Five Towns Jewish Home 06.26.25

Sh’or Yoshuv 58th

Dear Readers,

In a world that often celebrates the grand and the dramatic, it’s easy to overlook the quiet power of a small, sincere mitzvah. It’s easy to miss people who perform the “simple” mitzvos that don’t grab headlines. We often become inspired by grand gestures, by stories of tzaddikim giving their last few kopeks to the widow begging at their door. But, as Rabbi Weinberger notes in this week’s issue, although Klal Yisroel is led by our gedolim, the army of Hashem is composed of scores of Jews, each with their own tafkid and techunos.

There’s a certain quiet beauty in the performance of everyday mitzvos that don’t claim center stage. And there’s a certain glorious splendor of those Jews who make it their business – their very essence and existence – to consistently perform those quieter mitzvos.

I recently attended the levayas of two individuals who understood the importance and the value of sincere, modest mitzvos. Both men were one of the first to head to shul in the mornings so they could complete the minyan. They helped to set up the chairs for davening and learning. One would rush to shul whenever it snowed, hoping to be the first to shovel the walkway for those coming to davening.

Much of their lives were about thinking of others – performing small acts of thoughtfulness that showed the recipients that they were cherished and appreciated. Whenever a mechaber was selling seforim that he wrote, one of these men would purchase the seforim, knowing how it would uplift this Jew who had spent so much time writing this

sefer. And he would remind his children to ask the mechaber to inscribe the seforim, too, as that would give extra chiyus to the author.

The other man spent his Friday afternoons delivering flowers to many households and calling myriad people – some of them who didn’t even keep Shabbos – to wish them a good Shabbos. On Shabbos morning, he would join the hashkama minyan, and after davening, he would visit lonely individuals who were stuck at home, later heading back to shul to hear the rabbi’s speech. So much of what he did was under the radar, quiet, without ego – because his essence was about the other person and not about himself.

I drew lessons from these two men for myself –messages and reminders that our lives are molded by the small acts that we perform: holding the door for someone with patience. Picking up the phone to check on a neighbor. Cleaning up after the shul kiddush. Sending over soup to the neighbor who isn’t well. These are the acts and moments that shape the soul.

Sometimes, it’s the mitzvah that takes just a minute that can change a person’s entire day – or even their life.

This summer, as life slows down just a little, perhaps we can spend time thinking more of others and reaching out to them so they know we care. Because in the eyes of G-d, nothing simple is ever small.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

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Dear Editor,

You recently wrote about the longtime strategy of NYC residents registering as Democrats to vote in the Democrat primary for the lesser of two (or eleven) evils. This has resulted in more registered Democrats in NYC and the continued empowerment of the Democrat Party. Democrats have a supermajority in the NYC Council and continue to pass radical socialist and woke left-wing legislation, while failing to combat antisemitism.

The strategy needed to reverse the damage done by the Democrats is to have a competitive Republican Party. Republican policies are more in line with our Torah values. As another reader correctly points out, Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate for mayor, has always been there for the Jewish community, in action not just talk. We need to register more Republicans, vote Republican, and advocate for the Republican Party in shuls and yeshivas. If more people register Republican, then donors will invest more in Republican candidates, thereby improving their chances of winning and saving NYC.

Sincerely, Moshe Tassalman

Dear Editor,

Everyone knows about Hatzalah, the group of people who can drop everything and come running to assist even during Kol Nidrei (as my family personally discovered a few years ago). But we know who the members are. They wear jackets and carry radios. When an emergency happens, we know who to thank.

There is another group that does important and difficult work in secret. This

is the Chevra Kadisha. They wear no special jackets, and we don’t even know who they are. We recently learned my mother, Batya Goodman, had been one of them. When she passed away recently, it took one phone call to Achiezer, and everything was handled. They picked up the meis, did the tahara, brought the aron to the shul for a levaya that evening, brought it to the airport, arranged pick-up and kevura on the other end. Less than 24 hours later, my mother was at rest, and we don’t even know who to thank.

I hope some of them see this.

Yisroel Goodman

Dear Editor,

At my graduation from Queens College, I was chosen to be hooded on stage as the representative of more than 300 master’s students graduating from the M.S.Ed. program. I wore a visible hostage pin on my gown—symbolizing all of the innocent people still held captive in Gaza. For me, it was a statement of truth in a space where truth—when it was about Israel—often felt unwelcome.

Throughout my master’s program, I was the only student who defended Israel. Many of my classmates were proudly pro-Palestinian, casually speaking in class about Israel’s “ethnic cleansing.” Some even made antisemitic remarks. Others posted trendy infographics on Instagram condemning the “genocide” in Gaza. The rest remained silent as Israel was barraged with accusations by fellow students.

These are the future teachers of New York. They will soon be shaping young and impressionable minds. That terrified me.

Continued on page 12

But it also strengthened my resolve. Because I, too, am the future of education.

Being surrounded by peers who so easily slandered Israel made something clear to me: teaching isn’t just a profession—it’s a responsibility. I learned that even one voice, armed with knowledge and courage, can make a difference.

Despite being alienated at times, I stood firm. I never compromised when it came to Israel. I defended it—respectfully, factually, and passionately. I carried myself with dignity in hostile rooms—not to win arguments, but to make sure that truth had a voice.

There were moments in class when I spoke up and felt afraid. But on graduation day, when I wore that pin in front of thousands, I felt no fear—only pride and purpose.

The future of education may worry me. But as I stood on that stage, I showed the crowd—and myself—that I, too, am the future of education. And I will teach with pride, truth, and unwavering integrity.

Sarah Meira Schlager Teacher at Shulamith High School for Girls and SKA High School for Girls

Dear Editor,

There are more children growing up in single parent households than in the previous generation. At least half of those children are male. Very often, due to visitation schedules or criminality, they do not see their fathers regularly. Yet they get up and show up to shul, often by themselves, every Shabbos and maybe every day.

Wouldn’t it be great if every man instead of waiting in line to shake the rabbi’s hand, stood in line to shake the hands

of these boys/young men. Tell them how happy you are to see them there and then add a second hand to the shake, look them in the eye and let them know they’re thought of and not invisible. Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.”

Esther Miller Executive Director

Aim Hire, Employment with Dignity

Dear Editor,

I appreciate Mr. Sol Liss’s thoughtful engagement with the Ma’alim proposal in a recent issue. The fact that a letter discussing Torah funding and communal standards has generated public debate is a sign that our community is, baruch Hashem, alive and thinking.

Allow me to respond to two of his points.

First, this initiative is not about punishing those who purchase cheesecake — boutique, Costco, or otherwise. It’s about building a structured culture of gratitude. Many gvirim already give far beyond their obligations, and their names rightfully grace buildings and plaques. But what about the broader, often affluent middle? Ma’alim is a voluntary framework that simply asks: “When we indulge in extras, can we match it with kavod haTorah?”

To compare this to federal tax policy is clever but misses the mark. We are not Bernie Sanders. We’re people who believe in aseh lecha rav, who bring questions to poskim, who strive to align our spending with our values. If someone can spend $200 on a headpiece for a toddler, why not dedicate $20 toward a yungerman’s rent? That’s not socialism — that’s seichel.

Second, regarding the Torah’s prohibition of Lo Sosef: indeed, we don’t add mitzvos. But we do build commu-

nal norms. We add chumros. We accept kabbalos. We launch campaigns for daily learning, increased tznius, or shmiras halashon — not because it’s obligatory, but because it’s aspirational. Ma’alim is no different. It’s a proposal, not a psak. And as mentioned in our original letter, we are in consultation with poskim who are helping guide it responsibly.

We’re not legislating. We’re inviting. Inviting frum Jews to elevate their luxury with meaning — and their giving with structure.

Thank you again for the feedback. We welcome more conversation, especially the kind that ends in greater support for Torah.

DAR

The Ma’alim Initiative

Dear Editor,

There’s been recent talk of instituting a “luxury tax” on wealthy Jews—an idea that would compel those who host lavish simchas or attend upscale Pesach programs to give 10% to charity as a kind of moral penance for enjoying the fruits of their labor. While the sentiment behind this may be well-meaning, it’s also deeply misguided.

Let’s be honest: the true tax being paid in our community is already being carried—quietly, consistently, and often thanklessly—by the families who are paying full tuition in our yeshivas and day schools. These are the families funding the teachers, covering the scholarships, underwriting the overhead, and keeping the lights on for everyone else. Instead of shaming success, we should be expressing profound gratitude.

If we’re going to talk about a new kind of tax, let’s propose one that makes sense: a gratitude tax. Every family receiving tuition assistance should write a simple letter—just once a year—thanking the donors and full-pay parents who are making their children’s education possible. And yes, I mean actual thank you letters. It’s not about humiliation; it’s about basic acknowledgment of the economic engine that powers our institutions.

Charity should never be coerced or guilt-driven. Let’s stop vilifying financial success and instead appreciate the responsibility already being shouldered.

Chatzkel Peterovich

Dear Editor,

Who cannot be moved by Shweky’s lyrics, “Cry no more Yerushalayim/Shine once more Yerushalayim/We need to see you proud again/Upon the mountain of Hashem/Then we′ll cry no more

Yerushalayim.”

Already there’s comfort in seeing the destruction of major capabilities of an enemy. In our history, comfort is built into our mourning. Rav Soloveitchik, as my uncle notes, proves this idea from halachic sources, giving it bearing on laws of mourning. Rav Kahaneman famously built a yeshiva on a grand hill after escaping from Germany, building the infrastructure for Torat Eretz Yisrael, bringing consolation from mourning. And this week’s parsha ends with the laws of tithing to the Kohanim, as Korach was a misstep but not how we are defined.

Our end is in consolation and glory.

Steven Genack

Dear Editor,

There will be no lasting peace in the Middle East until there is regime change in Iran.

For decades, the Iranian regime has mastered the art of deception, misleading the world while fueling instability across the region. It arms proxies, fans the flames of conflict, and hides behind a veil of propaganda.

As the conflict escalates, Iran will undoubtedly begin showcasing images of suffering, particularly dead children, to manipulate global opinion. We’ve seen this tactic before. While the world initially stood behind Israel after the horrors of October 7, history shows how quickly sentiment shifts when confronted with carefully curated images designed to evoke outrage.

But make no mistake: the true architects of this tragedy sit in Tehran. Every time the West wavers, every time it indulges false moral equivalencies, more innocent lives are lost. Weakness does not bring peace; it enables aggression.

The Iranian regime must be defeated, completely and decisively.

Only then can a new, accountable government emerge, one that respects its own people, its neighbors, and the international order.

Peace demands strength. And the time for clarity is now.

Pedram Bral, M.D. Mayor, Village of Great Neck

Trump Hits Iranian Nuclear Sites

On Saturday, the United States launched a series of unprecedented strikes on Iran, hitting Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, three of the regime’s nuclear sites. That night, President Donald Trump announced in a White House address that the attacks were successful and “totally obliterated” the sites in question.

“There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,” Trump warned. “Remember, there are many targets left.”

The decision to strike Iran came two days after Trump said he would decide on whether to attack by the end of a twoweek deadline.

On Sunday morning, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine said that the U.S. military used American B-2 bombers to drop 14 “bunker-buster” bombs on two of the sites. The Isfahan facility was hit by two dozen Tomahawk missiles launched by submarines.

Iran denied that the strikes did significant damage. In retaliation, Tehran harmlessly fired several missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday. The strike was largely intercepted by Qatari air defenses, and no one was hurt.

“Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system,’ and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE,” Trump said, calling the Iranian response “very weak.” “I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured. Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”

The U.S. opted to attack Iran nine

days into Israel’s war with Iran. Three days later, a ceasefire was reached. The truce, however, is now in question, as Iran continued attacking Israel after the ceasefire took effect.

Morocco’s Dog-Saving Plan

Morocco recently adopted a new policy to deal with disease-carrying street dogs, also known as “Beldi.” Since 2019, the country has implemented its “Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return” (TVNR) program, wherein the dogs are treated for rabies and neutered before being safely released. Now, however, authorities will begin releasing the dogs with tags to indicate that they are safe for the public.

“Today, this is the only solution to manage this issue, reduce nuisances and prevent diseases transmitted by these animals,” said Mohamed Roudani, the director of the Interior Ministry’s Public Health and Green Spaces Department.

Over 100,000 Moroccans have needed rabies vaccinations after dog bites.

Morocco, which will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, has been anxious to show off its TVNR program in order to respond to abuse accusations from animal rights groups. Over the past five years, the Moroccan government has spent around $23 million on animal control centers and programs.

The government has opened one TVNR facility in Rabat. Fourteen other cities are expected to get their own facilities soon, which would ensure that Morocco is aligned with the World Organization for Animal Health’s recommendations.

Authorities do not know how many stray dogs are in Morocco. However, they estimate there to be around 1.2 to 1.5 million.

Morocco’s program has been met with mixed reception. Some citizens are happy to hear that the dogs are being cared for, while others believe the animals are a nuisance.

20 Best Cities to

According to a yearly ranking of 173 cities by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the best city to reside in, as of 2025, is Copenhagen, Denmark. The city has now dethroned Vienna, Austria, which has held the top spot since 2022. In 2023 and 2024, Copenhagen earned second place.

The EIU ranks cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. In the stability, education, and infrastructure categories, Copenhagen received a 100, earning it an overall score of 98.

Tied with Zurich, Vienna dropped to second place because of recent terrorism threats. Still, Vienna received a stellar score of 97.1. Since 2024, Zurich has risen

from third place.

“Western Europe remains the best-performing region for liveability, having achieved the top scores in four of the five categories,” the report’s authors wrote. Of the ranking’s top 20 cities, eight are in Western Europe, while nine are in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Its most liveable city, Melbourne (Australia), came fourth in the rankings this year, while its least liveable, Dhaka (Bangladesh), came 171st (down three places following the political upheaval in the country in 2024),” the authors noted.

The least livable city in the world, according to the list, is Damascus, Syria, which “continues to be scarred by years of civil war and has seen no improvement in liveability … despite last year’s regime change,” they said.

As far as United States cities go, Honolulu, Hawaii, which the report says is the best city in the U.S., nabbed the 23rd spot. Atlanta, Georgia, ranked at 29, while Pittsburgh ranked at 30, Seattle at 34, and Washington, D.C., at 38. This year, Miami rose from the 47th spot to the 44th. The EIU ranked New York at a low 69 and Los Angeles at 57 due to poor infrastructure and stability scores.

The ranking generally gives U.S. cities good education scores. However, the U.S.

scores worse in other categories because of social unrest and gun violence.

Fatal Hot Air Balloon Crash

At least eight people were killed when a hot air balloon crashed in Brazil on Saturday.

The balloon was carrying 21 people and caught fire during its tourism flight in the early morning hours in the southern state of Santa Catarina. It crashed in the city of Praia Grande.

A fire started in the basket of the balloon. The pilot attempted to land the balloon but wasn’t successful.

Thirteen people, including the pilot, managed to jump out of the balloon and survive, but eight were unable to. Without the weight of the others, the balloon began rising again.

“These people ended up dying — four charred and another four jumped out of the balloon when it was falling,” Cipriano Jr. said.

Three people died hugging each other, said Ulisses Gabriel, chief of Santa Catarina’s civil police force, on X. “It hurts the soul.”

Santa Catarina Gov. Jorginho Mello said he was monitoring the situation and providing support for the victims and families, calling it a “tragedy” in a video posted to social media.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed condolences to the families of victims in a social media post. Praia Grande is a popular spot for tourist balloon trips, with the state government estimating that 25 to 30 trips depart daily in peak season. A few days ago, one person died and multiple people were injured in another hot air balloon crash in Brazil.

ThailandCambodia Border Tensions

Thailand borders Cambodia to the north. The two neighbors, though, are far

from friendly.

Now, Thailand has imposed restrictions on all travelers heading into Cambodia, as the two countries remain locked in a bitter border dispute.

The ban applies to any vehicle or person trying to cross into Cambodia from checkpoints across several Thai provinces, as well as foreign tourists flying into Siem Reap.

The military said in a statement on Monday that the new restrictions

“matched the current security situation.”

Bilateral relations between the two countries are at their worst in more than a decade, after armed clashes along the border in May left one Cambodian soldier dead. Since then, the two countries have imposed punitive measures on each other. Cambodia has banned imports from Thailand, ranging from fruit and vegetables to electricity and internet, as well as Thai dramas and films.

There may be some exceptions on the

similar measures on neighboring Myanmar, which is also home to thriving scam networks that have entrapped thousands of foreigners.

Tensions between the two countries date back more than a century, when the borders were drawn after the French occupation of Cambodia.

14 Iranian Scientists Killed

According to Israel, at least 14 Iranian physicists and nuclear engineers were killed during the conflict between Iran and Israel. These scientists were behind Iran’s nuclear program and will set back the initiative significantly.

This week, Israel’s ambassador to France said the killings will make it “almost” impossible for Iran to build weapons from whatever nuclear infrastructure and material may have survived nearly two weeks of Israeli airstrikes and massive bunker-busting bombs dropped by U.S. stealth bombers.

“The fact that the whole group disappeared is basically throwing back the program by a number of years, by quite a number of years,” Ambassador Joshua Zarka explained.

travel ban, such as for students or medical patients.

The restrictions would also help to counter illegal scam operations in Cambodia, according to the military.

On Monday, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra vowed to crack down on scam operations in Cambodia, with measures including suspending internet services used by Cambodian security agencies.

Thailand previously implemented

Some nuclear analysts say Iran has other scientists who can take their place.

“Strikes cannot destroy the knowledge Iran has acquired over several decades, nor any regime ambition to deploy that knowledge to build a nuclear weapon,” U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy told lawmakers in the House of Commons.

Zarka said that they were killed “not because of the fact that they knew physics, but because of the fight that they were personally involved in, the creation and the fabrication and the production of (a)

nuclear weapon,” he said.

Nine of them were killed in Israel’s opening wave of attacks on June 13, the Israeli military said. On Tuesday of this week, Iran state TV reported the death of another Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber, in an Israeli strike, after he’d survived an earlier attack that killed his 17-year-old son on June 13.

Israel has targeted Iran’s nuclear scientists in the past. In 2020, Iran blamed Israel for killing its top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, with a remote-controlled machine gun. Zarka did not admit that Israel killed Fakhrizadeh but noted, “Iran would have had a bomb a long time ago” were it not for repeated setbacks to its nuclear program — some of which Iran attributed to Israeli sabotage.

“They have not reached the bomb yet,” Zarka said. “Every one of these accidents has postponed a little bit the program.”

Polish PM Wins Confidence Vote

On Wednesday, the government of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk won a confidence vote in the lower house of parliament, with 243 voting in favor and 210 against. Tusk called for the vote, seeking a mandate following the presidential election of Karol Nawrocki, an opponent of Tusk and national historian supported by U.S. President Donald Trump.

On June 1, Nawrocki defeated Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, an ally of Tusk, in the presidential election. Nawrocki will succeed outgoing President Andrzej Duda, who used his power to impede Tusk’s agenda. Nawrocki’s win has deeply concerned Tusk’s coalition.

While the parliament holds most of the power to govern, the president is able to veto legislation.

“We cannot close our eyes to reality,” Tusk stated. “A president who was reluctant to accept the changes we proposed for Poland and our voters is being replaced by a president who is at least equally reluctant to those changes and proposals.”

Tusk was the prime minister of Poland from 2007 to 2014, before becoming

European Council president from 2014 to 2019. In December 2023, with the country still reeling from inflation, the pandemic, and deep partisanship, Tusk became the prime minister again.

It is unclear whether Tusk will be able to accomplish his goals by the next parliamentary election, which is set for late 2027. His coalition may collapse before then.

Israel-Iran Ceasefire

According to a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump, Israel and Iran have agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire.” Trump has dubbed the conflict between the two countries the “12-Day War,” a name that references Israel’s 1967 “Six-Day War.” The ceasefire announcement followed Tehran’s attack on a U.S. air base in Qatar, which was in response to Washington’s Saturday airstrikes on Iran. According to Trump, Iran’s strike was very weak. No one was hurt in the strike.

However, it is unclear whether the ceasefire will take effect, since Iran continued attacking Israel after the ceasefire was announced. Early Tuesday, Iran fired missiles at Israel, killing at least four people in Beersheba and injuring several others.

At around 9 a.m., Israel announced that it agreed to the ceasefire. Iran also said it agreed to the truce, with Tehran falsely claiming that the ceasefire was proof that it won the war against Israel. However, around two hours later, sirens in northern Israel started blaring, with the Jewish state asserting that Iran had violated the ceasefire. Israel said it would “respond with force.”

Israel’s announcement sent Trump into a frenzy early Tuesday morning, as he urged both sides to adhere to the Qatar-brokered, U.S.-proposed ceasefire. He warned Israel against striking Iran, an act the president said would constitute “a major violation” of the ceasefire. Trump expressed his dismay with the continued attacks and said he was frustrated with Israel, accusing both sides of violating the ceasefire, but maintained that the truce is

still in effect and would continue “forever.” On a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the two reportedly agreed that Israel could attack one last “symbolic” target in Iran. Afterwards, Trump said Israel would only be doing a “friendly plane wave.”

Many countries, including Russia, Germany, France, and Saudi Arabia, have welcomed the ceasefire and said they hoped it would continue. Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, said Tuesday that the ceasefire was in a “gray area,” since “no party wants to be the party that hits last.” The European Union expressed concern about the ceasefire’s fragility.

Around two weeks ago, Israel launched an attack on Iran after Israeli intelligence found that Tehran was close to being able to build a nuclear weapon. Over 1,000 people have been injured in Israel since the war began, and at least 24 have been killed.

Suicide Bombing in Syrian Church

At least 25 people were killed and 63 others were wounded when a suicide bomb was detonated in a church in Damascus on Sunday.

The terrorist opened fire with a weapon at the Greek Orthodox Church in the Dweila neighborhood during a service on Sunday evening before detonating an explosive vest, according to the interior ministry. The terrorist was affiliated with Islamic State (IS), according to authorities.

This was the first such attack in Damascus since Islamist-led rebel forces overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December, ending 13 years of devastating civil war.

The church is not far from the eastern Bab Sharqi gate of Damascus’s Old City

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch said in a statement: “The treacherous hand of evil struck this evening, claiming our lives, along with the lives of our loved ones who fell today as martyrs during the evening divine liturgy.”

The bomb blast occurred at the entrance to the church, resulting in the deaths of people who were both inside the

building and in the immediate vicinity.

The patriarchate called upon Syria’s interim authorities to “assume full responsibility for what has happened and continues to happen in terms of violation against the sanctity of churches, and to ensure the protection of all citizens.”

“These terrorist acts will not stop the efforts of the Syrian state in achieving civil peace,” Interior Minister Anas Khattab said while announcing that teams from his ministry have begun to investigate the attack.

The office of UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, condemned the attack and urged Syrians “to unite in rejecting terrorism, extremism, incitement and the targeting of any community.”

U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack said: “These terrible acts of cowardice have no place in the new tapestry of integrated tolerance and inclusion that Syrians are weaving.”

IS has frequently targeted Christians and other religious minorities in Syria.

It is estimated that IS had between 1,500 and 3,000 fighters in Syria and neighboring Iraq, most of them in Syria. More than 9,000 IS terrorists are being detained in prisons spread across northeastern Syria, and 40,000 other people linked to IS, mostly women and children, are held in several detention camps.

Japan Lunar Landing Fails

Last week, the lunar lander that Japan had sent to the moon crashed, similar to another crash landing that took place around two years ago.

Officials for ispace announced the news from Tokyo this week. The crash landing was the second for ispace in two years.

This time, the company’s lander named Resilience was aiming for the moon’s far north in Mare Frigoris, or Sea of Cold. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter relayed pictures of the crash site last week where Resilience and its mini rover ended up as wreckage.

Ispace blamed the accident on the lander’s laser range finder, saying it was slow to kick in and properly measure the

spacecraft’s distance to the lunar surface.

Bad software caused ispace’s first lunar lander to slam into the moon in 2023. Like the latest try, the problem occurred during the final phase of descent.

Of seven moon landing attempts by private outfits in recent years, only one can claim total success: Firefly Aerospace’s touchdown of its Blue Ghost lander in March. Blue Ghost launched with Resilience in January, sharing a SpaceX rocket ride from Florida.

Aside from Texas-based Firefly, only five countries have pulled off a successful lunar landing: the Soviet Union, the U.S., China, India and Japan. Only the U.S. has put astronauts on the moon, back during NASA’s Apollo program, on July 20, 1969.

Ispace said that it will continue with its third moon landing attempt, set for 2027.

CEO and founder Takeshi Hakamada stressed that his company “has not stepped down in the face of setbacks” and is looking to regain customers’ trust. Outside experts will join the accident review, and ispace will collaborate more closely with the Japanese Space Agency on technical matters.

“We’re firmly taking the next step toward our future missions,” he said in Japanese.

Huge Drug Bust in Indonesia

On Monday, Indonesian police said that 285 people were arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking. Twenty-nine women and seven foreigners were among those arrested. Over a half a ton of narcotics were seized during the two-month crackdown.

Indonesia is a major hub for drug trafficking in Southeast Asia despite having strict drug laws, with convicted smugglers sometimes executed by firing squad.

According to the head of the National Narcotic Agency, Marthinus Hukom, the crackdown, launched between April and June across 20 provinces, also uncovered money laundering schemes by two drug syndicates and confiscated assets worth more than about $1.5 million.

Most of the women who were arrested didn’t have jobs outside the home.

“I call on Indonesian women to be more vigilant in establishing friendships both in the real world and in cyberspace,” Hukom said during a joint press conference with officials from the security affairs ministry and the customs office who took part in the operation.

One of the agency’s deputies, Budi Wibowo, said authorities seized 683,885 grams (0.68 ton) of crystal meth, marijuana, ecstasy, THC, hashish and amphetamines.

The seven foreign nationals were an American, two Kazakhs, two Malaysians, an Indian and an Australian.

In a separate operation, authorities in the province of Riau Island, exposed in May two cases of drug smuggling in its waters and seized 2.7 tons of crystal methamphetamine and 1.2 tons of ketamine, Hukom said on Monday.

In 2023, authorities uncovered more than 52,000 of drug cases and confiscated 6.2 tons of crystal meth, 1.1 tons of marijuana and other types of synthetic narcotics, noted Mochammad Hasan of the ministry of security affairs during the press conference.

Hasan said the number increased in 2024 with more than 56,000 cases and confiscated 7.5 tons of crystal meth and 3.3 tons of marijuana, with a combined value of 7.5 trillion rupiah ($454.6 million). Authorities have arrested a total of 27,357 drug suspects by November 2024, he said.

Early this month, three British nationals accused of smuggling nearly a kilogram of cocaine into Indonesia were charged in a court on the tourist island of Bali. They face the death penalty under the country’s strict drug laws.

About 530 people, including 96 foreigners, are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes. Indonesia’s last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016.

deceased hostages, according to an IDF statement released on Sunday.

The hostages were identified as Ofra Keidar, Jonathan Samerano, and Staff Sgt. Shay Levinson, all of whom were killed during the October 7 massacre.

Keidar was a 71-year-old retiree who lived in Kibbutz Be’eri. According to her family and friends, she loved exercise, her morning strolls, gardening, swimming, and animals. For decades, she milked cows at the kibbutz’s dairy farm. Despite being retired, she “never missed a day of work, arriving early every morning,” said Shmil Talker, a coworker.

“Ofra was physically so strong that it was really hard to keep up with her. Despite the attempts to slow down her pace, it was clear that nothing would help, and we would all need to match her pace instead,” he added.

Her husband, Sami Keidar, was also murdered by Hamas on October 7. He was sitting on his sofa when terrorists killed him. During the attack, he couldn’t flee to the safe room quickly enough due to having Parkinson’s. Their daughter, Yael, 41, survived by remaining in the safe room until the terrorists left. Sami and Ofra leave behind Yael, as well as their sons, Elad and Oren, seven grandchildren, and a number of siblings.

Samerano, a 22-year-old Tel Aviv resident, was killed by Hamas terrorists after running to Be’eri from the Supernova music festival on the morning of the attack. At the kibbutz, Hamas terrorists murdered him and his two friends. His body was taken to Gaza by an official from UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinians. In December 2023, Israeli officials confirmed his death. Samerano’s mother emerged as a vocal advocate for the hostages’ release and has condemned the U.N. for its workers’ involvement in the October 7 massacre.

near Tiberias. He fought Hamas terrorists near the Gaza border and was murdered near the Nova festival. Terrorists then took his body to Gaza. Levinson was a great student and a volleyball player. He is remembered as a kindhearted and friendly person.

IDF Slams Tehran

On Monday, a day after the United States struck three nuclear facilities in Iran, Israel targeted several important sites in Tehran, with airstrikes conducted by more than 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets.

The military said it struck Tehran’s Basij headquarters, which “serves as one of the bases of power of the IRGC and is responsible, among other things, for enforcing Islamic code and reporting civilians who violate it to the authorities.” The military also hit the Alborz Corps, which is “responsible for protecting several cities in Tehran Province from various threats and preserving regime stability,” in addition to general security police and intelligence from Iran’s security forces.

