Nearly 60,000 runners are expected to take part in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, as the iconic race marks 50 years of its five-borough route. The event will bring significant traffic disruptions, road closures and transit changes throughout the city.

The 26.2-mile course begins at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, crosses the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn, continues through Queens and the Bronx, and finishes in Manhattan’s Central Park.

Among the affected areas are Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg and the Pulaski Bridge, along with surrounding streets, major connectors and bridge approaches.

Closures are expected to begin around 7 a.m. The race’s starting waves will run from approximately 8 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. In Williamsburg, a designated pedestrian crossing will operate at Bedford Avenue and Broadway to help people cross the route.

NYPD officers will manage traffic, security and pedestrian crossings throughout the course. Drivers and residents should plan ahead, allow extra travel time and expect delays in affected neighborhoods.

Nassau County residents can cast their ballots ahead of Election Day during the early voting period, running Saturday, October 24, through Sunday, November 1.

Voters may use any of the county’s designated early voting sites. Most locations are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. at the Mineola Board of Elections site on Tuesday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 28.

Early voting locations include libraries, recreation centers, community centers and other sites throughout Nassau County, including Baldwin, Elmont, Freeport, Great Neck, Hicksville, Lawrence, Long Beach, Mineola, Port Washington, Rockville Centre, West Hempstead and more.

Voters should check the full schedule and location list before heading out, as sites and hours may change. Anyone who votes early cannot vote again on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, when voters must report to their assigned polling location.

For the complete list of early voting locations, dates and hours, visit the [Nassau County Board of Elections](https://www.nassauvotes.com/).

Agudath Israel of America hosted its Queens and Long Island Legislative Leadership Reception on Monday evening, October 19, at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. The event brought together nearly 150 community members, elected officials from across Queens and Long Island, and representatives of nearly 15 local yeshivos and schools, along with numerous community organizations, including Hatzalah of Queens and Great Neck, Chaverim, Queens Shmira, Bikur Cholim of Queens, Tomchei Shabbos of Queens, the Queens Jewish Community Council, and Chazaq.

Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudath Israel’s Director of New York Government Relations, opened the program by highlighting Agudah’s advocacy on behalf of the Orthodox Jewish community, including Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to bring New York into the federal scholarship tax credit program. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with elected officials and introduced Rabbi Ephraim Gurell, a Queens resident recently promoted to Associate Director of New York Government Relations.

Among those who addressed the gathering were Congresswoman Grace Meng, introduced by Sorolle Idels, President of the Queens Jewish Alliance, and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Both spoke about their longstanding relationships with the community and their work addressing issues of importance to Jewish families and institutions. Members of the New York State Senate, Assembly, and New York City Council also participated in the evening’s program. Agudath Israel Executive Board Member Chaskel Bennett passionately spoke about the importance of voting and remaining involved in the political process.

A central part of the evening was a special tribute to Mr. Shimi Pelman, a longtime community askan, District Leader, and president of Tomchei Shabbos of Queens for more than four decades. Rabbi Doniel Lander, Rosh HaYeshivah of Yeshivas Ohr HaChaim, spoke about his longstanding personal relationship with Mr. Pelman and the impact of his decades of service. Mr. Pelman was presented with proclamations from the New York State Senate, Assembly, and New York City Council in recognition of his contributions.

“We are grateful to the elected officials who joined us and engaged directly with our community,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber. “These relationships help our representatives better understand the concerns of the families and institutions they serve.”

“It was meaningful to see so many parts of the Queens and Long Island community represented in one room,” said Rabbi Ephraim Gurell. “The evening was a great reminder of how much can be accomplished when we work together, and honoring Shimi Pelman, someone who has spent decades doing exactly that, made it even more special.”

The Village of Atlantic Beach has agreed to revise its zoning regulations after the U.S. Department of Justice raised concerns that religious institutions were being treated differently from comparable secular establishments.

The agreement resolves a federal case involving Chabad of the Beaches, which challenged the village after its application to convert a vacant commercial property into a religious facility was denied.

According to the Justice Department, Atlantic Beach required religious and educational assembly spaces to obtain special approval from its Board of Appeals, while similar nonreligious venues were not subject to the same requirement. Federal officials said the policy raised concerns under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, a law designed to protect religious organizations from discriminatory zoning restrictions.

Under the settlement, the village must amend its zoning code to remove the special-exception requirement for houses of worship. It will also be required to train municipal officials and employees on the federal law and establish a process for receiving and addressing complaints alleging violations.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon emphasized that local governments must apply land-use rules fairly to religious institutions, including synagogues, churches and mosques.

The agreement marks a resolution to the dispute and requires Atlantic Beach to change how its zoning regulations apply to houses of worship going forward.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has temporarily pulled its bus fare enforcement teams from the streets while it investigates two separate incidents involving alleged misconduct by agents, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber announced Thursday.

The decision followed the circulation of video showing enforcement agents physically confronting Kyle Taylor, a dean at Mott Bridges Academy in Brooklyn, after questioning whether he had paid the $3 fare on a B14 bus in Brownsville. Taylor maintains that he used a transfer ticket from another bus.

Kyle Taylor, a dean at Mott Bridges Academy in Brownsville, said members of the MTA’s EAGLE fare enforcement unit stopped him on a B14 bus at Rockaway and Pitkin avenues around 6:40 a.m. on Oct. 6, demanding he prove he paid his fare. He said he had paid through a paper transfer ticket, which bus drivers have sometimes given to workers.

Video footage from a nearby shop shared by Taylor’s attorney appears to show Taylor struggling with the agents as they grabbed him and pinned him against the bus.

The footage shows the EAGLE team members slamming him against a bus shelter and knocking him to the ground until an NYPD officer came in to break up the commotion.

Taylor plans to sue the MTA. Representatives for the transit agency declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. https://t.co/6UYweCytfy

— Gothamist (@Gothamist) October 14, 2026

Footage shows agents pinning Taylor against the bus before taking him to the ground. He reportedly suffered injuries to his back, neck, shoulder, arm and elbow. The agents involved have been suspended pending the investigation.

The controversy intensified after an incident report stated that Taylor had fallen out of the bus and declined medical attention, claims that appear to conflict with the video. Taylor’s attorney, Benjamin Pinczewski, has called for the enforcement unit to be disbanded, arguing that its practices disproportionately affect people of color.

Lieber said the MTA had also learned of a second incident involving similar concerns about how confrontations were handled and reported. He expressed concern that senior agency officials were not informed promptly about either matter and ordered the teams to remain off the streets while safety procedures and reporting requirements are reviewed.

The EAGLE teams were established to check fares and issue penalties to riders who fail to pay. The MTA has defended the program as a way to address widespread fare evasion, which the agency says costs the transit system significant revenue.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office welcomed the suspension, emphasizing that New Yorkers should not have to fear for their safety over an inability to afford a bus fare.

The temporary shutdown leaves the future of the enforcement teams uncertain as the MTA investigates the incidents and considers whether changes to its procedures are necessary.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is set to join Gov. Kathy Hochul on the campaign trail Friday for the first time, as the governor steps up efforts to secure reelection ahead of the November 3 vote.

The Brooklyn appearance comes as Hochul faces Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, in a closely watched race that has increasingly highlighted divisions within New York’s Democratic Party.

Although Mamdani endorsed Hochul after winning the Democratic mayoral primary last year, their relationship has largely played out through official appearances and campaign advertisements rather than joint campaigning. Mamdani has promoted the governor’s reelection bid, particularly pointing to her backing of his universal childcare proposal.

Hochul has emphasized her administration’s planned investment of roughly $2 billion in New York City childcare, including expanded 3-K availability and a pilot program for 2-K. Her campaign has highlighted the initiative as a major achievement and a central area of cooperation with the city’s new mayor.

The partnership also reflects Hochul’s effort to energize progressive voters by working alongside prominent figures on the party’s left, including Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. However, previous appearances before Mamdani’s supporters have exposed tensions over Hochul’s more moderate political positions, with crowds chanting demands to tax the wealthy at past events.

Blakeman welcomed the planned joint appearance, arguing that an alliance with Mamdani could benefit his own campaign by pushing some Democrats and independent voters toward the Republican challenger. He has sought to portray the governor’s association with the democratic socialist mayor as a political liability.

Friday’s event will offer a more direct test of how the two Democrats campaign together as Hochul seeks to unite the party’s moderate and progressive wings in the final stretch before Election Day.

Gut Vuch & Shavuah Tov to all!

The IDF has intensified counterterrorism operations across Judea and Samaria following Friday’s deadly shooting attack, with senior military commanders saying the soldiers involved may have prevented an even larger assault against Israeli civilians.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the scene and held a security assessment with military commanders, Border Police and Shin Bet representatives. He said the initial investigation indicated that troops from the Ari Battalion had prevented a potentially serious attack, while acknowledging the painful outcome of the confrontation. Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth also praised the soldiers’ actions and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

Zamir said the military had reinforced the region ahead of a possible escalation, including deploying the headquarters of the 98th Division and additional forces. He ordered an investigation into the incident and vowed to pursue those responsible, while emphasizing that the IDF remains on heightened alert across all fronts.

Following the shooting, security forces launched targeted operations in the Chevron area, where the attackers originated. Troops are searching for weapons and terrorist infrastructure, questioning suspects and conducting raids intended to prevent additional attacks. The military said the operation would focus on the relevant area and could continue for several days, with designated exit points established for residents subject to security screening.

The broader campaign has extended across Judea and Samaria. According to the IDF, soldiers, Border Police and Shin Bet personnel operated in approximately 40 areas and 400 locations over the weekend, arresting around 40 suspects in operations that included individuals affiliated with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as well as people suspected of incitement and violent activity.

In the Chevron area, approximately 20 suspects were apprehended. In the Etzion region, troops searched more than 70 locations across over 10 areas, targeting suspected explosive-device activity and terrorist networks. Other operations included arrests connected to an attack near Burin, the discovery of a hunting rifle near Silat al-Dhahr, weapons searches and the removal of memorials honoring terrorists involved in attacks against Israelis.

Approximately 70 arrests during intelligence-led operations, along with the seizure of dozens of weapons, including M16 rifles and Carlo submachine guns, and four explosive devices.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli intelligence indicated that Iran could launch an attack before the upcoming elections, adding to concerns over the possibility of a broader regional escalation. The statement comes as the IDF maintains heightened readiness amid threats on multiple fronts.

In France, meanwhile, demonstrations also descended into violence over the weekend. Paris saw clashes between protesters and riot police, with fireworks and tear gas reported as officers moved to disperse crowds and make arrests. French officials reported nearly 1,000 arrests nationwide on Saturday, following demonstrations that had drawn approximately 110,000 people.

JUST IN: Police unleash tear gas and water cannons as massive protests sweep across France, with demonstrators flooding the streets over soaring living costs, rising fuel prices and underfunded schools.

More than 100 people have been arrested as authorities deploy 70,000 police officers and military backup across Paris and other major cities.

Major landmarks, including the Louvre Museum, are closed, while businesses board up their storefronts ahead of further unrest.

Follow our live blog for the latest updates: https://t.co/qwT2eyHaWy

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 24, 2026

🚨🇫🇷War on the streets of Marseille, Paris, Lyon, Nantes and all major French cities!

Protesters are firing projectiles at police and pelting them with rocks.

A large number of protesters and police officers have been injured. https://t.co/AHD6fHnzwj

— Mario ZNA (@MarioBojic) October 24, 2026

Two IDF soldiers were R”L killed and several others wounded Friday morning in a terrorist shooting attack near Judea Junction on Route 35, outside Chevron in Judea and Samaria.

The fallen soldiers were identified as Sergeant Yuval Shai Svilem, 20, and Staff Sergeant Ron Yonatan Roytman, 23. HY”D.

The attack began when two gunmen opened fire on an IDF position, triggering an extended exchange of gunfire. Both terrorists were killed as they attempted to flee.

Security forces discovered a large cache of ammunition in the attackers’ vehicle, raising concerns about the scale of the attack they had planned. According to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, the soldiers’ response helped prevent a potentially far deadlier incident. Five people were wounded, including the two niftarim R”L.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions and renewed debate over violence in Judea and Samaria. Israeli officials have indicated that a broader military response may follow.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for expanded IDF operations in the area, saying Israel intends to apply the approach used in recent operations in refugee camps to urban areas. The proposed strategy would involve evacuating residents from neighborhoods where terrorists originated, conducting house-to-house searches, and dismantling terrorist infrastructure.

We mourn the loss of two young soldiers who were killed while defending their country and protecting others. Yihi Zichrom Baruch. Besuros Tovos Yeshuos V’nechamos.

Netanyahu: We’ll apply the ‘aggressive’ counterterrorism model to the Hebron neighborhood the terrorists came from: evacuate residents, search house to house and destroy terror infrastructure https://t.co/fh6a8H0UVP

— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) October 23, 2026

WATCH: Security cameras caught this morning’s shooting attack near Hebron. The attackers had an M-16 and a Handgun.

IDF troops killed both gunmen in an exchange of fire. https://t.co/oQnVOaYr06

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 23, 2026

#WATCH: Footage filmed on a camera mounted on the helmet of Moshe Botbiah, the security officer for the Kiryat Arba-Hebron Local Council, captures the pursuit of the terrorists who carried out the shooting attack in the area on Friday and the exchanges of gunfire with them. https://t.co/hkI6vUmJUU

— Israel National News – Arutz Sheva (@ArutzSheva_En) October 23, 2026

This snippet was from a shmuess two months ago.

🔥Rabbi Bender’s fiery mussar on family feuds!

This snippet was from a shmuess two months ago. https://t.co/gtw1EOKfbw

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

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Wednesday introducing stricter firearm storage requirements and tightening rules governing ammunition purchases by people barred from possessing guns.

The new measures require firearms to be securely locked when not in use and increase penalties in cases where minors or individuals without the required licenses gain access to improperly stored weapons.

The legislation also expands ammunition background-check restrictions to cover people legally prohibited from owning rifles or shotguns, as well as individuals subject to temporary firearm restrictions or extreme risk protection orders.

Hochul said the measures are intended to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths by strengthening safeguards around firearm access and preventing ammunition sales to individuals who are legally prohibited from possessing certain weapons.

Hochul takes a legal guns off the streets, but NOT the illegal aliens and criminals who are using them!
Make it make sense

— American Anne (@Anne8065) October 22, 2026

The New York City Council approved a controversial housing measure Thursday that would give qualifying nonprofits and community land trusts the first opportunity to purchase certain distressed properties before they can be offered to other buyers.

The Community Opportunity for Purchase Act, known as COPA, would require eligible property owners to wait 90 days before listing their buildings on the open market, allowing designated nonprofit groups an exclusive window to pursue a purchase. Owners could still sell to other buyers if the nonprofit groups do not complete a deal within the allotted period.

The measure, sponsored by Brooklyn Councilwoman Sandy Nurse, is narrower than an earlier version that was vetoed by former Mayor Eric Adams. The revised proposal is expected to cover fewer than 2,100 buildings, compared with more than 10,000 under the previous plan, with many of the affected properties already connected to the city’s housing preservation system.

Supporters view the policy as a way to preserve affordable housing and give nonprofit organizations a chance to acquire troubled buildings before they are sold to other investors. Critics argue that restricting the sales process interferes with private property rights and could discourage investment in buildings that need substantial repairs.

The revised legislation has gained some support from the real estate industry. Real Estate Board of New York President James Whelan praised Council Speaker Julie Menin and Nurse for narrowing the proposal and making it more practical. The changes appear to have eased some of the industry’s earlier objections.

Opposition remains, particularly among small property owners. Ann Korchak, president of Small Property Owners of New York, warned that the measure could reduce property values and disadvantage family-owned buildings, including properties held by immigrant and multigenerational owners. Critics also argue that traditional buyers may be better positioned to quickly finance and complete major renovations.

The bill’s approval marks a significant step for a policy that has faced years of resistance, but its practical effects will depend on the final implementation and how frequently eligible nonprofits exercise their purchasing rights.

New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry is set to come to an end in June 2028 after the City Council voted 40-7 on Thursday to approve a citywide ban, with two members abstaining. The decision ends a tradition dating back more than 150 years, despite opposition from carriage workers and a last-minute effort to postpone the ban until 2030.

The legislation follows years of debate over the treatment and safety of carriage horses, including incidents in which horses collapsed or died during extreme heat. The issue gained renewed attention after 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan died this summer when a startled horse reportedly bolted, throwing him from a carriage. The measure has been named “Romanch’s Law” in his memory.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin backed ending the industry, pointing to safety concerns. Supporters of the ban say the horses should no longer be required to work in busy city streets.

Carriage industry workers, however, warn that the decision could devastate their livelihoods. Approximately 200 drivers could be affected, many of whom have invested years of work and personal savings into their businesses. The legislation offers general commitments to job training but does not establish a specific compensation plan for those losing their businesses.

Transport Workers Union President John Samuelsen sharply criticized the measure, arguing that it threatens workers’ jobs, licenses and city-issued medallions without adequate protections. Industry representatives have also raised the possibility of legal action, while questioning why carriage drivers are being targeted as other forms of commercial transportation continue operating on city streets.

The future of the horses remains another unresolved issue. Animal welfare advocates have proposed relocating them to sanctuaries and rescue farms, and NYCLASS, a leading organization campaigning against horse-drawn carriages, welcomed the council’s decision and said it would work with city officials to secure safe retirement arrangements for the animals.

The ban is scheduled to take effect June 1, 2028, setting the stage for a transition that will affect both the horses and the workers whose livelihoods depend on the industry.

Shas leader Aryeh Deri has unveiled a new campaign promise aimed at strengthening Jewish religious practice in Israel, pledging to provide every Jewish boy turning 13 with a Bar Mitzvah package containing tefillin and a tallit.

The proposal, called “Tefillin for Every Child,” would also push for schools to establish designated spaces where students could put on tefillin and daven during the school day.

Deri presented the initiative as a response to what he views as growing efforts to limit religion’s place in public life. He pointed to recent remarks by Democrats chairman Yair Golan and a Tel Aviv city councilwoman who criticized what she described as the growing influence of religious and messianic activity in schools.

The Shas chairman argued that these debates raise broader questions about Israel’s Jewish character and the role of religious tradition in its public institutions.

