Five Towns Jewish Home 08.14.25

Dear Readers,

This summer really flew by. There, I said it. I hate using them, but clichés are clichés for a reason. Somehow, the summer always seems to run away, and yet it always sounds so trite when you say it after so many weeks of vacation.

Truthfully, though, the summer isn’t really over. Hey, we’re only halfway through August. But when the kids finish camp, you know that that six-letter word – school – is going to roll around. And that will mean homework and uniforms and buses and early bedtimes.

Running a day camp is like running a small school, a pool, and an amusement park at the same time. I am amazed at how much goes into every day at camp. The camp directors and head staff spend early mornings and late nights assuring that your kids will be safe and have fun. Every year, they become more creative with their activities; they think about camp all year to give their campers the time of their lives.

Running a sleepaway camp? Well, that’s like managing a small city, a family reunion, a yeshiva, scores of Shabbatons, and a mini Olympics at all once. There are so many aspects that go into organizing those eight weeks a year – food, sleeping arrangements, overflowing toilets, scrapes and bruises, canteen, homesickness, leagues, swimming, trips, activities – my mind hurts just thinking about it. And it’s all about giving the kids a great time and uplifting their summer so they can come into the next year on a high.

I always have extra appreciation for the camp experience when camp ends. During the summer, the kids come home exhausted, drained from a wonderful day filled with amazing activities. But then camp ends, and they are home for two weeks – or more. It’s then that I realize that I am not cut out to be a camp director, because every half hour – or maybe even less – I’m hearing, “I’m bored” or “There’s nothing to do.” Okaaay, how about you color a picture for me? Do you want to build something with Magnatiles? Want to bake? Want to go swimming? And those activities – if they agree to them – last for a short while and then we’re back to “boredom.” What about those who are always whining, “There’s nothing to eat” when the fridge and cabinets are overflowing? “Oh, can I go for pizza and slurpees?” Again?! There are just so many times that we can do Seasons Express runs before the guy behind the counter fines us for loitering.

I’m sure that history will not agree with my memory, but I don’t recall being so “bored” on vacation when I was growing up. Just please don’t ask my mother; I’m concerned she may remember differently.

So now that camp is coming to a close and the school year is beginning to just peek around the corner, here’s to a few more weeks of sun, some “boredom,” and a lot of family time! Wishing you a wonderful, relaxing week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern, PUBLISHER publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

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Dear Editor,

Thank you to Tammy Mark for her insightful article about Emil Fish. Thanks to The Bardejov Jewish Preservation Committee and The Emil A. and Jenny Fish Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies at Yeshiva University, several of my family members recently had the opportunity to travel to Bardejov for the 2025 Commemoration Event. They were able to tour the town where my grandmother was born, meet with a historian to see the ledger records of her birth and visit the local Jewish cemetery to see the kever of my great-grandfather. There was a moving Holocaust memorial ceremony which involved local schoolchildren, as well as tours of the shuls to see how they were preserved or being restored, and the efforts that are being taken to educate people about the history of the town, and so much more.

Thank you again for sharing this with our community.

Pam Bluth

Dear Editor,

After many years of spending summers in day camp, my teenage grandson agreed to go to sleepaway camp for the first session. Being a ben Torah, an athlete, and having a sufficient canteen account are enabling him to enjoy this experience. Although he was able to make many new friends, his sensitivity caused him to be keenly aware and bothered that another camper in his bunk was not as outgoing as the others and did not feel included. He befriended this boy, spent time each day talking with him, and giving him chizuk. He wanted to ensure that the boy knew he had a friend there for

him and helped him to feel that he is part of the bunk.

Nearing the end of the first month of camp, my grandson expressed his desire to stay for the second month. As this was not planned for in advance, his parents explained that it was not possible for them to make it work out this year, but perhaps for next summer they can plan ahead for a full season in camp.

Meanwhile...the camper in his bunk who he would talk with and help out, who was supposed to stay for the full summer, had made the decision that he wanted to go home. When the boy’s father came to see his son at camp, the boy told his father all about the chesed that was done for him. His father went to speak with my grandson and thanked him personally. His son had told his father that my grandson wanted to stay for the second month but couldn’t. The boy’s father told my grandson that if he wants to stay for the second month, he will make it happen for him and speak to the camp so that he can stay in place of his son. My grandson was so appreciative and thankful for the kindness and generosity of the boy’s father. He called his parents all excited to ask them and tell them about this great offer and opportunity.

My grandson is overjoyed to be in camp for this second month. We are all so happy that although he is never looking for schar for any chesed that he does, Hashem blessed him with this special gift. What comes from the heart, touches the heart.

May we always care for each other, be there for each other, and bring light and love into our world.

Esther Mochan

Continued on page 12

Continued from page 10

Dear Editor,

The word chevlei from chevlei Moshiach connotes the birth pangs of Moshiach. Chevlei, having the word chevel within it, can also translate to mean rope, the rope of Moshiach. What does one hold onto to be spared from Moshiach?

The answer can be found in a verse (Kohelet 4:12), “Vehachut hameshulash lo bimeheirah yinateik — a three-fold cord is not easily broken.” One holds onto the three-pronged cord of the Avot who represent Torah, avodah, and gemilus chassadim, with Torah and gemilus chassadim providing extra protection from the difficulties of Moshiach (Sanhedrin 98b). But what affirmative steps can be taken to bring Moshiach?

Charlie Harary quotes his rebbe to say that kinah, jealousy, is at the root of the problem. The Meraglim looked around and saw giants and “decided” they were grasshoppers; they felt like nothing and lost hope. This, despite the fact that G-d performed miracles and gave them everything they needed until that point. Looking around and comparing oneself to others leads to despair and hopelessness. One must stop looking to the side and rather up. G-d’s interested in you and your mistakes and foibles and just cares that you’re trying. His love for you is boundless. There’s no need to compare yourself to others.

His rebbe said to identify who you’re jealous of and, to yourself, bless them every day. In this way, our eyes will start looking up, and not to the side, and G-d above can hastily bring redemption.

Steven Genack

Dear Editor,

Thank you for featuring the story of my great-grandfather Rafuel Lowy’s successful plan to prevent the deportation of the girls of Bardejov to Auschwitz, as told through the lens of Emil Fish. Mr. Fish has worked tirelessly to preserve the Jewish heritage of Bardejov and ensure that generations to come are educated about the horrors of the Holocaust. The article notes that, unfortunately, Rafuel Lowy did not survive the Holocaust. The story does not end there, though. Dozens of Rafuel Lowy’s great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren live here in the greater Five Towns, Far Rockaway, and Atlantic Beach community.

May his legacy be a zechus for all of us.

Melanie Lowy Weg Woodmere, NY

Dear Editor,

Mamdani is running for mayor, and as much as we can dislike his positions on most—or even every—issue, he is still honest about what he stands for, and he is charismatic, with a perpetual smile, a relatively youthful look, and a pleasant disposition. If you looked past what he stands for, you might say he’s the perfect candidate—especially for the clueless under-30 voters who see only those traits.

Now, is he the enemy? Yes and no. His opponents include three or four tired, has-been seniors who either had their moment in the spotlight long ago or tried and failed to get it. Two of the candidates have plenty of baggage that could work against them, while another is as polished as the sanitation worker who picks up your garbage—and that’s the best they have, politically speaking. The last one is someone whose name I don’t even know, and frankly, I don’t care to know.

Mamdani is campaigning to turn NYC into a socialist city in every way possible. His platform of closing jails and defunding the police would only create a city reminiscent of Detroit or Camden, NJ, in their worst days.

Given all this, and the fact that the three opponents running against him seem to care more about their four years of fame than about NYC itself, one must wonder: do they not realize they are just siphoning votes away from each other? Are they so foolish as not to recognize this?

To win, they must endorse the front-runner and join forces, presenting a united front against Mamdani. The Republican Party in NYC needs to tell Sliwa to step aside—or else lose influence in the party altogether—and registered Republicans in NYC should demand that he endorse the front-runner, who at this time is Cuomo.

That is the only way to defeat Mamdani.

Reuven Guttman Lawrence, NY

U.S. Sanctions Iranian Entities

According to an announcement issued Thursday by the Treasury Department, the United States, in an effort to crack down on Iran financially and militarily, will be sanctioning 18 individuals and companies that have assisted Tehran in secretly raising money and circumventing previous sanctions.

“Treasury will continue to disrupt Iran’s schemes aimed at evading our sanctions,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared. “We’re committed to starving Iran’s weapons programs of funds to keep Americans safe.”

The 18 sanctioned entities are now unable to do business with U.S. citizens. Additionally, their U.S. assets are now frozen. Foreign banks that aid the entities could also face U.S. sanctions.

Among the 18 sanctioned entities is RUNC Exchange Systems Company, the creator of the CIMS (Cross-Border Interbank Messaging System) platform, a tool intended to bypass global payment networks such as SWIFT, thus enabling the Iranian regime to carry out financial transactions amid sanctions. CIMS has been used in dealings with the Bank of Kunlun, a Chinese institution that the U.S. previously sanctioned. According to the Treasury, any banks or financial institutions that use CIMS risk future sanctions. Additionally, the U.S. sanctioned three senior RUNC officials.

Cyrus Offshore Bank, an institution based in Iran’s Kish Free Zone, was also sanctioned, along with a few of its executives. According to the U.S., the bank was established to secretly move oil sales money and hide links to Iran’s central bank. The institution cooperated with the Parsian Bank and the Iranian military, routing funds through Chinese banks.

The U.S. also sanctioned Pasargad

Bank’s tech firm FANAP, which supplies Iranian banks with technology and software, including ATMs and digital payment systems. FANAP’s owner was previously sanctioned. The U.S. also sanctioned the director of FANAP and several subsidiaries of the tech firm. According to reports, FANAP helped Iran’s intelligence ministry and police build surveillance technology, including facial recognition systems, domestic messaging apps, and other tools that limit Iranians’ access to the web.

According to the U.S., the sanctions are designed to push Iran into changing its ways.

Is Perrier Natural?

Throughout the world, Perrier and other French water companies are beloved for their “natural” mineral water. However, one year ago, reports from Le Monde and Radio France called into question just how natural the companies’ water is. At the time, the outlets reported that the companies had illegally treated one-third or more of the mineral water they’ve sold in France, using bacteria-removing ultra-violet light, carbon filters, or ultra-fine micro-meshes.

Though the company’s treated water is safe to drink, the treatment is legally problematic, as the European Union considers “natural mineral water” to be completely unaltered, meaning Perrier’s decision to label its water “natural” — and to sell it at a higher price than filtered water — may have been deceptive. Now, in the next few months, the European Commission is expected to decide what level of micro-filtration is allowed for “natural mineral water,” in a move that will determine whether Perrier’s methods violated the E.U.’s rules.

Executives in charge of Perrier and Nestlé, its parent company, also reportedly concealed reports of contamination. The outlets also reported that President Emmanuel Macron’s government knowingly withheld key facts from the public because it viewed the mineral water industry as strategically important to France. The government was accused by a Senate inquiry of a “deliberate strategy” of “dissimulation.”

Several months ago, Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe confessed that Perrier has, in fact, treated its water in an unauthorized manner. Freixe also admitted that hydrologists inspected Perrier’s site in southern France’s Gard department and recommended against renewing the product’s “natural mineral water” status. Since its founding in the 1860s, some 160 years ago, Perrier’s water has been labeled as “natural mineral water.” Soon, it may lose that status.

Perrier sources its water from deep aquifers in the region between Nîmes and Montpellier, a heavily populated, farmed, and boiling area. The company maintains that its micro-filtration methods are in line with the E.U.’s rules. Officially, the E.U. only recognizes mineral water as natural when its mineral make-up is unaltered and it is not disinfected. The European Commission’s decision will determine what level of micro-filtration counts as alteration.

Tragic Helicopter Crash in Ghana

Last Wednesday, a Z9 military helicopter crashed in Ghana’s central Ashanti

region, leaving no survivors. The accident occurred during the aircraft’s flight from Accra, the capital, to the town of Obuasi, where the officials on board planned to attend an anti-illegal mining event.

The crash killed the three crew members and five passengers on board, including Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah, a former communications minister and environment minister; Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, known for spearheading the campaign against illegal gold mining; Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, a former minister of agriculture; Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress Party, Samuel Sarpong; and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.

Authorities identified the crew members as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Am-

padu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The remains of those killed were recovered and are undergoing forensic identification. On August 15, Ghana will hold a state funeral.

President John Mahama described the tragedy as “a personal loss for him.”

“I shared a bond with many of those who died. Our nation is grieving,” Mahama said in an address to his nation, declaring three days of national mourning starting Thursday.

Mahama also announced that authorities recovered the aircraft’s “black boxes,” which include the flight data and cockpit voice recorders. He added that the military has “initiated a full and transparent investigation.”

The cause of the crash is currently unclear, though poor weather conditions may have played a role in the accident. According to the country’s meteorological agency, cold weather was expected, along with foggy conditions caused by rain. The morning of the crash, the nearby area was foggy, according to local farmers.

A witness reported seeing the aircraft fly at an “unusually low altitude” during bad weather. After the helicopter flew by, he heard a “loud sound” followed by a “bang.”

“That’s when I realized that the helicopter had exploded. So I hurried to the place to see if I could find survivors,” the witness said, adding that he discovered that no one survived the crash.

This is the third incident involving Ghana Air Force helicopters over the past five years, though this incident was deadly. In 2020 and 2024, two military helicopters made emergency landings near Tamale Airport and Bonsukrom, respectively.

Researcher Found in Melting Ice

Dennis “Tink” Bell fell into a crevasse in Antarctica in 1959 at the age of 25. He was working for the organization that eventually became the British Antarctic Survey. Now, due to melting glaciers, Bell’s remains have been found, along with his watch, radio and pipe.

“I had long given up on finding my brother. It is just remarkable, astonishing. I can’t get over it,” David Bell, 86, said.

“Dennis was one of the many brave personnel who contributed to the early science and exploration of Antarctica under extraordinarily harsh conditions,” says Professor Dame Jane Francis, director of the British Antarctic Survey. “Even though he was lost in 1959, his memory lived on among colleagues and in the legacy of polar research.”

The bones were found on the moraine and surface of the Ecology Glacier, on western shore of Admiralty Bay.

Bell had worked with the RAF and trained as a meteorologist, before joining the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey to work in Antarctica.

“He was obsessed with Scott’s diaries,” David said, referring to Captain Robert Scott who was one of the first men to reach the South Pole and died on an expedition in 1912.

Dennis went to Antarctica in 1958. He was stationed for a two-year assignment at Admiralty Bay, a small UK base with about 12 men on King George Island, which is roughly 75 miles off the northern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Dennis’s job was to send up meteorological weather balloons and radio the reports to the UK every three hours, which involved firing up a generator in sub-zero conditions.

Described as the best cook in the hut, he was in charge of the food store over the winter when no supplies could reach them. He was also involved in surveying King George Island to produce some of the first mapping of the largely unexplored place.

It was on a surveying trip when the accident happened, a few weeks after his 25th birthday. He had been on a surveying mission with Jeff Stokes when Bell went on ahead without his skis. Suddenly, he disappeared into a crevasse and was not able to be rescued.

His remains were found earlier this year by a team of Polish researchers working from the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station.

Virus Spreads in China

The chikungunya virus, an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes, is spreading in China’s southern manufacturing city, Foshan, prompting the government to take action to slow the virus’s spread. By Wednesday, over 7,000 cases of the virus were reported.

Authorities in Foshan are handing out mosquito nets, while workers are spraying insecticide on residential areas, streets, and construction areas. Officials are also imposing a 10,000 yuan ($1,400) fine and threatening to cut off electricity to those who don’t empty bottles, flower pots, and other outdoor receptacles that attract breeding mosquitoes.

The outbreak was exacerbated by heavy rains and high temperatures this year.

This recent outbreak is China’s first, University of Oxford’s César López-Camacho noted.

“What makes this event notable is that chikungunya has never been established in mainland China before,” he stated. “This suggests that most of the population had no preexisting immunity, making it easier for the virus to spread quickly.”

Chikungunya generally causes mild symptoms, such as fever, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, and a rash. The disease,

which is caused by a virus with the same name, rarely leads to severe joint pain, hospitalization, or death. The majority of chikungunya deaths are babies and elderly individuals with pre-existing medical issues. Patients with serious symptoms are, in many cases, hospitalized to prevent potential organ damage.

Though the virus has no particular treatment, patients can benefit from medications that reduce fevers and soothe muscle pain. Britain, Brazil, Canada, and Europe, along with other regions, have two approved chikungunya vaccines, though the areas hit the worst — including in Africa, Asia, and the Americas — do not have sufficient access to the vaccines.

Across 16 countries, the European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control have recorded 240,000 cases of the virus, including 90 deaths as of July. Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru have the most cases.

Since 2000, there has been an uptick in cases of chikungunya and other mosquito-transmitted viruses, including dengue and Zika, said Robert Jones, an assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. According to Jones, outbreaks may spread in areas of southern China with humid climates and dense cities.

Trump’s ArmeniaAzerbaijan Peace Deal

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump held a meeting with the heads of Azerbaijan and Armenia, during which they signed a joint peace declaration.

Trump declared the agreement a historic “peace deal.” For almost 40 years — since the 1988 dissolution of the Soviet Union — Azerbaijan and Armenia have fought for sovereignty over a disputed territory called Nagorno-Karabakh.

During the early 1990s, fighting led to over 30,000 deaths. In 2020, another 6,000 or more people died during the two countries’ 44-day conflict.

Both sides said they would drop all territorial claims, avoid the use of force,

and adhere to international law.

“It’s a long time,” Trump declared during the ceremony. “Thirty-five years they fought and now they’re friends and they’re going to be friends for a long time.”

“They’re going to be able to really live and work together,” the president added.

The deal grants the United States exclusive rights to build a transit route through Azerbaijan called the Zangezur corridor, which would connect two territories of Armenia. The Trump administration has named the route the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP).

“What this will do for American businesses, and, frankly, for energy resources across Europe, will be enormously powerful,” a senior administration official said of the deal.

The route could lead to “significant infrastructure development by American companies,” which would likely “economically benefit all three of our nations,” Trump declared.

Trump added that Azerbaijan will have complete access to Nagorno-Karabakh but will also accept Armenia’s sovereignty over the disputed region. As per the deal, the U.S. can take “up to 99 years” to build the corridor, Trump said.

For some time now, Russia has hoped to broker a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, Moscow’s war on Ukraine distracted it from getting involved. The Russian army also tried to stop Azerbaijan from taking over the disputed region but did not succeed.

The two countries haven’t decided where to draw their border, though Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan jointly signed a letter before Trump’s ceremony on Friday, asking the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to dissolve the Minsk Group, a diplomatic mediation body meant to bring peace to the region. The group, which is headed by the United States, Russia, and France, failed to stop Azerbaijan from taking control of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, thus rendering the body powerless.

“There should be no doubt and no suspicion that any of the sides would step back,” Azerbaijan’s president said, insisting that both countries are committed to peace. “If any of us, Prime Minister Pashinyan or myself, had in mind to step back, we wouldn’t have come here. So you can be absolutely sure, as well as Azerbaijani community, that what has happened today will result in peace—long-lasting peace, eternal peace in the Caucasus.”

This is one of several peace and economic deals struck by Trump since his second term began in January. Trump brokered a peace deal between Rwanda and Congo and another agreement that ended fighting between Cambodia and Thailand. Trump also claimed to have been heavily involved in the recent peace deal between India and Pakistan, though India denied such claims. The Trump administration has also been working on ceasefires in Gaza and Ukraine.

“I came in, and this whole world was on fire,” Trump said on the day of the ceremony. “All these things were sort of happening. We’ve only been here for six months. The world was on fire. We took care of just about every fire.”

Trump has his eye on the Nobel Peace Prize. A number of world leaders have nominated him for the award. Now, the heads of Armenia and Azerbaijan have said they will also nominate Trump.

“Who, if not President Trump, deserves the Nobel Peace Prize? …As soon as we [return], we will agree to issue a joint letter,” said Ilham Aliyev, the president of Azerbaijan, echoing a statement from Armenia’s prime minister.

“The losers here are China, Russia and Iran. The winners here are the West,” a senior Trump administration official said.

Immigration Raids in India

Thousands of people have been caught up in a widening crackdown on migrants that the Indian government has justified as a national security imperative. Rights groups say the crackdown, which intensified after a terrorist attack in Kashmir in April, has become an increasingly arbitrary campaign of fear against Muslims in India, especially those whose language might mark them as outsiders. Most of those detained in the raids live hundreds of miles from Pakistan, which India has blamed for the attack.

Indian Bengali-speakers, most of them Muslims, have been rounded up, detained or expelled to Bangladesh. Many are from West Bengal, an eastern Indian state where Bengali is the main language; for decades, young people from the state have migrated to big Indian cities elsewhere for work.

Several million Bangladeshis are thought to live in India, entering — legally or illegally — through the porous border that divides the two nations. Indian states have carried out raids on neighborhoods with dense concentrations of Bengali speakers, saying they had evidence of immigrants there illegally. (Bengali, an official language of both India and Bangladesh, is spoken by tens of millions of people on both sides of the border.)

Since mid-July, authorities in Gurugram, a satellite city of the capital, New Delhi, have conducted what they call a verification drive, intended to identify immigrants lacking legal status.

Police in Gurugram have detained and then released hundreds of people with documents showing they lived legally in India, according to local media reports. Hundreds of mostly poor Bengali speakers, the reports said, preemptively fled the city after the drive began, worried they would be picked up by police at any moment.

Between 200 and 250 people have been detained in the verification drive and 10 were identified as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, said Sandeep Kumar, a public relations officer for the Gurugram

police department. He said claims of people fleeing the city were “rumors.” Supantha Sinha, a lawyer working on detention cases in the city of Gurugram, said the number was closer to 1,000.

In interviews with a dozen people across four Indian states, in neighborhoods that have been raided by police, Muslim and Hindu Bengali speakers said they had become scared of being caught in the government’s crackdown. (© The New York Times)

Israel to Take Over Gaza City

Despite IDF warnings that such an operation could harm hostages, Israel’s security cabinet authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to take control of Gaza City. The approval, a milder version of the premier’s previous proposal to take over the entire Gaza Strip, came overnight Thursday-Friday of last week.

