Congressman Randy Fine, “the Hebrew Hammer,” received a thunderous standing ovation at the RJC Leadership Summit in Las Vegas:

“In the 1930s, there were only two kinds of Jews – those who left, and those who died. Today, both in the State of Israel – and here in the United States – there is a third kind. Those who fight. I am proud to be one of those.”

Congressman @VoteRandyFine, the Hebrew Hammer, received a thunderous standing ovation at the RJC Leadership Summit in Las Vegas:

"In the 1930s, there were only two kinds of Jews – those who left, and those who died.

Today, both in the State of Israel – and here in the United… pic.twitter.com/7i4kn02jo6

— RJC (@RJC) August 31, 2026

By 5 Towns Central Staff

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Aug. 31, 2026) — National political attention has turned toward the annual Republican Jewish Coalition gathering, where senior administration figures and top foreign policy leaders are convening for high-level discussions on defense priorities, Middle East strategy, and domestic alliances.

Vice President JD Vance is slated to address attendees during a closed-door session on Monday. Among other prominent dignitaries participating in the summit are Indiana Senator Jim Banks and Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter. The presence of these officials highlights the deep strategic coordination between congressional leadership, diplomatic envoys, and the executive branch.

According to recent reports, the decision to hold the address outside the presence of the general press corps has drawn significant interest across the political spectrum.

Investigative Journalist Laura Loomer shared the following thoughts: “Vice President JD Vance’s speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition on Monday, August 31st has now been listed as “CLOSED PRESS”.

Also in attendance at JD’s speech will be Jim Banks and Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli Ambassador to the United States. The VP and Senator Banks have consulted with each other on staffing decisions, and they are close friends with many of the same advisors.

It’s great that they are both attending. It’s too bad this speech is now “CLOSED PRESS”.

This is an opportunity for the Vice President to speak directly to Jewish, Evangelical and and pro-Israel Americans and let it be known definitively that he wants to distance himself from the views of the Woke Reich and their isolationist, anti-Israel foreign policy which is not America First. I personally think it’s a good opportunity for the VP if done the right way, and I think he should welcome the press. I’d like to see the media broadcast a powerful speech by the VP in which he condemns Tucker Qatarlson and the Jihadists and Islamic communists who are working hand in hand to destroy our country ahead of November.

Tucker has declared war on the GOP anyway by creating a third party to be the Nazified Ross Perot of 2028. Everyone should condemn him. This would be a defining speech for the Vice President’s political career and it’s a great opportunity if he takes advantage of it.

VP Vance certainly knows how to speak to reporters and answer questions. I hope he welcomes the media. I look forward to his speech.”

By 5 Towns Central Staff

MANHATTAN, NYC (Aug. 31, 2026)

A Jewish man was assaulted Monday near 47th Street and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan in what authorities are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime.

The victim was approached by a man who stole his hat before striking him in the temple while shouting antisemitic and deeply offensive remarks. The suspect then fled the area.

NYPD officers and Manhattan Shomrim responded quickly, and the suspect was later taken into custody.

Although the suspect was released without bail, the case remains active and he is expected to face prosecution for the alleged assault and hate crime charges.

The NYPD Hate Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate the incident. Appreciation was also expressed to the responding officers and Manhattan Shomrim volunteers for assisting the victim and helping bring the suspect into custody.

Antisemitic attacks and harassment have no place in New York City. Anyone who witnesses an incident or becomes a victim of an attack is urged to call 911 and Manhattan Shomrim at 212-430-2024.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, look out for one another and report suspicious or threatening behavior.

[

View this post on Instagram

](https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dcq8VbpRGG4/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)

A post shared by Manhattan Shomrim Safety Patrol (@mssp.shomrim)

By 5 Towns Central Staff

INWOOD, N.Y. (Aug. 31, 2026) — The Fourth Squad reports the arrest of a Far Rockaway man for an incident that occurred on Saturday, August 29th at 9:34 pm in Inwood.

According to Detectives, two 15-year-old males were riding an E-Bike near Bayview Avenue when they were approached by an unknown male subject. The subject brandished a handgun and demanded the victim’s E-Bike.

The victims, in fear for their life, complied and the subject fled the scene on the E-bike. Fourth Precinct officers conducted a thorough investigation and located defendant, L**** S****, 26, of Village Lane and placed him into police custody without incident. A stolen firearm was recovered. No injuries were reported.

The Defendant is charged with Robbery 1st Degree, two counts of Criminal Use of a Firearm 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree and Menacing 2nd Degree.

He was arraigned on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

The Village of Cedarhurst held its 10th annual Car Show today at Andrew J. Parise Park.

The event featured classic cars, muscle cars, vintage vehicles, trucks and custom cars, bringing car enthusiasts together for a fun day in the park.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

RICHMOND HILL, N.Y. (Aug. 30, 2026) — Authorities are reviewing an overnight defacement incident after multiple commercial spaces and professional offices within a Queens shopping plaza were tagged with hostile markings and hate-fueled imagery.

The incident took place late Thursday evening into the early morning hours of Friday at the Lefferts Plaza commercial facility, positioned near the intersection of Hillside Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. Among the impacted locations was a local legal practice, alongside several neighboring storefronts and office suites situated adjacent to a nearby catering venue.

Perpetrators targeted exterior signage, promotional display boards, and property facades throughout the premises. The markings included swastikas, a Star of David, and written slogans referencing genocide, scrawled prominently across advertisements and business entryways. The nature of the symbols left business owners and community members deeply concerned over targeted intimidation in the commercial corridor.

An official determination regarding whether the case will be formally prosecuted as a bias-motivated hate crime remains under assessment as investigators review physical evidence left at the scene. At present, no specific suspects have been publicly identified, and the precise timeline of the overnight vandalism has not yet been established.

Investigators are actively canvassing the commercial strip and reviewing nearby surveillance systems to locate any footage that may have captured the individual or group responsible. Community leaders and law enforcement personnel are urging local residents, business operators, and motorists who traveled near the vicinity of Hillside Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard during the overnight hours to review their security feeds and dashcam recordings. Anyone who observed suspicious activity in the surrounding area is encouraged to reach out to local law enforcement to assist in the ongoing inquiry.

By: Rabbi Shay Tahan

It sounds almost like something from a bizarre movie: a prison surrounded by trenches filled with crocodiles. Yet this is precisely the unusual security proposal being advanced by Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir. The plan calls for Nile crocodiles to be placed in trenches surrounding Ketziot Prison in southern Israel, where Palestinian security prisoners, including detainees from Gaza, are being held. Supporters of the initiative argue that the crocodiles could provide an additional deterrent against escape while reducing the burden on prison guards. The proposal has already moved beyond the realm of a mere idea: trenches have reportedly been dug at the facility, and preparations have been made for a pilot program.

For now, however, the plan has been put on hold. A Jerusalem District Court issued a temporary injunction preventing the transfer of crocodiles to the prison after an animal-welfare organization challenged the government’s authority to implement the project and raised concerns about the welfare of the animals. Thus, in an extraordinary twist, the immediate legal obstacle to the “crocodile prison” has not been the security concerns surrounding the prisoners, but the question of whether the crocodiles themselves may legally be brought to the site.

But this unusual proposal raises an equally unusual halachic question: Is it permissible to bring and maintain wild and dangerous animals in a place where people are present? While the public debate has focused on the security of the prisoners and, somewhat ironically, on the welfare of the reptiles themselves, there is another concern that deserves attention: the safety of the general public. What happens if a crocodile escapes from its enclosure? What if someone accidentally falls into one of the trenches? And more fundamentally, does halachah permit a person to deliberately create a potential source of danger, even when it is intended to serve a legitimate security purpose?

In this article, we will examine the relevant sources in Chazal and the poskim concerning dangerous animals, the obligation to avoid creating situations of danger, and the extent to which one may introduce and maintain inherently dangerous animals in an area where people are present.

The Torah establishes that, under ordinary circumstances, when an animal causes damage, its owner is liable for only half of the damage. Such an animal is considered tam, meaning that it has not yet established a pattern of causing damage. After the animal has caused damage on three occasions and thereby established itself as one that is likely to cause harm, it becomes a mu’ad, and its owner is liable for the full amount of the damage.

The Mishnah (Bava Kamma 15b), however, teaches that this rule does not apply equally to all animals. Certain animals are considered mu’ad from the outset, meaning that their dangerous nature is so well established that they are treated as mu’ad even before they have caused any damage. The Mishnah lists several examples, including the lion, wolf, bear, leopard, and snake. Since these animals are inherently dangerous, they are considered mu’ad from the outset, and their owners are subject to the greater liability associated with a mu’ad.

In light of this principle, one might ask whether a crocodile should likewise be included among the animals that are mu’ad from the outset. A crocodile is a large and inherently dangerous wild animal, capable of causing severe injury or death. Unlike a domesticated animal, it cannot ordinarily be presumed to be harmless simply because it has not previously caused damage.

The discussion, however, goes beyond the question of financial liability. The Maharshal, in his Yam Shel Shlomo, makes a significant point concerning dangerous animals. He writes that, in addition to the owner’s liability for damage caused by such an animal, one is not permitted to bring such wild and dangerous animals into his possession in the first place.

This introduces a second and fundamentally different halachic question. The first concerns liability for damages: if a dangerous animal causes injury or property damage, what responsibility does its owner bear? The second concerns the very act of keeping the animal: is a person permitted to keep a dangerous creature when doing so creates a potential danger to others?

This distinction is particularly relevant to the proposed use of crocodiles at a prison. Even if the crocodiles were to be kept in specially constructed trenches, securely separated from the prisoners and from the general public, and even if their sole purpose were to provide an additional layer of security, the question remains whether halachah permits the deliberate introduction and maintenance of such inherently dangerous animals in an area where human beings are present.

Thus, the issue is not merely what the halachah would require if a crocodile escaped and caused damage. The more fundamental question is whether one may create such a potential danger in the first place.

To explore this question, we must turn to another Mishnah in Bava Kamma (79b), which addresses the question of keeping a potentially dangerous animal. The Mishnah teaches that one may not raise a dog unless it is kept securely chained. The Gemara (83a) further explains that there are circumstances in which a person may keep a dog for security purposes. For example, people who live near the border of enemy territory may keep the dog chained during the day and release it at night while they sleep, allowing it to protect them from potential danger.

From this discussion, we can potentially derive two important principles relevant to our case.

First, the danger posed by an animal may be mitigated when the animal is properly secured and prevented from coming into contact with people. The Gemara’s discussion of a chained dog demonstrates that the mere possession of a potentially dangerous animal does not necessarily constitute a prohibition when adequate precautions are taken to prevent it from causing harm. This could be relevant to the proposed crocodiles, which are intended to remain within specially constructed trenches and away from areas accessible to the public.

Second, the Gemara establishes that there are circumstances in which a dangerous animal may be kept for a legitimate security purpose. The Gemara specifically discusses people living in dangerous areas who are permitted to keep a dog for protection. Accordingly, one might argue that just as a dangerous dog may be kept when it serves to protect people from an external threat, so too a crocodile could potentially be permitted when it serves a security function—such as preventing dangerous terrorists from escaping and potentially causing further harm.

Thus, the proposed use of crocodiles presents two possible grounds for leniency: the animals are intended to be securely contained, and their presence serves a legitimate security purpose.

The Ripstein family is donating a Sefer Torah today, L’iluy nishmas Sol Ripstein A”h.

The procession is taking place this morning on Church Ave in Woodmere and bringing the Torah to the Schwimmer Minyan on Church. Church is blocked off.

Mazel Tov, and may the neshama have an aliyah.

Happening Now: The Ripstein family is donating a Sefer Torah today, L'iluy nishmas Sol Ripstein A"h. The procession is taking place now on Church Ave in Woodmere and bringing the Torah to the Schwimmer Minyan on Church. pic.twitter.com/Oqz8A5MzXm

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) August 30, 2026

Rabbi Daniel Glatstein discusses hachanos for the Yomim Noraim with members of Yeshiva Kinor Dovid. He emphasizes that while the Rambam identifies 13 principles of faith, these can be distilled into three core concepts essential for believing in Hashem and securing divine salvation:

The Existence of Hashem (Mitsiut Hashem): Recognizing the reality of the Creator.
Divine Providence (Hashgacha): Believing that all events are orchestrated by Hashem.
The Truth of the Torah (Torah Min HaShamayim): Understanding that the Torah comes directly from the Almighty.

Rabbi Glatstein explains how Mussaf is built upon these three principles, noting that it contains 1,820 words—the exact number of times Hashem’s name appears in the Torah.

He highlights that the most important intention when hearing the Shofar is to actively fulfill the mitzvah and to yearn for the arrival of Mashiach.

He discusses how maintaining peace and Shalom within a shul or yeshiva is a powerful tool to help bring the ultimate redemption.

The latter portion of the video features a Q&A session where Rabbi Glatstein answers questions from students regarding topics such as the color of an esrog, how to perform teshuva for speech-related aveiros, and his own journey to becoming a Rav.

By 5 Towns Central Staff
**
NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 30, 2026)** — State leadership is moving to reinforce protective measures and bolster safety resources for Jewish institutions and community centers across New York as the High Holiday season approaches.

During an appearance at a Manhattan synagogue on Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that the state is prepared to allocate additional funding and deploy New York State Police personnel to help secure houses of worship throughout the upcoming holiday period. The state executive underscored an ongoing commitment to safeguarding religious sites and ensuring that community members can gather and pray without fear.

The heightened security measures follow an incident earlier this month in which an intruder entered the midtown Manhattan sanctuary during Friday night services, assaulting an attendee and a member of the building’s security team before being apprehended. Following that disturbance, local and state officials emphasized the urgent need to maintain fortified perimeters and visible law enforcement patrols around sensitive communal facilities.

With New York serving as home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, the governor emphasized the administration’s broader duty to confront acts of hatred and bigotry directly, noting that violence against any single group represents an affront to the entire state. The administration indicated that investments in physical security grants, infrastructure hardening, and proactive law enforcement coordination will remain top priorities throughout the autumn holidays and beyond.

The security commitments also arrive amid broader civic discussions regarding leadership stances on antisemitism and municipal governance. State officials have reiterated that local leaders must maintain an unwavering focus on municipal safety and community cohesion, assuring residents that state agencies will remain vigilant and actively coordinate with community leaders to ensure comprehensive protection for congregations throughout the region.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 30, 2026) — A high-level delegation composed of leading Chassidic Rebbes and prominent Roshei Yeshiva is preparing to convene with President Donald J. Trump at the White House later this week. The forthcoming gathering follows extensive coordination to bring together influential rabbinical authorities from across the country for a direct dialogue with the nation’s chief executive.

The anticipated delegation includes prominent figures across major communities, among them the Satmar Rebbes, the Skverer Rebbe, the Bobover Rebbe, the Bobov-45 Rebbe, and the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Monsey. In addition, major leaders from leading yeshivot, including Rabbi Malkiel Kotler of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, are slated to participate in the summit alongside other senior communal leaders.

Participants intend to utilize the session to voice critical priorities impacting religious Jewish communities across the United States and abroad. Community representatives also plan to express their appreciation for ongoing support, religious liberty protections, and federal initiatives that benefit their institutions and families.

During a weekend gathering in Kiryas Yoel, the Satmar Rebbe reflected on the decision to attend the upcoming Thursday summit. While initially hesitant to divert focus from intensive Torah study and the heightened spiritual preparations typical of the current Hebrew calendar month, he ultimately resolved to join the delegation. He explained that high-level civic engagement historically serves as a crucial avenue to advocate for individuals facing hardship and to intervene on pressing global matters, including current conscription pressures confronting yeshiva students in Israel.

The visit is expected to address several pressing concerns regarding institutional autonomy and civil protections, while fostering direct channels of communication between community leadership and federal administration officials.

Great Work: RNSP and NCPD saved a member of the community from being scammed to the tone of $20,000.

Should you ever suspect a scam, call 911 and the 24-hour RNSP Hotline at 516-858-7300.

Gut Vuch & Shavuah Tov to all!

Iran Reportedly Launches Missiles Toward U.S.-Escorted Vessels

Iran has reportedly fired anti-ship cruise missiles from southern Iran toward vessels traveling under U.S. protection through the U.S.-backed southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz, according to multiple preliminary reports.

The activity comes as significant U.S. military operations are being reported over the strategic waterway. At least five U.S. Air Force KC-135 and KC-46A aerial refueling tankers, along with two Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, have reportedly been operating in the area.

Israeli Forces Eliminate Hamas Operatives in Jenin and Gaza

An Israeli Air Force strike in the Jenin area killed Hamas operative Qais Bitawi and two associates on Friday in a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation based on intelligence gathered by the security agency.

Israeli officials said Bitawi was a senior Hamas figure in the Jenin refugee camp who had been involved in organizing, financing and directing attacks against Israeli civilians and security personnel. He was also accused of maintaining connections with Hamas leadership in Gaza and abroad.

The operation was launched after Israeli forces located Bitawi. He and two other suspects were struck shortly after leaving a vehicle near a building. Weapons were subsequently discovered inside the vehicle.

Bitawi was reportedly related to Nour Bitawi, a former commander of the Jenin terrorist network who was killed by Israeli forces in May 2025.

In Gaza, the IDF said it struck a Hamas military commander in Deir al-Balah who had been working to rebuild the group’s capabilities and advance attacks against Israeli troops and civilians, despite the ceasefire.

The commander was reportedly operating from the grounds of Shuhada Al-Aqsa Hospital. The IDF accused Hamas of continuing to use medical facilities and other humanitarian infrastructure for military activity.

Israeli officials said medical authorities in Gaza had been warned on August 27 that terrorist activity from medical facilities would prompt military action.

Additional IDF strikes reportedly killed Hamas figures Hani Abd al-Hai Fakhri Mazloum, a Nukba company commander, and Hassan Zidan Hassan Deiri, a sniper. The two were also accused of supplying and trafficking weapons for Hamas and continuing efforts to rebuild its military capabilities.

Another Hamas commander, Ibrahim Nabil Ibrahim Bass, was killed in the Al-Shati area. The IDF said Bass had previously infiltrated Israel and participated in the October 7 massacre.

In a separate operation in the Sabra area, Israeli forces killed Hamdi Ahmad Hamid Kahlil, an observation platoon commander for Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The IDF said both Bass and Kahlil had continued efforts to restore terrorist capabilities and facilitate attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.

U.S. Reportedly Preparing to End Military Aid to Kurdish Peshmerga

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to end U.S. military assistance to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Peshmerga forces when the current agreement expires September 30, according to the BBC.

The potential policy shift could mark a significant change in Washington’s military relationship with Kurdish forces that have played an important role in combating ISIS.

Ben-Gvir Challenges Netanyahu Over Reported Political Merger Talks

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly confronted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over reports that Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich and Moshe Feiglin are discussing a possible political merger.

Ben-Gvir questioned whether Netanyahu and Smotrich had deliberately promoted calls for unity with his party as a tactic to pressure Feiglin during the negotiations.

“It’s one thing to boycott events I attend,” Ben-Gvir said, questioning whether the public unity push was simply a political maneuver. He ended his criticism with a pointed reminder: “My name is Itamar Ben-Gvir, not Benny Gantz.”

Political analyst Amit Segal said the dispute represents an escalation within Netanyahu’s political bloc. Segal also reported that Netanyahu was not aware of or involved in the Smotrich-Feiglin negotiations, raising questions about the prime minister’s influence over the parties that make up his coalition.

Israeli Political Alliances Continue to Shift

Meanwhile, tensions surrounding the political debate over the E1 area have become part of a broader dispute between Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot. One argument being raised is that politicians who oppose the creation of a Palestinian state should support Israeli construction in E1.

Separately, former UN ambassador Gilad Erdan and Benny Gantz have met as discussions over a potential political merger reportedly move forward, with negotiations expected to accelerate in the coming days.

Besuros Tovos!

By 5 Towns Central Staff
**
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (Aug. 28, 2026)**

A group of Gedolim, including Harav Moshe Sternbuch, Harav Shmuel Brandsdorfer, Harav Avraham Yitzchak Ulman and Harav Yehoshua Rosenberger, have issued a public p’sak prohibiting the use of musical instruments during davening.

The ruling specifically addresses the use of instruments during Hallel on Rosh Chodesh and Chol Hamoed, as well as during Selichos.

The rabbanim write that the recent practice of bringing musical accompaniment into shuls and batei medrash is contrary to the established mesorah and echoes a practice that the Chasam Sofer and his talmidim previously opposed. They state that introducing such changes into the traditional order of tefillah falls under the prohibition of “chukas hagoyim.”

According to the proclamation, the prohibition applies to all involved, including the musicians, gabbaim and those participating in the tefillah. The rabbanim further state that the prohibition remains applicable even when the musical accompaniment is intended for kiruv or fundraising purposes.

**
**

By 5 Towns Central Staff
**
NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 28, 2026)**

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, accusing it of refusing to comply with a new state law restricting local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Rensselaer County Supreme Court, asks a judge to force Sheriff Kyle Bourgault’s office to terminate its agreement with ICE.