The announcement comes as Shas faces political challenges ahead of the next election. The party, which currently holds 11 Knesset seats, has been polling below its previous strength, with some surveys projecting it to win around eight seats. Analysts have pointed to a possible shift among some former Shas voters toward Itamar Ben Gvir’s party, amid disagreements over yeshiva students’ military service and the aftermath of the Iron Swords War.

Deri’s pledge places religious identity and the role of Jewish observance in Israeli schools at the center of Shas’s campaign messaging. Kol Hakavod!

Source: Chabad.org

Less than 24 hours after a woman followed him along a Manhattan sidewalk and stabbed him in the back, Chabad rabbinical student Yosef was back in Midtown dropping in on Jewish merchants and craftsmen in the Diamond District to help them don tefillin.

The attack, in which the unknown assailant plunged what is believed to be a large syringe into his back, left him bloody but not afraid.

The 26-year-old Brooklyn resident, who recently received his rabbinic ordination, makes the trip from Crown Heights to Midtown every day, helping Jewish men put on tefillin and encouraging those he meets to take on other mitzvahs and shares Torah teachings.

Yosef was walking on West 47th Street in Manhattan’s heavily-Jewish Diamond District shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday when he noticed a woman stalking him. Surveillance video later posted online shows the woman ignoring other pedestrians and keeping close behind him as he tried to put a parked car between them.

As Yosef stepped out into the street, he felt a sharp pain in his lower right back. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, while police are investigating the incident as a hate crime and are still searching for the woman.

The woman was seen pursuing another visibly Jewish man prior to following Yosef.

By Thursday he had returned to the same blocks and resumed the work of uplifting Jewish people at the businesses he regularly visits.

“I’m still shaken,” Yosef told Chabad.org from 47th Street. “I never imagined I’d be stabbed simply for being Jewish, right here in New York City. But as I try to make sense of what happened, I keep thinking about my grandparents. They survived the Holocaust, experienced the worst of hatred, and still went on to build a proud Jewish family. I know what they’d tell me now: Don’t back down. Go back out there and help another Jew put on tefillin. Do another mitzvah. Stand taller and prouder than ever. That’s why I came back today. Their answer to hatred was more Jewish life. Mine will be too. We’ll never back down. We’ll just keep spreading more light.”

Nassau County police have identified and arrested Azzm Khan, 29, of Lakeview, in connection with the attempted arson at Young Israel of West Hempstead late Wednesday night.

Police say Khan allegedly struck the shul’s entrance doors with a baseball bat, attempted to push a burning lawn sign underneath the door, and set a nearby bush on fire before damaging the entrance by kicking it.

He faces arson and criminal mischief charges. The arrest marks a significant update in the investigation. We hope this man stays behind bars long term.

Statement below from NCPD:

The Fifth Squad reports the arrest of a Lakeview man for an incident that occurred on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 11:30 PM in West Hempstead.

According to Detectives, officers responded to a report of Criminal Mischief to a NCPD Auxiliary vehicle at Hall’s Pond Park, 831 Hempstead Avenue, West Hempstead. A witness observed a male breaking the side mirror of the Auxiliary vehicle and called 911. While officers were searching for the suspect, they were stopped by a male who informed them that he saw a person lighting a fire nearby. Police responded to Young Israel of West Hempstead, 630 Hempstead Avenue, where they located the suspect, Azzm Khan, 29, of 571 Park Avenue, Lakeview, and a bush actively on fire. During the investigation it was determined that Khan had taken a lawn sign from the area and set it on fire. He attempted to shove the lit sign under the door of the Synagogue. He then took the sign and put it in the bush, causing it to ignite and went back to the synagogue door and repeatedly kicked it, causing damage. He was also found to be responsible for the damage to the auxiliary vehicle. The suspect was placed under arrest without further incident.

The investigation is ongoing. At this time there are no known active threats to the community.

Defendant Azzm Khan is charged with two counts of Criminal Mischief 3rd degree, Arson 3rd degree and Arson 5th degree. He was arraigned at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz discussing an interesting approach to the Mabul.

R’ Breitowitz highlights logistical challenges to a literal global flood, such as gathering polar bears and all worldwide animals onto the Teivah, and presents Rav David Tzvi Hoffmann’s opinion as a resolution.

The interpretation suggests the flood was regional to the Middle East, aligning the biblical account with observations on animal habitats and pre-Abrahamic lifespans without requiring a worldwide cataclysm.

אינטערסאנטע שיטה ארום די מביל https://t.co/5owLxYNMVC

— Hasidic (@hasidic_1) October 22, 2026

Others suggest that just as during Makkas Arov in Mitzrayim, the animals arrived along with their natural habitats beneath them, the same phenomenon may have occurred aboard the Teivah.

“The purpose of Aliyah isn’t simply to establish a Jewish life on autopilot. It’s to remember that our return is part of a much greater story that is still unfolding.

When Hashem promises Erez Yisrael to Avraham Avinu, Avraham responds:

במה אדע כי אירשנה
How will I know that I will inherit it?

At first glance, it’s a difficult question. Hashem has just made a promise. How could Avraham Avinu, the father of emunah, appear to question Hashem’s word?

Reb Shlomo Carlebach explained that this wasn’t about emunah at all. Avraham wasn’t asking whether his children would receive Eretz Yisrael.

He was asking why.

Hashem – why are You giving us this land? What’s the purpose of this whole journey? Where is this story heading?

Making Aliyah often comes with sacrifice on multiple levelts. So the arrival celebrations at Ben Gurion make a lot of sense.

But as Avraham Avinu showed us, arriving here is only the beginning.

And this gives all Olim a tremendous, unique zechut.
You’ve reorganized your entire life around the desire to be here. You’ve left behind familiar surroundings, communities, and sometimes careers.

And yes, you’ve faced the everyday struggles of making it all work and figuring out where you belong.
There’s something extraordinary about the sensitivity that comes from having made that journey.

You don’t take the privilege of being here for granted.
Olim ask themselves: Where do I belong? What can I build here? How can I contribute?

Sometimes these questions come with stress or worry. But these are holy questions that echo the questions of Avraham Avinu.

Olim have the zechut of keeping the Avraham Avinu consciousness alive for all of Klal Yisrael.

The Shabbat Aliyah initiative by Young Israel in Israel and Mizrachi-YI Shul Network is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the holy Olim who remind us what it means to choose Eretz Yisrael, and what it looks like to keep asking where this extraordinary journey is taking us.

May we continue to live lives of ongoing Aliyah until the day when we receive the ultimate answer to all our questions with the Geulah Sheleimah.”

A Jewish man in France has expressed deep concern about the future of the country’s Jewish community, telling a CNews journalist that he no longer believes Jews can feel safe there.

During the interview, the man said he believes Jews should leave France as soon as possible, citing what he sees as a growing climate of hostility, particularly from the far left.

His remarks reflect the fear and uncertainty felt by some French Jews amid rising concerns over antisemitism and the community’s long-term security.

While one interview cannot establish the views of the entire French Jewish community, his testimony highlights the serious questions facing Jewish families who are increasingly worried about their future in France.

It is a troubling indication of how deeply insecurity has taken hold for at least some members of a community with a longstanding place in French society.

Un Français de confession juive à un journaliste de CNews :

– « Moi, je suis de confession juive, je ne pense pas que les Juifs vont rester dans ce pays. »

– « Vous pensez que les Juifs doivent partir ? »

– « À mon avis, oui. Le plus rapidement possible. »

– « Vous ne vous sentez plus en sécurité ici ? »

– « Pas du tout. C’est surtout l’extrême gauche… »

– « L’extrême gauche participe à cette méfiance envers les Juifs ? »

– « Oui, à 100 %. »

Ce témoignage reflète exactement ce que pense aujourd’hui l’écrasante majorité de la communauté juive en France.

Quelle tristesse d’en être arrivés là…

— Jérémy Benhaïm (@JeremBenhaim) October 22, 2026

By: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

Our phones know our birthdays, social media reminds our friends, Google Calendar sends notifications, and restaurants and retailers celebrate by sending us coupons and special offers. We receive countless birthday wishes, messages, and emojis, sometimes from people we haven’t spoken to in years. We have never had more ways to remember our birthdays, yet perhaps we have never spent less time thinking about what they actually mean.

Of all the billions of people who have ever lived, there has never been and never will be another you. Your personality, talents, challenges, relationships, and circumstances make you absolutely unique. You have your own fingerprint, your own neshama, and your own mission.

The Gemara in Megillah (13b) describes how Haman cast lots to determine the most auspicious time to destroy the Jewish people. When the lot fell in Adar, he was delighted, knowing that Moshe Rabbeinu had died in that month. What he failed to appreciate, says the Gemara, is that Moshe was also born in Adar, on the very same date, the seventh of the month. Haman focused on an ending but overlooked the extraordinary significance of a beginning.

The Yerushalmi (Rosh Hashanah 3:8) teaches that on one’s birthday, mazalo goveir, one’s mazal is strengthened. While the precise spiritual significance of mazal is beyond our understanding, clearly the anniversary of our arrival in this world is more than a historical detail. In 1988, the Lubavitcher Rebbe launched a campaign encouraging Jews to celebrate their Hebrew birthdays through increased Torah learning, tefillah, tzedakah, reflection, and spiritual growth. A birthday is not simply the anniversary of our arrival, but the anniversary of Hashem entrusting us with a mission.

The Mishnah in Sanhedrin (4:5) teaches that Hashem created Adam as a single individual to impress upon us the infinite value of every life. Bishvili nivra ha’olam, the world was created for me. This is not an invitation to arrogance, but a call to responsibility. If the world was created for me, what am I doing with the extraordinary opportunity of my existence?

There is someone you are meant to influence, something you are meant to accomplish, and goodness you are meant to bring into the world that nobody else can deliver in precisely the way you can.

And yet we spend so much time comparing ourselves with others, measuring our careers, families, homes, accomplishments, and even spiritual growth against carefully curated versions of other people’s lives. But Hashem didn’t create us to be somebody else. Our job is not to live someone else’s life better than they do, but to live our own lives as faithfully and purposefully as we can.

This is part of the message of our new project Nishmasi (Nishmasi.org), my soul, my unique relationship with Hashem and my irreplaceable mission. Our fingerprint represents our individuality, but it also unlocks things and leaves an impression. Our birthday should inspire us to consider whether we are unlocking our potential, becoming the best version of ourselves, and leaving the fingerprint on this world that only we can leave.

But Which Birthday Should We Celebrate?

Do you know your Hebrew birthday? Not the Gregorian date on your driver’s license or passport, but the Jewish date on which you entered this world? And if you know it, do you celebrate it?

Consider that Jews of virtually every background and level of observance commemorate the yahrzeit of a loved one according to the Hebrew calendar. We light a candle, say Kaddish, learn Torah, and give tzedakah on the Jewish anniversary of someone’s passing. Yet when it comes to birthdays and wedding anniversaries, even many knowledgeable and observant Jews don’t know, let alone celebrate, their Hebrew dates.

Why are we so careful to remember the Jewish date on which someone left this world, but often neglect to celebrate the Jewish date on which they entered it?

There is nothing wrong with acknowledging a secular birthday, enjoying the cake, presents, and good wishes. But if that is the only birthday we celebrate, we are missing an extraordinary opportunity to reconnect with who we are, why we are here, and what Hashem expects of us.

Jewish time is not merely linear, with the past behind us and the future ahead. It is cyclical, or perhaps more accurately, a spiral. We return to the same points on the calendar each year, but we are not the same people. Rosh Hashana offers new beginnings, Pesach the possibility of liberation, and Chanukah the power of light to overcome darkness. We aren’t simply commemorating historical events, but revisiting moments charged with spiritual opportunity, bayamim ha’heim u’vizman hazeh.

What is true of our national calendar is equally true of our personal one. A wedding anniversary invites us to revisit our commitment, a yahrzeit challenges us to perpetuate a loved one’s legacy, and our Hebrew birthday reminds us that Hashem brought us into this world for a reason and continues to give us the opportunity to fulfill it.

Reclaiming Jewish Time and Jewish Identity

When we think about assimilation, we tend to picture someone abandoning Jewish observance or distancing themselves from Jewish life. But assimilation can be far more subtle. Sometimes it isn’t about what we abandon, but about allowing the surrounding culture to define our consciousness, priorities, and even our understanding of time.

The Chasam Sofer strongly opposed using secular dates, and while normative halachic practice permits their use, Rav Ovadia Yosef emphasizes the virtue of dating documents according to the Jewish calendar and, when appropriate, including the Hebrew date alongside the secular one. The issue is not whether we are permitted to write October 2026, but which calendar shapes our identity.

We have never had more sophisticated tools to organize our lives. Our calendars sync across devices, our watches remind us of appointments, and artificial intelligence can help us manage schedules and commitments. Yet we risk becoming extraordinarily efficient at managing our days while losing sight of what makes those days meaningful. Our calendars tell us where we need to be, but do they remind us who we need to become?

The Midrash teaches that among the merits associated with our ancestors’ redemption from Egypt was their preservation of a distinct identity, maintaining their names and language rather than disappearing into the surrounding culture. Today, we enjoy unprecedented opportunities for participation, achievement, acceptance, and integration, blessings for which we should be grateful, but which also carry the danger of gradually surrendering what makes us distinct.

Since October 7, 2023, we have witnessed a remarkable reawakening of Jewish identity. Jews who previously felt little connection have begun wearing Magen Davids, attending Shabbos dinners, learning Torah, visiting Israel, and seeking a deeper relationship with their people. It is deeply moving, but it also presents a challenge. We cannot allow antisemitism to become the primary force reminding us that we are Jews.

Our enemies should not have more influence over our Jewish identity than our ancestors, our Torah, our traditions, and our relationship with Hashem. We must define ourselves not only by what others think about us or do to us, but by what we believe, cherish, and choose to live. Celebrating our Hebrew birthdays won’t reverse assimilation or defeat antisemitism, but it is one small, accessible, meaningful way to reclaim our identity, not in reaction to hatred, but in celebration of who we are.

Make Your Hebrew Birthday Matter

If you don’t know your Hebrew birthday, find out. It takes only seconds using an online Hebrew date converter, though because the Jewish day begins at sunset, the time of your birth can affect the date. Put it in your calendar with an annual reminder, and then find out the Hebrew birthdays of your spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and those closest to you.

Imagine calling our children on their Hebrew birthdays, not simply to wish them a happy birthday, but to remind them how much they matter, how proud we are of who they are becoming, and how much goodness they have to contribute. Imagine parents using that occasion to share the unique qualities they see in each child and the difference those qualities can make in the world. What greater gift can we give a child than the confidence that they are loved, valued, and here for a reason?

And imagine if we used our own Hebrew birthdays for a little personal accounting, reflecting on the year that has passed and the year ahead. The Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged increasing Torah study, giving extra tzedakah, spending additional time in tefillah, and reflecting on our spiritual progress. Give tzedakah in gratitude for your blessings, learn something extra, say a chapter of Tehillim, reach out to someone who needs encouragement, or simply take a few moments to thank Hashem for the gift of life.

Most importantly, ask yourself what you are grateful for, where you need to grow, and what one concrete thing you can do this coming year to better fulfill your unique mission. Rather than making twenty resolutions that will be forgotten within a week, choose one meaningful commitment, whether a relationship to strengthen, a mitzvah to improve, a habit to develop, or an act of kindness to make part of your routine.

Perhaps the greatest birthday gift we can give ourselves is not something we buy, but a commitment to live more intentionally, love more generously, worry less, trust Hashem more, and stop postponing what matters most.

Whatever your age, circumstances, or chapter of life, Hashem continues to give you the gift of time because there is still something meaningful for you to do with it. We are careful to remember the Hebrew date on which someone left this world, and we should be equally careful to celebrate the Hebrew date on which someone entered it.

Your phone can tell you when you were born, but only you can answer what you are doing with the life Hashem gave you. Don’t just celebrate the day you entered the world, but the difference you were created to make in it.

Don’t know your Hebrew birthday? Find it using the Hebrew Birthday Calculator, add it to your calendar, and make this the year you begin celebrating it with purpose.

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An individual was arrested after attempting to break into Young Israel of West Hempstead and start a fire near the building at approximately 1:00 a.m. last night.

According to a message from the shul, the individual struck the glass at the entrance with a bat, but the glass held and the individual was unable to enter through the door. The individual then brought a burning lawn sign to the entrance and attempted to start a fire near the building. The fire went out on its own, b’chasdeiHashem.

A passing motorist called 911, and police responded and arrested the individual at the scene. The shul’s security team was notified and responded, and detectives have received video of the incident.

The shul’s Security Committee is in contact with the Nassau County Police Department and Homeland Security. The committee plans to meet to review existing security protocols and consider whether additional measures are warranted.

The incident remains under investigation. The shul is asking community members to remain alert and report suspicious activity to 911 and the shul’s security team. Community members are also advised not to approach or intervene. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.

Young Israel of West Hempstead thanked the NCPD for its prompt response and expressed appreciation for the community’s continued concern for the safety of the shul and community.

Airfares between Israel and New York have fallen sharply in recent weeks, giving travelers the opportunity to save hundreds of dollars as more airline competition returns to the route.

A market survey reported by Globes, using pricing data from travel platform Lastminute.co.il, found that average round-trip fares across five major airlines are now around $1,223. Israir and United currently offer some of the lowest average prices, at approximately $1,135 and $1,190, respectively, while El Al averages about $1,295.

Compared with prices checked six weeks earlier for post-holiday October travel, fares have declined by an average of roughly 25%. U.S. carriers recorded some of the steepest reductions, while Israeli airlines saw more moderate decreases.

Individual deals are even lower. United has advertised select late-November round trips starting around $790, while connecting itineraries through Europe have been listed for approximately $600 or less. Looking further ahead, some winter and early-2027 fares have appeared below $900, with certain options advertised near $650, depending on the airline, dates and itinerary.

Travel industry representatives attribute the decline partly to increased competition and additional available seats as U.S. airlines resume service and Israeli carriers expand operations. The stronger Israeli shekel against the dollar may also be helping travelers purchasing

A Lubavitcher young man from Crown Heights was stabbed from behind in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday evening in an incident authorities are reportedly investigating as a probable hate crime.

The attack occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. near West 47th Street and Fifth Avenue. Hatzalah responders treated the victim at the scene before transporting him to Bellevue Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

The suspect is described as a white woman in her 30s, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, wearing blue jeans, white sneakers and a shirt, with a dark sweater tied around her waist. She allegedly fled west toward Sixth Avenue after the stabbing.

