December 25 - 31, 2025
VOL. 71 NO. 52
$1.00
No protest ban in Nassau County
Religious leaders react
Story page 7
Inside Celebrating Hanukkah in Cedarhust page 4
Juan Alzamora/Herald
‘Hanukkah O’ Hanukkah come light the menorah’ Arthur Carter, famous publisher, dies at 75 page 2
Residents in HewlettWoodmere gathered at Veterans Plaza for the annual menorah lighting organized by the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association and the Chabad of Hewlett, on Dec. 14. The night was made possible with help and attendance from: the Hewlett Fire
Department, the Fourth Precinct, Rabbi Galina Makaveyev of Temple Israel of Lawrence, Hart & Soul Dance Studio, Pinella Tajcher, Bagel Boss of Hewlett and many volunteers. Attendees were treated to hot chocolate while singing Hanukkah songs and celebrating the holiday amid
the snowy weather. The night allowed residents to gather in celebration after the deadly antisemitic attack in Sydney, Australia.
The Chabad of Hewlett lit the menorah every night of the holiday from Dec. 14 to 21. — Melissa Berman
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December 25, 2025 — SOUTH SHORE RECORD
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Arthur L. Carter, a Wall Street investment banker who went on to become a newspaper and magazine publisher, most notably as the founder of the New York Observer died, on Dec. 7. He was 93. He died in a hospital in Manhattan. Carter grew up in Woodmere, where his early life was shaped by a strong emphasis on education and culture. As a young man, he studied piano at the Juilliard School and initially aspired to become a concert pianist. He later abandoned that path, concluding that classical music would not provide the financial stability he needed as a newly married husband and father. He moved to East Rockaway to raise his growing family with his wife Linda. He pivoted to finance — a decision that proved transformative. In the 1960s, Carter partnered with his next-door neighbor, Sanford I. Weill, who would later become the head of Citigroup. Together, they were early pioneers of the leveraged buyout, borrowing money to acquire companies using their own assets and cash flow as collateral. Despite his success on Wall Street, Carter sought pursuits that combined intellectual engagement and public purpose. In 1981, he founded The Litchfield County Times, a weekly newspaper covering northwestern Connecticut, where he owned a 1,400-acre dairy farm. Over the next two decades, the paper grew to several thousand subscribers, won awards for general excellence for its size and developed a reputation for rigorous reporting and elegant design. Carter later sold the paper, along with several local lifestyle publications he founded, to the Journal Register Company. Seeking a larger platform, he acquired a majority stake in The Nation in 1985, saying the magazine had helped shape his largely liberal outlook, including on economic issues. Two years later, in 1987, he
Courtesy Wikipedia
Woodmere native Arthur Carter, founder of the New York Observer died on Dec. 7 at 93. founded The New York Observer, which became a distinctive voice in New York’s political, media and cultural life. Carter joined Hearst in the late 1970s and rose steadily through the organization, becoming chairman and chief executive officer of Hearst Magazines in 1989. During his nearly two decades at the helm, Hearst expanded its global reach and strengthened its portfolio of iconic publications while navigating an evolving media landscape. He stepped down as CEO in 2008 but remained active as a senior adviser and board member. Colleagues remembered him as a thoughtful leader who valued editorial independence, long-term strategy and mentorship. Later in life, after stepping back from publishing, Mr. Carter pursued sculpture, embracing an artistic discipline he had set aside decades earlier. Mr. Carter later lived in East Rockaway, where he raised his family and maintained close ties to Long Island. His wife, Linda, survives him with his children Jon, Whendy, Ginna, Mary and his stepdaughter Ali Marsh. Along with his sister Ellen Carter Weisenthal.
A religious institution in Lawrence, NY seeks proposals from licensed and insured contractors for the installation of concrete-filled metal security bollards. Certified M/WBE are encouraged to apply. For copies of bid specs and information to submit proposals, contact: david@allbusinessmanagement.com (516) 507-4322 reference RFP-CBS-Bollards Proposals requested by January 6, 2026
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Paul Grassini/Herald
SOUTH SHORE RECORD — December 25, 2025 Ron Manfredi/Herald
Hewlett’s Salazar repeats as wrestling champ. Bulldogs sophomore Carlos Salazar avenged a regular-season loss to Oceanside’s Jake Strianese to capture the Nassau Division I wrestling title at 124 pounds Feb. 16 with a 7-3 title bout.