“These headquarters are significant both militarily and in terms of governance, and striking them harms the military capabilities of the Iranian regime,” the military said.

The Thar-Allah Headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which defends “Tehran against security threats, including internal threats,” was also hit by the IDF, as was the IRGC’s Sayyid al-Shuhada Corps, which was “responsible for homeland defense, including the suppression of internal threats such as protests and unrest in Tehran.”

Hostage Bodies Brought Home

In an operation by the Gaza Division, which was made possible thanks to intelligence acquired by the IDF’s Hostages Headquarters unit, the Israeli army and Shin Bet recovered the bodies of three

“Yesterday was Yonati’s Hebrew birthday. On his 23rd birthday, on the very day he was born, our Yonati was rescued in a heroic operation by the brave soldiers of the IDF and the Shin Bet,” said Kobi Samerano, the slain hostage’s father.

In addition to his parents, Samerano is survived by his brother Yair.

Levinson was a 19-year-old tank commander from Givat Avni, a community

The IDF also launched an airstrike at the headquarters of the information security unit of Iranian internal security forces, which was “responsible for monitoring personnel within the internal security forces, and overseeing the control and supervision of information and communications within the organization.”

As part of the airstrike, more than 100 munitions hit Tehran over the span of two hours. According to the IDF, many IRGC soldiers died in the attacks.

According to Defense Minister Israel Katz, the IDF also targeted Evin Prison, an infamous Tehran prison that holds

ba in a salvo at 5:40 a.m., with one being intercepted and another striking the sixth floor of an apartment complex in the southern city, causing extensive destruction, including collapsing part of the building.

The building was relatively new, and homes had their own reinforced rooms. However, the missile directly hit two safe rooms, killing those who were inside.

Three members of one family were killed in one of the safe rooms, while the fourth person was killed in the second reinforced room. One victim was a woman in her 40s; one was a man in his 40s; and another was a man in his 20s.

Reinforced rooms are designed to sustain the shockwave of ballistic missiles as well as shrapnel — though not a direct strike from a large explosive warhead.

The Israeli Air Force was investigating why the missile was not intercepted by air defenses.

Outside the ruined building, the shells of burned-out cars littered the streets. Broken glass and rubble covered the area. Hundreds of emergency workers gathered to search for anyone else trapped inside.

Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba said the hospital was treating 10 people, two of whom were in moderate condition, with the rest lightly injured.

The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement after Trump announced the ceasefire that “in light of achieving the objectives of the campaign, and in complete coordination with President Trump, Israel agreed to the president’s proposal for a mutual ceasefire.”

It warned, “Israel will forcefully respond to any violation of the ceasefire.”

protesters, political prisoners, foreign nationals, journalists, academics, and human rights activists. The strike was likely meant to help release prisoners.

Israel also struck Tehran’s “Destruction of Israel” clock in the capital’s Palestine Square. The clock’s debut was in 2017. It counts down to 2040, the year Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, has predicted Israel will “cease to exist.”

The IDF also struck access roads to the Fordo underground nuclear site.

fire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

4 Killed in Beersheba Strike

Four people were killed and at least 22 others were injured on Tuesday morning when Iran fired six missile barrages in quick succession at Israel in the final hours before the intended start of a cease-

Israel and Iran both accepted the truce. Still, Iran launched missiles once again at Israel three hours after the ceasefire began.

Missiles repeatedly targeted the country’s center, north and south, starting shortly after 5 a.m., setting off sirens and sending millions of Israelis to bomb shelters.

Two missiles were fired at Beershe-

Iran’s Press TV said that the ceasefire came into effect with the conclusion of the multiple missile barrages fired at Israel. But after missiles were once again fired at Israel at 10:30 a.m., Defense Minister Israel Katz said he had instructed the military to respond forcefully in Tehran.

Heavy Israeli strikes had continued in Iranian cities in the early morning hours. Israeli Air Force fighter jets hit dozens of Iranian military targets in Tehran overnight, dropping over 100 munitions, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said in a press conference Tuesday morning.

28

He said the strikes again targeted the “headquarters of the SPND nuclear project” and weapon production sites in the Iranian capital.

More Sorrow

Seven IDF soldiers were killed in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday after an armored vehicle they were in was hit by an explosive device, marking one of the deadliest incidents for the IDF in months.

The seven fallen heroes were named as: Lt. Matan Shai Yashinovski, 21, from Kfar Yona; Staff Sgt. Ronel Ben-Moshe, 20, from Rehovot; Staff Sgt. Niv Radia, 20, from Elyakhin; Sgt. Ronen Shapiro, 19, from Mazkeret Batya; Sgt. Shahar Manoav, 21, from Ashkelon; Sgt. Maayan Baruch Pearlstein, 20, from Eshhar; and Staff Sgt. Alon Davidov, 21, from Kiryat Yam.

All the soldiers served with the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion.

The deaths this week raised Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and in military operations along the border with the Strip to 440.

According to an initial IDF probe, a Hamas terror group operative planted a bomb on the soldiers’ Puma armored combat engineering vehicle (CEV) while they were driving in Khan Younis. The blast set the CEV on fire, and although efforts were made to extinguish the flames, all the soldiers were killed in the fire. The burnt remains of the CEV were later towed out of Gaza.

Hamas took responsibility for the attack.

In a separate incident in the Khan Younis area, two soldiers of the 605th Battalion were wounded, one seriously and one lightly, by an RPG fired at a D9 armored bulldozer they were operating.

“On my behalf and on behalf of the citizens of Israel,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, “I send my deepest condolences to the families who lost their dearest loved ones, and I share with them in their unbearable grief at this difficult time.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on

X that “our soldiers fought heroically and fell during their mission to defend the State of Israel and return our hostages” and expressed condolences to their families.

In a post on X, President Isaac Herzog mourned the loss of the seven soldiers, writing, “The scene in Gaza is difficult, the battles are difficult, and the burden is unbearable.”

“We bow our heads and embrace with pain and tears the bereaved and grieving families. We are all with you, in grief, with hugs and tears. We will pray for the health of the soldiers who were injured and strengthen all IDF soldiers and their commanders who carry on their shoulders the responsibility of protecting the lives of all of us,” he wrote

only use the paid version, ChatGPT Plus.

The memo this week added, “House staff are NOT allowed to download or keep the WhatsApp application on any House device, including any mobile, desktop, or web browser versions of its products.”

It warned, “If you have a WhatsApp application on your House-managed device, you will be contacted to remove it.”

Michigan Church Shooting

WhatsApp Banned for Congress

The WhatsApp messaging service has been banned on all U.S. House of Representatives’ devices, according to a memo sent to House staff on Monday.

The notice to all House staff said that the “Office of Cybersecurity has deemed WhatsApp a high-risk to users due to the lack of transparency in how it protects user data, absence of stored data encryption, and potential security risks involved with its use.”

The memo recommended using other messaging apps, including Microsoft Corp’s Teams platform, Amazon.com’s Wickr, Signal, Apple’s iMessage, and Facetime.

The ban comes as Congress is taking steps to limit the use of AI programs it deems similarly risky.

In recent years, the chief administrative officer has set at least partial bans on DeepSeek, ByteDance apps and Microsoft Copilot. It has also heavily restricted staffers’ use of ChatGPT, instructing offices to

Congress Passes Stablecoin Bill

After weeks of negotiating, Congress, in a 63-30 vote, passed a bill meant to establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency that is supposed to hold a steady value to a fiat currency, such as a dollar, as opposed to bitcoin and other volatile cryptocurrencies.

Brian Anthony Browning, armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle with more than a dozen magazines of ammunition, a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition opened fire outside a Michigan church on Sunday during service. He was killed by a church member before anyone could be killed.

The 31-year-old had attended the church in Wayne a few times with his mother. Police say it is possible he was suffering from a “mental health crisis.”

He had been driving “erratically” in a silver SUV in the church parking lot at around 11:06 a.m. He then began to open fire.

Senior Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. said he initially thought someone outside was using a jackhammer.

“We weren’t thinking that those were shots until one of our security came in and told us to get out, that’s when [we] began exiting the building,” he said.

A member of the church ran the shooter down with his car before he could reach the church’s front doors. He was then fatally shot by members of the church’s security team.

Police found even more weaponry in Browning’s home.

Kelly said he’s spoken to Browning’s mother, whom he described as “pretty distraught.”

“We don’t hold anything against her,” he said.

The legislation, which enables banks, tech companies, major retailers, and other companies, including Meta and Walmart, to create and use stablecoins, was called the GENIUS Act, which stands for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins.

According to the bill, those who issue new stablecoins have to release reserve disclosures once a month, follow anti-money-laundering laws, and ensure that every single coin is backed at a 1:1 ratio with safe assets, which specifically includes coins and currency, government money market funds, and other very liquid assets. Companies with stablecoins that have more than $50 billion in market capitalization must also publish annual audited financial statements. The bill would ensure holders of stablecoins would get priority claims on the issuer’s reserve assets, should the issuer of a stablecoin go bankrupt.

President Donald Trump has emerged as a pro-crypto political figure since his 2024 campaign.

Because stablecoins are typically backed by cash or highly liquid assets, wider adoption could drive up demand for U.S. Treasury securities as issuers seek to bolster their reserves.

Greater interest in short-term government bonds might, in turn, steepen the yield curve and introduce more fluctuations in the Treasury market. According to Bank of America, for every dollar shifted from traditional banking into stablecoins, about 90 cents of new demand for Treasurys could be generated.

tious project that would become FedEx, a company meant to address the need for express shipping.

In 1972, FedEx received bank loans and started making mail runs. In 1973, Smith decided to move the company’s operations to Memphis.

“Memphis was chosen because of its central location within the U.S. and because Memphis International Airport was rarely closed due to bad weather,” according to FedEx. “The airport was also willing to make the necessary improvements for the operation, and additional hangar space was readily available.”

April 17, 1973, is considered by the company to be its operational birthday, as 14 aircraft left Memphis and delivered 186 packages to 25 U.S. cities on that day. In the beginning, until 1975, the company struggled with major financial issues.

Smith served as the company’s president until 2018 and was CEO until 2022. As FedEx’s leader, he lobbied the government for the deregulations that enabled his company to use larger aircraft. FedEx reached $1 billion in revenue in 1983. In 1989, it acquired Flying Tiger Line, a cargo airline.

Smith was very close to fellow Yale alumnus President George W. Bush, who considered choosing the FedEx founder as his defense secretary. Smith rejected the offer, citing his medical issues.

Beware of Some Bees

FedEx Founder Dies

Fred Smith, the founder of Federal Express, passed away on June 21 at age 80.

“Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company. He was the heart and soul of FedEx – its PSP culture, values, integrity, and spirit,” wrote Raj Subramaniam, the CEO and president of FedEx, in a

message to his company’s team members.

“He was a mentor to many and a source of inspiration to all. He was also a proud father, grandfather, husband, Marine, and friend.”

Born August 11, 1944, Smith, since his teenage-hood, was interested in business.

Along with two classmates, he founded Ardent Record Company, a successful record label, when he was 15. At that same age, he learned to fly an airplane. After finishing high school, Smith went to Yale

University. In 1965, he wrote a rushed term paper that detailed the justification for FedEx, the delivery company he would later found. Following his graduation from Yale, he served from 1966 to 1970 as a U.S. Marine Corps officer. In 1970, using funds from his late father’s estate, he purchased a controlling interest in Arkansas Aviation Sales, a struggling company managed by his stepfather. He successfully led the company but eventually turned his sights to a more ambi-

Over the past three months, Africanized honeybees in the United States killed a man mowing his lawn, sent three individuals to the hospital, and stung three horses to death. They have been found in at least 13 states, including Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexi-

Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which offered no specific data on the number of deaths caused by bees, around 72 people die each year from hornet, wasp, and bee stings.

These Africanized bees are more defensive than ordinary bees. Though their sting is no more dangerous than a regular bee’s sting, Africanized bees attack in larger numbers, which makes them deadlier. Additionally, if they feel threatened, they could chase their victims for up to a mile.

“If I’m working around one of my European honey bee colonies and I knock on it with a hammer, it might send out five to 10 individuals to see what’s going on. They would follow me perhaps as far as my house and I might get stung once,” explained Jamie Ellis, a professor who researches honey bees at the University of Florida. “If I did the same thing with an Africanized colony, I might get 50 to 100 individuals who would follow me much farther and I’d get more stings. It’s really an issue of scale.”

Africanized honey bees are a mix between East African lowland honey bees and Europe’s Western honey bees. After being bred in Brazil in 1956, a group of 26 Africanized queen bees escaped from the lab and spread quickly.

Experts maintain that the bees aren’t looking to pick a fight. Rather, they’re just incredibly defensive. When a bee stings, it dies. Thus, when a bee attacks, it’s sacrificing its life to save its hive.

If you find an Africanized honey beehive, “Get away as quickly as possible. Don’t jump in water, don’t swat with your arms. Just run away as fast as you can,” advised Ellis. “You might want to pull your shirt up around your nose and mouth to protect against stings that could cause swelling of your airway.” After evacuating, contact authorities.

Alligator Alcatraz

Florida is building a detention facility for migrants nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” turning an airfield in the Everglades into the newest — and scariest-sounding — holding center designed to help the Trump administration carry out its immigration crackdown.

The remote facility, comprised of large tents, and other planned facilities will cost the state around $450 million a year to run, but Florida can request some reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.

Florida’s attorney general, James Uthmeier, a Trump ally who has pushed to build the detention center in the Everglades, has said the state will not need to invest much in security because the area is surrounded by dangerous wildlife, including alligators and pythons. A spokesperson for the attorney general said work on the new facility started on Monday morning.

The project is sure to appeal to President Donald Trump, who talked repeatedly during his first term about building a moat along the southern border filled with alligators or snakes.

Since resuming office this year, Trump has already sent migrants to Guantánamo Bay, the symbol for America’s worst enemies, and to a megaprison in El Salvador.

The Everglades facility is part of a

broader effort by the Trump administration to enlist local authorities to boost detention capacity and expand the number of officers around the country who can arrest immigrants living in the country illegally. The Trump administration has struggled to meet its mass deportations goals in part because of resource constraints.

It’s not clear how quickly the new detention center can be built.

McLaughlin said the goal is to have at least some of the tents up and running by July.

The Trump administration is currently holding about 55,000 immigrants, a spike from the end of the Biden administration, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement was holding about 40,000 people.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are working at turbo speed to deliver cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people’s mandate for mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens,” Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, said in a statement.

Immigrant advocates criticized the move, saying that it was creating a new form of detention outside the scope of the federal government. Mark Fleming, the associate director of federal litigation at the National Immigrant Justice Center, said it amounted to an “independent, unaccountable detention system.” (© The New York Times)

Gem of a Find

On Friday, April Schmitt landed in Los Angeles after going on a business trip to Pittsburgh. Reaching for her suitcase on the luggage carousel, her hand got stuck between the suitcase and the hard edge.

“It pinched my hand, so I pulled my hand back really quickly,” she recalled.

On the way home from the airport, Schmitt realized that the mishap was not without damage. The diamond that had adorned the engagement ring her

husband had given her in 1992 had gone missing.

Schitt rushed back to the airport to start searching for the gem. Airport staff joined in the search.

After about an hour and a half, Schmitt left the airport dejected and empty-handed. But the dedicated staff at the airport kept on searching, even removing panels from the carousel to search inside.

Four hours later, Schmitt got the call with the good news: the diamond had been found.

“Two paint sticks taped together, scraping dirt from underneath the carousel, that’s how they actually found it,” a staff member said.

Schmitt rushed back to the airport to retrieve the diamond.

“It restored my faith in humanity, honestly,” she said. “These men didn’t know me at all. They knew nothing about how long I’ve been married. They knew nothing about my husband or the stone or the sentimental value or the economic value, but that didn’t matter; they were just committed to doing the right thing.”

The incident was not the first time Pittsburgh International Airport workers found a traveler’s lost diamond. Kristen Tunno was preparing to leave the airport in 2023 when she realized the diamond was missing from a ring recently given to her by her 99-year-old grandmother.

April Laukaitis, a customer service worker at the airport, located the diamond on the floor of a bathroom.

A diamond in the rough.

Long-Standing Lemur

This animal is not monkeying around. Stumpy, a ring-tailed lemur living at a zoo in Scotland, is now officially the oldest living lemur in the world.

He is 39 years old.

He was officially certified as the oldest living lemur in captivity last week.

Called Stumpy because of his slightly shortened tail, he was born in June 1986 in Surrey, England, and has been living at the Five Sisters Zoo since 2005.

“Stumpy’s birthday is a big event.

He celebrates with his sons and enjoys a bit of birthday cake made from special primate pellet,” Gemma Varley, senior animal keeper at the zoo, told Guinness World Records.

Stumpy has fathered 11 lemurs, and has 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Lemurs in captivity typically live 2025 years, officials said.

“While he does have some arthritis, he has been blessed with good health. He does need some extra care, such as daily medications for his arthritis, weekly weigh-ins and his scent glands often overgrow, but he allows us to trim these voluntarily through positive-reinforcement training,” Varley said.

Sounds like he’s living the good life.

Seeing Double –Times 15

Think you’re seeing double when you walk the halls of Long Island’s Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School? You’re not experiencing eye problems. There really are lots of doubles in the school.

Out of the nearly 500 students who are graduating the school this year, 30 of them are twins.

Many of the sets of twins have known each other for a long time.

These days, some of the twins are on a group text chain, which has helped them cope with their newfound notoriety as graduation day approaches.

“Honestly when we’re together, the room is electric,” said Sydney Monka, one twin. “We’re all very comfortable around each other and we all have these shared experiences so we’re all bouncing off each other. It’s really cool.”

All the twins are fraternal, so they don’t really look alike. Many of the twins are different genders.

That doesn’t make the bonds any less tight, said one twin, Bari Cohen.

“Especially for boy-girl twins, a lot of people think it’s just, like, siblings, but it’s more than that, because we go through the same things at the same time,” she said.

One twin, Emily Brake, says that maybe it’s something special about the town

that has given birth to so many doubles.

“I guess there’s just something in the water,” she said.

Her twin, Amanda, shrugs, “We’re all just very lucky. I think it’s just a coincidence.”

Large groups of twins are not unusual at Plainview-Old Bethpage. The high school had back-to-back graduating classes with 10 sets of multiples in 2014 and 2015, and next year’s incoming freshmen class has nine sets of twins, according to school officials.

Last year, a middle school in suburban Boston had 23 sets of twins in its graduating class, though that’s still far shy of the record for most multiples in the same academic class. New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, had a whopping 44 twin pairs and a set of triplets in 2017, according to Guinness World Records.

A double whammy.

Selfie Snafu

A tourist taking a photo in front of a piece of artwork managed to damage the portrait after he tripped and ripped the painting.

The man taking a selfie stumbled on the platform intended to keep visitors at a distance from the portrait of Ferdinando de’ Medici, “Grand Duke of Tuscany” (c.1695–1700) by Italian Baroque painter Anton Domenico Gabbiani. The 18th century portrait was hanging on a wall in the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy.

The painting, which is included in the exhibition “Florence and Europe: Arts of the 18th Century” at the Uffizi, has since been removed for repair.

Thankfully, the damage to the portrait is relatively minor.

Simone Verde, the director of Uffizi Galleries, said in a statement: “The problem of visitors coming to museums to make memes or take selfies for social media is rampant: we will set very precise limits, preventing behavior that is not compatible with the sense of our institutions and respect for cultural heritage.”

The tourist is being prosecuted.

Sounds sketchy.

Around the Community

Scenes from Sh’or Yoshuv 58th Annual Dinner

On Sunday, the BACH Jewish Center’s Youth Department hosted a special Sunday Fun Day Reptile Show. The program was part of the BACH’s weekly series of youth events during the summer

Chai Lifeline’s Camp Simcha Without Borders Brings Summer

Joy to Children Facing Illness

This summer, Chai Lifeline will once again bring the magic and joy of Camp Simcha to communities across the country through Camp Simcha Without Borders, offering thrilling day camp experiences for children and teens impacted by serious illness and medical challenges.

With programs planned in cities across Chai Lifeline regions—including Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Baltimore, and Lakewood—Camp Simcha Without Borders ensures that every child, no matter their medical condition or ability to travel, can experience the laughter, friendship, and empowerment that define Camp Simcha.

“Camp Simcha Without Borders is more than a program—it’s a lifeline,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “These children face unthinkable challenges every day. Bringing Camp Simcha’s energy, love, and joy to their communities gives them something to look forward to—and reminds them that they are never alone.”

Yeshiva Tiferes Shlomo Siyum

Now in its fifth year, Camp Simcha Without Borders, generously sponsored by The Ann & David Kupperman Foundation, continues to grow, serving hundreds of children. Each program is carefully tailored with exciting activities and dedicated counselors who help recreate the spirit of Camp Simcha in a local setting.

“Watching a child facing a serious medical challenge laugh, dance, and just be a kid again—that’s the power of Camp Simcha,” said Eli Braun, Director of Camp Simcha Without Borders. “This program allows us to meet children where they are—literally—and remind them what it means to feel friendship and summer fun.”

Camp Simcha Without Borders is a project of Chai Lifeline, the international support network for children and families facing illness and crisis. To learn more about Chai Lifeline’s year-round programs and services, or to make a donation, visit www.chailifeline.org

This past Wednesday night, Yeshiva Tiferes Shlomo, a brand new local Mesivta, celebrated its first-ever Siyum. The Yeshiva, led by the menahel Reb Chaim Shlomo Metz and the mashgiach Reb Yisroel Gold, has flourished in its opening year. Although

only in ninth grade, the high caliber bochurim mastered an entire masechta with bechinos. The Yeshiva has retained Reb Ashi Frisch and Reb Mordechai Gutfreund to teach the tenth grade next year, with Rabbi Metz and Rabbi Gold remaining as the ninth grade rebbeim.

5TLL/JSL Championship Week

5T LL by FM Home Loans wrapped up with an incredible day of Championship games on Sunday and AllStar Games on Monday! The JSL Men’s basketball champion was also crowned on Sunday night. Here is the recap: 1st Grade

Drifters 25

Future Care Consultants 20

A high scoring shootout that went into extra innings ended with Drifters coming out on top. Team MVP Zack Pearlman was impenetrable at shortstop making plays on every ball hit his way. Julius Berger was the offensive player of the year.

2nd Grade

Marciano PD 8

Drifters 7

Another tightly contested matchup in the 2nd grade division had everyone at the edge of their seats when Avi Melmed stepped to the plate with his team down 1. Avi was instrumental in the semi-final

game helping his team with one big hit after the next. Yes! You guessed it – with one man on, Avi smashed a two run walkoff home run to win the ship!

3rd Grade

John’s Auto 21

Eden Gardens 14

Looking at the final score, one might think a football game was played :).

John’s Auto rolled over EG scoring 21 runs and led by MVP Yaakov Opoczynski!

4th Grade

Bluebird Insurance 6

Marciano PD 5

Some were saying this was the longest game in 5TLL history! What was nearly a 2 hour game came to a halt in the bottom of the 10th inning. Players, coaches, parents umps and siblings were tired, sweaty, and baking in the sun waiting for someone to bring in that 1 run. With runners on the corners MVP Shlomo Reich hit a ground ball in just the right spot to give the man on third a path home for the

win!

5th Grade

Town Appliance 8

Elegant Lawns 1

Monday night was a beautiful night for some championship baseball. Shua Paneth opened up scoring in the bottom of the first inning for Town with a big double. Town’s starting pitcher Eli Oratz hit a bomb in this one as well. They stayed on top and in control proving they were deserving of the 1 seed.

6th Grade

Sperling Productions 10

Wieder Orthodontics 6

All Star and MVP Tani Benderly played excellent offensively, batting 4/4 with two home runs! Tani also was great defensively to help Sperling secure the gold!

7th/8th Grade

Maidenbaum 11

Emporio 2

Dov Salomon. 6 strikeouts. 4 RBI’s.

Enough said. He took home the glorious G.O.A.T with a lights out performance in the finale!

Men’s Basketball

Emporio 55

Growtha 40

Sunday night doors opened at 7:30 with a lot of fun lined up on the schedule. We had our first JSL men’s Twillory 3 point contest and Jonathan Bayaz beat Aaron Azose in the final round to win a $100 Twillory gift card. Smash House was in the house and brought some hype with fun challenges and giveaways, even offering free burgers for a year to any kid who hit a half-court shot on the Smash Man’s birthday! In the Championship game, Emporio shook off an early 10-1 deficit and rallied to win. Yitzy Wieder made his return scoring 22 points and the offseason additions of Jeremy Brody, Simcha Zev Beren and Yosef Rudansky proved invaluable as Emporio beat Growtha.

Scenes from the graduating classes at Siach Yitzchok

HAFTR Seniors Participate in Life-Changing Mission to Poland

By Daniella Asherov

This spring, 16 HAFTR High School seniors had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the Abraham and Rose Scharf z”l Poland Mission under the guidance of Rabbi Gedaliah Oppen. Our journey began on March 29, 2025, when we boarded the planes and headed on a life-changing experience to Poland.

Day 1: Upon arrival, our first stop was the Warsaw Cemetery. We saw firsthand the never-ending rows of tombstones, putting into perspective just how many people were killed during this horrific time. While in the cemetery, we walked past the sewer, which gave off an incredibly foul smell; it was so strong that we could hardly stand being near it for more than a minute. And yet, we learned how Jews were forced to hide there, and to them, it was their haven. Afterward, we visited the beautiful Nozyk Shul, and then the remaining wall of the Warsaw Ghetto.

Day 2: We started the morning at the Tykocin main shul, which was one of the most beautiful shuls we had ever seen. At the time of its operation, the community didn’t have many siddurim, so the head rabbi wrote all the tefillot he knew on the walls of the shul–which we later observed in other shuls as well. It was incredibly inspiring to learn about the community’s dedication and spiritual devotion. Yet, this beautiful community was torn apart; which we learned about when visiting the “killing forest.” It was incredibly emotional as we walked in silence through the forest to three mass graves where Jews sang Ani Maamin, their last words expressing faith in Hashem, as they marched through the woods to their deaths. The last major stop for our second day was the Treblinka death camp, which we walked through in total silence once again. Unlike other camps, this was com-

pletely destroyed by the Nazis, with only a monument standing to memorialize the murdered. The silence and emptiness of the camp represented how the Jews were silenced.

Day 3: We visited the Majdanek death camp. We started walking into many different “blocks” showing the wash and sanitizing room for the people and their clothes, the gas chambers, beds, shoes, and the crematorium. The first thing that struck many of us was seeing all of the shoes of the adults and children, physically touching the barbed wire with our own hands, and reflecting on how the people at that time were doing the same thing, wishing to be saved. As we walked through and saw how small some of the gas chambers were, we could picture how they crammed so many people into that tiny box. Walking into this camp, we were overcome with a feeling that most of us had never felt before. It was a mix of uneasiness, disgust, and fear. Seeing everything, smelling everything, and touching everything is something we will never forget. As much as we wanted to leave the minute we entered, we reminded ourselves that it was necessary that we stay, and we are lucky that we could leave at the end of the day, when millions could not.

After we left, we traveled to the Kotzker Rebbe’s kever. We found comfort in davening beside a holy person after such a troubling day. After the kever, we went to Lanchut, where we visited an old shul that once again had prayers on the walls, but also stunning colors throughout the interior. This seemed to represent that even in the darkest of times, the Jewish people always held onto light. We were horrified to learn that during the war, these shuls were kept as barns and stables for horses. We then went to another cemetery to pray and say tehillim at the graves of great gedolim. Each student had a turn lighting a candle in honor of the

rabbi who lay there. Not only were there many candles around the burial spot, but there were at least twice as many notes from visitors - notes filled with prayer for heavenly assistance. The memory of these holy people will never be forgotten, and their holiness still helps the Jewish people today. Afterward, our group went to the city of Tarnów to see the “burnt bima,” the only remnant of the shul that stood in the middle of the city after being burned down during the war. The entire population of that town was murdered, and yet, the bima serves as a symbol of hope.

The last place we visited that day was the grave of children in Zbylitowska Góra. This place was one of the hardest places to see. Children from all over the town were taken from their parents to this very spot and were tortured to death. All that remains of this atrocity is a fenced hill where the innocent little bodies lie. Those visiting leave gifts, balloons, cards, and colorful toys around the fence for the children. It is hard to process the sweet, childlike mementos with the reality of what occurred at this spot. Many of us noticed that there was a beautiful sound of birds, unlike any of the other areas we had visited; it was almost like a beautiful song that the birds were singing just for the children. It brought us all to tears.

Day 4: The group got up at 5 am to travel to Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau. We all complained about the early wake-up until we walked on the train tracks and through the gates where millions of prisoners were marched through, and most never had the chance to leave.

Our tour guide explained everything that went on within the stained and cracked walls, and Rabbi Oppen elaborated on the monstrous deeds that happened here. We started at Auschwitz-Birkenau, and we were surprised at how the whole place felt like a museum. All the belongings and suffering of those imprisoned here were

just on display. We visited the blocks and walked the streets like mazes all around the camp. Some students even found the blocks where their great-grandparents were held during the five years that the camp was active. The gas chamber came next. The first thing to see before entering is a big door at the bottom of a hill. After entering, straight away you see the green stains from the Cyclone B chemicals and the scratch marks on the walls, the last moments of life and agony that the victims faced. This area led to the cremation ovens, with wagons on tracks for easy transport for the prisoners to cremate their own brothers and sisters. The fact that the soldiers would force the Jewish prisoners to be the ones who buried the bodies of their loved ones was sickening.