The victim’s identity, the motive for the attack and whether any arrests have been made remain unknown.

Activist Moshe Spern commented: “Mayor Mamdani this is on you. Another Jew stabbed in broad daylight in Midtown. A Lubavitcher from Crown Heights was attacked from behind near 5th Ave & W 47th St (5:30pm). Hatzalah treated him on scene; he’s stable at Bellevue…This is not isolated. In July, Raul Morales was charged with hate-crime attempted murder after stabbing a Jewish man (and an Asian man) on the Upper West Side while yelling “Allahu Akbar” and “Justice for Islam,” near synagogues. Jews remain the top target of NYC hate crimes under Mayor Mamdani. How many more before the climate changes?”

Besuros Tovos.

SUSPECTED ANTI-SEMITIC ATTACK IN NYC: A Lubavitcher man from Crown Heights was stabbed in the back in the Diamond District near Fifth Ave & West 47th St in Manhattan, in what authorities are reportedly investigating as a possible hate crime. https://t.co/4KaKKMfnVI

— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) October 22, 2026

A government-commissioned review has found that three in five Jewish students in England have experienced antisemitism during their elementary, middle, or high school years, raising concerns about the safety of Jewish children and the response of school authorities to anti-Jewish hatred.

The findings point to a troubling gap in how schools handle antisemitic incidents, with many students expressing little confidence that teachers or administrators would take meaningful action if abuse were reported. Fewer than half of students who witnessed antisemitism, including both Jewish and non-Jewish pupils, believed school staff would respond appropriately.

The review was initiated following the cancellation of a school visit by Jewish MP Damien Egan amid concerns that pro-Palestinian activists might stage protests. The incident prompted broader scrutiny of how schools address antisemitism and whether Jewish students are receiving adequate protection.

One student from Cheshire described enduring repeated antisemitic harassment while attending a school where he was the only Jewish pupil. He encountered references to Nazi gas chambers, abuse suggesting he belonged in one, and swastikas and Nazi salutes that became commonplace among students.

His account also raised questions about the role of educators, who he said often failed to step in. As a result, he felt forced to explain to classmates why their behavior was antisemitic rather than seeing school staff take responsibility for addressing it.

Sir David Bell, who headed the independent review, identified a broader problem in the way schools approach prejudice. Efforts to combat discrimination, he found, can overlook the specific nature of antisemitism, making it harder for educators to recognize and respond effectively to anti-Jewish hostility.

Recommendations are expected to address both school culture and staff conduct, including guidance discouraging teachers from displaying explicitly pro-Palestinian symbols while teaching when doing so could undermine their perceived impartiality.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis: “Antisemitism is the ultimate othering, often driven by ignorance which is the enemy of the cohesive and empathetic society we wish to build for all citizens.

With this in mind, the Bell Review reveals a deeply troubling level of antisemitism in our schools and colleges and is a painful indication of how far the situation has deteriorated.

I commend Sir David Bell for his important work and hope that recognising antisemitism as a potential safeguarding concern will prove to be a significant step towards protecting Jewish pupils.

I also welcome the Government’s decision to adopt all 27 of its recommendations and look forward to seeing them implemented in full.”

Besuros Tovos.

“If education isn’t the answer, what is?”

Antisemitism has no place in our schools and colleges.

Sir David Bell’s report sets out what needs to change, informed by the experiences of Jewish communities and those working in education.

Read more here ➡️ https://t.co/yJ2MZMriIl https://t.co/GAKDngSpcH

— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) October 21, 2026

A major new report has exposed the scale of antisemitism in England’s schools and colleges—and the findings are deeply concerning.

According to the independent review led by Sir David Bell, one in five students surveyed said they had witnessed antisemitism, while nearly three in five Jewish pupils aged 16-19 had experienced or witnessed it.

Even more troubling, fewer than half of students surveyed believed antisemitism would actually be addressed if they reported it.

The review makes 27 recommendations, including dedicated antisemitism training for educators, stronger safeguarding and reporting procedures, and better resources to help schools recognize and confront anti-Jewish hatred. The UK government has accepted all 27.

No Jewish student should have to endure antisemitism at school, or believe that speaking up will make no difference.

Schools must be places where Jewish students are protected, antisemitism is recognized for what it is, and reports of hatred are taken seriously.

— Maccabee Task Force (@MacTaskForce) October 22, 2026

RNSP worked alongside officers from the NYPD’s 101st Precinct to apprehend a suspect accused of shoplifting from a local business.

The joint effort highlights the continued cooperation between community safety organizations and law enforcement to help protect neighborhood businesses and keep the community safe.

New York City has published another batch of records related to the September 11 attacks, bringing the total available through its new public database to approximately 210,000 pages. The latest release sheds further light on how city officials discussed the dangers of World Trade Center dust, cleanup efforts and the potential legal consequences of declaring buildings unsafe.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the second release Wednesday. The records include internal communications involving city agencies and their attorneys, material that would ordinarily be protected by attorney-client privilege but that the city agreed to disclose as part of its transparency effort.

The public portal, launched on September 8, was established following a settlement resolving a multiyear legal battle over access to the documents. The first release contained roughly 170,000 pages, with the latest addition bringing the total to 210,000.

Among the newly available records are discussions showing that, more than a year after the attacks, concerns remained about dust contamination in Lower Manhattan. In December 2002, CUNY, the Board of Elections and other downtown occupants sought federal assistance with decontamination. The EPA had offered to fund certain cleanup work if the city certified that buildings were contaminated.

However, correspondence indicates that the city’s Law Department advised the Department of Environmental Protection against becoming involved. Attorney Lawrence Khan warned that formally identifying buildings as contaminated could expose the city to lawsuits, particularly given earlier public assurances that conditions were safe.

Other records highlight confusion surrounding federal cleanup guidance. Emails from April 2002 discussed EPA recommendations for professional cleaning of indoor spaces with more than minimal dust. A 2003 inspector general report later stated that the EPA had consistently recommended professional cleaning beginning just days after the attacks.

Minutes from a March 2002 interagency meeting also documented questions from health and environmental officials about how to reconcile earlier assurances of safety with growing calls for additional testing and cleanup.

The documents are significant because exposure to dust and other contaminants from the World Trade Center site has been linked to serious long-term health problems among first responders, workers and residents. The newly released communications provide a closer look at what government officials were discussing as decisions about public health and cleanup were being made.

Andy Carboy, the attorney who represented 9/11 Health Watch Inc. in its lengthy effort to obtain the records, described the release as an unprecedented opportunity to examine government deliberations. The organization’s executive director, Benjamin Chevat, argued that the documents suggest officials at multiple levels of government did not adequately change their approach despite recognizing potential hazards.

Mamdani said the releases are part of a continuing commitment to provide answers to New Yorkers affected by the attacks, emphasizing that the process is intended to go beyond a one-time disclosure.

The records are available through the city’s September 11 public records portal, allowing researchers, survivors, families and the public to examine the documents directly.

AIPAC is changing how it supports pro-Israel candidates in Congress, ending its formal endorsements and direct contributions through its political action committee as the organization faces mounting political opposition and recent electoral setbacks.

The pro-Israel advocacy group announced the changes Wednesday in a letter to members, describing the move as the result of a months-long strategic review. Going forward, AIPAC plans to encourage individual donors to contribute directly to candidates rather than making donations through the organization’s PAC.

The shift comes as support for Israel has become an increasingly contentious issue in American politics, drawing criticism from progressive Democrats and some conservatives. Several Democratic politicians have distanced themselves from AIPAC-related funding amid concerns about the political consequences, including New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker.

The changes do not affect United Democracy Project, AIPAC’s independent super PAC. The organization will continue spending on television and digital advertising to support candidates it considers supportive of Israel and oppose those it views as hostile to the country. Unlike a traditional PAC, a super PAC can raise and spend unlimited amounts independently, but it cannot donate directly to candidates or coordinate its spending with their campaigns.

AIPAC says its members have contributed more than $90 million to congressional candidates during the current election cycle, including donations designated for particular candidates. By comparison, the organization’s own PAC contributed approximately $3 million directly, according to spokesperson Darrin Sosa. Federal law places limits on how much a PAC can contribute directly to an individual candidate.

The decision follows a difficult period for the group’s political operation. AIPAC suspended fundraising efforts for 18 House Democrats who voted to reduce U.S. security assistance to Israel. Its candidate contribution portal later listed 178 Republicans and 72 Democrats.

The organization has also faced criticism from activist groups targeting politicians and donors associated with AIPAC. Some campaigns have publicly identified individual Jewish and pro-Israel donors as part of the AIPAC network, prompting accusations that such efforts can fuel antisemitism by singling out Jewish donors over their political activity.

Despite claiming a role in electing 290 candidates and defeating 29 it considered hostile to Israel, AIPAC’s super PAC has experienced notable losses. It spent tens of millions of dollars supporting Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, but she lost to Abdul El-Sayed. In New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District primary, advertising targeting former Rep. Tom Malinowski was followed by a victory for progressive candidate Analilia Mejia.

AIPAC’s leadership said the revised strategy is intended to broaden individual participation and give the organization greater flexibility as it prepares for a challenging election cycle. The group maintains that United Democracy Project will remain a central part of its efforts to influence congressional races and support candidates committed to the U.S.-Israel relationship.

New York City has completed the expansion of its red-light camera network to 600 intersections, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn announced, bringing the program to the maximum size permitted under state law.

City officials say the cameras are intended to curb dangerous driving and prevent crashes at busy intersections. According to NYC DOT data, running red lights was a factor in 22% of fatal intersection crashes between 2023 and 2025.

The department reports that the cameras have reduced red-light violations by more than 80% at monitored locations. Safety improvements have also been recorded, with injuries from rear-end collisions declining nearly 60% and injuries from T-bone crashes falling 70% at intersections after cameras were installed.

City data also indicates that most drivers caught by the system receive relatively few tickets. In 2025, approximately 95% of vehicles recorded running red lights received no more than one or two violations, while fewer than 0.7% accumulated five or more.

The program also affects drivers from beyond the five boroughs: roughly 39% of red-light camera violations issued in 2025 involved vehicles registered outside New York City.

The expansion marks a significant step in the city’s use of automated enforcement to address dangerous driving. Officials say the goal is to encourage motorists to stop at red lights and reduce the risk of serious crashes, while the violation figures show that most drivers cited are not frequent offenders.

We know how to make our streets safer, so we did it 600 times.

Red light cameras reduce red light running by 80% and T-bone crashes by 65%. Most importantly, they help New Yorkers get home safely.

That’s why we installed new red light cameras at 600 intersections across the five boroughs to help stop dangerous driving before tragedy strikes, and make our streets safer for everyone who walks, rolls, drives, or takes the bus.

https://t.co/YsIjqfGFzy

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) October 21, 2026

“Earlier today, a number of harvesters, accompanied by dozens of individuals, arrived to conduct an uncoordinated olive harvest in an area near Beitar Illit. Harvesting in this area requires a request to be submitted to the relevant authorities in advance of the start of the olive harvest season. This coordination is necessary to ensure the security of the area and maintain public order.

Due to the security risk posed by conducting an uncoordinated harvest near an Israeli community, IDF soldiers, Border Police forces in Judea and Samaria, and officers from the Judea and Samaria District Police arrived at the scene and detained those present.

The landowner was informed that he must coordinate the olive harvest on his plot of land and was provided with the relevant contact information to arrange a harvest at a later date.

It should be emphasized that authorized olive harvests have taken place and continue to take place. To date, approximately 100 coordinated harvests have been conducted across Judea and Samaria, yielding many dozens of tons of produce, with security provided and coordination by the security forces, without any unusual incidents.

In areas designated for coordinated harvesting, only harvesters will be permitted to enter, solely for the purpose of harvesting.

As in previous years, security forces are working to facilitate a safe and orderly olive harvest season, with a firm commitment to enabling harvesting without unusual incidents or interruptions, alongside their ongoing defensive and counterterrorism missions.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for the release of activists and other “rabbis” who were detained in Israel while participating in an olive-harvest activity alongside Palestinians.

Mamdani used the incident to criticize Israel, invoking the issues of occupation and genocide. His intervention has raised questions about the mayor’s focus on international affairs while leading one of the world’s largest cities, where residents continue to look to City Hall for action on local concerns. He has mega-fixed on everything that has to do with Israel, as usual.

Moshé Halawani shared a powerful story about a woman, he knew personally, whose decision to show Chessed may have saved her life.

The woman was extremely particular about keeping her home spotless, especially her beautiful Florida apartment. When a friend asked to stay there, she hesitated, knowing how difficult it would be to trust someone else with her home. Eventually, she agreed after her friend promised to keep the apartment clean.

The friend kept her word in almost every way, but accidentally left behind a box of meat and chicken. Months later, the woman returned to discover that the apartment was filled with a terrible smell. Furious, she felt that her decision to do a good deed had backfired.

Her husband, however, encouraged her to look at the situation differently. He reminded her that it was an honest mistake and urged her not to confront their friend. Instead, they decided to let it go and stay at a nearby hotel while dealing with the mess.

According to Halawani, approximately 100 minutes later, the Surfside condominium collapse occurred in Florida.

The story offers a powerful lesson about emunah, patience, and the importance of controlling our reactions. The woman initially saw only the damage and frustration caused by her friend’s mistake. She had no way of knowing what might happen next.

Sometimes, we cannot see the bigger picture Hashem has planned for us.

The challenge is to choose kindness even when it is difficult, to practice forgiveness when we feel wronged, and to trust Hashem even when a situation seems unfair. We may never know the full impact of our actions or the Berachos that come from choosing Chessed over anger.

As Halawani emphasizes, not every act of kindness will lead to a dramatic or visible outcome. The lesson is to keep doing good, even when we cannot see the reason behind it.

In this interview on Life, Liberty & Levin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlines three primary goals for his administration’s collaboration with the United States:

Netanyahu argues for the complete removal of the current Iranian regime, which he labels a “thugocracy.” He emphasizes that this is not about the Iranian people, but about neutralizing a regime that seeks to destroy both Israel and the United States through nuclear ambitions and military expansion.

Building on the existing peace agreements with four Arab states, he aims to include more nations to create a regional “axis of peace and moderation” against shared threats.

He advocates for embracing “super intelligence” to advance fields like health, agriculture, transport, and education, with the goal of making Israel a global leader in artificial intelligence.

Throughout the discussion, Netanyahu expresses deep appreciation for President Donald Trump’s “brilliant” leadership, clarity, and conviction in addressing the threat posed by Iran and fostering stability in the Middle East.

Brad Lander, a New York politician running for Congress, was detained in Israel while participating in an olive harvest alongside Palestinians and left-wing Jewish activist organizations.

Lander, a close political ally of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has drawn criticism over his involvement in the activity, as this trip was clearly intended to generate publicity and bolster his political profile back home. Brad is Jewish and will never be accepted by the progressive left-wing he is attempting to win over.

Jake Turx commented: “What is it with these people? You could go off-road ATVing. You could have a beautiful kumzitz at Kever Rochel. But no. Apparently nothing beats the sheer exhilaration of arriving at an olive grove without the proper paperwork, being politely informed that you can’t enter, and posing for selfies pretending like you just survived the Siege of Leningrad.”

Aviva Klompas:

“The Democratic candidate outrage playbook:

☑️ Declare you’ll never take a dime from AIPAC.
☑️ Fly to Israel, stage a confrontation, and turn being detained into a publicity opportunity.
☑️ Generate headlines and viral clips.
☑️ Ignore issues Americans care about – housing costs, health care, struggling schools, or making life more affordable.

Brad can follow the playbook all he wants, but sooner or later he’ll learn that the anti-Zionists will never accept him.”

I’ve been detained by the IDF, along with a group of rabbis & volunteers. We were simply harvesting olives in a grove near Nehalim in the West Bank.

The occupation is a crime under international law. Harvesting olives isn’t a crime under any law I know. https://t.co/r7B5Q3RvjY

— Brad Lander (@bradlander) October 21, 2026

Why is someone running for the United States Congress, was just 2 weeks to go to the elections, 6,000 miles away from their district????

Brad Lander and so many others abandon the needs of their constituents in favor of the DSA anti Israel social media mob. https://t.co/CJs62lJygW

— Rabbi Poupko (@RabbiPoupko) October 21, 2026

New legislation moving forward in New Jersey could require regular inspections of airport baggage scales and public disclosure of the results, following troubling findings at Newark Liberty International Airport.

The state Assembly Transportation Committee has approved a bill introduced by Assemblyman Clint Calabrese that would direct the superintendent of the New Jersey Office of Weights and Measures to inspect baggage scales at airports statewide and publish the findings within 30 days.

Records from Newark’s most recent inspection, conducted in October 2023, revealed that 105 of 384 baggage scales failed accuracy tests. Of those, 86 produced readings that could cause passengers to be charged extra for overweight luggage.

Some of the reported problems were particularly significant. One scale continued to give readings off by as much as 35 pounds even after repairs and a follow-up inspection. Another reportedly failed to register weights of 300, 350, 400 and even 500 pounds.

The findings stand out compared with other major New York City-area airports, where available public records do not show a similar rate of faulty scales. LaGuardia and JFK receive annual weight-scale testing, while Newark’s scales have not been inspected by New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs since October 2023.

Mandatory inspections and public reporting would improve oversight and help protect travelers from being charged based on inaccurate measurements. The bill has cleared committee but would still need to advance through the legislative process before becoming law.

Federal authorities carried out raids at adult day care facilities across Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island on Tuesday as part of a major investigation into suspected Medicaid fraud involving more than 100 providers throughout New York.

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations were seen removing boxes of evidence from facilities in Brooklyn’s Borough Park and Sunset Park. Officials confirmed that the operation was court-authorized but declined to provide further details while the investigation remains ongoing.

The probe is examining allegations of improper billing, kickbacks, money laundering and other potential abuses involving taxpayer-funded services for seniors and other vulnerable residents.

The FBI is reviewing Medicaid payments for social adult care services between January 2019 and October 2024. During that period, New York’s program paid approximately $2.4 billion for these services, with costs reportedly running 40% to 60% above the national average.

Gov. Kathy Hochul described Tuesday’s raids as part of a broader, months-long effort to crack down on suspected fraud and protect public funds.

“We are targeting providers we believe engaged in illegal activity ranging from money laundering to kickbacks to improper billing and other fraudulent activities,” Hochul said.