The prime minister’s office said the plan was designed with the goal of “defeating Hamas” in mind. As such, further operations in areas of the Strip besides Gaza City have not been ruled out.

The one million Palestinians living in Gaza City will have until October 7, 2025 — the second anniversary of the 2023 Hamas-led massacre — to leave the city. At that point, the Israel Defense Forces will put Gaza City under a blockade to kill any terrorists in the area. According to a senior Israeli official, the IDF will move onto the rest of Gaza after taking over the Strip’s capital.

Only 25% of Gaza, particularly Gaza City and areas in central Gaza, isn’t under Israel’s control. The IDF, fearing that Hamas would murder the 20 living hostages it is holding, has thus far refrained from entering those areas. Last August, Hamas murdered six hostages in Rafah after Israeli soldiers mistakenly approached a tunnel where the terrorists held the abductees.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office

said most of his cabinet agreed that five objectives must be accomplished before the war ends: Hamas must be destroyed as a military entity; all 50 hostages must be returned; the Gaza Strip must be demilitarized; Israel must have security control over the Strip; and Gaza must be governed by a government besides Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

Netanyahu has said that “Arab forces” will take control of Gaza after Israel concludes its operations in the enclave. However, Arab countries have said they would only get involved if the PA takes Hamas’s place.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, during a 10-hour meeting, objected to the plan to take over Gaza City.

“The lives of the hostages will be in danger if we go ahead with this plan to occupy Gaza. There is no way to guarantee that we will not harm them. Our forces are worn out, the military tools need maintenance, and there are humanitarian and sanitary [concerns regarding the Palestinian population],” he reportedly said.

Zamir claimed that the operation would take a long time, kill soldiers, and make it impractical to rescue the hostages. He suggested a different course of action, though ministers branded his plan

as ineffective.

Some suspect that this plan is a tactic designed to get Hamas to the negotiating table. If Hamas surrenders, the IDF will pause its Gaza City campaign, Netanyahu said, though National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have taken issue with that plan. Ben Gvir and Smotrich, who voted against Netanyahu’s proposal, were unhappy that the plan provides aid to Gaza City evacuees. They also want the IDF to permanently take over the entire Strip.

BBC: Hamas Steals Aid

The BBC released a report last week claiming that Hamas is secretly paying its tens of thousands of terrorists money using a $700 million cash stockpile the

terror group hid in underground tunnels before the October 7 massacre. Additionally, the report backs Israel’s assertion that Hamas steals humanitarian aid and sells it at exorbitant prices or gives it to loyalists.

According to the report, over the past week or so, three Hamas members were given around NIS 1,000 ($300). Currently, terrorists receive a much lower salary than they did before the war. Every ten weeks, they’re paid no more than 20% of their previous pay. Since the war broke out in Gaza, 30,000 individuals designated as “civil servants” by the terror group have received salaries from Hamas.

The report adds that Hamas, over encrypted text messages, secretly invites terrorists for “tea” at a particular place and time. During the meeting, the operatives are discreetly handed an envelope with money by an individual who walks past them. Israel has previously struck these meetings’ locations.

To raise money, Hamas has been taxing traders and selling cigarettes for up to 100 times their pre-October 7 price. According to the report, Hamas has also been raising money by stealing aid en masse and selling it on the black market. Between January and March, when Israel increased aid deliveries during a ceasefire deal, Hamas stole “significant quantities” of aid, the BBC reported. The Wall Street Journal, in April, also noted that Hamas relies on stolen aid to pay its terrorists.

Though the United Nations has long rejected Israel’s claim that Hamas systematically steals aid, the U.N. recently confessed that, over the past few months, 88% of aid trucks were looted.

According to the report, many terrorists are unhappy about their low wages.

Israel’s Largest Gas Deal

On Thursday, owners of Israel’s Leviathan gas field signed a $35 billion deal — the biggest in the Jewish state’s history — to export natural gas to Egypt.

The partners — NewMed Energy (which owns a 45.3% stake in Leviathan), Chevron (with a 39.66% stake), and Ratio Oil Corp. (which owns a 15% stake) — will

sell 130 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas to Egypt, either by 2040 or until the parties fulfill the contract quantities, according to NewMed, an Israeli company owned by Yitzhak Tshuva’s Delek Group.

Israel is supposed to receive hundreds of millions of shekels in royalties and taxes from this deal.

“This is the most strategically important export deal to ever occur in the eastern Mediterranean and strengthens Egypt’s position as the most significant hub in the region,” said Yossi Abu, the CEO of NewMed. “This deal, made possible by our strong regional partnerships, will unlock further regional export opportunities, once again proving that natural gas and the wider energy industry can be an anchor for collaboration.”

Leviathan, which began supplying to the Israeli domestic market in December 2019, is among the world’s biggest deep-water gas fields, storing around 600 bcm of gas some 120 kilometers west of Haifa. Since then, Israel has received NIS 4.2 billion in royalties. In 2024, Israel collected nearly NIS 1.02 billion.

In January 2020, Leviathan’s partners started selling natural gas to Egypt under a 60 bcm deal that should continue until the early 2030s. As of now, Egypt has received 23.5 bcm of gas from Leviathan.

Thursday’s deal will begin in 2026 with the sale of 20 bcm, with the reservoir’s annual gas supply to Egypt rising from 4.7 bcm annually to 6.7 bcm. Then, in 2029, Leviathan’s production expansion plan and the building of a new transmission pipeline from Israel to Egypt will be complete, thus allowing Leviathan to supply another 110 bcm, bringing the annual total from 12 bcm to 13 bcm.

“The deal should pave the way for the expansion of Leviathan and ensure the supply of natural gas to the Israeli market until 2064,” NewMed insisted.

A few months ago, Israel’s Finance Ministry warned that the Jewish state risks having a natural gas shortage within 25 years due to fast-rising domestic energy needs.

In 2024, natural gas exports from Israel to Egypt and Jordan rose by over 13%, making up around half of Israel’s gas production. According to the Joint Organizations Data Initiative, Egypt receives 15% to 20% of its gas from Israel. Israel, Egypt, and the European Union signed an agreement, allowing Israeli natural gas exports to the E.U., supplied through Egypt’s liquefied natural gas plants. Europe has been looking for alternative natural gas exporters, as the E.U. distances itself from Russia.

Australia to Recognize Palestinian State

On Monday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that his country will recognize a Palestinian state in September. Albanese’s announcement comes amid a growing list of countries

that have professed their intention to recognize a Palestinian state.

A formal recognition will be made at the United Nations General Assembly next month, where “Australia will recognize the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own predicated on the commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority,” Albanese said at a press conference.

On Monday, New Zealand’s Foreign

on said in a press conference that it was “entirely appropriate that we take the time to actually make sure we weigh up our decision and work that through in a sensible way.”

The United Kingdom, France and Canada recently announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September.

Albanese said Australia had sought and received assurances from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that Hamas would play no role in any future Palestinian state.

Other conditions include a commitment to demilitarize and to hold general elections, abolish a “system of payments to the families of prisoners and martyrs,” and governance and education reform, as well as “international oversight to guard against the incitement of violence and hatred,” Albanese said.

“A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict suffering and starvation in Gaza,” he said. “This is about much more than drawing a line on a map. This is about delivering a lifeline to the people of Gaza.”

Last week, U.S. Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio said that declarations of support for a Palestinian state were “largely symbolic” and only “emboldened Hamas and made it harder to achieve peace.”

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a rare press conference with international media in which he called steps by Western nations to recognize Palestinian statehood “shameful.”

Minister Winston Peters said his country was also considering recognizing a Palestinian state and would make a decision at a cabinet meeting in September.

“New Zealand has been clear for some time that our recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if,” Peters said.

Describing the situation in Gaza as an “absolute human catastrophe,” New Zealand Prime Minister Chrisopher Lux-

“To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole, just like that, fall right into it, and buy this canard is disappointing,” Netanyahu said. “But it’s not going to change our position. We will not commit national suicide to get a good op-ed for two minutes.”

A Journalist and a Terrorist

Anas al-Sharif was a prominent Al Jazeera journalist. But aside from broadcasting news, the man was a terrorist who

had joined the Hamas military wing ten years ago and was receiving a terrorist’s salary. This week, al-Sharif was killed in an Israeli airstrike.

“Prior to the strike, we obtained current intelligence indicating that [Anas] al-Sharif was an active Hamas military wing operative at the time of his elimination. In addition, he received a salary from the Hamas terror group and terrorist supporters, Al-Jazeera, at the same time,” IDF international spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said on X.

The IDF said that Sharif was “the head of a Hamas terrorist cell and advanced rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF troops.

“Intelligence and documents from Gaza, including rosters, terrorist training lists and salary records, prove he was a Hamas operative integrated into Al Jazeera,” it said, alongside a screenshot of relevant documents.

The documents, published by the IDF in October, showed that Sharif joined Hamas’s military wing on December 3, 2013, where he served as a commander of a rocket-launching squad in northern Gaza. He was certified as the team commander on January 1, 2019, according to the documents.

Sharif’s military ID number was listed on the documents as 305342.

On April 7, 2017, Sharif was wounded in his eye and suffered hearing loss during Hamas training, though he continued to remain in the organization on a $200 a month salary, according to a 2023 document published by the military.

A separate, undated document showed that Sharif’s name was on the internal phone registry of the elite Nukhba Force company in Hamas’s East Jabalia Battalion. A codename for Sharif is also listed in the directory.

Al-Sharif’s death sparked an international outcry from those who say that Israel is targeting journalists in Gaza.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an “independent and impartial investigation into these latest killings,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

“At least 242 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began. Jour-

nalists and media workers must be respected, they must be protected, and they must be allowed to carry out their work freely, free from fear and free from harassment,” he added.

Al Jazeera said the attack killed its correspondents Sharif and Mohammed Qraiqea along with cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa and Mohammed Noufal. Freelancer Mohammad al-Khaldi was also with the group and lost his life in the strike.

The European Union joined the chorus of international condemnations of the strike, with the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas calling on Israel to provide “clear evidence” of its claim regarding the affiliation of the journalists it targeted.

In his Monday post, Shoshani wrote that the documents the army published in October are “only a small, declassified portion of our intelligence on al-Sharif leading up to the strike.”

“This information was obtained during ground operations in Gaza at two separate locations,” he added.

Germany to Halt Arms Sales

Germany won’t authorize any exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday. The announcement was made right after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet’s decision to take over Gaza City Germany, along with the United States and Italy, is among the top foreign suppliers of equipment used by Israel’s military. The pause adds to action taken by European countries — including economic, military and diplomatic measures — against Israel in recent months out of concern over its government’s conduct in the nearly two-year war in Gaza. Merz said in a statement that Israel “has the right to defend itself against Hamas’ terror” and that the release of Israeli hostages and purposeful negotiations toward a ceasefire are “our top priority.” He said that Hamas mustn’t have a role in the future of Gaza.

“The even harsher military action by

30 the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved,” he said. “Under these circumstances, the German government will not authorize any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”

Netanyahu spoke with Merz on Friday and expressed disappointment with the arms decision.

The German government remains deeply concerned about the suffering of civilians in Gaza, Merz said.

“With the planned offensive, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility than before for providing for their needs,” he said.

Merz called on Israel to allow comprehensive access for aid deliveries — including for U.N. organizations and other nongovernmental organizations — and said that Israel “must continue to comprehensively and sustainably address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

The move has particular weight because Germany has been seen as one of Israel’s strongest supporters.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, last year, Germany was the No. 2 supplier of arms to Israel after the United States.

German companies provide 30% of Israel’s defense imports, mostly naval armaments, according to data analyzed by Zain Hussain, an arms transfers researcher at SIPRI. He suggested the German pullback would be temporary.

“This is going to be a limited measure,” Hussain said. “Germany has been committed to providing Israel with arms, especially with ships.”

German-made engines can be fitted in Israeli Merkava tanks and Namer armored personnel carriers, which are ac-

tively deployed in Gaza. Sa’ar corvettes — small warships festooned with sophisticated radar equipment and cannons — from Germany have been used to shell targets in Gaza during the war, Hussain said.

Last week, even before the Gaza City takeover plan, Slovenia announced that it would ban the import, export and transit of all weapons to and from Israel in response to the country’s actions in Gaza — saying it was the first EU member country to do so.

$50 Billion for Maduro’s Arrest

In 2020, Trump’s first administration indicted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on narcoterrorism charges, noting that the socialist leader collaborated with organized crime groups to traffic cocaine to the United States. Along with those charges, the administration offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest.

In the final days of Joe Biden’s presidency, he increased the bounty to $25 million. On Thursday, the Trump administration doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50

million.

Attorney General Pam Bondi declared Maduro “one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world and a threat to our national security,” accusing him of collaborating with Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa cartel, and Cartel of the Suns to “bring deadly drugs and violence into our country.” Bondi added that the U.S. has thus far confiscated 30 tons of cocaine connected to Maduro and his allies, including around seven tons directly tied to the Venezuelan president.

That same day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio branded Maduro “the head of the vicious Cartel de Los Soles, a narco-terror organization which has taken over Venezuela,” stressing that the Venezuelan leader “MUST be brought to justice.”

On Thursday, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, on social media, reacted to Bondi’s statement with a yawning emoji. Gil claimed that the move was meant to distract the public from the Trump administration’s domestic issues. Maduro, who became president after Hugo Chávez died in 2013, has rejected allegations of drug trafficking.

In all likelihood, the United States won’t be able to detain Maduro. However, the move restricts his ability to travel and puts pressure on him. The U.S. does not recognize Maduro as the president of Venezuela because of the country’s “deeply flawed” 2018 election and fraud-tainted 2024 election.

During President Donald Trump’s first term in office, his administration sanctioned Venezuela, barring the country from using the U.S. financial system and pausing its oil imports, which provide much of the socialist country’s money. To help Venezuela hold free and fair presidential elections in 2024, the Biden administration relaxed certain sanctions. However, the restrictions were reinstated after evidence emerged of election fraud.

Since Maduro first became president, over 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled the country amid a crippling economic crisis.

Shooting at Army Base

Last Wednesday, Sgt. Quornelius Radford shot five of his fellow soldiers at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield. All five are in stable condition and are on track to recover, according to Brig. Gen. John W. Lubas.

During a press conference, Lubas said that Radford was tackled and pinned down by two unarmed soldiers, thus sav-

ing others. Radford, a 28-year-old automated logistics sergeant assigned to the Second Brigade Combat Team, was then detained by police, while other soldiers aided the wounded.

According to Radford’s father, Eddie, his son complained about racism at the fort and was hoping to move to a different place. However, the suspect’s father said that he didn’t know why his son would attack others, adding that he hadn’t seen any differences in his son’s behavior lately.

The morning of the attack, Radford texted his aunt, saying that “he loved everybody, and that he’ll be in a better place because he was about to go and do something,” the suspect’s father said.

“I just want y’all to know that I love y’all and I try my hardest to be the best I could be,” Radford texted his family at 10:30 a.m. “My time is slowly coming to an end. I choose my destiny and my faith. I might not be with my mama, but I’m gonna be in a better place.”

Radford’s motive is currently unclear. Authorities have also yet to confirm how he got his hands on a gun, since weapons are strictly regulated at military bases. With help from the FBI’s Savannah office, the Army Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the attack.

According to his father, Radford hasn’t suffered from serious mental health issues aside from occasional bouts of depression related to his mother’s passing when he was 8 years old, his sister’s death two years ago, and his grandfather’s passing. Radford became a soldier because a number of his uncles served in the army. Radford never served in combat overseas, and his military record contains no history of disciplinary issues, according to Lubas.

According to the general, Radford was arrested in May after running a red light while drunk driving. Commanders only learned of his arrest after the shooting. At around 11 a.m., ten minutes after the suspect opened fire, the base went into lockdown, and several soldiers sheltered in the fort’s armory.

Radford, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, is now in the Liberty County jail.

NASA Astronaut Retiring

NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, who spent nine months in space with fellow crew member Suni Williams after their spacecraft experienced technical problems, has retired after a 25-year career.

The U.S. space agency paid tribute to Wilmore’s service and praised his commitment as “truly exemplary.”

Wilmore is a decorated U.S. Navy captain who has flown in four different spacecrafts and accumulated 464 days in space during his tenure.

Wilmore and Williams were sent on an eight-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS)in June 2024. But the pair was stuck in space and came back to Earth in March of this year.

Stephen Koerner, Acting Director of

Nasa’s Johnson Space Center, thanked Wilmore for his dedication to space exploration.

“His lasting legacy of fortitude will continue to impact and inspire the Johnson workforce, future explorers, and the nation for generations,” he said.

Wilmore is now 62 years old, which is almost 20 years older than the average age for astronauts, with candidates usually selected between the ages of 26 and 46.

He served as a test pilot before being selected by NASA to become an astronaut in 2000.

In his parting remarks, Wilmore cited an “insatiable curiosity” that propelled him into space while always maintaining a connection to his home.

“Even as I ventured beyond Earth’s limits, I remained attuned to the beauty and significance of the world below,” he said.

Explosion at Steel Plant

On Monday, two people were killed and ten others were injured when an explosion ripped through a U.S. Steel Plant near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

One worker who died was found after hours of searching the wreckage.

Allegheny County Emergency Services said a fire at the plant started around 10:51 a.m. The explosion, followed by several smaller blasts, could be felt in the nearby community and prompted county officials to warn residents to stay away from the scene so emergency workers could respond.

“It felt like thunder,” Zachary Buday, a construction worker near the scene, shared. “Shook the scaffold, shook my chest, and shook the building, and then when we saw the dark smoke coming up from the steel mill and put two and two together, and it’s like something bad happened.”

The plant, a massive industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, is considered the largest coking operation in North America and is one of four major U.S. Steel plants in Pennsylvania.

The plant converts coal to coke, a key component in the steel-making process. To make coke, coal is baked in special ovens for hours at high temperatures to remove impurities that could otherwise weaken steel. The process creates what’s known as coke gas — made up of a lethal mix of methane, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi said his heart goes out to the victims of the explosion.

“The mill is such a big part of Clairton,” he said. “It’s just a sad day for Clairton.”

A maintenance worker was killed in an explosion at the plant in September 2009. In July 2010, another explosion injured 14 employees and six contractors. According to online OSHA records of workplace fatalities, the last death at the plant was in 2014, when a worker was burned and died after falling into a trench.

After the 2010 explosion, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined U.S. Steel and a subcontractor $175,000 for safety violations. U.S. Steel appealed its citations and $143,500 in fines, which were later reduced under a settlement agreement.

The Clairton coking plant continued to operate after the explosion, although two batteries that were the site of the ex-

plosion were shut down, officials said. According to the company, the plant has approximately 1,400 workers.

Making D.C. Safer

This week, in an effort to make Washington, D.C., safer for residents and visitors, President Donald Trump sent around 800 National Guard troops to the city. He also placed the city’s police department under federal control.

“This is Liberation Day in D.C., and we’re going to take our capital back,” Trump said during a news conference at the White House, where he was flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi and other senior administration officials.

Trump said he would consider calling in active-duty military troops if needed. He also suggested he might attempt to exert more federal control over other U.S. cities, mentioning Baltimore, New York, and Oakland, Calif.

The president compared the homicide rate in Washington with capitals around the world, including Bogotá, Colombia. D.C. has a higher per capita homicide rate than most other major U.S. cities.

“You want to have safety in the streets. You want to be able to leave your apartment or your house where you live and feel safe in going to a store to buy a newspaper or buy something, and you don’t have that now,” Trump said, adding that he was going to “get rid of slums.”

The president has said that D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser hadn’t done enough to control crime and homelessness. He also increased federal law-enforcement’s presence in the city, deploying hundreds of federal agents throughout the district, including more than 100 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Bowser called Trump’s decision to exert control over D.C. “unsettling and unprecedented,” and she raised concerns about the prospect of sending the military into the city.

“We don’t believe it’s legal to use the American military against American citizens on American soil,” she said during a Monday news conference. But she said the president has the authority to federalize the police.

34 Under the Home Rule Act, which established the district’s governing body, Congress has the power to challenge laws passed by the Washington city council and must approve the budget, although it rarely gets involved. The president can deploy the district’s National Guard but has limited ability to intervene in day-today matters.

Trump invoked Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, which allows the president to federalize the D.C. police when “special conditions of an emergency nature exist.” Trump signed an executive order on Monday declaring a “crime emergency” in the district that requires the use of D.C. police for federal purposes such as maintaining law and order.

Bondi will oversee the city’s police department. Terry Cole, the administrator for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will serve as interim federal commissioner of the D.C. police.

The president said he planned to call on Congress to take action to end cashless bail, which he has said contributes to an increase in crime in cities. Illinois, New York, and Washington, D.C., have eliminated or limited the use of cash bail, which proponents say makes the criminal justice system more equitable. Others say that it puts criminals back on city streets.

Earlier this year, the president signed an executive order creating a “D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force,” and called for an increase in law enforcement in public areas and efforts to “beautify” parks and other public spaces in the city.

Dems Dodge Texas Vote

Dozens of Texas House Democrats have left the state – and expect to stay out of the Lone Star state – until the session

is over for the summer.

The Texas House of Representatives is meeting on a handful of bills, most notably a congressional redistricting bill. But bills can’t be called without a quorum, which is why the Dems have fled to Chicago – to ensure that any redistricting vote does not pass.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, separately, escalated legal efforts last week to get Democrats back to Texas or investigate who is funding their efforts.

Abbott has also said he will call a special legislative session after a special session to get the Republican-supported maps passed, even if Democrats run out the 30-day clock on the current session.

“I’m authorized to call a special session every 30 days. It lasts 30 days, and as soon as this one is over, I’m going to call another one, then another one, then another one, then another one. If they show back up in the state of Texas, they will be arrested and taken to the Capitol,” he said.

“If they want to evade that arrest, they’re going to stay outside of the state of Texas for literally years, and they might as well just start voting in California or voting in Illinois, wherever they may be,” he continued.

Some of the Texas House Democrats who have broken quorum will be appearing at pressers in Illinois on Monday criticizing the continued efforts to redraw the

maps.

During an interview with NBC News on Sunday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker took pride in housing Texas Democrats, calling President Donald Trump a “cheater.”