After Auschwitz-Birkenau, we went with our guide on a five-minute ride to Auschwitz. The sight of the infamous train cars that led straight to the camp is something I know that the whole group will never forget. It is hard to imagine that almost 80 years have passed since these horrors were alive within these places. This camp was bigger than the others we had previously visited. Here, hundreds of people were stuffed into one block, and there seemed to be hundreds of blocks, even with some being destroyed to cover up the horrors. The bathroom area was just a long cement block with hundreds of holes, stripping the people of their privacy and humanity. And yet, this was a place where the victims would exchange news about loved ones and see if their family was still alive.

We then saw the windowless cattle cars leaving people without room to sit, stand, or breathe. Rabbi Oppen told us to touch the car with one hand, close our eyes, and imagine what might have gone on inside. Mothers calmly comforting their children saying everything would be ok, knowing their words may not be true; an older man tired of standing and

wondering where his wife, children and grandchildren were while finding it hard to breathe; a man holding on to his Tefillin for dear life knowing that the chances of him sneaking it in were very low. Walking next to cars, the destroyed gas chambers and remnants of the war while wearing Israeli flags on our backs with pride was the best way to prove that the Nazis did not win.

After leaving the barbed wire fences of Auschwitz, we went to see the grave of Sarah Schenirer, the founder of Bais Yakov schools for Jewish girls. Her kever is actually on the site of a deserted work camp, but she died before the war broke out. This is the famous camp where Oskar Schindler helped save Jews by having them work in his factory, which we visited later that night. It was moving to see pictures of all the survivors he saved in the windows of the factory. Then we

went to Umschlagplatz plaza, lined with empty chairs, reminding us of the chairs that were left out for the hostages from October 7.

Day 5: On the final day of the mission, before heading to the airport, we went to the monuments in Kielce. These monuments commemorate the bloodshed of the survivors of the Holocaust who returned home and were faced with murder yet again. This is when the Jews realized that Poland was no longer a place where they were welcomed, and they needed to leave the country.

This trip was an amazing, impactful, and unforgettable experience. This mission, as well as the Holocaust, will never be forgotten. We are deeply indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Marty and Melodie Scharf and family for making this experience possible for us.

Assemblyman Eichenstein and Senator Sutton Announce Passage of Bill to Stop Shabbos Sanitation Tickets

Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Senator Sam Sutton are proud to announce the successful passage of their important legislation that prohibits the New York City Department of Sanitation from issuing fines after 3 PM on Fridays, a crucial step to protect Sabbath observers and other New Yorkers from receiving unfair sanitation tickets.

Last year, the NYC Department of Sanitation enacted a rule requiring residents to place their trash on the curb after 8:00 PM in an effort to combat the city’s rat problem. However, this rigid policy ignores the needs of religious New Yorkers who are prohibited from handling trash on Shabbos. As a result, many residents have been subjected to steep fines of $50-$300 simply for observing their faith.

The legislation (Bill# S8256/A2693) prohibits Sanitation Department enforcement agents from ticketing New York City residents from 3:00 PM on Friday. This legislation was necessary to allow for Sabbath-observant members of the Jewish community to comply with city rules without choosing between violating their religious beliefs or getting

a sanitation ticket. Both houses of the State Legislature overwhelmingly passed this legislation during the final days of the scheduled legislative session.

“This important legislation will ensure that New Yorkers do not have to choose between their religious beliefs and avoiding a ticket, and will also prevent residents from being unfairly targeted simply because they observe Shabbos,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “I thank Senator Sam Sutton for partnering with me in sponsoring this bill and look forward to continue working with him to enhance the quality of life throughout our neighborhoods.”

“I am proud to have sponsored this common-sense bill that respects the diverse needs of New York City residents, and I thank Assemblyman Eichenstein for his leadership on this issue,” said Senator Sam Sutton. “No one should have to choose between adhering to their faith or facing a sanitation fine. This bill ensures that our city’s policies are inclusive and considerate of all residents’ beliefs. It’s a small change with a big positive impact, making life a little easier for countless individuals and families across our city.”

Stepping Through The Gates: YSZ HS For Girls Graduation

By Shabsie Saphirstein

Four years ago, they stepped through the gates of a brand-new school. Last week, they walked the stage as its first-ever graduates.

Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion High School for Girls celebrated its inaugural commencement with an atmosphere filled with pride, emotion, and purpose. The Class of 2025 wasn’t just the first to graduate— they were trailblazers who helped shape a school from vision to reality.

Founding Menahelet Mrs. Rina Zerykier addressed the graduates with words that captured the essence of both the school and the milestone moment. Reflecting on the school’s name, Sha’arei Zion, she spoke of the spiritual power of gates—how they represent transition, reflection, and the strength to step forward.

“Now you stand at the next gate,” she said. “Yours to choose, to push open, and to walk through with everything you’ve become.”

She reminded the graduates that they were never simply students—but bnot

Zion, daughters of Yisrael, called not to ask, “Who do they expect me to be?” but “Who did Hashem create me to become?”

The student speeches brought that message to life.

Valedictorian Leah Zavlyanov reflected on the journey from receiving to giving, drawing inspiration from the palindrome “v’nasnu.” High school, she explained, was a time of taking in, of personal growth and discovery. Now, she said, it is time to give back.

“Our cups are full now, and it’s time to start pouring into others,” she shared. Her message captured the sacred shift from inward development to outward impact.

Salutatorian Shoshana Musheyev

complemented this idea with a stirring reminder of legacy and continuity.

“We are the answers to generations of prayer,” she told her classmates. “And the way we live and pray now will shape those who come after us.”

Her words framed the graduates as both recipients of the past and architects of the future.

The program continued with each graduate receiving a personalized award recognizing her unique strengths, talents, and middot. Teachers were thanked for their unwavering dedication and their role in building the school’s foundation. As music and celebration filled the room, joy and pride radiated from every corner of the hall.

This wasn’t just a graduation—it was the realization of a dream.

The Class of 2025 walked into a school that hadn’t yet been built and emerged as its living legacy. They infused YSZ High School for Girls with heart, identity, and vision. And now, as they step into the next stage of life, they do so with strength, confidence, and the charge to build something beautiful.

Mrs. Zerykier concluded her remarks with a heartfelt bracha: “May we all be zocheh to walk through the real Sha’arei Tzion Sha’arei Geulah. May you see redemption in your stories, in our people, and in our world.”

The gates are open. The path is theirs. And the future is bright.

Governor Hochul Appoints Touro Alumnus Mendy Mirocznik as Judge to

NYS Court of Claims

Menachem “Mendy” Mirocznik, a 1995 graduate of Touro University and a longtime civic leader in the Jewish community, was one of 17 people appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul as a judge to the New York State Court of Claims. Mirocznik’s nomination, which was confirmed by the New York State Senate on June 10, marks a significant milestone in a career defined by service, scholarship, and deep community ties.

“I feel honored and humbled that I’ve been nominated for such a high position,” said Mirocznik, who was formally sworn in on June 11. The news of his appointment came in dramatic fashion, delivered by a knock at his door on the second day of Shavuot.

“Former Assemblyman Michael Cusick came to my house to tell me the governor’s office had been calling to let me know I’d been nominated,” Mirocznik said. “It was a pleasant holiday surprise.” Mirocznik was born in Brooklyn and raised between there and the Rockaways,

where his father served as a prominent rabbi. After studying at Yeshiva Darchei Torah and Yeshiva Chaim Berlin, he earned his undergraduate degree from Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences, graduating summa cum laude and winning the Political Science Award. He later earned his law degree from CUNY Law School and spent more than 25 years in the court system, including 16 years working alongside Staten Island Supreme Court Justice Orlando Marrazzo Jr. on complex commercial and medical malpractice cases.

A Mission to Build Bridges

Now, as one of the only Orthodox Jewish judges in the New York State Court of Claims—a specialized court that hears cases against the State of New York—Mirocznik feels a responsibility not just to adjudicate fairly, but to use his position to develop relationships with different ethnic groups and community stakeholders, as well.

“The Jewish community needs to have relationships with everybody,” Mirocznik

said. “If you don’t build those coalitions, you’re deemed irrelevant. But having relationships can make a big difference and affect policy.”

A Record of Service

Mirocznik’s leadership résumé is extensive. He serves as president of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, and holds board roles with the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, and several interfaith and civic organizations. He is also a police chaplain, FDNY clergy council member, and serves on Mayor Eric Adams’ Jewish Advisory Council.

Mirocznik credits his time at Touro as foundational in shaping both his career and worldview. “Touro gave me that opportunity. They created a college experience that was doable for yeshiva students,” he said. “I was learning and studying for semicha at the same time I was at Touro. That flexibility made it pos-

sible for me to succeed.”

He is particularly grateful for the mentorship of Dean Robert Goldschmidt. “Dean Goldschmidt—G-d should keep him around forever—he’s a saint,” Mirocznik said. “He helped guide us, he understood where we were coming from. Touro transitioned us from the yeshiva into the real world.”

It was during his political science courses at Touro, under the guidance of professors like Norman Bertram and Alan Mond, that Mirocznik’s interest in public policy and law truly flourished.

“As a little boy, I wanted to be a lawyer. I thought it was cool. Touro helped me see the pathway.”

Already assigned to the civil term in Kings County Supreme Court, Judge Mirocznik is embracing his new role with humility and resolve. “I’ve been a law clerk for 25 years, and it’s still a process to absorb what happened so quickly,” he said. “But I’m ready to serve.”

Around the Community

A Yeshiva That Inspires Its Talmidim Forward For Life

Torah education, quite literally, lasts for life. This is because Torah is our life. The bracha Ahavas Olam conveys this dual quality in five words: ki heim chayenu v’orech yomeinu—Torah is our life and, therefore, the lifelong force for the length of our days. This life-energizing, lifelong impact is at the heart of the educational family that is Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh in Bayswater, NY, and Yeshiva Ohr Hatzafon in Yerushalayim ir hakodesh.

Education at YZA and YOH never ends. When a student graduates Yeshiva Ohr Hatzafon in Eretz Yisroel, their studies continue at Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh in America. But that’s just the beginning. When its students graduate from yeshi-

va and move forward in life to whatever passion they dedicate themselves to, the education—the Torah, the mussar, the hashkafah, the middos, the skills, the knowledge, the friendships, the experiences—moves with them and empowers all of their endeavors FORWARD.

The Yeshiva vision is to cultivate talmidei chachamim who will carry the Torah forward. YZA and YOH graduates—both the Marbitzei Torah and the lay leaders—live by the foundations and values instilled in them in their years in Yeshiva. In one word, it’s all about FORWARD—carrying Torah forward, perpetuating Yiddishkeit forward, moving Klal Yisroel forward. This year, we are proud to mark a meaningful milestone, as four

more of our graduates—true bnei Torah and baalei Mussar—embark on their journeys as marbitzei Torah. They represent the heart of our vision, and the continued support of lay leaders like our honorees helps make that vision a reality.

Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh and Yeshiva Ohr Hatzafon cordially invite you to partner with them in this life-lasting, life-lifting mission by joining their 2025 dinner celebration empowering, inspiring, and moving the VISION FORWARD!

Hosted at The Space at Westbury on Monday, June 30, 2025, the gala evening will pay tribute to two outstanding alumni couples—Mr. & Mrs. Yaakov Ginsparg and Mr. & Mrs. Nechemia Edelstein— whose unwavering dedication and sup-

port as lay leaders bring great pride to the Yeshiva. The evening will be chaired by devoted Yeshiva parents, Rabbi & Mrs. Eli Riesel.

YZA and YOH are more than Yeshivos. They are a way of life. Every daf learned, every middah refined, and every friendship solidified prepares its students to be leaders in Klal Yisroel.

We look forward to welcoming you in person. Together as one we will power and propel our VISION FORWARD!

Please go to priority1.org/dinner to make your reservations today and to place an ad in the prominent dinner journal.

HANC High School’s Commencement Celebrates the Class of 2025

On Monday evening, June 16, the 20th of Sivan, HANC High School celebrated its Commencement before an audience of proud family members, guests, administration and faculty. The ceremony took place at The Space in Westbury, New York.

The program opened with Jonathan Es-hagian and Rachel Wieder leading the tefillot Tzahal and for the hostages followed by a video presentation featuring administrators, rebbeim, morot and teachers, reflecting on the Class of 2025 over the past four years, as well as heartwarming messages to the graduates.

Following the processional, the National Anthem and the Hatikvah were led by Dylan Homapour ‘15. Rabbi Eli Slomnicki, Menahel/Principal of the High School, then welcomed guests and graduates and introduced salutatorian Noam Traeger who delivered a meaningful invocation.

HANC’s Chairperson of Board of Education, Dr. Debra Alper ‘00, congratulated the Class of 2025 on their excellent record of accomplishments in academics, athletics, and chessed.

Mrs. Marie Palaia, Associate Principal, greeted the graduates with a warm, congratulatory message reminding students to strive for excellence and to find balance in their lives.

In her outstanding and creative valedictory address, Shoshana Eisner encouraged her classmates with a poignant question, “Who will you be?” and to continue making positive choices based on

the foundations each student received while at HANC. Additionally, Shoshana expressed her Hakarat Hatov to her beloved school, family, and friends and thanked them for their support in bringing the class to this milestone.

Dylan Homapour ‘15 returned to the stage to perform a Tribute to Tzahal. Accompanied by the orchestra which included Rabbi Judah Hulkower, Dylan riveted the audience with a heartfelt rendition of Mi Shebeirach L’tzahal.

Ms. Tziporah Zucker, Assistant Principal, delivered a heartwarming message reminding students about how we are living in challenging, but historic times with the current mission Operation Rising Lion, and tied it into our graduating class.

Ms. Zucker then introduced the class speaker Alana Rubensohn who animatedly reflected on four years of high school with a dvar Torah, nostalgia and genuine love for her friends and her HANC experience.

A special tribute was made to Mrs. Marie Palaia who will be retiring after 33 years to HANC. Matan Galanti and Chavy Reiss expressed their sincere gratitude to Mrs. Palaia before presenting her with a recognition plaque from the faculty, students, and parents of HANC High School.

In a surprise presentation, two Nassau County legislators, Mazi Pilip, District 10, and John Ferretti, District 15, on behalf of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, presented Mrs. Marie Palaia with two citations in honor of her 33 years of dedication and service.

Rabbi Eli Slomnicki, Menahel/Principal, addressed the graduating class by first speaking to the current situation in Israel as of this past week, and how he needed to adjust his parting words accordingly. He then shared how HANC’s rebbeim, morot, teachers and families have made our amazing class of Class of 2025 the boldest young men and women of society. He spoke pridefully of the artists, baalei chesed, bnei and bnot Torah, creators, debaters, Eagle Scouts, fans (of some of the greatest sports teams in HANC’s history) and gabbaim in this class, and highlighted the stunning accomplishments of the State of Israel, all of which are the products of genius, dedication and heroism. Rabbi Slomnicki concluded with “May Hashem grant all of us, especially YOU, the next generation,

the strength to always be Brilliant, Brave and Bold. Mazal Tov!”

Rabbi Slomnicki, Mrs. Palaia, and Ms. Zucker distributed diplomas to the graduates who were also greeted by Director of Student Life, Rabbi Daniel Mezei and Deans of Students, Mr. Adam Brick and Mrs. Allison Hus. Graduates were also gifted with The Journey to Your Ultimate Self: An Inspiring Gateway into Deeper Jewish Thought through the Lens of the Weekly Parashah by Rabbi Shmuel Reichman.

Following the recessional a beautiful collation was enjoyed by all the guests. Mazal tov to all the graduates and their families! Wishing our wonderful HANC High School Class of 2025 much success and B’hatzlacha in their future endeavors.

DRS Holds Grand Siyum Celebrating Student Achievement in Torah Learning

In an inspiring display of dedication and accomplishment, DRS recently hosted a Grand Siyum at Traditions to celebrate the Torah learning achievements two special learning programs. Several years ago, DRS instituted a groundbreaking “Second Seder” program for motivated 11th grade boys seeking to deepen their commitment to limud haTorah. Led by Junior Rebbe Rabbi Jordan Ginsberg, the program empowers students to independently navigate and master a masechta each year. In addition to their bekius seder, the boys participate

HANC

Oin a weekly mussar shiur delivered by the Mashgiach, Rabbi Aryeh Cohen, as well as a short iyun chaburah from Rabbi Ginsberg focusing on sugyos in the masechta.

Simultaneously, 12th grade students who opted into an additional daily bekius seder—led by Rabbi Ephraim Polakoff— also reached a major milestone this year, completing a full masechta as well.

To mark these achievements, both the 11th and 12th grade groups gathered for a beautiful siyum celebration at Traditions. The event was a true kavod ha-

Torah moment, honoring the hard work and hasmada of students who voluntarily pushed themselves to go beyond the regular curriculum.

The evening featured divrei chizuk, uplifting singing, and a festive meal, turning the siyum into not only a celebration of learning, but a powerful statement of what can be accomplished when students are given the tools, structure, and inspiration to grow.

High School Closing Ceremony

n Thursday, June 5, on the last day of classes, HANC High School students and faculty filled the school’s auditorium for this year’s Closing Ceremony. The program opened with remarks from Rabbi Eli Slomnicki followed by the unveiling of the championship banner by this year’s Volleyball team for the third consecutive year. The room was filled with applause as everyone was excited to see the newest addition to the wall of banners.

Principal Rabbi Slomnicki reflected on the school year and introduced the awards ceremony with a special emphasis on the process of choosing recipients. These awards are a series of honors presented to students who stand out in areas that are valued at HANC. Faculty members nominated candidates for consideration and collectively selected the recipients. Each award was given to one male and one female recipient. Each recipient of the ten awards will be added to the plaques adorning the second floor hallway.

Joshua Uvaydov ‘28 received the Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook Passion for Education Award and Abigail Saldin ‘26 received the Nechama Leibowitz Passion for Education Award. These recipients were recognized for their “academic achievement, true intellectual curiosity, and a demonstrated commitment to increasing knowledge in various disciplines.”

Students with outstanding “determination and diligence and an unwavering commitment to advance academically” received The Rabbi Meyer & Rebbetzin Goldie Fendel Determination and Perseverance Award. Brielle Gertelman ‘27

and Yaakov Weberman ‘26 were the recipients.

The Golda Meir Community & School Spirit Award went to T.J. Serber ‘26 and the Natan Sharansky Community & School Spirit Award went to David Alper ‘28, as students who exemplify “a strong commitment to the HANC community and work selflessly in order to foster inclusiveness and strengthen school spirit.”

The students who went above and beyond in their participation in chesed activities were Lily Diamond ‘26 and Eyal Traeger ‘26, who received the Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Sandra Gottesman Chesed Award.

The Ateret Shem Tov and Keter Shem Tov awards recognize students who demonstrate distinguished character and a strong commitment to leading a life of high ethical and moral standard consistent with Torah ideals and values.

The recipients were Ella Ghodsi ‘26 and Judah Weitzman ‘27 respectively.

The next series of awards was presented by College Guidance to members of the Junior Class.

Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award - Eyal Traeger

The Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award - Sarah Kalter

George Eastman Young Leaders Award - Lily Diamond

Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology - T.J. Serber

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Medal Award - Abigail Saldin

The Brandeis Book Award - Yarden Weiss

Nassau County District Attorney

SHIELD Award - Marcelle Samuch

Yeshiva University Torah U’Madda

Book Award - Ella Ghodsi and Michael Es-haghian

At the conclusion of the ceremony students received their Chesed certificates. The word Chesed: a Hebrew word for kindness, is a term often used at HANC as students participate in community service activities throughout the school year and into the summer months. Although 15 hours per year are required by HANC, many students choose to continue their participation past their obligation. Bronze awards went to students who completed more than 25 chesed hours, Silver awards to students who completed over 50 hours, and Gold awards were reserved for students who completed over 100 chesed hours.

Heartfelt farewells to beloved faculty was a bittersweet part of the program when student presentations were made to the following faculty: Tehilla Reiss spoke beautifully about the relationship she has formed with Morah Zaslowsky who is moving to New Jersey, In a creative poem, senior Erin Steinberg praised Mr. Pickering for being an outstanding English teacher and thanked him for his

creative poetry and writing classes. T.J. Serber spoke about the opportunities Professor Amrit Singh provided for the STEM students and Benny Eidlin Quere presented to Professor Singh a 3-D model he designed of the HANC Campus as a token of appreciation. A multi-layered farewell presentation entitled “the Mrs. Palaia Experience” captured how students in each of the grades’ experiences embodied her expertise and kindness. Each of the students expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Marie Palaia and wished her much success on her retirement.

The program concluded with a nostalgic year-in-review video presentation expertly prepared by the Student Life Team. Magnum ice cream bars were enjoyed by everyone.

The ceremony was uplifting with wonderful achdut among the students as they cheered for their peers who received awards. A tremendous yashar koach to all students for completing an outstanding year.

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer.

Innovation on Display: Annual Fish Tank Competition at YOSS Showcases Student Ingenuity

Now in its fourth year, Yeshiva of South Shore’s Yeshiva Toras Chaim’s Fish Tank Competition once again highlighted the extraordinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. This year’s competition brought fresh energy and groundbreaking ideas, reaffirming just how capable and innovative our young minds truly are.

Over the course of several months, students poured their hearts and minds into developing unique business ideas. From drafting detailed business plans

to constructing prototypes, designing slideshows, and filming pitch videos, they tackled every aspect of startup development with impressive dedication and professionalism.

What stood out most was the fearless way students thought outside the box. Their inventions were not only imaginative but also practical, tackling real-world problems with clever solutions. The range of projects presented showed a remarkable level of brainstorming, teamwork, and execution.

Congratulations to all of our partic-

ipants, and especially to our standout teams who earned top honors in the Fish Tank 2025–26 competition:

First Place- Keeper Kippah: Yaakov David, Shaya Joszef, Rafi Rose

Fuel Up: Rafi Faska, Chaim Schaulewicz, Elisha Shmell

Second Place-Split Sleeve: Aryeh Burger, Isaac Pinchasov, Dovi Pollack, Ariel Weissman

Third Place Stud Swap: Ezra Fogel, Emmet Babayev, Daniel Ganeles

Rain Shield: Azriel Lazar, Binyamin Speiser, Aharon Steinert, Shmuel Trump

Honorable Mention- The Space Case: Effy Burg, Elisha Hagler, Shimmy Levitz

Every team should be proud of what they accomplished. Their ideas were not only inventive—they demonstrated passion, persistence, and a willingness to take risks.

Thank you to our judges, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Glatt, and Rabbi Weiss. Thank you to Rabbi Schulman and Mrs. Korman for leading the students through this project.

Mercaz Academy Graduates Say Love for Israel Is Foundational

Mercaz Academy’s third graduating class cited their love for Israel as the cornerstone of their school experience, providing them with direction and determination as they navigated the shadows of the last two years. These sixth graders used music as the framework for their presentation, carefully selecting songs to represent specific aspects of their school experience as they formally left elementary school behind them.

The program, which took place at the school’s campus in Plainview on June 18, opened with a color guard and a processional, followed by the national anthems. A graduate led the audience in a recital of Tehillim on behalf of Israel, and another introduced the first song, “Yehudi Zeh Hachi,” explaining that it reminded the students of the deep pride and strength that comes with being part of the Jewish people. A third graduate introduced “Hinei Ma Tov,” a song by Shalshelet. She suggested that a song about Jewish unity is particularly meaningful to the class in a

post-October 7 world. The students sang beautifully, with harmonies interwoven through the performance.

This was followed by a d’var Torah by another graduate, who began with, “Our love for Israel is one of the most important things we’ve learned, especially in the past few years.” After listing a number of ways in which his class had connected to Israel, he quoted Kohelet’s remark that there is a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. He expressed the hope that the time for peace in Israel is right around the corner. The graduates then recited a joint poem they had written, reviewing their learning experiences over their last year of elementary school.

Principal Rabbi Kalman Fogel addressed the students with a tale of a wanderer in the woods who found a fabulous abandoned treasure. (“Was there a siman?” one graduate inquired, wondering if there was a way to identify the owner.)

Rabbi Fogel explained that no matter how fabulous the treasure, the passage

of time dulls the excitement of the find; he charged them to always experience the excitement of future Torah discoveries as if they were encountering them for the first time. Assistant Principal Ms. Karen Leeper addressed the graduates, telling them to “keep being kind, stay determined, and never stop showing the world just how capable you are.”

Along with books gifted by the PTA, Rabbi Fogel presented the graduates with their diplomas alongside their Torah teacher, Rabbi Moshe Rubel. The two rabbis collaborated on personalized and thoughtful riddles that cleverly wove together each child’s Hebrew name with their unique personality traits, and recog-

nized each student with an award based on his or her individual strengths.

The program closed with a performance of “Never Give Up,” by Safam. A graduate explained that they had learned the song for Chanukah, but that the message of the perseverance of the Jewish people had made a deep impression on the class as a whole. “‘Never Give Up’ is more than just a song,” she said. “It’s a lesson that runs through the heart of Jewish history.”

As the final song ended, graduation caps sailed into the air and the new Mercaz graduates joined families, teachers, and friends for snacks featuring a delicious celebration cake.

“We’re Scared, We’re Tired—But We’re Here for Them”: Meir Panim

Mobilizes in Wake of War

As Iranian missiles continue to rain down on Israel since the weekend and families huddle in bomb shelters and safe rooms across the country, Meir Panim is doing what it always does in a crisis: opens its doors.

With schools, workplaces, synagogues, and gathering places shuttered under emergency directives—and most of the nation on edge after several sleepless nights—Meir Panim’s branches sprang into action, despite limited staff and mounting risks.

“We’re exhausted more than anything—physically and emotionally—but we know people are counting on us,” said Ilanit, the Or Akiva branch manager.

The conflict erupted at 3:00 a.m. on Friday morning, catching much of the country off guard. But by Saturday night, teams were already coordinating with branch managers and the Home Front Command to determine how—and where—they could safely serve Israel’s most vulnerable.

On Sunday, even after another morning of sirens and shelter runs, Meir Panim branches in Tiberias and Or Akiva were open for take-out meals, while other locations like Dimona, Tzefat, and Jerusalem took time to plan for safe reopening on Monday. Volunteers—some of whom came at personal risk—stepped in to help with food distribution, especially as regular staff and national service members were instructed to remain at home for safety reasons.

The organization is already seeing a spike in need. Families with children stuck at home and no access to school meals are turning to Meir Panim. Elderly residents, too frightened to venture out, are requesting home deliveries in record numbers. And in cities like Dimona and Yerucham, where fears of escalation are heightened by nearby military and nuclear infrastructure, residents are depending on Meir Panim for both food and re -

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assurance.

Despite it all—the fear, the fatigue, the uncertainty—Meir Panim remains a lifeline.

“We’re here. We’re tired, yes. But we’re committed to being the safety net for those who need us most,” says Mimi Rozmaryn, Director of Global Development. “If ice cream parlors are considered essential services, then surely feeding the hungry is too!”

Support Meir Panim’s emergency efforts. Donate now to help us feed families, care for the elderly, and continue showing up—no matter what.

Support Meir Panim by donating online at mpdonate.org, by phone at 877-7366283, or by mail to American Friends of Meir Panim, 88 Walton Street, Suite B1, Brooklyn, NY 11206. All U.S. donations are tax-deductible under EIN #201582478.

A mosquito’s wings beat 300-600 times per second.

Around the Community

HANC Middle School’s Eighth Grade Graduation

HANC Middle School’s eighth grade graduation took place on June 19 in the gym of our illustrious yeshiva. The gym was adorned with balloons and a “2025” arch. The graduates looked extremely proud as they walked down the aisle, and their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were certainly shepping a lot of nachat.

The graduation began with a “walk down memory lane.” Baby pictures of the graduates were projected on the large screen, followed by a montage of their Middle School years, which brought some tears to the audience. After the procession, the anthems were sung by Tzvi Schwartz, proud parent of graduate Coby. Next, Rabbi Slomnicki, Menahel/Principal of HANC High School, led a Perek of Tehillim, and Rabbi Hecht, Middle School principal, recited the Mi Shebeirach L’Chayalei Tzahal. This was followed by the invocation, delivered by Pras Hitztaynut award recipients Charlie Goldstein

and Jacob Schoenfeld. They spoke about the journey toward the future. Following the invocation, Mrs. Morey, the Assistant Principal, offered words of greeting. She encouraged the graduates to keep their values close, their hearts open, and their minds curious. Next came the President of our Yeshiva, Mr. Rafi Rosman, proud father of graduate Jonah. The theme of his speech was to remind students to face the future with courage, conviction, and a strong sense of self. He urged them to reject the self-doubt of the spies who saw themselves as small, and instead embrace their potential as confident, values-driven leaders. Ethan Zelig, one of the Torah U’Madda Award recipients, spoke about the importance of who the graduates became along their journey. Ethan also led a Siyum on Masechet Shavuot, which was completed through the Daf Yomi program. Interspersed throughout the program were four videos showcasing: the advice graduates would give to incoming

YCQ Class of 2025 Commencement

On Tuesday evening, June 17, the Yeshiva of Central Queens hosted its annual commencement for the Class of 2025, at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center.

