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HERALD Vol. 26 No. 43
Cheering for the Mepham Pirates
District thanks brave custodian
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oCToBER 19 - 25, 2023
Congregation prays, vows to support Israel ing “Avinu she-ba-shamayim” — “A Prayer for the State of Israel,” among others, which Cong re gants in the East targeted aspects of the war, Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center such a prayers for hostages and gathered for a moving prayer prayers for Israel Defense Forcservice last week, reflecting on es. There are members of East the conflict in Israel. Feelings of sadness and frustration reso- Meadow-Beth El that are directnated throughout the syna- ly impacted by the conflict, gogue’s sanctuary, including a memas across the world, ber’s niece, who the Jewish people lives in the region are facing the realithat was attacked, ty a difficult war Marsh said. Her with the Palestinhusband was ian militant group, described by Marsh Hamas. as a member of the Hamas, which area’s “neighborcontrols the Gaza hood watch,” who strip, and is considd i d n o t h ave a e re d a t e r ro r i s t weapon available to organization by the him when the fightDAViD WAyNE United States and ing began. European Union, Co-president “He bundled his attacked Israel on East Meadow Beth-El wife, his two sons, Oct. 7, killing over Jewish Center one of them a tod1,400 people and dler and one of taking hundreds captive. As of them an infant, into their safe last Thursday, at least 25 Ameri- room,” Marsh said. “Undercans were among those killed. stand that the safe rooms are Israel officially declared war meant to protect them from on Hamas on Oct. 8, and missiles. They don’t have locks launched a large-scale counter on them. They’re not there to attack. protect them from foot soldiers. Rabbi Aaron Marsh of East “He told them to barricade Meadow-Beth El led the congre- the door with whatever you can gation through prayers, includ-
By JoRDAN VAlloNE
jvallone@liherald.com
T
Courtesy Bellmore Public Schools
The New York State Council of School Superintendents named Joseph Famularo, superintendent of Bellmore Public Schools, Superintendent of the Year. Famularo greets a young student on the first day of school in September.
‘Dr. Joe’ earns prestigious honor
State’s Superintendent of the Year hails from Bellmore By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
Joseph Famularo, superintendent of the Bellmore Public Schools, was named the 2024 New York State School Superintendent of the Year — an esteemed honor given to him by the New York State Council of School Superintendents. Famularo has worked in Bellmore schools during his entire career — this being his 33rd year with the district and 17th year as superintendent. He was previously a reading and special education teacher, before becoming an assistant principal, then director, principal and assistant superintendent for instructional services.
“I use the analogy that our life is like a life ship on a journey, and I just feel incredibly grateful that my life ship settled at port in Bellmore,” he told the Herald. “It’s a privilege, an honor to serve such a wonderful community — a remarkable place to live and work, and dedicate my career here.” Affectionately known around the Bellmore community as “Dr. Joe,” Famularo holds a doctorate in educational leadership. The district operates three kindergarten-tosixth grade schools: Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Learning Center, Winthrop Avenue School and Shore Road School. Once students graduate, they then attend schools in the Bellmore-Merrick Central CoNTiNued oN Page 2
his congregation will stand for as long as it takes in full support of Israel.
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