“[Republicans] know that they’re going to lose in 2026, the Congress, and so they’re trying to steal seats, and so that is what these Texas Democrats are trying to stand up against and then don’t forget. The map that they put together, it violates the voting rights act and it violates the constitution,” Pritzker said.

Keep Walking

How many steps do you take a day?

Experts have been urging people to walk 10,000 steps a day. Now, a new study finds that 7,000 steps is perfectly sufficient for your health.

The analysis was published last week in the medical journal The Lancet Public Health. It examined data from 57 studies and found that even moderate amounts of walking were associated with a lower risk of dementia and cardiovascular disease, among other conditions. People who walked 7,000 steps a day (roughly three miles) also had a 47 percent lower risk of death compared with those who walked 2,000 steps, the analysis found.

“It is just as important to walk 7,000 steps a day as it is to take your pills,” noted Dr. Joshua Knowles, a cardiologist at Stanford Health Care.

Walking improves metabolic health, making the heart stronger and more efficient while also reducing weight, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

While most scientific reviews have looked at how higher step counts are linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death, the new analysis examined associations across a much broader range of conditions. For example, the study found that walking 7,000 steps a

day was associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, depressive symptoms and cancer death, when compared with 2,000 steps.

Experts said the most surprising finding was the nearly 40 percent lower risk of dementia in people who walked 7,000 versus 2,000 steps a day. While the exact mechanism isn’t clear, exercise is linked to new neuron growth, greater blood flow to the brain, and less neurological inflammation, said Dr. Nikhil Palekar, the director of the Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease.

According to this study, there is no need to walk 10,000 steps a day to get all these benefits.

“We don’t have any evidence for 10,000 steps,” said Melody Ding, an epidemiologist at the University of Sydney School of Public Health and the lead author of the new study. “It’s just a really big random number that people throw out there.”

The analysis found that there was no significant difference in the risk of falls, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular mortality between people who walked 7,000 versus 10,000 steps per day. There was some improvement beyond 7,000 steps for the risk of dementia and death, although it was small, Dr. Ding added.

Shooting at CDC

On Friday, Patrick Joseph White attacked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta and fired more than 180 rounds into the campus, shattering about 150 windows.

Bullets pierced “blast-resistant” glass, sending shards into numerous rooms, according to internal information circulated within the agency.

The 50-year-old from Georgia had publicly blamed the Covid vaccine for

Did you know?

Approximately 2,000 silkworm cocoons are needed to produce one pound of silk.

making him depressed and suicidal.

White also killed a police officer, David Rose, during the crime spree. No one at the CDC was injured in the attack.

CDC security guards stopped the shooter before he drove to a nearby pharmacy and opened fire again. White later died, though authorities have not confirmed whether he was killed by police or took his own life.

On Monday, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. toured the CDC campus, where security staff pointed out bullet damage across multiple buildings, including the main guard booth.

Kennedy also visited the DeKalb County Police Department, where he met with the police chief before holding a private meeting with Rose’s widow.

In a statement on Saturday, Kennedy said, “No one should face violence while working to protect the health of others,” adding that top federal health officials were “actively supporting CDC staff.”

It could take “weeks or even months” to replace the damaged windows and fully clean up the site of the shooting.

Pet Food

Have an extra pet around? A zoo in Denmark would like to take it off your hands.

Recently, the Aalborg Zoo stirred up controversy when it invited people to give up their pets – to feed the carnivorous animals at the zoo.

In a post on Facebook, the zoo asked people to donate unwanted pets that would be “gently euthanized” and fed to predators in captivity.

“Chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs form an important part of the diet of our predators – especially the European lynx, which needs whole prey that resembles what it would naturally hunt in the wild,” the zoo wrote.

“In zoos, we have a responsibility to imitate the natural food chain of the animals – in terms of both animal welfare and professional integrity,” the post continued. “That way, nothing goes to waste

– and we ensure natural behavior, nutrition and well-being of our predators.”

Horses are also accepted in the pet-recycling program.

Many people took umbrage at the zoo’s innovative practices. Because the zoo asked for donations of “pets,” these animals were thought to be healthy and beloved, that would then be eaten by other animals.

“This is a joke, right,” one enraged commenter wrote. “No one would bring

his healthy pet to a zoo so they can kill it and feed it to their animals.”

But the Aalborg Zoo says dogs and cats are excluded from the program. Donatable animals are limited to chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses, it says, adding that this is a practice it has maintained with patrons for years.

“When keeping carnivores, it is necessary to provide them with meat, preferably with fur, bones, etc., to give them as natural a diet as possible,” zoo Deputy

Director Pia Nielsen said. “Therefore, it makes sense to allow animals that need to be euthanized for various reasons to be of use in this way. In Denmark, this practice is common, and many of our guests and partners appreciate the opportunity to contribute,” Nielsen added. This sounds like a baaa-d idea.

Stuck in Antarctica

Last year, Ethan Guo made headlines when he set off on a trip to become the youngest person to fly solo to all of the world’s seven continents while collecting donations for cancer research. He was 19 years old when he started his journey.

Guo’s plans derailed in June when he reached Antarctica. The Asian-American had landed his small plane in Chilean territory in the frigid continent. But officials say that Guo had provided false flight plan information to officials, who then opened an investigation.

Prosecutors said he had been authorized to only fly over Punta Arenas, but that he kept going south, heading for Antarctica in his Cessna 182Q — a single-engine light aircraft known for its versatility.

Guo was charged on June 29 with handing false information to ground control and landing without authorization. He had been stuck in Antarctica for the past six weeks at a military base due to harsh weather conditions that prevented him from going anywhere.

This week, a judge dropped the charges as part of an agreement with his lawyers and Chile’s prosecutors. It requires the teen to give a $30,000 donation to a children’s cancer foundation within 30 days to avoid a trial. He must also leave the country as soon as condi-

tions allow and is prohibited from reentering Chilean territory for three years.

On Monday, after the judge’s ruling, Guo said he was “relieved by the outcome.”

Chilean prosecutor Cristián Crisoto on Monday told reporters that Guo’s plane “does not have the capabilities to make a flight,” without providing details. But the American teen influencer said he is talking with this lawyer to see if there’s a way he can fly it.

“I remain in Antarctica awaiting approval for my departure flight,” Guo said. “I sincerely hope they give it to me soon so that I and my plane can continue with my original mission.”

The prosecutor’s office said Guo must also pay all costs for his “aircraft security and personal maintenance” during his stay at the military facility. He also needs to cover all expenses for his return.

Guo began flying at 13 and earned his private pilot’s license at 17. To date, he has logged over 700 flight hours, crossed the Atlantic three times, and visited all 48 contiguous U.S. states. Antarctica was the last continent on his list on this current quest.

Sounds like Guo is on the go.

Old Chicken

Pearl is getting old.

Sonya Hull’s egg-strodinary pet chicken is now officially the oldest chicken in the world, according to Guinness World Records.

Pearl’s birthday was recorded as March 13, 2011. She was born in Hull’s incubator in Texas. Guinness named Pearl the oldest chicken at the age of 14 years and 69 days old.

“She’s defied all odds because most Easter-Egger Hens live an average of five

to eight years,” Hull told Guinness World Records.

Pearl can’t get around too well, so she spends most of her time in the Hull family’s laundry room. Still, she’s not cooped up.

“She is welcome to come out into the living room, because she likes to watch TV when she hears it on,” Hull said.

Pearl is also fond of the family’s elderly cat and new kitten.

“She doesn’t seem to mind the other animals, and the kitten will sometimes sit with her,” Hull said.

Hull said Pearl’s egg production has slowed, but she laid one right after the family found out she was an official Guinness World Record-holder.

The previous oldest chicken living, an Illinois pet named Peanut, died on December 25, 2023, at the age of 21 years and 238 days old.

That’s no spring chicken.

Mountains for Money

In South Korea, students who climb mountains are rewarded for their prowess.

Seoul National University offers The

Misan Mountain Hiking Scholarship. Students that climb three mountains by the end of the year can earn $216 in scholarship money. Students who conquer all six mountains earn $540.

Eligible mountains are those listed in Black Yak’s 100 Famous Mountains and 100+ Famous Mountains, not including any mountains with cable cars or gondolas.

Applicants must submit evidence of their climbs using the Black Yak app.

So far, more than 1,400 students have applied but only about 70 spots are open for these high achievers.

The scholarship is funded by 1963 alumnus Kwon Jun-ha, who is 81 years old.

“SNU students have spent their lives buried in study. I want them to build health and memory along the way,” he said.

The school noted, “The scholarship reflects the donor’s desire to foster healthy individuals with a spirit of challenge and community spirit.”

High hopes.

Around the Community

Summer Fun at Camp Matov

RNSP Shomrim Hosts Israeli Police Delegation in Landmark Visit

The Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol (RNSP/Rockaway Nassau Shomrim) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Israeli Police Force for a day-long visit. The delegation, led by Israeli Police Chief Rabbi Rami Barkiahu and international spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld, engaged in a comprehensive program showcasing best practices in community policing and collaboration between law enforcement agencies.

The visit began with a warm welcome at JFK Airport, where RNSP members greeted the delegation at 5:00 AM. The group then proceeded to the Chabad Ohel, the sacred burial grounds of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, zt”l, and his predecessor. They also paid their respects at the grave site of Aharon Yosef Halberstam, a teenage Lubavitcher yeshiva stu-

dent who was murdered in a terror attack on the ramp of the Brooklyn Bridge on March 6, 1994.

At the Ohel, the delegation began their day with a somber and spiritual Shacharis. This poignant moment set the tone for a day marked by connection, mutual respect, and a deepening of ties between the Israeli and American law enforcement communities.

From there, the delegation visited the headquarters of Borough Park Shomrim, gaining valuable insights into the organization’s inner workings. They witnessed the dedication and commitment of Shomrim volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure community safety and security.

A tour of the NYPD Harbor Unit’s elite Scuba team was a highlight of the visit. The delegation was impressed by the team’s tactical precision and profession-

alism, engaging in a fruitful exchange of ideas and best practices.

The visit also included a poignant stop at the 9/11 Memorial, where the delegation paid their respects to the thousands of lives lost.

The delegation concluded their visit with a stop at the NYPD’s 101st Precinct station house, where they discussed a host of ways in which law enforcement collaborates with Rockaway Nassau Shomrim and other community-based stakeholders to serve the community’s needs.

Throughout their stay, the delegation engaged in productive discussions with their American counterparts, exploring ways to strengthen ties and enhance cooperation between their respective organizations.

RNSP Chief Sholem Klein hailed the

visit as a resounding success, stating, “It was an honor to drive and accompany such esteemed guests. This wasn’t just a visit – it was a moment, one that elevates the role of Shomrim organizations everywhere and strengthens our shared mission across oceans.”

The RNSP Shomrim extends its gratitude to Borough Park Shomrim and all other Shomrim chapters in the tri-state area, whose partnership made this landmark visit possible. Special thanks are also due to Rabbi Tzvi Berkowitz of the Universal Jewish Police Association for his integral role in facilitating the visit.

For more information on the Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol (RNSP Shomrim/Rockaway Nassau Shomrim), call their 24-Hour Hotline at 516-858-7300.

Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Deputy Chief Richie Taylor

Arrange Special Tour of NYPD Highway Patrol Headquarters for

Harmony Services Community

Last week, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor arranged a memorable tour for members of Harmony Services, Inc., an adult care program serving individuals with special needs. The visit took place at the NYPD Highway Patrol headquarters on Flatbush Avenue. NYPD Chaplain David Heskiel also joined the group for the special event.

Participants enjoyed an engaging and hands-on experience, exploring the Highway Patrol’s impressive fleet of motorcycles and vehicles, learning about the responsibilities of patrol officers, and asking thoughtful questions about highway safety and enforcement.

The tour was inspired by a recent visit to Assemblyman Eichenstein’s office,

during which members of the Harmony Services community expressed interest in learning more about the work of local police. The Assemblyman reached out to Deputy Chief Taylor, who graciously coordinated the visit.

“We were thrilled to visit the NYPD Highway Patrol 2 headquarters with the wonderful individuals from Harmony Services,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “Their curiosity and enthusiasm were inspiring, and the gracious patrol officers patiently discussed their work and answered questions. I’m especially grateful to Deputy Chief Taylor for making this meaningful experience possible. It’s a visit that will be remembered for a long time to come.”

Hidden Sparks Summer Workshops

Prep Educators For New School Year

While families are in full summer mode, close to 130 dayschool educators from 82 schools across the country dedicated several days to improving their craft. In a series of workshops facilitated by Hidden Sparks, educators enhanced their understanding and teaching of diverse learners, differentiating their lessons to meet the needs of all students, and how to teach Hebrew through multimodal, multi-sensory approaches.

“Understanding diverse learners and strategies to differentiate effectively for all students is fundamental to impactful and compassionate teaching,” says Debbie Niderberg, co-founder and Executive Director of Hidden Sparks. “It was inspiring to see the energy and camaraderie during the workshops as teachers from different day schools and yeshivas discussed and explored new ideas and approaches they plan to bring back to their classrooms.”

A highlight of the workshops over the past month, Hidden Sparks presented its signature “Learning Lenses” course, which incorporates a significant amount of experiential learning and group activities. The course, organized in collaboration with The Jewish Education Project, welcomed teachers and administrators from thirteen day-schools from across the US, including Beit Rabban, TAG, North Shore Hebrew Academy, HANC, HALB, Ramaz, The Leffell School, Shalsheles Bais Yaakov, Sinai, YTE in Houston, Torah Day School of Atlanta, Beth Jacob High School and others.

“The Learning Lenses course has empowered me as a teacher in many

meaningful ways,” said Alina Merzdov of Shalsheles Bais Yaakov in Brooklyn. “Through reading, discussion, and experiential learning, we got to explore a combination of strong knowledge and skills in both pedagogy and psychology, needed for effective teaching. My ability to approach and see each student through the lenses of neurodevelopment, temperament, and ecology was significantly enhanced. These fascinating, closely intertwined concepts will enrich my teaching a great deal when I go back to the classroom in the fall.”

Other courses included the approach to teaching Hebrew as well as differentiating instruction, which helps teachers learn and apply practical strategies, customized to their subject and grade level, that they can implement in their classrooms this fall. “The wheels were turning in my head the entire workshop, thinking of ways that I can implement this right away to benefit my students,” said Esther Chamovitz of Magen David.

“There is that moment when teachers – novice through veteran – suddenly understand a student differently or think of a new strategy to try in their class” said Niderberg. “It’s very exciting to see that enhanced sense of agency as teachers acquire new skills.”

With nearly two decades of experience in the field, working with over 8,000 educators in 427 schools, Hidden Sparks has proven that skill-building workshops and coaching in the classroom, where educators receive real-time strategies, provide teachers with the tools to manage and engage all types of learners.

B’Zechus Nashim Tzidkaniyos: A Day of Inspiration at Camp Kaylie

Last Wednesday, Camp Kaylie was privileged to host a powerful and uplifting program celebrating the strength, beauty, and spiritual leadership of nashim tzidkaniyos, righteous women who shape and inspire the world around them. Campers and staff gathered at the front of camp to warmly welcome a lineup of extraordinary role models: Rebbetzin Leah Cohen, Rebbetzin Dina Schoonmaker and Rebbetzin Shani Taragin and other esteemed rebbetzins, each of whom graciously shared words of Torah, life wisdom, and deeply personal reflections.

Through their stories, our guests invited campers into their journeys of growth and spiritual leadership. Each rebbetzin spoke about a woman who profoundly

shaped her own path and how “Because of her…” she is where she is today. These stories of resilience, humility, and emunah moved our campers and staff alike, reminding us that behind every strong woman stands another who helped guide the way. Campers had the opportunity

to reflect on their own role models. They wrote heartfelt “Because of her…” messages, paying tribute to mothers, teachers, sisters, mentors, and friends who have lit the way for them with love, emunah, and strength.

The entire program radiated warmth

and meaning, instilling a deep sense of pride in the legacy of Jewish women and the spiritual power they carry. In a world where influence is often measured by noise, our girls were reminded that quiet greatness and steadfast values are what truly leave a mark.

Mayor Sam Nahmias Secures $1.4M In Grants For Village of Lawrence

Thanks to the diligent efforts of Mayor Sam Nahmias, in close coordination with the Village of Lawrence Board of Trustees and administration, and unwavering support from partners in government, the Village of Lawrence has secured over $1.4 million in grant funding for vital community improvements.

Mayor Sam Nahmias has made it a priority to build relationships with partners in government to tackle problems that have plagued the village for years. Deputy Mayor Tammy Roz and Trustees Aaron Parnes, Aaron Felder, and Steven Gottesman work together with the Mayor to make the Village the best it can be.

After many years of dark, dangerous roads, now residents can enjoy an evening stroll or ride home from Atlantic Beach in safety. Lighting along 878 leading to the Atlantic Beach bridge has been fixed thanks to $150,000 in NYS funding in coordination with State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

Lawrence street lights will also shine brighter. The first set of 100 LED lights are expected to go up in the next 30 days, beginning with Washington Avenue. Plans are to continue to fit all 800 streetlights with LED lights. The Mayor coordinated with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Presiding Officer Howard Kopel to secure $623,000

in funding, which is also going towards security cameras, license plate readers, and fitting Rock Hall Road with a sidewalk and tree plantings.

Safety is a priority for Mayor Sam Nahmias who worked with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Presiding Officer Howard Kopel to secure funding for first responder equipment.

A $206,400 grant for First Responder Equipment on behalf of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department in addition to $411,000 for an ambulance to be leased to Hatzalah for the community allows our first responders to save seconds - save lives, while the village also saves money.

Orthodox Union Launches Druze Relief Drive

The Orthodox Union has launched a relief drive in support of the Druze community in Syria. The Druze are currently in crisis from attacks frighteningly reminiscent of the October 7 attack on Israeli communities in the Gaza envelope.

There is an evolving humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands driven from their homes. The OU is working with those coordinating assistance and asks the Jewish community to support these efforts.

OU leaders have met Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, spiritual leader of the Israeli Druze community, and other Druze leaders. Their story is devastating.

The Druze shared shocking images and footage of the ongoing horrific attacks on their family members in Syria, drawn from the same grotesque playbook used to attack Israel. The Sheikh further observed how the images of soldiers humiliating Druze elders by shaving their beards were eerily like pictures we’re familiar with of Nazis abusing Rabbis.

The attacks have triggered a humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of Syrian Druze driven from their homes and roads and supply routes obstructed. There is a real need for food, medicine, clothing, and shelter.

The OU JLIC-TLV team is working in close partnership with long-time friends

in the Israeli Druze community and have identified the most reliable and accountable channel working with Tzahal to deliver vital humanitarian supplies to the Druze in Syria.

The Druze community traces its relationship with the Jewish people to the days of Yitro and has regularly demonstrated outstanding loyalty to Israel, with a record of leadership in the IDF, including most recently the many Druze who gave their lives in defense of Israel, both on October 7th and since.

The Jewish community has the opportunity to support the Druze in their time of crisis. The Druze did not stand by when Israel was attacked. Our com-

“I want to sincerely thank our partners in government for their continued support and collaboration in securing critical funding for the Village of Lawrence,” said Mayor Sam Nahmias. “These grants allow us to make long-overdue improvements to our street lighting, expand our public safety infrastructure, and ensure a safer, brighter future for our residents. This is what effective partnership in government looks like.”

The Mayor and administration look forward to continued collaboration and future developments to improve quality of life in the Village of Lawrence.

munity must not stand by when they are attacked.

Every dollar raised in this effort will go directly to providing food and medicine to the Druze suffering in Syria. And every dollar raised will show the loyal Druze of Israel that the Jewish community is standing by them as they have stood by us.

Those who wish to contribute to the drive can make a donation at: ou.org/ druze All funds raised will go directly towards purchasing medical and food supplies for the Druze community in Suwayda, which is still under siege with little or no electricity.

There is No Such Thing As Too Much Fun at Machaneh Yisrael

Aloha from Week 6 at Hillel Day Camp

It’s hard to believe, but we are already nearing the end of an incredible summer. Week six at Hillel Day Camp was filled with laughter, learning, creativity, friendship, and growth as our campers dove into a Hawaii-themed adventure filled with joy, ruach, and unforgettable memories. From sunrise smiles to the last goodnight, every day was packed with excitement and connection.

The week kicked off with a Shabbos Nachamu celebration like no other, a spirited concert by the talented Aryeh Kunstler that had campers singing, clapping, and dancing together in true achdus. Our younger divisions were delighted by a visit from the Morah Wonka Show, while the oldest campers, our incredible CITs, enjoyed a special late-night activity just for them.

Trips took us all over, from climbing and exploring at Once Upon a Treetop and Active Kidz, to bouncing at Planet Play and Urban Air, to the thrills of Six Flags and the friendly competition of bowling.

On campus, the younger campers met furry friends at an adorable petting zoo, creating moments of pure delight.

The Hawaiian theme brought sunshine to every corner of camp. A lively luau party featured a limbo competition that had everyone cheering, and the week wrapped up with a festive Hawaiian Day, complete with tropical vibes and colorful flair.

At Hillel, every week is filled with connection, creativity, and community, but this one felt truly magical. Mahalo to our staff, campers, and families for making it a week to remember!

Throughout the month of July, campers

at Hillel Day Camp have been channeling their energy and enthusiasm into a heartfelt mission: raising money for a local charitable initiative, Fountain of Kindness

Founded in April 2018 in Great Neck, NY, Fountain of Kindness was created with a simple yet powerful vision—to bring the community together by spreading kindness in meaningful, tangible ways. Together with a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization provides groceries and daily essentials to families in need, with a special focus on supporting families facing particularly difficult challenges.

This summer, Hillel campers’ fundraising focus was to help provide meals to families with a parent or child battling an illness. They also set their sights on bringing joy to children in hospitals by helping fund surprise gift baskets – small but

meaningful gestures to brighten a child’s day during a difficult time.

To mark the culmination of their month-long efforts, campers laced up their sneakers and participated in a lively walk-a-thon, celebrating the spirit of teamwork and community service. Their dedication, creativity, and compassion paid off! Hillel Day Camp proudly presented Fountain of Kindness with a check for over $2,500.

The Hillel community is deeply appreciative of the collective efforts of its campers, families, and staff, whose generosity will help provide comfort and hope to those who need it most. Through their actions, these young campers have shown that kindness has a ripple effect— and even the smallest hands can make a big impact.

