14, 2026

Washington, D.C. (May 14, 2026) William Paul, the son of Senator Rand Paul, is facing backlash after allegedly directing antisemitic remarks toward Congressman Mike Lawler during a confrontation at a Capitol Hill bar Tuesday night.

According to reports, the incident unfolded during a discussion about a closely watched Republican primary race in Kentucky involving Rep. Thomas Massie. William Paul, who reportedly identified himself as the senator’s son, interrupted a conversation involving Lawler and made comments referencing “your people” before explicitly directing antisemitic language toward Jews.

Lawler, who represents a New York district with one of the country’s largest Jewish populations, repeatedly challenged the remarks and accused Paul of engaging in antisemitism. Witnesses said the exchange escalated further, with additional inflammatory comments allegedly targeting both Jewish and LGBTQ individuals.

The confrontation also reportedly touched on campaign funding and American support for Israel, themes that have increasingly surfaced in contentious political debates online and within some corners of the Republican Party.

Following the incident, William Paul posted a public statement acknowledging he had been drinking heavily and saying the comments did not reflect who he is. He also indicated he was seeking help for alcohol-related issues.

Lawler later said the episode reflected a broader rise in hostility and extremist rhetoric, particularly online, and noted that many Jewish Americans regularly encounter similar language and behavior.

William Paul has faced legal troubles in the past, including prior alcohol-related incidents and a past assault case that was ultimately dismissed. Thank you Mike Lawler as always for standing up for the Jewish people.

(Language warning: Some swearing included.)

We are seeing an alarming rise in antisemitism across the country, and the incident that occurred on Tuesday night is a stark reminder of that. For an individual to belligerently confront me because they believed I was Jewish is shocking and unacceptable. Worse than that,… pic.twitter.com/jg63Swmzda

— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) May 14, 2026

The Fourth Squad reports the arrest of a Rosedale man for an incident that occurred on Tuesday, May 12th at 12:10 p.m. in North Lawrence.

According to Detectives, Fourth precinct officers responded to Stop and Shop, located at 253-01 Rockaway Turnpike for an assault that just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined that the defendant, Samuel *******, 27, of Brookville Boulevard had struck a 37-year-old female victim in the arm and back of the head with a blunt object as she was exiting the store. The defendant fled the scene on foot.

After a thorough investigation the defendant was located nearby and was placed under arrest without incident.

The victim was transported by a Nassau County Police Department Ambulance to a local hospital where she is in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.

The defendant is charged with Assault 2nd Degree. He will be arraigned at First district Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

Tel Aviv, Israel (May 13, 2026)

Several major European airlines are preparing to return to Ben Gurion Airport following a change in aviation safety guidance from European regulators, marking an important step toward restoring international air service to Israel.

The renewed activity comes after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency lowered its regional warning from an avoidance recommendation to a heightened-caution level. The shift has allowed carriers to begin rebuilding schedules while continuing to coordinate with security and aviation authorities.

Wizz Air is expected to be among the first large European carriers to return, with service scheduled to resume on May 28. The airline is approaching the restart gradually, with officials indicating that the decision follows security reviews and coordination with relevant agencies.

The Lufthansa Group is also planning a phased return. Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa Cargo are expected to restart operations on June 1, beginning the group’s reentry into the Israeli market. Passenger service by Lufthansa and SWISS is scheduled to resume on July 1, while Eurowings is expected to follow by mid-July.

Not all Lufthansa Group carriers are returning immediately. Brussels Airlines has extended its suspension of Tel Aviv flights through October 24, reflecting the continued caution among some European operators despite the improved safety assessment.

The planned resumptions are significant for Israeli travelers, who have faced reduced flight options, higher fares, and frequent schedule changes since many foreign airlines suspended service. A broader return of European carriers could help ease pressure on ticket availability and reconnect Israel with key destinations across the continent.

Ben Gurion Airport has remained open with service from Israeli airlines and a smaller group of foreign carriers, but the absence of major European airlines has limited travel options for both residents and visitors.

The latest announcements suggest that international confidence is slowly improving, though airlines are expected to continue monitoring security conditions closely. Further schedule changes remain possible depending on regional developments and updated guidance from aviation authorities.