Lawrence boys’ volleyball reaches semifinals. In longtime head coach George Klein’s final season as Lawrence boys’ volleyball coach, the team compiled a 17-win season and came within a point of reaching the Nassau Division II finals.
Sue Grieco/Herald
Sue Grieco/Herald
Golden Tornadoes are road warriors. No home field. No problem. The Lawrence boys’ soccer team weaved a solid 6-3-1 conference record despite playing away from home the entire season.
Hewlett wins girls track title. The final event literally vaulted the Hewlett girls’ spring track and field team to the Nassau Class AA county title. Maree Drayling won the deciding pole vault on May 19.
December 25, 2025 — SOUTH SHORE RECORD
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Lighting the menorah in Cedarhurst Park The Chabad the Five Towns celebrated 31st annual public menorah lighting, on Dec. 14 at Andrew J. Parise Park. In 1995 the Chabad pioneered the first and only public menorah in the Five Towns and this year, they have more than 20 menorahs lighting up the community. The celebration was held with very mixed emotions, as resident’s minds and hearts go out to the community in Sydney Australia. A terrorist attack killed 16 innocent individuals with 32 injured including Rabbi Wolowik’s 22-year-old cousin from Texas who went for the year to study and to assist Rabbi Schlanger in the Sydney community. Rabbi Wolowik’s Cousin finds himself fighting for his life after the terrorist shot him and Rabbi Schlanger was murdered. “But we know as a people that while we are saddened, we cannot let terrorist to have a victory, and we must prevail to not only not consider of doing any less,” Wolowik wrote in an email. “But to the contrary to bring even more light, especially the light of Chanukah to a world that has become so dark following the massacre. Chabad is committed to continue to expand in acts of goodness of kindness bringing so much more light to this world.” Wolowik said it was heartwarming to see the outpour of love and friendship at the lighting in Cedarhurst Park. Many residents who would not come out otherwise made an effort to be there, despite the snow and the cold. “Chabad sees it’s mission to continue to bring the message of Hope and Light to everyone in the Five Towns and beyond,” Wolowik wrote. — Melissa Berman
Rabbi Zalman Wolowik of the Chabad of the Five Towns addressed the attendees who supported the lighting in the snowy weather.
South Shore
RecoRd The Newspaper of the Five Towns
Official newspaper of Atlantic Beach, Cedarhurst, Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Neck, Lawrence Public Schools, Hewlett Woodmere Schools, Woodsburgh
Juan Alzamora/Herald photos
Rabbi Zalman Wolowik, Chabad of the Five Towns, left, Tzvi Wolowik, Chanie Wolowik, Jessica Kirschner and Jeremy Kirschner at the first night of Hanukkah menorah lighting.
Tzvi Wolowik, left, and Shmuli Begun handed out Hanukkah accessories for residents to wear at the annual menorah lighting, on Dec. 14. Stuart Richner - Publisher Jeffrey Bessen - Managing Editor Melissa Berman - Senior Reporter
Cara Dweck, back left, Julia Palgon, Jonathan Palgon, middle and Joseph Cara at Andrew J. Parise Park.
Rhonda Glickman - Vice President - Sales Ellen Reynolds - Classified Manager Jeffrey A. Negrin - Creative Director
Craig Cardone - Art Director Dianne Ramdass - Circulation Director
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Blakeman becomes the GOP gubernatorial front-runner By JEFFREY BESSEN Not long after upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she suspended her campaign on Dec. 19 for New York governor and will not seek re-election to Congress, the path to the Republican nomination for New York’s top elected post became easier to navigate for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “I want to thank Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for her outstanding service to the people of New York and to all Americans,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). “At this pivotal moment for New York, it is essential that Republicans and al New Yorkers come together in unity.” Blakeman, 70, who regained another four-year term in November, wasn’t making headway in just about every poll, showing him trailing Stefanik, 41, by huge margins. The Atlantic Beach resident, who grew up in Valley Stream, was endorsed by President Donald Trump over the weekend and appears to picking up steam. And now there will not be a Republican primary for the post. “Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump posted on his X account. “As Nassau County Executive, he is working tirelessly with the Brave Heroes of ICE, Border Patrol, and Law Enforcement to Keep Our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Community, and Ensure LAW AND ORDER.”
