YS GOLD 

The Sanz-Klausenberger chassidus was plunged into shock and mourning as they learned of the sudden, shocking, and untimely petirah of Hagaon Rav Tzvi Zev Berger, zt"l, the dayan of the Sanz-Klausenberger kehillah in New York. He was 43 years of age, and did not awake in the morning while on vacation in Switzerland. 

Sanz-Klausenberger chassidim related that Rav Berger was a gaon in Torah and yiras Shomayim, a refined person with sterling middos.

The dayan would deliver shiurim both within the chassidus as well as in other shuls around the community. "It was always a pleasure to listen to his shiurim which were delivered with crystal clarity and with a mastery of so much Torah," recalled one of his Shiur listeners. 

Rav Berger had a unique program for the study of practical halachah in which learners could go through the entire shulchan aruch, deriving the practical implications, in a relatively short time. He was also part of the leadership of a number of kollelim in New York, assisting in the development of the learning material and schedules. In this capacity, he taught many younger dayanim how to pasken halachah. 

One person observed that based on his trajectory, he would surely have become among the great names of hora'ah in our generation. Alas, he was snatched from our midst in the midst of his avodas hakodesh, a bright future snuffed out in its prime. 

His passing brought great anguish to his family, the Sanz-Klausenberger chassidus, and to the dayan's many acquaintances and admirers. 

Yehi zichro baruch.

YS GOLD

With great excitement, the chassidim of Sanz-Klausenburger throughout the world have been notified of the joyous news that the Rebbe will undertake a exalted journey to Eretz Yisrael, where he will visit the holy communities of Sanz-Klausenburger chassidim throughout the country.

This will give the chassidim a great opportunity to bask in the radiance of the Rebbe's presence and spend time in his presence. Accordingly, they will have the opportunity to meet with the Rebbe privately, and to receive his berachos for the upcoming new year. 

The Rebbe, shlit”a, will set out for Eretz Yisrael from Boro Park this Thursday morning, and during the following weeks in Eretz Yisrael he will participate in a series of special events, which will serve to further expand the flourishing communities and institutions of Sanz-Klausenburg throughout the country.

Among these events will be a Kvi'as Mezuzah ceremony for a magnificent new Talmud Torah building in Bnei Brak, as well as the completion of a major project involving a large tract of land in the heart of Yerushalayim, which will serve as a Shul for the chassidus. The Rebbe, shlit”a, has personally carried a significant portion of the fundraising burden and has worked extensively to raise the substantial sums required for these major projects.

The highlight of the journey will undoubtedly be the special privilege of spending a Shabbos in the presence of the Rebbe, shlit”a, a Shabbos that will take place on Parshas Shoftim in Eretz Yisrael. 

The Rebbe will also travel to Netanya, where he will visit the resting place of his illustrious father, the Shefa Chaim of Sanz-Klausenburg, zy”a. He will be accompanied by a large group of chassidim.

photos: Avrumi Berger

YSR.

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been detected across several Brooklyn neighborhoods this summer, including Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Kensington and Sunset Park, as health officials report a sharp increase in positive mosquito samples across New York City.

The four neighborhoods are among numerous areas across the five boroughs where mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus during the 2026 season. Citywide, 612 mosquito pools had tested positive as of July 25, nearly twice the number recorded at the same point last year.

Despite the significant increase in infected mosquitoes, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in New York City so far this season. Health officials say the virus is typically most active during August and September, making the coming weeks an important period for residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected do not develop symptoms, while some can experience fever, headaches, body aches, nausea and other symptoms. In rare cases, particularly among older adults and people with weakened immune systems, the virus can cause serious neurological illness.

The city has increased mosquito surveillance in affected areas, including additional trapping and mosquito-control operations. Officials say several targeted operations conducted since July have sharply reduced mosquito populations and the number of infected mosquito pools in areas where treatment was carried out.

Residents are being urged to use insect repellent when outdoors, wear clothing that covers exposed skin when mosquitoes are active, and remove standing water around homes and properties where mosquitoes can breed. Mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile virus are generally most active between dusk and dawn.

photos: Issac G.

YSR.

New Yorkers who have spent summer days waiting on unbearably hot subway platforms could finally see some relief, as the MTA and city officials move forward with plans to explore new technology aimed at cooling some of the system’s notoriously sweltering stations.

The plan, announced Monday by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA, calls for studying a “Thermal Energy Network” that would remove excess heat from subway stations and store that energy underground. The captured heat could then be used during the winter to help warm nearby city buildings. 

An $800,000 feasibility study will focus on the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall and Chambers Street station complex in Manhattan, where summer temperatures can become especially uncomfortable. Officials say the Brooklyn Bridge station has averaged around 96 degrees during the summer, while some subway stations can climb as much as 20 degrees above outdoor temperatures. 

Under the proposal, geothermal boreholes would be drilled beneath an abandoned platform at Chambers Street, allowing excess heat to be transferred and stored underground. If the study determines that the system is workable, officials plan to begin design work in 2027.

The effort comes as the MTA looks for new ways to deal with extreme heat throughout its aging subway system. The agency has previously explored geothermal cooling at the 168th Street and 181st Street stations and has committed under its current capital plan to improving ventilation and reducing excessive heat at 20 of the system’s hottest stations. 

The technology would essentially turn the intense heat inside the station into something useful. Geothermal boreholes drilled beneath the platform would allow excess heat to be transferred underground and stored, helping cool the station during the summer. That stored energy could later be used to help heat nearby municipal buildings during colder months.

Governor Kathy Hochul said the project would use new climate technology for two purposes at once, making subway stations more bearable during the summer while providing heat for city buildings in the winter. She said the effort shows what cooperation between the city and state can produce, with the potential to eventually improve conditions for millions of subway riders and city workers.

photos: Avrumi Berger

Residents and motorists traveling near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge may hear loud cannon fire Monday and Tuesday as Fort Hamilton holds a military Change of Command Ceremony.

Notify NYC issued an advisory informing the public that ceremonial cannon firings will take place on August 10 and August 11 in the area of Fort Hamilton, located alongside the Brooklyn approach to the Verrazzano Bridge.

The cannon fire is planned and ceremonial and is not related to an emergency.

Fort Hamilton is a U.S. Army installation located in southwest Brooklyn, immediately adjacent to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The surrounding roadways are heavily traveled by Brooklyn residents, including many Boro Parkers who regularly use the bridge while traveling between Brooklyn and Staten Island and points beyond.

The cannon firings are being held in connection with the Fort Hamilton Garrison Change of Command Ceremony, a longstanding military tradition marking the formal transfer of leadership from one commander to another.

photo: (U.S. Army photo by Mark Getman/Fort Hamilton Garrison Public Affairs

YSR.

Growing piles of garbage and persistent foul smell at one of Sunset Park’s main entrances have become a source of frustration for residents, who say the conditions have worsened throughout the summer at one of Brooklyn’s busiest public parks. 

Much of the concern centers on the park entrance near Sixth Avenue and 44th Street, where bags of trash are regularly left in a designated collection area before being removed by city crews. Neighbors say the garbage often sits long enough to produce strong odors, attract pests, and leave behind leaking waste that makes the entrance unpleasant to use. 

Residents said that the problem has become especially noticeable during the summer months, with some saying the smell can be overwhelming on hot days. Several neighbors have also raised concerns that the area has effectively become an unofficial dumping site, as household garbage and other refuse are sometimes left alongside park waste. 

City officials say the collection area is intended to temporarily hold bagged trash from busy park weekends and large gatherings until sanitation crews remove it. They maintain that the garbage is regularly collected, though some nearby residents dispute that claim and say trash often remains for extended periods. 

The ongoing complaints have renewed calls for the city to improve how trash is handled at the park, in order to reduce odors and discourage illegal dumping. Others say the current system is no longer keeping up with the amount of waste generated during the busy summer season. 

While city officials say that enclosed dumpsters are expected to arrive at the end of 2026, neighbors say they hope changes are made before conditions deteriorate further, arguing that one of Brooklyn’s most heavily used parks should remain clean, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone throughout the summer.

YSR.

Researchers have identified the 500th individual humpback whale documented in waters surrounding New York City and New Jersey, marking a major milestone in a regional tracking effort.

The catalog has been maintained since 2012 by Gotham Whale, a Staten Island-based nonprofit working with whale-watching boats and volunteers across the region. Photographs submitted to the organization allow researchers to identify whales through the unique markings underneath their tail flukes.

Humpback whales have become increasingly common in local waters as cleaner conditions and improved fish populations provide new feeding opportunities. Changes in ocean temperatures have also affected traditional feeding grounds farther north, leading some whales to search for food closer to New York.

Many of the whales remain in the area for weeks or months during the summer as they feed before migrating south for the winter. When the cataloging program began, researchers were identifying approximately 10 to 30 new humpbacks each year, compared to around 80 to 100 annually today.

The growing whale presence has also raised safety concerns because the animals frequently enter busy shipping lanes. Researchers have documented whales carrying injuries and scars linked to boat collisions, while vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing equipment remain major threats for the whales as well.

Gotham Whale officials said the catalog helps researchers understand when and where whales are spending time in the region. The information could eventually help shape new measures aimed at reducing collisions and protecting the growing number of whales visiting local waters.

photo: Shutterstock

YSR.

Boro Park will see a hot start to the week, with temperatures gradually turning cooler as the week progresses. Tuesday may bring scattered thunderstorms, while the rest of the week will feature a mix of sunshine and clouds.