A Mitzvah to Protect your Family’s Future: Five Essential Steps

By Monet Binder, Esq.

As 2025 progresses, it’s crucial to address estate planning not as a morbid task, but as a responsible and profound act of love for your family. Avoiding or delaying this process often leads to increased stress and costs for your loved ones during difficult times. Here are five key steps to secure your family’s future:

1. Get Financially Organized: Organizing your finances now is a thoughtful act that prevents your grieving family from the stressful search for accounts, policies, and passwords. Creating a clear roadmap with guidance of all financial information can ensure they can easily locate necessary documents and assets.

2. Craft a Lasting Message: Recording an Estate Interview allows you to leave behind more than just assets; it’s an opportunity to share your values, hopes, family stories, and wisdom. This priceless generational guidance can comfort and guide your loved ones for years.

3. Understand Tax Planning: Proper estate planning helps minimize or even eliminate potential federal and state estate taxes, ensuring more of your hardearned wealth goes to your loved ones rather than being consumed by taxes.

4. Plan Your Final Farewell: Pre-planning and even pre-paying for your funeral is a compassionate act that spares your grieving family from making difficult decisions under emotional duress. It ensures your wishes are honored, prevents overspending, and significantly

lightens their burden. Discussing your wishes for your final days also offers immense peace and comfort.

5. Create a Comprehensive Estate Plan: This is the culmination of your efforts, providing a clear legal guide for your estate, family dynamics, and assets. A comprehensive plan empowers you to make informed choices, keeping your family out of Surrogate’s Court and away from conflict. When done properly, it clearly outlines who receives what, who is in charge, how to access everything, and what happens if you become incapacitated.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The greatest gift you can truly give your family is the gift of preparation and profound peace of mind. It’s a warm embrace for their future. Consult a professional who

has your best interests in mind and can warmly guide you. Estate Planning is also about what happens while you’re still living. Learn the best way to protect yourself and your family while you’re still living and after you’re gone and keep everyone out of court and conflict. Call today: 718514-7575 or 732-333-1854.

Monet Binder, Esq., has a practice in Lakewood, Queens, and Brooklyn areas, dedicated to protecting families, their legacies and values. All halachic documents are approved by the Bais Havaad Halacha Center in Lakewood, under the direction of Rabbi Dovid Grossman and the guidance of Harav Shmuel Kaminetsky, shlita, as well as other leading halachic authorities.

Around the Community

John Ferretti Sworn in as Town of Hempstead Supervisor

Marking a major milestone in Hempstead Town history, John Ferretti, an accomplished public servant and lifelong Levittown resident, was officially sworn in as Town of Hempstead Supervisor last week. Representing nearly 800,000 residents across 22 villages and 38 hamlets, Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti was hailed for his successes of government efficiency, conservative budgeting, public safety, and preservation of suburban quality-of-life. Now serving as Chief Executive Officer of America’s largest township, Supervisor Ferretti brings a wealth of expertise to the role and will further establish the Town of Hempstead as the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

“The Town of Hempstead is my home, and I am honored for this opportunity to serve my fellow residents as Supervisor of this beautiful township,” said Ferretti. “As a proven tax cutter, I am committed to delivering real results by budgeting responsibly while investing in infrastructure, prioritizing public safety, and enhancing our parks. By working hard every day, I will reaffirm my pledge of dedication to the residents of Hempstead Town and will continue to lead with transparency, integrity, and a tireless focus on the issues that matter most to our families,

seniors, and future generations.”

Having served for four consecutive terms on the Nassau County Legislature, John Ferretti has championed numerous initiatives that have contributed greatly to the betterment of Legislative District 15 and Nassau County as a whole. While serving as Legislator, Ferretti has introduced multiple pieces of legislation including a law that requires signage at all red-light camera intersections, a law that protects Veterans struggling with addiction, and a law aimed at eliminating dangerous bicycle “ride-outs.” Ferretti also authored “Benny’s Law,” which created an online dangerous dog registry.

Working with Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, Ferretti has also championed legislation to prevent animal abusers from adopting shelter pets, and further fought to repeal provisions of New York State’s “cashless bail” law regarding animal abusers. What’s more, Ferretti has proven multiple times his zero-tolerance policy for hatred of any kind, partnering with law enforcement to tackle hateful graffiti and anti-Semitic acts.

Prior to his tenure as an elected official, Ferretti served as the Chief Deputy County Clerk of Nassau County. In that role, he oversaw over 100 staff members with a $6 million budget and annual

Bakeish Shalom Event

The second community Bakeish Shalom Event took place on Wednesday night, July 30. An unprecedented number of women joined for a pre-Tisha B’Av evening of chizuk focused on strengthening shalom in our wonderful community. Appropriately set in “Beth Shalom,” the crowd reflected the theme of the evening. To quote an attendee, “The efforts you obviously put in once again to bring women of all ages and all types together in the pursuit of ‘shalom’ is apparent, appreciated, and uplifting. Especially erev Tisha B’Av. And this Erev Tisha B’av when we see and palpably feel the chevlei Moshiach. Iy”H these initiatives as well as all the selflessness and kindness will certainly hasten the geulah.”

The close to 800 women heard words of chizuk on this topic from Rabbi Joey Haber, Mrs. Jennifer Airley, and on video from Eretz Yisrael, Agam and Meirav Berger and Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi. Each speaker was captivating and

touched a different aspect of the lesson of shalom. Everyone left feeling ready to impact change in their lives and thrilled at the beautiful display of achdus in our community.

To close with one more quote, “The evening was a resounding success B”H. One couldn’t help but feel the love and acceptance in the room as we made our way out. May the wonderful feelings linger and bring Moshiach tzidkeinu quickly. Thank you, Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner and your Dream Team.”

revenue collection exceeding $240 million dollars for federal, state, and local governments. Ferretti also served as the liaison to the New York State Land Title Association and assisted in drafting legislation to waive clerk recording fees for victims of Super Storm Sandy.

An active member of the community, Ferretti is a regular member of the Levittown Kiwanis, Levittown Chamber of Commerce, Levittown Knights of Columbus, Order Sons of Italy, Columbus

Lodge, Levittown Community Council, and an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 69. He is a lector at St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church and was an assistant coach for the Levittown Little League. Ferretti received a bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University and a Juris Doctorate from CUNY School of Law. He currently resides Levittown – just two doors down from his childhood home – with his wife and their two children.

Congregation Shaaray Tefila of Lawrence’s Siyum Renewal Event

Congregation Shaaray Tefila of Lawrence held an Adopt-a-Kollel Siyum Renewal event on Wednesday, July 30.

The shul has partnered with Kollel Aderes Eliyahu of the Old City of Yerushalayim, commonly known as the “Zilberman Kollel.”

The event was addressed by the shul’s rav, Rav Uri Orlian, and Adopt-a-Kollel coordinator, Rabbi Chaim Heller.

The highlight of the event was the siyum made by R’ Avi Lazar.

On Sunday, the BACH Jewish Center’s Youth Department hosted a special Sunday Fun Day event, a petting zoo on the shul’s lawn. The program was part of the BACH’s weekly series of youth events during the summer

Cedarhurst Village Board Honors Lawrence-Cedarhurst Firefighters for Heroic Life-Saving Response

At the August 4, 2025, Village Board Meeting, Mayor Benjamin Weinstock and the Board of Trustees formally recognized the prompt and heroic actions of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department in response to a medical emergency on June 17, 2025.

R’ Avi related that a few years back he was attending a Torah Umesorah event and someone spoke about a learning program where one learns two Mishnayos a day. At that time, Torah Umesorah’s director Rav Dovid Nojowitz took R’ Avi aside and said, “Let’s learn today’s two Mishnayos.” This seder remained and they learn every day.

The siyum on Seder Nezikin that he made at the Renewal event was the result of the learning of just two Mishnayos per day.

After receiving a report from a concerned neighbor about someone possibly in need of assistance, firefighters arrived within minutes and encountered a heavily fortified, triple-locked door. Undeterred, they gained entry in under a minute and discovered a woman in cardiac arrest.

Through skilled and sustained efforts, the team successfully revived and stabilized the patient before transporting her for further care. Thanks to their quick response and professional exper-

tise, the woman went on to make a full recovery.

The Village commends the unwavering commitment and selfless dedication of the Department in protecting the community and aiding those in need. Special recognition was given to Chief Meyer Adler, Ex-Chief Michael Beilinson, Ex-Chief David Campbell, Ex-Chief Michael Sasso, Ex-Chief Joseph Montilli, Captain Joshua Kirschner, Lieutenant Melik Mavruk, Lieutenant Shoshana Weiner, Patrick Koehler, Adam Kris, Petros Mestheneas, Nahaniel Platschek, Deon Ray, Jack Richards, and Medic William Capuano. Their exemplary service is a testament to the values of courage, professionalism, and public service that define the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department.

Summer Fun at Camp Areivim

Ambassador Mike Huckabee Makes Historic Visits to Senior Gedolei Yisrael

By Chaim Gold

It was an unprecedented experience and an unprecedented kiddush Hashem! The U.S. Ambassador to Israel visited the two senior Gedolei Hador of Bnei Brak, HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, and HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka. Without a doubt, the fascinating visits led to an enhanced understanding by the Ambassador and by extension the American Government of the unique qualities and needs of the Chareidi community.

At the meeting with Rav Landau, Ambassador Huckabee asked Rav Dov, “Is there any message that the rabbi would like me to relay to the President of the United States?”

Rav Dov replied, “It is very important for me to express my pain over the difficulties plaguing the Chareidi community here in the Holy Land. We are in a very difficult position as a result of the grim decrees that the government has enacted against yeshiva students. The entire judicial system has turned against us and wants to jail yeshiva students for the ‘terrible sin’ of learning Torah!”

Rav Dov continued, “It is Torah and only Torah that has preserved the Jewish Nation throughout our various exiles. It is only in the merit of the Torah that we are able to survive.”

It was clear that Ambassador Huckabee was deeply moved by the passionate words of the nonagenarian Gadol.

The History Behind the Meetings

The meetings between Amb. Huckabee and both Rav Dov Landau and Rav Moshe Hillel were facilitated by Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita, Nasi of Dirshu. Dirshu and Rav Hofstedter have a previous relationship with Mr. Huckabee and indeed, several years ago, Ambassador Huckabee wrote an op-ed for Fox News, praising Dirshu for their initiative to make a “Day of Jewish Unity” on the yahrtzeit of the Chofetz Chaim to highlight the importance of refraining from gossip and other sins that cause strife between people.

More recently, after President Trump nominated Ambassador Huckabee to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Rav Hofstedter met with him while he was still in America. At that time, they discussed the importance of Torah learning for the future viability of the Jewish

people. During that meeting Rav Hofstedter offered to take Mr. Huckabee to meet the senior sages of the Jewish community. Mr. Huckabee said he would welcome the opportunity.

The meetings this past week were the fulfillment of that desire.

Not Divided by a Language Barrier

Although Rav Dov Landau does not speak English and Ambassador Huckabee does not speak Hebrew or Yiddish, they both clearly understood each other’s words through the translation of Rav Hofstedter.

With great emotion, Rav Dov Landau invested tremendous effort into conveying to the Ambassador how much he values and recognizes the efforts of President Donald Trump and the American Nation for standing strongly and faithfully as a malchus of chessed, a government of kindness.

Ambassador Huckabee then thanked Rav Dov deeply for his words and responded to his pervious words regarding the Israeli Government’s efforts to make decrees against those that learn Torah. He told the Rosh Yeshiva, “Please allow me to explain that as the ambassador I cannot intervene in a matter that is the subject of an internal debate in Israeli society.

“What I can say, however,” Ambassador Huckabee continued, “is that I understand that just as it is important to have soldiers in the army it is also important to have scholars, scholars who remind you who you are, why you are here and soldiers to protect you on the land that G-d has given to you.”

“You Were Chosen, So Those Who Hate You, Hate G-d”

The meeting at the home of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch was a remarkable meeting. Whereas at the meeting with Rav Dov, every sentence had to be translated from Hebrew to English and then from English back to Hebrew, the meeting at the home of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch was free-flowing as the Ambassador and the Rosh Yeshiva engaged in an important dialogue.

The issue of antisemitism was also addressed. Rav Hofstdeter introduced the topic relating to Rav Moshe Hillel that Ambassador Huckabee has a very interesting take and understanding on antisemitism. He explained, “Ambassador Huckabee maintains that if a person is an antisemite, that person is really against the Ribbono Shel Olam. We, the Jewish

nation are the representatives of Hashem, and they hate us because they hate Him.”

The Ambassador interjected, saying, “Yes, otherwise antisemitism has no other rational explanation.”

Rav Moshe Hillel added that “another component is that people don’t like the fact that we are considered ‘The Chosen People.’ They think, ‘Who do you think you are to have the audacity to claim to be the Chosen People?’”

The Ambassador acknowledged the Rosh Yeshiva’s point but explained that they are all really part of the same point. “You were chosen. Thus, you are G-d’s representatives, and thus those who hate G-d hate you.

“That is why,” the Ambassador added, “people hate Israel, too. The Chosen People were given a chosen land for a specific purpose. That is why one cannot separate antisemitism from its spiritual component. It is a spiritual malady,” Ambassador Huckabee emphasized.

Two Gezeiros of Conscription

Another fascinating part of the protracted conversation was Mr. Huckabee’s interest in the history and roots of the Slabodka Yeshiva.

Rav Moshe Hillel explained the yeshiva’s roots and ethos. He said that the Chevron Yeshiva was founded in the 1920s because at that time the government in Lithuania wanted all yeshiva students to be conscripted in the army. The yeshiva understood that army service would be a spiritual death sentence, and they decided to move. By the time half of the yeshiva moved, the conscription decree was nullified and thus half of the yeshiva remained in Lithuania and the other half remained in the land of Israel.

Rav Hofstedter pointed out the irony of the fact that the Slabodka Yeshiva originally moved to Eretz Yisrael as a result of a gezeirah of conscription and now, here in Eretz Yisrael itself, there is a gezeirah of conscription looming over the yeshivos!

Rav Moshe Hillel then cited a pervious telephone conversation that he had with Mr. Huckabee in which the Ambassador told him, “The army is very important, but the spiritual realm is even more important.”

The Ambassador agreed, and although, as he said previously, as an ambassador for an outside country it would not be diplomatically correct for him to

Ambassador Mike Huckabee meeting with HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch

intervene in an internal Israeli matter, it was clear to all that the Ambassador understood the issue very well.

Rav Hosftedter emphasized this when he told Rav Moshe Hillel that Ambassador Huckabee was unique in the fact that he believes what makes Eretz Yisrael and the Nation of Israel unique is the Torah.

“Fortunate is He Who Helps the Jewish Nation!”

Before taking leave the Ambassador asked Rav Dov and Rav Moshe Hillel, if they have any specific message that they would like to convey.

At the end of the visit, Rav Dov Landau told the ambassador, “I convey my deepest thanks to the honorable Ambassador for all that he has done and continues to do, and I say, ‘Fortunate is he who helps the Jewish Nation learn Torah, because Torah is the essence of the Jewish nation.’”

Before taking leave of Ambassador Huckabee, Rav Moshe Hillel said, “The first thing I want to convey is how much we value and appreciate what the United States is doing for us. We are aware of what they are doing, and it brings us great joy. We hope that this close friendship will continue, and we will do our best to facilitate peace and prosperity for all.”

Rav Moshe Hillel then blessed Ambassador Huckabee with a heartfelt blessing that he should merit the best possible good and he should continue to perform good things and accomplish great things in his lifetime.

The Ambassador was clearly very moved.

The historic meetings between Ambassador Huckabee and the two senior Gedolei Yisrael were clearly permeated by kavod haTorah. It was evident that the American Ambassador to Israel, the representative of the most powerful country in the world tremendously values and respects the Gedolei Yisrael and what they represent.

Great Neck Community Unites for Record-Breaking “A Taste of Israel” BBQ

On Thursday, August 7, more than 160 members of the Great Neck community gathered for A Taste of Israel, One Israel Fund’s largest and most successful BBQ in the area to date. Hosted at the home of Aryeh and Jessica Hauptman, the evening raised over $88,000 in support of critical security and community projects in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley.

Attendees enjoyed a vibrant celebration of Israeli culture, complete with authentic cuisine, themed cocktails, music, and wine tasting. The event brought together community leaders, trustees,

board members, and public officials, including Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip and Village of Great Neck Mayor Dr. Pedram Bral.

Guests heard powerful messages from One Israel Fund leadership President Jacqui Herman; Board Member, Women’s Division Vice President, and Great Neck resident Elana Aminoff; Executive Vice President Scott M. Feltman; Director General (Israel) Rachely Vassal; and Security Projects Consultant Marc Provisor. Each speaker underscored the urgent, daily work being done to strengthen and safeguard communities across Isra-

The event also spotlighted a pressing security initiative: the purchase of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to intercept potential infiltrations before they reach Israeli towns. Each ATV costs $26,000 and plays a vital role in saving lives. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, funding for two ATVs was secured during the evening, with continued support encouraged to meet the growing need.

“This was an unforgettable evening— not only because of the incredible turnout and generosity, but because it demonstrated Great Neck’s deep commitment

to the people and land of Israel,” said Executive Vice President Scott M. Feltman. “Together, we are making a tangible impact on the ground, where it matters most.”

One Israel Fund extends heartfelt appreciation to Aryeh and Jessica Hauptman for their warmth and hospitality, and to the valued sponsors, vendors and dedicated volunteers who helped create an atmosphere of community, purpose, and connection.

For more information on One Israel Fund or to support the ATV campaign, visit www.oneisraelfund.org

The

From the Frontlines to the Beit

Midrash: A Morning at NCSY Kollel

This past week, participants at NCSY Kollel were privileged to hear firsthand from guest speaker Yossi Kaufman, whose experiences bridge both the battlefield and the world of chessed. The talk was arranged by longtime maggid shiur Rav Tanchum Cohen, who has taught at the program for over two decades and also serves as assistant rabbi at Congregation Beth Abraham in Bergenfield, NJ.

Yossi, a reservist in the IDF and a member of his city’s First Response Team for terror attacks, is a longtime representative of American Friends of Yad Eliezer/B’ezri. He spoke with the students about his experiences serving during the war, including when his unit received the emergency call-up on Oct 7.

Summer

THe also shared stories of the life-changing work he’s involved in—supporting struggling families, widows, orphans, and soldiers through one of Israel’s most trusted charitable organizations.

The teens listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and left inspired by the idea that every person—whether on the ground in Israel or learning in the Beit Midrash—can play a part in building Am Yisrael.

Yossi Kaufman will be visiting the tri-state area during the first two weeks of September and is available to speak in shuls or private homes about his experiences in the IDF and in the world of chessed. For more information or to arrange a visit, please reach out to him at yossik@bezri.org

at the Friendship Circle

he Friendship Circle just wrapped up its Summer Fun program — three unforgettable days of activities and smiles spread over three weeks!

On day one, the kids had a blast playing soccer. The following week, we hosted a Beis HaMikdash Experience, where participants created beautiful arts and crafts before enjoying an inspiring Beis Hamikdash-themed video. On the program’s final day, the kids enjoyed a splashy Mess Day full of water play and sensory activities.

This summer, there’s even more fun coming up! Registration is now open for our upcoming End of Summer Camp. We’re hosting three exciting day trips for kids with special needs. On August 21, we’re heading to White Post Farms. Then, we’re visiting Space Club on August 25. And finally, on August 27, the Friendship Circle is going to LEGOLAND! The program gives participants three days of non-stop fun — the perfect way to close out the summer. Visit fc5towns.com/ camp to register your child!

Enrollment is also open for Juda-

ica Circle, our weekly Hebrew school program for children and young adults with disabilities, ages four and up. The program starts on October 29 and takes place on Wednesday nights. At Judaica Circle, children learn to take pride in their Jewish identity. Through hands-on learning and exciting lessons, Judaica Circle fosters a stimulating, supportive, and warm environment where kids learn the Aleph Beis, explore their heritage, and befriend other Jewish children.

Paired one-on-one with an enthusiastic volunteer, each student benefits from an individualized curriculum designed for their own learning pace. To reserve your spot today, please visit fc5towns.com/judaicacircle.

For more information about End of Summer Camp or Judaica Circle, email Batsheva@chabad5towns.com

To volunteer, enroll your child, or learn more about the Friendship Circle, visit fc5towns.com.

We’re looking forward to another year of smiles, learning, and connection!

The Shaar celebrated a siyum and BBQ marking the close of its $1M+ Neshama Campaign. Thanks to our supporters, the campaign was a success—and our programming continues to thrive!

Exploring Jewish History and Learning in the City of Seven Hills

By Mordechai Cywiak

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to join a group of 25 students on Touro University’s summer session 2025 in Rome, a twoweek experience that blended serious Torah learning with unforgettable visits to some of the world’s historic Jewish sites. What started as a chance to travel abroad while earning college credits quickly became a meaningful guided journey and discovery about Jewish history and faith, juxtaposed against the backdrop of ancient Rome.

Each morning, we gathered for shiurim and lectures presented by Dr. Israel Singer, Touro’s vice president of international affairs, and Rabbi Dr. Stanley Boylan, Touro’s vice president of undergraduate education and dean of faculties. They covered difficult historical chapters throughout the centuries, exploring Jewish life in Italy and culminating with the Holocaust. They focused on how Jews survived those dark times, inspiring us with stories of hope. We learned how the Italian Jews had undertaken to translate the Talmud into Italian for ease of learning, and how Jewish traditions were prevalent in the local Jewish communities and continue to evolve today. We also learned about Jewish life in Italy during the rule of The Roman Empire from Dr. Karen Sutton, the director of the Honors Program at Lander College for Women. These were more than just lectures from members of Touro’s faculty; they were springboards to conversations among the participants that made history and Jewish faith feel alive and relevant to our current times. We were also honored to hear from Dr. Alan Kadish, President of Touro University, who joined us and brought us up to date on antisemitism on

American college campuses.

From the Depths of the Ghetto to the Great Synagogue

When we left our hotel, we were excited to step into the vibrant streets of Rome, filled with Italian culture, and alongside both Roman and Jewish history. We spent time at the Arch of Titus, a testament to the exile of the Jews after the capture of Jerusalem and destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE), and explored the former Jewish Ghetto (15551870), where Jews were confined to work and live within the walled area under papal mandate.