James said local law enforcement agencies are required to follow state law and accused the sheriff’s office of continuing to defy the new restrictions despite being given opportunities to comply.

Bourgault, however, argues that ending the agreement could undermine public safety. He has vowed to continue fighting for the sheriff’s authority to make local decisions and use what he considers lawful tools to protect residents.

The law, which took effect Tuesday, prohibits local police and sheriff’s departments from entering agreements with ICE to assist with federal civil immigration enforcement. Supporters say such arrangements damage trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement and divert resources away from local public safety.

Rensselaer County is among more than a dozen sheriff’s offices challenging the law in federal court. The sheriffs argue that Albany overstepped its authority by restricting independently elected local officials from entering federally authorized agreements.

The dispute has intensified tensions between Gov. Kathy Hochul and law enforcement officials opposed to the measure. Hochul has warned that agencies refusing to comply could face legal action, while James and Hochul have dismissed the sheriffs’ federal lawsuit as without merit.

The federal government has also challenged the law. The Justice Department filed its own lawsuit in June seeking to block the restrictions, but a judge declined to issue an injunction, allowing the law to take effect.

Of the 12 local law enforcement agencies that previously maintained ICE agreements, 11 have informed the attorney general that they intend to comply with the new requirements. Rensselaer County remains the major holdout as its separate federal lawsuit seeking to overturn the law moves forward.

By 5 Towns Central Staff
**
NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 28, 2026)**

New York state health regulators have advanced the proposed takeover of Brooklyn’s Maimonides Medical Center by NYC Health + Hospitals, despite significant opposition from residents and community leaders.

The move is another step toward bringing the financially troubled 711-bed hospital into the city’s public health system. The proposal has been under intense scrutiny, including at City Council hearings, where lawmakers and community members raised concerns about the hospital’s future and its role in the surrounding community.

Supporters argue that joining NYC Health + Hospitals could strengthen Maimonides financially, particularly through improved reimbursement from government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, while allowing the hospital to maintain its specialty services. The city has also pledged to preserve kosher food and Jewish religious accommodations.

Opponents, however, remain deeply concerned about the long-term impact of the deal and whether commitments made today will be maintained by future administrations.

The merger has already faced legal challenges. In May, an Albany County judge ruled that the state had not properly completed the required review process and sent the matter back for further proceedings.

The latest regulatory action moves the transaction forward, but it does not end the legal and political fight. Community opponents say they intend to continue challenging the merger and fighting over the future of one of Brooklyn’s most prominent hospitals.

Earlier Today @AMLesterChangNY and I, along with over a dozen local community activists, testified on behalf of our communities at the Public Health and Health Planning Council’s hearing on the proposal to give away Maimonides Medical Center, our neighborhood non-profit hospital,… pic.twitter.com/Q1JziZx4hP

— Simcha Eichenstein (@SEichenstein) August 28, 2026

By 5 Towns Central Staff
**
NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 28, 2026)**

The FAA is taking steps to fire two air traffic controllers who allegedly left their shifts early on the night of the deadly March collision at LaGuardia Airport, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The controllers reportedly clocked out about an hour before their scheduled shifts ended. While leaving early—known among controllers as an “early shove”—can occur amid severe staffing shortages and demanding six-day workweeks, doing so without authorization is considered timecard fraud.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA will hold employees accountable when misconduct puts additional pressure on other controllers or potentially affects air traffic operations.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association said it is working with FAA leadership regarding the matter.

The March 23 collision between an aircraft and a fire truck killed both pilots, injured dozens of people and forced LaGuardia to shut down for more than 12 hours.

A preliminary NTSB investigation found that one controller was managing both ground and air traffic that night, despite those responsibilities typically being handled separately. Following a similar deadly accident at LaGuardia in 1997, controllers were instructed not to combine the positions before midnight.

However, investigators noted that the other controller working in the tower at the time was dealing with a separate emergency involving another aircraft that had landed with smoke inside the cockpit.

The FAA investigation into the controllers’ conduct comes as questions continue to focus on staffing levels and operational procedures at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

By 5 Towns Central Staff
**
NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 28, 2026)**

New York is set to add its first new nuclear reactor in nearly four decades as the state faces growing electricity demand and some of the nation’s highest energy costs.

The reactor is planned for Fort Drum in northern New York as part of the Army’s Project Janus initiative to develop small nuclear reactors at military installations. Westinghouse has been selected for the roughly $2.2 billion project, which is expected to be operational within five years.

The Army plans to eventually develop about 20 microreactors at bases across the country, with private companies operating the facilities.

The move marks a shift in New York’s energy strategy following years of efforts to transition away from nuclear power and toward renewable energy. The state’s closure of Indian Point in 2021 has also been cited by critics as contributing to higher electricity costs and increased pressure on the power grid.

With New Yorkers now facing among the highest utility costs nationwide and electricity demand continuing to rise, state officials are placing renewed emphasis on nuclear power as a source of reliable generation.

Supporters of the Fort Drum project say it could attract additional nuclear investment to the region, create jobs and help advance microreactor technology for commercial use.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has pointed to nuclear energy as an increasingly important part of her energy strategy, saying the Fort Drum project could strengthen reliability, reduce costs and provide new economic opportunities.

Energy prices have also emerged as an issue in the 2026 gubernatorial race between Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.

Meanwhile, Rep. Mike Lawler has continued advocating for the possible reopening of the shuttered Indian Point facility in Westchester County, arguing that restoring nuclear generation could help address New York’s electricity costs.

Renowned Chasidic singer Beri Weber, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Kochvei Ohr, a yeshiva located in Monsey, blowing Tekiyos to awaken his beloved Talmidim in Elul!

די ראש ישיבה ביים אויפוועקן די דארמיטארי בחורים אין חודש אלול pic.twitter.com/gHCVON2j3e

— Hasidic (@hasidic_1) August 27, 2026

Mi Kiamcha!

(This is a yearnpost) pic.twitter.com/z8LCOsbqY6

— Chabadnik (@ChabadZoomer) August 27, 2026

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 27, 2026) — A wave of intense thunderstorms capable of producing torrential downpours and localized flash flooding is forecasted across the metropolitan region, with hazardous conditions anticipated from midday through late tonight. The primary window of concern begins around noon and extends through 11:00 p.m., bringing the potential for rapid water accumulation on roadways, low-lying areas, and transit routes during the evening commute.

Atmospheric conditions across the tri-state corridor remain heavily saturated, creating an environment ripe for slow-moving cells that can dump significant rainfall over short periods. Urban drainage networks, basements, and standard trouble spots along highways are particularly susceptible to rapid inundation. In addition to widespread standing water, the strongest thunderstorm activity could generate sudden wind gusts strong enough to bring down tree limbs and disrupt utility service in localized neighborhoods.

Emergency management personnel encourage residents, commuters, and property owners to prepare ahead of the storm window. Drivers are advised to build extra travel time into afternoon and evening routines, avoid parking in known flood-prone locations, and never attempt to navigate vehicles through water-covered streets where depths can be deceiving. Homeowners in vulnerable spots should clear exterior storm drains, secure outdoor patio furniture, and monitor sump pumps. Transit riders should also remain alert for possible delays or service adjustments on regional train and subway lines should track areas experience temporary runoff issues. Conditions are expected to gradually stabilize late tonight as the storm front shifts offshore.

⚠️ NYC is under a Travel Advisory today, with a Flood Watch in effect from noon through 11 PM.

🌧️ Periods of heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening. Some storms could produce torrential downpours, localized flash flooding and damaging wind…

— NYC Emergency Management (@nycemergencymgt) August 27, 2026

.@NWSNewYorkNY Flash Flood Warning for Staten Island: Until 3:30 PM on 8/27. Heavy rain of 1 to 2 inches will cause flooding of highways & streets. Do not drive or walk where water covers the roadway. Move to higher ground, or, if in a basement, move to a higher floor. Info:… pic.twitter.com/K8Q0xm6P5L

— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) August 27, 2026

By: R’ Binyamin Silver

As our communal attention turns toward the approaching Yomim Noraim, we begin the important process of reflecting upon the past while looking inward, seeking to elevate and enhance our spiritual selves. It is not an easy process, but it is an extraordinarily rewarding one. Rising above the demands and distractions of our daily material existence requires effort. It requires perspective, focus, and a willingness to see beyond the immediacy of the world around us. And often, that perspective is awakened by moments of external inspiration through experiences that allow us to see familiar ideas with renewed clarity and depth.

To my great fortune, I recently had the privilege of participating in an unforgettable mission to Eretz Yisroel, an experience that provided precisely that type of inspiration.

The mission was organized by the Rabbinical Council of America in conjunction with World Mizrachi. The theme of the mission was לחזק ולהתחזק—to strengthen and to be strengthened. While I cannot honestly assess how much chizuk I was able to provide, if any, I can say without hesitation that I returned immeasurably strengthened.

Living in the United States, we follow events in Eretz Yisroel closely. We read the news, listen to interviews, and speak regularly with friends and family who live there. We know the facts so well that each one of us has become an armchair military expert and is secretly considering running as the next prime minister. Yet looking from afar is not the same as experiencing its reality. Attempting to engage with Eretz Yisroel from thousands of miles away is akin to trying to discern an image through a fogged and cracked window. A vague outline is apparent, but without detail or nuance.

Over the course of approximately forty-eight hours, I encountered an extraordinary cross-section of Israeli society. We met Nova Festival survivors, a former October 7th hostage, bereaved families, Roshei Yeshiva of Yeshivat Hesder Kiryat Shmoneh, students of the Yeshiva, reservists, wounded soldiers, Druze public servants, volunteers, and countless ordinary Israelis quietly performing extraordinary acts of kindness. We met Jews who represented virtually every segment of Israeli society and every level of religious observance. While forty-eight hours hardly qualifies one as an expert on a country as complex as Eretz Yisroel, it is sufficient to capture some of the energy that is pervasive among these holy people.

As I reflected upon the experience after returning home, I found myself returning repeatedly to three characteristics that were consistently evident in the people we encountered. They possessed an extraordinary sense of mission, a profound and deeply personal Emunah, and a resilience that can only be described as remarkable. While I certainly can’t capture the entire trip in these limited lines, it is my hope that by sharing some of my experiences, a small measure of the inspiration I experienced can inspire others as well.
**
A Sense of Mission**

Perhaps the characteristic that left the strongest impression upon me was the focused sense of mission that permeated virtually every encounter.

One of our first stops was the small community of Shtula, situated on the Israeli-Lebanese border. As we sat listening to some of the locals, our conversation was interrupted every few minutes by the unmistakable sound of explosions echoing in the distance. Although a ceasefire has officially taken effect, it was apparent that the reality on the ground is considerably more complicated.

One of the presenters had just recently moved to Shtula from the Golan Heights. At one point, considering the consistent shaking of the benches we were sitting on due to the nonstop explosions every few minutes from the other side of the border, I asked him what seemed to be the obvious question, “Why did you move here?” His answer consisted of only three words. “It was necessary.” He did not speak of idealism, heroism, or even sacrifice. There was simply an understanding that if Klal Yisroelrequires Jews to live in that part of Eretz Yisroel, then that was where he belonged.

His short answer contained an entire philosophy of life, frankly, one that I envy: the deep-seated notion of living life with purpose and the willingness to relentlessly pursue that purpose regardless of consequence. I have much to aspire to.

That same attitude surfaced repeatedly throughout our conversations with reservists we met later that evening on a small outpost army base on the border. These were not career soldiers. They were accountants, engineers, physicians, business owners, and fathers who had left behind their families and livelihoods to answer yet another call to miluim. Many of the individuals with whom we spoke were no longer required to serve and were there on a completely voluntary basis. One had received a medical exemption. Another had already aged out of reserve duty. Yet both had volunteered out of a sense of mission-driven duty to protect Am Yisroel. The matter-of-fact nature with which they described taking leave of their jobs and families to defend Am Yisroel was both inspiring and humbling. These individuals are living life as an answer to a higher calling. Far from being entrenched in creature comforts, their life choices reflect a keen focus on values that truly matter.

There were lighter moments as well. Through the wonderful organization of Grilling for the IDF, our group provided the requisite BBQ to the soldiers stationed at the base to show our hakaras hatov and, of course, snap the perfect picture for the folks back home. Following the meal, several of the soldiers sat around a backgammon board under a camouflage net designed to shield the base from Hezbollah drone detection, while other soldiers relaxed nearby. In the corner, a large TV had been hastily attached to the concrete shelter wall. It was a scene straight out of every military movie I have ever seen. Attempting to make light conversation, I remarked sarcastically, “It’s just like being at home.” One of the soldiers laughed. “It’s much better than home,” he replied. “Here I don’t have four kids screaming in my ear!”

That same mission-driven sense was pervasive during our visit to Yeshivat Hesder Kiryat Shmoneh. Five precious talmidim of the yeshiva have fallen in battle since the outbreak of the war, and at present nearly two-thirds of its three hundred students are serving in miluim. Those statistics are sobering enough, but they reveal only part of the story.

Over a surprisingly good breakfast served in the Ezras Nashim of the yeshiva, I had the opportunity to converse with some of the talmidim of the Yeshiva. One of the talmidim told me that he had been drafted into the Israeli Navy and had been stationed on a boat patrolling the Gaza coast. He then remarked that four days after completing an extended period of military service, he returned to the Beis Medrash in Kiryat Shmoneh. Curious, I asked him how he was able to transition so quickly from the battlefield back to learning Torah. After months in combat, I imagine that a person would need some time to recover and refocus. He looked at me with genuine surprise. “How could I not immediately return to the Bais Medrash? This is what I am fighting for!” His military service and learning are not competing elements; rather, they are both components of the same mission, ensuring a vibrant Am Yisroel on Admas Ha’kodesh.

Following breakfast, standing on the mirpeset of the Yeshiva overlooking the Chermon, Rav Barkai, one of the two Roshei Yeshiva, pointed toward the distant hills and explained that one of Yehoshua ben Nun’s battles during the conquest of Eretz Yisroel had taken place in that vicinity. He then remarked that his own son’s unit is presently stationed nearby and that he often reminds his son that he is continuing the very mission that Yehoshua began more than three thousand years ago. In the United States, we study Tanach as a historical record. In Eretz Yisroel, Tanach is a living and breathing document. To them, the wars of Yehoshua were not merely historical events; rather, they represent the opening chapter of a story that continues to unfold today. His son’s military service is simply the next chapter in that book.

Emunah

We had the great privilege of visiting Beit Binyamin in Tzfat. A retreat home in the hills of Tzfat, built in memory of Binyamin Meir Airley hy”d. A place where soldiers, survivors, and grieving families can come to breathe again. We were welcomed by Binyamin’s parents, Jen and Rob, two beacons of emunah who exemplify what it means to cling to faith in times of difficulty.

After hearing their inspiring story and about the incredible programming they run in Beit Binyamin, we were treated to a tremendous spread on the rooftop overlooking Meron and the Arizal’s mikvah. Over lunch, we heard from a diverse cast of characters, each of whom exemplified a truly unique and meaningful faith in Hashem. Avishag and Shimon, a young Israeli couple who survived the Nova festival, related how grateful they were to stay in Beit Binyamin. They dressed as secular Israelis—the full costume: ponytail, tattoos, earrings, etc.—but peppered their remarks about being spared at the Nova festival with so many exclamations of emunah that one could have confused them for seminary girls.

The haunting words of Yitzchak Avinu upon giving the brachos to Yaakov Avinu came to mind: “הקול קול יעקב והידים ידי עשיו.” “Reb Moshe Shapiro ZT”L elaborated on those words and explained that Yitzchak Avinu wasn’t merely observing; rather, he was defining a new reality for his descendants. No longer was the Jew to be an angelic-esque, ivory-towered being existing only in the spiritual realm. Henceforth, the Jew was to be engaged in the world, cloaked in the trappings of materialism, והידים ידי עשיו, but with a spiritual center unique to the soul of God’s chosen people, הקול קול יעקב. A far more spiritual reading of the time-tested adage: don’t judge a book by its cover.

As I continued to ponder this pasuk, we had the privilege of hearing from a remarkable Tzfat local, Tehilla Dolinsky, who told us of her proof that she has a personal relationship with Tzion. To properly appreciate the story, I must briefly paint the picture. She was wearing a flowing white, almost wedding-like dress with a matching white kerchief covering her hair to complete the outfit. To be sure, it was a Wednesday in the middle of the summer. Her husband wore jeans and long peyos. In other words, a typical Five Towns couple.

She began her tale by describing the anguish of watching her husband repeatedly leave home for miluim, the internal struggle, the strain on the family, and the hardship to her children that accompanied each departure. At one point, she said she had had it and told her husband that he could not go back. Period. Upon reaching an impasse, they agreed to consult the family Rav, who, to her chagrin, felt that her husband should return to miluim despite the difficulty.

She described to us how she left the meeting with the Rav in tears and turned to the Ribbono Shel Olam in heartfelt tefillah. “Tzion,” she pleaded, “I have sacrificed so much for You. If this is truly a relationship, then show me that You care for me as well.” Only moments later, her husband received a telephone call from his commanding officer informing him that circumstances had changed and that his unit would no longer be deploying. Here, she paused and confidently stated to us, “You see? I have a real relationship with Tzion!” While I suspect that this can only occur in Tzfat, her faith was palpable and contagious.

We also had the opportunity to hear the inspiring tale of Shlomi Ziv. Shlomi was one of four hostages rescued from Gaza on June 8, 2024, in a daring operation carried out jointly by the Shin Bet, the IDF, and the Border Police’s elite Yamam counterterrorism unit. The rescue came at a tremendous cost. Yamam officer and team leader Arnon Zamora was killed during the mission, which was subsequently named in his honor—Mivtza Arnon.

Shlomi spoke to us for more than an hour. Interestingly, he began his story not with October 7, but years earlier, with a traumatic incident during his military service that left him suffering from severe PTSD. He described the difficult process of confronting that trauma through years of therapy, learning to understand it, and developing the tools necessary to live with it. Years later, on October 7, he was working as part of the security team at the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im when he was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. He would spend the next 246 days in captivity, much of that time alongside fellow hostages Almog Meir Jan and Andrey Kozlov.

As he described those seemingly endless and impossible months, He returned to the trauma he had experienced years earlier. Remarkably, he told us that he believed the very experience that had caused him so much pain ultimately helped prepare him to survive captivity. Having already confronted severe PTSD, he had learned how his mind responded to trauma and had developed tools to cope with fear, uncertainty, and emotional distress. Those tools, he explained, became invaluable during his 246 days as a hostage.

Shlomi himself described this as the remarkable Yad Hashem that he could only appreciate in retrospect. An experience that for years had represented one of the most painful chapters of his life had, without his realizing it, prepared him for an ordeal he could never have imagined. The trauma had not ceased to be painful, but he could now see something hidden within it: the tools he would one day need to survive. What had once seemed only a source of suffering had become, in his eyes, an extraordinary example of the hidden Yad Hashem guiding his life.

Resilience

The final impression that has remained with me is one that, in many respects, encompasses the previous two. If a sense of mission explains why people continue to serve, and Emunah explains how they understand the sacrifices they are called upon to make, resilience explains how they continue to shoulder those burdens each and every day.

There is a tendency to equate resilience with toughness. We imagine individuals who somehow become immune to pain, capable of absorbing hardship without being affected by it. That was not what we encountered. On the contrary, the people whom we met spoke openly about their fears, disappointments, exhaustion, and grief. They did not deny the emotional toll that the war has taken upon them, nor did they pretend that the sacrifices demanded of them had somehow become easier with time.

Their resilience lay elsewhere. It was found in their remarkable ability to continue despite those burdens.

One of the individuals who embodied that quality perhaps more than anyone else we encountered was Nattalie from Shtula. We spent an afternoon with Nattalie in a newly installed shaded seating area adjacent to the On the Border Café, directly across from the colorful mural painted along the concrete border wall. It is a beautiful little corner of a community that has endured an extraordinary amount.

More than two and a half years of Hezbollah bombardment damaged or destroyed approximately 64% of Shtula’s buildings, 80% of which have since been repaired over the past year. Just a ten-minute drive from the café brings visitors to a sharp bend in the road, the precise spot where, on July 12, 2006, Hezbollah terrorists killed and seized the bodies of Israeli reservists Ehud Goldwasser hy”d and Eldad Regev hy”d. Three other soldiers were killed in the attack, and five more IDF soldiers were killed shortly thereafter in a failed rescue attempt, events that triggered the Second Lebanon War. Today, Shtula is home to just 197 residents, with the nearest supermarket roughly a 25-minute drive away.

Originally from Argentina, Nattalie has lived in Eretz Yisroel for decades and has become one of the driving forces behind this small border community. Her energy is infectious, her optimism genuine, and her commitment to her community unwavering. After spending even a short amount of time with her, one almost instinctively understands why Shtula has endured.

She introduced us to another woman, the community manager of Shtula, who carries herself with the same remarkable passion, bravery, and determination. Both women echoed essentially the same message: Yes, it is difficult to live here. Yes, there are risks and hardships that most of us can scarcely imagine. But living here matters. This community matters. And we will carry on. No enemy will determine whether we remain in our homes or whether this community continues to exist. As I listened to them speak, I thought to myself, perhaps Hezbollah had simply underestimated the women of the North.