Homeland Security Investigations emphasized that billing government programs for services that were never delivered is a serious offense, stating on X: “Billing public programs for care, transportation or other services that were never provided is fraud, NOT a paperwork mistake.”

Authorities have not disclosed how many of the more than 100 providers under scrutiny have been found to have committed fraud. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against individual providers have not necessarily been proven.

The raids also come amid broader scrutiny of New York’s Medicaid oversight. Hochul has said her administration has saved more than $15 billion through stronger oversight since taking office in 2021.

Separately, the Trump administration has challenged New York’s overhaul of its Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), alleging that the restructuring was rigged. Hochul’s administration has denied wrongdoing and sought to dismiss the federal lawsuit.

Tuesday’s enforcement action signals continued federal scrutiny of Medicaid spending in New York, particularly programs intended to provide care and support for vulnerable populations.

🔥 LET’S GO! DHS agents are now hauling BOXES UPON BOXES of evidence out of this Korean “adult daycare” in Queens

LOVE to see this 👏🏼

I’m so sick of foreigners coming in and RIPPING OFF American taxpayers with their fake daycares. https://t.co/ba52raPSpV

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 20, 2026

Antisemitic graffiti was discovered on the beach in Belle Harbor Tuesday morning and is being referred to the NYPD Hate Crimes Unit.

Pesach Osina thanked the NYPD for its swift response and NYC Parks for promptly ensuring the graffiti was removed.

“Hate has no place in our communities. We must stand together against antisemitism and all forms of hate. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” Osina said.

President Donald Trump has announced the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, inviting Americans to report suspected fraud, corruption, and misuse of taxpayer dollars through Fraud.gov.

The initiative aims to enlist the public in the fight against fraud involving federal programs, with financial rewards available for qualifying tips. The Justice Department says eligible whistleblowers may receive $10,000 to $30,000 for information that leads to criminal charges, subject to program requirements and approval. Trump also discussed the possibility of a 1% commission on recovered funds.

The administration is encouraging Americans to help identify suspected wrongdoing and protect taxpayer money.

Report suspected fraud: https://fraud.gov/

The Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, giving YOU the power to seek out, report, and eliminate fraud in our communities. 🇺🇸

President Trump has waged an unprecedented war on fraud. Our country will not be plundered by fraudsters.

Join the fight: https://t.co/7eIL0CBdOx https://t.co/tSyjvsiW40

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 20, 2026

Rabbi Shlomo Farhi discusses lessons from our current Parshiyos in the context of civil unrest in France. He explores the tension between staying to address a difficult situation versus deciding when it is time to leave, using the historical journey of Avraham as an example.

R’ Farhi argues that when governments tolerate petty crime and lawlessness, it leads to broader anarchy. He warns that societies eventually suffer the consequences of the poison they allow.

He emphasizes that even if a situation is temporary, individuals have a moral duty to improve it while they are there. He compares this to the responsibility of cleaning up a messy hotel room before checking out.

He critiques what he calls strategic capitulation, where communities compromise their values to appease external pressures or short-term political goals. He calls for active civic engagement, such as voting and demanding the rule of law.

A central takeaway is the importance of having the courage to say no to social pressures, excessive consumerism, and harmful trends. He encourages families and institutions to set their own standards to protect their values rather than accepting the status quo.

Swastikas were found scrawled on the backs of seats aboard LIRR train car 7407, which departed West Hempstead for Grand Central at 7:23 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The discovery is disturbing, particularly so close to the Five Towns Jewish community.

Antisemitism has no place in public spaces or anywhere in our society.

A historic moment for Jewish education in the Village of Lawrence!

Mayor Samuel Nahmias and Trustee Shlomo Gottesman joined community leaders, elected officials, faculty, and school families on Thursday, October 15, for the official dedication ceremony of Lev Jewish Academy (formerly known as Brandeis Hebrew Academy and The Brandeis School, established in 1930). The milestone marks a new chapter and strategic partnership with the Leviev Foundation and JIQ Schools.

During the ceremony, Mayor Nahmias presented a formal proclamation to Lev Leviev and Olga Leviev honoring “The Leviev Foundation for their exceptional philanthropy, unwavering dedication to Jewish education, and invaluable contributions to the preservation and advancement of Jewish learning in the Village of Lawrence.”

Addressing the gathering, Mayor Nahmias emphasized how vital the Leviev Foundation’s partnership has been in ensuring the school remains a thriving educational anchor in our village.

Philanthropists Lev Leviev, Olga Leviev, and Chagit Sofiev Leviev (President of Lev Jewish Academy); elected leaders Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman; Senator Patricia Canzoneri Fitzpatrick; Assemblyman Ari Brown; and community leadersRabbi Baruch Babaev (Chief Rabbi of Bukharian Jews in the US & Canada); and Rabbi Shmaya Krinsky (Executive Director, Machne Israel Development Fund) particpated in the ribbon cutting and campus tour.

Inspiring speeches were delivered by Lev Leviev, Chagit Sofiev Leviev, Batya Zvulunov (Head of Judaic Curriculum at JIQ Schools), and Raz Levin (Head of School at Lev Jewish Academy), hosted by emcee Rabbi Simon Taylor.

New York residents struggling with winter heating expenses will soon be able to apply for state assistance, with applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opening November 2.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that approximately 1.5 million New Yorkers are eligible for the program, which helps qualifying households cover heating costs. The amount of assistance depends on factors such as household income, family size and heating needs. Some households may receive benefits automatically, while others will need to submit an application once the program opens.

The assistance comes as families prepare for another winter of high energy costs. National Grid’s latest seasonal forecast projects that average residential electricity bills for Upstate New York customers will increase by approximately 3% to 5% over the five-month winter period, depending on the service area.

Natural gas customers could see a modest decrease instead, with projected winter bills expected to be about $9 lower for households using an estimated 713 therms over the season.

Eligible residents can review program details and apply through New York State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Apply online: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/?TSPD_101_R0=084c043756ab2000558122698217d882a899a0ae31a20a78a215ccc9b48c686ff206a08cd4bb88c208b67fbcaf1430003958d5b32b0866496e603b2491ecdf0847798b4b63c8eb1d4886af630d351628e55a98f70dff5b45636ae2e89c0c837d#heap

U.S. Vice President JD Vance says he will stay out of Israel’s upcoming election, declining to endorse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu even as President Donald Trump has publicly expressed support for the Israeli leader. The decision highlights a difference in how the two senior figures approach Israeli politics and comes amid reported disagreements between Vance and Netanyahu over U.S. policy toward Iran.

In an interview with Mark Halperin on 2WAY Tonight, Vance said his attention was on American politics and the upcoming midterm elections, not Israel’s October 27 Knesset vote. He described Trump as an exceptionally influential endorser and said he would leave the Israeli election to Israeli voters.

Vance called Israel a strong American ally but acknowledged that the two countries do not always agree. His position has drawn attention because he previously traveled to Hungary to campaign for then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who ultimately lost his reelection bid.

Vance’s relationship with Netanyahu has also come under scrutiny following tensions over the administration’s approach to Iran. After Vance suggested that elements within Israel’s government had worked against diplomatic efforts with Tehran, Axios reported that Netanyahu challenged him during a meeting in Washington. Vance later characterized their conversation as direct but cordial.

The vice president has defended the administration’s handling of the conflict with Iran, arguing that Tehran must make substantive concessions on its nuclear program before a lasting agreement can be reached. He has said Washington remains open to diplomacy but will not accept promises without concrete action.

Vance’s refusal to endorse Netanyahu also comes amid broader debate over the direction of the Republican Party’s approach to Israel. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been more publicly prominent in expressing support for Israel, while Vance has maintained a more reserved public posture toward Netanyahu. His association with commentator Tucker Carlson, a frequent critic of Israel, has added to scrutiny of where Vance stands within that debate.

Vance said he doesn’t involve himself in foreign elections: “I endorse American candidates… I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.” Vance himself traveled to Budapest to attend a rally supporting and endorsing former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s reelection bid, which ultimately failed. We know where Vance stands.

Vice President JD Vance REFUSES to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection, even after POTUS did, clearly stating, “I endorse American candidates… I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.”

Mark Halperin: Over the weekend, the president endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection in Israel. Do you endorse Benjamin Netanyahu?

Vice President Vance: “The president has the most effective endorsement in American or international political history. I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on is the midterm. So I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.”

Mark Halperin: “You don’t want to say one way or the other?”

Vice President Vance: “I’m not anti-endorsing it. I’m not pro-endorsing it. I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.”

A perfect answer!

— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) October 20, 2026

Ben Shapiro addressed a recent online controversy regarding his comments on Christianity and Judaism at an event at the University of Texas at Austin. He refutes claims that he is anti-Christian or wishes to convert Christians to the Noachide laws.

Shapiro explains that Judaism is a non-exclusivist religion and that he, as a Jew, encourages Christians to practice their faith fervently. He clarifies that he views Christianity as a vital component for a revitalized America.

Shapiro critiques Tucker Carlson for what he describes as a descent into madness, accusing Carlson of distorting Jewish theology to push anti-Semitic narratives and defending controversial figures or ideologies like Sharia law.

Shapiro contrasts his active campaigning for conservative candidates with what he characterizes as Carlson’s attempts to demoralize conservative voters and sabotage the Republican party’s chances in the midterms.

Shapiro concludes by warning that Carlson’s current rhetoric is counterproductive to conservative goals and emphasizes the importance of participating in the upcoming elections to prevent a left-wing takeover.

New York City is launching a new initiative to help residents navigate major changes to federal food assistance and health insurance programs, with city officials warning that eligible families could lose critical benefits if they fail to meet new requirements or complete the necessary paperwork.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Monday the creation of the Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART), a $3 million program funded through the city budget. Outreach workers will be sent into neighborhoods to help residents understand the new rules, maintain their coverage and access assistance with other rising expenses.

The effort comes as federal changes to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, place additional requirements on some recipients. City officials estimate that as many as 900,000 New Yorkers could be at risk of losing Medicaid coverage when new work requirements take effect in January. Meanwhile, expanded SNAP work requirements introduced in March have already been linked by city officials to the loss of benefits for approximately 26,500 residents.

Medicaid currently covers about 3.6 million people in New York City. Under the new federal rules, certain adults under age 65 will need to document at least 80 hours per month of employment, qualifying community service or education to maintain eligibility. Exemptions apply to some groups, including parents caring for children under 14. State officials are also seeking an exemption for Bronx residents, citing the borough’s high unemployment rate.

Another concern is the requirement for more frequent Medicaid eligibility reviews. Healthcare providers warn that additional forms and administrative hurdles could result in people losing coverage even when they remain eligible.

HART teams are intended to help prevent that outcome. Workers speak 13 languages and have received specialized training on the federal changes. Many also bring personal experience navigating the public benefits system. Their responsibilities will include helping residents preserve or restore health insurance and food assistance, while connecting them with resources for housing costs, medical debt and other household expenses.

The city plans to prioritize communities where residents face the greatest risk of losing assistance and work with local organizations to distribute information and provide support.

Mamdani said the initiative is intended to help New Yorkers retain access to essential services as the rules change, arguing that healthcare and nutritious food should be treated as basic necessities rather than privileges.

27,000 New Yorkers lost their SNAP benefits due to cruel cuts from the federal government. If you’re one of them, New York City is here to help.

As of October 1st, you can re-enroll for SNAP benefits. But there are new rules. 
> Call 718-SNAP-NOW or visit https://t.co/wpmvamG9dO for help re-enrolling and to understand what’s changed.

While Washington turns its back on working Americans, New York is here for you. Because everyone deserves to put food on their table.

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) October 16, 2026

Navigating changes to Medicaid and SNAP shouldn’t mean navigating a maze to get help.

Today, we’re launching HART, a new outreach team helping New Yorkers keep their health coverage, food benefits and get support on everything from housing assistance to eviction prevention.

As federal work requirements put thousands at risk of losing benefits and up to 900,000 New Yorkers at risk of losing health coverage, we’re making sure no one gets left behind.

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) October 19, 2026

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul received a massive welcome from thousands of students at Satmar’s Bais Ruchel girls’ schools in Kiryas Joel on Monday, during a major campaign stop in the Hasidic community ahead of the November 3 election.

The visit highlighted the community’s support for Hochul, including appreciation for her decision to participate in a federal scholarship tax credit program designed to help families afford private and yeshiva tuition through qualifying donations.

נאך פון די גרויסע אויפנאמע דורך די בית רחל מיידלעך אין קרית יואל פאר גאווערנער האוקל https://t.co/NVqXqNalRJ

— Hasidic (@hasidic_1) October 19, 2026

Community leaders Gedaliah Szegedin and Moshe Indig joined Hochul on stage as students greeted the governor. She also held a private meeting with Satmar Rebbe Rabbi Ahron Teitelbaum, as community support emerged ahead of her reelection contest against Republican Bruce Blakeman.

Hochul also traveled to New Square on Monday, where she met with the Skverer Rebbe as part of her campaign tour through Rockland County and surrounding Hasidic communities.

By: Rabbi Mark Wildes

What do Palestinian flags and songs glorifying Islamist terrorists have to do with overcrowded classrooms in France?

This weekend, France experienced riots leading to over 1,800 arrests, hundreds of injured police officers, shops looted, and a historic city hall set on fire. And what’s the explanation we’re being given? Poor school conditions and the cost of living.

Maybe that’s what some people were protesting. Fine. But what I’m seeing are Palestinian flags, slogans about Gaza, a vandalized synagogue, and videos of young demonstrators singing about Mohammed Merah, who murdered Jewish children in Toulouse, and Salah Abdeslam, one of the Bataclan terrorists.

What’s ironic is that France has spent years condemning Israel for building homes in Judea, the very heart of our ancestral homeland, where Jews lived thousands of years before France even existed as a country.

France should spend less time lecturing Israel about where Jews are allowed to live and a little more time addressing the extremism within its own borders.

Because this was never just Israel’s problem.

As France was burning, Jews around the world were reading the story of Noach.

Rashi, the great medieval Torah commentator from France, asks why God had Noach spend 120 years building the Ark. Surely God could have saved him another way.

Rashi answers that God wanted people to see Noach building the Ark and ask him why. Noach would warn them about the coming flood, giving them an opportunity to change their ways.

But they didn’t listen.

I keep thinking about that as I watch what’s happening in France. For years, Israel has been sounding the alarm about Islamist terrorism, only to be accused of exaggerating the threat. Europe has already suffered its own horrific terrorist attacks. And now we’re seeing the same disturbing signs of that extremist ideology surfacing among some of these demonstrators.

The lesson of Noach is that warnings are meant to be taken seriously BEFORE disaster strikes.

I pray France and the rest of the West start listening before more innocent people pay the price.

A special evening at Rabbi Groner’s yeshiva, which hosted three Nova Festival survivors this past Thursday night. They joined in the Erev Shabbos Oneg, singing, dancing, and speaking about their experiences.

🔥A special evening at Rabbi Groner’s yeshiva, which hosted three Nova Festival survivors this past Thursday night. They joined in the Erev Shabbos Oneg, singing, dancing, and speaking about their experiences. https://t.co/tilNohB8TB

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

A Capital One bank was vandalized with graffiti and windows shattered at the branch on 86th Street. Red graffiti included pro-Palestinian slogans and an inverted red triangle, a symbol used in Hamas propaganda videos that has since been adopted by some pro-Palestinian activist groups.

Statement from Speaker Julie Menin:

“The vandalism and destruction at the Capital One branch on 86th Street is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. I have been in contact with the NYPD regarding this incident and have urged an immediate investigation, including whether this is a potential antisemitic hate crime. There is no place for hate, intimidation or violence in New York City.”

Statement from UJA-Federation of New York:

“It is disturbing to see graffiti against Israeli companies and vandalism like this in New York. We remain in close touch with CSI Security NY and law enforcement partners as they investigate the matter and hopefully identify the perpetrators.”

🚨UPPER EAST SIDE: PaIestine Action, a UK based direct radical action network vandalized and violently destroyed the windows of Capital One Bank in 86th Street.
Look at Europe yesterday to see what will be in NYC today. https://t.co/R0Rtnf9oZ3

— Manhattan Mingle (@ManhattanMingle) October 19, 2026

HEMPSTEAD, NY — Today, Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti called on his campaign opponent, Joe Scianablo, to immediately return a $15,000 contribution from anti-Israel Congressman Pat Ryan’s Political Action Committee (Patriot PAC NY), reject Ryan’s repeated endorsements, and issue a sincere apology to Jewish neighbors and all residents who stand with the State of Israel. 

Ferretti called the prospect of an Scianablo apology unlikely, since the wannabe Supervisor posted a Facebook video of himself campaigning with the anti-Israel Congressman on Sunday, October 18th (https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ZR8pzC8iR/).

On October 27, 2025, Scianablo accepted $15,000 from Patriot PAC NY, the political action committee controlled by Congressman Pat Ryan (NYSBOE, Patriot PAC NY, 12/01/2025).[1] Congressman Ryan has voted against all aid to Israel, including humanitarian assistance (Roll Call 243, HR 8595)[2], in Congress, publicly declaring critical Israeli assistance as “wrong on every level” (Pat Ryan X Post, 7/15/26).[3]

 Despite his anti-Israel voting record, Scianablo accepted Ryan’s endorsement through the Congressman’s Patriot PAC NY in September of 2025.  The endorsement of Scianablo was reiterated on May 21, 2026 (Patriot PAC NY, 5/21/2026).[4] Rather than distancing himself from Ryan’s hostility toward Israel, Scianablo publicly celebrated the backing, taking to social media to state that he was “honored to be endorsed” (Scianablo Facebook Post, 6/26/26).[5] To date, Scianablo has neither returned the $15,000 nor denounced Congressman Ryan’s anti-Israel record.

“Accepting financial support and political backing from an anti-Israel member of Congress and calling it an honor is a betrayal of the values shared by the people of Hempstead Town,” said Town Supervisor John Ferretti. “Congressman Pat Ryan made his position clear when he voted against aid to Israel and called supporting our ally ‘wrong on every level.’ By embracing Ryan’s money and endorsement, Joe Scianablo has made his own priorities clear.”

Supervisor Ferretti called on Scianablo to take immediate corrective action:

1. Return the $15,000 campaign contribution from Patriot PAC NY in full.

2. Publicly reject and renounce the endorsements from Congressman Pat Ryan and Patriot PAC NY.

3. Apologize to Nassau County’s Jewish community and all residents who support Israel’s right to security and self-defense.