Monday will be mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 90 degrees and a low of 75 degrees. The heat index will make it feel even hotter at times, making for a hot start to the week.

Tuesday will be partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms, bringing unsettled conditions. The high will reach again around 90 degrees , with a low of 74 degrees.

Wednesday will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 87 degrees and a low of 72 degrees.

Thursday will feature intervals of clouds and sunshine, with a high around 85 degrees and a low of 72 degrees, a pleasant and comfortable end to the weekly forecast.

YS GOLD 

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of Rebbetzin Leah Lederman, a”h, an extremely righteous woman, a wise and brilliant person, a phenomenal educator, and the devoted Rebbetzin of Hagaon Rav Moshe Lederman, shlit”a. She was 61 years of age, and suffered from a lung infection for a short time before her passing. 

The Rebbetzin was the daughter of Reb Tzvi Shimon and Hadassah Beila Sussholtz, and she was raised toward a lifetime of Torah and yiras Shomayim. 

She married Hagaon Rav Moshe Meir Lederman, shlit”a, the prize talmid of Hagaon Rav Shmuel Berenbaum, zt”l, Rosh Yeshivas Mir in Flatbush, who is world-renowned for his Torah brilliance.  

For decades, she served as the principal of Beis Yaakov d’Gur—a position she regarded as a sacred calling. One Gerer chossid told BoroPark24 that Rebbetzin Lederman was a tzadekes who was extremely devoted to each and every talmidah in the school. 

The Rebbetzin was known for her brilliance, her outgoing nature, and her middos tovos. 

One yungerman, a longtime talmid in the yeshiva, described her as a maternal figure to the nshei of the kehillah…. Mamash like a mother. She was greatly beloved and admired by all her knew her.” 

She was a true eishes chayil, a strong and ardent support to her husband in his avodas hakodesh of teaching, guiding, and learning—playing an extremely important role in everything that he did. 

This spring, the Rebbetzin finished another successful year of leading the Beis Yaakov, and she was hospitalized shortly thereafter. Complications unfortunately developed, and returned her neshamah to its Maker shortly before Shabbos. 

The levaya will take place 4pm on Sunday afternoon at the Yazlovitzer Beis Medrash on 45th Street—an event that will bring together the talmidim of the yeshiva from throughout the decades, as well as scores of admirers and acquaintances of the Rebbetzin who will mourn her untimely loss. 

Yehi zichra baruch.

Ocean Parkway Jewish Center will mark a remarkable milestone in its history this Sunday, August 9, 2026, as the congregation celebrates its 100th year with a Hachnosas Sefer Torah, welcoming a new Torah scroll into the shul.

The celebration will bring together generations of members, families, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon of music, dancing, Torah, and celebration - a fitting tribute to a congregation that has served the Jewish community for a full century.

The festivities will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a Torah procession departing from the Tillim family home at 196 Webster Avenue. Accompanied by music, a Torah truck, and a chuppah, participants will proceed toward Ocean Parkway Jewish Center at 550 Ocean Parkway.

Upon arrival at the shul courtyard, the celebration will continue with spirited singing and dancing before the new Sefer Torah is brought inside. The congregation will then hold the Torah's*first public reading in the main shul upstairs.

The day will culminate with a Seudas Mitzvah and celebration dinner in the Ainbinder Room, featuring guest speakers and divrei Torah. 

More than the dedication of a new Torah, Sunday's event will celebrate 100 years of Jewish continuity at Ocean Parkway Jewish Center - a century of tefillah, Torah learning, communal gatherings, lifecycle celebrations, and service to Brooklyn's Jewish community.

YSR.

A major and long-awaited breakthrough is coming for thousands of frum families across New York State, as WIC will begin covering Cholov Yisroel infant formula for the first time. The historic change will open a valuable benefit to families who until now qualified for formula assistance but could not use it for the Cholov Yisroel formula they give their children. 

The New York State Department of Health is expected to place the first Cholov Yisroel formula on its approved WIC list later this month, following action by the Hochul administration and the Department of Health under Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. The change is expected to make a real difference for thousands of families throughout all heimshe neighborhoods across the state. 

For years, there was a glaring problem for families in our community using WIC. A mother could qualify for assistance specifically intended to help feed her infant, receive formula benefits on her WIC card, and still be unable to use those benefits for the formula her family actually relied on. With no Cholov Yisroel option approved, many families simply had to purchase their formula separately and pay the tremendous cost themselves. 

Remarkably, what stood in the way was not a broad policy against Cholov Yisroel products, but a tiny nutritional technicality. The available Cholov Yisroel formulas were reportedly just 0.1 milligrams below the federal minimum iron requirement needed for WIC approval. That small difference was enough to leave the products outside the program and, in turn, leave an important WIC benefit out of reach for so many frum families across New York State.

Getting that changed took roughly three years of behind-the-scenes work. Met Council pushed the issue together with state health officials, WIC advocates, and formula manufacturers, and identified a product that could satisfy the federal requirements while remaining Cholov Yisroel. That effort has now brought the change that will clear the regulatory requirements and enter New York’s WIC program. 

Met Council CEO David Greenfield hailed the development as a massive victory for frum families, stressing that its importance goes far beyond another item being added to a government list. He described the change as “life-changing” for the families affected, who will now be able to make practical use of a benefit that had already been available to them in theory for years.

Once the new approval takes effect later this month, families who depend on WIC will no longer have to see their formula benefit go unused simply because they keep Cholov Yisroel. For thousands of homes across our communities, the change means meaningful savings on an essential expense and, after years of advocacy, a government benefit that finally works for them the way it was meant to.

photo: Shutterstock

With summer now in full swing, Boro Park has settled into a quieter pace as many families settled in the Catskills and summer destinations. As the neighborhood adjusts to its seasonal rhythm, many residents are wondering which Rebbes will be in Boro Park this Shabbos to attend the tefillos and their tishen.

• Amshinov - Eretz Yisroel
• Beis Chaim Shia - Boro Park 
• Bobov - Mesivta Camp, Dingmans Ferry, PA
• Bobov-45 - Private  
• Burshtin - Boro Park
• Chernoble - Boro Park 
• Emunas Yisroel - Boro Park
• Kosov - Eretz Yisroel  
• Liska - Boro Park
• Lelov - Boro Park 
• Lelov - Boro Park 
• Minkatch - Boro Park 
• Rachmastrivka - Boro Park
• Sanz Klausenburg - Boro Park
• Sanz Zmigrad - Bloombinburg
• Serdaheli - Boro Park 
• Skolya - Machne Skolya, South Fallsburg
• Skulen - Catskills
• Skver of BP - Machne Skver, Woodridge
• Ungvar - Boro Park 
• Viznitz BP - Viznitz Camp, Liberty 
• Viznitz Y-M - Boro Park 

Be sure to check back every Friday as we'll update the list weekly to reflect each Rebbe's Shabbos plans.

YSR.

Boro Park is in for a very hot and humid weekend, with temperatures reaching around 90 degrees or higher each day. The humidity may make it feel close to 100 degrees at times, creating especially uncomfortable conditions.

Friday will be partly sunny, hot, and humid, with a high near 90 degrees. Scattered thunderstorms are expected during the evening, and some storms may bring strong, gusty winds. The low will be around 75 degrees.

Shabbos will remain very hot and humid, with a mix of sunshine and clouds and a high near 91 degrees. Some showers are possible, though much of the day is expected to remain dry. The low will be around 75 degrees.

Sunday will bring mostly sunny skies and the hottest temperatures of the weekend, with a high near 92 degrees. The heat and humidity will continue to make conditions feel especially uncomfortable, the overnight low will be 74 degrees.

YSR.

Amid recent disruptions and growing uncertainty surrounding the Social Care Network program across multiple heimish communities, BoroPark24 sat down with Avi Greenstein of the Boro Park Jewish Community Council to gain clarity on the program, the changes now taking place, and what recipients should expect going forward.

To begin, can you explain the purpose of the SCN program and when it was established? What does an organization need in order to become an SCN provider, and when did BPJCC officially join the program?

A: The Social Care Network program is part of Medicaid’s broader effort to identify the underlying reasons people become sick and to address those issues before they lead to emergency room visits, doctor appointments, or hospitalizations.

The idea is that by identifying and addressing the root causes of poor health, Medicaid can help keep individuals and families healthier while also reducing the government’s healthcare costs.

One of the major needs identified through the program is access to nutritious food. Other areas include housing, transportation, and the ability to prepare food at home, including access to kitchen utensils, refrigerators, microwaves, and other basic equipment.

When people cannot afford healthy food, or do not have the ability to properly prepare it, they and their families can become malnourished and ultimately face greater health problems. The program operates through Medicaid and focuses on what are known as health-related social needs.

The goal is to screen Medicaid members throughout New York State and identify individuals who fall into what the program calls an “enhanced population.” This can include pregnant or postpartum women, children or family members who are frequent Medicaid users, individuals receiving services through OPWDD, people with special needs, and several other eligible groups.

Those who qualify can receive assistance for up to six months. Medicaid believes that providing this support can improve health outcomes across New York State while also reducing long-term healthcare spending.

BPJCC first became aware of the program through the New York State Department of Health in 2022, when we were working with the department during COVID. They approached us, identified the program, and recommended that we become involved.

We joined early in the process and later received a contract through Public Health Solutions, the lead Social Care Network serving our region.