We also had the opportunity to see the growth and rise of the local Jewish community, with the beautifully designed Tempio Maggiore di Roma, the Great Synagogue of Rome. The largest synagogue in Rome, it was built shortly after the ghetto was disbanded along the banks of the Tiber River and inaugurated in 1904. Even in a city known for notable buildings and structures, Tempio Maggiore stands out, a living example of the Jewish people’s fortitude where the Jews of Rome openly pray to this day.

Ancient Roots and Modern Reflections

A theme of resilience and survival wove its way through each stop on our journey. One particularly moving day we visited the archeological site of the port city of Ostia, where the ancient Sinagoga di Ostia Antica, the Ostia Synagogue was discovered, showcasing elements of Jewish prayer and community life from when it stood between the first and fifth centuries. While in Ostia we were privileged to see another ancient religious site, a 1,600-year-old mikvah, unearthed this past March. Each stop we made was a reminder that we are but one link in a long chain of Jewish life.

While the schedule was full, there was still time to soak in Rome’s vibrant atmosphere. We biked through Villa Borghese, enjoyed a boat ride on the Tiber River, and spent a sunny afternoon at a vineyard south of Rome. These moments gave us time to relax, reflect, get to know each other and connect our learning to the world around us.

Rest, Reflection, and Resilience

Shabbos in Rome was one of the highlights of the trip. Beyond the tefillah, Shabbos meals, and opportunity to relax, we also kept up our Jewish learning with a shiur from our trip-planner extraordinaire, Rabbi Menachem Lazar, and another by Esther Boylan, a professor of Jewish Studies at Lander College for Women. Professor Boylan reminded us of the strength woven into our Jewish identity, a particularly poignant lesson for the Jewish leaders of tomorrow in the face of rising antisemitism throughout the world. (Notably, while we felt safe as Jewish travelers, we were accompanied by a security detail for the entirety of the trip!)

In the final days of our trip, we visited the Jewish Catacombs of Torlonia, an ancient underground cemetery, and enjoyed a lecture by Herb Ratner, associate dean for administration and ad-

visement for Lander College for Men, who discussed the life of Primo Levi, a Jewish Italian chemist (1919-1987), partisan, Holocaust survivor, and writer. Both of these experiences added important pieces of history to our experience, as many of us, including myself, are the great-grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. We walked, learned, and reflected, each step deepening our understanding and connection to each other, to Torah, to past Jewish life, and to our Jewish faith. The entire trip was organized by Rabbi Dr. Simcha Fishbane, Touro Vice-President and Liaison for European programs to whom we are grateful.

This was not my first visit to Rome, but with the focus of our dedicated professors and their lectures and insight bringing all the locations we visited to life, I returned home with a renewed spirit and a deeper appreciation for our shared history. It was more than just a tour; it was a journey into the heart of Jewish life, both past and present, and a lesson to help guide us toward our future.

Am Yisroel Chai!

Mordechai (Matthew) Cywiak of Cedarhurst is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance at Touro University’s Lander College for Men

Amud HaYomi Siyumim on Masechta Eruvin Held at Homes of Senior Gedolei Yisrael

By Chaim Gold

One had to be there to see the simcha, to feel the contagious joy exuding from the senior Gedolei Yisrael to truly appreciate the Torah revolution transpiring since the inception of the popular Amud HaYomi program.

The Gedolim, who were the first to recognize the transformative impact that such an ambitious project would have on Klal Yisrael, urged Dirshu to forge ahead, and now the fruits of their far-reaching vision was being celebrated.

Over the past several weeks, siyumim on Masechta Eruvin were held at the homes of leading Gedolim and in Amud HaYomi gatherings the world over to celebrate the milestone event of the completion of the difficult, foundational masechta of Eruvin

Siyumim were held at the homes of HaGaon HaRav Moshe Sternbuch, shlita, Raavad of the Eidah Hachareidis, HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Slabodka, HaGaon HaRav Avraham Salim, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Rosh Yeshivas Me’or HaTorah, and HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron.

Regional siyumim were also held in locales across the world to celebrate the accomplishment. From Lakewood and Brooklyn to Montreal and Toronto and even far off South Africa, siyumim were held.

The fact that leading elder Gedolei Yisrael agreed to open their humble homes to host the siyumim is indicative of the tremendous importance that they attach to the Amud HaYomi shiur and what it does for Klal Yisrael.

Rav Meir Shapiro’s Vision

The siyum at the home of Rav Dovid Cohen encapsulated the hashkafa of the Gedolei Yisrael regarding the Amud HaYomi and its importance as a pivotal limud for Klal Yisrael.

Rav Cohen recalled how some two years ago, when the foundational meetings were held to establish the Amud HaYomi, “I shared an important thought. Rav Meir Shapiro had tremendous zechuyos when he established the Daf HaYomi. Many

people have, baruch Hashem, completed the entire Shas through learning with the Daf HaYomi and that is wonderful. Nevertheless, the fact is that for those who learn the daf in a half hour or 45 minutes, it is nearly impossible to learn it properly. When Rav Meir Shapiro established the Daf HaYomi in Poland, Yidden after a day of work or before the work day started, spent not a half-hour learning, but hours learning the daf. They were able to review and truly achieve a havana in the sugyos they were learning.”

“If someone can learn the daf and know it in accordance with that august vision of Rav Meir Shapiro, that is wonderful! Tavo alav bracha! The question is, what happens if a person learns the daf without really understanding it? It is better to learn less but to really understand. Thus, if the Amud HaYomi will ensure that a person can learn less but understand, then this accomplishes the ultimate purpose of the Daf HaYomi!”

“A Building That is Complete Has a Tremendous Advantage!”

The siyumim in Bnei Brak at the homes of both Rav Dov Landau and Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch were deeply inspirational. Rav Landau, who is always sparing with words, thanked Dirshu and Rav Dovid Hofstedter who was present at the siyum, for facilitating such an increase in limud haTorah and kevod shomayim in Klal Yisrael.

In his brief remarks at the siyum held at his home, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch spoke about the importance of completing entire masechtos. “Why,” he asked, “when we finish a mesechta like Eruvin that contains 105 dafim, do we make a siyum, whereas when we complete 176 dafim of Masechta Bava Basra, we do not make a siyum?” He answered that Eruvin is an entire masechta. There is a shleimus in its completion. A building that is complete has a tremendous advantage.

“It is for that reason,” Rav Hirsch ended off, “that I feel that Klal Yisrael has to give a sincere, groise shkoiach to Rav Dovid and Dirshu for doing so much for Klal Yisrael. Dirshu has increased kavod haTorah and yedias haTorah in an exponential way.”

Rav Dovid Hofstedter briefly addressed each of the siyumim at the home

of the Gedolim. At the beautiful siyum held at the home of Avraham Rav Salim, he said, “The Amud HaYomi not only prevent one from transgressing the negative of bittul Torah but it is much more than that! It also elevates us and elevates our goals to finish Shas on a higher level. It enables us to learn it with greater clarity and amkus and review it more and retain it.”

Amud HaYomi in All Corners of the World

Speaking of positive and uplifting, the sheer impact that the Amud HaYomi has had on communities all over the world, even those far from the crowded frum population centers, is truly remarkable.

One such example was the siyum on Masechta Eruvin in Johannesburg, South Africa. Although Dirshu has been popular in South Africa for many years, the primary program learned there was the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha. More complex Gemara programs with regular tests were not as prevalent.

It was simply amazing to see so many members of the community who in the past would not have dreamed of making a siyum, especially a siyum on Masechta Eruvin, doing just that! Rabbi Taback spoke with great emotion about the strides the community has made through Dirshu’s programs.

Five Montreal Amud HaYomi Shiurim Come Together

Another unique siyum on Eruvin was the one made in the Cot St. Luc neighborhood of Montreal. In Cot St. Luc, one large siyum was held unifying five different Amud Hayomi shiurim in the area. Most of the kehillos in that neighborhood are Sephardic kehillos and it was clear from the testimonials of the many mesaymim that the Amud HaYomi for them was not just another learning seder, but a transformative experience that deeply connected their neshamos with limud haTorah, learning as they mastered a masechta. Indeed, for many, it was the first time they made a siyum! Toronto Celebrates

In Toronto, too, a beautiful siyum was held to celebrate the milestone. That siyum was attended and addressed by HaGaon HaRav Moshe Mordechai Lowy, shlita, rav of the Agudas Yisrael of Toron-

HaRav Moshe Shternbuch giving divrei chizuk at the Dirshu siyum in his home

to, and by Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of Dirshu.

Rav Hofstedter gave a moving drasha during which time, he looked at the diverse nature of the crowd who all hailed from different walks of life and varied age groups and pointed out that all of the Amud HaYomi learners despite their diversity are united by the one thing that unites Am Yisrael, the Torah! “It is so appropriate,” he exclaimed, “that this siyum is being made on Masechta Eruvin, because as the Maharsha says, the concept of eruvin is to unite people into one domain. Eruvin symbolizes shalom and achdus.”

Rav Lowy spoke about the remarkable impact that the Amud HaYomi learning has on each Yid as an individual and simultaneously on the entire collective tzibbur. That is in essence “the power of Dirshu! It changes individuals and has also changed the lives of our collective tzibbur enriching the tzibbur in an almost unprecedented way!”

Now is the Time to Join

Perhaps the remarks voiced at the home of Rav Dovid Cohen by HaRav Aryeh Zilberstein, one of the most popular Amud HaYomi maggidei shiur who is heard by thousands daily on various platforms said, “The message of Dirshu is to upgrade your limud haTorah in any way possible. That is the raison d’etre of Dirshu. Even if you have not joined yet, now is the time to join the Amud HaYomi. You will see that if you do, your life will never be the same!”

Around the Community

Building Bears and Memories At Avnet

For over 60 years, Avnet Country Day School has been delighting campers with creative programming but last week brought the cuddliest experience of all! In a new Avnet activity, Uptown Bears visited for a day of wonder and a chance to craft the ultimate camp keepsakes. Designed for the youngest pre-school campers as well as first grade boys and first and second grade girls, the Beit Midrash was transformed into “Bear Town.” There were looks of wonder and exclamations of joy when campers entered the room and were greeted by a giant inflatable bear. The first step was selecting a bear from four adorable options. Then it was over to the stuffing station where furry friends were filled with “hearts” and love. Next, it was time to decorate bear-sized Avnet T-shirts to dress the bears in personalized style. Finally, it was time to fill out “adoption certificates” and nestle their cuddly companions in a little “house” for the trip home.

Behind this memorable moment was months of research and planning to find

the best activities for Avnet. Every year, the senior team attends two camping shows to stay on top of the latest trends and offerings in the industry.

“We make a point each season to go to camp shows to look for new ideas. We were introduced to Uptown Bear this year, and it has been enormously popular – beyond what we anticipated. The reactions today, from both campers and staff, validate the time and effort we put in to engage and raise the bar every summer,” said Daniel Stroock, Camp Director. By the end of the enchanting day over 600 Avnet bears were created to grace beds and toy chests for years to come.

“We chose this activity to allow many of our campers to bring home keepsakes that will last them a lifetime,” said Megan Herskowitz, Program Director. “There were smiles on everyone’s face – from

the youngest three year olds to the oldest counselors. We hope that when they look at their bears they will always remember the amazing summer they had at Avnet.” Happy cuddles!

TJH Centerfold

Vacation Trivia

1. Where is the tallest waterslide in the world located?

a. Kansas City

b. Las Vegas

c. Dubai

d. Qatar

2. Which of the following countries was the most visited country in the world by tourists?

a. Afghanistan

b. Turkey

c. France

d. United States

d. Due to bacteria from smelly tourists, it has to be cleaned with rubbing alcohol every night

6. According to a study by accounting firm Deloitte, what percentage of people in the U.S. planned a summer vacation this summer?

a. 14%

b. 23%

c. 41%

d. 53%

Answer Key:

1) D-The Vertigo and The Fractionator at Meryal amusement park in Qatar stand at 76.35 meters.

3. Match the national parks with their locations

1. Great Smoky Mountains

2. Glacier

3. Olympic

4. Acadia

a. Maine

b. Washington State

c. North Carolina, Tennessee

d. Montana

4. Which U.S. national park receives the most visitors during the summer months?

a. Yellowstone National Park

b. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

c. Grand Canyon National Park

d. Yosemite National Park

5. What happens to the Eiffel Tower in the summer?

a. It gets a few inches taller

b. The heat index goes up to 170 degrees

c. It is closed every day from noon to 3PM for clean-up of all the trash left around

2) C-France had approximately 102 million international visitors in 2024; Spain had approximately 93.8 million visitors. The United States came in third with 72.4 million people visiting, and Turkey came in at fourth place. Afghanistan? Well, not really a great place to visit if you like this thing called “life.”

3) 1-C, 2-D, 3-B, 4-A

4) B-The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stretching across Tennessee and North Carolina.

5) A-The Eiffel Tower expands approximately 6 inches during the summer. This is largely due to the fact that steel contracts when it’s cold and expands when it’s hot.

6) D

Wisdom Key:

4-6 Correct: You are a globetrotter. Do you ever work?

2-3 Correct: You are average. Hey, that means you plan on taking a vacation this summer. Enjoy!

0-1 Correct: You may not be taking a vacation this summer, but your brain definitely is!

Gone On Vacation Automatic Email Responses

I’m not in the office right now but if it’s important, tweet me using #YOUAREINTERRUPTINGMYVACATION.

I am currently in St. Tropez, France. Enjoy your wor- week.

I am currently out at a job interview and will reply to you if I fail to get the position. Just kidding—I’m only on vacation … but I wish I was on a job interview.

I am in Cancun and will return your email upon my return unless I buy out one of these tourist T-shirt shops and stay here forever.

I am currently out of the office on vacation. I know I’m supposed to say that I’ll have limited access to email and won’t be able to respond until I return – but that’s not true. I’m actually looking at your email right now, but I’m not responding because I don’t have to.

I am currently between two 60-foot palm trees on a hammock, listening to the waves and drinking a smoothie directly from a coconut. The last thing on my mind right now is your email… just like it’s the last thing on my mind when I am in the office.

I am on vacation. Please don’t contact anyone else in the company. The incompetence virus is rampant…just wait until I get back.

I will return your email upon my return to the office. Before sending your email to me, please have some pity and think about what the first day back at work is like after vacation. Think: can this wait a few days?

Gone on vacation for 2 days to clear my mind so that I can return to this craziness for the next 363 days and be able to handle it without losing my mind.

I have gone on a cruise! Because I like volatile, slow moving, loud, virus-infested things…it reminds me of my office.

I work 51 weeks a year and go on vacation for one week a year. During my absence, please contact my boss who works one week a year—this week—and is on vacation 51 weeks a year.

I am on vacation, and so is my AI, so my AI will respond to you as soon as I get back.

His and Hers Road Trips (Pre-Waze)

HERS: Pulls off at wrong exit. Opens window. Asks directions from a knowledgeable police officer. Arrives at destination within moments.

HIS: Pulls off at wrong exit absolutely positive it’s the correct one. Drives five miles into wilderness, still thinks he’s right. Drives an extra 5 miles just in case. Finally rolls down window just to get fresh air. Pulls up to a 7-Eleven. Gets chips, ice cream and a large Slurpee. Asks person behind counter how to get back onto the highway. Gets back into car. Laughs at the idea of looking at a map as he pulls away from the 7-Eleven. Drives down a dirt road with no street lights insisting this is the way back because guy from 7-Eleven said it was. Almost hits a deer. Spills his Slurpee. Drives and fiddles with radio. Waves off wife’s suggestion that he ask for directions again. Says he never wanted to drive anyway. Arrives at destination after an hour and a half.

Turns to wife and says, “See, I told you I’d find it.”

Even though Moshe in his review of the life of the Jewish people in the desert of Sinai over the past forty years recounts all of the miracles that occurred to them, he does so not for the purpose of narrative but rather to teach an important moral lesson for all ages. That stark lesson is that after all of the miracles that G-d may perform on our behalf, our fate is in great measure in our hands. The lesson of all of Jewish history is summed up in the verse, “For not by bread alone – even miraculous bread such as the manna itself – shall humans live by but rather by the word of G-d, so to speak – the values, commandments and strictures of Torah shall Jews live.” All attempts to avoid this lesson, to substitute other words, ideas and ideologies for the words of Torah have turned into dismal failures.

Reliance upon miracles is just as dangerous a path. My teachers in yeshiva would say to us then pious young men that prayer helps one to become a scholar

Torah Thought

Parshas Eikev

By Rabbi Berel Wein

in Torah. But they emphasized that sitting and studying Torah for a protracted time with concentration and effort may help even more in the quest for true Torah scholarship.

Moshe uses the constant miracles of the desert to drive home the point that

run-up to Elul and the High Holy Days, it is important to remember how much of our fate truly lies in our own hands and actions. The small choices that we make in our everyday lives add up to our life’s achievements and accomplishments. That is what Rashi means when

In essence, the clear conclusion from his oration is that G-d helps those who help themselves.

much of the responsibilities of life are in our hands and our decision-making processes. In essence, the clear conclusion from his oration is that G-d helps those who help themselves.

In our post-Tisha B’Av mood and

he states that “these are the commandments that one grinds under with one’s heel – eikev!” The small things that we think to be unimportant at the moment often translate themselves into major decisions and sometimes even irreversible

consequences.

The question always before us is do our actions measure up to the standards of G-d’s word, so to speak. We live not “by bread alone” or by miracles alone but by our own choices and our own very behavior and deeds.

While recently driving on a New York City highway – an exercise in patience and utter futility – I missed the exit that I was supposed to turn off on. Miles and a quarter of an hour later I was able somehow to retrace my journey and exit at the proper place. I felt that it was a miracle that I was able to do so. In fact, however, it was my negligent choice of not exiting correctly from the highway originally that forced the necessity of the occurrence of this “miracle” upon me.

Moshe teaches us that this is truly a daily occurrence in our lives. His message to us is as clear and cogent today as it was to our forbearers in the desert of Sinai long ago.

Shabbat Shalom.

What is the nature of the transition of a young man or woman from a child, who is exempt from the mitzvos and punishments of beis din, to bar or bas mitzvah, when he or she is obligated to observe the mitzvos and is subject to the punishments of beis din (Chulin 12a, Sanhedrin 68b; Chagigah 2a; etc.)?

Teshuvos HaRashba (Yi’ud Rishonim) explains that a child under bar or bas mitzvah is halachically not considered a bar daas, possessing mature intellect. No one should be offended by this. Even a genius like the Vilna Gaon was exempt from mitzvos as a child. The Rashba explains that the fact that a child is not a bar daas is a halacha l’Moshe miSinai, a direct transmission from Sinai. Let us look at this more closely. What is the precise nature of this change in intellectual maturity between childhood and adulthood? The Navi Yeshayahu, who offers us so much consolation re -

From the Fire

Parshas Eikev Growing Up

By Rav Moshe Weinberger

Adapted for publication by

Binyomin Wolf

garding the upcoming redemption in the haftarahs we read in the seven weeks after Tisha B’Av, also describes eighteen serious challenges the Jewish people will face at different times in history.

The Gemara (Chagigah 14a) explains, based on pesukim in Yeshayahu, the nature of the malady of our generation, the last one before Moshiach at the end of time. Our generation is also hinted at in the name of our parsha, Eikev, which means “heel,” the last and least part of the body. But it also a hint at the fact that our generation is the generation of ikvisa d’mashicha , the footsteps of Moshiach. What is the main issue plaguing us? “The youth will elevate himself over the elder and the lightweight over the honored one” (Yeshayahu 3:5). The Gemara explains that this means that for the youth and the lightweight, “serious things appear to him as insignificant.” Regardless of a child’s intellectual acumen, the key sign of intellectual maturity is the abil-

ity to recognize the true importance of important things and not ascribe undue significance to trivial matters. As the Yerushalmi (Brachos 5:2) says, “Without intellectual maturity, how can one make distinctions?”

Rav Yerucham Levovitz, the Mirrer Mashgiach, zt”l , writes that one of the most fundamental principles of Yiddishkeit is to properly understand the importance of things. The pasuk at the beginning of our parsha (Devarim 7:12) says, “And it will be, because you will heed these laws...” Rashi explains that this refers to the mitzvos one tends to take lightly. The Torah is telling us we must listen to these mitzvos just like we listen to the other laws. We must recognize their importance despite the fact that people usually take them lightly. And the Mishnah in Avos (2:1) says, “Be as careful with a ‘light’ mitzvah as with a ‘heavy’ one, for you do not know the reward of mitzvos.” The evil inclina-

tion’s main goal in this generation is to cause people, both adults and children, to shrug off profound matters as insignificant and give great deference and respect to trivial things.

Many adults today fail to recognize what is and is not important. A frum Jew will scoff at a man studying in kollel for twenty years, calling him a bench-warmer. But a moment later, he will discuss A-Rod’s retirement with the greatest admiration and respect. While there is nothing wrong with appreciating a human being’s ability to hit a ball, the inability to understand what is important in life and what is insignificant is profoundly disappointing.

The Gemara (Sotah 49b) says, “At the time of the footsteps of Moshiach, chutzpah will increase... and [people will perceive that] the wisdom of the scholars becomes putrid.” The chutzpah we see in both children (and adults who think like children) today is a function of the lack of

daas, intellectual and spiritual maturity. Being an adult means knowing that major spiritual potential exists in every encounter one has with others. Every single conversion with another person is an opportunity to give a kind word, offer encouragement, or spread positivity and light.

Simply consider Rivka Imeinu. She offered a drink to Eliezer, as well as his camels. The Torah spends pasuk after pasuk relating the details of this ostensibly insignificant act of kindness. Hashem obviously wanted us to understand that we would not be who we are and that our people would not be complete without this act of kindness, which ultimately was the sign by which Eliezer made the match between Rivka and Yitzchak. This couple then formed the foundation of the Jewish people, who are the building blocks of a long process ultimately culminating in the redemption at the end of time. The Torah wants us to understand the deep significance in every act of kindness.