—

[1] Patriot PAC NY, expenditure of $15,000 to “Joe for Hempstead”, made on 10/27/2025, Patriot PAC NY 27-Day Post General Election Itemized Report filed on 12/01/2025.

[2] Roll Call 243, Bill Number: H.R. 8595, Part A Amendment No. 8, July 15, 2026.

[3] Congressman Pat Ryan (@PatRyanUC), X (formerly Twitter) post on July 15, 2026.

[4] Patriot PAC NY, Press Release, May 21, 2026.

[5] Joe for Hempstead, Facebook Post on June 26, 2026.

Below: Link of Scianablo campaigning with Congressman Pat Ryan, who voted against aid to Israel.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ZR8pzC8iR/

Paid for by the Nassau County Republican Committee.

Dr Akiva & Dr Tamar Perlman on Let’s Get Real with Coach Menachem, Sunday October 18th.

When My Wounds Become Ours: A Conversation on the Tensions That Make Marriage Both Challenging and Transformative

Tucker Carlson’s and Warren Buffett’s Orthodox Rabbi, Jon Gross, Esq., joins Talkline with Zev Brenner.

Rabbi Jonathan Gross is a former Department of Justice attorney who rose to prominence representing January 6 defendants before serving in the Trump administration’s Weaponization Working Group.

He has since become a high‑profile whistleblower, sharply criticizing DOJ leadership and alleging political bias in federal prosecutions.

Zev also addressed the elephant in the room: How can an Orthodox Jew agree to appear on Tucker Carlson’s show after years of criticism directed at the Jewish community and Israel? Doesn’t going on his platform risk legitimizing him and giving him a free pass?

“President Trump, my friend Donald – thank you for your extraordinary endorsement. Israel has never had a greater friend in the White House. Together we will never let Iran’s regime get nuclear weapons. Thank you for your clarity, courage and unwavering support.”

President Trump, my friend Donald – thank you for your extraordinary endorsement. Israel has never had a greater friend in the White House. Together we will never let Iran’s regime get nuclear weapons. Thank you for your clarity, courage and unwavering support.

@realDonaldTrump https://t.co/GqaOVB74Dj

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 18, 2026

“To the Great People of Israel:

Bibi Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its 51 year old chant, “Death to Israel, Death to America! We will destroy the Little Satan and the Big Satan.”

What Country can survive when things such as this are allowed to be said, because eventually, they always end up being true? It would have been only a question of time until Iran would have put that ominous phrase into effect, but they have been systematically destroyed, both Militarily and Financially, and unless they change their ways, rapidly, we will soon finish the job.

If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so. Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself. Despite all of that, he has endured and, in fact, he has thrived! I have watched Bibi under the most trying of times.

Normal men or women in such situations would have wilted under the pressure — But Bibi did not wilt, he actually got stronger, and maintains that same Strength today. This is the kind of Partner that the United States of America is demanding of Israel, a Country for which it has done so much.

Please let this Letter serve to represent my Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his upcoming Race for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Israel. BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Thank you for your attention to this matter.

DONALD J. TRUMP
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”

🚨 BREAKING: President Trump gives Israeli PM Netanyahu his "Complete and Total ENDORSEMENT" for re-election, 9 days before Israel votes

"Bibi Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran."

"If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so."

"Normal men or women in such situations would have wilted under the pressure — But Bibi did not wilt, he actually got stronger."

"BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!"

Israelis vote on October 27

Netanyahu is already the longest-serving prime minister in Israel’s history.

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 18, 2026

NYPD investigators, the Gun Suppression Division, and the Queens District Attorney’s Office have made an arrest in connection with the senseless shooting and murder of a 14-year-old boy.

Statement from Queens DA Katz: “The broad daylight murder of 14-year-old Malakai Adams in Edgemere was as senseless as it was brutal. Now, a 17-year-old is facing up to 25 years to life in prison. If convicted, the brazen defendant allegedly took off after the shooting on the victim’s scooter.”

We are very thankful to our police departments for bringing this case to justice.

A Shul in Paris’ 19th arrondissement was vandalized on October 18 as unrest spread across France. This amid violence and destruction included fires at public buildings, attacks on police stations, and looting of businesses.

The incident raises renewed concerns over the safety of Jewish institutions amid the broader unrest.

🚨 BREAKING: 🇫🇷 Paris, France | Oct. 18: A synagogue in Paris’ 19th arrondissement was vandalized amid nationwide riots.

Synagogues targeted, public buildings set ablaze, police stations attacked, shops looted.

They came for the Jews first.
Now they’re coming for France. https://t.co/y1rRky7sZd

— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) October 18, 2026

Zev Brenner speaks with Republican State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick about her political priorities and the local issues impacting her Long Island district. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, beginning with the senator’s focus on government spending and affordability. She expresses concern over the substantial increase in the state budget since 2019 and discusses her efforts to address potential waste, fraud, and abuse within the state’s Medicaid system as a way to improve the financial situation for her constituents.

The senator also discusses the political climate in Albany, arguing that the current legislative majority often prioritizes New York City at the expense of Long Island. She explains that she works to ensure her district receives its fair share of state funding for essential services like local schools and infrastructure. The dialogue then shifts to her legislative work regarding anti-semitism, where she describes her participation in a task force and her support for legislation that would hold colleges accountable if they fail to address incidents of hatred on their campuses. She also advocates for increased security funding for houses of worship.

Reflecting on a recent trip to Israel, the senator shares how the experience gave her a deeper personal connection to the Jewish community she represents. The interview concludes with a discussion about the upcoming election, the role of local versus national politics, and the senator’s encouragement for all residents to engage in the democratic process by participating in the upcoming vote.

Statement from the Nassau County Police Department following the tragic school shooting in Oregon:

The Nassau County Police Department conducts intensified school patrols every day as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our students, staff, and schools safe.

In light of the tragic school shooting in Oregon, County Executive Blakeman and Commissioner Ryder have directed a further increase of our patrol presence at schools throughout the county as an added precaution.

There are currently no known threats to Nassau County.

However, we take these incidents extremely seriously and will continue to take every necessary measure to ensure the safety of our communities.

Gut Vuch & Shavuah Tov to all!

IDF Eliminates Four Hamas Operatives 

The IDF announced that it eliminated four members of Hamas’ military wing in separate strikes across Gaza, accusing them of planning attacks against Israeli troops and civilians and attempting to rebuild the terror group’s military capabilities in violation of the ceasefire.

Maher Walid Omar al-Husseini, described by the military as a Nukhba cell commander, was killed in an airstrike in southern Gaza on Wednesday. According to the IDF, al-Husseini infiltrated the Re’im military base during the October 7, 2023, massacre and had recently been involved in advancing attacks. The military released an image it said showed him during the infiltration.

The IDF also reported eliminating Mahmoud Khaled Mohammed Madhoun, whom it identified as a Nukhba operative who had engaged Israeli forces and launched anti-tank missiles during the war. Ubaida Suhail Hamad Murtaja, identified as a sniper operative, was killed on Friday, while Adham Khalil Mohammed Marouf and Abd al-Jawad Juda were also named among the operatives eliminated in the recent strikes.

Trump Says Some Israelis Want Him Involved in Netanyahu’s Election Campaign

President Donald Trump said in an interview with Newsmax that some figures in Israel have urged him to get involved in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s election campaign.

Trump spoke positively about his past relationship with Netanyahu, saying the two had worked well together and achieved significant results. He did not, however, issue a formal endorsement of Netanyahu’s candidacy.

The remarks come as Netanyahu’s political future remains a subject of attention in Israel, with Trump’s comments raising questions about whether he might play a more direct role in the country’s domestic political debate.

Netanyahu Pushes Back After Obama Says Israel Has Lost ‘Moral High Ground’

Former President Barack Obama said during remarks in Northern Ireland that Israel had “lost the moral high ground in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” renewing debate over Israel’s conduct and the broader dispute over the land.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by emphasizing the Jewish people’s historic connection to the land of Israel and rejecting descriptions of Jews as foreign occupiers.

Netanyahu pointed to the Jewish people’s ancient ties to the region, including Judea, arguing that Israel’s history cannot be understood through comparisons to colonial powers. The response underscored a fundamental divide in how the conflict is framed: critics focus on Palestinian displacement and Israeli control, while Netanyahu and his supporters stress Jewish historical roots and the legitimacy of Jewish national self-determination.

Violent Unrest in France Raise Security Concerns

Reports circulating online describe violent confrontations between protesters and police in several French cities, including Marseille, Paris and Lyon, with claims of vandalism, attacks on officers and damage to public buildings. The reports also allege that hundreds of people have been arrested and businesses looted.

According to the accounts, scenes in Marseille showed police struggling to contain unrest, while protesters allegedly targeted City Hall and a police station. Other reports described fires damaging buildings, including Limoges City Hall. Marseille’s mayor reportedly called for answers over the handling of security, while President Emmanuel Macron pledged additional police support.

The scale and circumstances of the reported incidents should be confirmed through reliable reporting and official statements before being treated as established facts.

For Jewish communities across Europe, reports of instability and concerns about antisemitism can add to existing anxieties about safety and the future. Calls for Jews to consider moving to Israel reflect those concerns, though the reported unrest alone does not establish that Jewish residents are being specifically targeted in these incidents.

Wow.

What an incredible statement from Benjamin Netanyahu.

This is clearly in response to Obama disgustingly lying about the Jewish people have “stolen land” https://t.co/TwnpFYuVrc

— Kosher (@koshercockney) October 16, 2026

תקשיבו זה הסרטון הכי מטורף שראיתי עד עכשיו. תראו איזה זעם ואיזה טירוף. יש פה איבוד שליטה טוטלי של כוחות הביטחון במרסיי. לא ברור מה הולך להתרחש. אם מקרון לא יפעיל את החוק משנת 1955, יכריז על מצב חירום, יפעיל את הצבא וירחיב את סמכויות המשטרה – צרפת בסכנה רצינית. הבנאדם לא באירוע! https://t.co/7wqE9V1q4e

— Itai Cellier (@hikelikeme) October 17, 2026

Looting Louis Vuitton during the “student protests” in France.

This is real. https://t.co/O3Q1nNA9dM

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 17, 2026

Macron, congrats on freeing Palestine.

You freed it all over you. https://t.co/oDhUOXWQbc

— Hillel Fuld (@HilzFuld) October 17, 2026

Besuros Tovos.

Former NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire has traded the basketball court for law enforcement, graduating from the Miami Dade College School of Justice Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

The college announced his graduation Wednesday, noting that the 43-year-old also received the Harry “Coach” Everett Award in recognition of his contributions to the academy during training. Stoudemire is now set to begin in-house training with the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department.

Stoudemire said joining the police force fulfills a childhood dream and continues a family tradition of public service. Several of his relatives have served in law enforcement, including an uncle who was a captain and a cousin who is also a captain. His sister is currently attending the academy as well.

Stoudemire’s transition is another example of a high-profile NBA figure pursuing police work after retirement. Shaquille O’Neal has also trained with law enforcement agencies and served in reserve officer and sheriff’s deputy roles in Florida and Georgia.

On the court, Stoudemire built a distinguished 14-season NBA career, earning six All-Star selections and the 2003 Rookie of the Year award. He spent eight seasons with the Phoenix Suns, who retired his No. 32 jersey in 2024, and won a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2004 Olympics. He is also set to enter the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026.

His basketball journey extended to Israel, where he won two Israeli Premier League championships, was selected as an All-Star twice and earned Finals MVP honors in 2020. He was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2025.

Stoudemire converted to Judaism in 2020 and has spoken publicly about his religious studies, frequently sharing posts about learning Gemara and other seforim. He has coached at Israel’s Maccabiah Games and launched his own kosher wine line.

In 2022, Stoudemire stepped away from an assistant coaching position with the Brooklyn Nets to observe Shabbos. His latest career move adds another unexpected chapter to a life that has included professional basketball, coaching, business ventures and Jewish religious study. We wish Amare much Hatzlacha.

NBA legend Amare Stoudamire has become a police officer in Miami, Florida.

When asked why he decided to join the department, he said that it is something he has always wanted to do since childhood. https://t.co/NpX4HvZhqp

— Anthony Brian Logan (ABL) 🇺🇸 (@ANTHONYBLOGAN) October 15, 2026

Relatives of Americans murdered during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel gathered at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., calling for accountability and a full congressional investigation into the killings.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper attended the ceremony, according to a statement released by the families.

Abbey Onn, whose cousin Carmela Dan was murdered alongside her granddaughter Noya, emphasized that the massacre claimed American lives as well as Israeli victims. Nearly 50 American citizens were killed, while dozens more were wounded.

Onn said the families came to ensure their loved ones would not be forgotten and that those responsible would ultimately face justice.

Ruby Chen, whose son, IDF Staff Sgt. Itay Chen, was killed while defending Israel’s Gaza border and whose body was taken into Gaza, spoke about his son’s decision to serve. Rather than pursue a college education, Chen said, his son chose military service because he believed certain things were worth protecting.

The ceremony’s recognition of the American victims was meaningful to the families, Chen said, but he stressed that remembrance must lead to concrete action.

Chen called on Congress to establish an independent investigative committee and urged the U.S. government to pursue those who financed the October 7 attack. He said individuals responsible for funding the assault must be brought to the United States to face trial for crimes against American citizens.

For the families, the gathering was both an opportunity to honor those they lost and a renewed demand for answers, accountability and continued support from the U.S. government.

Marco Rubio today at the State Department ceremony honoring Americans who were murdered and taken hostage on October 7.

“These terrorists hunted families in their kitchens and bedrooms. They went to a music festival. And they butchered them.” https://t.co/P031K94Ic4

— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) October 15, 2026

Brandeis Hebrew Academy’s transformation into Lev Jewish Academy, a new partnership with the Leviev Foundation, philanthropist Lev Leviev, and Chagit Sofiev-Leviev.

Today, the school celebrated its Grand Opening and Dedication Ceremony in Lawrence, marking an exciting new chapter focused on Torah education, academic excellence, and strengthening Jewish identity.

The partnership also aims to make Jewish day school more accessible to families through financial assistance and support for children transitioning from public schools.

GREAT NECK, NY — Friends of David Hassid, the campaign committee supporting New York State Assembly candidate David Hassid, today released a statement expressing deep outrage following bombshell revelations showing that Democratic opponent Kim Keiserman’s anti-Israel political ties and financial support go much further than previously known.

While earlier reporting in the New York Post detailed Keiserman’s financial support for Israel-hating politicians, including James Talarico and Raphael Warnock, newly uncovered campaign finance records reveal that Keiserman’s pattern of bankrolling anti-Israel hatred is far more extensive and deeply rooted.

26 Donations totaling over $4,000 to Anti-Israel Politician Melanie D’Arrigo

The latest revelations expose that Kim Keiserman made 26 contributions to Friends of Melanie D’Arrigo.  D’Arrigo was a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives with a documented record of anti-Israel stances and close ties to groups which are hostile toward the Jewish State:

• Opposition to Anti-BDS Legislation: As reported by Jewish Insider (June 23, 2020), D’Arrigo refused to support anti-BDS legislation, which penalizes businesses and organizations that boycott Israel.

• Opposed West Bank Actions: D’Arrigo publicly declared that annexation of the West Bank would be a “mistake.”

• Endorsed by Group Which Called Israel’s Defensive Actions “Genocide”: D’Arrigo accepted the endorsement of Muslims for Progress. This group characterized Israel’s defensive actions following the October 7 terrorist attacks as “genocide” in a May 8, 2024 open letter on the NJ Muslim Coalition website and in a FOX 5 New York report on December 23, 2023.  The organization also has referred to Hamas terrorists as “martyrs” (Muslims for Progress Facebook Post, 9-03-24) and calls Israel’s presence existence an “occupation” (Muslims for Progress, Facebook Post, 5-20-24).

• Endorsed by Working Families Party: D’Arrigo was endorsed by the Working Families Party (WFP), which explicitly opposed U.S. aid to Israel in press statements dated October 20, 2023, and November 2, 2023.

Extensive Pattern Goes Far Beyond Initial Reports

These new revelations demonstrate that Keiserman’s anti-Israel financial backing goes well beyond her previously reported donations to other anti-Israel politicians:

• James Talarico (Talarico for Texas): Keiserman donated $500 on October 22, 2025, and posted a photo with him on social media (@KimKeiserman) on October 24, 2025, stating she was “thrilled” to meet him and was “rooting him on!” Talarico has called for a ban on offensive military weapon sales to Israel.

• Raphael Warnock (Warnock for Georgia): Keiserman donated $1,000 on August 29, 2022. Warnock was quoted in the New York Post (Nov. 30, 2020), accusing Israel of shooting down “unarmed Palestinian sisters and brothers,” and he signed a letter comparing West Bank settlements to “apartheid” (Jewish Insider).  Finally, Warnock voted against military aid to Israel.

Hassid Condemns Keiserman’s Deepening Anti-Israel Records

As the son of Iranian Jewish refugees who escaped persecution during Iran’s 1979 Revolution—his father fleeing on horseback—David Hassid expressed profound outrage that his opponent’s anti-Israel bankrolling runs so much deeper than voters were initially led to believe.

“These bombshell revelations prove that Kim Keiserman’s anti-Israel ties go much further than previously known,” said David Hassid. “Kim Keiserman has put her money behind candidates who have been at the forefront of an anti-Israel and anti-Semitic agenda. She has used her own money to back politicians who have voted against weapons funding for Israel and officials who have compared Israeli settlements to ‘apartheid.’ This sort of anti-Israel agenda has no place in the New York State Assembly and is completely at odds with the large Jewish and Persian communities that call the 16th Assembly District home. I am offended by Keiserman’s funding of an anti-Israel agenda, and she owes voters of the 16th Assembly District an explanation and an apology.”

“The choice in the race for the 16th Assembly District couldn’t be more stark,” Hassid added. “My opponent has put her personal finances behind politicians who have actively worked against the State of Israel — in word and in deed. As the son of parents who escaped religious persecution in Iran, I will never stand with the forces of anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism. I will be a voice in the fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate.”

Strong Local Leadership Against Hate

Hassid has proven his commitment to protecting local communities, working alongside Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip to support key legislation against hate, including the Religious Freedom Act (protecting houses of worship from blockade) and the Mask Ban legislation (preventing violent demonstrators from hiding their identities).