Over the past several months, the types of assistance available through the program appear to have expanded significantly. Was that the result of a new phase in the state’s rollout, a change in the law, or simply providers becoming more familiar with how the program works?

A: The program is currently in the third year of a three-year pilot period, so it began approximately two and a half years ago. When Medicaid began developing the program, it determined that the best way to reach people was through community-based organizations such as BPJCC, UJO, and others.

To operate the program across the entire state, New York was divided into 12 regions. Each region was assigned a lead Social Care Network responsible for partnering and contracting with community-based organizations. For example, Brooklyn, along with parts of Manhattan and Queens, falls under Public Health Solutions. Staten Island is under SIPPS, which stands for Staten Island PPS. Other regions have their own lead networks.

It took time for these Social Care Networks to determine how to operate the program and how to build relationships with local organizations. It also took time for the community-based organizations themselves to complete training and fully understand how the services could be provided.

BPJCC has been working on this for well over a year and was involved relatively early in the process. Throughout that time, we continued receiving new guidance from Medicaid through our Social Care Network, and we repeatedly adjusted and improved our systems.

The reason the program has become much more visible over the past six months is that the lead Social Care Networks were finally able to identify and contract with a large number of community-based organizations. That is when much of the program began springing into action.

The program itself has been around for some time. It simply took a while to develop and become fully operational.

In recent weeks, many residents have noticed uncertainty and disruptions surrounding the program. What exactly happened, and why does the situation appear to be unstable right now?

A: It is important to make clear that there is currently no shortage of funding for the Social Care Network program. This is a very well-funded program because there is strong data, science, and belief behind the idea that it can keep people healthier while saving the government money.

The current concern is not about the availability of funding. The concern is whether the program’s rollout may have led to waste, fraud, or abuse. As a result, Medicaid is conducting an extensive review of agencies and individual cases to ensure that every organization is fully compliant with the program’s requirements.

There is expected to be a continuation of the program, but every organization is now undergoing a detailed review. This is why BPJCC has consistently urged the community to be extremely cautious and to remember that these are Medicaid funds. The program must be handled very carefully.

BPJCC, along with other responsible organizations serving the community, has encouraged residents to work with organizations that have been around, have established accountability, and are guided by serious and responsible professionals. I am hopeful that the program will continue following the review period. These reviews are expected to take place across the Social Care Networks for at least the next 30 days.

Because of concerns over possible waste, fraud, or abuse in certain areas, parts of the program have been paused while internal reviews are conducted. However, we have been assured that there is no lack of funding. There will likely be changes intended to give Medicaid confidence that the program is operating according to its original purpose.

What should residents realistically expect going forward? Will benefits continue as they have until now, or should people prepare for changes?

A: There are several major changes now taking effect that residents need to understand.

Until now, food services or voucher benefits could be provided to an entire household through one family member who qualified as an enhanced member. Some families may have more than one enhanced member. For example, a household may include a pregnant or postpartum mother while one or two children also qualify for separate reasons after completing the screening process.

That system is now changing.

SIPPS issued a notice effective August 1 stating that only the individual who is screened and found to be an enhanced member will be eligible to receive food services. Other members of the household will no longer qualify through that individual.

Public Health Solutions issued similar guidance effective August 5, also stating that only the enhanced member will be eligible for services.

However, there are several important details that residents must understand.

Anyone who is currently receiving food services through BPJCC, whether medically tailored meals, vouchers, or another approved form of assistance, will continue receiving those services under the existing arrangement until the person’s reauthorization date.

Reauthorization can take place at any point within six months of when the person originally applied. This means that someone whose reauthorization does not come up until November, December, or January should continue receiving the current household-level benefit until then. 

However, if someone falls off the program for any reason and must be screened again, the new rules will apply. At that point, benefits will only be provided for the enhanced member or members. A family of seven or eight people could therefore see its benefit reduced to one or two individuals, depending on how many family members qualify as enhanced.

It is also critical for residents to understand what can happen if they change their health insurance. If someone changes insurance and there is any interruption in coverage, the person may fall off the current program. Once rescreened, the household would only receive food assistance for the enhanced member. We strongly encourage people to keep this in mind before making any decisions about changing insurance plans. The same issue can arise when someone changes the type of benefit being received.

For example, a person currently receiving medically tailored meal boxes through SIPS who wants to switch to vouchers may be required to go through the eligibility process again. The person may be able to make that change, but the household could lose the broader family benefit and only receive assistance for the enhanced member.

This is extremely important information for residents to know before contacting their agencies or providers to request changes.

SIPS has also announced that it is eliminating nearly all voucher providers and will continue working with only a very limited number.

BPJCC is one of four providers across the entire SIPS network that has been approved to continue providing vouchers. That approval came because of the strong compliance systems, trackable data, and reputation we established with the assistance of our attorneys and dedicated staff.

Under the current guidelines, SIPS has indicated that no additional voucher providers will be added.

How long is the SCN program expected to remain in place under its current funding and structure?

A: Our current contract with the Social Care Networks runs through the end of March 2027.

As part of the reviews now taking place, the networks may decide whether or not to continue with certain providers based on what those reviews find. However, the existing contract runs through March 2027.

There has been communication indicating that the Social Care Networks intend to continue the program for an additional year, although nothing has yet been provided in writing. They have also made clear that providers will need to apply for a new contract. It will not simply be an automatic continuation for the organizations currently participating. Those decisions will be based on performance and reviews of each provider.

The Social Care Networks are expected to significantly reduce the number of providers they work with and continue with only a small portion of the organizations currently in the program. That is another reason providers must maintain the highest possible level of compliance and oversight. This protects the program, the families who benefit from it, and the community-based organizations providing the services.

There is an intention for the program to continue for another five years. Based on the current outlook, there would first be an additional year extending through the end of March 2028. After that, there is expected to be an application process covering another four years. There will likely be changes in how the program operates based on the data collected during the pilot period.

As new information becomes available, we will continue sharing guidance with BoroPark24 to ensure that important updates reach the community.

Finally, is there anything BPJCC would like the community to better understand about the program, whether regarding expectations or common misconceptions?

A: The Social Care Network program is a game changer that can significantly affect our community and New York State in many ways. At the same time, everyone involved must understand the level of achrayus that comes with participating in the program.

The purpose of the program is to improve the health of families, reduce unnecessary doctor visits and hospitalizations, and provide help to those who genuinely need it. It is not something that should be taken advantage of. People must remember that this is Medicaid funding. If anything is not handled properly, it can fall into the category of Medicaid fraud, which is an extremely serious matter.

BPJCC has approached the program with that level of seriousness. We have retained highly qualified attorneys to review our systems, and when we issue guidance or establish procedures, it is being done with the community’s protection in mind.

It is also important to remember that this is a new program undergoing frequent changes.

Understandably, people want to call and ask questions. BPJCC has been inundated with thousands of phone calls a day, which has created significant challenges. This is not unique to us. Agencies across the program are dealing with the same situation.

First, residents should always prioritize safety and work only with organizations that have strong reputations and that they trust.

Second, people should be patient and watch for guidance as it becomes available.

The program is currently undergoing substantial review. That is not the fault of BPJCC or any particular responsible provider. It is the reality of a heavily funded program that can also be vulnerable to abuse if it is not carefully monitored. We all have an achrayus to treat the program with the level of caution it requires. Hopefully, the program will continue, improve, and keep changing lives for the better.

The main message is to proceed carefully, work only with trusted companies and organizations, and remain patient if there are delays in communication. The volume of calls is extremely high.

Speaking on behalf of BPJCC, we are constantly improving our processes, implementing new technology, hiring additional staff, and expanding training to ensure that everyone who is eligible can receive the services available to them.

As the program undergoes its current review and new guidelines take effect, residents are urged to carefully consider any changes to their insurance or benefits and to continue following updates from trusted providers.

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YSR.

Agudath Israel of America appeared before the MTA board to press the agency over inappropriate advertisements that continue to appear across New York City buses, despite months of objections from community leaders and parents.

Avrohom Weinstock, Agudah’s chief of staff, told MTA officials that the ads promoting an adult-oriented museum are offensive to many riders and unsuitable for children who encounter them while traveling or walking through city neighborhoods.

The testimony came after months of outreach by Agudah, including a four-page legal letter sent to MTA leadership in July. The organization has urged the agency to remove the campaign and reconsider allowing similar advertisements on public transportation.

In a written response to Agudah, the MTA said the advertisements would rotate off the system within 60 days. However, multiple reports have indicated that the museum’s sizable advertising contract is scheduled to continue through the end of the year, raising questions and frustration over how soon the ads will actually disappear.

The concern became more urgent after the museum indicated that a later stage of the campaign could include advertisements covering the entire exterior of buses and featuring more inappropriate imagery. Agudah said raising objections during the current, more limited phase was therefore especially important.

Agudah urged the MTA to apply its existing advertising standards, which restrict certain advertisements promoting adult-oriented services and call for a safe and welcoming environment for riders and employees, including minors. The organization said it does not believe the current campaign complies with those standards.

“Please curtail this offensive ad campaign,” Weinstock told the board, while also urging the MTA to consult with representative community organizations to prevent similar situations in the future.

He also acknowledged Assemblymembers Kalman Yeger and Simcha Eichenstein and Councilwoman Inna Vernikov for voicing the community’s concerns and urging the MTA to withdraw the advertisements. Weinstock thanked the agency for engaging with Agudah, while emphasizing that more work remains.