Contemplate the kindness of Shifra and Puah, also known as Yocheved and Miriam. They took care of and comforted suffering Jewish babies during Pharaoh’s mass slaughter of Jewish children. All they did was what comes naturally to any mother. They cooed and comforted crying children. Yet their quiet acts of kindness formed the basis for the birth of Moshe Rebbeinu, our redemption from Egypt, and the Jewish people’s acceptance of the Torah shortly afterward, all of which are the precursor of the ultimate redemption.

Hashem wants us to understand that the details in life are not so minor. Profound significance is hidden within them if only we recognize their true importance and seize the subtle opportunities for greatness hidden in day-to-day life. It is a sign of childish immaturity to only appreciate things that seem “big” and important. But truly “big” people recognize the importance of the things that seem small to others.

Rav Yerucham, who lived at the beginning of the twentieth century, recounts how, in his time, using microscopes, scientists were just discovering entire ecosystems, whole worlds, in objects and organisms smaller than a grain of sand. He saw in this a tremendous lesson. If so much exists in mere physical objects, how much more greatness must be hidden in the thoughts, words, and actions of a Jew. He explains, “This is the work of Mussar, to magnify things. Because of the weakness of our vision and the frailty of our hearts, we do not

see the greatness of things. But Mussar is the ‘magnifying glass’ allowing us to gaze deeply into the inner essence of things...to draw out from everything the greatness hidden within every detail.”

Consider the mitzvah of bringing one’s first fruits to Yerushalayim. There

daism there. One of those who attended Kotlarsky’s talk was a man named Chaim Yosef Groisman, who seemed startled that a representative of Chabad had come to his hometown. Decades earlier, Groisman’s grandmother had told him that if he ever encountered a difficult, seemingly

The evil inclination’s main goal in this generation is to cause people, both adults and children, to shrug off profound matters as insignificant and give great deference and respect to trivial things.

is no defined minimum amount one must bring. Therefore, one may technically fulfill his Torah obligation by bringing even one seed from one of his fruits, thereby fulfilling his obligation for an expansive field. One tiny seed could justify a person using the prayer found in the Torah (Devarim 26:15), “Look down from Your holy dwelling, from Heaven, and bless Your nation Israel and the land that You gave us, just as You swore to our fathers...” And the Gemara (Sotah 39a-b) explains that, when a Jew fulfills the mitzvah to bring first fruits, the kohanim would offer the prayer, “Master of the World! We have done what you have decreed of us. Now do with us what you promised us!”

How can all of this be? It is possible that while everyone else comes to Yerushalyim bringing baskets and baskets of luscious fruits to the Beis HaMikdash, one particular Jew brings just one tiny seed to fulfill his obligation and this justifies such profound prayers? The fact that it can is a lesson to us that we cannot judge the importance of an object or act by looking at how big or small it is. We must look deeply to see what significance the Torah places on it.

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin’s book released on the twentieth yahrtzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, zy”a, (p. 204), he recounts the following story that illustrates this beautifully:

In 1982, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, [zt”l] who today directs development for the global network of shluchim , was asked by Rabbi Chaim Hodakov, the Rebbe’s chief of staff, to visit the small Jewish community on the Caribbean island of Curaçao and deliver a speech about Ju-

insurmountable problem, the person to whom he should turn was the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Now, indeed, Groisman had a problem, and a representative of the Rebbe had come to Curaçao. Groisman consulted with Rabbi Kotlarsky, who was able to assist him. Shortly thereafter he wrote Kotlarsky a warm letter thanking him and asked him “to tell the Rebbe

that a small Jew from Curaçao felt that the Rebbe…touched my soul.”

Rabbi Kotlarsky sent a copy of the letter to the Rebbe, who was moved by Groisman’s heartfelt thanks, though distressed by one aspect of the man’s warm regards: “I must take exception to your referring to yourself as ‘a small Jew from Curaçao,’” he wrote to Groisman. “Every Jew, man or woman, has a soul which is part of G-dliness above, as explained in the Tanya. Thus, there is no such thing as ‘a small Jew,’ and a Jew must never underestimate his or her tremendous potential.”

Every Jew, every detail, has such potential packed within it. May we merit being big people and may we merit spiritual, intellectual, and emotional maturity, thereby finally earning the complete fulfillment of that which we say in kedushah in Mussaf on Shabbos: “Indeed I will redeem you, the last ones like the first ones, to be to you G-d, I am Hashem your G-d.”

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.

Iwas visiting a New Jersey suburb one summer and noticed that all the lawns were brown — save one. The house where I was staying had a luscious green garden in front.

Often, due to lack of rain, drought restrictions are put into effect. Either you can’t water your lawn at all or you can only do so on certain days.

This luscious green lawn, however, was served by its own private well. Well, well, well… looks like this needs more digging.

I asked the homeowner incredulously, “You dug your own well just to get around the drought restrictions?!”

He told me I was wet behind the ears. With the amount of money he saved on his water utilities, it was a wash. And after a few years, he’d be saving some serious green.

At first, the savings might seem like a drop in the bucket — but over time, they add up.

Now, if you were one of his neighbors who was green with envy (but otherwise pretty brown), could you siphon some water from his well?

Ask for permission, and he might tell you to pipe down.

Help yourself without asking, and you could land in hot water.

Delving into the Daf

Water Works

By Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow

The Gemara (Avoda Zara 59a) quotes Rebbe Yochanan in the name of Rebbe Shimon ben Yehotzodok that one cannot make public water forbidden. If an idolater decided to worship a public water source, the water would nevertheless be permitted for drinking — despite the general rule that one cannot derive benefit from a worshipped item. There is an exception for private property. (This is a watered-down summary of the sugya.)

property, everyone could use it.

Tosfos therefore suggests that even “private” water is, in practice, public — leading to the question of what the Gemara means by “private.”

One might argue this has nothing to do with Lakewood. After all, it’s not Eretz Yisrael.

But Tosfos Ri M’Birnaya rules that Yehoshua’s enactments apply even in Chutz La’aretz. When the Jewish people

Help yourself without asking, and you could land in hot water.

The Gemara infers that if an idolater worshipped a private water source, the water would be prohibited.

Tosfos wonders: how could such a case exist?

It was a watershed moment in Jewish history: Yehoshua conquered Eretz Yisrael, and the Jewish nation was ready to settle the land. But Yehoshua made everyone’s inheritance conditional on accepting certain rules. One of these was that if a person had a water source on his

accepted his stipulations, they bound themselves to keep them everywhere, for all time.

Still planning to raid a neighbor’s well during a drought? The sugya might seem to give you a flow of new ideas, but Tosfos’s ideas tend to shut the tap.

Tosfos suggests that Yehoshua’s rule applies only to a spring, not a man-made well. So if someone invested the time, money, and effort to dig a well, ditch the idea of helping yourself.

Tosfos elsewhere (47) suggests that even if a spring is public under Yehoshua’s rule, one may not trespass to reach it. If you can access it without stepping onto private land, fine — otherwise your plan dries up, leaving you tapped out.

Tosfos also suggests that a “private water source” can refer to a case where the landowner controls all the surrounding land. With no neighbors nearby, there is no one to whom the takana applies — making it truly private. This explanation by itself would not add to the stream of bad news. In Lakewood, a person would theoretically be able to help himself to his neighbor’s water.

So, if your neighbor is brooking no compromise on water rights, consider digging your own well. It’ll add value to your home and keep you from being underwater. And if you do it right, you might even make a splash with the neighbors. As for stealing water, table that idea. Be well.

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

Zeidy is in the Hospital: A 15-Point Checklist

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

One of the leading causes of death in this country is medical error. And, as many have been told, we, the religious Jewish family members, are the leading “pain in the neck” ethnicity at hospitals, because many a frum patient has relatives that stay at the hospital round-the-clock. But this latter point is a good thing. It involves the preservation of life – one of the highest priorities in halacha. What follows is a checklist of what the family members should watch out for.

KNAF

One thing first, however. Always watch out for: K.N.A.F. It stands for Kiddush Hashem, Nice And Firm. It is Zeidy’s health at stake, so you must be firm. Don’t be intimidated but always be nice.

There are three categories in this checklist. Go over it each time you begin and for every time you transfer to another family member: Things to Make Sure They Do, Things to Make

Sure They Don’t Do, and Things You Should Do

Things

To Make Sure They Do

1. Always double check to make sure they’re secure when they take the patient for imaging or anything else that they strap the patient in the wheelchair. This is for back and forth. Also, there is a gurney that they use to transfer the patient onto – the wheels need to be in a locked position. When this author was in the hospital with COVID, I got dropped. It hurt badly. Also, staff changes all the time, and most hospitals do not have effective systems in place to make sure that everyone does this kind of thing.

2. Make sure that the staff washes their hands and also use fresh gloves. When I was watching my father, a”h, the nurse didn’t clean her hands when doing all of the kidney dialysis stuff. This helps prevent infections. This should be for the post-op infection antibiotics, any catheter changes, any central line

precautions, and all the kidney dialysis equipment.

3. Make sure that the alarms on medical equipment are checked out quickly.

4. They will think that you are a pain for this one, but try to make sure that they get the test results to the correct person right away. Doctors have confided in me that this is one of the main reasons that people die in the hospital.

5. Nowadays, most hospitals label the body part upon which the surgery is done, but make sure that it is correct. Don’t use the terms, “Make sure it is the right one.” Use the word “correct” instead of the word “right” to prevent misunderstandings.

Things To Make Sure

They Don’t Do

1. Make sure that it is the correct medicine listed. Sometimes, the wrong medicine is given or the wrong dosage. Often, medical staff will administer

a medication to which a patient has a known allergy. Make sure to know the patient’s allergies and to both receive and transfer it to the next family member.

2. Always make sure that the urine or blood sample is properly labelled. Many mistakes happen when these things are ascribed to the wrong patient.

3. Make sure the doctor or nurse doesn’t mix up patients. When any medical staff member visits, say the name of the patient and make sure they check the chart also.

4. Now this one will get many people upset, but it is good advice: don’t let the resident do things. Even the second-year resident. The new residents started in July. Yes, July. Many will feign expertise. A zeidy I know was told that part of his foot needed to be amputated within 24 to 48 hours. The resident said that it is not just 99% true. It is 99.99 percent true, so please sign the form immediately.

Things You Should Do

1. Look around and try to identify any possible danger or risk.

2. Make sure the patient is turned or gets into a chair every two hours during the day to prevent bed sores. Most hospitals have beds that kind of do this, but it may not be enough. Learn to recognize the first stage of a bed sore – a reddened, darkened or discolored area on light skin. On darker skin, it may look purple, or blue, or shiny. The spot may feel warm or hard.

3. Talk to the patient, so there will not be changes in his or her mental acuity.

4. The main caretaker should ask the doctor what the diagnosis is and what the plan is.

5. The main caretaker should try to gain insight into who everyone is, their shifts, and make a list for all of the family members.

6. We should be careful not to be distracted by our phones whenever a medical person comes in.

This 15-point checklist fulfills numerous mitzvos in the Torah.

1. Hashavas Aveidah: The verse in

Parshas Ki Seitzei (Devarim 22:2) discusses the mitzvah of hashavas aveidah, returning a lost object, with the words, “V’hasheivoso lo, and you shall return it to him.” The Gemara in Sanhedrin (73a), however, includes within its understanding of these words the obligation of returning “his own life to him as well.” This verse is the source for the

a negative mitzvah of not standing idly by your brother’s blood —“Lo sa’amod al dam rei’echa ” (Vayikra 19:16). This is mentioned in Shulchan Aruch (C.M. 426:1) and in the Rambam. When medical errors and such affect so many around us and we do nothing, we are violating the commandment of “Lo sa’amod al dam rei’echa.”

He writes that one must exert every effort to save his friend’s life, until it becomes a matter of pikuach nefesh for himself.

mitzvah of saving someone’s life. It is highly probable that it is to this general mitzvah that the Shulchan Aruch refers in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 325.

2. “V’Nishmartem me’od l’nafshoseichem”: The Maharsha states definitively that this pasuk from Devarim (4:15) refers also to following practical advice involving medical issues, too.

3. “Thy Brother’s Blood”: There is

4. “Lo Suchal L’hisalem ”:There is yet another negative commandment associated with the positive commandment of hashavas aveidah, and that is the verse in Devarim (22:3), “You cannot shut your eyes to it.” This verse comes directly after the mitzvah of hashavas aveidah. The Netziv, Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehudah Berlin, in his HeEmek She’eilah, refers to this mitzvah as well.

5. “ V’chai Achicha Imach ”: The She’iltos (She’ilta #37), based upon the Gemara in Bava Metzia 62a, understands the words in Vayikra (25:36), “V’chai achicha imach, and your brother shall live with you,” to indicate an obligation to save others with you. The Netziv in his HeEmek She’eilah understands it as a full-fledged obligation according to all opinions. He writes that one must exert every effort to save his friend’s life, until it becomes a matter of pikuach nefesh for himself.

6. “V’ahavta L’rei’acha Kamocha ”: The Ramban, in Toras HaAdam Sha’ar HaSakanah (pp. 42–43), understands the verse of “And love thy neighbor as yourself” as a directive to save our peers from medical danger as well.

7. Kibbud Av v’Aim: There is no question that watching over them in the hospital in this manner fulfills the mtzvah of Kibbud Av v’Aim.

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

Idrink my coffee strong and black. I am no fan of coffee concoctions that are filled with milk, sugar, flavorings and whipped cream. Few understand why I also drink decaf; many tell me that drinking decaf defeats the purpose of drinking coffee. Coffee drinkers like the caffeine rush drinking it gives them.

My journey to black coffee began with my first pregnancy 54 years ago; I was not good at it, and so I spent many hours with my head in a toilet bowl. I found that eliminating sugar from my coffee helped. Pregnancy number two – same challenge – eliminated milk. Pregnancy three eliminated sugar from my tea.

To this day, black coffee and tea are my beverages of choice.

I hadn’t really tasted a good cup of coffee until my mother-in-law, Anyu (Edith), prepared one for me. Until that delicious cup, I drank the powdered instant (no such thing as freeze dried) coffee, with two spoonfuls of sugar and a large dollop of milk. Anyu made her morning cup in a special brewer that came in three parts: a bottom that held the water, a center that held the grounds, and a top with a beak that held the freshly brewed coffee; it’s an espresso pot for bigger portions.

Purists like this pot because there is very little interaction between the metal of the pot and the brewing water. It is well known that the best coffee is

School of Thought

Not Giving Up

By Barbara Deutsch

prepared by using only a glass vessel or by inserting a filter over a glass pot and pouring hot water over the coffee grounds directly into the carafe. The most particular coffee drinkers start with fresh beans that they grind them themselves to accommodate the needs of the brewer.

I’m confident that there are multiples of coffee drinkers who have more to contribute to what makes a good cup of coffee.

In the days before Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, takeout coffee was a small cup of whatever the random corner coffee shop had to offer. There were no easily available at-home brewers. First there were the various Mr. Coffee machines that changed the face of at-home freshly brewed coffee. Mr. Coffee could be prepared in advance and set on a timer; the delightful smell of the brew was a welcome incentive to get you out of bed in the morning. Technology moved us on to the convenience of specialty pods that now are used in the very popular Keurig and Nespresso machines.

In New York, I had both machines. Now I use a deluxe Nespresso. Keurig is not readily available in Israel. Because I drink everything black, my needs are simple; we don’t even keep milk in the fridge. I do not line up at gourmet coffee shops; for example, Natan’s Coffee on Usishkin has three products: coffee, tea

and cookies. There are always long lines of people, especially seminary girls, that wind around the block waiting to order an expensive cup of sugar-drenched coffee.

I prefer to brew it myself at home.

I buy my ground coffee from a small shop in the shuk; the proprietor grinds the fresh beans to accommodate both my French Press and Espresso Maker. I also keep a canister of caffeinated for those who prefer. Of late, he has not been able to procure decaf coffee in Israel. I don’t know why.

Tamar, our best daughter-in-law, brought us a pound from America.

I also store an instant blend of caffeinated and decaf for emergencies and Shabbat.

For the convenience and ease of no cleaning up afterwards, we bought a Nespresso from the big fancy store in the Mamilla Mall in Jerusalem. It’s a beautiful store with loads of options in coffeemakers, supplies and pods. We picked a costly machine – they are all expensive – that makes a big cup of coffee and does not have a milk frother – who needs that? – or fancy do-dads; it just makes pretty good coffee for the lazy purist.

The coffeemaker worked fine until it was time to descale it. A red and green light on its head indicated it was time to clean it. I got the special liquid descaler, poured it in the water holder, and set the process in motion; it took about 45 minutes.

From that descaling day, almost two months ago, the machine has been a mess; the yellow and green light on its head does not go the needed green. Every time I make a cup of coffee, the yellow/ red light blinks at me. What does one do?

In the past, when my Keurig acted up, I was awarded a brand new one. It happened twice in America. I figured I would go to the Nespresso store in Mamilla and speak to someone knowledgeable; after all, it is a reputable brand. I was directed to call Nespresso headquarters in Israel, which I did.

As in all bureaucratic institutions in Israel, you have to navigate the call system; for Hebrew, press 1, for English, press 2, etc. etc. etc. As usual, pressing 2 does not get you an English speaker. Complicating the situation is that my account is in our son-in-law’s name; that stems from the time we bought pods in Israel for our American machine and you could only do it with an Israeli phone number or credit card which you can only get with an Israeli phone number, etc. etc. etc.

For the past several weeks, maybe six now, I am on a seemingly endless spiral of calling Nespresso for support, pressing all the buttons to be told “no English,” waiting for a call back, pretending to speak Hebrew, waiting for a call back, calling again and again. Within this journey, my oneyear-old deluxe machine has gone back to the lab twice, expected return date end of

August, gotten two replacement machines both with missing parts, and now waiting again, for the parts or whatever they do or don’t bring this time.

I’m not optimistic even though the delivery man called to tell me he would be at my house by 8:00 a.m., a blessing as we were given a 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. window, which is better than not showing up at all, which has happened twice.

I have a wonderful new friend Sigal who takes care of the self-care appointments, manicures, and facials that I attempt to continue in my new life as a retiree. When I was disconnected from the umpteenth daily call that I make to Nespresso customer service, I called them again on my short walk from my house to the Leonardo Plaza, where Sigal’s spa is located. I decided that it may be a good idea to ask Sigal to call for me; she is smart, is familiar with the ways of Israeli business bureaucracy, understands the Israeli temperament, and most of all, speaks Hebrew.

And so it was, the Nespresso that I needed was just delivered; I have all the parts.

I learned a few important things from Sigal on this leg of the Nespresso experience. In Israel, it does not matter if you are right. No one cares. Israelis who speak

English understand it the way that I speak Hebrew; they get the gist of it but not the whole thing. Sometimes that does not matter, but when it does, it matters a lot. Losing your temper and screaming, no matter how justified, will not get you a win. What it will get you is that the person “helping” you will not follow up or file your claim.

I did not appreciate that the Nespresso rep. told Sigal that if I would have com-

Never

try to avoid calling between 1 and 3 (sometimes 4) o’clock as that is “chofesh,” lunch, rest, nap time. There are more no contact recommendations, but I try not to depress myself with how often you have to call and wait and call and wait to get things done.

Hashem has a sense of humor!

I just got a call from Nespresso; I thought it was to confirm delivery. Nope, for the

file a complaint or a request on Thursday, as it is almost Friday, and

that’s really

Sunday,

so nothing will

get done till Sunday, which is really Monday.

municated in Hebrew from the start my weeks-long grief could have been avoided.

When Sigal shared those comments, I almost hit the ceiling; I didn’t.

Never file a complaint or a request on Thursday, as it is almost Friday, and that’s really Sunday, so nothing will get done till Sunday, which is really Monday. Secondly,

second time and in the day that a workable temporary machine was delivered, I received notice that my own machine was fixed and would be delivered on Yom Rishon, today is Thursday (see above) and the temporary one would be picked up. We spoke only in Hebrew, and I am confident that we understood one another (yay,

Ulpan dropout). No matter, I now have a working temporary machine, and I may be getting mine back sooner than I was told to expect.

New olim need to understand and figure out a system that our former lives in chutz la’aretz did not prepare us for; that’s the way it is and will be if we want to be successful here.

I just read a study posted on my many random chats, that after Iceland (too cold), and despite the most recent climate of war, Israel is the second best place to retire. How about that?

It’s time to make myself a cup of black, decaffeinated coffee. It’s 9:00 a.m. and I have been up since 6:00 a.m. I still don’t understand why I don’t let myself retire.

Waiting with cups of hot and iced coffee with hope for the release of the hostages.

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.

The highspeed Sapsan train from Moscow to St. Petersburg on Sunday evening took exactly four hours. We davened Mincha/Maariv and ate our boxed dinners during this ride. We did not check in to our Four Seasons hotel until way past midnight, and the entire group was zonked out. Davening and breakfast took place in the hotel the next morning, and by ten o’clock we were ready to begin a heavy day of tourist attractions in this Imperial City.

St. Petersburg was the capital city of the Russian Empire for over two centuries as is evidenced by its luxurious architecture, majestic palaces, grand boulevards and significant cultural heritage. Peter the Great founded the city in 1703 and had the city designed as the “Venice of the North” with an extensive canal

The Wandering Jew

Return to Russia, 2016 Part II

system. Jews were not allowed to live there (with few exceptions) under Czarist rule, and there many stories that speak of prominent rabbanim and benefactors

ace, which is an opulent building with mixed architectural styles, notably its White Column Ballroom and Theatre. The palace is most notoriously known

There is no way I can start to describe the art treasures that we saw, which were only a tiny fraction of the wealth and beauty that this institution possesses.

who made trips there to intercede with the authorities and even met with the Czar on behalf of Jewish causes.

Our first stop was at the Yusupov Pal-

for the murder of Grigory Rasputin, the spiritual mentor of the Romanov family who was poisoned, shot and thrown in the adjacent Moyka River. Rasputin

was accused of being a madman and an antisemite, but both allegations have recently been debunked.

We then drove to a pier on the Neva River where we took a boat to the Peter and Paul Fortress which originally was a military garrison. From the mid 1700s through the 1920s it served as a prison for political criminals. We were able to see the horrendous cells and torture rooms used to get confessions out of the prisoners. The first Lubavitcher Rebbe, the “Baal HaTanya, was incarcerated there for 52 days in 1788, and the date of his release on the 19th of Kislev is still celebrated worldwide. We were able to see his cell, and a writeup about him was featured near the entrance to that chamber.