Herald file photo
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman now appears to be the Republican candidate for governor of New York. Blakeman, who officially announced he was running for governor on Dec. 12, initially received pushback from the state Republican and Nassau GOP committees. But now seems to have their support. “Bruce Blakeman has my endorsement and I urge our State Committee and party leaders to join me,” Cox said in a prepared statement. “Bruce is a fighter who has proven he knows how to win in
difficult political terrain. As County Executive, he cut taxes, fought against radical leftwing social policies and made Nassau County the safest county in America.” Stefanik made her announcement in a statement citing family considerations and strategic concerns about a prolonged Republican primary. “While spending precious time with my family this Christmas season, I have
made the decision to suspend my campaign for Governor and will not seek reelection to Congress,” Stefanik said, adding that the decision was made with careful consideration for her family. She emphasized her role as a mother, saying she wanted to focus on her young son’s “safety, growth, and happiness.” Stefanik thanked voters in New York’s 21st Congressional District for entrusting her to represent them and expressed gratitude to her staff, highlighting what she described as significant results delivered over her 11 years in office. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, 67, said she is ready to run against Blakeman.” “The fact is, ‘100% MAGA’ Bruce Blakeman traveled all the way to D.C. to celebrate Trump’s expensive tariffs, he ran Long Island’s safety net hospital into the ground by appointing corrupt cronies to run it, and let violent crime in Nassau County spike to its highest level in a decade,” she said in a news release. “Governor Hochul’s message to him or whichever lackey Trump picks to run against her is simple: Bring it on.” Blakeman, whose father Robert served as an assemblyman and brother, Brad, was on the staff of President George W. Bush, has served as a Town of Hempstead councilman twice, in the County Legislature, including being the first presiding officer, and as a Port Authority commissioner. If elected he would be the first Long Islander to be governor.
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Nassau County aims to maintain balance between peaceful protest and religious freedom.
County Legislators pass Religious Safety Act By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com
Nassau County legislators have approved a bill that would add protection for worshippers at religious institutions. The bill, formally known as the “Religious Safety Act,” was passed unanimously by the Nassau County Legislature and awaits signature by County Executive Bruce Blakeman. It prohibits demonstrations from occurring within 10 feet of a person entering or exiting a place of religious worship. It also prevents demonstrations within 35 feet of an entrance to a religious institution during the hour before a scheduled service and the hour after it ends. New York State Assemblyman Ari Brown, whose district encompasses the Five Towns, praised Blakeman for backing the bill’s creation, saying he was “right to lead on it.” “This measure does not silence anyone,” he said. “It simply says you don’t get to target families, children, or religious communities at their most vulnerable. In the Five Towns, where antisemitism is not abstract or academic, that protection matters.” Efforts to pass the bill are part of a greater conversation on balancing rights to free speech with someone’s right to religious freedom and safety. Under the law, authorities must warn protesters before taking enforcement action. Steven Saks, the rabbi at Congregation Sons of Israel, spoke on the importance of preserving safety of worshippers. “People of all religions should be able to gather in practice and safety,” he said. Tensions are high among the Jewish community in light of recent events: In June, police responded to a report of a large banner reading “50,000 Dead Gazan Kids” hanging on the fence of the Israel Chesed Center on Peninsula Boulevard.
And the recent antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia on Dec. 14, which claimed the lives of 15 people attending a Hanukkah celebration, sparked sermons from rabbis globally— Saks included. “Terrorism is not only an attempt to hurt people, but gives fear of congregation,” he said. “As long as people are engaged in peaceful practice of religion, it’s important that they are protected.” Legislators led by Mazi Pilip, who represents Great Neck, were motivated to act after a large protest outside Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue last month. Attendees were victims of derogatory remarks like “Zionism is a death cult” and “Death to the IDF,” with some protestors attempting to force their way inside. Blakeman, who strongly supports the bill, stated that protests that threaten public safety will not stand in the community. “Religious freedom is guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States,” he said. “Whether it’s a synagogue, church, temple, or mosque, Nassau County will not tolerate interference with people’s right to observe their religious worship. Rabbi Ya’akov Trump of Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst said he applauds Nassau County’s courage to stand up to protect the safety of those who wish to use religious institutions. “Our synagogue has twice been targeted by pro-Hamas bigots who threatened our community,” Trump said. “No religious community should be allowed to be targeted like this.” He said the laws help protect the freedom of worship and freedom of expression in every community. “Nassau County has distinguished itself from NYC by choosing to protect Jewish houses of worship from masked protesters who seek to intimidate and delegitimize Jews,” he said.
Mount Sinai South Nassau is High Performing in Ten Areas of Care.
mountsinai.org/southnassau 1327618
December 25, 2025 — SOUTH SHORE RECORD
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