The lesson of resilience was perhaps illustrated most poignantly in a conversation I had with the commander of the military outpost we visited.

The Av HaBasis spoke candidly about one of the greatest challenges confronting reservists. Popular discussion often focuses on the transition from civilian life to the battlefield. Far less attention is paid to the reverse transition, which in many ways can be even more difficult.

One week a person is responsible for commanding soldiers under combat conditions. The next week he is expected to return home and resume the role of husband and father as though nothing has happened. He explained that these transitions are often extraordinarily difficult.

Then he shared a story. After returning home from an extended period of miluim, he was preparing to leave the house with one of his young sons. The child was moving slowly and, almost instinctively, he barked an order in the same commanding tone he had grown accustomed to using with the soldiers under his command. His son immediately burst into tears, ran back into the house, threw his arms around his mother, and cried, “אני רוצה שאבא יחזור לשדה.” “I want Abba to go back to the battlefield). He told me that hearing those words from his son was devastating. It was a painful reminder that returning home from the battlefield did not necessarily mean that the battlefield had left him. And yet, he continued to move forward. Resilience.

A Closing Thought

My final thought brings us back to Rav Barkai, of Yeshivat Hesder Kiryat Shmoneh. He noted that the Yeshiva is studying Maseches Sukkah and posed a simple question on one of its famous passages.

Citing the teaching of Chazal, “כל מי שלא ראה שמחת בית השואבה לא ראה שמחה מימיו” ,he asked:
Why Chazal emphasize one who did not see the Simchas Beis HaSho’eivah? Shouldn’t the emphasis be on one who did not participate in the simcha?

He answered that there existed a dimension of simchah that permeated the Beis HaMikdash itself. Merely witnessing it transformed a person. One did not have to dance. One did not have to sing. The joy itself radiated outward from the place where the Shechinah resides.

Perhaps that is the secret. Simply being present in Eretz Yisroel enables one to experience Emunah on a deeper level. Maybe that is what we were witnessing, something that cannot quite be replicated elsewhere. Certainly, circumstances played a role, but it seemed that, at the very least, there was an element of nature in addition to nurture.

I returned home strengthened in the knowledge that my people have an unwavering sense of mission, profound emunah, and extraordinary resilience. These were not qualities I had merely heard or read about; I had seen them firsthand, lived by ordinary people confronting extraordinary circumstances. אינו דומה שמיעה לראיה. I gained a renewed appreciation not only for the strength of Am Yisrael, but for the privilege of belonging to it.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK (August 27, 2026)

New York’s Amish community is taking its battle against the state’s school vaccine requirements back to the Supreme Court, with community members warning they could leave New York if they are ultimately forced to comply.

The legal dispute began after New York eliminated religious exemptions for school vaccination requirements in 2019. Amish families and schools have challenged the policy, arguing that mandatory vaccination conflicts with their religious beliefs and way of life.

The state has also imposed $2,000 fines on Amish schools that refuse to comply. Three schools involved in the lawsuit have accumulated approximately $118,000 in penalties, while attorneys say similar fines could potentially apply to Amish schools across the state.

Attorney Hiram Sasser described the case as a significant test of religious freedom, while fellow attorney Aaron Siri said the Amish could face the loss of their property if the fines continue to mount.

The Supreme Court previously sent the case back to the 2nd Circuit, which again ruled against the Amish. Their attorneys are expected to ask the Supreme Court to take up the case once more.

The Amish generally avoid litigation and reject many modern medical practices, with plaintiff Ezra Wengerd saying the vaccination requirements conflict with his community’s religious convictions and reliance on God.

Amish plaintiffs have successfully challenged government requirements in other states, including cases involving photo identification, buggy safety regulations and building codes.

Legal experts caution, however, that the current case faces significant hurdles. Wayne State law professor Christopher Lund noted that the 2nd Circuit has rejected multiple religious challenges to vaccine mandates and that the Supreme Court has historically been reluctant to intervene in such disputes.

The New York Health Department maintains that vaccination requirements are necessary to protect public health and must be applied consistently.

The Department of Health and Human Services, meanwhile, has pointed to President Trump’s recent executive order emphasizing parental choice and religious freedom in childhood vaccination decisions. HHS said Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s department will work to protect parents’ ability to make healthcare decisions consistent with their beliefs.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK (August 27, 2026)

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman says the county will comply with New York’s newly enacted restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while simultaneously joining a federal lawsuit challenging the law.

Blakeman announced the decision Wednesday, one day after legislation signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul took effect. The measure prohibits local governments from maintaining formal cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and places additional limits on local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration officials.

Blakeman, a Republican candidate for governor who is challenging Hochul in November, said Nassau’s attorneys examined potential avenues for avoiding the new requirements but ultimately determined that the county was legally obligated to comply.

“I am a law and order county executive,” Blakeman said, while describing the new law as harmful and dangerous. He said Nassau would follow the law’s requirements but indicated that the county would continue communicating with ICE in ways permitted under the new rules.

The county executive also announced plans for Nassau to join a federal lawsuit brought by sheriffs from 15 other New York counties. The lawsuit argues that the state law is unconstitutional and improperly limits local officials’ ability to make decisions concerning public safety.

Rensselaer County remains the only municipality that has not yet complied with the state’s directive to terminate its ICE agreement, according to Blakeman. The county is led by Executive Steve McLaughlin and Sheriff Kyle Bourgault.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman says the county will comply with a new state law banning local partnership agreements with ICE, despite strongly opposing the measure.

The announcement came one day after the state attorney general issued subpoenas to Nassau’s police and… pic.twitter.com/JHlo1HqNQH

— Newsday (@Newsday) August 26, 2026

The announcement came after Hochul warned Nassau and other jurisdictions that resisted the new law that the state could pursue legal action against them. Hochul defended the legislation as a measure intended to protect residents’ rights and allow local police to focus on enforcing state and local laws.

Blakeman strongly criticized the policy, warning that he believes restricting cooperation with federal immigration authorities could contribute to increased crime, drug overdoses and disorder. He said responsibility for any serious crimes committed by illegal immigrants would ultimately rest with Hochul and state Democratic leaders.

The law was enacted amid intense debate over the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. In addition to ending formal local agreements with ICE, the legislation restricts certain forms of informal cooperation between local police departments and federal immigration authorities.

Hochul spokesperson Alexia Nizhny said local governments cannot selectively decide which state laws to follow, arguing that compliance would safeguard residents’ rights, allow police to concentrate on local public safety matters and strengthen communities.

Kathy Hochul prohibits our local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE, putting radical politics above public safety. Police officers and corrections officers are telling me the same thing: they feel abandoned by her. Hochul even fired 2,000 corrections officers for… pic.twitter.com/0OTNru1lui

— Bruce Blakeman (@NassauExec) August 27, 2026

By 5 Towns Central Staff

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL (August 27, 2026)

Yair Netanyahu, the son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has filed a formal complaint with Israel’s Police Commissioner, Shin Bet chief and Attorney General, alleging that Iranian operatives attempted to target him at his residence in Miami.

According to the complaint, Shin Bet personnel assigned to protect Netanyahu encountered what was described as an “Iranian terrorist squad” outside the entrance to his Miami home. The letter claims the situation was resolved only through the guards’ rapid response, describing the incident as a narrowly avoided national catastrophe.

Netanyahu is also calling for a criminal and security investigation into Haaretz journalist Ori Misgav, accusing him of repeatedly publishing sensitive information about his whereabouts and security arrangements.

The complaint alleges that Misgav’s social media posts revealed Netanyahu’s Miami address, apartment and floor number, as well as details about his daily movements and personal protection. Netanyahu’s attorney, Uriel Nizri, claims the information ultimately reached hostile actors and created a potential blueprint for targeting him.

The complaint further alleges that Misgav disclosed information concerning Shin Bet Unit 730, including the number of personnel assigned to Netanyahu and details about the rotation of his security team. It claims that two guards accompany Netanyahu at a time and are replaced every two weeks by another team traveling from Israel, with alleged details about their flights and schedules also made public.

Nizri described the alleged disclosures as a “systematic, consistent and ongoing” campaign that exposed security vulnerabilities and effectively provided an operational “road map” to an enemy.

The complaint asks authorities to investigate potential offenses including aiding an enemy during wartime, providing information that could endanger state security, compromising the protection of a guarded individual and violating Netanyahu’s privacy through alleged surveillance and publication of personal information.

Nizri is also calling for the prosecution of anyone allegedly involved, including accomplices, individuals who may have ordered the activity and those who knowingly allowed it to continue.

The complaint requests that Yair Netanyahu be formally recognized as a victim of crime and receive updates regarding the investigation, including any arrests, charging decisions or decision to close the case. His attorney also asked for the identity and contact information of the lead investigator so Netanyahu can provide additional evidence he says is in his possession.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK (August 27, 2026)

The city is giving property owners more time to respond to New York City’s new second-home tax as a legal fight over the controversial policy continues in court.

In a recent filing with Manhattan Supreme Court, the city said it has determined that 1,210 property owners initially flagged as potentially subject to the tax have established that the properties are their primary residences. Another 2,892 owners have had their appeals approved, while 2,652 cases are still being reviewed.

The city had previously notified roughly 10,800 property owners based on information from the prior tax year. Officials have now pushed the deadline for homeowners to submit residency documentation to October 6, marking the second extension since the program was introduced.

City attorneys defended the verification process, acknowledging that proving residency can be burdensome but arguing that the requirement itself does not make the tax unlawful.

The surcharge is a major component of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s campaign to increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers. Under the policy, eligible one- to three-family second homes valued above $5 million face a 4% surcharge, while certain co-ops and condominiums valued at more than $1 million are also covered.

Property owners challenging the policy argue that the city mishandled its rollout after releasing a list containing nearly 1 million properties that could potentially have been affected, creating widespread confusion and alarm. City officials estimate that approximately 17,000 properties could ultimately be subject to the surcharge.

A judge initially issued a temporary block on the tax earlier this month, but that order was subsequently lifted following an appeal by the city. Oral arguments in the case are expected Monday in Manhattan.

Despite the ongoing litigation and the city’s review of thousands of properties, the Mamdani administration continues to project that the tax could generate more than $500 million annually, which officials say would help address budget shortfalls and finance the mayor’s policy priorities.

Randy Mastro, an attorney representing the property owners, characterized the latest filing as evidence of a major administrative failure. He argued that the city improperly required thousands of homeowners to prove they reside in their own properties instead of determining eligibility before sending out notices.

President Donald Trump has also criticized the measure, calling it a “dangerous political experiment” and saying he is considering whether the federal government could take steps to prevent it from being implemented.

NEW YORK, NY – August 26, 2026 – The Orthodox Union (OU) today announced the appointment of Rabbi Shmuel Silber to the role of executive vice president. Rabbi Silber will assume his new role as of November 2nd. As the executive vice president, Rabbi Silber will be responsible for representing the OU’s vision on both Torah and public policy and providing hashkafic and halachic guidance within the organization and beyond. The Baltimore rabbi succeeds Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, who passed away last Shemini Atzeret. In parallel, the OU is clarifying its leadership structure. Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, currently EVP and COO, will assume the role of chief executive officer (CEO), with responsibility for the management of all OU programs and operations. Rabbis Silber and Joseph will both report directly to the OU Executive Committee.

Rabbi Silber joins the OU having served for the past 23 years as the rabbi of Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim, building it into one of Baltimore’s most vibrant and dynamic kehillahs. Rabbi Silber is also the founder and dean of the Institute for Jewish Continuity (IJC), which provides contemporary Torah learning with Chassidic influences for adults at all levels. As the Founding Rabbi of the Berger Towers community in Katamonim, Jerusalem, Rabbi Silber oversees the community’s rabbinic leadership and hashkafic direction. Rabbi Silber received semicha from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva University and holds a master’s degree in secondary Jewish education from the Azrieli Graduate School.

As CEO, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph will continue to oversee the management, business strategy, and professional alignment of all OU programs and operations. During his six years at the OU, Josh has driven extraordinary organizational growth in these areas. Rabbi Moshe Elefant continues to lead OU Kosher, ensuring the highest standards of kashrut supervision worldwide. Rabbi Elefant became the chief executive officer of OU Kosher on July 1, succeeding Rabbi Menachem Genack.

The new leadership structure follows the unexpected loss of Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, last fall, who served as executive vice president since January 2020. Under the joint leadership of Rabbi Hauer, zt”l and Rabbi Dr. Joseph, the OU navigated unprecedented global upheavals, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of October 7, with steadfast calm, clear Torah vision, and integrity. Rabbi Hauer, zt”l served as a significant and impactful public voice of the American Orthodox community, testifying before Congress on critical issues like campus antisemitism and advocating passionately in Washington, D.C., with campaigns such as leading the delivery of 180,000 letters to the White House on behalf of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza. His legacy of profound Torah scholarship, extraordinary empathy, and unwavering commitment to Klal Yisrael will continue to inspire and guide the Orthodox Union’s mission for generations to come.

After Rabbi Hauer’s passing last fall, OU President Mitchel Aeder appointed a search committee chaired by OU board chairman Yehuda Neuberger to advise on the OU’s professional leadership structure and to identify a candidate to succeed Rabbi Hauer, zt”l. With the addition of Rabbi Silber, in partnership with Rabbi Dr. Joseph, the OU has solidified its professional foundation to better serve Jewish communities across the US and Israel.

“I am honored to have this opportunity at such a unique moment for our community,” said Rabbi Shmuel Silber. “Rabbi Hauer, zt”l was a friend and a mentor, and I feel privileged to continue his holy work. Torah and Jewish life are thriving, yet we face difficult communal challenges. My sincere desire is to help create bonds of unity and continue elevating the holiness and religious experience of our community in the US and Israel. I look forward to partnering with Rabbi Dr. Joseph, our President Mitchel Aeder, and the entire OU family to serve the needs of the Jewish people.

“It is a privilege to assume the role of CEO at this critical juncture. Over the past six years, in partnership with OU Kosher and with the support of the community, the OU has strategically scaled its core programs, expanded the number, reach, and impact of new initiatives and developed an incredibly strong culture of professionalism,” said Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, CEO. “I am excited to welcome my friend Rabbi Silber to the leadership of the OU as we continue to encourage more Jews to grow closer to Hashem and build sustainable pathways for individual and communal growth across the Jewish world.”

“The OU is in a position of tremendous strength, and as we look to the future, we want to ensure we have the structure and talent to sustain and expand our vital work. In Rabbi Shmuel Silber and Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, we are blessed with two world-class leaders who bring complementary strengths to their respective roles,” said Mitchel Aeder, President. “Together, alongside our dedicated lay leadership, they will continue to build a unified, professional, and disciplined institution dedicated to the physical and spiritual needs of our community.”

“Following the devastating loss of our beloved Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, we conducted an exhaustive national search to find a leader who could carry on his sacred work of spiritual guidance and public advocacy,” said Aeder. “Rabbi Shmuel Silber is a distinguished talmid chacham who possesses the rare combination of deep Torah scholarship, exceptional character, humility, and a warm, empathetic heart. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Orthodox Union as our EVP and are excited about the extraordinary potential of his partnership with Rabbi Dr. Joseph.”

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK (August 23, 2026)

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing an ethics complaint accusing him of using official city platforms and resources to promote Democratic candidates.

The complaint, filed by government watchdog Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), asks the New York City Conflicts of Interest Board to examine several instances in which Mamdani publicly endorsed political candidates while appearing at official city events.

FACT cited a 2009 advisory from the board that cautioned city officials against using municipal resources or their official positions to support political campaigns.

The group identified three incidents since Mamdani took office. In February, he endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s reelection campaign during a press conference focused on universal childcare and later reiterated the endorsement in an opinion piece. In April, he backed Lindsey Boylan’s unsuccessful City Council campaign during another official press event.

Then, in June, while speaking publicly about a heat wave, Mamdani endorsed eight Democratic primary candidates: Claire Valdez, Darializa Avila Chevalier, Brad Lander, Aber Kawas, Eli Northrup, Illapa Sairitupac, Samantha Kattan and Brian Romero.

FACT argues that the use of city resources is particularly significant because Mamdani appeared in front of the official New York City seal during each event, while his administration also published transcripts of the remarks on the city’s website.

The watchdog is asking the Conflicts of Interest Board to investigate the allegations and determine whether disciplinary action or other penalties are warranted.

“Using public resources for political activity gives those in power an unfair advantage,” FACT Executive Director Kendra Arnold said, arguing that such conduct can undermine public confidence and the integrity of the political process.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

LAKEWOOD, NEW JERSEY (August 23, 2026)

A large fire broke out early Tuesday morning at Mordy’s Shtiebel on Delaware Trail near the Lakewood-Jackson border, causing extensive damage to the shul, R”L.

The fire was reported shortly after 6:00 a.m., bringing a large response of firefighters and emergency personnel to the scene. Crews battled intense flames that had spread through portions of the building before finally getting the blaze under control at approximately 7:00 a.m.

The fire was in the main house of Mordy’s Shtiebel, the tents however remained up and running throughout the day as always.

In a major relief, B’chasdei Hashem, the Sifrei Torah inside the shul were safely recovered, and nobody was injured. Volunteers from Central Jersey Chaverim entered the building following the fire and were able to retrieve the Sifrei Torah, confirming that they were not damaged.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities work to determine what sparked the blaze. Besuros Tovos.

A massive fire broke out this morning at Mordy’s Shtiebel in Lakewood, causing significant damage to the shul, while BH, all the Sifrei Torah were safely removed after the fire was brought under control. – TLS pic.twitter.com/bxA5z9byKu

— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) August 25, 2026

It’s been a difficult morning at Mordy’s Shtiebel, fire causing real damage, but a temporary 🔥 cannot extinguish an eternal one ! pic.twitter.com/Rzq16mvUM7

— #MKY מי כעמך ישראל (@MKYstatus) August 25, 2026

By 5 Towns Central Staff

QUEENS, NEW YORK (August 23, 2026)

New York has undergone a dramatic population shift since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau data shown, more than 1.1 million residents have moved out of New York to other states since April 2020. During the same period, the state recorded roughly 749,000 international arrivals.

Despite that influx, New York’s overall population remains about 201,000 lower than it was in April 2020.

The domestic population loss ranks New York among the states experiencing the largest exodus of residents, trailing only California in net domestic migration losses.

The figures highlight a growing debate over the state’s affordability, taxes, housing costs and overall quality of life—with critics arguing that policies under Gov. Kathy Hochul are contributing to an environment that is pushing longtime residents to leave.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

WEST DEPTFORTH TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY (August 23, 2026)

Amazon is preparing to bring its Prime Air drone delivery service to parts of South Jersey, with plans for a new drone facility in West Deptford Township.

The proposed launch site is located at 240 Mantua Grove Road. According to Mantua Township Police Chief William Murphy, Amazon representatives recently met with local police and emergency management officials and indicated that drone deliveries could begin as early as mid-October.

The planned delivery zone would cover most of Mantua Township as well as the Borough of Wenonah.

Under the proposal, the delivery drones would be permitted to operate from 15 minutes before sunrise until 15 minutes after sunset and would fly at altitudes below 400 feet.

The South Jersey expansion comes as Amazon significantly ramps up its Prime Air program nationwide. The company expects drone delivery to be available in nearly 500 cities and towns by the end of 2026—roughly six times its current reach and potentially serving tens of millions of customers.

Prime Air is designed to deliver eligible packages weighing up to five pounds in as little as 30 minutes. Qualifying products can include groceries, electronics, cosmetics, medications and household goods, provided they meet the service’s size and weight requirements.

The service is currently operating in portions of seven states: Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska and Texas. Amazon has also announced additional locations for 2026, including a planned expansion into New York.

Amazon says its Prime Air program is certified under FAA Part 135 regulations. The drones rely on onboard cameras and sensors to navigate, identify obstacles and complete deliveries. According to the company, camera information is processed onboard the aircraft and live video feeds are not monitored by human operators.

For customers, Prime members receive free drone delivery on qualifying orders of $50 or more. For smaller orders, delivery costs $2.99 for Prime members and $4.99 for non-Prime customers.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

**QUEENS, NEW YORK (August 23, 2026)
**

The NYPD has released surveillance footage as part of its investigation into attacks that damaged two Jewish houses of worship in Queens last month.

Police are searching for two suspects accused of throwing bags containing motor oil at Young Israel of Jamaica Estates and Young Israel of Holliswood on July 16.

The vandalism resulted in property damage at both synagogues. The footage released Monday shows the incident at Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, and investigators are asking anyone who recognizes the individuals or has information about the attacks to contact police.

Rabbi Moshe Taub of Young Israel of Holliswood also criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s response to crime. In comments to JNS, Taub argued that the mayor’s public statements would carry greater weight if he demonstrated the same willingness to personally engage with victims of crime as he has shown toward individuals accused of wrongdoing at Rikers Island.

R’ Taub said his congregation has faced additional disturbing vandalism, including an incident in which the synagogue was defaced with excrement.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the attacks to come forward.