Endorsing Hassid, Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip stated:

“David Hassid is a strong voice against anti-Semitism and all hate. We need him in the New York State Assembly. There is no place in elective office for his opponent, based on her record of funding politicians who have taken disgraceful anti-Israel positions and made offensive statements. I encourage everyone in the 16th Assembly District to vote for David Hassid for Assembly.”

Paid for by the Nassau County Republican Committee

Commemorating the 83rd Yahrtzeit of the Aish Kodesh of Piaseczna, HaRav Kalonymus Kalman Shapira ZTVK”L HY”D.

The annual event takes place on October 14, 2026 at Cong. Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, and featured a talk by Rabbi Moshe Weinberger as well as music by Yosef Karduner with special guests Eitan Katz and Aryeh Kunstler.

The Village of Lawrence recognized Fourth Precinct Commanding Officer Matt Schiller and Lieutenant Charles Sollin of the Nassau County Police Department for their dedication, professionalism, and continued commitment to the safety and well-being of the Lawrence community.

At the September Village Board meeting, Mayor Samuel (Shlomo) Nahmias presented Fourth Precinct Commanding Officer Matt Schiller and Lieutenant Charles Sollin with Village of Lawrence proclamations in appreciation of their service and partnership with the Village.

Mayor Nahmias and the Board of Trustees expressed their gratitude for the leadership and dedication of the Fourth Precinct and for the strong working relationship between the Nassau County Police Department and the Village of Lawrence.

“The safety and security of our residents is one of our highest priorities,” said Mayor Nahmias. “We are grateful to have such dedicated law enforcement professionals working with us and looking out for our community. We appreciate everything Commanding Officer Schiller, Lieutenant Sollin, and the entire Fourth Precinct do for the residents of Lawrence.”

The Village also recognized Auxiliary Police Officer Jon Isler, a longtime resident, who is retiring from the Nassau County Auxiliary Police at the end of September after 20 years of service.

For approximately 15 years, Officer Isler has regularly provided security and assistance at Village Board meetings, in addition to serving the community at numerous events and functions. His longtime presence has made him a familiar and valued member of the Lawrence community.

“Jon has given two decades of his time and service to our community,” said Mayor Nahmias. “We thank him for his commitment, professionalism, and willingness to serve. On behalf of the Village, we wish Jon and his family all the best as he begins this next chapter.”

The Village of Lawrence extends its sincere appreciation to the Nassau County Police Department, the Fourth Precinct, and all of the officers and auxiliary personnel who work to protect and serve the community.

The Village looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with law enforcement to promote public safety and maintain a secure and welcoming community for Lawrence residents.

Rabbi Yehuda Menchel was riding the subway when, just before his stop, he noticed that someone who had gotten off a few stops earlier had left a package on the seat.

He felt it was the right thing to go out of his way to return it. The package had an address on it, so he brought it to a FedEx store and asked to have it shipped.

The employee asked him what was inside. Rabbi Menchel replied that he had no idea. When the employee looked perplexed, he explained that he had found the package on the subway and simply wanted to make sure it got back to its owner.

The employee seemed confused at first. Then his face lit up.

“Oh! You mean you just wanted to do the right thing?! That’s amazing! You don’t see that very often nowadays!”

Rabbi Menchel sent off the package, and a little while later, he received a letter in response. See the letter below.

By: Rabbi Shraga Freedman of Living Kiddush Hashem

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine has backed away from a campaign commitment to reinvest city funds in Israeli government bonds, saying the decision was driven by financial considerations and technical challenges.

Levine, who is Jewish and has described himself as a supporter of Israel, told The New York Times that politics played no role in the decision. “I always said this would be based on financial considerations only, not politics,” he said, maintaining that his position had not changed.

The decision received a public endorsement from Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who argued that the city should not purchase bonds issued by any foreign government. Mamdani said New York should apply the same policy to Israel as it does to other sovereign nations. Of course, this has absolutely nothing to do with hatred for the only Jewish state.

The move marks a shift from Levine’s position during the June 2025 Democratic primary, when he argued that Israeli bonds belonged in the city’s diversified investment portfolio and pointed to their decades-long record of returns. As comptroller, Levine oversees roughly $325 billion in city pension assets.

Former Comptroller Scott Stringer, who expanded the city’s Israeli bond holdings during his tenure, criticized the reversal, describing the bonds as a sound investment. He warned that the decision could strengthen the BDS movement and contribute to an environment of increased antisemitism.

Dov Hikind also condemned Levine’s decision, accusing him in a social media post of giving in to pressure from the Democratic Party’s far-left wing.

The issue follows a previous divestment decision by former Comptroller Brad Lander, who withdrew approximately $40 million in Israeli bonds that the city had held since the 1970s. New York State’s pension system, meanwhile, maintains more than $360 million invested in Israel, according to the figures cited in the report.

Levine’s office emphasized that the city’s investment decisions are made to protect the interests of municipal workers and retirees. A spokesperson said the city’s pension systems continue to hold approximately $285.42 million in Israeli public equities and fixed-income investments through their broader portfolios.

Shame on you Comptroller Levine and shame on you Mayor Mandani.

NYC Comptroller Mark Levine:

“Israel bonds have never missed a payment in 70 years, ever, not once.”

“By the way, we’ve had no protesting about our investments in Saudi Arabia, our investments in Pakistan or China, only this one little, tiny sliver.” https://t.co/H7frhOR6bg

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) October 15, 2026

🇺🇸🇮🇱 Mamdani says New York shouldn’t be buying Israeli government bonds.

His reasoning? NYC doesn’t buy bonds from other sovereign countries, so why make an exception for Israel?

He’s backing Comptroller Mark Levine’s decision not to reinvest.

And here’s the interesting part: Levine had actually promised to invest in Israeli bonds during his campaign.

I wonder why he changed course 🤔

Writer: Lynn

https://t.co/UYpwl8yZFr

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 14, 2026

A Dublin hotel has reportedly withdrawn a reservation for 70 rooms intended for delegates attending an international conference on combating antisemitism after questioning whether the gathering was linked to the IDF.

Maurice Cohen, chairman of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, revealed the incident at a reception hosted by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs to mark the opening of the conference.

The hotel involved was reportedly the Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin’s Ballsbridge neighborhood. According to Cohen, the booking had initially been accepted before being canceled after hotel staff learned more about the purpose of the delegates’ visit and asked whether the event had an IDF connection.

The delegates were in Ireland for the 15th meeting of the Special Envoys and Coordinators Combating Antisemitism (SECCA), held October 12–14 as part of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Titled “Tackling Antisemitism in the Digital Age,” the conference brought together representatives from the EU’s 27 member states to address the growing challenge of antisemitism, particularly online.

The gathering focused on ways to strengthen cooperation between governments and Jewish communities, the role of technology companies in countering antisemitic content, and the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on both the spread of antisemitism and efforts to support Jewish life.

Participants included government officials, antisemitism envoys, Jewish community representatives, technology industry figures and civil society organizations.

Cohen’s account has raised questions about why a conference devoted to combating antisemitism would reportedly face difficulties securing accommodation after organizers were asked about a possible connection to the IDF, despite the event’s diplomatic and civilian focus.

Ben Shapiro at the University of Iowa teaches a brainwashed student how to think.

The best rebuttal of the Gaza genocide narrative. Ben Shapiro at the University of Iowa. #Gaza #Hamas #Israel https://t.co/LzBvXVqeOy

— Naive Majority (@NaturalRightsPr) October 14, 2026

The NYS Department of Transportation announced that both directions of Nassau Expressway (Route 878), between Burnside Avenue and the Atlantic Beach Bridge in Lawrence, will close on weeknights from 10 PM to 6 AM for approximately six weeks starting October 12 (this week).

The closures are for asphalt resurfacing, with detours in place. Drivers should plan ahead if driving on those hours.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is once again criticizing U.S. policy toward Israel, arguing that the Biden-Harris administration should have taken stronger action during the war in Gaza.

Speaking in Seoul, Harris criticized both President Donald Trump’s current administration and her own former administration for their handling of Israel’s military campaign.

“Most recently, the failure to use our leverage to curtail the Israeli government’s horrific conduct in the war in Gaza, both under the current administration, which offers Netanyahu a blank check, and our administration before, where we should have acted sooner and more forcefully,” Harris said.

She also argued that the United States has a “moral obligation to human rights and international law,” saying Washington should use its influence over allied governments to advance those principles.

Her massive defeat in 2024 marked a major setback for Democrats, and her approach to the Middle East was among the issues that generated much debate within the party.

Whether Harris intends to seek the presidency again remains uncertain. But if she does decide to launch another campaign, Republicans welcome the opportunity for a rematch, hoping that the political weaknesses exposed in 2024 will remain just as consequential in a future election. Kamala, you did a fantastic job with the border and the elections, time to head back to the basement.

🤮 KAMALA HARRIS: BIDEN ADMINISTRATION SHOULD HAVE ACTED “SOONER AND MORE FORCEFULLY” AGAINST ISRAEL

Speaking in Seoul, former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized both the Trump administration and her own Biden-Harris administration over Israel’s war in Gaza.

“Most recently, the failure to use our leverage to curtail the Israeli government’s horrific conduct in the war in Gaza, both under the current administration, which offers Netanyahu a blank check, and our administration before, where we should have acted sooner and more forcefully.”

Harris said the United States has a “moral obligation to human rights and international law” and should use its leverage over allies accordingly.

— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) October 14, 2026

The IDF is preparing an extensive military voting operation, with at least 850 polling stations planned across bases and outposts in Israel and beyond its borders to enable soldiers to participate in the upcoming elections.

Voting for military personnel will begin on the evening of October 20, earlier than the regular schedule due to operational requirements. Military polling stations will remain available through October 27.

Approximately one-quarter of the stations will be mobile, allowing election officials to reach soldiers stationed in remote areas and operational zones. The IDF maintains around 40 outposts in Gaza, numerous positions in Lebanon and nine outposts in Syria.

The mobile polling teams will travel between military units according to predetermined schedules, accompanied by an armed officer responsible for security. Ballot boxes will remain locked while being transported to protect the integrity of the voting process.

Soldiers will also have the option of voting at civilian polling stations on October 27. A double-envelope system will be used to prevent anyone from casting more than one ballot.

Approximately 3,000 soldiers, primarily young conscripts, are expected to staff the military polling stations after receiving training from the Central Elections Committee.

The operation will be overseen by Col. Vered Ben Yehuda, who also heads the IDF Civilian Employees Employment Center.

The military says it will maintain strict political neutrality throughout the process, focusing on providing soldiers with access to the ballot while safeguarding election integrity. Political discussions and campaigning will not be part of the military’s role in facilitating the vote.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he intends to keep Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner, rejecting mounting pressure from far-left activists who are demanding her dismissal and the disbanding of a specialized police unit used during certain demonstrations.

“I have no plans to change that,” Mamdani told reporters when asked about Tisch’s future, pointing to her efforts to combat corruption within the NYPD’s leadership and the city’s declining crime rates.

The controversy intensified following anti-Zionist protests targeting Mamdani last week, held on the anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. Calls for Tisch’s removal grew louder the following day after federal ICE agents shot a man in New York City. Although the NYPD was not involved in the shooting, subsequent protests escalated into confrontations between demonstrators and police.

Activists have seized on the events to renew their demands for changes to the city’s approach to policing protests.

Several far-left and anti-Zionist student organizations, along with the Young Democratic Socialists of America, announced a rally for Wednesday at the City College of New York.

In their announcement, the groups called on Mamdani to remove Tisch and dismantle the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, a specialized unit that can be deployed to protests and other major incidents.

“We DEMAND Zohran Mamdani to use his position of power as mayor to dismantle the SRG and fire Jessica Tisch,” the organizers declared.

Other Democratic Socialists of America groups have also reiterated their opposition to Tisch remaining in the position.

Despite the growing pressure from activists, Mamdani appeared alongside Tisch at a memorial ceremony honoring NYPD officers who died in the line of duty. The mayor described it as a “solemn privilege” to honor 42 fallen officers, including those killed in the September 11 attacks and their aftermath, and offered condolences to their families.

Neither Mamdani nor Tisch addressed the dispute over the commissioner’s position during the ceremony. Mamdani had also canceled an earlier scheduled press availability.

.@nycmayor says he won’t be firing Commissioner Tisch https://t.co/jnN68gbfxz

— katie honan (@katie_honan) October 13, 2026

A growing Orthodox Jewish community in Florida has become the target of a social media firestorm, with online critics accusing Jewish families of refusing to assimilate, questioning their right to establish a religious neighborhood, and spreading unsubstantiated claims that the community will exploit public assistance programs.

The controversy surrounds Lakefront Estates, a major residential development near Lake Okeechobee in Glades County, where more than 80 Orthodox Jewish families from New York have already moved in and opened schools. Dozens of additional families are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

The project, representing an investment reportedly exceeding $100 million, is designed to provide families with homes, educational institutions, religious facilities and essential services in a community built around their way of life.

Yet footage of the development circulating online has triggered an extraordinary backlash. Rather than focusing on the construction of homes and the opening of schools, many commenters have questioned why Jewish families would want to live together, while others have resorted to familiar antisemitic stereotypes about Jewish money, public benefits and supposed unwillingness to become part of American society.

One social media commenter alleged, without providing evidence, that the families would impose enormous costs on Florida taxpayers through welfare, food assistance, Medicaid and other public benefits, while supposedly working off the books.

Another prominent online figure, Jake Lang, posted that he had been “CHASED AWAY” by guards at what he described as a “HASSIDIC JEWISH ONLY Community,” adding the demand: “Assimilate or GO HOME!!!”

The rhetoric raises an obvious question: Why is a Jewish community choosing to build homes, schools and institutions for its families being treated as a threat?

Building a community, not withdrawing from America

The vision for Lakefront Estates extends far beyond a residential development. Plans call for as many as 1,000 single-family homes and 300 rental units, alongside Shuls, mikvahs, boys’ and girls’ schools, a yeshiva, a kollel, kosher shopping and medical services.

The goal is to create an environment where Orthodox Jewish families can practice their religion, educate their children according to their traditions and establish the communal support systems that are central to their way of life.

Hatzalah South Florida has also begun organizing a local branch, meeting with prospective emergency responders who will serve the growing community.

For Orthodox families, these are not extravagant or sinister ambitions. They are the practical foundations of everyday life: places to daven, schools for children, access to kosher food, religious facilities and neighbors who share the rhythms and responsibilities of observant Jewish life.

Families are also seeking more affordable housing and additional space than may be available in established Orthodox communities in the New York area.

The broader development is intended to accommodate substantial future growth, although its long-term plans will take time to complete.

Since when is choosing your neighbors a crime?

Much of the online outrage appears to rest on the suggestion that a religious community choosing to live among people who share its traditions is inherently suspicious.

But Americans routinely establish neighborhoods and communities around shared interests, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs and lifestyles. Churches build housing developments, religious schools draw families to particular areas, and communities across the country organize their lives around institutions that reflect their values.

Orthodox Jews are no different.

Living near other Jewish families makes it easier to observe Shabbos, walk to shul, send children to religious schools and maintain a kosher household. It also allows families to rely on neighbors for childcare, meals during difficult times, assistance for the elderly and support during emergencies.

These networks are especially important in a community whose religious practices shape nearly every aspect of daily life.

Wanting those resources nearby does not mean rejecting America. It means exercising the freedom to practice one’s religion and build a life around it.

The demand that Jewish families must “assimilate or go home” is particularly revealing. These are American residents choosing to build homes and institutions in an American state. They are not required to abandon their traditions to prove that they belong.

The welfare accusations: allegations are not evidence

Perhaps the most troubling part of the backlash is the willingness of some commenters to portray the incoming families as prospective welfare cheats before establishing any evidence of wrongdoing.

One widely circulated comment claimed that the community would cost Florida millions through public benefits allegedly collected by large families while their members worked off the books.

No evidence was offered to substantiate those sweeping allegations about the families moving into Lakefront Estates.

There is a legitimate public interest in how taxpayer-funded programs operate. Eligibility rules should be followed, fraud should be investigated when credible evidence exists, and public spending can be scrutinized regardless of who receives the benefits.

But those principles apply to individuals based on their actual circumstances and conduct, not to an entire religious community based on stereotypes.

Having a large family does not establish fraud. Receiving a benefit for which someone is legally eligible is not evidence of wrongdoing. And a family’s Orthodox Jewish identity tells us nothing about whether its members comply with tax laws or public assistance requirements.

Religious freedom applies to Jews, too

Some critics have questioned why a Jewish community should be able to establish a neighborhood centered on its religious needs, sometimes comparing the development to Muslim communities seeking similar arrangements.

The answer should be straightforward: Americans of every faith have the right to worship, establish religious institutions and build communities, subject to applicable laws.

Muslim Americans have those rights. Christians have those rights. Jews have those rights.

There is no contradiction in supporting religious freedom for everyone while recognizing that different faiths have different practices and communal needs.

An Orthodox Jewish development built around synagogues, Jewish schools and kosher services is not, by itself, evidence of hostility toward outsiders. Nor does it establish that residents intend to impose their religious laws on their neighbors.

There is an important distinction between voluntarily organizing one’s own community around religious principles and seeking to compel people outside that community to follow them.

Lakefront Estates’ stated purpose is to provide a place for Orthodox Jewish families to live and practice their faith. Claims about broader political or religious ambitions require evidence, not assumptions based on the community’s identity.

What really seems to bother some of the internet’s loudest critics?

The intensity of the response is striking. A community is building houses, opening schools and organizing emergency services, yet some of the loudest reactions are demands that its residents leave the country or accusations that they are exploiting the public.

For some commenters, the hostility is openly antisemitic. For others, the development may challenge their assumptions about what an American neighborhood should look like or who is entitled to create one.

It is also worth recognizing what a functioning community can offer: close relationships, shared traditions, multigenerational support and a sense of responsibility for one’s neighbors.

Orthodox Jewish communities often organize extensive networks of charitable assistance, volunteer emergency response, hospitality and mutual aid. These institutions are not unique to Jews, but they are an important part of how many observant Jewish neighborhoods function.

There is no need to romanticize any community or suggest that every resident is perfect. No neighborhood is. The point is that the existence of a close-knit religious community should not automatically be treated as evidence of wrongdoing.