Rabbi David Zwiebel, Agudah’s executive vice president, noted that much of the organization’s advocacy centers on tangible needs such as school security funding and financial assistance for mosdos. This effort, he said, offers no material benefit, but remains deeply important because it helps parents raise their children with kedusha.

For nearly a century, Maimonides Medical Center has been the hospital our community depends on when every minute matters. It has worked hand-in-hand with Hatzolah, askanim, and Rabbanim, providing care built around the unique needs of our families.

Now that is at risk.

What's Happening

Maimonides' leadership is seeking to transfer the hospital to a New York City run public hospital system. If approved, Maimonides would no longer be an independent, community-rooted hospital. Decisions affecting our care would ultimately be made by a city-run system, not by leaders accountable to our community.

This is not speculation. The proposal is currently tied up in court and is being challenged by trustees, local shuls, Hatzolah coordinators, and community organizations working to stop the takeover.

What's at Stake

A city takeover could mean more bureaucracy, longer wait times, less local accountability, a decline in the quality of care, and growing uncertainty about preserving the religious and cultural accommodations our community depends on.

Once control is gone, getting it back may be impossible.

But There Is Still Time

This fight is not over. Court challenges have already delayed the transfer, and the merger has not been finalized. Every day the takeover is delayed is another opportunity to protect Maimonides' independence and secure a better solution.

Take Action Now

The community's voice matters, but only if we speak up.

● Sign the petition today at ProtectMaimonides.com.

● Share it with your family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who could be affected by these changes.

● Contact your elected officials through the website with just a few clicks.

Every signature sends a clear message: Maimonides belongs to the community it serves.

Don't wait until it's too late. 

Sign the petition today at ProtectMaimonides.com

Boro Park drivers woke up this morning to find the city's revived "Sticker of Shame" affixed to vehicles that remained parked during alternate side parking hours, marking the return of a controversial sanitation enforcement program that disappeared more than a decade ago.

City lawmakers have approved legislation allowing sanitation workers to once again place large warning stickers on vehicles that block scheduled street cleaning, reviving a practice that disappeared more than a decade ago.

The stickers are placed on vehicles that remain parked during posted street-cleaning hours, notifying drivers that their failure to move prevented sanitation crews from properly cleaning the street. City officials say the goal is not to embarrass motorists, but to encourage greater compliance with alternate side parking regulations so neighborhoods can be cleaned more effectively.

Supporters of the legislation argue that too many drivers simply accept the parking ticket rather than move their vehicles, leaving thousands of miles of streets partially uncleaned each week. They also point to past sanitation data showing street cleanliness improved significantly when the sticker program was previously in place.

The original program was paused after complaints that the stickers were difficult to remove and sometimes damaged vehicle windows. Sanitation officials now say adhesive technology has improved and that newer materials will be tested before the program is rolled out more broadly.

Not everyone agrees the stickers should return. Opponents argue the policy is unnecessary and believe the city should instead rely on existing parking enforcement or other measures to improve compliance without placing adhesive notices on vehicles.

Former New York City Councilman David Greenfield was among those criticizing the proposal, calling it "a blatant violation of due process." He added, "But everyone hates car owners, so behold, they're back."

With the stickers now appearing on vehicles in Boro Park, the renewed enforcement effort has officially arrived in the neighborhood, reigniting debate over whether the practice is an effective way to keep city streets clean or an unnecessary burden on drivers.

YSR.

The NYPD is asking for the public’s help identifying a man wanted in connection with a strangulation assault that took place inside a commercial building in Boro Park last month.

According to police, the incident occurred on Shabbos, July 4, at approximately 9:20 p.m. at Fort Hamilton Parkway and 45th Street. Investigators say the unidentified man approached a 21-year-old woman inside a business before starting to choke her.

The victim started experiencing pain and difficulty breathing before the suspect then fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction before officers arrived.

The 21-year-old woman declined medical attention at the scene. Police have not released any additional information regarding a possible motive.

The NYPD has released images of the suspect and is asking anyone with information regarding his identity or whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Following recent uncertainty surrounding New York's Social Care Networks (SCN) program, officials are emphasizing that the program remains fully operational, despite significant changes to how food vouchers are administered.

According to new information obtained, there has been no interruption to SCN services. Grocery vouchers, medically tailored meals, pantry boxes, and grocery boxes continue to be available for eligible participants.

The most significant recent change is that SIPPS has selected only four organizations, out of more than 140 participating agencies, to continue providing SCN grocery vouchers. Officials said the decision was based on compliance with New York State Department of Health guidelines and confirmed that no additional voucher providers will be approved.

SPARKS is one of the four selected providers. The organization says its voucher program has continued without interruption, with clients continuing to receive benefits on their regular schedule. SPARKS also noted that its grocery network has expanded to 25 participating locations, with additional stores expected to join.

Another policy change affects PPS clients. Going forward, only individuals who independently qualify will be eligible for enhanced services. Household members will no longer automatically qualify through another eligible family member. Existing clients will continue receiving services until their scheduled renewal.

Individuals currently receiving SCN food vouchers through agencies that are no longer authorized to provide them can ask their Care Navigator or agency to submit a referral to SPARKS PPD. According to the organization, eligible participants can typically be enrolled in the SPARKS voucher network within a few days of the referral.

SPARKS also continues to conduct new eligibility screenings for Medicaid members residing in qualifying ZIP codes.

For additional information, residents can contact SPARKS at 718-400-2757 or by email at [email protected].

After months of fighting city agencies to address the disruption caused by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) green infrastructure project in Boro Park, Councilman Simcha Felder secured a major victory for residents: DDC will relocate its long-term construction staging materials off residential streets, restoring parking spaces that were occupied for months. The change is expected to reduce the project’s staging footprint by as much as 70%, addressing one of the community’s biggest concerns.

“Every parking space we bring back to the community matters,” said Councilman Simcha Felder. “That’s why we asked senior city officials to leave their comfortable conference rooms and come out to see firsthand what Boro Park residents have been dealing with these many months.”

The breakthrough came after Felder hosted an on-site inspection with representatives from DEP, DDC, Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson’s senior staff, the Intergovernmental Affairs team, and the project's contractor. 

Felder expressed gratitude to all the senior staff and officials who came out to attend the meeting. "I want to thank the Deputy Mayor’s team and all of the agency representatives who came out today. They drove our streets looking for parking, walked several blocks in the blazing sun and seeing how things could be done better, are motivated to get it done," Felder said.

Felder's concerns about the project are not new. Last summer, he urged the City to schedule this project during the summer, when neighborhood traffic in Boro Park is lighter, parking is at a lesser premium, and schools are closed.

 “I was very clear: Schedule all of Boro Park’s major infrastructure projects during the summer months and maximize productivity,” said Felder. Who is coordinating the agencies, and who is ensuring the work gets done as promised?"

Beyond the immediate concerns, Felder said the project highlights the need for a more thoughtful process that brings all relevant City agencies and local stakeholders to the table together before construction projects begin. 

"As Ben Franklin said, ‘Failure to plan, is planning to fail,’ It’s been clear for a long time that the City needs a better process. Agencies must sit down with the local Council Member, Community Board, and other involved agencies to identify likely issues and plan solutions in advance,” Felder said. 

Felder is now writing legislation to require agencies to conduct an inter-agency “Community Impact Assessment” in consultation with local representatives and the Community Board, before any major project can be approved. The assessment would identify the people and communities most likely to be affected and their specific cultural or community needs. It would then identify the negative impacts of the project on communities such as temporary loss of parking, access to private properties and public services, or other community resources during construction—and require the agencies to plan how they will reduce those impacts and help residents navigate them for the duration of the project.

"My office will keep fighting every day for better coordination, and practical solutions that ease the burden on Boro Parkers," promised Councilman Felder.

A unique and historic visit took place earlier today in thehome of the Gerer Rebbe in Yerushalayim when the visiting philanthropist RebYoel Landau paid a visit to the Rebbe’s abode. The two were joined by theRebbe’s son, Harav Hatzadik Rav Nechemiah, shlit”a. In the course of awide-ranging conversation, the two discussed the terrible “giyus decree”which hovers over the community in Eretz Yisroel, with yeshiva bochurim beingarrested on a regular basis for their refusal to join the Israeli army.

Reb Yoel proposed the establishment of a new fund which willbe devoted to coordinate efforts to fight the sanctions and the arrests of _bochurim_and yungeleit. The fund will provide legal assistance to them as they fightthis terrible gezeirah, and the organization will work on all fronts tobattle the persecutions of Charedi Jewry in Eretz Yisroel, and to ensure theendurance and the flourishing of the Torah world.

To this end, Reb Yoel pledged the astounding sum of$1,000,000 which he will be donating together with his colleagues and partners.

The Rebbe wished him great success in all his endeavors, andthat the efforts he has initiated and undertaken should indeed see success. 

A major milestone is underway for the Sanz-Zmigrad kehillah in Boro Park as construction has officially begun on a brand-new bais medrash on 50th Street.

Demolition work just started on the old building, making way for a much larger and more spacious structure that will serve the growing kehillah.

The project comes after years of steady growth, with the current bais medrash often filled to capacity. The new building will be constructed on the site of the existing bais medrash together with an adjoining property that was purchased by the kehillah years ago in preparation for future expansion.

During construction, bais medrash’s has been moved to the nearby Chasan Sofer Yeshiva.

The plans call for a beautiful new and expanded bais medrash, along with a new residence for the Rebbe. The kehillah is hoping to have the first phase ready for use by the upcoming Yamim Noraim, with additional construction continuing afterward.

photos: Issac G.