For davening and dinner, we went to

the Choral Synagogue where I entertained the group with my experiences in that shul during the Soviet regime between 1979-1982. The story of my davening as the chazan on Shabbos Chanukah with an unanticipated choir to harmonize me was especially amusing.

On Tuesday, we took a hydrofoil to the Peterhof Palace. The imposing palace has over thirty rooms in a mixture of styles from different periods. The greatest feature of this palace, though, is its exterior, with meticulously designed gardens on different levels interspersed with dancing fountains. There are over 250 gold-plated bronze statues. The most appropriate nickname for this complex is “the Russian Versailles.”

Our evening highlight was a dinner cruise on the Neva River. The food was good, the ride was relaxing, and it was accompanied by upbeat Russian Balalaika music.

Our last full day was Wednesday, and it truly was full of activity. The main feature was The State Hermitage Museum. The museum was founded by Empress Catherine the Great in 1764, and it presently has the largest art collection in the world. There is no way I can start to describe the art treasures that we saw, which were only a tiny fraction of the wealth and beauty that this institution possesses. We spent close to four hours there! From there, we headed to Catherine’s Palace, the

spectacular painted ceiling and comprises numerous distinctively decorated smaller rooms. To Pesi and me, the most eloquent one was the Amber Room, which had amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors. We only stayed an hour, but it was truly a worthwhile visit.

summer residence of the czars. The palace starts off in the Grand Hall with its

Our final stop was at the Choral Synagogue where we davened and celebrated our inspiring tour with a farewell dinner. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Pewzner, the Chabad Rabbi of the Choral Synagogue, addressed us, and our tour leaders Rabbis Mordechai Becher, Rabbi Yaakov Lehrfield and yours truly gave closing statements. Miriam Shreiber, who organized this stimulating journey, was praised in speeches by a number of participants. The lectures on this trip were a balance of Russian-Jewish history which was elaborated on by Rabbi Becher and personal recollections of the Russia that Pesi and I encountered during the era of the Soviet Union. Combined with Russian world heritage sites and Jewish places of interest, this journey was truly treasured by all participants, and we were gratified to be part of this experience.

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.

Nation

FR’ Yisroel Majeski Time is Love

By Eliyahu RosEnBERg

or most baseball players, the highlight of their job is the game. For Adam LaRoche, the best part was his son.

Every day at work, his 14-year-old son Drake would tag along. LaRoche, a former batter for the Chicago White Sox, once marveled at his fortune. “It’s like having your son and your best friend alongside you all day long, at work,” he remarked. “It’s been awesome.”

By 2016, Drake was practically an

In His Words…

honorary White Sox player — a delightful everyday presence at the team’s clubhouse. He chipped in, fetching balls and scrubbing cleats. He bonded with the team. And sometimes, he’d even join in during batting practice. It was a symbiotic relationship: Drake loved the team and the team loved Drake.

That’s why it came as such a shock when management one day, out of the blue, asked LaRoche to stop bringing his son to work every day. It was a soul-shat-

i heard a great quote once: ‘What someone else thinks of you is none of your business.’ What’s the difference? a s Rabbi avigdor Miller says, you only have to care about what hashem thinks of you.

l ife is meant for us to become big; to grow. Just look at the greatest tzaddikim, yosef, Moshe, avraham and the tests they went through. Challenges make us great. We don’t ask for them, but we embrace them.

We can’t give up hope, because we have hashem on our side. i think it was Babe Ruth who said, ‘ it’s very hard to beat someone who never quits.’ how does a yid quit? o ur name, yisroel, means we’re fighters. We fight our yetzer hara, we fall, we get up, we have challenges, we get back up, and we live with emunah.

tering request. Without Drake by his side, the game would lose its magic. And so, LaRoche immediately quit, forfeiting his $13 million contract.

“In his exit interview, they asked him, ‘Why did you do it?’ You know what you could do with $13 million? You could buy your son a house!” Rabbi Yisroel Majeski says, recounting the story. “And he said something so powerful. He said, ‘I know I’m going to have a lot of regrets in my life. But I’ll tell you one thing you will never ever hear me say. You will never hear me say that I spent too much time with my son.’”

* * *

“The name of the game is relationships,” says Rabbi Majeski, a passionate lecturer and rebbi in San Fernando Valley, California.

Relationships — cultivating them, repairing them, mastering them — is the key to, well, probably everything in life.

Relationships are at the core of every role we play. As parents, we cultivate connections with our children. As husbands and wives, we bond with our spouses. And as Jews, we connect to Hashem and our fellow Yidden. To be successful in our jobs, we need to cultivate relationships with our superiors and co-workers. And to be happy, we need to love ourselves. Simply put, good relationships make good lives.

But what makes a good relationship? Rabbi Majeski answers that question with one word: Time.

“Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, zt”l, used to say, ‘How do you spell love? T-IM-E.’ I love that line. Love is time: being

there for someone, listening to them, and caring about them,” Rabbi Majeski shares. “By a pidyon haben, we ask the father, ‘Do you want your money or your son?’ And Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky says that that question is really profound. We’re asking this father: ‘What’s more precious to you? Money or your son? What are you going to spend most of your time on?’ Of course, Hashem should give us money, but people get so lost in the money and the craze for money, in the chase, that people give up so much time. And that’s the thing we need to give our kids, students, campers — any relationships we have — the most: give time, undivided time.”

But, as Rabbi Majeski explains, it’s not just about the minutes, hours, and days we spend with those we care about. It’s not about quantity. It’s about quality. To show we care, it’s not enough to spend time with our loved ones; we need to dedicate time to our loved ones. Quality time entails listening, caring, and focusing without passivity or distraction. Ten minutes of genuine conversation is infinitely better than ten hours of shallow togetherness. Two people can occupy the same space, but if they’re glued to their phones and stuck in their heads, they’re not really spending time with each other.

“I was once driving with my boys. They were in the backseat of my car. And I looked at one of my sons and I asked, ‘Can you tell me what I could do to be a better Tatty?’ And he said, ‘Tatty, you’re on your phone too much,’” Rabbi Majeski recalls. “No matter how many speeches we hear, I don’t think we can say it enough: We have to be present. We have

to make ourselves more present for our wives, for our children, for our talmidim, and for ourselves.”

* * *

Rabbi Majeski once had a boy in his class who refused to daven. Every day, during davening, the teen would stare blankly into space, his siddur closed or turned to a random page, perhaps in protest, disinterest, or something else. Rabbi Majeski tried to encourage him — to plant little nuggets of inspiration during class. But five months passed, and the boy was unmoved.

One day, Rabbi Majeski was snacking on

some beef jerky when the kid walked up to him and asked for some.

“He mentioned his favorite flavor is Teriyaki. I gave him two, three pieces. He tried taking more. But I was like, ‘Enough!’” Rabbi Majeski jokes. “Anyway, three days later, I was in the supermarket. And as I’m walking out, I see they have beef jerky there (they know exactly where to put it!). And when I saw Teriyaki, I thought, ‘I’m going to get it and give it to him.’

“It was right before Mincha. I had it in my pocket. I saw him. I walked over to the back of the Beis Medrash. And I just flipped it to him. And he looked at it like, ‘Wow.’ He had this smile. He put it in his pocket. I went to daven. I finished Mincha. I look across the Beis

Medrash. And I see him davening...for the first time. First time in five and a half months,” Rabbi Majeski recounts. “What was it? No speech, no lecture. It was simple. I realized he actually saw someone who cared about him. To him, that just clicked. He knew I went to buy it. I remembered his flavor. And he connected to Hashem without me saying a word.”

As Rabbi Majeski explains, parents and rebbeim often serve as a bridge of sorts between children and G-d. When a kid has trouble connecting to his parents or teachers, the child may also struggle in his or her relationship with G-d. It’s hard to relate to Hashem — the Parent of all parents, the King of all kings — when parental love feels like a foreign concept and authority figures seem distant and

cold. But when that boy saw that his rebbi cared for him, it changed everything. His rebbi’s warmth made it easier for him to love G-d. And maybe, in that moment, he realized that Hashem loves him, too.

Indeed, in Tehillim, Chapter 116, Dovid HaMelech declares his love for G-d. He writes, “Ahavti ki yishma Hashem es koli tachanunai.”

“Why does Dovid HaMelech love Hashem? He says, ‘I love You because You listen to me. Hashem, You heard my voice.’ People love people who listen to them,” Rabbi Majeski explains. “Going back to the idea of giving time, Hashem is never too busy to listen to you. You can talk to Hashem all day, because Hashem always listens.”

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.

Dating Dialogue What Would You Do If…

Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

Thanks for your awesome column! We love discussing it together on Shabbos and decided to finally write in with a question.

My brother and I are married and have been married for many years. We have a younger brother (the youngest) – he’s 31 – who is the most confusing case. We just think he’s too comfortable in his stage or scared of moving forward. He was learning for a long time and is now working. He’s been dating a lot since he’s been super young. He thrives in being super intuitive and claims he “just knows,” which justifies saying no to every idea that comes his way. He’s probably been suggested to every girl that exists.

Ninety-five percent of the time he says no to even go out altogether. He won’t even go on a date. He says he could tell by a picture if she’s “the type” and will go out if someone is his type, but if not, there is no convincing him.

We are starting to think we should delve deeper to try and help him – this doesn’t seem normal. The most amazing and beautiful girls are sent his way, and he just says he doesn’t see it and won’t take her out.

What do you all think is happening here, and can we help him?

Thank you, Rafi & Leah*

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions. Our intention is not to offer any definitive conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.

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.

Help him by staying out of it. Obviously, your brother is protecting himself for whatever reason. When he is ready to

share his dating progress or lack thereof or personal criteria with a therapist, mentor, friend, or family member, he will do so and begin to deal with his issues. If he is shutting you out, it’s not your role to push your way in. Tactfully suggest that he talk things over with someone he trusts at an opportune moment with sensitivity.

The Shadchan

Michelle Mond

I

have dealt with many guys who sound just like your brother. You can try ad nauseum to help him. You can drive yourself crazy to find the most successful, beautiful girls from the best families, and he will still come up with reasons why “it just won’t work out.” Perhaps he will even date a girl for a while and then find a way to seemingly self-sabotage. He will convince you why he is one hundred percent certain his intuition is correct. You will continue to wonder what the missing piece is in this story. You will try to find that missing needle in the haystack while digging through all the while burying yourself with the emotional toll it is taking on you.

My advice to you is separate your -

He is not going to progress in his dating until he alone decides to do some serious inner work.

selves from his dating life completely. He is not going to progress in his dating until he alone decides to do some serious inner work. Perhaps his fear stems from childhood and his own parents’ difficult marriage, or he has low or no drive to get married at all. Whatever the case may be, you won’t be the ones to fix it. Real

interest in dating for marriage will come when he is in a good place within himself, after he has worked through his internal struggles. That can only happen on his own timeline with a large dose of self-motivation.

In the meantime, be there for him in other ways, continuously showing love and care independent of his martial/dating status.

The Zaidy

Dr. Jeffrey Galler

One of the frustrations with writing this column is that we never get to ask the letter-writer for additional information.

For example, it would be nice to know:

*Is he sociable, and does he have friends from yeshiva or work?

*Has he had experiences that may have damaged his self-esteem or confidence?

*Has he spent Shabbosim with your families, and how does he feel in those settings?

*Has he actually expressed frustration, or regret, about not yet being married?

You might wish to consider that not all men feel the same urgency to get married. Some may simply not feel a strong enough attraction to women or a compelling desire to leave their comfortable single lifestyle behind.

There are men who remain single and, nevertheless, lead fulfilling, meaningful lives. Not everyone follows the same timeline or path toward marriage.

The Reader’s Response

Dr. Jenny Druxman

You and your brother are married and naturally you both want the same for your younger brother who is already 31 years old. That’s beautiful. You said he has been dating “a lot since he’s been super young,” and now 95% of the time he says “no” to go out altogether. In your

Pulling It All Together

The Navidaters

Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

Hi Rafi and Leah,

First, I love that you read this together on Shabbos. It says a lot about how much you care about each other and your family that you decided to write in. Your brother’s situation is tricky because it’s easy to get caught up in the “why” when really, dating patterns can be the result of a hundred different things – some emotional, some practical,

some uncon - scious. Sometimes, people are holding out for a very specific feeling or “click” that may or may not be realistic. Sometimes, it’s about fear of vulnerability or of the changes marriage will bring. And sometimes, saying no quickly is a way of keeping a sense of control.

estimation, if he just dated more often, he would find his zivug and be married like you and your brother.

What are his reservations? Has he been exposed to toxic marriages that have made a bad impression on him? Do you and your brother have happy, respectful marriages, or does he see siblings who are stressed out with kids and other responsibilities? Maybe he doesn’t like the frum dating process or doesn’t feel like it is working for him. Frum dating can be mentally, emotionally, and financially very challenging, not to mention time-consuming. Saying yes to women who intuitively don’t feel right to him is not a good use of his resources. And his heart won’t be in it.

Remind him that while his intuition may have served him well in the past, when it comes to marriage, many couples are very surprised to find that who they end up with is not the “package” or the “look” they predicted.

Suggest an alternative way to dating like a 30 minute coffee date to get a first impression before the intense reference checking and expectation for longer dates. With his background in learning, he may be relying on Hashem to make the shidduch and doesn’t feel he has to date every one of the most “amazing and beautiful girls” redt to him and do more hishtadlus.

Many couples are very surprised to find that who they end up with is not the “package” or the “look” they predicted.

Your brother is a grown man. Unless he is asking for help, he doesn’t seem to be desperate or worried about finding his bashert. He may be concentrating more on developing his career to provide for a future family after many years of learning. There is so much more you can do for him than to delve deeper into what you perceive is a problem with him. As a single Jewish man in his 30s, he needs a community of family and friends to rely on. He needs to know that he is loved, supported, and feels included. Call him on a regular basis. Find out if there is anything he wants or needs. Most of all demonstrate to him the beauty and fulfillment of having a happy family with shalom bayis. He’ll want the same.

From the outside, it’s tempting to think, “If he would just go out with her, he’d see.” But he’s telling you how he’s making his choices, and pushing too hard will only make him dig in more. The best approach is to stay connected and curious without judgment. Ask open-ended questions. Not “Why won’t you give her a chance?” but “What is it you’re looking for that feels important to you?” or “What’s the part of dating that feels hardest?” You might also ask, “What do you really want for your life in the next few years?” or “Would you ever consider speaking to

a therapist to sort through what might be holding you back?” These kinds of questions invite reflection instead of defensiveness.

You might not be able to “fix” this. He may need to come to his own realizations in his own time. Your role might simply be to keep the door open so that when he does want to talk honestly about what’s going on for him, you’ll be someone he trusts enough to do it with.

Sincerely, Jennifer

Shmooze & Muse

It’s Growing On Me

By Mordechai Schmutter

Should you grow a beard? This is a good week to think about it, unless you already shaved the minute you were allowed to.

There’s a lot of pressure to grow a beard, particularly during Sefirah and the Three Weeks. Everyone asks, “Are you gonna keep it? Are you gonna keep it?” like it’s some furry animal that lives on your face, catching your table scraps and irritating you when you’re trying to concentrate. Maybe you should pet it.

I succumbed to pressure after Sefirah this year. I figure I went the first 45 years of my life without a beard; now maybe I’ll try the next 45 years with a beard. And I’ll see where I’ll go from there. Stay

tuned for that column.

Or I’ll have one bad week and just take it off sooner. And probably not write about that.

But in case you’re not sure and you’re in a community where growing one and not growing one are both options, and your wife handed you this article and said, “Read this,” you might want to consider the pros and cons. Though to be fair, most of the pros I found are also cons, and vice versa.

So it’s something to think about.

PRO: You can stroke your beard while you think about it.

PRO: And you can use it as bookmarks!

No, you can’t.

Stroking your beard is a major thing, though I’m not sure why. I’ve had a beard for a couple of months now, and I don’t feel like the solutions to my problems are coming any quicker. Maybe I’m stroking it wrong. Are there classes I can take?

The other thing is that I do a lot of thinking in front of my keyboard, and I need both hands to type. So what am I stroking with? Maybe I should hire someone else to stroke my beard or to do half my typing. Is it the stroking that helps you think or the being stroked? This is something the class would teach.

Anyway, stroking a beard is not really such a big upside. You’re not really enjoying the stroking while you’re doing it, because you’re busy thinking about whatever it is you’re thinking about. It’s kind of like trying to enjoy the clickety-clack of your keyboard while you type. The sound is for other people to enjoy.

Maybe the beard stroking is also for other people, so they know you’re thinking about what they asked and you’re not just staring into space. It’s like the hourglass on the computer.

CON: Beards may be uncomfortable. I’m always somewhat itchy. Though people have been telling me that once you have it for a while, it stops being uncomfortable.

Is this true? I’m not sure. My current theory is that everyone secretly has this sensory thing, and when people stroke their beards while they’re thinking, it’s so the itchiness will stop distracting them so they can think.

At best, it’s just a fidget toy that you always have on you.

CON: One annoying thing about suddenly deciding to grow a beard is that everyone comments on it. The minute chatzos passes, people corner you, “Why haven’t you shaven yet? You’re growing a beard all of a sudden?”

It’s not all of a sudden! I look the same as I did yesterday!

And they’re so excited for you. Like

why are you excited? This doesn’t really change their life that much.

On the other hand:

PRO: It gives people a conversation topic for when they want to make small talk. If you’re ever jealous that women can come over to women they barely know and say, “Oh, you did something different with your hair/sheitel?” whereas men stand around each other in awkward silence because we basically have one hairstyle so at best it’s like, “Ooh, I see you got a haircut!” or “When are you getting a haircut?” this way you can talk about beards.

But only with people you know. You can’t come over to someone you’ve never met before and say, “Oh, you have a beard?”

PRO: It will make your wife happy. And also your brother-in-law, unless he was messing with you. Every wife I know wants their husband to have a beard. Because let’s face it: your chin is not your best feature. Most guys in my circles get married without a beard specifically so their wife will have some idea of what her kids might look like. But now maybe she wants to see you in a beard, so she can tell you apart from the kids. On top of that, beards are said to be a sign of strength and masculinity. So if your wife pesters you to have a beard, and after 20 years you say, “Fine,” that is a real sign of masculinity.

PRO: They say that beards are slimming. In fact, my doctor said, “Ever since you started growing this beard, you’re no longer overweight!”

You would think the extra hair makes you look fatter. But apparently, if you can make your face seem longer… Though depending on your width, you might have to go really long. And if you do have one that long, the side benefit is that you no longer

have to wear a tie. PRO! And you can wear a shirt even if it’s missing a button. PRO?

PRO: People start thinking you’re a rabbi. Even if you’re missing a button that they can’t see.

CON: People start thinking you’re a rabbi. And that’s a lot of pressure. Don’t pasken by whatever I think just because I have a beard!

The truth is that even in the secular world they say that growing a beard makes you more authoritative. Though not with your wife. Your wife will not think you’re a rabbi.

They also say that beards boost confidence. Have you ever noticed that your rabbi is never like, “I don’t want to speak in public. I have nothing to say!” No, he’s always ready to go.

PRO: Weather protection. You’d think that a beard would be more uncomfortable in the summer, but according to beard scientists, it protects your face from 95% of the sun’s rays. It’s better than a sukkah! Gone are the days where you have to smear sunscreen on your chin, which is admittedly not that hard to reach. And then in the winter, they say, the beard insulates you from the cold! Wait. Why isn’t it keeping out the warmth of the sun in the winter and

insulating the heat into your face in the summer? How does it know?

Beards are smart. That’s why you stroke them for inspiration.

And those aren’t the only two seasons. In the spring, they say, it keeps out the pollen. And in the fall, it keeps

every once in a while. People who say that they don’t grow beards because beards have too much bacteria have all of that in their mouths.

But really, you can just shampoo it. This is also an opportunity to try out that conditioner that your wife keeps buying.

Maybe I should hire someone else to stroke my beard or to do half my typing.

out…I want to say leaves? There has to be a function in the fall. Also, all year long it filters out bacteria. Apparently, if you do enough research, it sounds like things are just constantly flying at your face, and Hashem gave you this cushion of protection that he didn’t feel necessary to give women or children.

CON: I keep hearing that beards can be a haven for germs. Probably because you keep touching them! And also because they catch all the bacteria that should be going into your mouth. It’s like how you have to clean out your AC filters

“Don’t touch it; it’s for longer hair.”

Okay; now I have longer hair.

CON: You need to style it.

PRO: You can style it!

Beards need maintenance, apparently. You don’t just give it water and sunlight. You actually have to think about it.

Because at first, you think, “I’m not shaving anymore; this is going to free up time in my day!”

But firstly, I was shaving once a week. And when you shave, you just take it all off. The shaver has one setting. But when it comes to beards, you have to decide on

a shape. You have to cut it all to a certain length, but not all the same length, and trim along invisible made-up lines that keep shifting in the mirror, so every minute takes your full concentration and gets hair everywhere, particularly down the front of your tzitzis. But don’t worry; you only have to do it once a week.

So my wife bought me a beard-trimming set that comes with 21 attachments, only like 2 of which I use. She picked which ones. Which, as it turns out, cut the beard very short. Turns out that after 20 years of pressuring me, what my wife wants I wouldn’t even necessarily count as a beard. This is shorter than it was at the end of Sefirah.

Though maybe she didn’t initially realize that. She spent 20 years bugging me, and then she finally saw me with a beard and thought, “Um…well, I can’t say anything now.”

So she bought the trimmer.

Mordechai Schmutter is a freelance writer and a humor columnist for Hamodia and other magazines. He has also published eight books and does stand-up comedy. He can be contacted at mschmutter@gmail.com.

We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful Jewish community. We have access to shuls, schools and, of course, restaurants. We are surrounded by others who share our values and who we can connect with. While many of us may work or be involved in the secular culture around us, others may have little to do with the outside world. This is especially true for children.

A frum family was at a children’s museum when lunch time arrived. Opening their lunches, they walked to the water fountain to wash before eating bread. The security guard quickly stopped them, insisting they needed to wash their hands in the bathroom. There was no way to explain how their hands were physically clean yet needed to be washed for spiritual reasons, nor

Parenting Pearls Representing the Am Hanivchar

By Sara Rayvych, MSEd

why the bathrooms were unfit for this purpose.