This year’s commencement took place under the backdrop of the matzav in Eretz Yisrael, and the different presentations throughout the night made it clear that our brothers and sisters are always on our minds, in our hearts, and in our tefillot.

104 students, dressed in caps and gowns, kicked off the evening with a procession down the aisles, as proud family members looked on. Rabbi Ophie Nat led the packed auditorium in renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner, HaTikvah, and Acheinu, with musical accompaniment by Morah Tali Brody.

Middle School students, their favorite memories of HANC Middle School, pivotal learning moments from Middle School, and one word they would use to describe HANC Middle School. Yael Hoffman, another Torah U’Madda Award recipient, spoke about the importance of showing gratitude to Hashem and to everyone who helped her and her fellow graduates reach this milestone. Rabbi Hecht, principal, spoke about the importance of

recognizing the power within each person and their limitless potential.

Next came the distribution of diplomas. The evening concluded with a benediction delivered by Max Goldberg and Rebecca Pockriss, both Pras Hitztaynut award winners. They spoke about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and spreading positivity.

We wish all of the graduates and their families much bracha and hatzlacha!

Over the course of the evening, Principal Rabbi Mark Landsman and Mrs. Melissa Cohen, Associate Principal of General Studies K-8, addressed the graduates. They offered words of Torah, encouragement, and praise for the students as they take their next steps.

The student awardees each took on meaningful roles as well. Aiden Aminov and Sophie Sisser, the two salutatorians, recited the Tefilah L’Shlom HaMedinah and the Mi Sheberach for the IDF. Leora Traeger and Eitan Berkowitz, valedictorians, delivered powerful speeches reflecting on their school experience and the path ahead. Ilana Ismailov, recipient of the Keter Shem Tov award, led a tefillah for the hostages, and Yosef Chaim Yakobov, also a Keter Shem Tov honoree, recited Tehillim.

Mrs. Esther Lowinger, Junior High School (JHS) General Studies Assistant Principal, recognized the students who achieved High Honors, and JHS Principal Rabbi Stephen Knapp introduced the respective performances by the boys and girls. This year’s student presentation was titled “Yerushalayem, Oro shel Olam,” “Jerusalem, Light of the World” and took the audience on a journey through time from creation until today about the centrality of the city and Eretz Yisrael.

Led by Morah Mashie Kapelowitz, Director of K-8 Judaic Studies, the talmidot told of the significance of the city in the past, present, and future with meaningful songs sung by the talmidim interspersed in between. To conclude, the lights went out and black lights turned

on, girls wore white lights and signed “Oseh Shalom,” a message for peace in the future.

Diplomas were then awarded. To conclude the spectacular evening, the crowd watched a heartwarming video montage created by Mrs. Jen Jaffe. Fond memories from over the many years in YCQ were displayed as the students looked on, recalling the shared moments they experienced together.

A collation back at YCQ concluded the memorable night. Graduation was an exclamation point to concluding a wonderful year and to recognize all of the amazing talmidim and talmidot of the Yeshiva of Central Queens. Mazal tov!

Hadran Alach Maseches Taanis Master Maseches Moed Katan with Oraysa

Excitement is mounting among the thousands of Lomdei Oraysa spanning the globe as they approach the end of Maseches Taanis. This Masechta has been toiled upon and reviewed by lomdim over the last three months as they learned through the sugyos of Ta’aniyos and davening for rain, with the fascinating Agadata sugyos containing so many important messages in Avodas Hashem and limud haTorah.

Now they are preparing to begin Maseches Moed Katan. Primarily dealing with Hilchos Chol Hamoed and Aveilus, lomdim will be afforded the opportunity to delve into these lesser known sugyos and to acquire them for life.

Moed Katan is also the second last Masechta in Seder Moed, heralding the upcoming Siyum on the entire Seder Moed which is scheduled to take place at the beginning of Kislev, end of November

2025. The Siyum will be celebrated in the USA, Eretz Yisroel and in Europe, drawing thousands of lomdim in each location to rejoice in this monumental milestone and accomplishment. The completion of an entire Seder is the first such celebration since the inception of Oraysa almost six years ago. Twelve Masechtos and hundreds of blatt Gemara will come to an epic culmination in just a few months time and the excitement is growing among lomdei Oraysa.

The Oraysa Amud V’Chazara program was developed in collaboration with leading Roshei Yeshiva and Gedolei Yisroel to address the growing demand for a Gemara learning framework that balances consistent progression with meaningful review.

The program is a worldwide initiative designed to unite and empower lomdei Torah through a structured daily seder

Be My Guest Spring Roundup

By Chaya Feldstein

The yom tov of Pesach, also known for Kol Dichfin and inviting guests to our Seder, is well in the past. Shavuos, the yom tov that we are taught about being Kish Echad B’lev Echad, has also come and gone too fast! Especially since the current war broke out in the Holy Land last Thursday, who can even remember once being in celebration mode just a short time ago?

As much as the Satan wants to em-

limud. It provides a daily framework to learn, review, and retain Shas while delving into its sugyos, at a pace that works.

With every passing Masechta, Oraysa sees extraordinary growth b’syata dishamya, with more chaburos and hundreds of individuals joining all over the world.

The program’s structured yet flexible approach makes it accessible to lomdei Torah across the spectrum, from kollel yungerleit to baalebatim and mechanchim. With Oraysa, every participant, regardless of their background or schedule, has the ability to grow in their limud haTorah and deepen their connection to their learning.

Lomdim can also avail themselves of the many varied resources that are provided daily, weekly and monthly, digitally and in print. These include world class shiurim that are accessible daily by video or audio.

Oraysa has become a global movement, connecting approximately 30,000 lomdim in 370 chaburos across 100 cities worldwide.

Join thousands of lomdei Oraysa as they embark on their journey into the sugyos of Moed Katan. Savor the satisfaction of learning in a goal oriented way with a built in system for review and retention, ensuring that every amud remains truly yours for years to come.

To join the program, for more information, or to help establish a chaburah in your community, contact Oraysa at 914.8.ORAYSA or email info@oraysa. org.

brace us into panic mode, we as Ma’aminim know that we are in the best of Hands by the One who is orchestrating this monumental time in history. Many of you dear readers know someone, or know someone who knows someone en route to Eretz Yisrael and turned back or landed elsewhere. The great mitzavh of Hachnosos Orchim is the call of the hour, all over the world and especially in certain areas in Eretz Yisrael, some have nowhere to call home because of the destruction. Hashem should have rachmanus!

Perhaps the more rachamim we have on our fellow Jewish brother or sister, the more rachamim we can be zocheh to feel and experience. Rachamim is more than a display of sympathy or pity. Rachamim has one reason; Hakodosh Baruch Hu is a Racheim, so I have to show and feel love, warmth and care by looking outside of myself for opportunities to give as one should model after, ”Mahu Af Ata.”

Who can I invite into my home this Shabbos? Who can I reach out to, send a small gift, lighten their load just a little

bit? A genuine show of care does oh so much.

May Hashem grant us the strength we need during this difficult time and may we show our Avinu ShebaShamayim once and for all that we are serious about – we care about His children and want to go home!

To launch this in your shul/area, please reach out to bemyguestforShabbos@ gmail.com.

Hillel 50 Year Reunion

Hillel (HAFTR) alumni recently gathered for a heartwarming and meaningful 50-year reunion, celebrating decades of friendship, growth, and shared history. Graduates from near and far, including those calling in from Israel, joined together to re -

connect and reminisce. The evening was filled with laughter, storytelling, and a deep sense of gratitude for the bonds formed all those years ago. It was a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact of a Hillel education and the lifelong friendships it helps create.

Around the Community

Rabbi David Chai Abuchatzeira on Emunah and Bitachon

Avodah in Times of Darkness and Concealment

Chazal attached great importance to maintaining emunah in all situations, even when we do not see the goodness in what is happening. In fact, the main expression of “faith” is when things seem dark, and one could think, Heaven forbid, that Hashem is no longer in our midst, yet one bolsters and clarifies his recognition that even now Hashem is showering him with great kindness, and if that kindness is not evident, it is just because Hashem’s Providence is concealed. We must believe that Hashem supervises every single person and every action, and since “the way of the Good One is to do goodness,” it must be that everything that occurs is for our ultimate benefit. The avodah of emunah at times like this is more significant and lofty than at other times, when the person perceives Hashem’s revealed goodness.

In this vein, the Gemara teaches (Berachos 12a): “One has not fulfilled his obligation unless he has recited Emes V’yatziv in the morning and Emes Ve’emunah in

the evening, as it is written (Tehillim 92:3), To relate Your kindness in the morning, and Your faith in the nights.” Morning refers to a time when all is clear. At times like that, we easily recognize Hashem’s guiding Hand and proclaim Emes V’yatziv — it is true and established. Nights, however, are dark; this refers to our time in exile, when Hashem’s presence is concealed from us. At these times, we must maintain the same recognition of the truth through our emunah — Emes Ve’emunah, recognizing that Hashem’s goodness is still present, only that it is concealed. There should be no difference between our recognition of the true reality in the “morning” and at “night”; all that has changed is whether we see the truth clearly or perceive it through our faith. The psalm continues (ibid. v. 6), How great are Your deeds, Hashem, exceedingly profound are Your thoughts. The first phrase refers to the time of morning and clarity: How great are Your deeds, Hashem! During times of concealment and darkness, however, we remain

cognizant and faithful that Your thoughts are exceedingly profound — all that occurs in the world is planned and arranged by Hashem, and it is all for our benefit, as the pasuk says, Your wonders and thoughts are for us (ibid. 40:6). Thus, Psalm 92 concludes: To declare that Hashem is just; my Rock in Whom there is no wrong

Whether in the morning, when all is bright and revealed, or when everything is dark and concealed, we must know that everything comes from the Merciful, Loving King, as the Chovos HaLevavos explains (Shaar HaBitachon, Chs. 2-3) that one should not trust that Hashem will certainly change matters for his benefit. Rather, he should trust and rely that Hashem surely wishes to benefit His creatures more than they seek their own benefit, and all that He does for him is in his best interests, even if he cannot perceive or recognize the goodness of it. Were he aware, he would have chosen this himself!

During times of exile and concealment, we serve Hashem through faith, for in the dark when everything is hidden, it is only through emunah, bitachon, and hope that we are able to strengthen ourselves and believe that it is all for our benefit. Through this, we will merit to truly relate Your kindness in the morning; at the time of the geulah it will be revealed that all that befell us during the exile was sourced in Hashem’s kindness due to His compassion for us.

This, it seems, is the reason Chazal limited the time for reciting Shema in the morning to the first three hours of the day, while the nighttime Shema may be recited throughout the night: In the morning, and in times of redemption, when all is revealed and bright, a period of three hours suffices for reciting Shema. In times of darkness, however, when Hashem’s kindness is hidden from us, we must exert great effort to strengthen our emunah — repeating, again and again, that all that Hashem does is for the best, and that His way is to seek our benefit, and that no evil emanates from Him, Heaven forbid. Thus, the time for this Shema is throughout the night, for as long as there is darkness and concealment.

Every day, in the Ahavas Olam blessing, we beseech Hashem “for the sake of our forefathers who trusted in You.” Our forefathers refers to the holy Patriarchs, as Chazal taught (Berachos 16b): “Only three are referred to as fathers.” Yet of all the achievements and positive attributes of the Avos, the only one we mention is the merit of their bitachon in Hashem! The Shem MiShmuel (Mikeitz 5675; Beshalach 5676) derives from this that the greatest merit and praise of the Avos was their bitachon, and no other positive attribute approaches the level of this one! We therefore beseech Hashem: “For the sake of Your great Name, and for the sake of our forefathers who trusted in You, and to whom You taught the dictates of life, to perform Your Will wholeheartedly, so may You favor us, our Father, merciful Father.” We are asking that in the zechus of our forefathers who trusted in You, and merited that You taught them rules for living by giving them the Torah, may we, too, merit that the zechus of their bitachon should endure forever on our behalf, and that You favor us by teaching us Torah.

Reprinted from Rabbi David Chai Abuchatzeira on Emunah and Bitachon with permission from the copyright holder, ArtScroll Mesorah Publications.

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In Memory

Remembering Reb Daniel Greenberg, z”l A True Eved Ne’eman

By The Greenberg family

The Flatbush community was thrown into mourning last week, upon hearing of the loss of our dear father, neighbor, teacher, and friend, Reb Daniel ben Rav Moshe Yehuda Greenberg, z”l.

Tatty was born in Williamsburg and grew up in Flatbush. He was a son of Harav Moshe Yehuda Greenberg, zt”l, the long-time rav of Young Israel of Midwood. He was from the original talmidim of Rabbi Lipa Margolis in the beginning years of Yeshiva Torah Vodaas of Flatbush, and then moved on to Mesivta and Bais Medrash Torah Vodaas, learning under Reb Elya Chazzan, zt”l. The Greenberg family has been a pillar of the Flatbush community (and beyond) for many decades, raising a family of Torah and chesed that so many have benefited from.

Tatty was described in a hesped as an “eved ne’eman,” reaching a special sheleimus in his bein adam l’chaveiro and bein adam l’Makom. He was a determined person, actively pursuing a mission with a goal. He took every opportunity that came to him, turning it into a loving form of his Avodas Hashem. Tatty always quoted his Rebbi, Reb Gedalyah Schorr, zt”l, that a person is a “holeich”; you are either going up or down and there is no such thing as remaining on a steady level. He personified this idea through his everyday life. Everything he did was for a reason and a purpose to grow in his Avodas Hashem. He always said that “there is nothing in this world that can’t be used to grow in your Avodas Hashem. If you think hard enough, you can use any tool in this world to shteig.”

At the levaya, Harav Yitzchok Steinwurtzel, shlita, focused on how Tatty’s Ahavas Yisroel was tangible, always looking to help others. He did so much for so many people, but always with a special tzinius of “v’hatznei leches im Hashem Elokecha.” The Rav said over the pasuk of “u’matzdikei harabim, kakochavim le’olam va’ed.” He explained that a true matzdikei harabim shines like

the kochavim, the stars, because they come across as an unassuming dim light but really contain the brightest glow if you can get a closer look. Tatty epitomized this middah. He helped out in the shul, coming late at night to set up the Bais Medrash for the Daf Yomi shiur the next morning, so that the learning would begin with ease right after Shacharis. On Shabbos, he would always keep an eye out for those who would seem misplaced, giving them a seat and engaging them in conversation in a friendly, warm way. Never would a Shaliach Tzibbur’s efforts go unnoticed, offering a warm “shkoyach” amongst other praise.

Tatty always put a big focus on being there for the younger generation, infusing them with a love for Torah and tefillah. Every week in the winter, he would arrange the special snacks that were given out at the Motzei Shabbos learning program, so that the young children would be happy to come learn. Everyone knows that when they saw Tatty in shul, he would always be ready with a lollypop for the kinderlach who were there. He always said that we have to work to make a shul a place that children enjoy being there, so that they will continue to love to come when they get older. He always tried to involve and teach the younger bar mitzvah boys the nusach of Chazaras HaShatz for Shabbos and yom tov “because the children are our future.”

He would always convey his dream, how he wished to retire and return to the Koslei Bais Medrash. A few years ago, after Tatty found an opportunity to become semi-retired, his dream came true. He joined the Agrah D’Pirkah of Flatbush, headed by HaRav Aharon Kahn, shlita. He attended a full first Seder till Mincha, drinking up all of the divrei Torah from the shiurim that he enjoyed so much. In a hesped, Rav Kahn spoke about his kesher that he had with Tatty, connecting deeply in the walls of the Beis Medrash. The Rav relayed that Tatty’s

hasmadah had a young, fresh energy, and he came over after the shiur excited with his Ha’aros. The chizuk that he gave to the chaburah was resounding. Tatty rarely went away on vacations, but when he would, he would only go to places where he was able to stick with his regular Seder HaYom. He enjoyed going to Eretz Yisroel many times, but the highlight was when it was with the Agudah’s Yarchei Kallah. He said, “There is no such thing as a vacation from Yiddishleit,” and Toras Eretz Yisroel was a real treat. Even in the summers, he would only go to the programs that had his minyanim and shiurim in place.

Mesorah was a very crucial part of Tatty’s life. He appreciated the tremendous zechus of being able to frequent the home of HaRav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, and lived by so much of what he witnessed. He always shared the following story. One time, he asked Reb Moshe about a certain case that was in the headlines. There was a Beis Din that publicized a decision about a certain shailah, and it was obvious to Tatty that Reb Moshe was not in agreement. Tatty asked Reb Moshe why won’t he come out publicly, that the psak of this Beis Din does not seem to be correct? Reb Moshe responded, “In life, one must look at the larger picture. If I were to come out against this Beis Din, then people may disregard the validity of other Batei Dinim as well. The gain would be outweighed by its loss.”

Tatty embodied this outlook. So many times, he would tell us to stop and think if what we are doing is

a “chumrah habah lidei kulah.” Would this positive action cause harm to others? He always said over a mashal about a man who was walking through a crowded street. The man noticed a midget walking towards him. He quickly ran and picked up the midget in front of everyone and began to scream, “Come everybody, let us fulfill the halacha of making the bracha of Meshane HaBriyos!”

We must take into account the larger picture, the feelings of others, as well as the consequences of our actions.

Tatty was a nephew of HaRav Dovid Feinstein, zt”l, with whom he held a special close bond. The chinuch in the home was that of the “old school,” giving over the great mehalech hachaim that he grew up with. Our mother is the daughter of Reb Shmuel Chaim Soroka, zt”l, an Alte Mirrer who brought over the fervent mesorah, adding to the strong foundation that our home is built on. The summers that Tatty spent in Seagate, allowing him access to many of the Gedolim that would frequent the area for vacation, was something very dear to him. Any time he was at a simcha, and there was a rav or rosh yeshiva who was present, he made an effort to

his children’s chaburos. He would always say, “My children are my most precious investments; I need to check up on them.” Even when he would be in the middle of a workday, he tried to make time to arrange an outing with the children, because he cherished being with his family. Chol Hamoed trips were a big highlight for him and never a strain, appreciating the moments to spend the happy times together. He would take time to learn with his children and grandchildren as much as possible. Attending the weekly learning programs to learn with the children was a tremendous pleasure. He always looked forward to the special times throughout the week that the young grandchildren would call him for their weekly chavrusah shaft

Tatty’s role in life was that of many. He was a father, grandfather, a leader, a teacher, and a good friend. To sum it up in one word, we referred to him as “Tatty.” The weekly calls and visits from Tatty’s beloved children and grandchildren was his highlight of the week. Mommy (she should be gezunt) was by Tatty’s side every step of the way, in health and in sickness. She cared for him and

Many times, when he spoke at family gatherings, it was on the topic that each one of us children have to adorn and appreciate that we are a treasured link in the chain of Klal Yisroel.

go over, especially to bring his children over. He would always push us to make a shaychus with gedolim and to not let shame get in the way. Many times, when he spoke at family gatherings, it was on the topic that each one of us children have to adorn and appreciate that we are a treasured link in the chain of Klal Yisroel. The love that Tatty had for his family was boundless. He would run around to visit his children in yeshiva, at all times of the day. He would make the trip at any time to our out-of-town yeshivas just to partake in hearing

encouraged him in all his endeavors. Together they built generations of shomrei Torah, talmidei chachomim, and bnei Torah that they are extremely proud of.

As a zechus for his neshama, may we all continue to reflect his ways in our growth of avodas Hashem. We are certain that Tatty will be a meilitz yosher for his family and Klal Yisroel, continuing his devotion on behalf of his family and all of Klal Yisroel. May we be reunited in the coming future, with Moshiach b’mheira b’yameinu, amen.

Voice N tes The Forgotten

By Ruki Renov

M“i K’amcha Yisroel ?” Jews are one big family that cares for and looks after one another. As quickly as we discover a need, we create an organization, a committee, a fund, or whatever it takes to meet that need. Often, we are asked to contribute our time, our resources, our know-how, or our money. Everyone can and often does help in some way or another. Outstanding organizations have been created and are constantly founded to meet the needs of the sick, the elderly, struggling families, the poor, the widowed, the divorced, the barren, orphans, those who’ve lost a loved one, confused teens, older singles, baalei teshuva, our hostages, our soldiers – and the list goes on and on. Simultaneously, most of us in our own daily lives are experiencing personal and immediate family challenges. It is difficult enough for most of us to keep up with our own obligations and emotional pressures. Trying to stay aware of and meet the needs of those we love, keeping ourselves and our loved ones happy, keeps most of us feeling “dayeinu” – we have more than enough to deal with. Research shows that one of the best ways to be happy is to help others. Although those who need these organizations fully appreciate them, sadly, many of these people just want to be remembered and noticed. They feel forgotten. We are all aware that it isn’t easy for a widow to go to a wedding alone after years of going with a partner or for a single girl to go unaccompanied when her friends’ husbands are all driving them. How nice would it be if a friend called and said, “We’d love it if we could pick you up and drive you to the wedding. It would make our ride so much more enjoyable.” How great would it feel to a widow or a mother caring for a sick child if someone called and said, “Could one of your kids come over and play here tonight? My son really likes him.” Or “my daughter isn’t busy now, can she come help your kids do homework?“

A Shabbos or yom tov invitation gives so much chizuk to a lonely person or to

a low-spirited family. An invitation that implies “your presence would add to our happiness,” makes a person feel cared for. It is impossible to measure the value of someone who calls and says, “I am thinking of you.” How meaningful is it when someone drops off a small

of light and warmth to a life. A person who tells a troubled teen, “Feel free to come over and talk”; someone who says to a widow, “Just know we are always happy to have you for a meal. Please let me know when you are available”; someone who tells a baal teshuva, “We

Whether they are wearing their sorrow on their sleeve or hiding the pain behind a mask, it is our obligation as caring Jews to take notice and ask ourselves, “How can I help?”

box of candy or a small bunch of flowers to say, “You are not alone? We can’t take away your pain, but we recognize it and feel for you. We are here for you and are davening on your behalf because your well-being matters to us.”

Little actions mean so much. Any small gesture to show you care has an immeasurable impact. Simple, encouraging words change a person’s outlook, give a drowning person a lifeline, and add a bit

are proud of you. Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have”; someone who tells an orphan, “If you need a father to come to your games, I would be happy to come watch you” – each of these people are saving a life, breathing hope and connection into a soul. Walk over to someone sitting alone and say hello. Invite someone for a barbecue or to come to the supermarket to do your shopping together. Drop off a book or toy

for someone who might appreciate it. Ask someone to come hear a speaker with you. Text someone “Hi,” or send a cute emoji, or suggest a good magazine or piece of music a person might enjoy.

There are endless things you can do to connect. In other words, do anything to let the person know you recognize their pain but also recognize their value and want to help. Smiling at someone who seems down, complimenting someone who looks like she needs a pick-me-up, or spending a few minutes speaking to someone who is standing alone costs you nothing and can be invaluable to the recipient. Even when we want to help, we often feel, What can we really do? Will the person feel I am being intrusive? Am I overstepping boundaries by recognizing their pain? Will it seem like I am treating her/him like a pity case? What can I say? Chances are, I will say the wrong thing. Maybe it’s better to just stay away, say nothing, do nothing. No – see the person, feel their pain, tap into your sensitivity. Everyone look around. Most people are living with hidden trials and tribulations that you can’t tap into. But many are obviously suffering, have experienced a loss, are struggling with hardships, are dealing with some sort of trauma, or are experiencing one of life’s myriad challenges. Whether they are wearing their sorrow on their sleeve or hiding the pain behind a mask, it is our obligation as caring Jews to take notice and ask ourselves, “How can I help? What little thing can I do to make a difference?” Do something for someone. Someday, though I pray you won’t ever need it, someone will do the same for you.

(I thank my friend, a lovely widow, for encouraging me to write this article.)

The Bomb Trivia

1. What does “MOAB” officially stand for?

a. Maximum Overhead Aerial Bomb

b. Massive Ordinance Annihilation Blast

c. Massive Ordnance Air Blast

d. Mother Of All Bombs

2. How deep can some Bunker Busters burrow before exploding?

a. 5 feet

b. 200 feet

c. 500 feet

d. They explode on impact

3. Which aircraft is often used to carry the 30,000 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)?

a. F-22 Raptor

b. B-2 Stealth Bomber

c. C-130 Hercules

d. A-10 Warthog

4. What is the primary feature that makes the B-2 bomber so unique?

a. Supersonic speed

b. Stealth technology to avoid radar detection

c. Vertical takeoff

Centerfold

d. Laser weapon

5. How much does a single B-2 bomber cost?

a. $800 million

b. $2 billion

c. $4 billion

d. $300 billion

6. Because of its stealth coating, what is unique about how the B-2 has to be treated?

a. The coating must be replaced once a month.

b. It must be parked in an airconditioned room at all times

c. It is smeared with frog saliva d. It can only be flown once a month

7. Which war led to the rapid development of the first effective Bunker Buster Bomb in just 28 days?

a. Vietnam War

b. Gulf War

c. Korean War

d. Iraq War (2003)

8. How much does a single GBU57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) cost?

a. $500,000

b. Over $3.5 million

c. $7 million

d. Over $10 million

Answers:

Wisdom Key:

7-8 correct: Stay in an airconditioned room at all times!

3-6 correct: YOU ARE THE midrange BOMB!

0-2 correct: Failed to detonate.

Things People Will Do Now That the Kids are In Camp

Talk to their spouse in full sentences. Without being interrupted. Mid-word. Every 7 seconds.

Eat snacks without hiding in the pantry. The chips are safe now.

Walk around the house without stepping on slime. Or a clarinet. Or someone’s weird art project made from dryer lint.

Take a shower in peace. And without a knock. Or a scream. Or someone asking, “Can I put these sneakers in the Amazon cart?”

Remember what silence sounds like. It’s eerie. But beautiful.

Rediscover the dining room chairs. Who knew those chairs had such a nice design under all those davening jackets?

Drink coffee while it’s hot. Revolutionary.

Get in the car and not have to buckle anyone or bring 14 snacks and a spare shoe.

Call their kid’s name—then realize no one is home. (Then call again, just to enjoy the echo.)

Finish a phone call. Without whispering “I’ll call you back” ten times in a row.

Binge-clean one room— and it actually stays clean. For more than 12 minutes.

Eat ice cream for dinner.

Out of the container. Like an adult.

Miss the kids terribly...but not enough to drive three hours to bring them another 12 cans of soda.

Riddle Me This

You are a secret agent in a room with a ticking bomb and four wires: one red, one yellow, one green, and one black. A screen above the bomb flashes a message: “Only one wire will stop the bomb. Cut the wrong one...and the bomb will explode.”

You take a deep breath and read the rest of the message:

The red wire is not next to the yellow wire.

The green wire is not the correct one.

The black wire lies next to the correct wire.

The wire that lies between the green and black wires is not the correct one.

Which wire do you cut?

Answer: The red wire.

Torah Thought

Parshas Korach

By Rabbi Berel Wein

The litany of disappointments and failures of the generation of Jews that left Egyptian bondage continues in this week’s parsha. This parsha relates to us not so much in describing a direct confrontation with G-d and His express wishes, so to speak, but rather tells of a challenge to Moshe and his authority to lead the Jewish people.

Korach essentially engages in a coup, a power-grabbing attempt to replace Moshe from his leadership role and Aharon from his position as the High Priest of Israel. Throughout the ages, the Torah scholars and commentators of the Jewish people have attempted to appreciate and understand what Korach’s true motivations

were, to engage in such a clearly suicidal attempt. After all, Korach was also aware that Moshe’s countenance radiated Heavenly light that forced him to mask that countenance when dealing with human beings. Korach was also undoubtedly aware that the High Priesthood and its incense offerings could be deadly to those not entitled to serve in that public role. Again, he saw his relatives, Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon, struck down by a heavenly fire, for overstepping their proper bounds in the ritual service of the Mishkan. So what drove Korach to knowingly risk his life in this doomed and completely unnecessary confrontation with Moshe and Aharon? In the words of

Rashi in this week’s parsha: “What did Korach see or think that drove him to commit such a foolish act?” That question has puzzled all of Jewish scholarship for millennia.

It would be brazen of me to say that I somehow have the answer to this deeply troubling question. Nevertheless, I do wish to contribute an insight into the narrative as it appears in the parsha. Like many ideologues, Korach is convinced that G-d agrees with him – that G-d also has realized that Moshe is too autocratic and given to nepotism in his rule of the people. He saw that even Aharon and

that he was embarking on a national crusade to break the power of autocratic rule over the Jewish people. On such a vital national issue, one where he believed himself to be morally and practically undoubtedly correct, he convinced himself that G-d was also in agreement, so to speak, with him. And, when one is convinced that his own thinking represents G-d’s opinion on any given matter or issue, then there can be no holding back in pursuing one’s goals. The one main cause for all religious strife, wars, bans and exclusivity of opinion and actions is the belief that G-d also follows that giv-

One should always be wary not to confuse personal wishes and opinions with G-d’s will.