Another piece of Boro Park's early history is preparing to make way for the neighborhood's next chapter.

The home on 45th Street between 13th and 14th Avenues, originally built in 1919, has been fully fenced off ahead of demolition. While demolition preparations are underway, no permits for a new building have yet been filed online, leaving it unclear what will eventually replace the structure.

The property is the latest example of the ongoing transformation taking place throughout Boro Park, where many of the neighborhood's century-old homes are gradually being replaced by larger residential developments to accommodate the area's continued growth.

photos: Issac Y.

YSR.

A 40-year-old woman was found dead inside a Boro Park apartment early Shabbos morning, and police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

According to the NYPD, officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 3:42 a.m. at 1644 64th Street, where they discovered the woman unconscious and unresponsive inside the residence. EMS pronounced her dead at the scene.

A neighboring resident told local media he heard loud music coming from the apartment until around 3 a.m., followed by repeated banging for about half an hour and another man screaming at the woman. The neighbor said he had previously complained to the building’s landlord about loud late-night gatherings at the apartment.

No arrests have been made, and additional information has not yet been released, as the investigation continues. Chevra Kadishe wasn't requested.

photos: Avrumi Berger

A leadership change has taken place at the New York Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), located at Fort Hamilton right outside Boro Park.

Lt. Col. John T. O'Connell officially took over as commander from Lt. Col. Matthew M. Barack during a ceremony held on July 24.

For those unfamiliar with the facility, the New York MEPS is the place where people who want to join any branch of the U.S. military—including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force—go before they can enlist. There, applicants undergo medical exams, background checks, aptitude testing, and other evaluations to determine whether they qualify for military service.

The center serves thousands of applicants from New York and the surrounding region each year, making it a key part of the military recruitment process.

The ceremony marked the official transfer of responsibility for overseeing the facility and its day-to-day operations from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

By BoroPark24 Staff

Following months of providing grocery benefits several times a week to numerous Boro Park families through the Tri-State SCN program, signs are emerging of a possible slowdown - or even a temporary pause.

Just two weeks ago, many upstate stores were forced to stop accepting certain SCN providers with little advance notice. While service has since resumed by some providers and locations, many providers remain unavailable.

Now, similar signs are appearing in Brooklyn, where several local stores have begun posting notices that some SCN providers are no longer being accepted, adding to the growing uncertainty.

Rumors continue to circulate from all sides, but the full picture remains unclear as the situation is still unfolding. Residents are encouraged to check their benefit balances and verify the status of their provider before heading to the store with a full shopping cart, as many families continue to rely on the program to help manage the rising cost of living.

photos: Shot the Dot

Yisroel R.

The MTA says its weekday F and M train route swap between Manhattan and Queens is already improving subway service, with early results showing fewer delays and more reliable trips for thousands of daily riders.

The permanent service change, which took effect earlier this year, shifted the F and M trains between two Manhattan-Queens corridors on weekdays. Under the new routing, the F train now runs through the 53rd Street tunnel, while the M train uses the 63rd Street tunnel during weekday daytime hours. The goal was to eliminate a busy track merge near Queens Plaza that had frequently caused delays. 

According to the MTA, the change has led to smoother train operations and more consistent service on the E, F, M and R lines. Transit officials say trains are spending less time waiting for one another at track crossings, helping reduce congestion and improve on-time performance for riders traveling between Queens and Manhattan. 

The agency acknowledged that some riders have had to adjust to different stations or train frequencies, particularly along the 63rd Street corridor. However, officials say the overall benefits of the redesign outweigh the inconvenience, pointing to improved reliability across one of the subway system’s busiest corridors. 

The MTA says it will continue monitoring the new service pattern and rider feedback as it evaluates the long-term impact of the change. Officials say the redesign is part of a broader effort to improve subway reliability by reducing operational bottlenecks throughout the system.

photos: D. H. Kerem

YSR.

A warm and mostly dry weekend is expected across Borough Park, with a mix of sunshine and clouds through Sunday. While skies will be cloudier at times, the next chance for rain is expected to hold off until Sunday night.

Friday will feature a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 85 degrees and a low of 70 degrees. Light winds and seasonable conditions will make for a pleasant Erev Shabbos.

Shabbos will be mostly cloudy with a high of 84 degrees and a low of 73 degrees. Despite the increased cloud cover, dry weather is expected to continue, making for another comfortable summer Shabbos.

Sunday will bring a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 83 degrees and a low of 73 degrees. Most of the daytime hours are expected to remain dry, before the chance for rain increases Sunday night.

By BoroPark24 Staff

With summer now in full swing, Boro Park has settled into a quieter pace as many families settled in the Catskills and summer destinations. As the neighborhood adjusts to its seasonal rhythm, many residents are wondering which Rebbes will be in Boro Park this Shabbos to attend the tefillos and their tishen.

• Amshinov - Eretz Yisroel
• Beis Chaim Shia - Boro Park 
• Bobov - White Lake
• Bobov-45 - Mesivta Camp, Parksville 
• Burshtin - Boro Park
• Chernoble - Monticello 
• Emunas Yisroel - Boro Park
• Kosov - Eretz Yisroel  
• Liska - Boro Park
• Lelov - Boro Park 
• Lelov - Boro Park 
• Minkatch - Boro Park 
• Rachmastrivka - Boro Park
• Sanz Klausenburg - Boro Park 
• Sanz Zmigrad - Bloombinburg
• Serdaheli - Serdaheli Camp 
• Skolya - Machne Skolya, South Fallsburg
• Skulen - Catskills
• Skver of BP - Machne Skver, Woodridge
• Ungvar - Boro Park 
• Viznitz BP - Machne Bnos Yisroel, South Fallsburg
• Viznitz Y-M - Boro Park 

Be sure to check back every Friday as we'll update the list weekly to reflect each Rebbe's Shabbos plans.

Yisroel R.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is being held at a federal detention center right near Boro Park, is scheduled to stand trial in Manhattan on June 1, 2027.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn, commonly known as MDC Brooklyn. The federal jail is located at 80 29th Street in Sunset Park, just west of Boro Park near Third Avenue.

The nearby location means one of the world’s most prominent high profile political prisoners is currently being held only a short distance from Boro Park while awaiting his federal trial date.

A federal judge scheduled the trial during a recent court appearance in Manhattan, where attorneys discussed the timeline of the case and legal arguments expected before proceedings begin.

Federal prosecutors accuse Maduro and his wife of participating in a long-running conspiracy involving drug trafficking into the United States. He also faces narcoterrorism and weapons-related charges.

Maduro and his wife have pleaded not guilty. His attorneys are expected to challenge the case and argue that his former position as Venezuela’s president protects him from prosecution in the United States.

Although the case is being handled in Manhattan federal court, Maduro is expected to remain jailed near Boro Park as his legal team prepares for the closely watched trial.

Unless the schedule changes, the trial is expected to begin on June 1, 2027.

Yisroel R.

New York City will install new pedestrian-warning and speed-limiting technology across its municipal vehicle fleet under an executive order signed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The order requires the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to retrofit roughly 4,000 existing non-emergency city vehicles with audible pedestrian alerts by June 2029. The alerts will activate with a vehicle’s turn signals, warning pedestrians, cyclists and other road users when preparing to turn.

All future purchases or leases of non-emergency city vehicles and trucks will also be required to include intelligent speed assistance, a system that limits acceleration when a vehicle goes beyond the local speed limit or other road violations.

The city has already installed the speed-limiting technology in 1,000 vehicles across 21 agencies. Those vehicles have traveled more than eight million miles since the program began in 2022, with dangerous speeding among equipped vehicles dropping by 64 percent.

"Our administration expects every driver to do their part to keep our streets safe for everyone, and that begins with those behind the wheel of our City vehicles," said Mayor Mamdani. "Pedestrian alerts and speed-limiting technology deliver immediate results, and we can waste no time in keeping our neighbors safe."

The new requirements will apply only to non-emergency municipal vehicles and trucks. City officials said the expansion is intended to reduce speeding and prevent crashes involving pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

New York City currently operates more than 29,000 municipal vehicles and has installed over 105,000 safety upgrades throughout the fleet in recent years, including truck side guards, backup alerts and surround-view cameras.

The Amshinov Rebbe departed on Tuesday for an extended four-week visit to Eretz Yisroel, where he is expected to spend the coming weeks attending family simchos and visiting kivrei tzaddikim.

A central part of the trip will be the Rebbe's participation in the wedding of his nephew, which took place in Ashdod. The Rebbe is also scheduled to spend time resting in Teveria and will visit and daven at several of the Galil's holiest sites, including Meron, Tzfas..

The Rebbe is expected to remain in Eretz Yisroel for approximately four weeks before returning to his home in Boro Park at the beginning of the week of Parshas Ki Savo.

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A suspect accused of stealing high-value electronics and other merchandise from multiple Boro Park stores was arrested Wednesday after a dangerous pursuit that began in Boro Park and ended in Crown Heights.

The suspects were initially cornered near 13th Avenue and 53rd Street while attempting to evade NYPD officers and Shomrim. Despite being boxed in by multiple vehicles, the driver rammed several cars to escape, sending the vehicle speeding down 13th Avenue and creating a dangerous situation for pedestrians and motorists.

Shomrim quickly obtained the suspects’ license plate information and continued tracking the vehicle, coordinating closely with the NYPD. While officers followed from the ground, the NYPD Aviation Unit monitored the suspects’ movements from the air, helping direct responding units.