Statement from NYPD crime Stoppers:

🚨WANTED FOR A CRIMINAL MISCHIEF PATTERN: The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals depicted in the attached media, who are wanted in connection with two hate crime criminal mischief incidents that occurred within the confines of the 107 Precinct. Details are as follows:

Incident #1:
It was reported to police that on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at approximately 11:44 AM, two unknown individuals approached the rear of 83-10 188 Street and damaged property by throwing bags containing motor oil. The individuals fled the location on foot, then entered a dark-colored suburban and fled to unknown parts.

Incident #2:
It was reported to police that on Thursday, July 16, 2026, between the hours of 11:00 PM–6:20 AM, two unknown individuals approached the rear of 86-25 Francis Lewis Boulevard and damaged property by throwing bags containing motor oil. The individuals fled the location on foot to parts unknown.

Have any info? DM @nypdtips or call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 23, 2026)

A group representing immigrant-owned grocery stores is taking legal action against New York City over Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to establish a network of city-operated grocery stores.

The lawsuit challenges the administration’s plan to open five publicly owned supermarkets, a project that critics say could cost taxpayers at least $70 million while putting privately owned bodegas and neighborhood grocery stores at a competitive disadvantage.

Store owners argue that government-backed supermarkets could offer artificially lower prices because they would be supported by taxpayer funding, potentially drawing customers away from small businesses that lack the same financial backing.

The legal challenge comes as questions continue to surround how the administration intends to support existing neighborhood businesses while launching its own grocery operations.

Fox News correspondent Madison Alworth reported that the Mamdani administration had previously discussed providing grants to local businesses to help them compete with the planned city-run stores. Those discussions were reportedly later scaled back.

Critics say the proposal could ultimately result in taxpayer money being used on both publicly operated grocery stores and subsidies for private businesses, while immigrant-owned bodegas bear the risk of losing customers and revenue.

The lawsuit now puts the city’s grocery-store initiative under legal scrutiny as officials move forward with plans for the publicly funded markets.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Aug. 24, 2026) — Transportation planners have advanced an ambitious blueprint to rehabilitate a vital, heavily traveled section of regional highway infrastructure, addressing decades of wear and tear along the city-managed corridor connecting key transit pathways across the metropolitan area. The massive initiative focuses on the central section of the expressway, specifically targeting the historic tiered cantilever framework nestled beneath a landmark pedestrian scenic walkway.

Originally constructed in the mid-twentieth century, the roadway was engineered to support roughly a fraction of its current traffic volume. Over the decades, daily vehicle counts have surged well beyond one hundred thousand cars and commercial freight trucks, severely straining the aging concrete and structural supports. Engineers have underscored the critical necessity of a comprehensive replacement to avoid catastrophic failures and ensure long-term regional stability.

To prevent gridlock and avoid spilling heavy arterial traffic into residential neighborhood streets during active construction, the design incorporates temporary bypass routes. These detours will maintain vehicle flow while crews undertake the phased reconstruction of the underlying supports. Preliminary utility relocations and preparatory work are scheduled to begin toward the end of the decade, with the complete rebuild projected to span roughly ten years.

While infrastructure officials emphasize that immediate intervention is essential after years of conceptual delays, the sweeping timeline has raised notable community questions. Local residents have voiced apprehensions regarding extended disruption, temporary closures to beloved public walkways, and the extensive capital investment required. Project coordinators intend to conduct ongoing community briefings as environmental reviews and final architectural planning progress toward groundbreaking.

We’re done kicking the can down the road. Here’s how we’re fixing the city-owned section of the BQE. pic.twitter.com/ln0it98s1w

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) August 24, 2026

Rabbi Yosef Chesny, LCSW, on Let’s get Real with Coach Menachem – Aug 23 2026.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 23, 2026)

The NYPD is investigating another unusual manhole incident in Manhattan after video surfaced showing three people climbing out of a sewer near Penn Station.

The footage, posted to TikTok Friday, appears to show three individuals wearing overalls and headlamps emerging from a manhole at 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue, near Madison Square Garden. According to the person who posted the video, the incident took place shortly after 4 a.m. on August 18.

Police confirmed they are aware of the footage but said no arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.

The incident comes months after a series of similar videos sparked attention across New York City. In May, footage showed a group of seven men emerging from a Brooklyn manhole in the middle of the night. One video showed a man lifting the cover near McDonald Avenue and Bedford Avenue before the group climbed out and appeared to change clothes. Another video later showed several of the men emerging near Heyward Street and Bedford Avenue, with at least three carrying shovels.

A senior law enforcement official previously said investigators believed the men may have been searching the sewer system for valuables. Police ultimately determined that the incidents did not pose an immediate threat to the public and found no damage to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

In June, members of the NYPD Emergency Services Unit conducted a search of the sewer system as a precaution, but investigators found no evidence of anything suspicious or dangerous.

Authorities have not said whether the latest Manhattan incident is connected to the earlier cases.

NYPD is investigating a new video showing 3 people emerging from a Manhattan manhole. Police believe they're hunting for valuables. @Morganorwood reports officials warned the public that entering sewers is illegal and dangerous. https://t.co/RPnlW4BIVz pic.twitter.com/9IUK5IRtTs

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) August 23, 2026

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 23, 2026)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that inexpensive drones could pose a deadly threat comparable to advanced fighter jets when armed and deployed in large numbers.

Speaking about the evolving battlefield threat, Netanyahu emphasized that drones are difficult to detect, highly accurate and capable of being used in coordinated swarms.

“Do you have a drone at home?” Netanyahu said, contrasting the small, inexpensive aircraft with an F-35. “It can be no less lethal.”

He said Israel has spent years developing defenses against the growing drone threat and remains a global leader in counter-drone technology. However, he stressed that the challenge extends far beyond Israel’s borders.

Netanyahu pointed to the use of drones in conflicts in Ukraine, Lebanon and Iran, warning that efforts are now underway to introduce the technology into Gaza as well.

He said he has directed Israel’s defense establishment and the IDF to take aggressive action against the threat, including targeting the drones themselves, their operators and the locations from which they are launched.

“We must do everything against this lethal tool,” Netanyahu said.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 23, 2026)

A class action complaint filed in New York accuses major brokerage firm Compass of manufacturing an artificial supply shock that has driven up rental costs across Manhattan.

According to the lawsuit, Compass controls over 80 percent of available rental listings in Manhattan following years of acquisitions. Plaintiffs argue that the firm has leveraged this position to withhold listings from free, public platforms like StreetEasy, a Zillow-owned service, in an effort to bypass platforms that do not charge high broker fees and to force consumers toward proprietary channels.

The complaint alleges that hiding these inventories severely restricted public supply, causing available rental units across New York to drop 40 percent over the past year. Market reports cited in the filing indicate this drop corresponded with a jump in rental price increases, surging from 3 percent in June to 6 percent in July. One of the plaintiffs noted watching prices climb in real time before ultimately signing a one-bedroom lease in downtown Manhattan for $5,270 per month this August.

A Zillow spokesperson weighed in on the litigation, stating that withholding listings from public platforms hurts everyday consumers and squeezes an already strained housing market during a crisis.

The lawsuit asks the court to order Compass to disgorge unjust profits, pay damages to affected renters who leased non-rent-stabilized units since August 1, 2026, and issue an injunction blocking the practice of hiding listings from public platforms.

Levaya Location: Boulevard-Riverside Chapels 1450 Broadway, Hewlett.

Link for *livestream* of Levaya:
https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26083639724241

*Shiva Info*

Shiva will be observed at the Rahmani residence, 1192 Elinor Road, Hewlett through Friday afternoon, August 28th.

The family kindly requests no visitors during the hours of 12:30pm- 1:30pm, 5:30pm – 6:30pm or after 10:00pm.

Davening Times
Shacharis: 8:00am
Mincha Maariv: 7:20pm

May the neshama have an Aliyah. Hamakom yinacheim eschem.

Rav Hershel Schachter describes how his early love of Torah came from a home where his father was always learning, how his own teachers and especially Rav Soloveitchik shaped his learning and life, and how those influences continue to define his teaching, his hashkafa, and his sense of responsibility to transmit mesorah. He says the yeshiva is stronger now than in his youth, but he also sees weaknesses in kavod for talmidei chachamim, in overconfidence in personal psak, and in the lack of a single clear ruach. He emphasizes that Torah, halacha lema’aseh, broad knowledge, and fidelity to tradition are essential for rabbanim, talmidim, and communities, and he sees his own life as one link in the chain of Torah transmission.

Formative influences: Rav Schachter traces his love of Torah to his father, an unusually learned man who trained him in Hebrew reading and textual study from a young age. At MTA and later in yeshiva, standout rebbeim (Tendler, Weiss, Fishman, Bornstein) shaped him, but being placed in Rav Soloveitchik’s shiur while still in high school was the defining turning point.

Rav Soloveitchik’s method: The Rav’s shiurim always built from broad background and points of agreement before reaching the actual dispute, rooting everything in Chumash, Rishonim, and poskim. Schachter stresses that the Rav’s hashkafa was inseparable from his lomdus — missing the learning meant missing the worldview.

Yeshiva culture, then and now: He sees today’s Orthodox community and YU-trained rabbanim as stronger and more serious than in his youth, crediting factors like the year-in-Israel system. But he identifies real weaknesses: insufficient kavod for talmidei chachamim (people feel entitled to pasken for themselves), overconfidence in personal psak, and YU’s lack of one unified ruach (though he frames its academic pluralism as also a strength).

Mesorah as the core theme: Repeatedly, he returns to the idea that psak and hashkafa require a rebbe — even someone who stood at Sinai needs one — and that his own greatest accomplishment is serving as one link in that chain. He extends this to practical guidance: how communities should choose a rav, what makes a talmid “successful” (continued learning, mitzvah observance, closeness to rabbanim), and how future poskim will need comprehensive Gemara knowledge to handle unprecedented halachic questions from technology.

Broader hashkafic points: Torah u-Madda (per Dr. Belkin) was a practical arrangement, not a distinct ideology; Klal Yisrael needs diverse roles (learners, soldiers, pioneers, ordinary people); and Torah itself — not just family lineage — is what ultimately unites the nation, a point he ties back to Rav Soloveitchik’s reading of אין אומתנו אומה אלא בתורותיה.

Gut Vuch and Shavuah Tov to all!

IDF Eliminates Terrorist Preparing Attack Near Israeli Border

The IDF carried out a targeted strike in southwestern Syria after identifying an armed terrorist preparing an imminent attack against Israeli troops.

The operation took place near Beit Jinn, roughly six miles from the Israeli border, as preparations for an improvised explosive device attack were reportedly nearing completion. Syrian media said a vehicle was struck and one person was wounded.

Israeli officials said the strike was intended to remove an immediate threat to troops operating in the area.

Israel Also Strikes Syrian Military Base Over Turkish Deployment

Separately, Israel revealed details surrounding recent strikes on the Abu al-Duhur military air base in Syria.

According to Kan News, Israeli intelligence indicated that Turkey was preparing to deploy military personnel, radar systems and air-defense equipment to the base. Israel reportedly shared the intelligence with the United States before taking action.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Syrian officials had been warned at the highest levels and were given an opportunity to halt the planned deployment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed that advance warnings had been issued.

Katz said the decision to strike was made following consultations with Netanyahu, the IDF and senior security officials.

The two Israeli operations involved separate threats: one targeted a terrorist preparing an attack on Israeli troops, while the other was aimed at preventing the establishment of a Turkish military presence at a strategic Syrian air base.

IDF Eliminates Hamas Commander Behind Terror Operations and Tunnel Network

Israeli forces eliminated Hamas terrorist Sharif al-Hasanat, a company commander who was heavily involved in attacks targeting Israeli civilians and military personnel.

According to the IDF, al-Hasanat played a significant role throughout the war in rebuilding and expanding Hamas’s underground tunnel infrastructure. Intelligence indicated that he had recently stepped up efforts to advance additional attacks against Israeli troops.

He was targeted after being identified as a direct and ongoing threat to Israeli forces operating in the area.

Kites From Gaza Found in Nahal Oz, Raising Fresh Security Concerns

Four kites believed to have been launched from Gaza were discovered in Kibbutz Nahal Oz over the weekend, prompting renewed concern among residents familiar with Hamas’s past use of kites to carry incendiary materials.

The IDF said one kite was discovered inside the kibbutz on Friday, followed by three more on Shabbos morning. The military assessed that all four had crossed from Gaza using strings stretching for several kilometers.

The IDF said there were no suspicious findings and emphasized that there was never any danger to residents.

Residents, however, expressed serious concern, recalling the use of seemingly harmless kites before October 7. Hebrew-language reports said the military believes Hamas may have been testing Israel’s response.

Nahal Oz was among the communities devastated during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Approximately 180 terrorists entered the kibbutz, killing 13 residents and four security personnel and abducting eight civilians. Numerous homes and agricultural areas were destroyed or damaged, and residents were evacuated before beginning to return in 2024.

The concern is rooted in history. In 2018, Palestinian terrorists repeatedly launched incendiary kites and balloons from Gaza, causing widespread fires across Israeli communities and agricultural land.

Nahal Oz officials urged the military to take the latest incidents seriously, warning that seemingly insignificant objects have previously been used as precursors to more dangerous attacks.

Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council head Uri Epstein also called for an immediate investigation and a real-time response to every kite or similar object crossing into Israeli territory. He warned that failing to respond could encourage additional attempts and demanded that authorities address the issue before it escalates.

Besuros tovos.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

HEWLETT, NEW YORK (August 21, 2026)

5TC is deeply saddened to share the passing of 40-year-old Allison Rahmani, a young mother of four, teacher, and beloved math coordinator at HAFTR.

Rahmani lost control of her vehicle, which tragically crashed into the swimming pool at her home.

Rahmani was also active in the local community. Her husband, Matthew Rahmani, serves as president of Irving Place Minyan in Woodmere.

The Levaya will take place Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at Boulevard-Riverside Chapels in Hewlett.

Our heartfelt nechamos go out to her husband, children, family, and loved ones. May they know no more pain.

Shiva details to follow.

Umacha Hashem Elokim. Hashem Yinacheim.

Tragic Update: Following the report of the car accident by the pool in Hewlett, we were saddened to learn that a 40-year-old woman passed away from the accident.

Achiezer is on scene.

B’suros Tovos.

—
Multiple helicopters were seen hovering over Hewlett a short time ago as police responded to a bizarre incident.

A car somehow plunged into a residential backyard swimming pool. Nassau County Police are currently on the scene investigating the incident.

More details to follow.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

ATLANTIC BEACH, N.Y. (Aug. 20, 2026) — A severe and sudden weather system tore through Atlantic Beach on Thursday evening, causing substantial structural destruction across local coastal facilities and triggering widespread street flooding across the barrier island and neighboring Five Towns communities.

Following the rapid deterioration of conditions, Nassau County leadership declared a formal state of emergency and activated the county Emergency Operations Center to manage the regional response. While meteorological teams continue to review atmospheric data and field evidence to formally verify the event, county officials reported that a visible tornado touched down directly along the oceanfront.

Emergency personnel swiftly mobilized to assess widespread property damage along the shore. Severe impacts were concentrated around area beach facilities, notably Silver Point Beach Club and Sun and Surf Beach Club, where cabanas, exterior buildings, and recreational grounds suffered heavy physical damage. Specialized search-and-rescue units were dispatched to inspect the wreckage thoroughly to confirm that no individuals were trapped inside damaged structures. Officials confirmed that no serious injuries or casualties have been identified.

Alongside the high winds, torrential downpours rapidly inundated regional transit corridors, creating dangerous travel conditions along Rockaway Turnpike, Peninsula Boulevard, and numerous low-lying intersections. First responders conducted multiple emergency operations to extract drivers who became stranded in their vehicles by sudden, deep standing water.

Nassau leadership established direct communication with neighboring county counterparts in Suffolk to align mutual aid efforts should additional support be required across Long Island. Residents and commuters are strongly urged to stay off flooded roadways, maintain a safe distance from downed wires or scattered debris, and follow local advisories as recovery operations proceed into the night.

🌪️As the tornado hit at Atlantic Beach. pic.twitter.com/r6svqG7Xe4

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) August 21, 2026

😲 Sun N Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach suffered heavy damage from the tornado, sadly. pic.twitter.com/zIUwMTbPCd

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

🌪 Stay Indoors: A tornado warning was issued for areas near Far Rockaway and the 5 Towns a bit ago.

This tornado was reportedly taken just now in Far Rockaway.

Please stay indoors and go into the basement if possible.

Be safe! pic.twitter.com/bte6VX5xqo

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

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 20, 2026)

New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) has issued a Weather Alert for Thursday, August 20. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), showers and thunderstorms are expected to move through the area Thursday afternoon and evening, with locally heavy downpours that could produce isolated to scattered flash flooding.

Scattered showers are expected to begin late Thursday morning, with the bulk of the widespread showers and embedded thunderstorms expected between approximately 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The heaviest rainfall is currently expected between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., which could affect the evening commute. NYCEM has activated the City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan and is coordinating with the NWS and City agencies to monitor conditions and prepare for potential impacts.

“New Yorkers should prepare for heavy rain and thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening, particularly during the evening commute,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “We have activated our Flash Flood Emergency Plan, and agencies are taking steps now to ready the city. New Yorkers should prepare too: stay alert, avoid flooded areas, text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692, and as always, look out for your neighbors.”

“Thursday’s storms could produce very heavy rain over a short period of time, and even localized flooding can quickly create dangerous conditions,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “The greatest concern is during the late afternoon and evening, so give yourself extra time to travel and do not enter flooded streets, subway stations, or other low-lying areas. If you live in a basement apartment, pay close attention to conditions and be prepared to move to a safer location if flooding develops.”

The NWS Weather Prediction Center has placed New York City in a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 4) for excessive rainfall on Thursday. This carries the potential for isolated to scattered flash flooding.

Current forecasts call for approximately 0.75 inches to just over 1 inch of rain across New York City, with higher totals possible in localized areas. Higher rainfall amounts are currently more likely across southern portions of the city.

Brief rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible in stronger thunderstorms. However, the showers and thunderstorms are expected to move steadily through the area rather than repeatedly pass over the same locations, limiting the duration of the heaviest rainfall.

Localized rainfall totals of approximately 1.5 to 1.75 inches are possible in areas that receive heavier downpours. Higher amounts cannot be ruled out in a low-probability scenario.

The greatest risk for heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding is expected during the late afternoon and evening, including the evening commute. Showers and thunderstorms should begin to taper off after approximately 8 p.m., with generally dry conditions expected after midnight Thursday night into Friday morning.

New Yorkers should take the following precautions:

• Allow extra time for travel on Thursday afternoon and during the evening commute
• .Avoid flooded streets, rooms, subway stations, and other flooded areas. Never drive, bike, or walk through floodwater. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide submerged hazards, openings, debris, and electrical dangers.
• If you live in a basement apartment or other below-grade space, stay alert to changing conditions and be prepared to move to a higher floor or another safer location before flooding begins.
• Do not wait for water to enter your home before acting if conditions are worsening.
• If a Flash Flood Warning or other emergency instruction is issued for your area, follow official guidance immediately.
• Keep phones, medical equipment, and other essential devices charged.
• Check on family, friends, neighbors, older adults, and people who may need additional assistance before and during the storm.
• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

Forecast conditions remain dependent on the timing and placement of the heaviest showers and thunderstorms. Localized areas that experience stronger storms could receive significantly more rainfall than surrounding neighborhoods over a short period.

Rabbi Yaakov Bender Shlita with his annual minhag embracing his beloved talmidim back to the Yeshiva!

Wishing all the children a very matzliach year!

❤️ "Just Love Them": Rabbi Yaakov Bender Shlita with his annual minhag embracing his beloved talmidim back to the Yeshiva!

Wishing all the children a very matzliach year! pic.twitter.com/b0NX85EnRC

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

B”H, we are pleased to report that Rockaway Turnpike has finally reopened!

Traffic is diverted by cones and heavy still, but at least it’s now open.

We thank our local emergency personnel for working tirelessly all day to clear the fuel and get the roadway back in business!

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: B"H, we are pleased to report that Rockaway Turnpike has finally reopened! Traffic is diverted by cones and heavy still, but at least it's now open! We thank our local emergency personnel for working tirelessly all day to clear the fuel and get the roadway back… pic.twitter.com/tTLvZI2bZO

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

By 5 Towns Central Staff

LAWRENCE, N.Y. (Aug. 19, 2026) — A poignant personal encounter has brought renewed focus to one of the area’s most harrowing and enduring sagas of family loss, systemic corruption, and the relentless search for truth. Community advocate & blogger Michal Weinstein recently reunited with renowned defense attorney Benjamin Brafman, revisiting the historic legal battle that helped bring resolution to her family following the tragic disappearance and murder of her father, diamond dealer Israel Greenwald.