Miriam were willing to criticize Moshe, and even though Miriam was punished, the precedent of being able to criticize Moshe was set and established. Korach may have thought that Miriam was punished because, in essence, she and Aharon were interfering in Moshe’s private personal life. But Korach believed

en opinion or belief. Naturally, Korach’s personal ambitions and agenda helped convince him that G-d was on his side in the dispute with Moshe.

One should always be wary not to confuse personal wishes and opinions with G-d’s will.

Shabbat shalom.

From the Fire

Parshas Korach Where Our Staffs Blossom

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

At the end of the parsha, Hashem performs a miracle (Bamidbar 17:17-23) wherein the names of each of the tribes were written on staffs which were placed in the Holy of Holies in the Mishkan and only the staff with Aharon’s name sprouted almond blossoms. It is not entirely clear why Hashem had to perform this miracle. The complainers had already witnessed the fire that consumed the souls of the 250 people who improperly brought incense; the earth open up to swallow Korach, Dasan, Aviram, and their families; and they had heard the voice of the sons of Korach from the depths, “Moshe is true and his Torah is true!” (Bava Basra 74a). If they were not impressed with any of those miracles, they would probably not be swayed by a few almond blossoms either. What exactly did this miracle add?

I heard a beautiful idea in the name of Rav Shneur Kotler, zt”l, the Rosh Yeshiva of Lakewood until 1982, which may help us answer this question. Rashi comments on the pasuk, “And the children of Korach did not die” (Bamidbar 26:11) as follows: “At the time of the dispute, they contemplated doing teshuva in their hearts. Therefore, an elevated area was set aside for them in Gehenom, and they stay there and sing [songs of praise to G-d]” (also based on Sanhedrin 110a).

Rav Kotler explains that Korach’s fundamental mistake was that he believed the only true servant of G-d is a kohein gadol in the Beis Hamikdash. Only such a person can give Hashem any satisfaction. Based on that attitude, it is understandable why Korach and his cohorts were upset that they were excluded from being kohanim gedolim. They saw that as the only path to spiritual heights, and they were upset because they were barred from attaining such heights themselves.

Maybe they would have been satisfied as kohanim who could at least work in the Beis Hamikdash. But regular Jews, even Levi’im, who are engaged in living their regular prosaic lives, were virtually written off in their eyes as having any ability to achieve spiritual heights. They claimed that Moshe had hijacked G-d so that only he and his brother could come close to G-d, leaving everyone else out.

But the reality is somewhat akin to any country or government today. There is a president, prime minister, or king. And there are cabinet ministers, advisors, and high government officials who work in close proximity to the seat of government. But there are also concentric circles of other officials, representatives, and government officers of all types, all the way down to local politicians and legislators. And even on the periphery of the country or in foreign lands, there are soldiers who work to keep the country safe and gather intelligence. All of them are important. All of them are necessary to maintain the

safety, prosperity, and security of the entire country. The president and his cabinet are not the only ones who count.

Similarly, among the Jewish people, there are kohanim who work in the Beis Hamikdash and the tzaddikim and gedolim who lead us. But there are also simple soldiers, Jews who fight their evil inclination, fight to study another Mishna, or to understand a Gemara with the commentaries of Rashi and Tosafos. All of them are involved in serving the King, even if some of them must do so at what seems like the “edge” of Hashem’s kingdom, like Manhattan or some faraway place on a business trip.

Unlike Korach’s mistaken philosophy, Hashem feels untold satisfaction with the efforts made by simple Jews all over the world to serve Him in whatever life circumstance they find themselves. We cannot imagine the pleasure Hashem has from every little bit of effort such Jews exert in order to serve Him.

According to Korach’s belief, a Jew living very far from the Beis Hamikdash,

doing his best to learn from a sefer or keep his eyes where they belong on the train, means nothing to Hashem. That is not real service of G-d. But at the last moment, Korach’s sons did teshuva and realized their mistake. As a reward, Hashem gave them a place to stay at the opening of Gehenom until Moshiach comes, where they can sing Hashem’s praises. This is incredibly appropriate. Because they learned the truth, that there are an infinite number of ways G-d wants His servants to work for Him, they merited to demonstrate this to the world by singing Hashem’s praises at the mouth of Gehenom , certainly the furthest place on can imagine from the Beis Hamikdash! Their very lives now teach us that even in those places that seem the furthest from G-d, one can still serve Him and make Him proud. Perhaps a person has done something he regrets, perhaps when he wakes up the next morning, he feels he is so low, like he is sitting at the opening of Gehenom. He may feel so undeserving, he does not even know whether he can motivate himself to put on tefillin. But the sons of Korach teach us that no matter how far from the Beis Hamikdash, from holiness, we find ourselves, we are not too far away to sing Hashem’s praises. We can still give G-d pleasure and satisfaction from our efforts, wherever we are.

We read the Song of the Day every day but do not often pay close attention to its meaning. Rav Kotler concludes by explaining the Song of the Day for Mondays (Tehillim 48), which begins, “A song, a psalm of the sons of Korach,” as a reflection of Korach’s initial mistake and his sons’ ultimate realization of the truth. At the beginning of the Song, the sons of Korach say, “Hashem is great and exceedingly praised in the city of our G-d,

on the mountain of His holiness… G-d is in its palaces, He is known as a stronghold… We hoped, G-d, for your kindness in Your sanctuary.” They initially believed that Hashem can only be found “in the city of our G-d, on the mountain of His holiness,” in the Beis Hamikdash. He is only in the palaces of Yerushalayim, only in “Your sanctuary.” But they thought that one cannot feel the greatness of G-d or become close to Him anywhere else.

But the sons of Korach finally realized, “According to Your name, so is Your praise, till the ends of the earth…” Standing on the edge of Gehenom, they finally realized that even at the ends of the earth, one can still compose Tehillim and come close to G-d. This is what the children of Korach finally realized, as the Song continues, “in order that you may tell a later generation.”

Now we can understand the need for the miracle of the almond blossoms on Aharon’s staff. The complainers thought that it was possible Hashem took revenge upon Korach and his follows to avenge the honor of Moshe. But they were not convinced Korach’s fundamental mistake had been disproven. Perhaps it was still true that only the kohein gadol and the

kohanim were precious in Hashem’s eyes. Perhaps regular Jews truly were relegated to a secondary spiritual status.

Hashem therefore performed the miracle of the almond blossoms to demonstrate that everyone’s flower blossoms in a different place. The Jewish people should

one who thinks there is only one way to be holy is committing the same mistake as Korach and his followers. It is not only those whose profession involves revealed holiness who can give Hashem pleasure and satisfaction. Those of us fighting at the borders, far from the beis medrash,

Hashem feels untold satisfaction with the efforts made by simple Jews all over the world to serve Him in whatever life circumstance they find themselves.

not make the critical error of thinking that they would blossom in the Beis Hamikdash if only they were allowed inside.

G-d showed them the fallacy of this idea by placing all of the tribes’ staffs into the Holy of Holies so that everyone would see that only Aharon’s staff blossoms in the Holy of Holies, but the other tribes’ staffs would blossom elsewhere.

By performing this miracle, Hashem demonstrated to us for all times that any-

for a little bit of holiness, to fight off a little bit of darkness here and there, give G-d untold nachas

The Baal Hatanya, zy”a, teaches that the harried storekeeper who sighs when he realizes that the sun has almost set and he cannot daven with a minyan and therefore catches a lightning-fast Mincha in between customers gives Hashem untold pleasure. He may feel like his store is at the opening of Gehenom, like he is

so far from G-d. But the Baal Hatanya teaches us that the heartbroken sigh of the storekeeper, which expresses untold longing for holiness, gives Hashem as much pleasure as the korbanos of the kohanim in the Beis Hamikdash. A Jew can build a Beis Hamikdash on the Long Island Railroad. In his store. In his delivery truck. A woman can build a Beis Hamikdash in her house. At her job. At her college campus. In her kitchen.

No matter who a person is or where life’s circumstances have brought him, he can serve G-d and draw Hashem’s presence down into his world and his life. Let us not make the same mistake Korach made. Let us realize that our staffs will blossom wherever Hashem has sent us in our own lives. We need not all be devoted to obviously G-dly activities to bring Hashem pleasure.

May Hashem enlighten our eyes so that we see how to serve G-d through our own lives and not dismiss our own service as worthless as Korach did.

Rav Moshe Weinberger, shlita, is the founding Morah d’Asrah of Congreagation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, NY, and serves as leader of the new mechina Emek HaMelech.

Torah Thought Where Are We Really Stuck? Rosh Chodesh Tammuz & the Path to Geulah

By Nataly Magendzo

In the past weeks, since the escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, we’ve heard countless stories of travelers, families, and students “stuck in Eretz Yisrael.” Flights were grounded, plans disrupted, and uncertainty loomed. But one flyer I saw posed a deeper question that hasn’t left my mind: “Are we really stuck in Israel — or are we stuck in Galus?”

As we enter the month of Tammuz and begin the solemn days of Bein HaMeitzarim, the Three Weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av, we are reminded that exile is not just a historical event or geopolitical reality — it’s a spiritual state. Galus is not just about where we live. It’s about where we’re stuck — in our hearts, in our minds, and often, in our relationship with Hashem.

Seeing Darkness or Seeing Light?

This past Shabbos, we bentched Rosh Chodesh Tammuz with the reading of Parshas Shlach — the story of the Meraglim (spies). Hashem tells Moshe, “Shlach lecha anashim,” send for yourself men to explore the Land. Rashi famously notes that the word “lecha ” is extra — it teaches us that Hashem left the decision up to Moshe Rabbeinu’s daas, his discretion. The message is clear: Hashem didn’t need them to check out the land. He had already declared it good — because everything from Hashem is good.

Yet Am Yisrael insisted on seeing it for themselves. That insistence, born from doubt rather than trust, led to one of the most tragic moments in our history.

What Is the Daas of Moshe?

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov explains that the daas of Moshe Rabbeinu — his divine consciousness — is the ability to see light within the darkness. Before Matan Torah, the Torah tells us that the nation saw a thick cloud and trembled, but Moshe approached. Why? Because he could see the light of Hashem hidden inside the cloud. He saw the challenge — but more than that, he saw the Presence.

I heard from Rabbi Yehoshua Rubenstein that had the Meraglim truly been shluchim (emissaries) of Moshe Rabbeinu, they would have carried his daas — and with it, the ability to see beyond the giants, the walls, the fear. They would have seen only Hashem — and the immense goodness awaiting them.

And that’s the avodah (spiritual work) of every Jew, in every generation.

Shivisi: Seeing Hashem in Everything

The Rema opens the Shulchan Aruch with the words: “Shivisi Hashem l’negdi tamid, I place Hashem before me always.”

This pasuk isn’t just a call to awareness. It’s a lens for life. Hashem is always here — in every circumstance, in every test, in every thick cloud.

The Baal Shem Tov takes it even deeper. The word shivisi shares a root with shaveh , meaning equal. A Jew’s connection to Hashem isn’t dependent on mood, circumstance, praise, or pain. Whether we’re riding high or struggling low, whether things taste sweet or bitter — it’s all from Him, and by definition, it’s already good.

Stuck in Galus — or Freed by Emunah?

Before we say someone is “stuck in Israel,” let’s reflect: perhaps we’ve all been stuck in Galus — emotionally, spiritually, nationally — for over 2,000 years. And while we wait to be physically redeemed, we can begin by freeing our daas, aligning it with Moshe’s — by seeing Hashem’s light even in the foggiest moments of life. May this Rosh Chodesh Tammuz be a turning point.

From stuck to striving.

From doubt to daas.

From Galus to Geulah.

And may we all be zocheh to stand together soon in Yerushalayim, with the rebuilding of the third and final Beis HaMikdash, speedily in our days.

This article was written as a zechus for Masha Leah bas Elka Mynia.

Delving into the Daf

Road to Redemption

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

The Gemara in Avodah Zara (2a-b) opens with a scene so grand—a story that has not yet occurred but waits just beyond the curtain of redemption. After the coming of Moshiach, Hashem will raise a Torah scroll before the world and declare, “Let all who occupied themselves with it come and receive their reward.”

In a storm of excitement and disorder, the nations of the world will come rushing in—clamoring, jostling, each eager to claim their share of eternal reward. The Maharsha explains that every nation will believe Hashem is holding their sacred lawbooks, imagining that their philosophies, codes, and ideologies have earned them merit. In their eyes, their history was righteous.

Rome, imperial and proud, will enter first, standing tall with centuries of conquest and civilization behind them. “Master of the Universe,” they will say with confidence, “we built sprawling marketplaces, bathhouses, and heaped up silver and gold—not for ourselves, but so that the Jewish people could dwell in peace and study Torah.”

Hashem replies: “Fools of the world! All that you have built, you have done for yourselves. The marketplaces served your economy, the bathhouses your indulgence, and the silver and gold—you merely held what was Mine.”

Rashi and Tosfos explain that the Romans claimed their infrastructure provided Jews with the convenience of accessing daily needs without traveling far. The bathhouses provided a form of recreation and refreshment for weary scholars. Trade hubs kept local commerce strong and Torah learners closer to home. But what of their final claim—“we amassed much silver and gold”? The Raavad offers a startling twist: the Romans argue that they became wealthy so they wouldn’t have to impose taxes on the scholars of Torah. Their riches were, they claim, an act of “sacrifice”— so that those in the study halls could

live free of financial burden.

The claim that everything they did was for the sake of the Jews would almost be comic if it weren’t so bold. Do they think the Creator of thought, the Knower of secrets, can be fooled by spin?

And yet, the Chiddushei HaGriz brings a remarkable insight: Rome is not lying, only foolish. Indeed, from the Divine perspective, the purposes of their ac-

Paul VI became the first pontiff in history to visit the Holy Land. His visit lasted barely eleven hours, but every minute was choreographed with diplomatic caution. He refused to refer to Israel by name, carefully avoided any mention of the Jewish people, and pointedly skipped all Jewish sites of memory and meaning, including Yad Vashem. At the time, the Vatican did not recognize Israel and viewed

What was initially built to usher a Roman religious figurehead in and out of Jerusalem with dignity ended up paving the way for Jewish soldiers just three years later during the Six-Day War.

tions were for Torah. They may not have intended it, but Hashem orchestrated their deeds for higher purposes. Bathhouses, markets, roads, and wealth—all would eventually support Jewish survival and spiritual growth. That’s why Hashem calls them “fools” rather than deceivers. They were instruments of Providence, even if unwitting.

In 1964, the world watched as Pope

its existence as a political inconvenience. So complete was the Pope’s avoidance of Israeli recognition that he refused to land at Lod Airport (now Ben Gurion Airport), Israel’s main point of entry. Instead, he arrived in Jordan, landing in Amman, and crossed the Allenby Bridge by car into Jordanian-controlled East Jerusalem. This diplomatic detour necessitated the paving of a special road

to facilitate his journey into the Old City.

To accommodate the Pope’s itinerary, a new road was paved—from East Jerusalem, skirting around the Old City’s southeastern walls. It led to the Lion’s Gate, where he would enter the Old City and continue on foot toward non-Jewish holy sites. The road was built quickly, funded by the United States, and tailored specifically for this short, symbolic papal pilgrimage.

That road still exists today. It is known as Derech HaOfel. It runs along the eastern slope of the City of David, beginning near the Silwan neighborhood, and curves up past the Kidron Valley, winding around toward the Dung Gate, the southern entrance to the Old City. Today, it serves as a critical artery for traffic going into the Jewish Quarter, the Kosel (Western Wall), and yeshivas within the Old City.

Rabbi Berel Wein famously observes the irony and Divine choreography of this infrastructure. What was initially built to usher a Roman religious figurehead in and out of Jerusalem with dignity ended up paving the way for Jewish soldiers just three years later during the Six-Day War. Israeli troops used the very same road to flank Jordanian positions and reclaim access to the Old City. Through that road, Yerushalayim was reunited.

Today, thousands of Torah learners— day and night—travel on Derech HaOfel. Buses bring talmidim to the Aish HaTorah, Yeshivat HaKotel, Netiv Aryeh, and other batei midrash.

The road may have been intended for a pope, but Heaven paved it for the Torah. What appeared to be a road for a Roman was, in actuality, a high road for holiness.

Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow is a rebbe at Yeshiva Ateres Shimon in Far Rockaway. In addition, Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi chaburah at Eitz Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead, NY. He can be contacted at ASebrow@gmail.com.

Headlines Halacha

Open Window vs. Closed Window

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

H.M. versus A.M. These are the initials of two young women. They have been arguing since they were in the third grade. They are now in high school. HM wanted the window opened – even though it was winter.

AM wanted the window closed. “It is cold in the winter and the window should be closed!”, she said. The majority of their Bais Yaakov class sided with…HM.

Both AM and HM posed the question, way back in the third grade, as to who was right. The morah gave an answer, based on the opinion of Rav Yisroel Salanter. But let’s start at the beginning.

The Mitzvah

The verse in Parshas VaEschanan (Devarim 6:18) states, “ V’asisa hayashar vehatov, and you shall do that which is straight and good” teaches us that we must take into account the opposing view whenever we embark upon something. The Bais Yosef in Choshein Mishpat 103 uses this verse in this manner as normative halacha. It is a Torah mitzvah to approach things fairly.

Regarding shutting or opening the windows, Rav Yisroel Salanter ruled that during winter, if someone wishes that the windows be shut, his opinion has preference. During summer, on the other hand, if someone wishes that the windows be open, then his opinion must be followed. In both cases, this ruling applies, even if the vast majority of the others disagree. Rav Salanter cited a proof to this ruling from the Mishna in Pe’ah 4:1. The mitzvah of Pe’ah, of course, is leaving a corner of one’s field for the poor – in which to glean.

“The Peah, corner of the field is given [to the poor] while [the plants and trees are still] connected to the ground. It is given from vines and palm trees, and the property owner goes down and collects and distributes them for the poor

[because it may be dangerous for the poor people to climb]. Rabbi Shimon says: It is also given for smooth nut trees. Even if ninety-nine [of the poor people] say to distribute and one says to leave it for the poor to take for themselves when they can, we listen to him because he spoke true halacha.”

We see from here that, regarding deviating from the expected norm, the one poor person can force the other ninety nine to take the Peah for themselves and not have the owner do it for them.

Rav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, in his Sefer on Mishnayos Pe’ah entitled, “Shaarei Emunah,” disagrees with Rav Yisroel Salanter and holds that the view of the majority must still be followed.

Rav Kanievsky brings a proof from the conclusion of the Chofetz Chaim himself in his Mishna Berurah in 53:53

The Shliach Tzibbur

The halacha under discussion deals with when one person does not wish for another to become a shliach tzibbur.

The Agur and the Maharik (Shoresh 44) citing Rabbi Simcha both state that even one individual can prevent another

from becoming a shliach tzibbur [if he had good reason according to the Ramah and if he had not previously agreed to it]. The Shulchan Aruch codifies this view in OC 53:19.

The Majority

However, the Mishna Brurah cites the view of the Acharonim that the law of the Shulchan Aruch was specifically in those days! Nowadays, however, due to the abundance of our sins, there are numerous people who are argumentative and confrontational. That being the reality, no one would agree on anything if we were to listen to the minority or individual views! Therefore, the Mishna Brurah concludes, everything must be done by sticking to the desire of the majority.

Rav Shmuel HaLevi Vosner (19142015) zt”l in his Shaivet HaLevi Vol. IX #298 also rules that the will of the majority must be followed in these cases. Sefer Mishp’tei HaTorah Vol. I #89 concurs with this view as well. Indeed, he even goes so far as to state that since cold weather is damaging in the winter to others – the others are considered

like an istenis, one who is particularly sensitive and simply cannot act any differently. He states that whoever is with the public during these times is there with this in mind. He must, therefore, acquiesce to the desires of the majority. He bases this on the view of the Shulchan Aruch and Rama in CM 155:39.

Air Conditioners

While the rule of the majority may apply to windows and fans, this is not necessarily the case regarding air conditioner units. The Sheivet HaLevi Vol. VIII #307 and Rav Meir Pinchasi in his Toras HaYeshiva page 278 both are the view that air conditioners are fundamentally different than windows and fans and one cannot say that the principle of istenis would apply regarding a modern day air conditioner.

Clearly, when a section of the office, room or shul is air conditioned and the worker who is too cold has another option, then it is obvious that other worker cannot force those who want it cooler to raise the temperature. (See Sheivet haLevi Vol. IX #298.)

So do we follow Rav Chaim Kanievsky’s proof from the Chofetz Chaim or do we go with Rav Yisroel Salanter’s original proof? Most of our institutions pretty much follow the rulings of the Mishna Berurah. One must, however, seek the guidance of the mosad’s posek or the local Morah D’Asra. Let’s keep in mind, that while there may be halachic parameters as to whose view gets precedence, we must realize that there is another Torah mitzvah in compromising. Taking this approach in life will ensure that shalom will reign in our midst.

This article should be viewed as a halachic discussion and not practical advice. The author can be reached at yairhoffman2@ gmail.com.

We woke up to the news that the United States is now actively partnering with Israel to eliminate the threat of Iran. Speaking for myself, I never doubted that President Trump would follow through on his promise.

This past Shabbat, there was an eerie quiet hanging over Jerusalem. We are growing accustomed to having to drop everything and go, run, or stay put depending on your perspective and “safety room” situation. It has been eye-opening to listen to different people’s attitude on what they do or will do when the warning bell announces that danger is on the way.

The protocol that you choose has nothing to do with age or the amount of time that you have been living in Israel. We are lucky to have a maamad inside our home, plus our bedroom is underground. We get chastised by our kids when we don’t go into the maamad. Over Shabbat, we learned that people who live in old buildings may not have the now required by law “safe places” and must resort to public ones, miklat, to be safe.

If you are not so agile and it is difficult for you to walk – much less run –you stay put in the safest room that can be found in your house and pray.

The good news of the United States partnering and validating us brought great relief and overwhelming joy to all. The support does not come without some more grief, more missiles, more safety rooms, and being back under the more restrictive mandate.

I and many others are conflicted as to whether to stay put and close to a familiar shelter or to venture out and to do errands, meet friends for coffee or just go for a walk in the sunshine or play remedial Mahjong.

Many years ago, when our kids were too young for camp, we summered

School of Thought

In Real Time Part II

By Barbara Deutsch

upstate in a bungalow colony in the Catskills Mountains. The days were filled with day camp and activities and the nights without spouses or T.V., internet (not invented) and smartphones (ditto) were long and boring, until Mahjong came along.

couple friends. The women played Mahjong, and the men played Rummy. We never needed to shell out for a babysitter for Saturday night movie dates with our friends. The kids loved hanging with the old folks as they played and gossiped; sometimes, our

If you are not so agile and it is difficult for you to walk – much less run – you stay put in the safest room that can be found in your house and pray.

We played long into the night in a rotation of bungalows. Depending on the players, it was fast-paced, interesting, engaging, and sometimes brutal.

Mahjong is a generational game; grandmothers, mothers, and daughters play. Lately, more and more boys play.

My mother-in-law, Edith/Anyu, played a weekly rotating game every Saturday night with her core group of immigrant

kids would sit on Anyu’s lap and throw her tiles, crack, bam, dragon. That was a big treat!

As a senior old lady, relearning Mahjong, a complicated game with so many rules, written down and table ones, is proving to be a challenge. It’s a fact that as we age our brain cells require more and more stimulation to work; playing all kinds of word and number games

helps to keep us sharp and relevant. Nothing scares me more than the possibility of losing my ability to function independently.

Therefore, Mahjong is a perfect way to think, plan and interact with other people on the same wavelength.

It’s not so simple; seasoned players, of which there are many, play competitively and don’t enjoy the clumsy pace of novices. You have to find someone to teach or reteach you; learning requires patience and learning new skills.

You have to play and very few players want to play with a clumsy newbie. I am lucky to have dear friends, Randy and Naftali, who have been helping me figure it out.

I have a scheduled game today; it’s a friendly learning game. Playing keeps me focused on the ordinary and the mundane. I’ll keep you posted as to my progress.

These are far from ordinary times. I am learning that many new Olim are struggling to find the sweet spot in all of this. Sadly, seasoned Israelis are accustomed to the “chaos” war brings and have better tools than the “newbies” to cope.

My daughter Rachel, a long-time Israeli, summed it up for me: “We have weddings in garages and births in bunkers.” Rachel and Josh became firsttime grandparents early Monday morning; welcome to a safer world, baby boy.

It is a glorious new day!

Barbara Deutsch is the former associate principal at HANC, middle school principal at Kushner, and Dean of Students at Yeshiva of Flatbush. A not-retired educator, she is trying to figure out life in Israel through reflections on navigating the dream of aliyah as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Missiles, Humor, and Optimism

by Dan Sc H wartz

It was the morning after the Iran war started, and I was already feeling dismayed. Not by the war – that was going as well as it could have possibly gone – but by my overflowing inbox. I felt I was being swamped with concerned notes from friends and family back in the States. Those emails were remarkably similar – every single message boiled down to a variation of “I hope this stupid, terrifying war ends as soon as possible and that you emerge from it safe and sound.” The worst part was that I would have to write back to every one of them. If only they knew what it is really like. I could try to explain, but I suspect they just would not get it. And who can blame them? The idea that so many ordinary people could spend hours in the bomb shelter listening to a barrage of missiles explode in the air like a bag of popping corn while wearing a smile on their faces is ludicrous. But that is the Israeli reality right now.

Of course, nobody in Israel enjoys being bombarded. Especially not if the missiles wake you up in the middle of the night and force you to herd your bewildered little kids into the bomb shelter.

But despite all that fear and unpleasantness, the atmosphere in Israeli bomb shelters is often almost cheerful.

The newer Israeli houses all have built-in safe rooms made of reinforced concrete and equipped with blastproof doors. For the people living in those houses, the mere act of going into a bomb shelter is not scary or

threatening. It’s just another room in their house. As soon as the war started, many Israelis realized that they would be spending a whole lot of time in that room, and they prepared accordingly. The shelters were converted into cozy hangouts complete with bean bags, toys, and the occasional TV screen. Missile sirens became the signal for family time, and even the muffled explosions outside were not powerful enough to dampen the mood. Those sheltering in the safe rooms knew that they were safe from anything but a freak direct hit.

Many Israelis, however, do not have their own individual safe rooms and have to rely on a community bomb shelter that might be a couple of blocks away. But even they would struggle to recognize in their own existence the picture of bleary-eyed terror and confusion that many outsiders imagine. I know, because I happen to live in a neighborhood that was built before individual shelters came into fashion.

My first time in the community bomb shelter was, perhaps, the scariest – and even it was hardly nerve-wracking in any way. It all started with a phone notification from Home Front Command, which sounded a lot like an Amber Alert – only with a slightly less obnoxious ringtone. The message on the screen read that the Iranians had just launched a barrage of missiles and that I should stay close to a bomb shelter. While I cursed the Iranians for interrupting my work, I knew that there was no need to hurry. I had at least ten minutes to wrap

up what I was doing and head to safety – supposing the missiles were even headed my way.

A few minutes later, my flat mates and I began our leisurely walk to the neighborhood bunker, chatting about the situation as we went. We arrived with plenty of time to spare. We sat on a bench in the green, leafy playground that is right outside the shelter. With nothing better to do, we watched the stream of people that was slowly flowing our way.

Many of the early arrivals were powerfully built reservists who had spent much of the war under arms. They had fought in Judea, Samaria, Lebanon, or Gaza and looked just a little bewildered by the novel experience of coming under fire as civilians rather than soldiers. Then came a band of shaggy, guitar-toting hippies, followed by somber businessmen, and American yeshiva bochurim. Harassed-looking young mothers gently hurried their children up the path to the playground, followed by a handful of shuffling grandparents. But even those stragglers made it in time.

Then came the siren, and that large human mass started pouring into the bomb shelter. Only a handful were visibly nervous, but even they walked slowly and deliberately, taking care not to get in each other’s way or trip down the staircase that led down into the underground shelter.

By the time I made it down, the scene inside the shelter almost resembled a party. The walls were all covered

in cheerful murals, courtesy of a local Religious-Zionist youth movement that used the shelter during quieter times. The hippies were sitting on the floor in a crosslegged circle, sipping wine and strumming their guitar. Strangers chatted together happily, glad of the opportunity to finally get to know their neighbors. A few young men amused themselves with good-natured complaints about the lack of reception in the shelter. They wanted to see the news, and, perhaps more importantly, they felt they were being shut out of the nation-wide meme fest.

Israelis have turned wartime meme-sharing into a national sport. Every new, dramatic twist of the Mideastern soap opera is followed by a flood of memes and is often judged by their quality. I was hardly surprised what one friend described one Iranian attack as “great, it produced the best memes ever,” while grumbling that the follow-up attack was “a complete letdown – everyone just recycled old memes. It was so boring.”