The pursuit came to an end in Crown Heights, where Crown Heights Shomrim located the vehicle. The suspects were then taken into custody by the NYPD.

Yisroel R.

Notable progress is now visible at Bush Terminal’s Pier 6 in Sunset Park, where active construction is transforming the long-abandoned waterfront pier into a new five-acre public park expected to open in 2027.

Ground was broken on the $25 million project last summer, and construction is now well underway as the future park continues taking shape. Once completed, the project will reopen a section of the waterfront that has been inaccessible to the public for decades.

The new park will feature walking paths, open green space, waterfront access, an outdoor classroom, gathering areas, and recreational water activities, creating a new destination where residents and visitors can enjoy the waterfront.

The park will connect directly with the existing Bush Terminal Piers Park, creating a larger continuous public park and expanding access to this section of the Brooklyn waterfront. Plans also call for preserving much of the vegetation that has naturally developed on the abandoned pier over the years.

Construction remains ongoing, with completion expected in 2027. While there is still work ahead, the visible progress now taking shape offers a glimpse of what will soon become one of Brooklyn’s newest waterfront parks.

A historic cry from our rabbanim to protect our hospital.

In one unified voice, the rabbanim of Boro Park and Flatbush have sent a powerful letter to elected officials, sounding the alarm over the proposed takeover of Maimonides Medical Center.

Under the current plan, Maimonides would become part of NYC Health + Hospitals, New York City’s massive government-run public hospital system. The proposed merger is being presented as a solution to the hospital’s serious financial challenges and is backed by billions of dollars in state funding. But many in our community are deeply concerned about the price we may ultimately be forced to pay.

For generations, Maimonides has been our community hospital. It understands the unique needs of the families it serves and plays a critical role in caring for one of the largest Jewish communities in the world.

A government takeover could mean losing the local control, accountability, and community responsiveness that are so essential to quality care. Decisions about staffing, services, scheduling, and patient care could be made by a vast city bureaucracy far removed from the families whose lives depend on this hospital.

Our concern is not about politics.

It is about patients.

It is about the mother who needs immediate care, the child rushed into the emergency room, the elderly patient who cannot afford to wait, and every family that depends on Maimonides during its most vulnerable moments.

The future of Maimonides cannot be decided behind closed doors. The voices of the doctors, patients, rabbanim, askanim, and families who rely on this hospital must be heard.

We cannot afford longer waits.

We cannot afford more red tape.

We cannot afford to let vital healthcare decisions be driven by politics and bureaucracy instead of the needs of patients.

The future of our hospital is in critical condition.

The community must stand together and demand a solution that protects quality care, preserves community accountability, and puts patients first.

Stop the takeover. Protect our hospital. Protect our community.

Learn more and sign the petition: ProtectMaimonides.com

photos: Avrumi Berger, Lensky Photo

photos: Avrumi Berger

YS GOLD 

In the center of Boro Park stand an imposing building which towers over the neighborhood. In this newspaper clipping we see a rendering of this building from 1952. 

Can any of our readers identify this landmark? 

____ 

Answer to last week’s captured moment: 

The Hebrew Community of Boro Park, later Rabbi Kleinman’s Shul, later became a Skverer Shtiebel and yeshiva. 

Today, the Viznitz-Yerushalayimer Rebbe has his shul there, continuing a 100-year old sacred tradition.

Yisroel R.

A technical issue is preventing riders from adding money to OMNY cards across the MTA system Tuesday, prompting the agency to advise subway and bus riders to use another payment option when possible.

According to an alert posted by the MTA, OMNY cards currently cannot be refilled at vending machines, Customer Service Centers, or online. The agency also warned that there may be delays in processing some tap-and-ride payments. 

Riders can still pay their fare by tapping a credit or debit card, smartphone, or smartwatch device. OMNY cards that already have enough money loaded onto them can also still be used. 

The MTA alert was posted Tuesday morning and did not provide a cause for the technical issue or an estimated time for when card refills would become available again.

The disruption affects OMNY refill services throughout the subway and bus system, while regular transit service continues operating.

Yisroel R.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is urging New Yorkers to prepare for heavy rain and flash flooding expected tonight into Wednesday, as the city activates its emergency response and opens 51 Safe Overnight Locations across the five boroughs, including one in Boro Park.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for New York City, with forecasters predicting 1.5 to 4 inches of rain, while some areas could receive up to 5 inches. Rainfall rates may reach 1 to 2 inches per hour during the heaviest downpours, increasing the risk of flash flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone neighborhoods.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe begins before the storm arrives,” Mayor Mamdani said. “Our City has been preparing across all five boroughs for the storm, and is opening 51 Safe Overnight Locations where people can spend the night out of harm’s way.” He urged residents to make a plan, sign up for emergency alerts, and check on neighbors who may need assistance.

As part of the city’s preparations, emergency crews have been clearing catch basins, inspecting flood-prone neighborhoods, and placing specialized response teams, including downed tree and tow truck units, on standby. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and never drive or walk through flooded streets.

One of the city’s safe overnight locations is located in Boro Park at The Detective WenJian Liu School of Civics and Entrepreneurship, 6312 13th Avenue. The location will remain available while dangerous weather conditions persist.

photos: Hillel Las"h

YS GOLD 

We regret to inform you of the untimely petirah of Rebbetzin Rochel Rosen, the life partner of HaGaon Rav Ephraim Rosen, an esteemed dayan and  tremendous talmid chochom. She was 71 years of age, and suffered from a devastating illness for the last few months.  

Together with, ybl"ch, her husband, she established a home steeped in Torah and chassidus, raising children and grandchildren in the ways of Torah and yiras Shomayim. 

The nifteres was known for her noble ways, her regality and her refinement which carried over to everyone she encountered. 

She was diagnosed with an illness a few months ago, and passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning, plunging her family and many acquaintances and admirers into mourning. 

The levaya will take place in Boro Park later today. 

Yehi zichra baruch.

By Y.M. Lowy

In our summer series New York Offshore, we take a closer look at the islands scattered across New York City’s waterways. Each one carries its own history, landscape, and role in the life of the city, from lively public spaces to quiet, restricted land surrounded by water. This week we explore Hart Island.

Just off the eastern shore of the Bronx, Hart Island is one of New York City’s most overlooked islands. Hart Island has spent much of its history hidden from public view. Today, it is well known as the location of New York City’s public burial ground, where more than one million people are believed to be buried.

The island’s history stretches back to the Civil War era, when it was used as a training site for Union soldiers. Over the years, Hart Island served many different purposes, including as a military prison, a psychiatric facility, a tuberculosis sanatorium, and a Cold War-era missile base. 

In 1869, Hart Island became New York City’s public cemetery, also known as a potter’s field. It became the final resting place for people who had no family members able to arrange a private burial, those who remained unidentified, and others whose lives ended without the resources for a traditional funeral.

Over the decades, more than one million people have been buried on Hart Island, including adults, children, and infants. 

For many years, the island was difficult for people to access, leaving much of its history unknown. In 2019, control of Hart Island was transferred from the Department of Correction to the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, beginning a new chapter where visitors can now apply to visit.

Hidden in the waters off the Bronx, it serves as a final resting place for countless New Yorkers, preserving a different and often forgotten chapter of the city’s history.

Gallery Includes: Bobov, Amshinov, Emunas Yisroel, Boyam, Burshtin, Beis Chaim Shia, Bluzhev.

photos: D. H. Kerem, Issac G.

A full commercial block along 13th Avenue between 48th and 49th Streets is now covered by sidewalk scaffolding, with all storefronts operating beneath the temporary structure as exterior work gets underway on the buildings. 

The scaffolding stretches the length of the block, creating a noticeably different look along one of Boro Park's busiest shopping corridors. While pedestrian access remains open and all businesses continue operating as usual, the sidewalk sheds now line the entire stretch in front of the stores. 

At this time, it is not yet clear what work is planned for the buildings or how extensive the upcoming construction will be. No official details have been announced regarding the scope or timeline of the project.

Gallery Includes: Kosov, Mate Efraim, Loyev Chernobile, Yoka, Tenka, Zmigrad, Zlozitz, Hivniv, Skver Boro Park Dayen, Dombrova, Mezhbizh, Brizdovitz, Beled, Bluzhev Ribatitch.

Yisroel R.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a major expansion of New York City’s Bureau of Coastal Resilience aimed at strengthening protections against storm surges, rising sea levels, and future coastal flooding.

The city is investing $43.2 million across its financial plan, including $10.6 million during the current fiscal year, to hire 69 additional employees for the bureau. The new positions will include engineers, city planners, field crews, inspectors, and other flooding experts. 

The Bureau of Coastal Resilience coordinates the planning, operation, and maintenance of the city’s growing network of coastal flood-protection projects. Until now, the bureau has operated with six permanent employees while relying on additional workers from other divisions within the Department of Environmental Protection.

The expanded bureau will oversee 15 active infrastructure projects, including the $1.45 billion East Side Coastal Resiliency project, which includes raised parkland, floodwalls, and 18 floodgates. The system is expected to begin operating next year and protect more than 110,000 residents on the Lower East Side. 

The funding will also support several long-term studies, including the development of a plan for protecting all 520 miles of New York City’s coastline. Other major coastal protection systems are expected to become operational during the next four years in Lower Manhattan, Red Hook, and other waterfront communities.