People who have little interest in religious life are free to choose a different environment. People who value a tightly connected community should have the same freedom.

A new community should not have to apologize for being Jewish

Lakefront Estates is still in its early stages. Families are arriving, schools are opening, and the work of building the institutions needed to support a growing population is beginning.

The development can be evaluated on its merits, its compliance with local laws, its economic impact and its relationship with the surrounding area. Those are fair questions for residents and public officials to examine.

But a different standard is being applied in much of the online commentary: Jewish families are being asked to justify why they want to live among other Jews in the first place.

That is not a reasonable demand.

America’s promise of religious liberty means people do not have to erase their identities to earn a place in society. Jewish families can be proudly Orthodox and proudly American at the same time.

They can build synagogues, educate their children in Jewish schools, establish kosher businesses and create a neighborhood shaped by their traditions without being accused of plotting against the country.

A community of families investing in homes, schools and local services should be judged by what it actually does, not by the prejudices others project onto it.

If the sight of Jewish families building a future together provokes such hostility, this may reveal why these families want their own community.

🇺🇸✡️ WATCH: Historic Milestone in Florida as Over 80 Orthodox Jewish Families Move Into New $100 Million-Plus Community and Schools Open

More than 80 families from New York have moved into Lakefront Estates, where schools have now opened. Dozens more families are expected in the coming weeks, following reported investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in the project.

Located in Glades County near Lake Okeechobee, Lakefront is a purpose-built residential community. The broader development plan calls for up to 1,000 single-family homes and 300 rental units.

The vision goes beyond housing: plans include synagogues, mikvahs, boys’ and girls’ schools, a yeshiva, a kollel, kosher shopping and medical services. Developers are targeting families seeking more space and an alternative to soaring housing costs in established Orthodox neighborhoods.

Hatzalah South Florida has also begun organizing a local branch, meeting with prospective responders who will serve Lakefront. With families arriving and classrooms opening, the focus now shifts from construction to building the services a growing community needs.

— Jewish Breaking News (@JBreakingNews) October 12, 2026

I was just CHASED AWAY by guards at new HASSIDIC JEWISH ONLY Community in Okeechobee Florida for exposing the new $100,000,00+ Compound!!!! ✡️

Assimilate or GO HOME!!! https://t.co/L5DVf4bNOc

— Jake Lang – January 6 Political Prisoner 🇺🇸 (@JakeLang) October 13, 2026

A Photo of young Jake Lang kissing the Kotel (below), how quickly we forget.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman traded sharp accusations over crime, immigration, spending and President Donald Trump during Tuesday night’s gubernatorial debate, with both candidates seeking to draw a clear contrast ahead of Election Day.

The exchanges grew particularly pointed when the candidates challenged each other’s records on public safety and the use of taxpayer dollars, producing several memorable back-and-forth moments.

Crime and policing

Hochul challenged Blakeman over taking credit for declining crime rates in Nassau County, arguing that the downward trend began under his Democratic predecessor.

“I can’t believe you just took credit for what the Democratic predecessor in your county did — that the crime started going down,” Hochul said.

Blakeman responded with a question about the timing: “Wasn’t that during COVID?”

Immigration spending and law enforcement

Blakeman attacked Hochul’s spending priorities, contrasting the billions of dollars she says her administration has devoted to law enforcement with spending on services for undocumented immigrants.

“You say you spent $4 billion on law enforcement? Well, you spent $8 billion on illegal immigrants and gave them more benefits than New Yorkers get,” Blakeman said.

He also accused Hochul of allowing criminals to enter New York while restricting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

“You have invited criminals to come into our state and prey on our communities, and now you won’t let local law enforcement cooperate with ICE,” Blakeman said, arguing that the state’s policies fail to adequately distinguish between immigrants with criminal records and other undocumented immigrants.

Trump and personal attacks

The candidates also clashed over their political affiliations. When Hochul questioned Blakeman about what he considers great about Trump, the Republican said he disagrees with the president on several issues.

Blakeman noted that Trump had endorsed him, while adding that he had also received support from some liberal Democrats. Hochul responded sarcastically: “You got two votes, good for you.”

Hochul also accused Blakeman of associating with white supremacists. Blakeman pushed back by citing past comments by Hochul about Black people, challenging her to defend her own record.

The race ahead

With Election Day approaching on November 3, the debate offered both candidates an opportunity to make their case to voters on affordability, public safety and the direction of New York.

Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, has campaigned on cutting income taxes and utility costs, arguing that Hochul’s policies have contributed to rising expenses. Hochul has highlighted expanded childcare assistance and energy rebate programs while criticizing Blakeman over his position on Trump’s international trade tariffs.

A Marist University poll released last week showed Hochul leading Blakeman 53% to 42%, with 5% undecided. The figures suggest that affordability and the candidates’ competing records will remain central issues as the campaign enters its final stretch.

New York’s 10-day early voting period is scheduled to begin October 24.

Full Debate:

Highlights:

Hershy Weinberger met with Troi, the FedEx driver who went viral for playing Hasidic music while delivering packages throughout Lakewood, bringing smiles and excitement to Jewish children along his route.

Hershy thanked Troi for spreading joy and positivity throughout the community, and the two even joined together to sing Hershy’s song “RTVT”!

🚨 Breaking Update: Hershy Weinberger meets Troi, the viral FedEx driver in Lakewood that enjoys listening to Hasidic music as he drives around the Orthodox Jewish neighborhood delivering packages.

And yes, they sing Hershy’s song RTVT together.

What a beautiful and heartwarming story. 💙

— Frum TikTok (@FrumTikTok) October 13, 2026

New York Knicks owner James Dolan is set to host a high-dollar fundraising event for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, according to the New York Post.

The event will be held ahead of the Knicks’ preseason matchup against the Toronto Raptors. Dolan will host the gathering alongside Scott Alper, president and CEO of the Witkoff Group, and Gregg Hymowitz, chairman of EnTrust Global.

According to the event invitation, tickets begin at $10,000, with higher contribution levels of $25,000 for the “friend” tier and $50,000 for the “patriot” tier.

Blakeman, who currently trails Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul by approximately 9 to 11 percentage points in recent polls, has received significant financial backing from Dolan and groups aligned with Republican candidates.

Last month, a super PAC that Dolan is helping fund spent $250,000 on a billboard campaign criticizing Hochul’s leadership and blaming her policies for driving residents out of New York. The advertisements featured the message, “You are Now Leaving NY (Like Everyone Else),” alongside an appeal to vote for Blakeman.

The Strong and Safe New York PAC has also launched spending efforts on behalf of Republican attorney general candidate Saritha Komatireddy, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Letitia James. The group is planning a seven-figure advertising campaign targeting Long Island and the northern suburbs, including Westchester and Rockland counties.

Dolan has also had a public disagreement with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over playoff watch parties held outside Madison Square Garden.

Tensions were evident during a City Hall ceremony following the Knicks’ championship parade in Manhattan. After Mamdani reflected on the team’s history and its struggles over the years, Dolan responded with a pointed remark about longtime fans.

“I don’t need your vote, I don’t need to quote to you, right, about what happened here because if you’re real Knicks fans, you know it already,” Dolan said.

Dolan’s latest fundraiser adds to his growing involvement in New York’s Republican political efforts as the gubernatorial race and other statewide contests approach.

Elazar Yair Wilensky, a 14 year old ninth-grade student and the youngest of five siblings, was tragically killed when an unexploded Hezbollah cluster munition detonated during a school hike in northern Israel.

Elazar was remembered as a vibrant, joyful and exceptionally intelligent boy who brought happiness to those around him. His life was cut short far too soon, leaving behind a grieving family, friends and school community.

The tragedy highlights the ongoing danger posed by unexploded munitions left behind in areas affected by the fighting along Israel’s northern border.

May Elazar’s memory be a blessing, and may his family find comfort during this heartbreaking time.

23 young students and their teacher were also injured in the explosion, may they have a speedy recovery.

Besuros Tovos.

“Torn,” a documentary exploring the widespread campaign to display Israeli hostage posters across New York City following the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre, has received a New York Emmy Award in the cultural documentary category.

Israeli filmmaker Nimrod Shapira directed the film, which was shot during the first three months of the war. Through interviews with 10 New York residents, the documentary examines the heated disputes that erupted as posters featuring hostages were put up, defaced and torn down across the city.

What began as an effort to raise awareness about the hostages became a flashpoint in New York’s broader political and social divisions, with the posters serving as a symbol in competing narratives surrounding the war.

Accepting the recognition, Shapira thanked the academy and explained that the project grew out of his own experience witnessing hostage posters being ripped down in the city he calls home.

“As the paper was torn, so was the social fabric of the city I call home,” Shapira said.

He described the documentary as an exploration of issues extending beyond the posters themselves, including freedom of speech, cancel culture, ideological echo chambers and the consequences of shutting down opposing voices instead of engaging in dialogue.

Shapira said he wanted to capture not only the physical destruction of the posters but also the damage he believes the controversy inflicted on relationships and community life throughout the city.

The award was presented at the 69th annual New York Emmy Awards, organized by the New York chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The ceremony recognizes excellence in television and media across New York State, as well as parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.

White House border czar Tom Homan announced plans to increase Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deployments in sanctuary cities, including New York City, following an incident in which federal officers shot and wounded a 28-year-old undocumented immigrant on Thursday.

Speaking on Fox Business, Homan defended the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, pointing to the injured man’s reported criminal history as he argued for expanding federal operations.

“We are gonna flood the zone of sanctuary cities,” Homan said, without specifying when or where additional deployments would take place.

He also directed a warning toward New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has called for ICE to leave the city.

“If he wants to double down and say he wants ICE out of New York? Well, I’m going to triple down — we’ll send more resources there,” Homan said.

The remarks signal the administration’s intention to intensify immigration enforcement in cities whose policies limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Since President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025, his administration has carried out expanded ICE operations in several major Democratic-led cities, including Minneapolis and Chicago, with New York City among the latest targets.

Homan’s comments set the stage for a continued confrontation between the Trump administration and local officials over federal immigration enforcement and the role of sanctuary-city policies.

Tom Homan: "[Mamdani] wants to double down and say he wants ICE out of New York? Well I’m going to triple down—we’ll send more resources there." https://t.co/w7yilYkfbl

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) October 12, 2026

Agudath Israel of America is pleased to announce the appointment of Rabbi Ephraim Gurell as Associate Director of New York Government Relations.

Rabbi Gurell joined Agudath Israel in 2023 and has since held several important roles within the organization, focusing on legislative advocacy, government relations, community engagement, and get out the vote efforts. In those roles, Rabbi Gurell has worked closely with elected officials and community leaders to advance Agudath Israel’s priorities, while also helping develop new approaches to grassroots and voter engagement, including initiatives to make voting more accessible to members of the community.

“Rabbi Gurell has brought tremendous energy, passion, and initiative to our work,” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations. “Whether working with elected officials, engaging our communities, or developing new approaches to our advocacy efforts, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to take an idea and turn it into action. I look forward to continuing to work with him in this expanded role.”

In his new role, Rabbi Gurell will work alongside Rabbi Silber to further strengthen Agudath Israel’s government relations efforts and relationships throughout New York State whether in Albany, City Hall or other local governments. He will continue to expand the organization’s advocacy on behalf of the needs and priorities of the Orthodox Jewish community.

Rabbi Gurell received his rabbinic ordination from Yeshivas Ohr Hachaim in Queens, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Touro University, where he received the Dr. Kalman Singer Award for Excellence in Political Science. He is currently an MBA candidate at Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business.

“As the Agudah continues expanding our advocacy to meet the growing needs of our communities we are thrilled to have Rabbi Gurell in an expanded role,” said Agudah COO Rabbi Avi Schnall. “His dedication and initiative have made a real impact on our work and we are pleased to recognize his contributions with this appointment and are confident that he will accomplish much in this new role.”

A touching message shared with 5 Towns Central highlights the dedication of a local crossing guard who showed up for the children of our community, even on a day when she could have stayed home.

Her heartfelt response is a beautiful reminder of the people who care for our children every day, often without recognition.

5TC received the following message:

“This morning, as the crossing guard on Beach 9th Street helped me cross with two children in my double stroller, I asked her, “Don’t you have off for Columbus Day?”

Her answer brought tears to my eyes.

“But MY children still have school today!”

She was talking about OUR Jewish children! ❤️

On a day she could have stayed home, she STILL showed up because “HER children” needed her!

To her, they’re not just children crossing the street. They’re HER children, and she cares about every single one of them! ❤️

Sometimes the most beautiful hearts belong to the people quietly looking out for our children every single day.

Our community is truly blessed to have you! THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! ❤️”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has ordered a comprehensive review of NYPD use-of-force practices, marking the first such examination in a decade, while allocating an additional $2.6 million to strengthen independent police oversight.

The review will be conducted by the NYPD Inspector General’s Office, which operates under the city’s Department of Investigation. The office is led by Christina Soto, who was appointed by DOI Commissioner Nadia Shihata, a Mamdani appointee.

The announcement comes amid controversy surrounding the retirement of NYPD Officer Salvatore Alongi last Thursday, before he could face a departmental disciplinary trial over the March 2024 fatal shooting of Win Rosario, a 19-year-old Queens resident with mental illness.

Police were dispatched to Rosario’s Ozone Park home following a 911 call. Body camera footage shows Rosario approaching officers with scissors as family members pleaded with police not to shoot. Officers had reportedly deployed Tasers twice before Rosario charged at them. Alongi and Officer Matthew Cianfrocco then fired their weapons. Rosario later died at a hospital.

In December, New York Attorney General Letitia James declined to pursue criminal charges against the officers, although the NYPD could still pursue internal disciplinary action.

Mamdani said the new review is intended to strengthen accountability while ensuring officers receive appropriate training and guidance in the use of force. He emphasized that interactions between government officials and residents must meet the highest standards of accountability and respect.

The initiative has drawn criticism from police leadership. Scott Munro, president of the Detectives’ Endowment Association, accused the mayor of supporting what he characterized as biased, anti-police oversight while weakening NYPD operations.

Munro warned that the administration’s approach could damage morale, push experienced detectives out of the department and make it harder to recruit new officers, potentially affecting public safety.

The additional funding will triple the Inspector General’s current staffing. The office previously employed nearly 40 people but was reduced to just three employees last year, prompting concerns from government watchdogs about its ability to carry out meaningful oversight.

The review is expected to examine how the NYPD uses force, with the broader debate centering on police accountability, officer training and the potential impact of expanded oversight on law enforcement operations.

**By: Rabbi Shay Tahan
**

After recent events involving a Flydubai airplane, many people have become more nervous about getting on an airplane. Let’s examine a question that touches all of us: When is fear appropriate, and when does it become a problem?

The Gemara in Berachot (60a) relates that Rabbi Yishmael encountered a man who was afraid and told him, “You are a sinner.” His proof was the pasuk, “פחדו בציון חטאים”—“The sinners in Zion are afraid” (Yeshayahu 33:14).

The man challenged him with another pasuk in Mishlei: “אשרי אדם מפחד תמיד”—“Praiseworthy is the person who is always afraid” (Mishlei 28:14). So which is it? Is fear a virtue or a failing?

Rabbi Yishmael answered that the latter pasuk refers to divrei Torah. Rashi explains that a person must constantly be concerned that he may forget what he has learned.

Forgetting Torah is a serious matter. The Mishnah in Avot teaches that one who forgets his learning through neglect is held accountable, based on the pasuk, “Only beware for yourself and greatly guard your soul, lest you forget the things that your eyes saw” (Devarim 4:9).

The Vilna Gaon offers a slightly different explanation: a person should always be concerned that perhaps he has not accomplished enough in Torah.

These are examples of fear directed toward spiritual matters. But what about ordinary physical dangers? Should a person constantly worry about getting into an accident, being attacked, or boarding an airplane?

There is a distinction between appropriate caution and unfounded anxiety. The fact that a person can imagine something terrible happening does not mean he must live in fear of it. The question is whether the fear serves a constructive purpose or merely causes unnecessary worry.

A Gemara That Seems to Say the Opposite

There is, however, another Gemara that appears to teach the opposite.

In Gittin (55b), while discussing the events surrounding the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash and other tragedies, Rabbi Yochanan applies the pasuk “אשרי אדם מפחד תמיד”—“Praiseworthy is the person who is always afraid”—to people who failed to anticipate danger. Because of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, Yerushalayim was destroyed; because of a rooster and a hen, Tur Malka was destroyed; and because of the shaft of a carriage, Beitar was destroyed.

These tragedies illustrate the danger of becoming so secure in one’s circumstances that one fails to recognize the consequences of one’s actions.

Tosafot in Gittin raises the apparent contradiction: In Berachot, the Gemara seems to teach that fear belongs in spiritual matters, while in Gittin, it appears to praise fear of physical danger. How can both be true?

Tosafot explains that the people involved had relied on their prosperity and tranquility: “בטחו ברוב טובתם ושלוותם”—they trusted in their great prosperity and tranquility. They felt secure and failed to consider the danger their actions could bring upon them.

The lesson is that there is no fundamental difference between spiritual and physical dangers. When a genuine danger exists, a person must take it seriously and act accordingly. But when the danger is remote and unlikely, he should not allow it to dominate his life.

The people involved in these tragedies had become so confident in their circumstances that they failed to recognize the consequences of their actions. They should have considered the calamities their behavior might bring upon themselves.

Tosafot then makes a crucial distinction: “ולא דמי לאדם המתפחד בחינם”—this is not comparable to a person who is afraid for no reason.

That distinction lies at the heart of the discussion. There is a difference between recognizing a genuine danger and becoming consumed by possibilities that have little basis in reality.

Harlem at Night Versus a Flight

Let’s bring this distinction into everyday life.

If you go to a place that is genuinely dangerous, such as a neighborhood where there is a real risk of crime, you have to be on the lookout and take reasonable precautions to keep yourself safe.

When a danger is real, caution is sensible. A person should avoid unnecessary risks and use good judgment.

On the contrary, walking through a safe neighborhood while constantly imagining that someone will attack you is a different matter. The same applies to boarding an airplane and becoming consumed by the thought that the pilot might hijack it.

A pilot undergoes extensive training and works hard to reach a professional position. The possibility of a pilot deliberately endangering the passengers is extremely remote. To live in constant fear of such a scenario is not the same as taking reasonable precautions.