Community advocate and blogger Michal Weinstein recently reunited with renowned attorney Benjamin Brafman to reflect on the legal case surrounding the disappearance and murder of her father, diamond dealer Israel Greenwald, and the eventual resolution that followed. Mr Brafman… pic.twitter.com/Mj8kp0tnzx

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

Greenwald vanished without a trace in February 1986, leaving behind a young family and plunging them into an agonizing nineteen-year period of uncertainty. The unresolved mystery persisted until the spring of 2005, when forensic teams uncovered his remains buried beneath a concrete slab in a Brooklyn garage. A comprehensive federal investigation ultimately revealed that two rogue New York City police detectives, acting as enforcers for organized crime figures, were responsible for his abduction and execution-style murder. Both former officers were subsequently convicted and handed lengthy prison terms for their involvement in multiple mob-related killings.

During the intense legal proceedings that accompanied the discovery and trial, Brafman stepped in to represent the Greenwald family on a pro bono basis, providing crucial counsel and steadfast advocacy as they navigated the harrowing judicial process. Weinstein, who began meticulously documenting her feelings and daily life in personal journals as a ten-year-old following her father’s sudden absence, saw those childhood accounts become powerful tools of perspective during the legal proceedings, culminating in an emotional courtroom impact statement at sentencing.

May the Neshama have an Aliyah.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NORTH LAWRENCE, NEW YORK (Aug. 19, 2026)

Update: The overturned trailer was finally flipped back over. Many residents have been asking if Rockaway Turnpike is back open.

As of 7:00 p.m., the roadway remains completely closed.

Update: The overturned trailer was finally flipped back over. Many residents have been asking if Rockaway Turnpike is back open. As of 7:00 p.m., the roadway remains completely closed. pic.twitter.com/gb8mL8LHCW

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

Update: Statement from NCPD –

“The Public Information Office reports the details of a Vehicular Accident that occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 11:08 a.m. in North Lawrence.

According to Police, a 42-year-old male was operating a 2024 Gasoline Tanker traveling eastbound on East Avenue when he attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Rockaway Turnpike. During the turn, the Gasoline Tanker overturned, causing a fuel spill. The Nassau County Fire Marshall, Nassau County OEM, The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), Nassau County Emergency Service Unit (ESU), Motor Carrier, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Meadowmere Park Fire Department and neighboring Fire departments all responded to the scene. The driver was evaluated at the scene but refused medical attention.”

—

Update: Mayor Samuel Nahmias Issues Statement on Rockaway Turnpike Fuel Spill

“Our thoughts are with the truck driver and everyone impacted by today’s fuel spill on Rockaway Turnpike.

While North Lawrence falls outside the Incorporated Village of Lawrence, we are deeply grateful to our local fire, police, and hazmat response teams for their swift work to secure the scene and contain the environmental impact.

Protecting both the safety of our residents and our local environment remains a top priority, and we will closely monitor recovery efforts as crews work to safely clear and restore the area.”

—

Update: The fire department is currently on scene spraying foam onto the fuel spill on the roadway.

They typically use Class B Firefighting Foam or specialized hydrocarbon encapsulating / vapor-suppressing foams. Applying foam stops ignition, smothers vapors, and cools the surface.

👨🏻‍🚒When emergency crews or fire departments spray foam onto an oil or fuel spill on a roadway, they are typically using Class B Firefighting Foam or specialized hydrocarbon encapsulating / vapor-suppressing foams. Applying foam stops ignition, smothers vapors, and cools the… pic.twitter.com/yGr3g8wBHM

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

—
A large oil tanker has overturned on Rockaway Turnpike, causing a major roadway closure and significant traffic delays.

Fuel is leaking onto the roadway, prompting a large emergency response. Authorities have closed the area near Costco and are turning vehicles around. Access into the Five Towns from the opposite direction is also blocked, with traffic being stopped near Lowe’s.

Brookville is heavily backed up as well for drivers heading toward Rockaway.

Emergency crews are still setting up and assessing the scene, and it is unclear when inbound traffic will reopen. Drivers are urged to avoid Rockaway Turnpike and surrounding roads until further notice.

More updates to follow.

Accident/Closure: A large oil tanker flipped over on Rockaway Turnpike just now. Gas is leaking on the roadway, avoid the area! Expect heavy delays for a while. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/FLlgceNYci

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

More from Rockaway Turnpike. This is going to be a long clean-up! pic.twitter.com/lowtUhjWuO

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

By 5 Towns Central Staff

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (Aug. 19, 2026) 

“There is still one screaming, glaring issue that keeps getting overlooked or waved away.

The single biggest impediment to American religious Jews moving to Israel is not three-car garages, Amazon Prime, decent pizza, or any of the other lifestyle comforts people like to joke about.

Hint: It’s the same concern that sits at the heart of Hareidi resistance to military service.

If parents believe there is a meaningful possibility that this could jeopardize their children’s religious commitment, then no economic incentive, ideological argument or appeal to sacrifice is going to outweigh that risk.

Think about it. For families whose ancestors struggled for 2,000 years to preserve Torah observance through exile, persecution and assimilation, it simply isn’t worth gambling with the next generation. This is the part outsiders often miss.

So if you ask an American Hareidi what they believe Hashem expects of them as a parent, and at or near the top of the list will be to give your children the strongest possible chance of growing up to remain Torah-true Jews.

So if moving to Israel is perceived as increasing the likelihood that their children will drift religiously, most families will choose the uncomfortable status quo.

Individual families will take the chance, and many will succeed. Others won’t. But mixed results are not a model for mass aliyah.

The other major issue is livelihood. And anyone whose response is that American Hareidim would simply become another population of “freeloading parasitic leeches” does not understand American Hareidim well enough to contribute much to this conversation.

We come from a culture of businesses, professions, homeownership, philanthropy and community-building. Give us the right framework and we will build an economy around ourselves.
That is why the solution cannot simply be come here and fit into what already exists.
Allow us to build our own communities, with our own schools, institutions, businesses and professional infrastructure. Let us use our own capital to build communities designed to let us reliably protect our religious and cultural responsibilities while providing real livelihoods for our families.

Then mass aliyah becomes imaginable. Without that, it simply isn’t realistic.

Are you starting to see?”

We announce with sorrow the passing of Vera Dechter A”H.

Mrs. Emunah (Vera) Dechter, a cherished mother, grandmother, and longtime Inwood resident, passed away Tuesday, 5 Elul 5786, at the age of 95.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, Mrs. Dechter escaped the country as a young woman, arriving in America aboard one of the final ships to depart Germany.

Throughout her remarkable life, she was known for her extraordinary strength, dedication, dignity, and unwavering “Emunah”. Mrs. Dechter was the dedicated secretary at Yeshivas Shor Yoshuv for over 40 years!

Levaya Info:

– Tuesday at 11:00 AM
– Bais Tefillah, 259 Doughty Blvd, Inwood

Levaya Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89562504410?pwd=XznsICyXiyVyYdYqHNDIcrSXmTmppO.1
Kevurah Info:

Cedar Park/Beth El – 735 Forest Ave, Paramus NJ

Shiva Info:

739 Hillcrest Place, Valley Stream
Shachris – 8:00 am
Mincha/Maariv – 6:10 pm
No visitors between 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm, or after 1-0:30 pm.

Yihi Zichrah Baruch.

Besuros Tovos.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

BNEI BRAK, ISRAEL (Aug. 19, 2026) — The global Torah community is mourning the loss of Rebbetzin Sarah Rochel Yisroelson, who passed away at Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center at the age of 93. A revered matriarch from one of the most prominent rabbinic lineages of recent generations, she was the daughter of the preeminent halachic authority Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt”l and the widow of Rosh Kollel Rav Yosef Yisroel Yisroelson zt”l.

Her passing came suddenly following a rapid health decline that began shortly after she participated in the engagement celebration of her youngest grandchild. Family members gathered at her bedside to offer tefillos in her final hours before she succumbed to her illness overnight.

Born in Jerusalem in the winter of 1932, the Rebbetzin was raised in an atmosphere of extraordinary devotion to Torah scholarship and piety, drawing inspiration from both her father and her maternal grandfather, Rav Aryeh Levin. After marrying her husband, a Talmus Chochom who ran Kollel Bar Shaul in Rechovot while maintaining a modest, unassuming lifestyl. She dedicated herself completely to facilitating his continuous Torah study. For decades, the couple made their home on Chazon Ish Street in Bnei Brak, living alongside several of the generation’s greatest Torah leaders.

The Rebbetzin was particularly celebrated for her profound self-sacrifice in caring for her father. For many years, she made bi-weekly journeys from Bnei Brak to Jerusalem to manage his household affairs. Her reverence for his continuous study was so profound that in his later years, she actively preferred a silent nod of greeting rather than having him pause his learning to offer a verbal parting blessing.

She is survived by multiple generations of prominent Torah scholars, including sons, sons-in-law, and siblings, leaving behind an enduring legacy of steadfast dedication to Torah study and mesiras nefesh on behalf of the Klal.

Yihi Zichrah Baruch.

Besuros Tovos.

By: Arnold Roth, Jerusalem Israel

During the first week of August, the Jewish world paused to remember one of the deadliest attacks of the Second Intifada. Twenty-five years have passed since the Hamas-directed massacre at Jerusalem’s Sbarro pizzeria.

For my family and our circle of friends, the dates carry deep resonance. We lost the luminous life of our 15-year-old daughter Malka Chana. She and our next-door neighbour’s daughter Michal Raziel rest in adjoining graves. The azkara on the yahrzeit has been held together by the two families every year.

Life changed in profound ways for us and the families of the fourteen other victims. Additional challenges none of us foresaw arrived later.

Starting in 2012, weeks after the Jordanian mastermind of the atrocity walked out of her Israeli prison cell and was whisked to a hero’s welcome in Jordan, my wife Frimet and I began a campaign to have her tried as a terrorist under U.S. law.

Twenty-five years after Ahlam Tamimi executed the plan that brought years of misery to our family, she continues to live free in Jordan—free, famous, and phenomenally influential because the Hashemite Kingdom wants it that way and is allowed to get away with it.

Jordan appears to have wrestled its main benefactor and ally to a stalemate. It violates its 1995 extradition treaty with the United States, and until now no one in Washington has held it to account. Annual U.S. taxpayer-funded aid to Jordan has risen steadily; the kingdom remains near the top of the recipients list.

For Jordanians, the Tamimi saga ended when she arrived back in triumph after Israel released her in the 2011 Shalit deal. She went straight from prisoner to certified national asset. There was no intermediate stage in which proud Jordanians might have paused to wonder how one of their most prominent national symbols is famous because of the Jewish children she targeted and succeeded in slaughtering. If any Jordanian citizens are nauseated by this, I have seen no sign of them. Tamimi’s every media appearance has been as an icon.

Nothing about this outcome makes sense. Jordan egregiously violates its treaty with the United States, which is why Malki’s FBI Most Wanted killer stays free. The ruler of Jordan continues to address the U.S. Congress and is received with pomp in the Oval Office. He is routinely described in mainstream American media as moderate and peace-minded. A recent biography is titled The Most American King: Abdullah of Jordan.

Yet that admiration is incomplete. While we marked 25 years since Malki and Michal were taken from us, a senior Jordanian official—the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives—publicly insulted Israel in crude terms, declaring that neither King Abdullah nor other Jordanians trust Benjamin Netanyahu, that “Zionists and the Jews” deceived the prophets, and that the “Zionist entity” is a cancer in the region. No dressing-down followed. Rallies of wild support for Tamimi, however, do.

No part of the Jordanian media has ever told Jordanians a single respectful thing about the human beings, the Jewish children, blown apart by Tamimi’s bomb. Tamimi herself regales audiences with the story of hunting around Jerusalem for a child-rich target. The only label she has ever given those she murdered is “Zionists.”

Here is what neither Tamimi nor any consumer of made-in-Jordan news will ever know: Malki was a baalat hesed, a deeply devoted daughter and sister who spent much of her time helping her severely disabled youngest sister. Thirty days after the atrocity we established the Malki Foundation (kerenmalki.org). In 25 years it has helped about three thousand families across Israel’s socio-economic spectrum—almost a third of them Muslim, Christian, Druze, or unaffiliated—without discrimination. I do not know what Malki’s murderer would say if she knew. It does not matter to me.

Article XI of the 1994 Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty requires the Jordanians to “abstain from hostile or discriminatory propaganda.” Authorizing a television program that glamorizes the mass murder of Israelis—the show Tamimi herself hosted for five years—clearly violates that obligation.

Is there still hope that she will be brought to justice? Malki and two of the other Sbarro victims held American citizenship. Under U.S. law, Washington not only allows but requires the prosecution of terrorists who kill Americans overseas.

We have met with many U.S. officials over the years. Not one has said no. Yet Tamimi lives free, unrepentant, and toxic just a few kilometers from where I write.

In July 2013 the Obama administration charged her under US federal law but kept this secret. In March 2017 the Trump administration made the charges public and formally requested extradition.

Jordan refused and keeps refusing. A $5 million State Department reward sits unused. Tamimi has never been in hiding for a single day.

It is maddening that the United States—at least publicly—takes Jordan’s “no” for an answer. Sanctions exist that both help and oblige Washington to press compliance. Meanwhile Jordan makes a mockery of treaties and justice, and Jordanian officials launch outrageous anti-Israel tirades, while our appeals fail to move decision-makers.

We continue to be driven by hope, conviction, and love. And we look forward to the day when justice is done.

I receive a lot of shidduch reference calls and people ask all kinds of questions. Is he kind? Is she easygoing? Is he a serious learner? Is she growth-oriented? Is he responsible? Does she have good middos? These are all important questions, but there is one question I almost never get asked, even though I believe it is one of the greatest predictors not only of whether someone will have a healthy marriage, but whether they will have a successful life: Can this person be influenced?

Can he hear an opinion different from his own without immediately becoming defensive? Can she receive feedback without experiencing it as an attack? Can he say, “I was wrong”? Can she say, “I never thought of it that way”? Can this person encounter a perspective, an experience, another person, or a piece of Torah and emerge different because of it? We spend a lot of time trying to determine who someone is. Perhaps we should spend more time trying to discover whether they are capable of becoming.

This isn’t only a dating question. The quality of our marriages depends on whether our spouse can influence us. Our friendships depend on whether our friends can get through to us. Our effectiveness as parents depends on whether our children can teach us something about what they need. Our success at work depends on whether we can receive feedback. Our spiritual lives depend on whether a rebbe, a sefer, a shiur, an experience, or the quiet voice of our conscience can penetrate our assumptions and move us to change. A person who cannot be influenced cannot grow.

Our parsha introduces us to the ben sorer u’moreh, the wayward and rebellious son: “Ki yihyeh l’ish ben sorer u’moreh, einenu shomei’a b’kol aviv u’v’kol imo, If a man has a wayward and rebellious son who does not listen to the voice of his father and the voice of his mother.” The Mishnah (Sanhedrin 71b) teaches that the ben sorer u’moreh is nidon al shem sofo, judged based on his end. He is punished not merely for what he has already done, but because the Torah anticipates where his behavior will lead.

But this seems to contradict a fundamental principle taught elsewhere. When Yishmael was expelled from Avraham’s home and was dying of thirst, Hashem saved him. The Torah tells us, “Ki shama Elokim el kol hana’ar ba’asher hu sham,” “Hashem heard the voice of the boy where he was.” Rashi quotes the Midrash that the angels objected: How could Hashem save Yishmael when his descendants would one day cause terrible suffering to the Jewish people? Hashem responded that at that moment Yishmael was innocent. Ein danin es ha’adam ela l’fi ma’asav shel osah sha’ah, a person is judged according to his present conduct.

So which is it? Do we judge a person ba’asher hu sham, for who he is right now, or al shem sofo, based upon where he is heading? Rav Yisroel Meir Druck, in Eish Tamid, offers an approach that contains an extraordinary lesson for Elul and for life.

The key to understanding the ben sorer u’moreh is hiding in plain sight. Listen to the Torah’s repeated language: einenu shomei’a b’kol aviv u’v’kol imo, he does not listen to his father or mother; v’lo yishma aleihem, he will not listen to them; einenu shomei’a b’koleinu, he does not listen to our voice. The Torah doesn’t simply describe what he does wrong. It emphasizes who he has become: he doesn’t listen. Perhaps that is why his future can seemingly be predicted with certainty.

Rabbeinu Yonah writes in Shaarei Teshuvah (2:10) that a fundamental prerequisite for teshuvah is the willingness to listen. Before we can change, we must remain reachable. We must be capable of hearing something we don’t already believe, considering something that makes us uncomfortable, and allowing another person to influence us. A person who makes terrible mistakes can still have an extraordinary future. Someone heading in the wrong direction can turn around. But only if they can hear. If no rebbe, spouse, parent, child, friend, shiur, sefer, experience, failure, or voice of conscience can penetrate our certainty, what mechanism remains through which we can change?

That may explain the difference between Yishmael and the ben sorer u’moreh. Yishmael is judged ba’asher hu sham because his future is still open. The ben sorer u’moreh is judged al shem sofo not simply because he has done something wrong, but because he has rejected the very mechanism through which wrong becomes right. He is hopeless because he cannot listen.

Dr. John Gottman, who has spent decades studying marriage, describes a remarkably similar concept. One of the important indicators of marital health to emerge from his research is the ability to “accept influence” from one’s spouse. A healthy marriage doesn’t mean agreeing about everything. It means that when your spouse raises a concern or sees something differently, you don’t automatically experience that input as a threat. You can say, “You might be right,” “I hadn’t considered that,” or “I understand why you experienced it that way.” What Gottman identifies as essential to marriage is really essential to all of life.

It is striking that the Torah concludes the section of the ben sorer u’moreh with “V’chol Yisrael yishme’u v’yira’u,” “All of Israel shall hear and fear.” The story of the person who refuses to listen concludes with a charge to everyone else: You listen. Perhaps this is also what we mean when we say each day, “Ashrei ish sheyishma l’mitzvosecha.” Fortunate is the person who listens to Your mitzvos. It isn’t enough to perform mitzvos; we must allow them to speak to us, shape us, and change us.

There is a particular urgency to this message as we enter the season of teshuvah. Teshuvah doesn’t begin with changing, it begins with being changeable. Before asking what resolution we will make this year, we should ask whether anyone can tell us something we don’t want to hear. When was the last time somebody changed my mind? When was the last time I received criticism without immediately explaining it away? When was the last time I genuinely allowed a spouse, child, friend, teacher, or sefer to influence me?

Perhaps this is also why we blow the shofar each morning during Elul. Every morning of Elul we begin our day by exercising and conditioning our capacity to hear. Before we speak, before we defend ourselves, before we explain why we are right, we listen.

Before Hashem asks us to confess on Yom Kippur, we spend a month conditioning ourselves to hear. Each morning the shofar asks: Are you still reachable? Can something penetrate? Can another person get through to you? Can Torah get through to you? Can Hashem get through to you?

Chazal famously tell us, ben sorer u’moreh lo hayah v’lo asid lihyos, the ben sorer u’moreh never actually existed and never will. Why, then, does the Torah teach it? Derosh v’kabel sechar, study it and receive reward. The Torah isn’t ultimately telling us about a hopeless teenager. It is warning us not to become hopeless adults. Nobody’s future is truly sealed. But we move in that direction when we stop listening, and we move in the opposite direction every time we allow ourselves to be influenced.

So perhaps we should ask that question on shidduch calls, but more importantly, we should ask it of ourselves: Am I influenceable? Can my spouse change my mind? Can my children teach me something? Can a friend tell me I am wrong? Can a rebbe challenge me? Can Torah change not only what I know, but who I am?

Being influenced is not weakness. Changing your mind is not surrender. The ben sorer u’moreh is doomed not because he has made mistakes, but because he refuses to hear anything that could help him correct them. As long as we can listen, we can learn. As long as we can learn, we can grow. And as long as we can grow, no matter who we are today, our future remains wide open.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NORTH WOODMERE, NY (August 18, 2026)

For years, Simchas Torah night in North Woodmere & many communities had started to take on an unintended minhag: children would go from shul to shul collecting candy and treats, sometimes spending more time “shul hopping” than dancing with the Torah and celebrating the Yom Tov in their own shuls.

At the same time, individual shuls were increasingly trying to create bigger and more elaborate pekalach, turning a simple Simchas Torah tradition into something of a competition.

The community decided it was time to try something different.

The result is a remarkable neighborhood-wide initiative built around one simple idea: one neighborhood, one bag and one message of achdus.

Nearly 10 shuls have joined together to create a single, generously packed Simchas Torah bag that will be distributed to every child in North Woodmere, as well as visiting children, on Simchas Torah night.

Rather than children traveling from shul to shul looking for the biggest giveaways, the goal is to encourage them to remain in their own shuls, dance, participate and celebrate Simchas Torah together with their families and communities.

Each participating shul is represented on the bag, sending a message to the children that while every shul may have its own identity and traditions, the entire neighborhood is one community.

Last year’s participating shuls included BKNW, YINW, KLA, KBH, Kodesh, Khal Chasidim, Ohr Torah Ashkenaz, Ohr Torah Sephard and Noam Hashem, with additional participation expected as the initiative continues to grow.

The preparation is just as meaningful as the distribution.