Mayor Mamdani said the expansion will provide the staff and expertise needed to operate the billions of dollars in flood-protection infrastructure being developed across the city and better prepare communities for increasingly severe storms.

photos: Avrumi Berger

photos: Issac Y.

By Y.M. Lowy

An internal investigation has found that the MTA lost an estimated $800,000 over five years after failing to properly oversee a contract for recycling collection at transit facilities.

A report released by the MTA Office of the Inspector General showed that investigators visited 40 transit facilities and found widespread problems with how trash and recyclables were being handled. At 21 locations, MTA employees failed to separate recyclable materials, while at all 40 sites, the contracted waste hauler was seen loading both trash and recyclables into the same garbage truck.

The investigation also found that recycling collection dropped dramatically in recent years, with reported recycling volumes falling by nearly 80% since 2020. The MTA likely lost money through missed recycling credits and by paying to dispose of recyclable materials as regular trash.

The inspector general called the findings “troubling,” noting that recycling at MTA facilities is required by law and can provide financial benefits to the agency.

The MTA says it has already begun making changes, including improving employee training, increasing oversight of its waste contractor, and requiring more detailed electronic reporting under its next recycling contract.

Yisroel R.

An unsettled weather pattern will take hold across Boro Park this week, bringing several rounds of showers and thunderstorms from Monday through Wednesday before drier and warmer conditions return later in the week. Tuesday is expected to bring the greatest chance of widespread storms.

Monday will begin with a mix of sun and clouds before afternoon showers develop. The high will reach 83 degrees, with a low of 70 degrees. While much of the day will be dry, a few showers could move through later in the afternoon.

Tuesday looks to be the stormiest day of the week, with thunderstorms expected across the area. The high will be 78 degrees, with a low of 70 degrees. Some storms may produce gusty winds and heavy downpours before gradually moving out.

Wednesday will remain unsettled, with early showers followed by scattered thunderstorms later in the day. The high will climb to 82 degrees, with an overnight low of 68 degrees. Dry periods are expected, but additional storms remain possible through the afternoon.

Thursday will bring a noticeable improvement, with a mix of sunshine and clouds and only a slight chance of  passing showers. The high will reach 84 degrees, with a low of 68 degrees.

The MTA has begun a roadway resurfacing project at the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, with overnight weekend lane restrictions continuing through early August.

The first phase of the project took place this weekend. Additional work is scheduled during the weekends of July 31–August 3 and August 7–10, when one of the tunnel's two tubes will be closed from 11:00 p.m. Friday through 5:00 a.m. Monday to allow crews to mill and repave the tunnel roadway and the Manhattan toll plaza.

The tunnel will remain open throughout the project, with one lane in each direction operating through the remaining tube while construction is underway.

Motorists should expect delays, allow extra travel time, or consider alternate routes if possible. The work is weather-dependent and may be postponed in the event of heavy rain.

According to the MTA, the resurfacing project will provide a smoother driving surface and freshly striped lane markings, improving safety and driving conditions for motorists.

YSR.

The Rockland County Department of Health has issued a health advisory, sent to health providors and obtained by BoroPark24, after reportedly a Monsey child who attended Viznitz Girls Camp in Fallsburg was diagnosed with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a potentially serious bacterial infection.

The case has prompted health officials to remind families about the importance of Hib vaccination, particularly for young children. Parents whose children may have been exposed are encouraged to make sure their child’s vaccinations are up to date and to contact their healthcare provider with any questions.

Hib is a bacterial infection that can cause serious illness, especially in young children who are not fully vaccinated. It can lead to infections affecting the blood, lungs, brain, and other parts of the body, which is why health officials closely monitor any confirmed cases.

The Department of Health said preventive antibiotics are not routinely recommended for everyone following a single confirmed case. However, preventive treatment may be appropriate for certain higher-risk children, including infants who have not completed their Hib vaccine series, children between ages 1 and 3 who are not fully vaccinated, or children with weakened immune systems. Preventive medication may be considered through July 29, which is 14 days after the infected child was last at camp.

Health officials also advised healthcare providers to review the vaccination status of children who may have been exposed and provide catch-up Hib vaccinations when appropriate. They noted that recommendations could change if any additional cases are identified.

Parents are urged to seek prompt medical attention if an exposed child develops a fever or other symptoms that could indicate a serious bacterial infection. Anyone with questions about possible exposure or recommendations for preventive treatment should contact their healthcare provider or the Rockland County Department of Health.

photos: Avrumi Berger

Just days after an overflowing celebration marking his 100th birthday, Boro Park has been plunged into mourning with the passing of Reb Duvid Einhorn z"l - a beloved Holocaust survivor whose life became a symbol of resilience, faith, and the triumph of the Jewish spirit.

For an entire century, Reb Duvid carried memories that few could bear to imagine. He witnessed the destruction of European Jewry firsthand, endured the horrors of Auschwitz, and emerged as the sole survivor of his immediate family. Yet anyone who met him would never define him by what he lost. Rather, they remembered the warmth of his smile, the sparkle in his eyes, and the infectious joy with which he embraced every new day.

He possessed a remarkable gift: the ability to recount the darkest chapters of history while leaving his listeners with hope instead of despair.

Thousands sought him out - not merely to hear a Holocaust survivor, but to hear Reb Duvid. Schoolchildren, yeshiva students, community members, public officials, and visitors from around the world would sit captivated as he transported them back to a world that had been destroyed. His stories were vivid, emotional, and unforgettable, yet they always carried a powerful message of emunah (faith), gratitude, and responsibility.

One of his most moving recollections was of Yom Kippur 1944. Even decades later, he vividly remembered that impossible fast and the simple cabbage that broke it. After last year's Yom Kippur, he reflected that just as Hashem had answered his heartfelt prayers in the darkest moments of the Holocaust, every Jew can merit open miracles through sincere tefillah (prayer). That unwavering faith never left him.

Despite carrying unimaginable pain, Reb Duvid refused to allow tragedy to define his future.

Instead, he dedicated himself to rebuilding.

Reb Duvid Einhorn's greatest answer to the Nazis was never spoken - it was lived.

He often spoke with profound pride about the flourishing Torah life of Boro Park. The bustling streets lined with yeshivos and batei medrash, the thousands of children filling the neighborhood with laughter, the vibrant Jewish life that had risen from the ashes of Europe - these were, to him, nothing less than miracles. Every child learning Torah was a victory. Every simchah was an answer to those who had sought to destroy the Jewish people.

Those who visited him quickly discovered that they often left with far more than they came for. He listened with patience, offered wisdom with humility, and shared encouragement that reflected a lifetime of perspective. His optimism was genuine, earned through suffering rather than naivete. He taught that gratitude was not reserved for easy days; it was a way of living.

This week, family, friends, community leaders, and fellow survivors gathered to celebrate the extraordinary milestone of his 100th birthday. The evening honored not only a century of life but a century of courage, perseverance, and faith. It was a fitting tribute to a man who had transformed unbearable loss into a legacy of Torah, family, and hope.

Now, only days later, the community that celebrated with him finds itself saying goodbye.

He built a family. He inspired countless Jews. He strengthened emunah in everyone he met. He celebrated every Jewish child, every Torah institution, every thriving Jewish community as proof that the Jewish people live on for eternity.

May the memory of Reb Duvid Einhorn z"l forever inspire future generations to cherish their heritage, strengthen their emunah, and continue building the Torah world that brought him such immeasurable joy.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

Yisroel R.

Residents spending Shabbos Nachmu in Boro Park can look forward to a beautiful weather, with sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and dry conditions expected throughout the day. The pleasant stretch will continue through Sunday, making for an enjoyable Shabbos Nachmu for those staying in the city.

Friday will be sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 81 degrees and a low of 66 degrees. A light breeze and moderate humidity will keep conditions comfortable through the day and into the evening.

Shabbos will bring sunny skies and cooler temperatures, with a high of 79 degrees and a low of 64 degrees. Breezy conditions at times will add to the comfortable feel, creating an ideal weather for a beautiful shabbos.

Sunday will stay mainly sunny and turn slightly warmer, with a high of 82 degrees and a low of 68 degrees. Light winds and continued dry weather will close out the weekend on another pleasant note.

The dry stretch is expected to end early next week, with the chance for showers and thunderstorms returning Monday and Tuesday. But for the time being, enjoy a beautiful Shabbos Nachmu weekend.

By BoroPark24 Staff

With summer now in full swing, Boro Park has settled into a quieter pace as many families settled in the Catskills and summer destinations. As the neighborhood adjusts to its seasonal rhythm, many residents are wondering which Rebbes will be in Boro Park this Shabbos to attend the tefillos and their tishen.

• Amshinov - Boro Park
• Beis Chaim Shia - Hillcrest Estates, Ferndale
• Bobov - White Lake
• Bobov-45 - Mesivta Camp, Parksville 
• Burshtin - Boro Park
• Bluzhiv Ribatich - Yerishulayim
• Chernoble - Boro Park
• Emunas Yisroel - Boro Park
• Kosov - Boro Park 
• Liska - Boro Park
• Lelov - Boro Park 
• Lelov - Boro Park 
• Minkatch - Boro Park 
• Rachmastrivka -Rachmastrivka Camp, Bayswater
• Sanz Klausenburg - Boro Park 
• Sanz Zmigrad - Kiryas Yoel
• Serdaheli - Boro Park 
• Skolya - Machne Skolya, South Fallsburg
• Skulen - Machne Mare Yecheskel, Liberty
• Skver of BP - Machne Skver, Woodridge
• Ungvar - Yerishulayim 
• Viznitz BP - Machne Bnos Yisroel, South Fallsburg
• Viznitz Y-M - Boro Park

Be sure to check back every Friday as we'll update the list weekly to reflect each Rebbe's Shabbos plans.