Meme-sharing first took off last April, when Iran fired its first wave of ballistic missiles. It was the first time that Israel had come under such bombardment, and the tension was palpable. Holed up in the bomb shelters, Israelis needed an emotional escape. And sharing memes provided that outlet. But as the war progressed, memeing became more than just a method of relieving tension through humor. It became a way for Israelis to laugh at

the ridiculousness of our wartime life and bond over the shared experience.

That sense of shared experience is perhaps the most baffling to outsiders. Even Israelis struggle to explain it. I recently chatted with an Israeli entrepreneur who told me she is trying to solve a huge problem. According to her, there are tens of thousands of Israelis who have been vacationing in Greece when the war started, and now that the war has forced Israel to close its civilian

The idea that so many ordinary people could spend hours in the bomb shelter listening to a barrage of missiles explode in the air like a bag of popping corn while wearing a smile on their faces is ludicrous.

airports, they have no way to make it back home.

I asked her to explain the problem. Why were those Israelis so anxious to trade a sunny Greek beach for the privilege of getting bombarded by Iranian ballistic mis-

siles and suicide drones?

She struggled to provide a logical response, because there was none. Those Israelis’ urge to return home as soon as possible was emotional rather than rational. Because their hearts were in Israel. And the disconnect between where they were emotionally and their physical location was too much to bear. They felt they belonged with their community; so much so that many of them willingly paid thousands of dollars to embark on a thirty-hour boat ride to Israel just for the right to share in their neighbors’ discomfort and danger.

Another reason might have been that they knew the Iranian barrages were not that scary – and not just because of the quality of Israel’s aerospace defense system. As one Israeli colleague put it, the missiles were falling precisely because the great danger had passed. The really scary time had been during the past decade of relative quiet, when the world slept as Iran’s mad mullahs quietly inched their way towards a nuclear bomb. But now Israel and the U.S. had finally woken up to the danger. That was the big development, not Iran’s enfeebled barrages.

Iwanted to explain that to my worried American friends, but I knew that there was no point – most of them would not understand. Unfortunately, I suspect that my generation has largely forgotten how to distinguish between superficial quiet and actual peace.

The Wandering Jew

Alaska, The Last Frontier

Part I

Although Alaska is known as “The Last Frontier,” it was not the fiftieth state when it became part of the United States. It was actually the forty-ninth state when it joined the Union on January 3, 1959. Nevertheless, to Pesi and myself, Alaska became “Our Fiftieth State” when we traveled there in July 2024. We never coincided our destinations accord ing to the order that the states entered the Union; in fact, Hawaii, which became the fiftieth state on August 21,1959, was the forty-seventh state that we visited. The reason we kept putting off a trip to Alaska was because it required

specific timing to enjoy optimum weather conditions, which, in reality, meant going there sometime during the summer. Our regular summer schedule for over twenty-five years included a two-week-plus journey to Poland where I was lecturing at the Ronald Lauder Summer Retreat on behalf of the local Jewish community. Since we were already in Poland, we had the opportunity to visit many other European destinations. Our trips to most of the other forty-nine states were either in the fall or in the spring. During the Covid epidemic, the Lauder Summer Retreats were cancelled, and they never resumed. In a sense, that opened up our summers for travel, and we finally had the opportunity to visit the largest state and wilderness in the United States.

As we were growing older, we understood our physical limitations and planned accordingly: no mountain climbing, skiing or dog sledding. Short, one-totwo-mile hikes were put on our agenda. We liked the idea of a boat excursion to see the glaciers but not more than a day long. We also had hoped to drive to see Mount Denali, but because of continuous rock slides, the National Park Service closed most of the roads leading to the best views of America’s tallest mountain in 2021. Nevertheless, there were so many other experiences that we were looking forward to that would not require

a ten-hour round-trip drive. We ended up planned an itinerary for a seven-day trip beginning in Anchorage.

We landed in Alaska’s largest city on Thursday evening, July 11, 2024. The city boasts 40% of the state’s population yet it is not the state’s capital; Juneau is. While Anchorage has most of the state’s 6,000 Jews, Fairbanks and Juneau do have smaller communities. Before leaving for Alaska, we made arrangements with Chabad for our Shabbos seudos and were informed of the davening schedule. We booked our stay at a Residence Inn in Anchorage, which was a convenient five-minute walk from the Chabad Shul. Our room was very comfortable, and we settled in for the night.

Friday was not a short day. Shabbos would not technically begin until way past midnight. Though we would be lighting candles at 9:30 p.m., we had an extraordinarily long day ahead of us. After davening and eating breakfast in our room, we set out to explore Anchorage. I had booked a one-hour trolley tour of the city which would give us the historical and cultural picture of the city. The tour was very informative and interesting. Anchorage boasts only one building that has twenty-one floors, and the downtown area has the character of a small town without its charm.

While waiting for our next excursion,

we stopped into David Green, Master Furrier just to browse the huge collection of furs – lynx, mink, wolf, raccoon, sable, beaver and fox in the forms of coats, jackets, hats, stoles and other assorted wearables. Jack Green, a grandson of the founder, greeted us with a hearty “Shalom Aleichem” and welcomed us to browse without any pressure. We took a quick look but had to rush off for our next tour, “The Salmon Express.” We were driven to a fish hatchery where we watched salmon navigate a creek’s currents and waterfalls by swimming upstream. Inside the hatchery, we discovered the meticulous process

Salmon stream

At Exit Glacier

Roadside scene from Anchorage to Seward

Hatchers Pass

required to nurture over six million sport fish which are released annually in south central Alaska. Salmon, along with other seafood, is Alaska’s main export, and as Jews we have a special infatuation with lox and nova.

We made one more stop before heading back to our hotel. We shopped at Natural Pantry, where there was a kosher aisle with a number of kosher products. There was also a kosher freezer with frozen Meal Mart Amazing Meals which we stocked up for the coming week. We then returned to our hotel, took a nap, and got ready for Shabbos.

We were told that there would not be a minyan at the shul on Friday night and that we should head directly to the home of Rabbi Yosef and Esti Greenberg. The rabbi was not in town for Shabbos as he traveled east to be at the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s kever for Gimmel Tamuz. Their home was a short twenty-minute walk from our hotel but we took an Uber before Shabbos as it was getting late for candle lighting. We met a couple, Avi and Nicky Lew, leaving our hotel, and we took them along in the car.

When we arrived at Chabad, we dav-

ened Kabbalas Shabbos and were joined by a few other guests for the seudah. In the absence of her husband, Esti asked me to lead the seudah with Sholom Aleichem, kiddush and Hamotzi. Esti was a perfect hostess who made everyone feel welcome, and the food was delicious. We sat a long time at the meal playing Jewish geography, and the ongoing conversation was stimulating. After the meal, we walked back with the Lews way past midnight. Pesi woke me after 2 AM to be able to say Kriyas Shema.

The next morning we went to the Chabad Shul and were greeted by Rabbi Levi Glitsenstein, who is the rabbi at the Alaska Jewish Campus. He was filling in for Rabbi Greenberg. The davening was very nice, and Jack Green davened a beautiful Mussaf. The seudah was held in the shul auditorium, and I was asked to give a dvar Torah. I also spoke about my personal experiences with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, zt”l. We connected with some of the locals as well as the guests. We davened Mincha right after the seudah and returned to our room since it was drizzling. We napped, learned, read, talked and ate Shalosh Seudos but could not end

Shabbos until after 2 AM!

Sunday, we headed out from Anchorage. Hatchers Pass is about an hour and a half distance to the north, and that was our destination. The drive through Hatchers Pass is known for its breathtaking scenery featuring views of the Talkeetna Mountains, alpine meadows, and roaring rivers. Though it was summer, the green mountaintops were dappled with snow and the roadside was bedecked with wildflowers. It was a bit on the cold side, with clouds hovering over the mountain crests and the sun did not make an appearance, but the natural beauty was incredible. We continued on this route until we reached the top where we encountered the abandoned buildings of the Independence Mine. The mine began with the discovery of large gold deposits in 1897 and was finally closed in 1950. The empty buildings tell the story of a mining village and the difficult lives of the miners. All in all, we really enjoyed our first Alaskan expedition.

We started out early Monday morning driving from Anchorage. We were heading to Seward, a two-and-a-half-hour drive on the scenic Seward Highway. The

drive was striking with the Turnagain Arm stream that ran along the Chugach Mountains to our right. While we were at the salmon hatchery on Friday, a woman whom we befriended told us that we must make a stop at the Alyeska Resort and take the gondola to the mountaintop for spectacular views. We followed her advice, and we were well rewarded. The ride up to the 2,300-foot summit gave us a birds-eye view of seven hanging glaciers contrasting with emerald green mountains. We were walking in ankle deep snow, taking photos of the endless peaks that surrounded us.

Our next stop was about two hours further south. Exit Glacier is a valley glacier in Kenai Fjords and is the most accessible in Alaska. Unfortunately, what is also quite noticeable is the glacial recession caused by warmer temperatures. Nevertheless, its magnitude was impressive. We were privileged to see it from a distance as we were not up to hiking along its perimeter.

It was getting late and the skies were threatening so we made our way to the car and headed toward Seward where we spent the next two nights.

Hershel Lieber has been involved in kiruv activities for over 30 years. As a founding member of the Vaad L’Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel he has traveled with his wife, Pesi, to the Soviet Union during the harsh years of the Communist regimes to advance Yiddishkeit. He has spearheaded a yeshiva in the city of Kishinev that had 12 successful years with many students making Torah their way of life. In Poland, he lectured in the summers at the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation camp for nearly 30 years. He still travels to Warsaw every year – since 1979 – to be the chazzan for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur for the Jews there. Together with Pesi, he organized and led trips to Europe on behalf of Gateways and Aish Hatorah for college students finding their paths to Jewish identity. His passion for travel has taken them to many interesting places and afforded them unique experiences. Their open home gave them opportunities to meet and develop relationships with a variety of people. Hershel’s column will appear in The Jewish Home on a bi-weekly basis.

At Anchorage Visitors Center

Alyeska Resort gondola

Mountaintop with glaciers in the background

Independence Mine

Exit Glacier

WGeneral Amir Avivi

The Day After We Win

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

hat happens when you throw a frog into boiling water? It jumps out. But let’s say you put the frog into cold water and then heat the pot gradually? By the time the frog realizes the water’s boiling, it’s too late.

Two years before October 7, retired

In His Words…

General Amir Avivi and a team of former commanders realized that Israel was, in a sense, that frog. What the Jewish state thought was a cold peace between it and its enemies was, they realized, just the calm before the storm. The generals saw history repeating itself. Something bad

i’ve seen so many miracles in 30 years of service that you cannot not be a believer... Everything that happens to me, i always feel this is what g-d wants. it’s always for the best. a nd throughout my life, i’ve seen it again and again. When things happen, there is a reason why.

i have never seen a movie that captured the creativity and audacity of the state of israel. it’s unbelievable. i can tell you, in the last seven, eight months, the technological breakthroughs that israel has achieved are historic.

Everybody needs to be proactive. Everyone can find the right way to impact and strengthen their communities. in israel, it’s a war, but here it’s also a war. it’s a different kind of war: fighting antisemitism. We really need to empower the Jewish people. We need to empower our people to be able to face these challenges.

was brewing. As such, to them, the choice was clear: Either we have another SixDay War, where we attack first, or a Yom Kippur War, where we attack second.

And so, the concerned generals warned the government to act quickly in a 300-page national security assessment paper about antisemitism, the stealing of Israeli land, growing Jewish disconnection from Zionism, and, most urgent of all, the inevitable multi-front war with Iran and its proxies. They begged the government to jump out of the boiling pot — to neutralize threats to Israel’s existence before it’s too late.

But tragically, no one listened.

After the October 7 massacre, when 1,200 people were murdered and 251 hostages were abducted during a shocking assault by Hamas, General Avivi felt two emotions. For one, he was angry that the government didn’t listen. But more than that, he felt regret — that stinging feeling of self-blame. A part of him felt that he should’ve done more to convince the government. But that was the past. And as soon as October 7 happened, General Avivi and his team set their sights on the future.

“When everybody was in complete shock — the government, the army, the population — this was our moment to stand strong and tell the people, ‘Look, we know it’s devastating. It’s a terrible day. But we want to tell you something: We’re going to win this decisively. It’ll take a few days to push Hamas back to Gaza. And from that moment onwards, it’s our initiative. We are going to start step by step. It’s going to take time. It’s

going to be a long war. But step by step, we’re going to completely change the reality of Israel,’” Brigadier General Amir Avivi says. “Because, I’ll tell you, as devastating as the 7th of October was, on that day, the frog jumped out of the pot. It’s not there anymore. Amidst this terrible crisis, we were given a chance to completely change the fate of Israel and the Jewish people.”

* * *

“I was born in Jerusalem. I come from a family that has been living in Jerusalem for 15 generations,” General Avivi shares. “I spent most of my young life outside of Israel. My father was a diplomat who served as Israel’s ambassador to Colombia, Chile, Turkey, etc. And so, my upbringing was very international. I lived in Italy, the Ivory Coast, Chile, Argentina. I graduated from a British high school in 1987. And that year, I went straight back to Israel to join the army during the First Intifada.”

General Avivi, feeling drawn to the military lifestyle, decided to pursue a career in the Israeli army. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, eventually becoming battalion commander in Operation Defensive Shield, deputy division commander of the Gaza Strip, the chief auditor of the Israeli defense establishment, and the aide-de-camp of the Chief of the General Staff. He served in the army for 30 years.

“Throughout this period of time when I served, there were two things that really worried me. First, I saw a continu-

ing decline in Jewish Zionist education — not enough patriotism, not enough connection. People took Israel for granted. They said, ‘What do we need Zionism for? Why do we need Judaism? Now we’re a normal modern Western country.’ That was devastating for our spirit,” General Avivi recalls. “And the other thing is, throughout my service, I had to deal with the repercussions of all the terrible decision-making that was done in the last 30 years: retreats, concessions, the endless number of terror attacks. I felt that there was really a lack of understanding about what is needed to secure Israel for generations to come. There’s no force in the public sphere that is really shaping the narrative about these issues.”

As such, five years ago, following his retirement, General Avivi started an organization called the “Israel Defense and Security Forum” (IDSF), along with eight high-ranking officers. He describes the IDSF as “a grassroots movement combined with a think tank” tasked with educating the public about Israeli security and working with lawmakers in Israel, the U.S., and other countries. Today, over 50,000 Israeli officers, commanders, and operators are involved in the organization.

IDSF is particularly relevant now, given Israel’s recent war with Iran. As of late, General Avivi has been hard at work teaching the public about what’s at stake and what we can expect.

“I have never seen a movie that captured the creativity and audacity of the state of Israel. It’s unbelievable. I can tell you, in the last seven, eight months, the technological breakthroughs that Israel has achieved are historic. We have developed technologies that have bent the laws of physics and chemistry. We have developed techniques and capabilities

that will really give Israel an edge 50 years ahead of any country in the world,” he explains. “To me, it’s not surprising at all to see that we were able to bring Iran to its knees in two days — basically dominating Iranian airspace. Israel can do in Iran now anything it wants, when it wants, how it wants. I think, at this point, the Iranian regime is very scared. They understand that they are facing an existential threat.”

And that, says General Avivi, is the kind of world Israel needs to live in — a world where the Jewish state dominates its enemies. Before October 7, Israel was, in a sense, passive and oblivious, like the frog in the pot. Now, as we’ve seen over the past two or so weeks, Israel isn’t taking any more chances.

* * *

Since October 7, 2023, there’s seemingly been a shortage of good news. It seems the conflict keeps expanding with no end in sight, from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon to, most recently, Iran. But General Amir Avivi believes that there’s reason to be optimistic.

“Things in Gaza are more complicated because they’re holding hostages, and that is preventing Israel from using its full-scale capabilities and from going to certain areas where the hostages are. And also, Gaza was built as a very dense, urban area, which makes it difficult to fight in,” he explains. “But we have to remember that when we started fighting in Gaza, we had to keep the forces fresh for the war with Hezbollah. And also, we have to remember that two months into the war, the policies of the administration here in the States changed, and they were trying to stop us from fighting. We were not getting munitions. So, we were

This article is based on a podcast, “Inspiration For the Nation,” hosted by Yaakov Langer. To catch more of this conversation, you can watch it on LivingLchaim.com or YouTube.com/LivingLchaim or listen wherever you listen to podcasts (just search for “Inspiration For The Nation”) or call our free hotline: 605-477-2100.

facing many, many challenges that really slowed the pace of our fighting in Gaza.

“But now, the mission is clear. The army is supposed to, in two months, conquer 75% of Gaza — completely take over, systematically destroy all the infrastructure and all the terrorists in those areas. So, if, in two months, we conquer 75% of Gaza, that’s game over. In the remaining 25%, we have the hostages,” General Avivi adds. “And I think that, as we are mounting pressure on Hamas, toppling their leadership, disconnecting Hamas from aid, and systematically conquering each area, there will be a moment when they’ll say, ‘Okay, we need a ceasefire,’ and they’ll give us the hostages.

“And there is a deep connection between the big victory we’re seeing against Iran and what’s happening in Gaza… What we’re doing with Iran is going to impact Gaza. It’s sending a message to Hamas that it’s game over. If we can defeat Iran, we’ll definitely destroy Hamas.”

Once the war ends, General Avivi says we have a lot to look forward to. For one, Israel’s victory will be great for international relations, he adds. “You want good international relations? Be strong. Be prosperous. When we decisively win this war, every single country that wants to be relevant on this globe will want to ally itself with Israel,” General Avivi believes. It’ll also be fantastic for the region, as Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries will be far more likely to join the Abraham Accords and establish relations with Israel once the war in Gaza is over.

“The bigger the win will be, the greater the golden age of Israel and the Jewish people will be the day after the war ends,” declares General Amir Avivi. “The day after this war, there will be peace agreements. The economy in Israel will boom. There will be massive aliyah.

“So, we can be very optimistic. All we need to do is unite and focus on winning this war.”

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

Most of my friends my age are either dating, engaged, or married, but I still haven’t started dating. I just turned 23, and I’m learning in yeshiva full time. I have an online college degree, and I’m hoping to eventually get my CPA. Many of my friends and family members are encouraging me to start dating.

On the one hand, I very much want to start dating, and I would love to get married and start a family. However, there’s a big part of me that feels that I’m just not ready. Obviously, growth is a lifelong process and I’m sure it can continue when you get married. But I feel that there are certain things that a bachur should work on before marriage. I want to spend more time focused on my learning, on working on my middos, on gaining a greater understanding of myself, and also to set myself up better in terms of parnassah. At the same time, there’s always going to be more work to be done, and I’m scared to wake up in my 30s still single because I got caught up too much in “working on myself.”

What do you think? Should I start dating now, or should I spend more time working on myself and preparing myself for marriage and the future? If so, when do I know if I’m ready?

Thanks, Chaim*

The Panel

Dear Readers,

We want to offer YOU an opportunity to be part of the discussion! Please email us at MichelleMondShadchan@gmail.com, subject line “reader’s response,” if you would like to participate in the new “A Reader’s Response” columnist spot. We will send you a question and publish your answer in an upcoming Navidaters edition.

If you have a question you would like the Navidaters to answer, please reach out to this email as well.

Looking forward!

Michelle, the “Shadchan”

The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.

Chaim, you are a responsible, self-aware individual. You know yourself. Trust yourself.

You don’t have to go into shidduchim until you are ready. You will know when

you are ready. Your brains and mindful attitude will talk to you.

There is a long way between being 23 and being in your thirties and single when you don’t want to be. You seem to be an insightful person, and if and when you feel the need to get some customized advice about dating, you will seek able mentors/ professionals to help you along the way. You are wise. Stop worrying and work on

achieving your goals. You do you.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

Chaim, it’s refreshing to hear the perspective of such a self-aware and mature bachur. As a shadchan who has been making matches for 15 years, I can attest to the significant importance of working on oneself before beginning to date.

While setting a couple up, it’s often the case that the two encounter roadblocks in the relationship, only to hit the ultimate speed bump. One of them is simply too anxious to get married, doesn’t understand themselves well enough, or is grappling with deep-rooted issues that have never been addressed. Not only would introspection and personal growth have saved that person time and emotional energy, but it

also would have spared the other innocent party from heartbreak when things eventually unravel.

Alternatively, we see very immature singles getting engaged, only to be hit with painful realities after the wedding. You are wise for recognizing where you stand and what you need to accomplish before entering the dating world.

Set personal and professional growth goals within a reasonable timeline. Work on these areas with the peace of mind that you will begin dating as soon as you feel ready. Not only will you benefit from this process, but so will your future wife—and generations to come. Let that image serve as your motivation as you work toward readiness.

At the same time, don’t fall into the trap of waiting for perfection. Growth is lifelong, and readiness doesn’t mean being flawless; it means being self-aware, emotionally available, and committed to building a bayis ne’eman.

When the time is right, you’ll be well-prepared to begin dating and, iy”H find your bashert quickly.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

There’s never a “perfect” time to start dating, so don’t feel pressured to jump into it until you feel ready. From what you’ve shared, it’s clear that you are a thoughtful, intelligent young man, with a good sense of where you are and where you want to be.

In our Orthodox community, plenty of our young men begin dating later, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. (Interestingly, the situation is quite different for our young women. Unfortunately, Orthodox women today, who delay jumping into the dating pool, often feel that they are at a disadvantage later on.)

So, for you, Chaim, you should certainly take a year or two in order to work things out for yourself. Everyone has their own personal checklists that helps guide their decision regarding when, and with whom, they should start the dating process.

However, I strongly caution all our young men and women: There is no magical, “perfect” moment that will tell you it’s time! Be flexible, and be open to suitable opportunities.

Everyone should think carefully, like this letter-writer has done, when it comes to making life-altering decisions. Whether it comes to buying a home, starting a business, or starting to date, avoid living lives filled with regrets over missed opportunities.

Note the very important couplet from John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem (Maud Miller – 1856):

“For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’”

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Dear Chaim,

I love this question. Not just because it’s thoughtful, but because it shows me that you’re the kind of person who actually stops to think about how your actions affect your future and the people you’ll bring into it. That already puts you ahead of the game.

First of all, let’s normalize what you’re feeling. There’s a huge cultural push; especially in the frum world, for people your age to start dating and “get moving” on the marriage track. There’s almost this invisible stopwatch hanging over young people’s heads. But here’s the thing; emotional readiness is not the same as community pressure.

Reader’s Response

Tzippy Reich, A Reader

Chaim, you ask great questions, and it sounds like you’re a thought-out, responsible person. On the one hand, you understand that men in our community around your age are starting to date. On the other hand, you are unsure if you should start dating because you want to work on yourself in different areas.

Ah! If only we all had a crystal ball that would tell us definitively which next step we should be making. That would make all our lives so much simpler and easier. But we don’t have magic balls, and we need to make our own decisions in what the next steps of our life should be.

You are now in yeshiva. Are you looking for a girl who would appreciate a “learning guy,” even if he is learning for a few more years? Or are you looking for a girl who wants someone already set up in a profession? Do you feel like you are “maxed out” in yeshiva and need to move forward, or do you have more cheishek to learn and are just feeling to itch to get a job because you’re more responsible and practical? These are good questions to explore and reflect upon. But more importantly than what you are doing with your life in

Growth is lifelong, and readiness doesn’t mean being flawless.

terms of learning/earning is the person you are. Because the girl you are going to marry is going to appreciate YOU – the kind, thoughtful, responsible person who you are. You say you want to work on your middos. That’s great – we should always work on our middos. When it comes to marriage, you need to make sure that you are able to think of the other person first. You need to make sure you can focus on the other and be giving and loving to the other. No one has perfect middos when they get married; marriage is a constant opportunity to improve on your character traits. But the middos of respect, patience, vatranus, chessed and communication are the foundation of a strong marriage.

Honestly ask yourself if these middos are ones that resonate with you. You don’t have to be perfect in them, just yet. And then you’ll know if you’re ready to date and get married.

Hatzlacha!

You’re asking the right ques - tions:

“Am I emotion- ally ready to build a life with some - one else?”

“Have I done enough internal work to be a healthy, present partner?”

“Where does growth end and avoidance begin?”

There’s no perfect answer to these questions. But I’ll tell you what I’ve seen after years of doing this work, both as a therapist and as a coach:

There’s a big difference between actively preparing for a relationship and hiding behind self-improvement as a way to avoid vulnerability.

From what you’re describing, it sounds like your hesitation comes from a thoughtful, grounded place. You’re not avoiding dating out of fear, rather you’re trying to be intentional. That’s something to respect in yourself.

That said… you’re also wise enough to recognize that if you wait for the day when you’re perfectly “ready,” that day may never come. Growth doesn’t stop once you get married. In fact, marriage will introduce you to whole new layers of yourself; some wonderful, some challenging, all very human.

Rather than seeing this as an all-ornothing decision, what would it feel like to give yourself permission to explore the question more deeply? You don’t have to

jump headfirst into the shidduch world. But you could start talking with a mentor, rabbi, therapist, or someone you trust who knows you well and understands your world.

You don’t have to rush. And you don’t have to stay stuck. The most important thing is that whatever you decide, it feels like it’s coming from you – not fear, not pressure, and not someone else’s timeline. There’s no universal answer here. Just your own honest reflection, and the next right step…whenever you’re ready for it.

Wishing you clarity and peace as you figure out what that looks like for you,

Warmly, Jennifer Mann, LCSW

Parenting Pearls Camp Beginnings

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

School is over, and the kids are enjoying a well-deserved break. They’ve worked hard all year, and this is their chance to unwind in the warm weather. Summer vacation can be more than just “not school.” When used properly, summer break can be a time to recharge, make new friends and learn new skills.

While there are a number of summertime options, most of our community’s children will be in camp during these months. Camp offers children many unique opportunities that children should take full advantage of.

On a personal note, I had extensive camp experience. I attended day camp for many years, having the distinction of being a “staff kid.” I saw my mother and siblings throughout the day, in between having fun with my own group. I remained in the same day camp for many more years, going on to become a counselor. Interestingly, I remained a counselor to the same group of girls for a number of years, moving up with them each summer. I got to know my campers very well as I saw them grow up.

A few years later, I was substitute teaching for a Chumash class. Early in the class list I recognized one of the girls as my former camper. As I hesitantly asked if she had been in my group, a chorus of girls shouted out, “You were my counselor, too!” My former campers were nearly half the class. I can personally attest to the long-term relationships that can be built in camp.

Schedule

The time between school and camp is usually a bit more hefker. The kids are off schedule, and the days run differently. This is normal as the kids go from a more structured to a less structured environment.

Ideally, children should still have some form of structure to their day by having certain daily events happen at their usual time. For example, bedtime should be around the same time, as much as possible. Davening and meals can also help maintain some rhythm to the day.

It’s important to remember that children’s daily physical needs don’t change

during vacation. Sufficient sleep, food, drink and basic safety all need to be maintained even on breaks. Make sure to pack sufficient supplies for any outings.

Once camp begins, the kids will need to be back in a normal routine. Camp is more relaxed, but the kids still need enough sleep to get up punctually each morning.

Camp Tips

Please label everything – you want your child to come home in their own underwear. Kids’ clothing, bags and water bottles all look similar. Even if you can tell the difference, your little one (or their counselor) may not. Additionally, people in our community often shop in the same stores and purchases the same items.

Don’t send anything you’d be upset about not having returned home. In all the excitement of the camp day, it’s very easy for items to get lost or damaged. Similarly, please don’t send anything expensive.

In addition to possibly becoming broken or lost, camp is generally not the place for expensive items. Electronics, in particular, can distract the children from the many wholesome activities camp provides. They can also cause jealousy among the other children.

It’s advisable to have your child’s bag packed in advance with everything they will need. Children usually require bathing suits, cover ups or rash guards, and towels. They may need a siddur or other items that you’ll want to have packed and ready. Camps generally provide an itemized list of what each child needs.

Understand the camp’s food policies. It’s important to know which meals and snacks are provided by the camp and which are expected to be brought from home. Check to see what foods are not permitted because of allergies or other reasons.

Your child may prefer taffies for snack, but they will remain hungry despite the significant amount of sugar consumed. It’s best to send snacks that are nourishing and filling. Kids get so focused on nosh that we forget that fruit and cut veggies are always excellent choices to offer.

Please send your child with a water

bottle and check at the end of the day to see if they’re actually drinking from it. Water bottles – including disposable ones –need to be labeled with your child’s name. There is no other way to ensure your child is drinking from their own water.

Some children prefer cold water. Many water bottles can be filled halfway with water and frozen the night before. The next morning, they can be filled the rest of the way with tap water. The ice will keep the tap water cold until it melts and the former ice becomes drinkable on its own.

Ideally, camps will give the kids plenty of healthy outdoor time and sports. Camp staff are not able to monitor individual kids to track their sun exposure. Parents should send a hat, rash guard and other sun protective clothing with their child. Other than the youngest campers, children are expected to apply their own sunscreen. Children may need formal instruction on how to apply the right amount of sunscreen and to cover all areas. Extra precautions are necessary for kids that burn easily.

Each camp will have its own dress code and tzinius standards. Please be mindful of the camp rules. Children will be running and having a great time. Well-fitted sneakers are generally the best footwear. Slip-on shoes and flip flops are inappropriate for most camp sports.