Before Yom Tov, volunteers from the participating shuls come together to pack the bags. Each shul sends people to work alongside volunteers from the other kehillos, turning the preparation itself into an opportunity for neighbors and members of different communities to work together.

And the scale is impressive: more than 1,700 large bags filled with snacks, toys and treats are prepared for the children.

What began as an effort to address the growing trend of Simchas Torah “shul hopping” has evolved into something much bigger — a community-wide expression of achdus.

The message to the children is simple: Simchas Torah isn’t about who has the biggest bag or the most candy. It’s about dancing with the Torah, celebrating together and recognizing that every shul and every family is part of one North Woodmere community.

Kol Hakavod.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL (August 18, 2026)

Energy Minister Eli Cohen has emerged as the big winner of Likud’s primary, finishing first in the party’s nationwide vote and securing the No. 2 position on the Likud list behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana finished second, followed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Transportation Minister Miri Regev and coalition whip Ofir Katz. The results set the stage for a significantly reshaped Likud slate ahead of Israel’s October 27 election.

Turnout reached 53.5%, with 75,177 of Likud’s roughly 140,000 members casting ballots across 501 polling stations. Netanyahu reportedly welcomed the outcome, saying he was “very satisfied” with the results and predicting a major Likud victory in the general election.

The primary was particularly consequential because Likud has been polling in the low 20s, meaning many candidates who finished outside the top tier could struggle to win Knesset seats. Several sitting ministers and MKs, including Ze’ev Elkin, May Golan, Idit Silman and Avi Dichter, are now facing a serious fight to remain in parliament.

Netanyahu still holds significant influence

The primary results do not tell the entire story. Likud recently expanded Netanyahu’s ability to reserve positions on the party list for candidates of his choosing, allowing him to reshape portions of the slate even after the primary.

That means several candidates who performed strongly in the vote could ultimately be pushed down by Netanyahu’s selections. Economics Minister Nir Barkat, who finished 16th, is reportedly among those whose position could be affected.

Gila Gamliel, meanwhile, is expected to receive the 25th position under Likud’s rules requiring women to occupy designated places within the top 40.

Primary results

1. Eli Cohen
2. Amir Ohana
3. Yariv Levin
4. Miri Regev
5. Ofir Katz
6. Yoav Kisch
7. Miki Zohar
8. Almog Cohen
9. Amichai Chikli
10. David Amsalem
11. Moshe Saada
12. Tally Gotliv
13. Shlomo Karhi
14. David Bitan
15. Boaz Bismuth
16. Nir Barkat
17. Ze’ev Elkin
18. Gila Gamliel

The outcome reflects a significant shake-up within Likud, with several long-serving figures pushed down the rankings while newer and more combative members of the party gained ground.

Near-final Likud slate

1. Benjamin Netanyahu
2. Eli Cohen
3. Reserved for Netanyahu
4. Israel Katz
5. Gideon Sa’ar
6. Amir Ohana
7. Yariv Levin
8. Miri Regev
9. Reserved for Netanyahu
10. Ofir Katz
11. Oren Dobronsky
12. Yoav Kisch
13. Miki Zohar
14. Almog Cohen
15. Reserved for Netanyahu
16. Amichai Chikli
17. David Amsalem
18. Haim Katz
19. Moshe Saada
20. Tally Gotliv
21. Shlomo Karhi
22. David Bitan
23. Boaz Bismuth
24. Nir Barkat
25. Gila Gamliel

With the October election approaching, the primary has given Netanyahu a party list featuring several familiar senior figures while also creating uncertainty for a number of current lawmakers whose political futures are now at risk.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

LEBANON (August 18, 2026)

The IDF has informed the family of Sgt. Yehuda Katz that remains believed to belong to the fallen soldier have been located, bringing a decades-long search to a close.

Katz disappeared during the First Lebanon War following the Battle of Sultan Yaqub on June 11, 1982. The battle, fought in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, left Katz and fellow soldiers Zechariah Baumel and Zvi Feldman missing for decades.

Katz was the final soldier from the battle whose fate and burial location remained unresolved. His family spent years awaiting answers as Israeli intelligence and security agencies continued efforts to determine what happened to him.

The other two soldiers were eventually brought home. Baumel’s remains were recovered in 2019 in an operation facilitated by Russia, while Feldman’s remains were returned to Israel in 2025 following a classified Mossad operation.

In 2004, Israel’s Chief Military Rabbi at the time, Rabbi Yisrael Weiss, determined that Katz, Baumel and Feldman should be officially classified as fallen soldiers whose burial locations were unknown. Their families challenged the decision, and the classification was subsequently reversed.

The discovery of Katz’s remains now brings an emotional conclusion to one of the longest-running missing-soldier cases in Israeli history, finally allowing his family to bring him home and give him a proper Kevurah.

May this bring Nechama to the family, and may the Neshama have an Aliyah.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 18, 2026)

New York City’s controversial pied-à-terre tax is facing mounting questions from homeowners and elected officials, with the City Council set to hold a hearing Tuesday focused on the rollout and confusion surrounding the new levy.

Councilmember Gale Brewer said residents have been inundated with questions after receiving notices warning that their properties could be subject to the tax. More than 10 pages of questions submitted by homeowners are expected to be addressed during the hearing, along with testimony from co-op organizations. A news conference is scheduled for noon, followed by the hearing at 1 p.m.

The administration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani will not send a representative to testify in person. Instead, City Hall plans to submit written testimony, citing ongoing litigation challenging the tax and its implementation.

The decision has drawn criticism from members of the City Council. Councilmember Frank Morano argued that city officials should appear before lawmakers and directly address residents’ concerns. Speaker Julie Menin also questioned the administration’s absence, pointing out that previous mayoral administrations have participated in oversight hearings even when related lawsuits were pending.

Menin said the Council’s responsibility to conduct oversight remains essential and emphasized that Tuesday’s hearing will give residents and organizations an opportunity to raise their concerns publicly.

The tax targets non-primary residences, including second homes valued above $5 million and condominium and cooperative units valued above $1 million when the owner’s primary residence is outside New York City.

The rollout has generated additional confusion because some homeowners who say they live in their properties full time have also received notices. Brewer cited cases involving residents who received preliminary tax bills of approximately $43,000 and $82,000.

In July, the Department of Finance mailed notices to roughly 17,000 individuals identified as potentially owning taxable second homes. The city also released a much larger database containing more than 900,000 potentially affected properties and addresses, prompting criticism over both accuracy and privacy.

Homeowners seeking an exemption have until September 18 to submit the required documentation. The Mamdani administration has also assigned 24 employees to handle complaints and questions related to the tax.

The policy has already faced legal challenges from homeowners. A court initially issued a temporary restraining order blocking implementation, but that restriction was subsequently lifted, allowing the city to continue moving forward with the program.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 18, 2026)

New York City is preparing to strengthen enforcement against rat infestations, with new rules that would require faster inspections and impose escalating fines on properties found with active signs of rodents.

Under Local Law 8 of 2026, the Department of Health would generally have to inspect a property within 14 days after receiving a complaint or request concerning a suspected rat infestation. Inspectors would also be required to document specific findings during each inspection.

The proposed regulations spell out what inspectors will look for, including fresh droppings, burrows, rat trails, gnaw marks, visible rodents and other evidence of active infestation.

Property owners and others responsible for a building would be required to take steps to eliminate conditions that attract rats. Those measures include properly storing garbage in sealed, durable containers, removing clutter and debris, closing holes and cracks, securing doors and windows, protecting vents and drains and bringing in a licensed exterminator when necessary.

Simply taking those steps, however, would not protect a property from a violation if inspectors subsequently discover active signs of rats.

Penalties would increase with repeated violations, starting at $300 for a first offense, $600 for a second and $1,200 for a third. Properties with four or more violations could face fines of up to $2,000.

The legislation was introduced by Brooklyn Councilwoman Susan Zhuang following complaints from residents who said rat-related 311 reports were not being investigated quickly enough. The law also requires the city to make another inspection attempt within 20 days when inspectors cannot initially gain access to a property.

The new rules come as the city says it is making progress in reducing its rat population. Approximately 9,900 rat-related calls were recorded during the first seven months of 2026, the lowest figure for that period since 2020 and the first time the number has fallen below 10,000 in that timeframe.

The effort builds on the city’s broader push to reduce rodents by changing how garbage is stored. More than 70% of residential trash is now required to be placed in sealed containers, according to the Department of Sanitation.

That initiative began with a 10-block pilot in West Harlem in 2023 and expanded throughout Community Board 9 by June 2025. The containerization program currently focuses on residential buildings with more than 30 units, while Mayor Zohran Mamdani has set a goal of expanding sealed trash containers citywide by 2032.

The Health Department says rats are primarily attracted by accessible food and water, accumulated garbage, clutter, unsanitary conditions and openings such as cracks, gaps and holes that provide access to buildings.

The proposed regulations are scheduled for a public hearing on September 14 before they are implemented.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 18, 2026)

Nearly two-thirds of the antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents documented in New York City public schools since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack involved direct actions such as harassment, vandalism, assaults or threats, according to a new report from United Jewish Teachers.

The organization recorded 250 incidents between October 2023 and July 2026, with Brooklyn reporting the highest number at 91. Queens followed with 68 incidents, Manhattan with 62, the Bronx with 22 and Staten Island with seven.

Direct incidents accounted for 64.8% of the cases tracked. Another 23.2% involved classroom materials or instruction, while 9.6% were connected to student walkouts or protests. The remaining 2.4% fell into other categories, including incidents involving teachers’ unions.

United Jewish Teachers President Moshe Spern said the findings highlight what he described as a failure by the city’s current policies to adequately protect Jewish students and educators.

“With antisemitism rising across New York City and a new school year about to begin, this report could not come at a more critical moment,” Spern told JNS. “The data make clear that current policies have failed.”

The report also raised concerns about how schools responded after incidents were reported. According to the organization, numerous cases received little or no meaningful follow-up from school or district administrators, allowing what it described as hostile environments to continue.

United Jewish Teachers is calling on NYC Public Schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, require hate-related graffiti to be immediately investigated by the NYPD, publicly maintain statistics on antisemitic incidents and hold school leadership accountable for addressing them.

With another school year approaching, Spern warned that Jewish families and educators cannot afford to see the same patterns continue, saying stronger enforcement and accountability are needed to ensure Jewish students can attend school without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Rav Hershel Schachter addresses one of the most persistent tensions in the frum professional world: does the ben Torah at work matter as much as the one in the beis medrash?

Recorded live in partnership with the OU Israel Business Professionals Network, this episode includes the full shiur plus a Q&A.

Source: “Shtark Tank” and YU Torah

What’s covered:

Why Klal Yisrael needs doctors, lawyers, engineers, and businessmen just as much as it needs roshei yeshiva, and why the “learning is more important” mindset is a distortion, not a Torah value

The little-known letter from Rav Elya Meir Bloch on why the religious world can’t afford to run from Zionism, Tanach, or Ivrit

A Q&A covering how much work is enough, whether a rabbi should be wealthy, balancing communal obligations against raising your own children, and a practical seder for using limited learning time (starting with Kitzur Shulchan Aruch)

Why Rav Schachter has spent 30 years teaching high schoolers at NCSY Kollel, and what he sees in that generation

By 5 Towns Central Staff

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (August 18, 2026)

Jake Turx is a senior White House correspondent and a prominent Jewish journalist known for his coverage of the Trump administration and U.S. politics.

In a recent proposal, Turx outlined what he believes could become a massive real estate opportunity while simultaneously addressing the unique housing and lifestyle needs of Orthodox Jews from the United States looking to build their lives in Israel.

Here is his proposal in full:

“Read my EIGHT-BILLION-DOLLAR IDEA:

Build a development in Eretz Yisroel specifically designed around the unique needs, standards and lifestyle of Orthodox Jews from America. Build it right, and I believe the homes will sell fast and furious. One bold developer who understands this market stands to make a lot of money.

Then don’t stop at one.

Once the first development is thriving, use it as the prototype. Replicate the model across Israel. Build communities around the people you actually want to attract rather than expecting those people to squeeze themselves into communities designed for somebody else.

Fill one. Build another. Fill that one. Keep going and don’t look back.

There are 1.5 million potential customers waiting across the ocean.

I just have one request for whoever makes billions off my idea:

Remember to give maaser!”

We want to hear your thoughts, comment below.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 17, 2026)

A climate policy Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized during his campaign is moving forward under his administration, giving New York City landlords a new way to reduce their obligations under the city’s building emissions law — by purchasing energy credits.

Local Law 97 requires many large buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with violations potentially carrying substantial financial penalties. Buildings account for a significant share of New York City’s overall carbon emissions, making the law a centerpiece of the city’s climate strategy.

During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani pledged to eliminate loopholes that he argued allowed property owners to avoid fully complying with the law.

But a credit program created under former Mayor Eric Adams is now set to launch, allowing building owners to purchase credits that can be used toward certain emissions requirements.

Adams introduced the program in 2023 as a way to help property owners manage the potentially enormous cost of upgrading older buildings while directing private money toward clean-energy infrastructure.

The first credits are scheduled to go on sale Wednesday through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The initial sale is expected to generate nearly $1.8 million for the Champlain Hudson Power Express, a major transmission project designed to bring hydroelectric power from Quebec into New York City.

Credits will cost $35.52 each, with buyers required to purchase at least 1,000 credits. There is currently no stated limit on the number of credits a building owner can purchase.

However, the credits do not provide a blanket exemption from Local Law 97. They can only be applied toward emissions associated with sources outside the building, such as electricity generation. Direct emissions from fossil-fuel equipment located inside a building, including boilers, cannot be offset through the program.

The program comes as landlords, co-op owners and property managers continue to warn that complying with Local Law 97 could require expensive upgrades, particularly in older buildings.

The emerging system puts Mamdani in an awkward position: while he campaigned on tightening enforcement of the city’s climate rules, his administration is now overseeing the implementation of a mechanism that gives property owners another financial tool for meeting their obligations.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (August 17, 2026)

A newly released 60-page document offers a detailed look at the massive private fundraising effort supporting Torah institutions in Israel following the loss of government funding tied to the draft controversy.

According to the document, Keren Olam HaTorah raised and distributed more than NIS 500 million between July 2024 and December 2025, providing financial assistance to approximately 1,450 institutions.

The fund was established as private donations became increasingly important for maintaining yeshivas and kollelim after state support was reduced or halted for institutions affected by sanctions related to draft noncompliance.

The figures, first reported by Mordechai Halperin of Army Radio, show that some of Israel’s largest Torah institutions received millions of shekels in support.

The Mir Yeshiva received the largest allocation, totaling NIS 18.8 million. Ponevezh received approximately NIS 13.2 million, while Ateres Shlomo received about NIS 13.1 million.

Other institutions among the largest recipients included:

• Siach Yitzchak — NIS 9.1 million
• Chevron — NIS 7.4 million
• Wolfson — NIS 6 million
• Kol Rina — NIS 4.9 million
• Tifrach — NIS 4.9 million
• Belz Institutions — NIS 4.7 million
• Beis Matisyahu — NIS 3.7 million

The fundraising effort has reportedly continued beyond the period covered by the document, with estimates placing additional distributions at roughly NIS 200 million as donors continue stepping in to help sustain the Torah world.

The scale of the campaign highlights the growing role of private philanthropy in supporting Israel’s yeshiva system amid the ongoing political and legal dispute over military service for Chareidi students.

A major gathering of donors is scheduled at the Setai Hotel in Tiberias, where organizers are expected to review the fundraising effort, examine its impact and discuss whether the Torah institutions can maintain their operations over the long term through private funding.

By: Rabbi Shay Tahan

This week’s parshah, Ki Tetse, teaches an inspiring lesson in emunah, one that can be particularly uplifting for anyone struggling with challenges or difficult circumstances. The Torah says:

“When you build a new house, you shall make a guardrail for your roof, so that you do not place blood in your house if the one who falls should fall from it.” (Devarim 22:8)

Rashi famously asks: Why does the Torah refer to the person as “the one who falls” before he has actually fallen? Why describe him as the one who falls when, at that point, he is still standing?

Chazal explain that from the time of Creation, this person was destined to fall, and therefore the Torah refers to him as “the one who falls” even before the accident occurs.

This raises a fundamental question: If the person was destined to fall, why does the Torah command us to build a guardrail? If the accident was already destined to happen, what difference would the guardrail make?

Rashi provides a profound answer. The person may indeed have been destined to fall, but it was not predetermined that he would fall from this particular balcony. The Torah therefore commands the homeowner to take the necessary precautions and install a guardrail. Perhaps the person was destined to fall elsewhere, but he should not fall because of your negligence.

This teaches us a powerful principle: Knowing that everything is part of Hashem’s plan does not exempt us from responsibility. We are required to take every reasonable precaution to prevent harm. The outcome may ultimately be determined by Hashem, but we are responsible for our choices and actions.

In other words, emunah in Divine providence and human responsibility do not contradict one another. We must do everything in our power to prevent danger, while recognizing that the ultimate outcome remains in Hashem’s hands.

There is another striking insight here. Chazal are teaching us that a person’s destiny—including the circumstances of his death—can be determined even before he is born. But they go even further: this destiny was not established merely before his birth; it was already part of Hashem’s plan from the very beginning of Creation. From the six days of Creation, the events of a person’s life were already woven into the grand design of Creation.

Imagine, for example, that a person is tragically killed in a car accident. Those who hear about the tragedy may view it in very different ways. Some may say that the drivers were reckless or that the accident could have been prevented. Others may see it as a punishment from Heaven, while still others may attribute it to chance or unfortunate circumstances.

Chazal, however, teach us a very different outlook. Behind every event lies a Divine plan that was established long before the event itself occurred. What may appear to us as a sudden and unexpected tragedy was already known and accounted for in Hashem’s plan for Creation. This perspective does not diminish the tragedy or excuse human responsibility, but it gives us a deeper understanding of emunah: nothing is truly random, and even events that appear unforeseen are ultimately part of Hashem’s master plan.

Chazal offer a further profound insight. Rebbe Yehoshua ben Levi says:

“All the works of Creation were created in their complete form, with their consent, and according to the form they chose.” (Rosh Hashanah 11a)

Rashi explains “with their consent” (לדעתן) to mean that Hashem informed them that He was going to create them, and they willingly agreed.

And what does it mean that they were created “according to the form they chose” (לצביונן)? Rashi explains that they were created in the form they themselves chose.

This teaches an extraordinary concept: the details of Creation were not arbitrary. Each creature was brought into existence in the form and condition that was part of its predetermined purpose.

According to Rashi, before each person was created, he was given the opportunity to choose the form in which he would be created—to determine, so to speak, his own “custom design.” Hashem then created him exactly according to that choice.

Rabbeinu Bachya elaborates on this idea:

“What this Midrash is trying to illustrate is that all creatures, at the time of their creation, which occurred in accordance with their will and aspirations, were informed by Hashem at that time of all that would befall them in the course of their lives. Similarly, He informs them of the number of years they are going to live and what the manner of their death is going to be. They are also informed if they will enjoy an easy livelihood, or if they will have to struggle and suffer in order to eke out a living. Hashem tells them if they will be dependent on handouts or will be able to make a living through their own skills and labors. At that time, those creatures were all satisfied with what fate was to have in store for them.”

This raises a profound question: If a person was informed beforehand about the life he was going to have, why would anyone choose a life filled with challenges and hardships? Why would a person choose difficulties with livelihood, health, children, marriage, Torah learning, friends, neighbors, or other areas of life? Wouldn’t everyone naturally choose a life filled with goodness, happiness, and comfort?

The answer is that our definition of “good” and “bad” is very different from the perspective of the next world. In this world, we often equate good with an easy, comfortable, and pleasant life, and bad with hardship, pain, and difficulty. But from the perspective of the eternal world, it becomes clear that this is not necessarily the case.

In the next world, a person understands what truly matters. He sees which experiences elevated him, strengthened him, refined him, and brought him closer to his ultimate purpose. He realizes that what appeared in this world to be a hardship may have been one of the greatest gifts he was given.

If we could see our lives from that eternal perspective, we might choose very differently. We might not choose the easiest life, but rather the life that would accomplish the most and elevate us to the greatest heights.

Thus, the challenges we face are not necessarily signs that something has gone wrong. Quite often, the very difficulties we would have tried to avoid are the experiences that ultimately shape us, elevate us, and bring us to a far greater place. What appears to us as “bad” in this world may, in the larger Divine plan, be precisely what is good for us.

Perhaps this is one of the greatest lessons of emunah: we do not always have the ability to choose what happens to us, but we can trust that the life Hashem has given us was designed with a purpose. What we experience as a challenge may be exactly what our neshamah needs to reach the place it was meant to reach.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (August 17, 2026)

U.S. negotiator Jared Kushner met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem as Washington intensifies efforts to revive a stalled Gaza ceasefire proposal and bridge the widening differences between Israel and Hamas.

The closed-door meeting also included former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Board of Peace Director Nickolay Mladenov. It came shortly after Kushner held lengthy talks in Cairo with senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, alongside Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators.

At the center of the negotiations is a U.S.-backed 15-point framework that calls for Hamas to disarm, the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic administration and the eventual deployment of international forces and reconstruction teams in Gaza.