The point is not that danger never exists. Rather, we must distinguish between a risk that calls for practical action and a remote possibility that only feeds anxiety. We cannot eliminate every risk from life, and attempting to do so can prevent us from living normally.

When Fear Becomes Dangerous

There is another important point to consider, based on Rabbi Yosef Nachmias’s commentary on Mishlei, (printed in Mikraot Gedolot). Fear can be useful before danger arises because it motivates a person to take precautions. But when a crisis is already unfolding, panic can prevent a person from responding effectively.

If something has already happened and an airplane has been hijacked and is in immediate danger, giving in to panic will not help. Fear can overwhelm a person and prevent him from thinking clearly. At such a moment, he must try to remain calm and act as the circumstances require.

The distinction is between fear that prepares a person to respond and panic that overwhelms his ability to do so. In an emergency, we need to remain as calm as possible, follow appropriate instructions, and take whatever reasonable action the circumstances permit.

Three Levels of Fear

Bringing these sources together, we can distinguish between three situations.

First, when a danger is remote and unlikely, we should not allow the possibility to dominate our lives. Driving a car carries risks, too, yet we drive every day. We take reasonable precautions, hope and pray that nothing happens, and continue with our lives.

Second, when a danger is real, we must recognize it and act accordingly. We should avoid dangerous places and reckless behavior, and we should not provoke confrontations in the street without considering the consequences.

Third, when a crisis is already unfolding, we must not allow fear to paralyze us. We should remain calm enough to respond sensibly and take the appropriate steps to protect ourselves and others.

The lesson is not that a Jew should never feel afraid. Fear can protect us, alert us to danger, and push us to take responsibility. But fear must be guided by judgment. We should take real dangers seriously without allowing imagined dangers to control our lives. And when circumstances demand action, we must strive to respond with a clear mind rather than surrender to panic.

It’s that time of year, folks!

The Nikolsburger Rebbe of Woodbourne teaching his cheder Talmidim hos world famous sung in honor of Pashas Noach!

מיט דעם האט זיך עס עס אנגעהויבן https://t.co/DvIs57Mzfr

— Hasidic (@hasidic_1) October 12, 2026

Cedarhurst and Lawrence will not be enforcing parking meters today in observance of Columbus Day.

Please note that all other parking regulations including tickets for expired registration and other violations will remain in effect as usual.

One person was killed, reportedly a 15-year-old, and 19 others injured in an explosion involving suspected unexploded ordnance during a hike by students and teachers from Yeshivat Ma’alot (Hesder Yeshiva) in northern Israel. According to initial reports by security soldiers at the scene, one of the students reportedly placed a piece of military ordnance in his backpack. The device later exploded while the students were walking.

The blast occurred near the Pe’er observation point on Ramim Ridge, close to the Lebanese border, while the group was hiking in the area.

According to updated reports, two of the wounded are in serious condition and three are moderately injured. The remaining victims sustained lighter injuries.

Magen David Adom emergency crews treated the wounded at the scene and coordinated their evacuation to hospitals. Police bomb-disposal specialists were also dispatched to investigate the blast and check for additional unexploded ordnance.

The IDF deployed Yahalom combat engineering troops to search the area, alongside military medical teams and three Israeli Air Force helicopters to assist with evacuating casualties.

A devastating reminder: if you find military debris or suspicious ordnance, do not touch it. Move away and alert authorities immediately.

The circumstances surrounding the explosion remain under investigation. Besuros Tovos, Yeshuos and Nechamos.

20 hikers injured in EXPLOSION near Israel-Lebanon border — N12

Israeli ambulance services reported 1 dead, and multiple serious injuries at Ramim Ridge, as helicopters evacuate the wounded

The IDF says it is investigating the circumstances of the blast https://t.co/2KadwiqUjH

— RT (@RT_com) October 12, 2026

The Ninja Turtles strike again!

New York City police are investigating another reported entry into the city’s underground sewer system after three men were spotted climbing into a manhole in Manhattan early Sunday morning.

The latest incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on West 141st Street, between Amsterdam and Broadway avenues, in Hamilton Heights. Officers responding to the scene found that the individuals had already disappeared. Police said it was the first reported incident of its kind in that neighborhood.

The sighting follows a similar episode Friday on the Upper East Side, where five people — four men and one woman — were seen climbing out of a manhole on East 82nd Street shortly after 2 a.m. The group reportedly left in a black SUV, and investigators discovered shovels and other equipment at the location.

The incidents come weeks after two individuals were arrested for entering a manhole on East 61st Street during the United Nations General Assembly, a period when security measures throughout the city were heightened.

Officials with the city’s Department of Environmental Protection believe some individuals may be venturing into the sewer network in search of valuables and scrap metal, including items carried underground by stormwater.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the recent cases and are working to identify the individuals involved.

BREAKING: New report of Sewer / Manhole people.

NYPD, firefighters, and EMS responded early Sunday to a report of people entering a manhole on W. 141st Street in Hamilton Heights.

A witness told police three men went underground on W. 141st and Amsterdam just before 1 a.m.

Investigation continues.

Video by Dakota Santiago | Licensing @FreedomNTV [email protected]

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) October 11, 2026

WhatsApp is developing a new tool that will allow users to write messages in advance and have them sent automatically at a chosen time, eliminating the need to remember to send them later.

The feature is currently being tested by a limited number of Android beta users, following several months of development. It is designed to work with regular chats and group conversations, supporting text messages as well as links, photos and videos. Messages will remain protected by WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption.

To schedule a message, users enter their message as usual and then press and hold the send button to select a delivery time. Once scheduled, the message will be sent automatically at the designated time, even if WhatsApp is closed or the device is offline.

Users will reportedly be able to schedule messages from as little as 10 minutes ahead to as far as two weeks in advance, offering flexibility for reminders, birthday greetings and other messages that should arrive at a particular time.

A dedicated section within the chat information screen will let users review upcoming messages and make changes or delete them before they are sent. Recipients will not be notified if a scheduled message is deleted, nor will they know that it had been scheduled in the first place.

The feature will also support group chats, with one important restriction: only people who were members of the group when the message was scheduled will receive it. Anyone who joins the group afterward will not receive that previously scheduled message.

For now, access remains limited to selected beta testers. WhatsApp is expected to expand testing in the coming weeks, although a general release date has not been confirmed.

Rabbi Doniel Katz on Let’s Get Real with Coach Menachem, Sunday October 11th.

Did we really choose our lives—including the pain and suffering?

Join Rabbi Doniel Katz and Coach Menachem for a meaningful conversation about “soul contracts,” whether Torah supports this idea, and where emunah, bitachon, free choice, and hishtadlus fit in.

How do we accept what we cannot control while taking responsibility for what we can change? How can faith help us face our pain without avoiding our feelings? And how do we find connection, purpose, and joy while challenges remain?

A FedEx driver in Lakewood is going viral after video surfaced of him playing Hasidic music while making his deliveries, all for one simple reason: to put a smile on the faces of the Jewish children along his route.

The non-Jewish driver took the time to learn songs by Hershy Weinberger and other Hasidic artists, bringing a little extra joy to the children he encounters each day.

“The music is so positive. How can you not like it?” he said.

Now, the heartwarming story has reached Hershy Weinberger himself. After seeing the viral video, the singer is searching for the FedEx driver, hoping to meet him and perform a duet together.

What started as one delivery driver’s thoughtful gesture has turned into a feel-good moment that is bringing smiles to people well beyond his usual route.

Viral Clip of Driver:

Yidden — and non-Yidden — shreien RTVT! https://t.co/0LoEyrfTJ2

— Hershy Weinberger (@hershywein) October 9, 2026

Hershy Weinberger Searching For Driver:

[

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A post shared by Hershy Weinberger | הערשי וויינבערגער (@hershyweinberger)

New York City’s plan to generate more than $500 million annually from a new tax on luxury second homes is facing growing uncertainty, with thousands of property owners already receiving exemptions and multiple lawsuits challenging the policy.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the levy targeting high-value properties used as secondary residences, including co-ops valued above $1 million and houses worth more than $5 million.

According to the city Department of Finance, approximately 10,000 exemption applications had been submitted as of Friday morning, with 5,700 approved. Additional requests and appeals are continuing to come in, raising questions about how much revenue the measure will ultimately produce.

Ben Williams, an attorney representing plaintiffs challenging the tax, questioned whether the city’s original revenue forecast was realistic. He noted that exemptions for primary residences, along with disputes over property valuations, could substantially reduce the amount collected.

The rollout has also encountered legal obstacles. The deadline to seek exemptions has been postponed repeatedly and was most recently extended from October 6 to October 13 following a lawsuit brought by Randy Mastro, a former deputy mayor under Eric Adams.

In the case, Staten Island Justice Wayne Ozzi ruled that the city must restart the implementation process after notifying approximately 17,000 potentially affected homeowners prematurely. The city now estimates that between 10,000 and 13,000 properties could be subject to the tax.

The Mamdani administration appealed the ruling and obtained a stay, allowing the tax process to move forward while the legal dispute continues. Real-estate attorney Joshua Wurtzel warned that if the court’s ruling ultimately stands, it could jeopardize the entire program.

Two additional lawsuits challenging the measure on the grounds that it discriminates against out-of-state property owners are also pending in Long Island court.

Despite the mounting legal challenges and exemption approvals, the Department of Finance continues to stand by its projection of more than $500 million in annual revenue. City officials argue that owners of luxury second homes should contribute more toward funding public services, including education and public safety.

The department has dismissed the lawsuits as without merit and says it intends to enforce the tax in a fair, efficient and lawful manner. Property owners seeking exemptions have until October 13 under the latest extension.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Sunday that his administration will review an incident in which an ICE agent shot a Dominican national with a criminal record, as well as the NYPD’s handling of the situation.

Speaking on MS NOW, Mamdani renewed his demand that Immigration and Customs Enforcement end its operations in New York City, again accusing the federal agency of operating in a manner that threatens public safety.

“The city is still dealing with having been terrorized by a rogue federal agency,” Mamdani said, reiterating his previous description of ICE as “rotten to its core.”

The controversy centers on the shooting of Oscar Belgal, 28, who was struck in the neck while inside a moving vehicle with his 5-year-old son in the backseat. Mamdani said he had urged President Donald Trump and his administration to withdraw federal immigration agents following the incident.

Belgal’s criminal history has also drawn attention. Authorities have said he allegedly terrorized former neighbors with a machete and had suspected connections to the violent Trinitarios gang. His record includes a 2023 conviction for grand larceny robbery and an August 2025 arrest on allegations of selling fentanyl, cocaine and heroin.

Despite those allegations and his criminal history, Mamdani focused on the circumstances of the shooting, emphasizing Belgal’s injuries and the emotional impact on his young son. He questioned why agents wearing construction-style vests opened fire on a moving vehicle in broad daylight, comparing the incident to a mass shooting and arguing that NYPD officers would not have acted similarly, particularly with a young child in the car.

Mamdani also revealed that a roughly two-hour discussion with Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin failed to resolve the dispute. Further talks are expected, although Mullin has maintained that ICE agents acted appropriately.

The mayor also defended his decision not to have city authorities detain Belgal, saying there was no arrest warrant authorizing such action.

Meanwhile, Mamdani said his administration would examine the broader events surrounding the shooting, including the NYPD’s response, demonstrations that followed and ICE’s reported use of a Target parking lot as an operational staging area. The review will cover the 24-hour period surrounding the incident.

“We will use every tool at our disposal to keep New York safe,” Mamdani said.

The mayor further claimed that approximately 70% of migrants detained by ICE have no criminal records, accusing the agency of separating families through its enforcement operations.

“Trusting ICE’s word is a fool’s errand. It’s rinse and repeat,” he said, again calling for federal immigration enforcement operations in New York City to end, arguing that their presence makes the city less safe.

🎙Yaakov Shwekey joined the Erev Shabbos kumzits this week at DRS! #GOAT https://t.co/SXtHJeo516

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) October 11, 2026

A Hatzolah volunteer shares his experience of a car accident in Toms River, where a patient repeatedly refused medical help from Orthodox Jewish first responders, insisting he wanted “real 911.”

Even after paramedics arrived, he continued refusing help because they were Jewish. It is unbelievable how people are willing to turn down medical care in an emergency in account of religion.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman stated at a Trump rally over the weekend, that on Day 1 January 1, 2027 he will sign an executive order declaring New York is no longer a sanctuary state.

🚨Bruce Blakeman, challenging Kathy Hochul for New York Governor, just pledged that on Day 1 January 1, 2027 he will sign an executive order declaring New York is NO LONGER a sanctuary state.

Vote for Bruce to save New York. https://t.co/NDxCrcP5lt

— J (@JayTC53) October 9, 2026

The United States has imposed sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC), escalating its opposition to the international tribunal over its legal actions against Israeli officials.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures would prohibit transactions with the court, aiming to restrict its access to financial resources and limit its ability to carry out its work.

Secretary Rubio: “Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC. And we expect our allies, many of whom are part of the ICC, and that rely on American service members for their defense, to rein in this rogue court. If they do not, the United States will continue its campaign to dismantle the ICC, piece by piece, until Americans are threatened no longer.”

The move comes amid longstanding American objections to the ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. The warrants allege crimes including the use of starvation as a method of warfare and intentionally directing attacks against civilians.

Washington has consistently challenged the court’s jurisdiction over citizens of countries that are not parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the ICC, arguing that the tribunal lacks authority over American personnel and certain officials from allied nations.

Today, the Trump Administration is sanctioning the ICC.

This action should encourage our Allies within the Court to work for solutions to end this threat to U.S. sovereignty forever. https://t.co/D86dCqLUaZ

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 9, 2026

Agudath Israel of America applauds Governor Kathy Hochul for announcing on Friday afternoon that, after reviewing the new regulations, New York State will opt in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit.

This decision will, in the governor’s words, “bring millions of additional dollars to New York students and families without taking a single dollar from public schools or our state or local budgets.”

Governor Hochul’s announcement follows her promise to a group of Jewish leaders back in May that New York would participate in the tax credit if it benefited all students, including those attending public schools. Since that meeting, which took place in the office of Agudah chairman Sol Werdiger, Governor Hochul has only reiterated her view that she would not leave money on the table that can help New York students, despite political pressure from opponents.

“Opting in is good for all New Yorkers. We thank Governor Hochul for putting students before politics.” said Agudath Israel’s chairman of the board, Mr. Sol Werdiger. “We now urge the remaining governors to follow her lead.”

“Agudah was at the forefront of the successful advocacy effort that led to the passage of the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and worked with allies in New York to make it a reality for families in our state.” said Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Agudah’s Director of NY Government Relations. “Agudah extends its sincere appreciation to the NYS Catholic Conference, Teach NYS, Invest in Education, and the tens of thousands of parents and supporters who spoke out in support of this game-changing policy.

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) allows taxpayers to contribute up to $1,700 ($3,400 for a married couple filing jointly) to a scholarship granting organization and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. Scholarships can be used for tutoring, special needs services, and tuition, among many allowable uses. To learn more, go to agudah.org/FSTC.

Gut Vuch, Gut Chodesh & Shavuah Tov to all1

Lebanese authorities stopped a truck transporting roughly 800 kilograms of explosives from the Baalbek area toward Beirut. The shipment allegedly included nails and metal balls, and two suspected Hezbollah members were detained for questioning.

According to Lebanese media reports, the drivers told investigators that a senior Hezbollah operative known as Sayyed Sajjad had directed them to transport the materials to another high-ranking group member in Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine who else may have been involved.

Reports emerged of a major Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, with Terminal 3 struck, triggering an evacuation and leaving several people injured.

Accounts of the casualties have differed. The Financial Times, citing Saudi sources, reported that at least 50 people were hospitalized, while The New York Times reported 12 fatalities and 50 injuries. Saudi aviation authorities reportedly confirmed that the airport came under attack on October 10. Airport operations were temporarily halted as officials examined the damage.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi officials are increasingly worried that further attacks could undermine the kingdom’s economic ambitions, deter tourists and business travelers, and strain its supply of missile interceptors. This will hopefully be the end of the Houthi regime once and for all, as multiple countries will likely join in the response attack.

#MedioOriente Un nuevo video muestra el momento exacto, en el que un dron de la guerrilla de los Huties, impacta en el avión comercial de línea aérea de bandera, en el Aeropuerto Internacional Rey Khalid en Riad, en el Reino de Arabia Saudita. https://t.co/rueDg5vdTM

— Klaveec (@klaveec) October 10, 2026

A Saudi military spokesman announced an impact in the vicinity of King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, officials told The New York Times that at least 12 people were killed and 50 injured in today’s Houthi attack on the airport in Riyadh. https://t.co/OXtPnoZRGn

— Eli Afriat 🇮🇱 (@EliAfriatISR) October 10, 2026

A report by Israeli outlet Maariv said Washington had pressed Israel in recent discussions to carry out a solo strike against Iran instead of pursuing a joint operation with the United States. The reported push came amid concerns that Tehran was rebuilding its drone and ballistic missile manufacturing capabilities despite earlier American and Israeli attacks.

The report also suggested that U.S. officials wanted Israel to assume responsibility for the political fallout of any new military action ahead of the American midterm elections. An attack could create political difficulties for President Donald Trump while potentially benefiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s elections, according to the report.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly cautioned American officials that a new strike could require Israel to postpone its elections. Maariv reported that the United States has since withdrawn the request for now.

The IDF announced Friday that it had carried out an aerial strike against Yusuf Ali Al-Hassoun near the Syria-Lebanon border, identifying him as a terrorist operating under Iranian direction.

According to the military, Al-Hassoun had been involved in planning attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers stationed in southern Syria. The IDF said several attempted operations over the past year, including attacks involving explosive drones and rockets targeting Israeli troops, had been thwarted.

The military reiterated that it would continue taking action against what it described as immediate threats to Israeli forces and civilians across the region.

The IDF also reported a series of strikes against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives in Gaza over a 24-hour period.

In Gaza City, Israeli forces targeted a gathering of Hamas Nukhba operatives. The military said several members of Hamas’ military wing were killed, including Muad Mazen Hamza Hassouna and Muhammad Riyad Khader Arahim.

In a separate operation in the Tuffah neighborhood of northern Gaza, the IDF announced the killing of Muhammad Walid Saadi Nakhala, whom it identified as the commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s anti-tank unit.

The strikes form part of Israel’s ongoing military campaign against armed groups and their operational capabilities in Gaza and elsewhere in the region.

Besuros Tovos!