Check your child’s bag at the end of each camp day. Camps often send home important notes. Parents certainly want to remove any uneaten foods and wet clothing – neither will smell good if left there.

Counselors are usually teenagers. They work hard to give their young charges a great summer. It’s important to have reasonable expectations from these staff members. Even as they work their hardest, they will still lack the full maturity of an adult.

Despite their teenage years, campers still need to recognize their counselors as authority figures. It is always good middos to show hakaras hatov to counselors and other staff throughout the summer when you speak with them.

Summer Opportunities

Summer is a change from the usual pace. Camp is another opportunity for children to grow and learn about the amazing parts of themselves that aren’t highlighted in school.

Children will be offered the chance to try new activities and experiences that are otherwise unavailable. This is a time for children to shine and discover their capabilities. Children should be encouraged –not forced – to participate in the various activities offered.

In camp, children will usually be with a new set of peers. Kids often gravitate to the familiar and may want to stick with the children from their school. Parents should encourage children to socialize outside their usual peer group. This is an opportunity to make new friends and meet other children they will spend the next two months with.

For many children (and adults), camp is one of the joys of summer and a source of positive memories. There is so much growth and personal development that can happen during this time period. Have a wonderful summer experience!

Sara Rayvych, MSEd, has her master’s in general and special education. She has been homeschooling for over 10 years in Far Rockaway. She can be contacted at RayvychHomeschool@gmail.com.

Health & F tness

Navigating the News

By Michal Goldman, LCSW

Dear Therapist,

Lately, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by everything happening in the world. I’ve been following the news closely, and it’s hard to stay calm or focused. I find myself anxious, distracted, and unsure how to manage day-to-day life while so much feels uncertain. I’m also a parent, and I worry about how all this is affecting my kids and my relationship.

How can I stay grounded and support my family during times like this? Do you have any advice on how to navigate this?

The Therapist Responds

The world has been feeling very unpredictable and chaotic recently, and it’s natural to respond with strong reactions. These reactions can range from overwhelm and anxiety to irritability and numbness. Whatever reaction you are feeling (and, as you said in your question, it usually shifts depending on the moment) is your mind and body trying to adapt to the situation. In other words, you are probably reacting normally to an abnormal situation.

With that being said, if these reactions start to regularly interfere with your ability to function, make decisions, and show up in relationships the way you want, that can be a sign that professional support can be helpful.

In your question, you mentioned struggling with your own experiences, your relationship with your partner, and your parenting during this time. The first place to begin is with yourself. First, give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling. We often try to push away our uncomfortable emotions, and that can be exacerbated during times of crisis. However, the more space we give to experience our feelings, the more grounded we become. Being grounded is really helpful because it helps us come into clear contact with what we are feeling and what we need in the moment. Another more active thing that can

help during uncertain times is to cultivate your sense of meaning. This is not about “finding the silver lining,” which is often not possible. Cultivating meaning can be helpful in finding a way to trust that there is a purpose and a direction that everyone collectively and individually is being led, even when you can’t yet see the full picture. When we believe that we are being guided, it helps

tend to your relationship. It’s very common for couples to feel misaligned in times of stress, because stressful situations activate people’s vulnerabilities and responses in different ways. For example, one partner might feel scared, while the other feels angry. One might want to shut down and not discuss the situation at all, while the other partner wants to talk about it constantly.

Give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling.

us stay connected to hope, even in the midst of confusion.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of giving support to others. Being there for others gives you a way to shift out of your own spiral, connect with others and your shared humanity, and feel purposeful. Giving support can be something like sending a quick text to a friend or volunteering with something that speaks to you.

Once you feel more centered within yourself, you are in a better position to

During times like these, it can be helpful to shift the feel of the dynamic from you vs. your partner to both of you vs. the situation. One way to do this is by expressing your experience of the situation and what helps you and asking the same of your partner. The goal is to stay emotionally connected through the situation (and feeling coregulated is actually grounding in and of itself).

When it comes to your children, the most powerful thing you can offer them is your own sense of steadiness. That

doesn’t mean having all the answers – it means modeling to them that it is okay to have big feelings, and big feelings don’t mean that everything is going to fall apart. The more grounded you are, and the more that you feel secure in your relationship, the more secure your children will feel, despite what is happening in the world.

Practically with kids, start by validating their experiences by saying things like “it makes sense that you’re feeling this way.” Let them talk, and resist the urge to overreact, shut down the conversation, or minimize their experiences. Be honest with them in an age-appropriate way and try to be the source that they hear the news from – not their peers. It can also be very comforting for children to hear what helps their parents when they feel similarly. Saying things during the day like “I’m feeling nervous now, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths to calm my body” shows children that those feelings are normal and gives them tools to deal with it. A win-win!

To sum up, the best place to start is yourself. Like they say on the plane, put your own oxygen mask on first. Then, turn towards your partner. From there, you’ll be in the strongest position possible to offer your children support.

Times like these can be deeply unsettling. But by grounding and reaching out to create connection, you are building the kind of resilience which lasts beyond the current situation.

Michal Goldman is a licensed clinical social worker in Queens specializing in helping individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges. She can be reached through her website at www.michalgoldmanlcsw. org, via email at michalgoldmanlcsw@ gmail.com, or by phone at 917-590-0258. If you have questions that you would like answered here, you can submit them to the email provided. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy.

The number is up.

62,551 Lyme disease cases were reported to the CDC in 2022. This was a 68.5% increase from the annual average of 37,118 cases reported between 2017 and 2019. The CDC estimates that nearly 500,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated annually for Lyme disease but only a small fraction of cases are actually reported.

We are focusing on prevention and, if needed, treatment.

Cover Up

Thank G-d, our Torah and mesorah is onto something fundamental and important that we should dress modestly. Here, it means building a protective shield around yourself. When you take the family hiking or send your children off to camp, make sure they have long pants and/or leggings, long sleeves, and shoes and socks. Tuck pants into the socks or pull up socks over the end of the leggings so no skin is exposed.

Wear a hat on your head (you should anyway for protection from the sun) and a bandana around your neck to cover up even more skin. Consider pulling back long hair into a ponytail or braids.

Spray Clothes and Shoes

With Permethrin

Permethrin is a medicine and insec -

Health & F tness

Lyme Disease

By Hylton I. Lightman, MD, DCH (SA), FAAP

ticide and is sold under the name “Nix.”

As a medication, it treats lice and scabies by being applied to the skin as a cream or lotion. As an insecticide, it can be sprayed on clothing or mosquito nets; when insects touch them, they die. Spraying Permethrin in shoes is effective. Think about it: ticks are low on the ground because they live on grass. They don’t fly or jump. Their “entry point” then is often climbing onto shoes. When hiking, stay in the center of the trail in the woods. Avoid bushy areas and grasslands. Don’t sit on downed logs; they are nesting places for ticks. Side effects of Permethrin may include rash or irritated skin around the areas of use. Pregnant women should consult their obstetricians about the use.

Use Insect Repellent On Exposed Skin

When purchasing insect repellents, read the packages carefully. Only DEET, picardin and IR3535 are effective against ticks. Higher concentrations are required when used against mosquitoes. Apply. Reapply as needed. Do NOT apply insect repellent to babies under 2 months old. OLE and PMD should not be used on children under the age of 3.

For all children, avoid putting repel-

lent on their hands or near their eyes and mouths.

Always use sunscreen. Apply the sunscreen first and then mosquito repellent.

Watch a YouTube video to learn how to properly apply repellent.

The Post-Hike Checklist

After the hike, shower. Check yourself for ticks in front of a full body mirror. Feel your scalp under your hair. Check the folds of skin, your belly button and private parts, behind your ears and knees. Have another person check your back.

Parents should check their children, including their backs.

What’s the protocol if you find a tick embedded in the skin?

Prepare a Ziploc bag and write the child’s name on it with a Sharpie. Use fine-tipped tweezers to pull the tick out. Grasp it and then pull upward, slowly but firmly. Consult YouTube for a video on how to remove the tick. Clean the bite area with soap and water.

Place the tick in the prepared bag and seal it. Call your pediatrician or physician to inform them and ask for the next step, if there is one.

Are you a dog owner? Check your dog when he comes in from the outside.

Dogs, especially those with long hair, can hide ticks.

Monitoring For Symptoms

Early symptoms, meaning within a few weeks, include a rash (especially a bullseye rash), fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. Later symptoms, meaning months later, include severe headaches, neck stiffness, facial paralysis, arthritis and heart palpitations.

When To Seek Medical Attention

• If the tick was attached for more than 24 hours

• If you see a rash, especially a bullseye rash

• If your child develops any of the symptoms above

• In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a preventative dose of antibiotics if your child

As always, daven

Dr. Hylton I. Lightman is a pediatrician and Medical Director of Total Family Care of the 5 Towns and Rockaway PC. He can be reached at drlightman@totalfamilycaremd. com, on Instagram at Dr.Lightman_ or visit him on Facebook.

In The K tchen

Stuffed Mushrooms

By Naomi Nachman

These are my favorite ingredients all rolled up into one fantastic dairy recipe. My family loves feta cheese in salads, with pasta, or with this winning combo of spinach and mushrooms. Serve this dish with a nice chilled Late Harvest Riesling. The saltiness of the feta and the sweetness of the wine are a perfect marriage of flavors.

Ingredients

Mushrooms

◦ 8 portobello mushrooms, cleaned and gills removed

◦ 1 cup cherry tomatoes on the vine

◦ 1 tablespoon olive oil

◦ Salt, to taste

◦ Pepper, to taste

◦ 1/4 cup panko crumbs

◦ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

◦ 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Stuffing

◦ 2 tablespoons olive oil

◦ 1 medium onion, diced

◦ 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided

◦ 2 cloves garlic, minced or 2 cubes frozen minced garlic

◦ 2 tablespoons butter

◦ 1 24-oz. bag frozen chopped spinach, defrosted

◦ ½ cup heavy cream

◦ Black pepper, to taste

◦ 8 ounces feta cheese, drained and crumbled

Preparation

Prepare the Mushrooms

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray.

2. Place portobello mushroom caps and tomatoes on baking sheet; drizzle with one tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes. Set aside. Do not turn off oven.

3. In a small bowl, combine panko, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Prepare the Stuffing

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large frying pan. Add onion and ½ teaspoon salt, and sauté for five to eight minutes, until lightly browned.

2. Add garlic and butter and sauté for an additional two to three minutes. Add spinach and cook until the liquid cooks off, about five to eight minutes.

3. Add heavy cream and season with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Stir in feta and roasted tomatoes.

4. Divide the stuffing among the portobello mushroom caps and top with the seasoned panko mixture. Return to oven and roast for 15 minutes.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

Food and Prop Styling by Renee Muller

Photography by Hudi Greenberger

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

I say this from the depth of my heart and my faith. The most important party in the Knesset is Siyata Dishmaya. We witnessed incredible courage from our fighters and citizens and immense help from our allies. But there was also Siyata Dishmaya of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. On that, I give thanks in the name of generations of Jews.

- Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at a press conference after the U.S. bombed Iran’s nuclear sites

I just want to say, we love you, G-d, and we love our great military — protect them. G-d bless the Middle East, G-d bless Israel, and G-d bless America.

- Pres. Trump during his announcement that the U.S. bombed Iran’s nuclear sites

That moment when Trump said [Israel] doesn’t know what…they are doing, he’s telegraphing to [Middle Eastern] countries that he is willing to criticize Israel. Because of the way Trump presents so many things, we tend to think that he is flying at the seat of his pants, but he is very calibrated. That was his calculated way of throwing a little dart at Israel.

– Michael Moynihan on the Megyn Kelly podcast

I think first we have to step back and think what a miraculous achievement this really was. This was, I think, one of the most important days, if not the most important day, for world peace this century. It was certainly, probably the most important day for Israel, since the founding of the state of Israel, right up there, certainly with the Six-Day War, and had Iran gotten a nuclear weapon, it would have been the modern day equivalent of giving Hitler a nuclear weapon. It would have changed the entire world as we know it.

- Former Democratic House Judiciary Committee chief counsel Julian Epstein on Sunday on “Fox News Live”

This is a very, very big moment. It’s a very big moment for the president. It’s a very big moment for world peace. It is, I think, worthy of the Nobel Prize if it is successful. This, it seems to have been because it will take away what was probably the greatest threat to world peace from a maniacal regime. - ibid.

Tucker Carlson wants you to think his thoughts on Iran are based and original, but he’s literally participating in paid-for interviews by the Qataris, who are funding and providing penthouses and luxury lifestyles to the leaders of Hamas in Doha. Tucker should just be honest that he’s a mouthpiece for genocidal Muslims.

- Conservative activist Laura Loomer talking on Fox News to Mark Levin about Tucker Carlson

I don’t believe Israel has [conducted] any kind of war crimes. And I also think we’ve seen a lot of language has been cheapened as well, too. There was never a genocide. People are putting Israel to a double standard now.

- Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) defending Israel’s actions in Gaza on “Real Time With Bill Maher”

Bottom line, this is about the best place we can be. I give extremely high marks to this national security team and President Trump for managing this crisis and getting where we are.

- Joe Biden’s National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East Brett McGurk in a CNN interview

I think it’s very different to live in the United States in 2025 than it is to live in Iran in 2025.

- “The View” co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin

Not if you’re black.

- “The View” co-host Whoopie Goldberg in response

I’ll be honest, we didn’t even know what happened… I had my phone off because of Shabbat. I didn’t know because my phone was off, and I have no regrets.

– Turning Points USA head Charlie Kirk, who is considered by many to be the most influential young conservative today, disclosing that he didn’t hear about the Iran bombing right away because of Shabbat (He is an evangelical Christian)

Iranians have shown through their terror networks, through their failed effort to build a nuclear weapon, that they are just not very good at war.

– Vice Pres. J.D. Vance on Fox News

I think when we look back, we will say the 12-Day War was an important reset moment for the region.

- ibid.

24 years ago a group of Muslims killed 2,753 people on 9/11… Now a Muslim Socialist is on pace to run New York City.

- Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk after Zohran Mamdani won the New York mayoral primary Charlie – this is so gross and Islamophobic. Take it down.

- Fox News’ “The Five” co-host Jessica Tarlov in response

Debate me on the merits, don’t just throw out petty thought-terminating cliches. This isn’t 2015, that doesn’t work anymore. What Muslim country do you prefer to live in, Jessica? What Western city or country has improved as the Muslim population has increased? America’s largest city was attacked by radical Islam 24 years ago, and now a similar form of that pernicious force is poised to capture City Hall. Be courageous enough as a liberal to call it out. I know deep down you are worried about what he will do – you just are afraid to say it.

- Kirk, in response

We need the War Powers Act where they would have a legal obligation to tell Congress the details that they are avoiding to tell us.

– Sen. Minority Leader “Shomer Yisroel” Schumer screaming that the White House did not have the power to act in Iran without coordinating with Congress

Political Crossfire MAGA Voters Back Trump On Iran and Reject Isolationism

As President Donald Trump was making his final decision to launch a U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear program, Washington has been abuzz over suggestions that his MAGA movement is “splintering” over his determination to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Sorry, but that is fake news.

As the president put it in the Oval Office last week, “My supporters don’t want to see Iran have a nuclear weapon.” As usual, Trump understands his base better than both his critics and sycophants. A new poll from the Ronald Reagan Institute, taken just before the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, shows that 90 percent of self-identified MAGA Republicans say that “preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is important to U.S. security” – including 74 percent who say doing so matters “a great deal.”

Only 8 percent disagreed.

That’s not all: 86 percent of MAGA Republicans say the security of Israel is important to U.S. security; 81 percent want to either continue or increase U.S. support for Israel’s military campaign against Hamas and Hezbollah; and 64 percent support Israel carrying out airstrikes to destroy the Iranian nuclear facilities.

In other words, there is no MAGA schism over Trump’s attack on Iran. To the contrary, there is deep-seated MAGA unity behind Trump and Israel. What we are seeing is not an uproar from Trump’s base, but the whining of a loud but tiny cabal of rightwing isolationists – epitomized by the likes of “kooky” Tucker Carlson, as the president has characterized him, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) – who tried to hijack MAGA to push their own Fortress America agenda. They are completely out of step with Trump and the larger MAGA movement. With Trump’s decision to strike Iran, over their vocal objections, they are quickly finding out, to their shock and surprise, that Trump is not an isolationist –

By Marc A. Thiessen

and neither are his supporters.

In fact, the opposite is true. As I pointed out in a column last year, the Reagan Institute’s 2024 polling showed that MAGA Republicans not only reject the isolationists, they are actually more hawkish and supportive of U.S. leadership on the world stage than establishment Republicans.

This year’s poll suggests they have become even more so, and not just when it comes to Israel and Iran. On virtually every metric measured – from support for Taiwan and NATO to concerns about democracy, human rights, China and U.S. leadership – self-identified MAGA Republicans are more supportive of strong, principled American leadership on the world stage than their non-MAGA GOP brethren.

Rejecting Isolationism

Last year’s poll found that a 51 percent majority of MAGA voters said the United States should be “more engaged and take the lead” on foreign policy, while just 39 percent said the United States should be “less engaged and react to events.” This year, the number that said the United States should be more engaged skyrocketed to 73 percent – a stunning 22-point

increase. Indeed, MAGA Republicans are more supportive of U.S. global leadership than voters overall (64 percent) and Democrats (65 percent).

This year, 74 percent of MAGA Republicans said that “U.S. involvement with international affairs is mostly beneficial for the U.S.” (compared with just 60 percent of non-MAGA Republicans), including 92 percent who said U.S. leadership was “essential for promoting trade and boosting the U.S. economy” (compared with just 78 percent of non-MAGA Republicans).

MAGA Republicans not only want America to lead, they want a U.S. foreign policy centered on American values. When asked in 2024 if “the U.S. has a moral obligation to stand up for human rights and democracy whenever possible in international affairs,” 73 percent of MAGA Republicans agreed that we do. In 2025, that number rose to 84 percent – an 11-point increase. (In contrast, last year 69 percent of non-MAGA Republicans agreed, which rose slightly to 71 percent this year.)

Last year, a 93 percent supermajority of MAGA voters said that “a strong U.S. military is essential to maintaining peace and

prosperity, both at home and abroad,” while 90 percent of non-MAGA Republicans agree. This year, the number rose slightly to 96 percent among MAGA Republicans, and fell slightly to 85 percent among non-MAGA Republicans.

That said, Americans of all political persuasions say that politicians should prioritize problems at home over foreign affairs, the Reagan Institute poll finds –including both MAGA Republicans (68 percent, down slightly from 70 percent last year) and non-MAGA Republicans (66 percent, down from 68 percent last year).

NATO

MAGA Republicans also strongly support the principle of collective defense enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO Charter. When asked last year if they would support “the U.S. responding with military force if a NATO ally in Europe was attacked,” fully 69 percent of MAGA Republicans said they would (vs. 63 percent of non-MAGA Republicans). This year, that number rose slightly to 71 percent among MAGA voters, while it slightly fell to 61 percent among non-MAGA Republicans.

Last year, a 53 percent majority of MAGA Republicans said they held a favorable view of NATO, slightly higher than non-MAGA Republicans (50 percent). This year, that favorable view fell slightly among MAGA voters to 48 percent but rose among non-MAGA Republicans to 59 percent. And if Trump decided to withdraw from NATO, 57 percent of MAGA Republicans would back such a move, while 51 percent of non-MAGA Republicans would oppose it. But 56 percent of MAGA Republicans would support increasing the U.S. military presence in Eastern Europe to counter Russian aggression, compared with 51 percent of non-MAGA Republicans.

China and Taiwan

MAGA Republicans are more hawk-

ish about China than non-MAGA Republicans. This year’s poll finds 81 percent of MAGA supporters concerned about a potential war between China and Taiwan (compared with 73 percent of non-MAGA Republicans). And 73 percent of MAGA Republicans said that they supported “taking military action to defend Taiwan” if China was to attack or blockade the island, compared with just 62 percent of non-MAGA Republicans.

MAGA voters are also extremely concerned about China’s human rights violations, including its treatment of Hong Kong and the Uyghurs (78 percent); China’s expanding influence in South Asia, Africa and South America (83 percent); China holding $760 billion in U.S. government debt (85 percent); China developing artificial intelligence technology more advanced than that of the United States (85 percent); China overtaking the United States as the world’s No. 1 superpower (86 percent); China purchasing U.S. farmland near military bases (90 percent); China’s theft of U.S. technology (91 percent); and China spying on the United States with satellites and air reconnaissance (91 percent).

Trump has a clear mandate from the MAGA movement to take a hard line with Beijing and stand up to any aggression against Taiwan.

U.S. Territorial Expansion

Far from supporting isolationism, MAGA Republicans embrace manifest destiny and strongly back Trump’s plans for U.S. territorial expansion. Eighty percent support making Greenland part of the United States “to provide the U.S. with critical minerals and increased access to the Arctic” (compared with just 50 percent of non-MAGA Republicans) and 89 percent support taking back the Panama Canal “to protect a strategic transit route and counter Chinese influence over the Canal” (compared with just 57 percent of non-MAGA Republicans).

A 54 percent majority of MAGA voters support even Trump’s proposal to take over the Gaza Strip and “transform the region into a hub for tourism and economic growth” (just 29 percent of non-MAGA Republicans support such a plan, while 62 percent oppose it).

The poll did not ask how many supported making Canada the “51st state.”

Promoting Freedom and Democracy

MAGA voters believe in a moral foreign policy. When asked whether “funding programs and organizations designed to

advance freedom and democracy abroad” is “generally beneficial to the U.S. and its interests” or “not worth the expense,” a 54 percent majority of MAGA voters said they were beneficial (compared with just 48 percent of non-MAGA Republicans),

support “more of a protectionist approach with broad, long-term tariffs,” 61 percent said they supported the free market approach, while just 29 percent supported the protectionist approach. MAGA voters want Trump to use tariffs to force other

Anyone who thought the man who took out Iran’s terrorist mastermind would be unwilling to take out Iran’s Fordow nuclear fuel enrichment plant did not know Donald Trump.

while just 36 percent said they were not worth the expense.

They are more ambivalent about specific organizations that Trump’s U.S. DOGE Service, or Department of Government Efficiency, has put on the chopping block. Sixty-five percent supported cutting funding for the National Endowment for Democracy, compared with 45 percent of non-MAGA Republicans; and 69 percent supported cutting funding for Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, compared with 50 percent of non-MAGA Republicans. (Disclosure: I serve on the board of RFE/ FL.) But, after hearing arguments in favor of funding those groups, including that they “help combat extremism and authoritarianism abroad,” MAGA support rose to 68 percent.

Protectionism and Tariffs

MAGA Republicans overwhelmingly back tariffs as an appropriate instrument of coercion to advance U.S. interests: 86 percent agree that tariffs should be used as “tool of foreign policy” (compared with just 56 percent of non-MAGA Republicans). And they disproportionately support Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on specific countries, including U.S. friends and allies: More than 7 in 10 MAGA Republicans support tariffs on Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Britain and the European Union, while only about 4 in 10 non-MAGA Republicans do. The one exception: Both MAGA (77 percent) and non-MAGA (65 percent) Republicans support tariffs on China.

But MAGA voters are not protectionists. When asked whether “the U.S. should favor more of a free market approach with temporary and selective tariffs” of if they

countries to take down trade barriers and open their markets to U.S. exports, but do not agree that permanent tariffs are the best long-term strategy to raise revenue and grow the U.S. economy.

What can we learn from these numbers?

First, the GOP isolationists criticizing Trump’s decision to join Israel’s assault on Iran are themselves a tiny,

isolated faction that has little support. They don’t actually represent what MAGA Republicans believe about foreign policy. And they don’t represent what Trump believes. This is a president who drove the Islamic State from its caliphate – and killed its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi; bombed Syria (twice) for using chemical weapons on its people; armed Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank missiles; and killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani. Anyone who thought the man who took out Iran’s terrorist mastermind would be unwilling to take out Iran’s Fordow nuclear fuel enrichment plant did not know Donald Trump.

Bottom line: There is no schism in the GOP between so-called “neocon warmongers” and isolationist Trump supporters. The division inside the GOP is between the MAGA supermajority that supports Trumpian U.S. world leadership and a pathetic neo-isolationist minority that could hold its meetings in a phone booth – if they could find one.

© 2025, Washington Post Writers Group

On Trump and Iran: But Then What? Political Crossfire

In much of life, but especially in foreign policy, a three-word question is crucial: But then what? That is approximately what Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto said when Japan’s government asked if he could stealthily take a fleet across the northern Pacific and deal a devastating blow to the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor.

Yes, Yamamoto said, if we can design some shallow-running torpedoes of the sort the British had used a few weeks earlier (Nov. 11, 1940) to cripple the Italian navy at Taranto. Then, Yamamoto said, I will range freely in the Pacific for perhaps a year. But then what?

Having studied at Harvard and served as a military attaché in Washington, he knew the United States and knew that his attack would produce an industrial superpower unified by rage. Japan’s defeat was assured on Dec. 7, 1941, not six months to the day later at Midway.

Iran has no comparable capacity for retribution. There are, however, reasons to worry about Iranian threats to the 40,000 U.S. military personnel in the region, Iran’s capacity for nihilistic attacks on global energy and commerce, and the tentacles of Iran’s international terrorism apparatus. It will be a major surprise if there is only a negligible surprise from Iran.

Possible reasons Donald Trump decided to join Israel’s attack include this: He saw the success of Israeli virtuosity and he hungered to jump in at the head of the parade. He is less a military maven than a drum major, and his public life of flippancies about serious matters has not earned him the benefit of any doubts.

Were Congress not controlled by Republicans he controls, it might bestir itself to investigate what U.S. intelligence agencies knew about how close Iran was to building a useable bomb and missiles capable of delivering it to a target. Short-

By George F. Will

ly before the U.S. attacks, Tulsi Gabbard, the astonishingly unsuitable amateur confirmed by the Senate as director of national intelligence, said in March that Iran had not decided to produce a nuclear weapon. She was either incompetent or the intelligence services are. Will Repub -

president will reconsider his contempt for Ukraine and his indifference to its fate. And his equally obvious infatuation with Vladimir Putin, who has received substantial material assistance from Iran.

Israel has earned America’s unalloyed respect by its recent displays of an audac-

Perhaps the other three (China, Russia, North Korea) members of the axis of disruption will be sobered by the demonstration of the U.S. ability and willingness to project power globally.

licans in Congress seek the president’s permission to inquire as to which it was?

Perhaps the other three (China, Russia, North Korea) members of the axis of disruption will be sobered by the demonstration of the U.S. ability and willingness to project power globally. Perhaps the

ity commensurate with the dangers of living surrounded by genocidal aspirations. Israel in Iran has delivered a message to others who threaten its destruction: We take your words seriously. So seriously, Israel has departed from past practices.

In Tennessee Williams’s play “A

Streetcar Named Desire,” the pathetic Blanche DuBois’s last line is plaintive: “I’ve always depended on the kindness of strangers.” The Jewish state’s founding in the wake of the Holocaust was a defiant proclamation: “Never again!” Never again would Jews depend on the kindness of others.

In its War of Independence (1948), the Six Day War (1967), the Yom Kippur War (1973), and its unending conflict with non-state actors (the Palestine Liberation Organization, Hamas, Hezbollah), including the fourth major war, which began Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has had material, financial, and intelligence assistance from others, but has always done the fighting. Its major departure from this policy, the 1956 British-French-Israeli attempt to seize the Suez Canal that Egypt had nationalized, was a debacle.

By joining Israel against Iran, the United States has expanded its commitments more than it can now know. The United States is waging only a proxy war in Ukraine, but its prestige and credibility are fully at risk there. And now the United States is a participant in a war the likely outcome of which is obscured by the fog of war, and the momentum and direction of which is being set by an ally that has its own agenda.

Adolf Hitler reportedly said to one of his private secretaries, “The beginning of every war is like opening the door into a dark room. One never knows what is hidden in the darkness.” He supposedly said this as he prepared to do what he did 84 years ago last Sunday. He launched Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of Russia that proved his point.

U.S. Operation Midnight Hammer began Friday. Its reverberations are far from over.

Political Crossfire

Trump: A Peace Strategist in a World of Reactionaries

By Assemblyman Ari Brown

History will not remember this moment as the beginning of a war — it will remember it as the point when a president redefined how peace is pursued on the global stage.

After Iran rejected multiple diplomatic overtures and Israel launched a bold strike on the regime’s nuclear infrastructure, the United States responded with a precise and overwhelming attack on three key sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. President Trump didn’t act out of impulse; he acted with resolve, timing, and strategic clarity. Then came the message: “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE.” These are not the words of a president looking to ignite conflict. They are the words of a leader who understands that peace must be earned — and sometimes, enforced.

President Trump isn’t interested in managing one war at a time; he is confronting global threats with a singular mission: stop chaos before it spreads, end conflicts before they metastasize, and force rogue regimes to choose between diplomacy and destruction.