By Y.M. Lowy

In our summer series New York Offshore, we take a closer look at the islands scattered across New York City’s waterways. Each one carries its own history, landscape, and role in the life of the city, from lively public spaces to quiet, restricted land surrounded by water. This week we explore Ellis Island.

For millions of people, Ellis Island was the gateway to a new life in America. Located between New York and New Jersey, the island became the nation’s busiest immigration station and remains one of the most powerful symbols of opportunity and new beginnings.

Although a small immigration station operated there earlier, Ellis Island officially opened as the federal immigration station on January 1, 1892. Over the next 62 years, more than 12 million immigrants passed through its halls. Most completed the inspection process in just a few hours, while others spent days or even weeks on the island as officials reviewed their medical examinations or paperwork.

Among those who arrived were hundreds of thousands of Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution, poverty, and violence across Eastern Europe and the Russian Empire. Many escaped the pogroms that devastated Jewish communities in the late 1800s and early 1900s, arriving with little more than a few belongings and the hope of building safer lives for their families. Countless Jewish families in New York and across the United States trace their American roots to a first step onto Ellis Island.

Landfill expanded Ellis Island from just over three acres to more than 27 acres, allowing additional inspection buildings, hospitals, kitchens, dormitories, and administrative offices to be constructed. Thousands of babies were born in the island’s hospital, while others received medical care before continuing their journey into the United States.

Immigration processing at Ellis Island came to an end in 1954, and the buildings sat largely abandoned for years. In the 1980s, the Main Immigration Building underwent a major restoration before reopening in 1990 as part of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, preserving the stories of those who passed through its doors.

Today, visitors can walk through the restored Great Hall, explore exhibits featuring personal belongings, photographs, and immigration records. Looking out across the harbor toward the Manhattan skyline, it’s easy to imagine the emotions felt by generations of newcomers as they caught their first glimpse of the city that would become their new home.

photo: Shutterstock

YSR.

Drivers traveling on the Queens-bound Brooklyn-Queens Expressway should prepare for overnight delays this week as NYC DOT carries out repair work near Joralemon Street.

Beginning early Tuesday, July 21, only one lane will remain open on the Queens-bound BQE between Atlantic Avenue and Cranberry Street. The restriction will be in effect from 12:00 a.m. until 5 a.m. each morning and is expected to continue through approximately Thursday, July 23.

The Atlantic Avenue entrance ramp to the Queens-bound BQE will also be closed during those hours.

Motorists will be able to reach the Queens-bound BQE by following posted detours through local streets. Drivers heading east on Atlantic Avenue can use Boerum Place and Tillary Street, while those approaching from the west can travel through Furman Street, Old Fulton Street, Prospect Street, and Sands Street.

The overnight closures are needed for joint repairs on the bridge at Joralemon Street and may be adjusted depending on weather and field conditions.

Drivers traveling during the early morning hours should allow extra time and watch for detour signs around the work zone.

photos: D. H. Kerem

By Y.M. Lowy

As air quality concerns continue across New York City due to the Canadian wildfires, the city is expanding its efforts to help residents protect themselves by making free resources more widely available.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that free KN95 masks will be available at hundreds of locations across the five boroughs, with distribution expanding to every New York Public Library branch in addition to Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library locations.

Masks are also available at all NYPD precincts, select FDNY firehouses, major transit stations, and through partnerships with the Department of Transportation, the Department for the Aging, local council members, and other city agencies.

“The combination of dangerous heat and unhealthy air is a serious threat to New Yorkers’ health,” said Mayor Mamdani. “If you can, stay somewhere cool with air conditioning, limit your time outdoors, drink plenty of water and check on your neighbors — especially older New Yorkers and anyone with a health condition”

The expanded distribution comes as the city continues to encourage residents, especially those with respiratory or heart conditions, older adults, children, and others who are more vulnerable, to take precautions when spending time outdoors.

By Y.M. Lowy

If you’re traveling down McDonald Avenue today, expect some slowdowns under the elevated train tracks.

Crews are doing heavy structural work and repainting the steel structure, with workers directing traffic through the construction zone. Temporary ‘No Parking’ signs are posted in the area to make room for the work.

Drivers should expect delays and use extra caution while passing through. Be sure to check the posted parking signs, as parking restrictions are in effect during the work.

photos by: Avrumi Berger

Yisroel R.

After approximately five years of construction, scaffolding is once again being installed outside the public school building on 14th Avenue and 43rd street.

Workers were seen Monday assembling the structure along the sidewalk outside P.S. 164 Caesar Rodney, bringing another round of construction activity to the building after years of work at the site.

The scaffolding is being installed ahead of a new multi-million-dollar project planned for the school, which is expected to include additional repairs and upgrades to the building.

The full scope of the upcoming work and how long the scaffolding will remain in place are not immediately clear.

photos: Avrumi Berger

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By Y.M. Lowy

After years of concerns over stolen SNAP benefits and criminals using card-skimming devices to take money from recipients’ accounts, New York is getting a safer system.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that new chip-based EBT cards will begin rolling out in early 2027, replacing the current cards with more secure technology similar to what is used on regular debit and credit cards.

The new cards are designed to greatly reduce benefit theft by making it much harder for criminals to steal card information through illegal “skimming” devices.

New York’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance recently finalized a contract for the new cards, with about 2 million cards expected to be issued once the transition begins. Recipients will receive notification before their new card is sent.

Many SNAP recipients have fallen victim to theft after criminals captured card numbers and PINs and used the information to drain their benefits. The new chip technology is expected to provide stronger protection for families who rely on these benefits.

Until the new cards arrive, officials remind EBT users to protect their accounts by using available security features, including freezing and unfreezing cards through the ebtEDGE app or website, and never sharing card information through texts, emails, or phone calls.

photos: Avrumi Blum 

Yisroel R.

Tehillim is being requested for noted askan Reb Naftali Hersh Zahler, who suffered a serious heart attack this morning and was rushed to the hospital.

Reb Naftali Hersh is widely known for his extensive chesed work, particularly on behalf of the descendants of Reb Shayele Kerestirer, zt”l. Each year, he raises hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist families among the tzaddik’s descendants with wedding expenses and other needs.

He is also involved in numerous other important and notable causes, and has helped hundreds of individuals and families over the years.

Reb Naftali Hersh is undergoing a complicated heart procedure this afternoon, as Klal Yisroel continues to hope for a full and speedy recovery.

The public is asked to daven for Reb Naftali Tzvi ben Rachel Leah for a refuah sheleimah b’soch sha’ar cholei Yisroel.

Yisroel R.

More than 90 trees were damaged in Prospect Park during the recent storms, leaving fallen branches, blocked entrances, and debris throughout parts of the park.

Crews from the Prospect Park Alliance and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation quickly began clearing entrances and removing fallen branches following the storms.

Visitors may still find some trails closed and certain sections of the park blocked off while cleanup work continues. Park officials are asking visitors to remain patient and stay away from restricted areas.

Staff members and volunteers are continuing to remove debris and address the widespread damage throughout the park.

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By Y.M. Lowy

Following the house fire shared on BoroPark24 yesterday, more details have been released about the blaze at the home on 51st Street between 15th and 16th Avenues.

The two-alarm fire brought a heavy FDNY response, with dozens of firefighters and EMS personnel rushing to the scene. Ladder trucks surrounded the building as firefighters poured water onto the upper floors and broke windows to vent the thick smoke.

The fire was brought under control by 2:16 p.m. One firefighter was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

After the fire was extinguished, firefighters remained on scene checking for hot spots while inspectors evaluated the building. A full vacate order was issued for the three-story structure due to damage to the roof, structural concerns, and extensive water damage.

Several nearby streets remained closed for hours as emergency crews completed their work.

photos: Avrumi Berger

By BoroPark24 Staff

Emergency responders were kept busy throughout Sunday as multiple motor vehicle accidents, a vehicle fire, and a medical helicopter transport were reported across Sullivan County, prompting responses from police, local fire departments, and EMS agencies.

Among the incidents:

• In Woodridge, one driver was arrested following a motor vehicle accident on Davos Lane.
• Near the Rock Hill Fire Station on Glen Wild Road, two vehicles overturned and a third sustained heavy damage. Hatzolah treated six patients at the scene.
• A medical helicopter landed at Fallsburg High School to transport a patient experiencing a medical emergency.
• In Fallsburg, an accident occurred directly in front of the Catskills Hatzolah garage on Brickman Road, with Hatzolah volunteers responding immediately.
• A vehicle caught fire on Route 17 just before Exit 113. Hatzolah and New York State Police responded, and one patient was transported to the hospital.
• In South Fallsburg, Fallsburg Police, Fallsburg Fire Department, and Fallsburg EMS responded to a rollover crash on Mitteer Road.
• Another accident occurred at the intersection of Anawana Lake Road and Fraser Road in Monticello, where Hatzolah and the Monticello Fire Department treated patients at the scene.

The string of incidents kept emergency crews constantly on the move throughout the day, highlighting the heavy demand placed on first responders during the busy Catskills summer season. Motorists are urged to remain alert, drive cautiously, and allow extra travel time as roads remain crowded with seasonal traffic.