Hamas has indicated that it is prepared to accept the framework’s disarmament provisions, while pressing for guarantees regarding Palestinian statehood. Israel, however, has made clear that Hamas must completely surrender its military capabilities before the IDF carries out any withdrawal.

Hamas has also demanded an immediate halt to Israeli strikes and a withdrawal of Israeli forces to the designated “yellow line” as a first step toward implementing the agreement. Israeli forces currently control significant portions of Gaza beyond that line.

The diplomatic impasse has drawn increasing pressure from Arab and Muslim-majority countries. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia issued a joint statement criticizing Israel’s rejection of the proposal and urging the Board of Peace to move forward with implementation.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump offered a series of comments on the broader regional situation, including the ongoing tensions with Iran. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Tehran should “put up the white flag of surrender,” while emphasizing that he was not operating under a specific timetable.

Trump also confirmed that a direct backchannel exists between the United States and Iranian officials, including representatives connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“They’re good poker players, but they’re dying,” Trump said.

The president also weighed in on negotiations involving Oman and the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, issuing a blunt warning about any attempt to interfere with U.S. objectives.

Trump declined to endorse a candidate in Israel’s upcoming political contest, saying he believed it was appropriate to stay out of Israeli elections, although he left open the possibility of eventually supporting someone.

On Gaza, Trump said he believes progress is being made toward Hamas giving up its weapons and suggested that Israel should refrain from launching further strikes while negotiations continue.

“We have our own relationship with Hamas,” Trump said. “They are giving up their guns.”

The competing demands underscore the central obstacle facing the latest ceasefire effort: Hamas is seeking guarantees, including an Israeli withdrawal and a political pathway for the Palestinians, while Israel insists that disarmament must come first. U.S. officials are now attempting to find a formula that can satisfy both sides and prevent the latest diplomatic effort from collapsing.

🚨 NOW: President Trump says Israel should NOT be launching any strikes in Gaza "because Hamas has agreed to lay down their weapons"

Pray for peace! 🙏🏻

"He said the Israelis should not be striking in Gaza because he says Hamas has agreed to lay down their weapons after that… pic.twitter.com/6GNWdqQQlI

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 17, 2026

Multiple videos were just released from an old Kiruv convention, featuring numerous Kiruv professionals discussing the challenges facing at-risk teens at the time. Many, if not nearly all, of the issues discussed back then remain just as relevant to today’s teens.

Featured: Rav Dovid Cohen Shlita, Rav Ronnie Greenwald ZT”L, Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky Shlita, Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski ZT”L, Rav Wallerstein ZT”L, & many others.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 17, 2026)

New York City’s congestion pricing program has completed its first full year, but a new city analysis finds that the toll has produced little measurable improvement in air quality.

A New York City Health Department assessment released in August examined pollution levels inside the congestion pricing zone as well as communities surrounding major roads where drivers could potentially have diverted to avoid the toll.

Researchers found that pollution levels in the zone declined only modestly or remained largely unchanged compared with the previous year. After accounting for weather, seasonal fluctuations and other factors affecting emissions, officials said the changes could not be clearly linked to congestion pricing.

The report also found no significant increase in pollution in neighborhoods outside the tolling zone, including communities identified as environmental justice areas.

While vehicle traffic entering the zone fell by roughly 10% and average speeds increased, city analysts said the reduction was not large enough to produce a dramatic change in overall air quality. Traffic is only one contributor to particulate matter and nitrogen oxide pollution, with other sources also playing a significant role.

The findings offer a more cautious assessment than some earlier claims surrounding the program, which had projected that reducing traffic in Manhattan would lead to meaningful environmental benefits.

The latest analysis suggests that while congestion pricing has changed traffic patterns, its impact on air pollution during the first year has been limited and difficult to distinguish from the city’s longer-term trend of gradually improving air quality.

The results could add to the ongoing debate over whether the toll’s environmental benefits have been substantial enough to justify its financial burden on drivers.

A new billboard campaign supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu features NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem.

The message reads: “They want Netanyahu to lose. Don’t hand them a win.”

NYPD officers responded after a vehicle was observed by RNSP crashing into multiple cars during an overnight patrol.

The driver was arrested for DWI.

Authorities remind residents: If you drink, arrange a designated driver or alternative transportation.

Drive sober.

We are thankful that nobody was injured.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Aug. 15, 2026) — An intensive international search effort concluded successfully after an Israeli mother and daughter who vanished during a trip to Europe were found safe and unharmed traveling on an intercity passenger coach in South America.

Fifty-year-old Mali Yahalomi and her twenty-three-year-old daughter, Liel, had been out of contact with relatives since early August after last checking in from Austria. Their sudden silence triggered immediate alarm, prompting an extensive cross-border inquiry involving law enforcement agencies, international coordination units, and dedicated search teams.

Investigators determined that the pair had orchestrated an elaborate route across multiple European transit hubs before boarding an overseas flight to South America. To obscure their trail, they discarded their primary communication devices in favor of new phones, timed their personal video updates to create false impressions about their physical whereabouts, and used public transit to reach their final destination.

Authorities ultimately intercepted the two women aboard a long-distance bus in the metropolitan region of the Argentine capital. Upon confirming their identities and physical well-being, law enforcement representatives conducted initial interviews to ensure they were not under duress or facing external threats. Officials confirmed that the pair departed entirely of their own volition, were safe from harm, and faced no criminal charges or legal restrictions, bringing an end to the widespread international investigation.

🚨🚨🚨BREAKING: missing Israeli mother and daughter Mali and Liel Yahalomi located on a train in Buenos Aires Argentina pic.twitter.com/SBxeaPlzlp

— גיא עזריאל Guy Azriel (@GuyAz) August 14, 2026

Gut Vuch & Besuros Tovos to all!

Israel is showcasing a massive collection of weapons captured from Hamas and Hezbollah, offering a rare glimpse into the scale and diversity of the arsenals used by Iran-backed terrorist groups.

Fox News Digital was given access to an IDF facility containing rockets, drones, sniper rifles, mortars, anti-tank weapons and automatic firearms. Israeli officials said the stockpile includes weapons traced to Iran, Russia and Chin, as well as some firearms dating back to Nazi Germany.

The collection highlights the wide range of weaponry Israeli forces say they have encountered since the October 7 Hamas attack and provides insight into the foreign-supplied arms used by terrorist organizations operating against Israel.

Meanwhile, an Israeli Home Front Command delegation known as the Alliance of Brothers is assisting emergency response efforts in Cali, Colombia, following a major earthquake. Israeli personnel are working alongside local volunteers at two major impact sites, helping search for and rescue people who may be trapped.

The Israeli team is also working with Colombian authorities to survey damaged structures, map affected areas and help establish priorities for the ongoing rescue and recovery operation.

In southern Lebanon, Lebanese media reported Israeli airstrikes targeting the Ali Taher Ridge following a Hezbollah explosive-drone attack that seriously wounded three Israeli soldiers. The reported strikes came after Israeli authorities warned residents in the Upper Galilee to expect explosions overnight as IDF operations continued in Lebanon.

At the same time, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s developing relationship with Colombia following a conversation with Colombia’s newly elected leader. Netanyahu said he congratulated the incoming president on his election victory and welcomed his recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and the relocation of Colombia’s embassy to Jerusalem.

Netanyahu described the developments as the beginning of a “new chapter” in Israeli-Colombian relations, adding that he expects the partnership between the two countries to continue growing.

Israel Reveals Weapons Seized Since 10/7

EXCLUSIVE: Israel is pulling back the curtain on a vast arsenal seized from Hamas and Hezbollah, revealing weapons originating from Iran, Russia and China — along with firearms dating back to Nazi Germany.

Fox News Digital gets rare access inside an IDF base packed with… pic.twitter.com/4a32mlIzXc

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 15, 2026

IDF Assisting in Columbia

🇮🇱🤝🇨🇴Alliance of Brothers Delegation: Home Front Command forces operating at impact sites in Cali, Colombia

The delegation’s members are operating at 2 major impact sites and assisting efforts to locate and rescue trapped individuals, alongside numerous local volunteers.… pic.twitter.com/9WlDKjkl1p

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 15, 2026

Israel Striking Lebanon

🇮🇱 ISRAELI STRIKES REPORTED IN SOUTH LEBANON

Lebanese media report Israeli airstrikes on the Ali Taher Ridge in southern Lebanon, hours after a Hezbollah explosive drone seriously wounded three soldiers.

The strikes follow warnings to Upper Galilee residents to expect… pic.twitter.com/oMbwixMLLM

— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) August 15, 2026

Besuros Tovos:=.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

CEDARHURST, NY (August 13, 2026)

The Village of Cedarhurst is pleased to announce that the expansion of Parking Field #10 on Washington Avenue is nearing completion, marking an important step forward in the Village’s ongoing efforts to improve parking availability, support local businesses, and make the downtown shopping district more convenient for residents, shoppers, and visitors.

After months of planning, preparation, site work, drainage improvements, lighting coordination, parking layout revisions, and paving activity, the project has reached one of its final stages. Weather permitting and barring any unforeseen construction issues, the Village anticipates that the expanded lot will be substantially completed and ready for use in approximately two to three weeks.

The expansion will double the capacity of the existing parking field and is expected to add approximately 50 new parking spaces. Once completed, Parking Field #10 will provide additional access to the Cedarhurst business district, helping to reduce congestion and making it easier for people to visit local stores, offices, restaurants, and community destinations.

“As Cedarhurst continues to attract shoppers and visitors, the availability of convenient parking remains essential to preserving the Village’s character, supporting local commerce, and ensuring that the business district remains accessible and welcoming,” said Mayor Benjamin Weinstock. “This project reflects the Village’s commitment to practical improvements that directly benefit residents, merchants, and visitors. We are excited to see Parking Field #10 approaching completion and look forward to opening the additional spaces very soon.”

Mayor Ben Weinstock, Deputy Mayor Ari Brown, Trustee Israel Wasser, and Trustee Daniel Plaut recently joined together at the site to mark the project’s progress and recognize the work that has gone into bringing the expansion to this stage. The project represents a meaningful investment in the Village’s infrastructure and in the long-term vitality of Cedarhurst’s commercial corridor.

In addition to increasing the number of available spaces, the work has included improvements intended to create a more functional and better organized parking area. These improvements are designed to make the lot easier to use, improve vehicle circulation, and support the continued growth and activity of the surrounding business district.

The Village thanks the public for its patience during the construction period and will continue to provide updates as the project moves through its final phase. Additional details regarding the official opening of the expanded Parking Field #10 will be shared as the completion date approaches.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 13, 2026)

New York City restaurants are set to regain the ability to operate outdoor dining areas throughout the year after the City Council voted overwhelmingly Thursday to reverse restrictions that had limited the program to warmer months.

The legislation restores year-round sidewalk dining and expands outdoor service to roadway cafes, while allowing restaurants to use removable winter coverings during the colder months.

The Council’s action rolls back rules adopted in 2023 under former Mayor Eric Adams, when the city moved to make outdoor dining seasonal.

Council Speaker Julie Menin said keeping outdoor dining available year-round is an important source of revenue for restaurants. She also criticized the previous system, saying businesses were forced to spend money setting up and dismantling their outdoor spaces every year, while many had nowhere to store their equipment during the winter.

Restaurant owners have also complained about the city’s permitting process. More than 3,600 outdoor dining applications were reportedly still awaiting approval last year, with business owners describing the process as unnecessarily complicated.

Brooklyn Councilman Lincoln Restler, who introduced the changes, said the seasonal restrictions placed a heavy financial burden on restaurants that had invested in outdoor dining structures.

The Council also pointed to a decline in complaints about outdoor dining. Only 11 related complaints were filed through the city’s 311 system so far this year, according to officials.

Under the new rules, restaurants will be permitted to install coverings over outdoor dining areas from November 30 through March 31. Sidewalk cafes must close by 11 p.m. and can lose their outdoor dining privileges after three violations for the same offense within a two-year period.

Restaurants will also be required to keep outdoor structures clean and free of garbage, debris, graffiti, food waste and vermin.

The Council approved the winter-covering provisions by a 38-4 vote and approved the expansion to roadway cafes 37-5.

The move marks a major shift in New York City’s approach to outdoor dining, bringing back a popular pandemic-era feature while attempting to establish clearer rules for restaurants, pedestrians and surrounding neighborhoods.

Year-round outdoor dining is coming to New York City thanks to the @NYCCouncil.

Today, legislation was approved to expand the Dining Out NYC program, which will give City restaurants the opportunity to offer outdoor seating on sidewalks and roadways all year long.…

— Speaker Julie Menin (@SpeakerMenin) August 13, 2026

By 5 Towns Central Staff

BNEI BRAK, ISRAEL (August 13, 2026)

Nearly a year after an Iranian missile strike severely damaged a residential building in Bnei Brak, the site is now becoming a symbol of something far greater than destruction: rebuilding.

Demolition has begun on the four-story building on HaMakabim Street, which was struck during Operation “Am Kelavi” on June 16, 2025. The building, which contained 24 apartments, was left uninhabitable following the attack.

But rather than allowing the destruction to define the site, the community is moving forward.

Within less than a year, developer Urbanitop obtained the necessary building permit and advanced plans for a major redevelopment project under TAMA 38/2. The new project will replace the damaged structure with three residential buildings containing 84 new apartments designated for the Chareidi community, along with approximately 422 square meters of commercial space.

The project represents an investment of approximately 247 million NIS, with financing and guarantees being provided by Bareket real estate finance in partnership with Shlomo Insurance.

There is something deeply symbolic about what is happening here.

An enemy missile came to destroy. The response is to build.

This is the story of Klal Yisroel throughout the generations. We have faced destruction, exile and unimaginable tragedy, yet we continue to rebuild our homes, our communities and our future.

Today, a damaged building is being torn down. Tomorrow, new homes will rise in its place.

Because Klal Yisroel lives on.

And no matter how hard our enemies try to destroy us, we will continue to rebuild, grow and raise the next generation of Am Yisroel.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK STATE (August 13, 2026)

A new Siena University poll of likely New York gubernatorial voters finds significant dissatisfaction with Mayor Zohran Mamdani among Jewish New Yorkers, with 66% saying they disapprove of his performance compared with 26% who approve.

The survey, conducted August 3–6 among 811 likely voters, also found particularly low support for the Democratic Socialists of America among Jewish respondents. Seventy-five percent said they disapprove of the organization, while just 17% expressed approval.

The poll found that New Yorkers remain divided over the direction of the state. Overall, 43% of likely voters said New York is moving in the right direction, while 47% said the state is headed the wrong way. Democrats were considerably more optimistic, with 67% saying the state is on the right track. Among Republicans, 86% said it is headed in the wrong direction, while 55% of independents also expressed a negative view.

Jewish voters were somewhat more pessimistic than the overall electorate: 51% said New York is moving in the wrong direction, compared with 39% who said it is on the right track.

The survey also found a difference in outlook between the country and New York. Among Jewish respondents, 53% believe America’s best years are still ahead, while 39% believe they are behind. When asked specifically about New York, however, only 42% said the state’s best years are ahead, compared with 36% who said they are behind.

Jewish Voters in the 2026 Governor’s Race

Despite their negative views of Mamdani and the DSA, Jewish voters continue to lean Democratic in statewide elections.

In a hypothetical matchup for governor, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul led Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman 49% to 42% among Jewish voters.

In the attorney general race, Democratic Attorney General Letitia James held a wider advantage over Republican Saritha Komatireddy, leading 61% to 28%.

At the same time, Jewish voters gave Blakeman an edge when asked who would be more likely to keep New Yorkers safe. Forty-eight percent chose Blakeman, compared with 44% for Hochul.

Looking ahead to congressional elections, 52% of Jewish respondents said they would vote for a Democratic candidate if the election were held today, while 41% said they would support a Republican.

Jewish respondents represented approximately 8% of the poll’s sample. Because the Jewish subgroup was relatively small, the results carry a larger margin of error than the overall survey. The weighted portions of the poll had margins of error ranging from approximately 4.2 to 4.6 percentage points.

The findings suggest that while Jewish New Yorkers remain competitive between the two major parties in statewide and congressional races, they currently express substantial dissatisfaction with Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK STATE (August 13, 2026)

Thousands of frum families across New York are set to gain access to a long-awaited WIC benefit as the state prepares to approve Cholov Yisroel infant formula for the first time.

The New York State Department of Health is expected to add Baby’s Only Infant Formula, distributed by Mehadrin, to its approved WIC formula list later this month. The milk-based formula contains iron, carries kosher certification and is Cholov Yisroel, making it suitable for families who maintain those standards.

Until now, families who qualified for WIC formula assistance often had no approved Cholov Yisroel option available to them. That meant parents could receive formula benefits through WIC but still have to purchase the formula their families use out of pocket.

The issue came down to a surprisingly small nutritional difference. According to advocates involved in the effort, existing Cholov Yisroel formulas were about 0.1 milligrams below the federal iron requirement for WIC eligibility. Despite the tiny gap, the products could not be included in the program.

Changing that situation took years of advocacy and coordination. Met Council worked with state health officials, WIC advocates and formula manufacturers to find a Cholov Yisroel product that could meet the federal requirements and qualify for the program.

The effort has now paved the way for the first Cholov Yisroel formula to be included in New York’s WIC program.

Met Council CEO David Greenfield praised the development as a major victory for kosher families, saying the change will have a meaningful financial impact on parents who depend on WIC to help cover the high cost of feeding their infants.

The initiative also received support from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

For eligible families, the change means they will no longer have to choose between using their WIC benefit and purchasing the formula that meets their religious standards. Instead, they will be able to use the assistance for an approved Cholov Yisroel option.

After years of advocacy, the upcoming approval represents a significant change for families throughout New York’s frum communities and could provide meaningful savings on one of the most essential expenses facing parents of young children.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK STATE (August 13, 2026)

New York law enforcement agencies with agreements allowing them to assist federal immigration authorities have been given 13 days to end those arrangements or potentially face legal action, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.

The directive follows a provision in New York’s fiscal year 2027 budget that prohibits local law enforcement agencies from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement. The policy is part of New York’s broader sanctuary-style approach, which has drawn strong criticism from the Trump administration and federal immigration officials.

Hochul said agencies that have agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement must formally terminate them before the new law takes effect.

“You’re on notice,” Hochul said, giving agencies 13 days to unwind their agreements with ICE. She added that departments that fail to comply “will face legal action,” arguing that local police should focus on protecting their communities rather than carrying out federal immigration duties.

NY Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul: “I signed one of the most comprehensive laws to rein in ICE in the entire country. It prohibits law enforcement agencies from having formal agreements with ICE.” pic.twitter.com/nRjCJAu0oP

— TheBlaze (@theblaze) August 13, 2026

Attorney General Letitia James said last month that at least 12 New York law enforcement agencies had agreements with ICE, including the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. Other agencies identified include the Madison, Broome and Otsego County sheriff’s offices and the Camden Police Department.

The agreements fall under ICE’s 287(g) program, which allows specially trained state and local officers to assist with certain federal immigration enforcement responsibilities. Depending on the agreement, those duties can include immigration enforcement within jails, joint task-force operations and the execution of administrative immigration warrants involving individuals already in custody.

ICE currently has 287(g) agreements with law enforcement agencies across dozens of states and U.S. territories.

Supporters of New York’s new restrictions argue that immigration enforcement should remain the responsibility of the federal government and that local police cooperation can undermine trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

Critics, including federal officials, argue that limiting cooperation makes it more difficult to identify and detain individuals who may be subject to deportation, particularly when they are already in local custody.

The legal battle could ultimately center on the constitutional limits of federal and state authority. While the federal government controls immigration policy, the Supreme Court has held that Washington generally cannot force state and local governments to administer federal programs.

New York’s law is therefore likely to face continued scrutiny as state and federal officials clash over how much authority local police should have to assist ICE.

Irgun Shiurei Torah

Rabbi Ariel Mizrachi of Safrah Synagogue in Manhattan shares an important lesson of how to view ones competitors.

In a world of competition, let’s remember: there’s enough for everyone to succeed!

Nobody can take a dime away from what you are destined to make!

Profound Lesson on Emunah: Rabbi Ariel Mizrachi of Safrah Synagogue in Manhattan shares a powerful perspective on how we should view competition.

In a world where everyone is striving to succeed, remember: there is enough success to go around.

No one can take away even a dime… pic.twitter.com/Dpnrfgdix8

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) August 13, 2026

By 5 Towns Central Staff

New York, N.Y. (Aug. 12, 2026) — New York lawmakers have initiated a formal inquiry into four leading prediction market platforms over allegations of deceptive advertising and promotional practices aimed at attracting younger consumers. The investigation focuses on New York-based companies Gemini Titan, Kalshi, and Polymarket, as well as Texas-based Coinbase, to determine whether their public outreach violates existing consumer protection standards.

The municipal probe centers on concerns that these financial trading platforms aggressively entice users to place monetary wagers on a wide range of real-world outcomes, including sports, political elections, cultural milestones, and weather conditions. Oversight officials have issued formal requests for information from each company, seeking detailed data on their local user bases, promotional expenses, and advertising strategies designed to reach city residents.