President Trump’s bold strategy stands in direct contrast to the so-called “peace legacy” of President Barack Obama, who was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize after doing absolutely nothing to earn it. Not only did he fail to stop Iran’s rise, but he empowered it, sending pallets of cash to a regime that chants “Death to America.” He was not a peacemaker — he was a weakling. And his foreign policy was rooted in appeasement and antagonism toward our closest ally in the region, Israel. Obama didn’t negotiate peace; he abandoned strength. That’s not diplomacy — that’s surrender. Obama’s legacy didn’t end at the water’s edge. His real legacy is visible in the streets of American cities today — in the form of purple-haired activists chanting “From the river to the sea,” flying terror -

ist flags, and spewing sick, antisemitic ideologies on college campuses. They are not just misguided, they are the ideological children of Obama’s worldview — raised on grievance, driven by entitlement, and blind to the horrors of the regimes they defend. These aren’t protesters – they’re proof that appeasement abroad breeds moral rot at home.

President Trump represents the antidote to that rot, not just through strong

He’s confronted adversaries like North Korea and Iran without pulling the United States into prolonged conflict. Unlike presidents who’ve kicked the can down the road, Trump grabs it and throws it off the playing field.

Iran was given a choice: come to the table or face consequences. They chose defiance. Trump chose action, not to escalate, but to bring the confrontation to a head, swiftly and decisively.

Unlike presidents who’ve kicked the can down the road, Trump grabs it and throws it off the playing field.

foreign policy, but through unapologetic American leadership. This approach isn’t theoretical; it’s proven. Trump’s foreign policy has always balanced strength with restraint. He ended the era of endless wars while brokering the historic Abraham Accords — a feat no previous administration could achieve.

Critics often mistake clarity for recklessness, but Trump’s strategy is anything but careless. He convened top national security officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This wasn’t a rushed decision; it was the culmination

of intelligence, diplomacy, and calculated deterrence.

Inside that Situation Room were voices from different ideological wings — some favoring intervention, others urging caution. Trump took them all into account, but ultimately, he made the call himself — the hallmark of real leadership.

The result: Iran’s nuclear program has suffered a historic setback. The regime is shaken, and the world has been reminded that American strength, when used wisely, can be the most powerful peacekeeping force on earth.

This is the difference between conventional politicians and a true peace strategist. Others may talk of peace while bowing to bad actors. Trump forces the issue, he takes the initiative, and he does it not to provoke war but to avoid the far greater cost of inaction.

President Trump is often misunderstood by media pundits and political elites, but the truth is simple: Trump believes in peace — not through platitudes, but through power. He doesn’t seek conflict, but he refuses to reward aggression. That is a doctrine the world desperately needs.

We are living through one of the most complex and dangerous global landscapes in decades. We have a president who sees the board, knows the stakes, and isn’t afraid to act. Peace is no longer a fantasy; it’s a strategy, and Donald Trump is the one executing it.

Assemblyman Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District, which includes the towns and villages of Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Hewlett, Woodmere, Inwood, Island Park, Lawrence and Oceanside, along with the barrier island from Atlantic Beach to Point Lookout.

Follow Ari on Facebook or read more on his official website.

Would Anyone But Trump Have Done It? Israel Today

By Jonathan S. Tobin

Donald Trump appears to have fooled both his friends and foes.

And he has done something none of his predecessors dared to do. With a single stroke, his orders to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities may well have altered the path of history. The Islamist regime’s goal of building a nuclear weapon with which it could destroy Israel, intimidate America’s allies in the region into subservience, and threaten the rest of the West with which it continues itself to be in a religious war is effectively finished.

After 20 years during which American presidents have variously ignored, appeased or actively aided the Iranian threat, Trump has essentially broken the pattern set down by the American foreign-policy establishment. Just as he did in his first term by moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and understanding that the Palestinians should not be allowed to veto peace be -

tween the Jewish state and Arab states via the Abraham Accords, he has now extended that streak to his second term with respect to Iran.

The questions to be asked about this involve more than just the ones focused on next steps in the current conflict or if the president’s strategy will prompt Iran to finally recognize that it must give in to his demands or send the region spiraling into an even more dangerous and bloody war.

An Indispensable Man?

At this point, it’s appropriate to ponder whether any other recent American president or likely commander-in-chief would have done as he has done. If the answer is “no,” then it’s fair to say that Donald Trump has still proven to be not only a political and presidential outlier in many respects; he has also proven to be an essential figure in modern world and Jewish history.

To note that is not to excuse his per-

sonal faults, his often-hyperbolic modes of expression, the way at times he plays fast and loose with the truth or his sometimes-inconsistent policy shifts. Nor does it excuse his lack of interest in ideas or a strong base of knowledge in history, flaws that can influence his choices. But, although the cemeteries are, as Charles De Gaulle said, “filled with indispensable men,” it may be that Trump comes as close to one as any other recent world leader.

With respect to Iran, he spent his first few months in office speaking and behaving as if the foreign policy of his second administration would resemble more that of Barack Obama or Joe Biden than that of his own first term. But it turns out that it was all a ruse or, at the very least, a thorough rethinking of how American diplomacy is supposed to work. The president gave Iran’s leaders a chance to engage with the United States to resolve the dispute over its retention of a dangerous nuclear program. However, to their great surprise,

as well as to that of most onlookers, he did not do so, as his predecessors did, in order to allow them to hold onto it with minimal concessions or to run out the clock with endless delays in order to achieve the same outcome.

Instead, he meant what he said when he declared that he was giving them two months to negotiate a way to back down and give up their nuclear ambitions and that if they failed to give him what he wanted, they would regret it. And this is exactly what has happened.

Ending the Nuclear Threat

By ordering U.S. forces to strike at nuclear targets with the sort of weapons that only the American military possesses—30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs and the U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers that can drop them on targets such as Iran’s mountainside Fordow uranium-enrichment plant—Trump has done more than tipped the scales against the Islamist re -

gime in the current conflict. His actions make it a given that, no matter what happens in the coming days and weeks, the Iranian nuclear threat is effectively over for the foreseeable future.

No matter what Iran’s terrorist forces and allies may attempt to do to strike back at the United States and continue to rain down missiles on the Jewish state, the chances of its nuclear project’s surviving are likely to be effectively zero. After decades of work and the expenditure of vast sums by this theocracy, the odds of its being able to repair or rebuild what it lost in the last 10 days are very long indeed. A regime that was already on the verge of an economic, political and military collapse, and which is under severe sanctions by the United States, simply won’t have the wherewithal to undo the damage done by the Israeli and American strikes, even if this war ends soon.

This is an enormous accomplishment for both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who made the struggle to avert an Iranian nuclear bomb a persistent theme of his leadership for the past 15 years. But while the Jewish state’s position on the necessity of ensuring that Iran’s nuclear program is destroyed has been a constant, the same cannot be said for American policy on the issue during this period. While all American presidents, even Obama, had paid lip service to the need to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, American actions toward Iran during the last decade have at times been more of an aid to Tehran’s ambitions than a roadblock.

Reasons for Inaction

There have always been reasons for American presidents to avoid taking action on Iran.

Key among them has been an unwillingness to acknowledge Iran’s goal or what it would mean if Tehran obtained a nuclear weapon or was allowed, as it appeared to be already the case in recent years, to become a threshold nuclear power.

Many in the American intelligence community clung to the belief that “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s purported ban on Iran’s building a nuclear weapon was a genuine policy decision. Though it was proven false by the regime’s nuclear files obtained by Israel’s Mossad in 2018, those determined to give Tehran a pass—like current Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard—have continued to wrongly insist that its nuclear project is not a threat.

Others thought that dealing with the problem could also be postponed. That was

the position of the George W. Bush administration, which was already embroiled in quagmires in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Obama went even further and negotiated a nuclear deal that not only postponed a reckoning on the issue but essentially guaranteed that Iran would get a weapon once the sunset provisions in the 2015 accord expired by 2030. More than that, Obama and his former staffers who ran foreign policy during the Biden administration went even further and imagined that Tehran was open to a rapprochement with the West and believed that it should replace Israel and Saudi Arabia as the

of projecting American strength and the danger of appeasement.

This is not something that many observers associate with a policy approach he dubbed “America First.” Some on the left believe it to be pure isolationism, as with the “America First” movement of the pre-WWII era, which opposed measures to stop Nazi Germany. Carlson and his “woke right” acolytes similarly think it means indifference to Iran’s multi-front campaign to eradicate the sole Jewish state on the planet.

But Trump’s interpretation of the term—besides being the only one that mat-

Trump is a believer in decisive leadership and unpredictability.

lynchpin of U.S. policy in the region.

Like them, some of Trump’s “woke right” supporters, such as former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, were also advocating for a soft response to Iran, either out of stubborn isolationist disinterest in stopping an Islamist enemy of the West or a malicious desire to see it harm Israel.

But not Trump.

Trump, alone among recent American presidents as well as other leaders on the international stage apart from Netanyahu, seems to have understood the peril presented by Iran and the necessity for action. What enabled him to achieve this insight?

Trump Distrusts “Experts”

Part of it was his instinctive distrust of the Washington “inside the Beltway” establishment and the “expert” class. The credentialed elites who make up the bulk of the Democratic Party’s opposition to Trump regard this as one of his profound flaws and evidence of his anti-intellectualism if not outright ignorance. But what they fail to understand is that Trump is right not to trust the supposedly smart people who have run foreign policy under both Democratic and Republican administrations. They’ve been especially wrong about the Middle East. Take, for example, their predictions of doom about a move of the U.S. embassy or about Arab nations never making peace with Israel before the establishment of a Palestinian state. All were proven to be harmful myths. Unlike Obama and Biden in particular, Trump also understands the necessity

fight against antisemitism, simply can’t accept that the “bad orange man” is a historic friend of Israel and the Jewish people, as well as a president who grasps the basic facts about Iranian and Islamist intransigence.

The fact that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer denounced Trump’s decision to bomb Iran is evidence not just of his hypocrisy—since he supported Obama and Biden acting abroad without benefit of a congressional declaration of war. Rather, it is a sign that he never really cared about the issue of Iranian nukes, since if he did, he’d back Trump’s decision.

Such partisan obstructionists aside, the key to understanding what has happened involves the imperative to recognize Trump’s unique willingness to act with alacrity on measures involving national security.

ters—is one that calls for a strong America that picks and chooses its fights carefully, avoiding unnecessary ones like the quagmire in Ukraine, while focusing in on those that do, like stopping a nuclear Iran.

Along with all that, Trump is a believer in decisive leadership and unpredictability. That has given him the will, time after time, to act swiftly when he believes action is needed. While others prefer to let themselves be tied up in knots in futile efforts at achieving international consensus with Europeans and others who are temperamentally unsuited to action, Trump has no such qualms, even if it means the whole world (other than his ally, Israel) is against him.

It’s possible that other conservative Republicans might have done the same thing if they had been elected president. But Trump’s unique credentials as the billionaire tribune of the working class gives him standing to act that few others might hope to possess. Too many other political figures on the right begin to act as if the approval of The New York Times, CNN and liberal public opinion is essential to their sense of their own legitimacy once they attain power. Their desire for the respect of liberal opinion leaders tends to lead them to behave differently once in office. But not Trump. He thrives on the contempt of the establishment. That’s why it’s hard to imagine any other American president acting so decisively on Middle East issues.

Acknowledging the fundamental importance of Trump is a bitter pill for many in American politics. Liberals, even those who purport to care about Israel and the

All of which makes for a powerful argument in favor of the proposition that only Trump would have acted as he has done, and that it is those qualities—which his critics continue to consider flaws rather than strengths—that impel him to do so.

History is always a matter of “what if” arguments that hinge on the accidents that could have changed everything. The moving of Trump’s head less than an inch last summer in Butler, Pennsylvania, is one such moment. Had he been killed by an assassin that day, it’s clear that the history of the struggle to stop an Iranian nuclear weapon would have been very different. Whether you believe that what happened that day was an act of divine providence designed to promote Israel’s survival or merely dumb luck, the fact remains that the ultimate disposition of Iran’s nuclear threat against Israel and the West was decided at that moment.

Those who support Israel, including among Trump’s domestic critics, must now acknowledge that, flawed or not, he is the only president who would have acted to stop Iran and potentially save Israel. Whether indispensable or not, no other possible candidate for the presidency would have done as he did in the way he did it.

Whatever happens next, Trump ensured that the world would not be forced to confront a nuclear Iran. Friends of Israel and those who want the West to defend itself against the world’s leading state sponsor of terror should be silently uttering a prayer of gratitude for what Trump has done.

Jonathan S. Tobin is editor-in-chief of JNS (Jewish News Syndicate).

Political Crossfire

Jihadis Present Growing Peril as They Eye West Africa Coast

By Elian Peltier

Tougbo, Ivory Coast — At a market in Tougbo, a small town in northern Ivory Coast, the smell of dried fish and fried dough filled the air. Children ran around the bustling stalls where women sold the corn and cassava they had carried on their heads for miles in the countryside. Muslim elders watched the crowds on the sandy main street, while Christian worshippers poured out of church after Sunday mass.

Yet the bustle belied an insidious threat.

About half of terrorism deaths worldwide in 2023 were recorded in the Sahel, the arid region in West Africa known for its seminomadic tribes and ancient trade routes. Emboldened by their success in the landlocked nations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, insurgents affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group are moving south toward the Atlantic and into coastal nations such as Ivory Coast.

African and Western officials fear the advance will further destabilize West Africa at a time when the United States and European allies have drawn down their presence here, and the Trump administration has turned its attention to a chaotic deportation policy and travel ban that does not include any nations in the Sahel.

As the insurgents push toward the Atlantic, fears are growing that an area with one of the world’s youngest populations and high levels of poverty will soon fall under jihadi rule.

“One of the terrorists’ new objectives is gaining access to West Africa coasts. If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking and arms trading,” Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, the head of U.S. Africa Command, said last month. “This puts not just African nations at risk, but also increases the chance of threats reaching the U.S. shores.”

The al-Qaida branch operating in West Africa is now one of the group’s most powerful franchises, and Islamic State militants have staged so many attacks in the region recently that Vladimir Voronkov, the United Nations’ top counterterrorism official, has warned that “a vast territory stretching from northern Nigeria to Mali could fall under their effective control.”

Last fall, The New York Times spent weeks documenting the jihadis’ movement south. On one side of this new front line are the three landlocked nations, all of which are ruled by military juntas and include vast swaths of territory already under jihadi control. On the other are the coastal nations of Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo and Benin, which are trying to keep the insurgents out.

Those coastal nations have collaborated with Western governments for years. But as the Trump administration dismantles decades of foreign policy, including eliminating tens of millions of dollars in U.S. security assistance, African allies are growing wary of Wash-

ington’s counterterrorism efforts on the continent.

“Ivory Coast is an example of stability in the region, but the lock can break,” said Lassina Diarra, a researcher at the International Academy for the Fight against Terrorism in Ivory Coast.

Jihadis Moving Freely

After French and U.S. troops were kicked out of the junta-led nations of the Sahel, countries such as Ivory Coast became the focus of the West’s new containment strategy.

The United States provided Ivory Coast with $65 million to support counterterrorism and border security last year. About 50 U.S. military personnel and contractors are deployed here, according to the U.S. Africa Command. Langley met with top military and government officials here earlier this year amid rumors that the United States plans to build a drone base in the country.

But continued support remains uncertain.

A $20 million program financed by

the United States Agency for International Development that identified early signs of extremism was terminated in January, after President Donald Trump announced the freezing of all U.S. foreign aid.

Tougbo sits on the front line of Ivory Coast’s fight against the insurgents. Soldiers stand guard in fortified outposts at the town’s entrance and exit. Burkina Faso is just miles away.

Despite the military’s presence, jihadis move freely, locals and security officials said. “They’re among us,” said a doctor working near the border, who like most locals in the area spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of his safety.

“We see them,” he added.

The insurgents buy supplies at the market or through young people seeking quick cash. They wear civilian clothes and do not openly carry weapons. But they entice young men with lucrative offers to do business in exchange for silence.

“It is because of a lack of jobs that our sons join this garbage,” said Kadidja Barry, a community leader in Doropo, a hub near the border. Week after week, local women come and sit on plastic chairs under her towering mango tree as Barry warns them about the menace creeping toward their town.

“‘Keep your sons away from the jihadists,’” she tells them. “‘They’re a mafia.’”

Al-Qaida-affiliated insurgents mostly recruit Fulani men, the ethnic group to which Barry belongs. Their recruitment has heightened discrimination against the Fulani community in Ivory Coast, which has seen a large influx of Fulani refugees from Burkina Faso.

“We must protect them, we must send them to school,” Barry said of the young men in her community. “But in some areas, some of the youth are almost forced to join these groups.”

At night, insurgents sneak into health care centers in Ivory Coast seeking treatment for wounds sustained

while fighting in Burkina Faso, according to medical workers. They have also moved into nearby Comoé National Park, a sprawling forest that is now off limits because of the violence.

Kidnappings and cattle theft have also increased.

“What we used to see in Burkina Faso, we now see it here,” said Iréné, a cattle owner who lost dozens of cattle last year. When his employee crossed into Burkina Faso in search of the missing animals, Iréné said, he was kept hostage for weeks by men who said they were jihadis.

“Mistakes and Transgressions”

Ivory Coast has erected military outposts, ramped up intelligence gathering and deployed ground troops along its border in an effort to keep the insurgents at bay.

By some accounts, these methods are working.

A senior military officer, speaking on condition of anonymity to openly discuss the country’s national security, acknowledged that the army had previously underestimated the threat. “Now, we’re squeezing them,” the officer said. “But we also know that the populations say, ‘Hi,’ to us when we patrol, but then do business with the jihadists.”

In the village of Bolè, dozens of armed men calling themselves “fighters of Islam” took residents hostage one evening during the month of Ramadan in 2021, according to victims and witnesses. The insurgents ordered the villagers to stop informing the army of their presence or face deadly consequences.

But after the insurgents left, local leaders called the military anyway, and soldiers have remained posted near the village ever since.

Another border town, Kafolo, faced two deadly attacks on soldiers in 2020 and 2021. The military erected a new base there in 2023 and Kafolo hasn’t seen another attack.

“With the security forces, the fear is gone,” said Lamissa Traoré, a youth leader in Kafolo.

The Support Group for Islam and Muslims, the umbrella organization that includes al-Qaida’s local franchise and is known by its Arabic acronym, JNIM, has tried to present a more amenable face to locals in some parts of the Sahel. It has vowed to protect residents from corrupt government officials who they say are responsible for the region’s poverty.

Yet deaths attributed to the organization in 2023 were at their highest since 2017, when the group was founded, according to the Global Terrorism Index.

In response to questions from the Times, the emir of al-Qaida’s branch operating in West Africa said his group was “formally active” in Ivory Coast and other coastal nations.

“If they wish, they can leave the situation as it is,” Abu Yusuf Ubaydah al-Annabi, the emir, said of the local governments. “Or perhaps it will get worse.”

When asked about human rights abuses committed by the group, al-Annabi said the insurgents had made “some mistakes and transgressions.”

But, he added, “the only person who never makes mistakes is the one who does not work.”

“A Ticking Bomb”

Ivory Coast’s approach to keeping the jihadis away has been hailed by security analysts for its combination of military efforts and economic development.

International nonprofits have helped renovate dams to irrigate farms for hundreds of villagers. The government has built roads along the border, provided electricity in remote areas, and trained more than 50,000 young Ivorians in farming, welding and mechanics.

But many young Ivorians say they’re not seeing any benefits. Youth Minister Mamadou Touré cited poverty as the main driver of recruitment into the extremist groups. More than three-quarters of Ivory Coast’s population is younger than 35. Most are looking for work.

“Either we provide innovative and satisfying answers to unemployment, or it will remain a ticking bomb that can explode at any time,” Touré said.

The youth ministry sponsors a job training program, but some trainees still lack paying jobs after six months of training. Two former trainees at a garage in Korhogo, the largest city in northern Ivory Coast, said their boss gave them free soap on weekends as compensation.

“Young people are being trained, but after that, what?” said Abdoulaye Bamba, a youth leader in the border town of Ouangolodougou. “Then the terrorists come and offer them a brand-new motorcycle.”

“One day it will blow up,” he said, referring to the insurgents’ creep into Ivory Coast. “And politicians won’t be able to say that we didn’t warn them.”

Forgotten Her es Israel’s Efforts at Negating the Nuclear Threat

By Avi Heiligman

On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a preemptive strike on several Iranian targets aimed at destroying Iran’s ability to produce a nuclear bomb. This wasn’t Israel’s first attack on enemy nuclear operations or their first time in a direct conflict with Iran. Both Iraq and Syria had their nuclear capabilities taken out by the Israeli Air Force, and it was only a matter of time before the Iranian nuclear program was targeted by Israel.

Operation Opera took place on June 7, 1981 when a flight of eight F-16 took off from their airbase in the Negev. Their destination was the Osirik nuclear reactor on Iraq. Israel had recently acquired the F-16 and loaded with them with bombs. It would take every gallon of fuel to complete the 1,200 mile roundtrip to Iraq. All eight planes made it to the reactor, and Mossad agents informed the pilots on when the defense systems would be at their most vulnerable state. Fourteen of the bombs hit squarely on the dome of the reactor while two bombs failed to detonate. The reactor was put out of action, and all eight F-16s returned to base safely including some with very little fuel left in their tanks.

The attack on the Syrian nuclear program came on September 5, 2007. Ten F-15I “Ra’am” fighters from the 69th Squadron took off from the Ramat David Airbase to meet up with escort of F-16I “Sufa” fighters. Three of the Ra’am planes headed back towards to Israel while the other seven continued on the mission. They first attacked a Syrian radar system before reaching the nuclear reactor. On the ground near the reactor were Shaldag commandos who pinpointed the targets with lasers. The jets used laser and GPS-guided bombs to destroy the reactor.

Until recently, most of the actions in the Israel-Iranian conflict has been stopping weapons being supplied to terrorist groups. Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis were all using smuggled Iranian weapons. Shayetet

13, the Israeli naval commandos, intercepted ships on multiple occasions laden with weapons originating from Iran. In 2001, the Karine A was purchased by the Palestinians for way too much money, and soon it caught the attention of Israeli intelligence agencies. The ship was boarded on January 3, 2002 by Shayetet 13 commandoes, and the illicit shipment was confiscated.

A similar occurrence took place in 2009 when a ship heading towards a Syrian port was boarded by the naval commandos near Cyprus. The crew denied that there were any arms on the ship, but an inspection revealed large of amounts of weapons and ammunition that could be traced back to Iran. Of course, Iran and its proxy Hezbollah denied any connection with the shipment. These shipments continued, and comparable incidents took place in 2011 and 2014.

For its part, Israel was involved in several operations to hamper Iran’s ability to build nuclear weapons and other weapons that could be used against Israel. It was discovered in 2010 that a computer virus called Stuxnet was being used by Israel and the U.S. against Iranian nuclear facilities. Stuxnet was one of the first ever cyberweapons and caused significant damage to Iranian infrastructure. Experts estimate that 10% of all centrifuges at the Nantanz nuclear facility were damaged by the virus.

Iran has deployed the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) in Syria during the Syrian Civil War. This led to some reports stating that Israel was in direct conflict with Iran after some border incidents.

It has been known for a long time that Hamas was being supplied by Iran, and during the war against Hamas after October 7 Iranian involvement against Israel increased. This includes sending volleys of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones to attack Israeli cities in April 2024. This was in response to Israel killing Gen-

eral Mohammad Reza Zehdi who was the commander of the Syria-Lebanon Corps of the Quds Force in IRGC. Israeli F-35I jets shot six missiles into a building next to the Iranian Embassy in Damascus that killed several other Iranians as well as Zehdi. He was the most senior Iranian general killed since Qassam Soleimani was taken out by the United States in 2020.

Foreign terrorists in Iran have been the target of assassination attempts by Israeli assets. On July 31, 2024, head of the Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguards were killed in an explosion in Tehran. They were in Iran for the inauguration of the new president and were staying at a guesthouse when the explosion occurred. Differing reports as to what caused the explosion ranged from a missile strike to explosives being placed there by operatives in advance. In December 2024, Israel claimed responsibility for the attack that killed one of Israel’s most wanted terrorists.

The IAF missions in June 2025 targeted top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. The Iranian response has been to fire ballistic missiles and drones against civilian populations. Israeli defense systems have been working around the clock to detect and destroy these incoming threats, but some have been getting through. These include intercepting over 90% of the missiles launched towards Israel. Some have been getting through, though, and as of the writing of this article, at least 24 civilians were killed by Iranian missiles.

Thankfully, the IAF has total air superiority, and although targets remain, Iran is not able to fend off IAF attacks. Some the Israeli attacks that first night include testimony from both pilots and Mossad agents on the ground. As time goes on, more information will be made available as to how Israel was able to pull off such an incredible mission against Iran.

Israeli has maintained that the current

conflict is against the current Iranian regime and not against the Iranian people. Israeli pilots have been flying missions to take out the regime and their military and nuclear assets. These include a pilot who moments before his wedding received a message to return to base. After calling his superior, he was told to come after the wedding as every combat pilot was needed that night. Another pilot went from shul after naming his newborn daughter to the cockpit on a mission over Iran. These unsung heroes are keeping Israel safe as they target missile launch sites and have been steadily decreasing the number of missiles launched towards Israel.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

IDF pilots who participated in Operation Opera against the Iraqi Osirak reactor

Some of the military equipment found on the Karine A

The site of the Syrian nuclear reactor that was bombed by Israel in 2007

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The feet are hopping. The waves are popping. The people are bopping.

The kids are flopping.

The heat, the sand, the ocean.

Just the start of a day at the beach. We run to get there and then the fun-orture (a contraction of fun and torture) begins.

The kids love it and hate it.

You arrive: the sand is too hot, and it hurts their feet, so they won’t walk on it. But they won’t keep their shoes on either – because the sand gets into their shoes and rubs against their toes, as well.

Years ago, there was no discussion about it. You just removed your shoes and ran screaming – ow, ow, ow – the whole way. Or you kept them on and trudged along carrying half the sand from the beach over to your seat, which was usually an old sheet from home, sand-filled within seconds.

Kids today simply stand at the beginning of the beach crying, waiting for you to figure out how they should get to the day’s destination. You’re in trouble if you have more than one of them to carry and anything else, of course. But still, you somehow figure it out.

Solutions: your creativity is probably as good as mine!

Ideas: don’t go alone. Have help! Find a cart that pulls on the sand then stick the kids in with the rest of your gear and pull like the ox you need to be.

The list of solutions probably goes on.

Eventually, each person comes up with something. Then you finally arrive near the water to settle in where 4,000 other persons have had the same idea!

After you get screamed at for the sand you stirred up and got in their faces, on their blankets, and on their bodies AND you finally finish chasing down the umbrella that you didn’t screw in deep enough, you can began to settle in.

Chairs are being opened, and bags unpacked, but what happens to stake your claim best and quickly is when the

Life C ach How’s the Beach?

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., LMFT, CLC, SDS

pails and shovels come out. And the industry that is begun in your territory.

Mountains, tunnels, byways, highways, and holes are being created left and right. Almost just as immediately, the trips ensue. Back and forth from the spray. Walk-spill, walk-spill. 30-50% of

out hauler will now be walking as if on a tightrope, delicately balancing their bucket, steadily, all the way back to their spot.

Well, so has the fun begun yet?

Maybe a little. But, the true adventure begins when you walk to the

You just removed your shoes and ran screaming – ow, ow, ow – the whole way.

the water supply scooped up arrives successfully retained by the fetcher back at your building site!

And just as quickly, it gets dumped and absorbed. And so the little feet go running right back to “fill up” at least somewhat, at the ocean’s edge, once more.

One can witness these returnees and their style easily. Some enthusiasts are still running back losing half their load once more, while a more thought-

edge of the shore and begin to jump the waves or address them head on.

Most kids love this sensation. The splash, the thrill, the unpredictably. And most people are kids again!

It comes with its concerns, of course – the state of the sea, the composition of the sand you’re walking in on, and the amount of yucky stuff floating about around you.

But, when you can just get into the rhythm of you and the oncoming waves,

the thrill begins to be absorbing. This happens to be true, whether you’re hanging out at the sea edge or strutting into the thick of things. The waves must be watched and contended with – where exactly you choose to do that is up to you and of course, the length of your legs, and the size and bravery of the kid you’re with.

What else is fun?

Maybe walking or running along the shore, or getting your feet buried, or throwing around a football, or reading and just sitting in the ocean air while you relax, or collecting shells, or creating sand shapes… Whatever your beach balm is, once you’re in sync with it, this is one of your beach highlights.

It certainly isn’t: putting on the suntan lotion, or resettling all your gear after the creeping tide moves in on you, or packing up your collection to go home, or dropping the food you were enjoying in the sand, or wishing for a colder drink to guzzle. Or…de-sanding at the end of the day….

Absolutely everything needs to be de-sanded – your stuff, your body, your clothes, your car! Because absolutely everything gets full of sand.

But there is somehow still nothing like a day at the beach.

As long as the weather, the warmth, the wind, and the waves cooperate, this can be one of the best days.

I’m not saying it’s the easiest but it’s certainly fulfilling!

Rivki Rosenwald is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist working with both couples and individuals and is a certified relationship counselor. Rivki is a co-founder and creator of an effective Parent Management of Adolescent Years Program. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or at rivkirosenwald@gmail.com.