A primary driver of the inquiry involves claims that certain platforms utilized undisclosed social media partnerships, staged trading videos, and exaggerated earning statistics to recruit young traders. Investigators are examining whether these tactics unfairly obscure financial risks and encourage habit-forming behavior among impressionable users. Depending on the findings, local authorities may propose new legislative restrictions, enhanced municipal enforcement, or targeted public education campaigns to curb predatory marketing practices.

The municipal inquiry comes during a broader jurisdictional dispute surrounding the regulation of event-based trading contracts. State law enforcement officials have previously pursued legal actions against several of the same platforms, alleging violations of state gambling laws. Concurrently, federal regulatory bodies maintain that financial event contracts fall under exclusive federal jurisdiction. While federal and state entities debate regulatory boundaries, municipal leaders clarified that their inquiry remains strictly focused on advertising transparency and consumer protection rather than determining the legal status of event-based wagering.

NEW YORK, August 12 — Scholarships for All NY, a broad statewide alliance of education, faith, business and community organizations, has launched a six-figure public awareness campaign, thanking Governor Kathy Hochul for signaling early support for the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program and urging her to formally opt New York in once federal regulations are finalized. The campaign was first reported this week by the New York Post.

The program could bring an estimated $1.5 billion annually in scholarship support to New York students without requiring new state spending. Families could use the scholarships for tutoring, after-school programs, transportation, special education services, classroom technology, school supplies, tuition and other educational needs. The funds would be available to eligible students in public and nonpublic schools alike.

The stakes extend beyond whether New York participates. Even if the state opts out, New York taxpayers could still claim the federal credit by supporting scholarship organizations serving students in participating states, potentially directing educational investment generated by New Yorkers to students elsewhere.

The campaign brings together organizations representing public and nonpublic school families, after-school providers, interfaith organizations, chambers of commerce, business and civic leaders, and community groups across New York. Jewish organizations supporting the effort include Teach Coalition, a project of the Orthodox Union, Agudath Israel of America, UJA-Federation of New York and Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, among others.

“This is the largest infusion of support for New York students in a generation, and it does not require a dollar in new state spending,” said Sydney Altfield, CEO of Teach Coalition, speaking on behalf of Scholarships for All NY. “Every family in this state has something to gain here, in every kind of school. We are asking Governor Hochul to bring these scholarships home to New York students.”

“Look at who is sitting at the table,” Altfield said. “Parents from public schools and religious schools, business owners, clergy. These are not people who agree on everything. They agree on this.”

Organizers expressed their appreciation for Governor Hochul’s early support for the program and their hope that she will take the next step by formally opting New York in once federal regulations are finalized.

For many nonpublic-school families, including New York’s yeshiva and Jewish day school community, the impact could be immediate. Tuition remains one of the heaviest financial burdens on families choosing a religious education, while schools and parents also face the cost of services including special education support, transportation, tutoring and after-school programming.

“Every year, tuition gets more expensive, and our schools are spending more just to keep our kids safe. But we still want to raise our children in a way that’s true to who we are and give them a strong Jewish education. New York has always been a place where families like ours could build a life and a community. This program would help make sure we can keep doing that,” said Jonathan Katz, a parent at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach (HALB).

New York would also be among the most consequential states to participate in the new federal program, and organizers say Hochul’s decision could help shape how other states approach implementation.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2026) — A landmark ownership transition is underway for one of professional basketball’s premier franchises, as venture capitalist Josh Kushner and former media executive Bob Iger have finalized an agreement to purchase controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal evaluates the historic basketball organization at a groundbreaking figure exceeding $12.5 billion, marking the highest valuation ever recorded for a professional sports franchise.

The purchasing pair initially concentrated their efforts on securing an expansion franchise targeted for Las Vegas. However, those plans shifted dramatically as an opportunity arose to acquire full controlling authority over the Los Angeles organization. The transaction transfers majority leadership from previous owner Mark Walter, who had acquired controlling stakes less than a year prior during a separate historic valuation event.

The prospective owners expressed deep reverence for the longstanding tradition and legacy built under the direction of the Buss family over several decades. They reiterated a firm commitment to maintaining the competitive standards of the team, fostering continuous success, and dedicating service to the fan base and the broader community of Southern California.

Former majority owner Mark Walter reflected positively on his brief stewardship, noting the distinct privilege of overseeing such a deeply cherished civic institution and expressing complete confidence in the future direction of the club under incoming leadership. The transition arrives during a pivotal operational period for the roster following recent offseason shifts, leaving incoming leadership tasked with steering the organization into its next competitive era.

Finalization of the sale remains subject to formal evaluation and official approval by the league’s governing body, with official proceedings anticipated during upcoming executive meetings scheduled for early autumn. Once approved, the record-setting transaction will establish a momentous benchmark for valuation standards across major global sports leagues.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

OCEANSIDE, NY (August 12, 2026)

The Office of Congresswoman Laura Gillen NY04 in partnership with NY Passport Agency will be hosting Mobile Office Hours at the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside on Wednesday, August 19th.

Date:  Wednesday, August 19th

Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Friedberg JCC of Oceanside

15 Neil Ct, Oceanside, NY 11572

Mobile Office Hours allow constituents to receive assistance with federal agencies from Congresswoman Gillen’s office at a convenient community location. Passport applications will also be accepted on-site at this upcoming event.

Please see the link for sign ups which can also be found on the attached flyers. This link from the State Department provides further information about the Passport Acceptance portion.

It is important that constituents pre-register for Passport services.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to:

Jared M. Bruh
Caseworker/ Jewish Outreach Liaison
Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04)
O: 516-203-0930 C:516-661-8585

Musician Shaindy Plotzker, who shared the now-famous video of Charlotte Herzberg’s moving solo performance of “Neshamale” by Abie Rotenberg, recently noticed a small “mistake” in the song.

Charlotte changed one slight word in the song…”One wrong lyric that can not have been more right!”

Actual Lyrics: “…Where it’s safe and I’ll be pure”
Charlotte’s lyrics: “…Where I am safe and I’ll be pure”

🥹Incredible: Shaindy Plotzker: Charlotte changed one slight word in the song…"One wrong lyric that can not have been more right!"

May the Neshama of Shaindel bas Chaim Yehuda Leib have an Aliyah and continue bringing chizuk and Nechamos to Klal Yisrael! pic.twitter.com/xtj4MexwR0

— 5TownsCentral (@5TownsCentral) August 12, 2026

May the Neshama of Shaindel bas Chaim Yehuda Leib have an Aliyah and continue bringing chizuk and Nechamos to Klal Yisrael!

By 5 Towns Central Staff

MANHATTAN, NYC (August 12, 2026)

A new Times Square billboard is turning New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s economic policies into a political punchline, with Florida officials claiming his agenda is helping drive businesses, workers and wealthy residents out of New York and into the Sunshine State.

The campaign, launched by the Florida Chamber of Commerce at Broadway and West 43rd Street, jokingly names Mamdani its “Economic Developer of the Year.”

The Chamber says the billboard is meant to highlight what it describes as the unintended consequences of New York’s high-tax, progressive policies.

“We wanted to thank him for the jobs, the companies, the people that they’re pushing out of New York, and a lot of them are coming to Florida,” Chamber CEO Mark Wilson told Fox News Digital.

Wilson argued that the two states represent competing economic philosophies, with Florida emphasizing lower taxes and free-market policies while New York moves toward greater government spending and taxation.

The Chamber points to IRS migration figures as evidence of the difference. According to its analysis, Florida is gaining roughly $2.4 million in net taxable income every hour through migration, while New York is losing approximately $1.1 million. The group also estimates that Florida gains about 551 residents each day, compared with an estimated daily loss of 115 residents from New York.

Florida’s economy is now valued at approximately $1.8 trillion, and the Chamber says the state has continued to attract wealth despite repeatedly cutting taxes.

Wilson said Florida has enacted more than 50 tax cuts over the past 15 years while continuing to generate record levels of revenue.

The Chamber also compared government spending, noting that New York State’s budget is more than twice the size of Florida’s, while New York City’s budget alone exceeds Florida’s entire state budget by more than $8 billion.

City Hall pushed back on the criticism, saying New York’s economy remains “as strong as it’s ever been.”

The billboard is part of the Chamber’s broader “Free Enterprise Florida” campaign, which plans to take its message beyond New York and target other major cities, including Chicago and cities in California and Minneapolis.

The campaign comes as Mamdani prepares to implement an economic agenda centered on expanded government services and higher taxes on wealthy New Yorkers—policies supporters say will make the city more affordable, while critics warn could accelerate the movement of businesses, jobs and high-income residents to lower-tax states like Florida.

Mamdani is doing a great job creating jobs—FOR FLORIDA!

His policies, whether enacted or proposed, are driving families and businesses out of New York. pic.twitter.com/VnCgavcs3x

— Nicole Malliotakis (@NMalliotakis) August 12, 2026

By 5 Towns Central Staff

LOD, ISRAEL (August 12, 2026)

Israeli airline Israir is preparing two Airbus A330-200 widebody aircraft for a potential New York–Tel Aviv route, a major expansion that could add much-needed competition to the transatlantic market.

The aircraft, registered as 4X-BAK and 4X-BAL, were previously operated by US Airways and American Airlines before being placed in storage in 2020. Israir purchased the two planes for approximately $74 million, with the total investment expected to exceed $80 million after the costs of returning them to service.

One of the aircraft, 4X-BAK, arrived in Israel from Tucson in June and has already begun operating Israir flights to European destinations. The second aircraft was flown to Larnaca, Cyprus, where Israir is supporting its maintenance and preparation for commercial service.

Israeli travel company Issta provided Israir with $35 million toward the purchase. In return, Issta secured 40 economy-class seats on every commercial flight operated by either aircraft for the next decade.

The A330s have retained their existing American Airlines cabin configuration, with 20 business-class seats, 21 premium-economy seats and 206 economy seats.

The big question is when Israir will actually begin flying to New York.

The airline has repeatedly pushed back its projected launch date, previously pointing to Passover, June, the third quarter and then early August. As of August 11, none of those deadlines have been met, and Israir has yet to announce a firm start date.

There has been progress on the regulatory side. Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority approved Israir’s A330 operation, including flights to North America, on July 29. The airline still needs approval from the FAA under Part 129, as well as TSA approval for its foreign-carrier security program, before it can begin scheduled U.S. service.

A New York route would give Israeli travelers another option at a time when nonstop capacity between Israel and the United States has been significantly disrupted. According to the Israel Airports Authority, approximately 1.2 million passengers traveled between New York and Tel Aviv in 2025.

If Israir eventually operates six weekly flights using the 247-seat A330s, it would add nearly 1,500 seats each week in one direction, representing a meaningful new share of the nonstop market.

For passengers, the additional competition could be particularly significant as transatlantic fares remain high and flight availability has been limited.

El Al and Arkia have continued operating New York service during the disruptions, while several international carriers are preparing to return. KLM is scheduled to resume service August 25, initially using a technical stop in Larnaca, followed by Delta on September 6 and United on September 8.

If Israir can clear its remaining regulatory hurdles and finally launch the route, the arrival of its A330s could provide Israeli and American travelers with another option on one of the busiest and most important air corridors connecting Israel with the United States.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

**NEWARK, NEW JERSEY (August 12, 2026)
**

Federal officials are rolling out a major modernization effort aimed at improving air traffic control safety and reliability, with Newark Liberty International Airport among the latest facilities to receive upgraded technology.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration highlighted the installation of a new surface movement radar tower at Newark. The system is designed to give controllers a clearer view of aircraft and vehicles moving around the airport, particularly during nighttime operations and periods of poor visibility.

The Newark project is part of a broader nationwide overhaul of aging air traffic control infrastructure. Planned improvements include modern radar equipment, enhanced systems for tracking activity on airport surfaces, upgraded communications radios and replacements for traditional paper-based tower flight strips.

Federal officials say the modernization effort will also place a greater emphasis on American-made technology and equipment, which they argue will strengthen domestic manufacturing while supporting jobs tied to the aviation industry.

The FAA is also working to address longstanding staffing shortages. The agency says it has hired approximately 2,000 new air traffic controllers as it expands the workforce responsible for managing the nation’s increasingly busy airspace.

Officials say the combination of new technology and additional personnel is intended to improve safety, reduce operational bottlenecks and create a more reliable air traffic system nationwide in the years ahead.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

**VIENNA, AUSTRIA (August 12, 2026)
**

An urgent search is underway for Israeli mother Mali Yahalomi, 50, and her daughter Liel, 23, who have been reported missing in Vienna.

According to the family, the two traveled to Europe together, first visiting Prague before taking a pre-booked train to Vienna, where they checked into an apartment-style hotel.

Family members remained in regular contact with Mali and Liel throughout the trip. They received photos on Wednesday and exchanged messages as late as Friday, with no indication that anything was wrong.

Contact was subsequently lost. By Sunday evening, after messages were no longer being delivered and repeated attempts to reach the two went unanswered, the family contacted the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s emergency center and opened an official missing-person case.

The family initially had difficulty obtaining information from the hotel, but since Monday, the Israeli consul has been working directly with hotel management and Vienna’s Chabad community to assist with the search and keep relatives updated.

At this time, officials have not reported a confirmed lead regarding the women’s whereabouts. Israeli officials, local authorities and members of the Jewish community are involved in efforts to locate them.

The family is continuing to hold out hope that Mali and Liel will be found safe.

An Israeli official described the search as a massive international effort, saying: “The whole world is on its feet trying to find them.”

The family is asking the public to share the information. Any detail, photograph or piece of information that could help determine where Mali and Liel were last seen may be important.

Please share widely and daven for the safety and wellbeing of Mali and Liel.

Besuros Tovos!

By 5 Towns Central Staff

**NEW YORK CITY, NY (August 12, 2026)
**

The NYPD has taken more than 3,200 illegal firearms off New York City streets so far this year, according to Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who highlighted the figure Tuesday as part of the department’s ongoing effort to reduce gun violence.

The department passed the 3,000-gun mark on July 27 and has since recovered more than 200 additional weapons. Tisch noted that the NYPD reached 2,000 gun seizures in early June, meaning hundreds more firearms have been removed from circulation in just over two months.

Tisch attributed the results to the department’s focus on “precision policing,” which targets individuals and locations believed to be driving violent crime rather than relying solely on broad enforcement strategies.

According to the commissioner, New York City recorded its lowest number of murders, shooting incidents and shooting victims in the first seven months of a year since the department began keeping records. Overall major crime has also declined by nearly 7% compared with the same period last year.

Public housing also recorded its safest first seven months on record, with murders, shootings, shooting victims and robberies all reaching historic lows.

Tisch said the department’s strategy is heavily focused on repeat offenders, noting that a relatively small group of individuals is responsible for a disproportionate amount of the city’s gun violence.

To identify and target those individuals, more than 30 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies participate in the NYPD’s Gun Violence Strategy Partnership. The group meets daily to exchange intelligence, examine violent-felony arrests and coordinate enforcement efforts against the people believed to be responsible for driving shootings.

The NYPD says the combination of gun seizures, intelligence sharing and targeted enforcement is helping drive the city’s continued decline in violent crime.

.@NYPDPC and law enforcement partners announce the NYPD has seized more than 3,000 guns so far in 2026. https://t.co/pQfOeNji4u

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) August 11, 2026

By 5 Towns Central Staff

ATLANTIC BEACH, NY (August 11, 2026)

Six-year-old Zecharia Goldstein and his eight-year-old sister, Dalia Goldstein, were swimming in the ocean when they heard a man calling for help. He appeared helpless as the waves tossed him back and forth, and he pleaded with the children to find an adult.

Realizing that the man was in serious danger, Zecharia and Dalia immediately sprang into action. They first approached three men who were chatting on the beach and told them that someone needed help. The men dismissed their concern, saying that he was probably just playing around.

But Zecharia and Dalia trusted their instincts and refused to give up. Determined to save the man, they ran to the lifeguard station and alerted the lifeguards. They then ran back with them, leading them directly to the struggling swimmer.

The lifeguards pulled the man from the water and saved him from drowning.

According to police, the 45-year-old man had fallen from his boogie board and struck his head, resulting in a suspected spinal injury. He was airlifted to a local hospital and is currently listed in stable condition.

Thanks to Zecharia and Dalia’s courage, determination, and quick thinking, a man’s life was saved that day.

See something, say something.

Kol Hakavod!

Footage from water rescue at Atlantic Beach on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/zLwkZR7WnD

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

By 5 Towns Central Staff

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL (August 11, 2026)

A move that would rank among the most stunning signings in Israeli basketball history appears to be getting closer.

Talks between Hapoel Tel Aviv and former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook are reportedly continuing to advance, according to U.S. reports. The latest update comes roughly two weeks after earlier reports of Hapoel’s interest were publicly denied.

Journalist Marc Jacobs reported Monday that negotiations between the two sides are progressing. If an agreement is reached, Westbrook would make the unprecedented move from the NBA to a club outside the United States for the first time in his professional career.

Westbrook, 37, remains a free agent after last season and is apparently seriously weighing the possibility of continuing his career in Europe rather than returning to the NBA. The Athletic previously reported that a move overseas was being considered as Westbrook evaluates the next chapter of his career.

The potential signing would be enormous for Hapoel Tel Aviv, which has emerged as an increasingly ambitious force in European basketball. The club competes in both the Israeli Premier League and EuroLeague and has invested heavily in building a roster capable of competing at the highest level.

Westbrook’s résumé would make the move particularly remarkable. He is a former NBA MVP, a nine-time All-Star and one of the most accomplished point guards of his generation. He also owns the NBA’s career record for triple-doubles and was named to the league’s 75th Anniversary Team.

For Hapoel, adding a player with that résumé would be a major statement—not only for Israeli basketball but for the EuroLeague as a whole.

There is still no reported agreement, and the talks could ultimately fall apart. But the latest reports suggest this is no longer merely a speculative rumor: negotiations are reportedly active and moving forward.

If Westbrook does ultimately arrive in Tel Aviv, it could become one of the biggest European basketball signings of the modern era—and one of the most high-profile NBA-to-Israel moves ever.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

SAN FRANSISCO, CALIFORNIA (August 11, 2026)

A growing number of Americans over 55 are stepping away from the workforce, with their participation rate falling to levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economists say one factor behind the trend may be the dramatic increase in Americans’ investment wealth. Years of strong stock market gains have significantly increased the value of 401(k) accounts and brokerage portfolios, giving some older workers greater financial flexibility to retire earlier than planned.

Adam Shapiro, vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, said the recent decline in workforce participation among people 55 and older is similar in magnitude to the drop seen during the pandemic. He pointed to the “wealth effect” created by soaring stock prices as one possible explanation.

The weaker job market may also be playing a role. With the hiring rate remaining below 4%, older workers who leave their jobs may face a longer and more difficult search for new employment. For some, retiring instead may be the more attractive option.

The S&P 500 has more than doubled since the beginning of 2021, substantially increasing retirement and investment balances for millions of Americans. A 2023 analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis identified a similar relationship between rising household wealth and increased retirement following the market surge of 2020 and 2021.

With investment portfolios growing, more Americans approaching traditional retirement age appear to have both the financial means and the incentive to leave the workforce sooner.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 11, 2026)

President Donald Trump says he is exploring whether the federal government has any legal authority to intervene against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed tax on high-value properties owned by people whose primary residences are outside the city.

In a Tuesday social media post, Trump sharply criticized the measure, describing it as a “dangerous political experiment” that he warned could have serious economic and social consequences for New York.

“This doesn’t work in America, and must be stopped, NOW!” Trump wrote, adding that he was examining whether the federal government has “any legal right to avert this disaster.”

The dispute centers on New York City’s new pied-à-terre tax, which targets certain high-value properties that are not the owner’s primary residence in the city. The measure would apply to one-, two- and three-family homes valued above $5 million, as well as condominium and cooperative apartments valued at $1 million or more when the owner’s primary home is located outside New York City.

Mamdani has promoted the tax as a way to generate additional revenue from wealthy property owners, while critics argue it could discourage investment, push affluent homeowners out of the city and further pressure New York’s already expensive housing market.

Trump’s comments open the door to a potential clash between the federal government and City Hall over a tax policy that is ordinarily controlled by state and local authorities. Whether Washington has any constitutional or statutory power to block the measure remains an open legal question.

By 5 Towns Central Staff

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (Aug. 11, 2026) – The following letter was sent to 5TC from a former Bayswater resident, who has since made Aliyah.

“On June 15 I had a scheduled stent of my carotid artery. when I was in recovery my body began crashing and I had no blood pressure. From that moment fifteen neurosurgeons fought for close to 7 hrs to save my life.

I was conscious throughout, spoke to the doctors and realized that I was in Hashem’s hands, otherwise I would not have been able to have endured the process of life saving.

When they finally found the problem and stopped the bleeding all the Doctors realized it was an absolute Miracle.

I wanted to publicly to share this story with the 5TC community to publicize the miracle.

הודו ושם כי טוב!

Laya