As our families walk down the streets, it can be easy to forget that others are watching us and seeing how we act. What makes sense to another frum Jew may be understood completely differently by someone not familiar with our customs.

Living in the sad realities of galus, we need to make sure our actions positively reflect the beauty of our heritage. Additionally, children should be aware of how to respectfully and appropriately explain our actions to others. While often unnecessary for in-towners, those raised in small, out-of-town Jewish communities are very familiar with how to answer basic questions that others may ask. All children benefit from being able to answer for others – and

themselves – why we do what we do.

The Need

I know there are many that might argue against the premise of this article, strongly protesting “Eisav soneh Yaakov ” and what’s the point of caring about the opinion of others. In a time when we are surrounded by so much hate, it may seem futile. But, even when so many are against us, we are still surrounded by others who are unsure how to view us or who can be positively impacted by our actions.

Growing up in a small, out-of-town community predominantly surrounded by gentiles meant that I learned early on how to interact with those outside the Jewish world. I had to think carefully before acting and speaking, fully aware

that I was being judged. I had to look at my actions and speech from their perspective, not only my own. I knew how to speak without using Yinglish, and I had to be able to answer questions for those who were well meaning but clueless. Sadly, many of those unaware of basic Jewish practices were themselves Jewish.

For many people, this idea will sound laughable. Isn’t it obvious how to interact with others? Sadly, I have seen far too many negative interactions where a frum person meant well but their actions would be interpreted negatively by others.

It’s also important to remember that when others view us, some of those individuals on the sidelines may actually be Jewish themselves. Think how powerful it is for these people to see the beauty

of their heritage right in front of them. As a child, when meeting people in the secular culture around me, those who were Jewish made sure to tell me. I was inspired to see how proud they were to share this with me – their neshama recognizing the emes – even as they lacked any basic Jewish knowledge.

Basic Manners

I’m slightly embarrassed to have to add this section. In addition to being good middos, we all need to demonstrate basic good manners. Basic good manners include throwing away trash and not littering, holding doors for others, and saying “please” and “thank you.”

Even if others do something doesn’t mean we should. We stand out more, as do our actions. Line cutting is not acceptable. Yelling, cutting off others, or cursing are all inexcusable. Even if you’re in your car, they will still see that you’re Jewish. Additionally, it’s my personal opinion that all of these actions are bad for one’s own neshama, too.

We should not use words that others may not understand. While “chutzpah” has become a universal word, most of the Hebrew, Aramaic or Yiddish phrases we use are unintelligible to others. It’s helpful to have prepared accurate, respectful translations for commonly used words/phrases. There are some words we use that outsiders may think they understand but mistake as inherently derogatory, such as “goy.” Tone of voice is also important, and anything said in a nasty or derogatory tone will come off as such – even if it’s actually innocent.

Others may dress or act differently than us, but we certainly should not comment or gesture about it. Kids often have questions when they see something different or inappropriate. It’s important we answer them, but any chinuch lessons can be imparted after leaving the premises.

Children should not stare at others, nor should they avoid someone in a way that may be misconstrued as offensive. Rather, children, like adults, can simply smile. Some children are naturally shy and hesitant. I don’t think we need to pressure these children to smile at strangers, and we should avoid putting them in a situation that will make them uncomfortable.

while some manners are universal, there are many that are culturally specific. Because of this we also need to educate our children in the basic manners of the society around us. For example, in most areas, it’s considered very rude to point at someone.

role-play. For example, there is a respectful (and non-respectful) way to decline non-kosher foods.

Children also need to understand that each community has their own rabbanim who may pasken differently than theirs. We certainly don’t need

We are gifted with the holy task of representing Hashem’s teachings of the Torah to the world around us.

We need to be extra careful in areas where we know others have misconceptions about us, or situations that are especially sensitive in the culture around us. I’ve heard some of the most bizarre “explanations” given for why we do things. It would be funny if it wasn’t so dangerous. For example, it’s sad how many people assume all tzinius practices are meant to be disparaging towards women.

In public, children should not ask if someone else is Jewish or frum. Children should be stopped immediately if they publicly ask insensitive questions. “Why doesn’t he keep halacha?” “Doesn’t she know that’s assur?” “How can he be Jewish if he does that?” “How can she be Jewish dressed like that?” Children should be very careful with their tone if they ask their friends these questions about an off-the-derech sibling, or – even better – consider not violating the family’s privacy at all. These families are going through enough and don’t need more insensitivity. All these areas of chinuch can be discussed at a later time – in private.

Before visiting non-religious relatives or family friends, it can be helpful to respectfully prepare the children.

“We will be seeing Aunt Barbara. She is very sweet and excited to see you, but she may dress differently than you’re used to, or she may not understand about Shabbos/kashrus.” They can be given examples for how to act respectful and which questions or topics to avoid. Any questions about ways to explain this issue can be addressed to one’s personal rav.

to increase sinah among Klal Yisroel. Learning to recognize and respect the different minhagim among Klal Yisroel enhances unity and helps children appreciate the beautiful variety within our nation.

While much of this article appears to be a list of “don’t”s, the overall theme is to teach children to be sensitive to others, not only to those who may look or act similar to themselves. To very loose -

ly paraphrase Hillel, what you don’t like don’t do to others. Having good middos starts with not doing things that will upset the other person.

Beyond avoiding the negative, knowing how to answer questions strengthens a child’s own knowledge and emunah. Sadly, some basic knowledge is deemed too simple to bother learning or is just taken for granted. Having to reach the level of understanding that it can be explained to someone completely ignorant is a much greater level of comprehension.

We are gifted with the holy task of representing Hashem’s teachings of the Torah to the world around us. This is a heavy responsibility and one we do not take lightly. Teaching our children the beauty of their heritage and how to reflect that light is one step towards this ultimate goal.

It’s important to remember that

There are many situations that may come up. It’s worthwhile to prepare children in advance for how to address them. Many children may benefit from

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.

Relationships Rewired When Parenting Stirs Old Wounds

By Bassy Schwartz, LMFT

As summer winds down, many of us welcome the return of routine— alarm clocks, carpools, and bedtimes that actually stick. The structure can feel like a relief after the unstructured days of summer. But routine means more than just order for our kids— it also means more responsibility and pressure for us as parents. The mornings get faster, afternoons louder, evenings busier. And in this pressure cooker, many of us find ourselves feeling triggered, dysregulated, and maybe even resentful toward the people we hold closest to us.

Why is it so hard to stay calm and present? For many of us, the answer lies not in the moment but in our own histories. More and more, we’re talking about parenting after having a traumatic childhood or being a child of emotional neglect. This isn’t about being broken— it’s about recognizing that if we grew up without emotional safety, steady caregiving, or enough resources to feel secure, parenting can touch raw, unhealed parts of us.

If we didn’t get our feelings soothed as children, being the soothing, steady presence for our own kids is much harder. Our children’s meltdowns often land on us as emotional ambushes. Their need for comfort pulls on our own unmet needs. Their growing independence stirs up hidden fears of rejection or abandonment that we might not have even realized we were carrying.

I wish it wasn’t the case, but the truth is, if this topic is resonating with you, unfortunately, you are not unique. Many parents grew up without the stability needed to navigate adulthood — and parenting — with ease. This is not a disease or disorder... It’s a reality. Fortunately, we now have the tools and resources to face it head-on.

Healing while parenting is hard. But instead of trying to fix everything at once, here are two simple, powerful practices that can shift our experience over time.

1. Meet your own needs, not just your kids’

If we grew up feeling that our needs

didn’t matter, or that taking care of ourselves was selfish, this can feel unfamiliar and even uncomfortable. But humans don’t generally function well from depletion and no surprise— parents don’t either. Ignoring our own physical, emotional, or spiritual needs leads us to parent from survival mode: short-tempered, reactive, disconnected.

Meeting our needs doesn’t mean ex-

won’t get tired or frustrated— but we’ll have more bandwidth to respond instead of react. Our children don’t need us to be perfect; they need us to be present and resourced.

2. Let repair be your superpower

Every parent loses it sometimes. Everyone says things they regret, snaps when they wish they’d stayed calm, or misses moments to connect. The differ -

Parenting while healing asks us to meet our children in moments that may feel eerily similar to moments that broke us— but to show up differently this time.

travagant vacations or hours of free time we don’t have. It might be a quiet cup of coffee before the house wakes up, a short walk after dinner, a therapy session we schedule instead of delaying, or calling a friend who “gets it” instead of scrolling alone on our phones.

Meeting our needs builds a reservoir of calm and capacity. It doesn’t mean we

ence between relationships that break and those that grow is repair. Repair means circling back — sometimes minutes or hours later — and saying, “I’m sorry. I was feeling overwhelmed and raised my voice. That wasn’t okay. I love you, and I’m here.”

When we repair, we teach our children some of the most important rela-

tional skills they’ll ever learn: how to acknowledge hurt, how to take responsibility, and how to feel valued. We also give our children what many of us never got— the experience of being worthy of a parent’s return.

Repair doesn’t erase mistakes, but it builds trust. It says: Even when I mess up, I’ll find my way back to you. That’s one of the most secure foundations we can offer.

Parenting while healing asks us to meet our children in moments that may feel eerily similar to moments that broke us— but to show up differently this time. Every time we meet our own needs, every time we repair instead of withdrawing or reacting intensely in shame, we change not just our relationship with our children but the story our family will carry forward.

If this resonates, I highly recommend the work of Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, whose insights into post-traumatic parenting are compassionate and practical. And for those ready to go deeper, check out the therapy groups we’re offering at Core Relationships this fall. These groups are producing unparalleled results by helping parents break stuck relational patterns and build emotional safety for their families.

We can’t change the past we came from— but we can absolutely shape the future our children will inherit.

Bassy Schwartz, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, brings a compassionate and unique approach to her practice – focusing on couples and individuals dealing with conflict and disconnection due to childhood emotional neglect and complex family dynamics. Bassy empowers clients to harness their inner strength and authentic selves to achieve meaningful relationships beyond what they could have ever imagined. Reach out to directly at bassy@corerelationships.com or check out the practice website corerelationships.com.

“We fight about the same things over and over” is a sentence I hear all the time from couples. Whether it’s about chores, parenting, tone of voice, or timing, partners often get stuck in familiar arguments. The specific details may change, but the feelings and dynamic doesn’t, and no one feels satisfied or resolved.

Why does this happen?

When we argue with someone close to us, we often think we’re fighting about logistics or decisions. But underneath, something deeper is playing out: we’re protecting something vulnerable inside us.

Each of us has specific emotional needs or what attachment researchers call attachment needs. These include the need to feel loved, appreciated, accepted, wanted, and successful, and we all need all of them.

However, for most people, one or two of these attachment needs are, as Dr. Sue Johnson coined them, raw spots. Raw spots are specific attachment needs that we feel especially sensitive to, usually due to past relationships or early experiences. Different people have different raw spots. For example, one person may not usually

Wired for Connecti n

Falling into the Same Pattern

By Michal Goldman, LCSW

struggle with feeling doubts about their ability to be loved, but they may struggle tremendously with doubts about how successful or capable they feel.

In couples, this is often where trouble starts. One partner may be especially sensitive to feeling unimportant or unloved, and therefore run conversations through the filter of “am I important/loved?”. The other may be more sensitive to feeling like they’re failing or being criticized, and they probably look at the relationship through the lens of “am I successful/ appreciated?”. What starts as a disagreement about something that appears minor can quickly lead into a spiral where:

• One person feels unheard and reaches out with frustration or criticism.

• The other feels hurt or blamed and pulls away.

• That withdrawal feels like rejection, which intensifies the first person’s reaction.

• And the cycle continues.

The topic that the couple are arguing about can run the gamut from very minor to very significant. However, this underlying cycle of both partners feeling their raw spots being brushed against is what leads the arguments to spiral in such a painful, frustrating way. As I’ve

mentioned in the previous article, when we feel our attachment needs are compromised, our nervous system reacts. It makes sense then that it is hard to resolve these arguments, because the couples’ nervous systems are firing and trying to create safety, so there is no room to rationally resolve the disagreement.

The good news is that these cycles are changeable. Once you can see what’s happening underneath the surface, and not just focus on the specific topic, you can start to shift out of the loop, so that you can actually begin to resolve the topic. When you are able to return to emotional connectedness, and reassure yourself and your spouse that you/ they are wanted, loved, successful, seen, and appreciated, you can bring the logical problem solving part of your brain back on and actually work through the disagreements!

Takeaways to Break the Cycle: Practical Steps You Can Try

• Name the pattern together. I’ve heard couples name their negative pattern all sorts of things, from simply “disconnect” to the name of a food they both hate. When you name something together, it separates it, so that you can feel like a team against the pattern instead

of it coming in between both of you and leading to you both blaming each other.

• Get curious about raw spots. Ask yourself: What attachment needs am I more sensitive to? The more you understand about your emotional vulnerabilities, the more effectively you can prepare for moments when they may come up. The step following that is learning about your partner’s raw spots.

• Focus on connection. Instead of trying to win the argument or resolve the situation, keep the focus on reconnecting emotionally. I’ve seen time and time again how when connection is the focus, the situation itself becomes so much easier to resolve.

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.

Health & F tness

Getting Your Baby Off the Bottle

By Hylton I. Lightman, MD, DCH (SA), FAAP

Iknow the scenario.

Baby is on the bottle. Baby is attached to the bottle. Mom, Dad, or whoever tries to get the baby off the bottle. The primal screaming. The tears. The exhaustion.

Let’s leave alone (for now) who is the parent and who is the child: stay tuned for that article. Instead, let’s discuss that weaning your baby off a bottle is a key milestone in his development. It’s an essential step toward supporting healthy oral habits, motor skills, and budding independence, which should be nurtured.

Prolonged use of bottles can lead to health concerns. These include:

• Tooth decay – Milk or juice can lead to tooth decay if there’s frequent exposure. Think of a child falling asleep with a bottle. It can lead to cavities and early childhood decay.

• Speech delays – Too much use of bottles may inhibit tongue and jaw development. It might even affect speech clarity.

• Iron deficiency – Research has shown that bottle-fed toddlers may consume excess milk which can interfere with iron absorption. This can lead to anemia.

• Feeding issues – Relying too long on

a bottle can delay progress in self-feeding and trying new textures.

Now you understand why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends weaning off the bottle by 18 months of age.

My suggestion: start weaning off the bottle no later than 12 months old. This helps to assure a smoother transition and fewer long-term challenges.

Here are some signs your child might be ready to start the process.

• They sit independently and self-feed with fingers or utensils.

• They’re curious about cups. They might even grab yours at the Shabbos table.

• They can hold a cup with two hands and bring it to their mouth.

• They are drinking other liquids like water or juice from a sippy cup or with a straw.

Choosing the Right First Cup

Here are some suggestions.

• Spouted sippy cups – While they’re familiar and reduce spills, they offer, at best, limited support for oral motor development.

• Straw cups are great for strengthening mouth muscles and supporting speech.

• Open cups are best for motor development. Beware, though: they can be quite messy and are perfect for home use.

Of course, you can always speak with one of my providers or me about this.

Starting the Transition

• Start s-l-o-w-l-y. Perhaps start with a cup at dinner time and then a bottle for another time, then gradually increase the frequency of the cup. Replace one bottle feeding at a time. Keep the routine in place and move forward gradually in order to minimize pushback.

• Praise and encouragement are important. Be generous with them. Suggested language? “Big cups are awesome.” “I love how you drank that all by yourself. You must feel so grown up.” Encouragement builds confidence and positivity.

• Cups = Fun. Let your toddler pick out the themed or favorite color cup by giving him 2-3 options from which to choose.

• Patience is a virtue. Spills are inevitable. So is messiness. Keep shmattes nearby to clean up. Avoid frustration.

Common Challenges

• Giving up the bedtime bottle can be harrowing for baby and parent. Create

a new routine, like introducing mellow, “comfy” bedtime stories in place of the bottle.

• Offer the bottle before bedtime, followed by brushing teeth and then into story time.

• If your toddler needs a drink at bedtime, make it water. Among other positive points, it will lessen tooth decay.

• Your baby spits out the drink from the sippy cup? That’s common. Stay calm. They’re exploring new behaviors. You, Mommy and Daddy, stay steady.

• Your baby cries for the bottle? This, too, is common. Validate their feelings –“I know you’re missing the bottle” – and then offer them hugs and kisses. What do you do if your child is older and still on the bottle? Make an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss what to do.

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.

TJH Speaks with Dr. Hylton Lightman and CEO Matthew Swerdloff

Beloved pediatrician Dr. Hylton Lightman announced recently that he is merging his private practice with Suffolk Health to form Suffolk Health/Total Family Care. We sat down with Dr. Lightman and Matthew Swerdloff, Chief Executive Officer of Suffolk Health. Dr. Lightman and Mr. Swerdloff took a few moments from their busy schedules to discuss with TJH their plans and progress and how their entity is going to benefit the community.

Dr. Lightman, you’ve been an integral part of Far Rockaway and the 5 Towns for 40+ years. Why this merger?

Dr. Hylton Lightman: I have a deep understanding of the community’s health care needs, from sick and well visits to allergies and mental health. At the same time, the pace of change in healthcare is dynamic, increasing all the time. I’m a physician, and my wish is to focus on health care only. But it is an impossibility to have tunnel vision, meaning that I cannot practice medicine without an eye

brings a strong track record of delivering pediatric and adult medicine. Our model is simple – top doctors and providers with up-to-date treatments and equipment. It’s a seamless experience that is under one roof. There is no other entity like this in Far Rockaway and the Five Towns.

Why did you recruit Dr. Lightman?

Matthew Swerdloff: Dr. Lightman is Dr. Lightman. He’s a world famous physician, diagnostician extraordinaire and “mensch” par excellence. We reached out to him for an open, honest conversation about how we can work together for the community’s benefit. Dr. Lightman’s experience and knowledge afford us opportunities to expand our horizons.

Please share with our readers some plans for Suffolk Health/ Total Family Care.

Dr. Lightman: We will be phasing in adult medicine and other subspecialties under one “roof.” This will help to assure close collaboration among doctors

and, please G-d, we will be able to make them affordable for people.

“I love being a physician here, and I hope and pray that Suffolk Health/Total Family Care will bring many beautiful advances in health care to our community.”

on the business end. By partnering with Suffolk Health, I can assure the integrity of my brand of medicine while Suffolk Health concentrates on the business end. Together, we will deliver to the community the highest level of medicine, which is the ultimate ideal.

What is Suffolk Health, Mr. Swerdloff?

Matthew Swerdloff: Suffolk Health

and health care providers, ensuring that our patients and families receive the best health care. We will remain “hands on,” and we will also have priority access to other modalities. Pediatric subspecialties will include dermatology, ENT, and cardiology, to begin. There will also be adult medicine and women’s health, as well as other specialties, including a sleep study center. Mental health and nutrition counseling will also be offered,

A big change will be expanded hours. In addition to Sunday hours, we will be open Monday through Friday, starting at 7 a.m., and we will be open four evenings weekly until 9 p.m. Our teenage boys will be able to do Mishmar and still get their well visits done. Our high school girls who attend school outside the area will also be able to be seen, both for sick and well visits. Working moms and dads will be able to know early in the day if they need to make arrangements to stay home with a sick child.

These are win-win scenarios for everyone.

Suffolk Health/Total Family Care will have new “professional faces.” Will there be some of the familiar ones?

Dr. Lightman: DNP Esther Melka,

who has been with us for 6 years, and FNP Miriam Balken are coming to Suffolk Health/Total Family Care. Dr. Shloime Gold has just begun his tenure. He, of course, is part of the new entity. Please stay tuned because some of the team will be from among your friends, family and fellow community members.

One last question for Dr. Lightman. Rumor has it you’re making Aliyah: yes or no?

Dr. Lightman: My children and grandchildren have told me about the rumors. They’re rubbish. I’m here, dedicated to the Far Rockaway and Five Towns community. I love being a physician here, and I hope and pray that Suffolk Health/Total Family Care will bring many beautiful advances in health care to our community. The answer is no –there are no plans for aliyah. But when Moshiach comes….

In The K tchen

Seed and Mill Cheesecake

By Naomi Nachman

Recently, I hosted fellow Australian Rachel Simons—now a New Yorker—on my cooking show, Sunny Side Up on Kosher.com

Rachel owns a business in Manhattan called Seed and Mill and makes the most amazing techina which she sells at her store in Chelsea Market. She recently wrote a cookbook called Sesame: Global recipes and stories of an Ancient Seed, and we prepared a cheesecake on my show from her cookbook.

This cheesecake is perfect for a hot weekend when you don’t want to turn the oven on but want a show-stopping sweet treat for the center of your table. Browning your butter to make the base is not essential and you can use regular melted butter in a pinch, but if you don’t agree that the smell of browned butter isn’t the most delicious aroma in the world, then I’m not quite sure we can be foodie friends!

Ingredients

For the Base

◦ 2 and 1/4 cups digestive biscuits (I like McVitie’s) or plain graham crackers

◦ 1 cup lightly toasted pistachios

◦ 1 teaspoon salt

◦ 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Fillings and Toppings

◦ 27 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

◦ 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

◦ 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

◦ ½ cup Tahini

◦ 1½ cups heavy cream

◦ 8 ounces crumbled halva, plus 2 to 3 tablespoons

◦ 1 cup lightly toasted pistachios, finely chopped in a food processor

Preparation

Make the Base

1. Line the bottom of a nine-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, pulse the biscuits to a fine crumb, then add the pistachios and salt and pulse a couple of times more until just combined. This allows

the base to retain a crunchy texture— keep pulsing if you prefer a finer crumb. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl.

3. Set a small heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. After about two minutes, when the butter is just past melting, it will start to foam and then settle into a clear-ish golden liquid with brown specks (which are the milk solids browning and separating from the fat in the butter).

4. Pour the brown butter into the bowl with the biscuit mixture and use your hands or a spoon to combine until the mixture resembles wet sand and just holds together in your hand.

5. Spread the mixture over the bottom of the prepared pan, using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press it down into an even, smooth layer all the way to the pan’s edges. I usually allow a little bit of the mixture to creep up the sides of the pan by half an inch.

Make the Filling

1. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until well combined, about two minutes. Scrape down

the sides of the bowl with a flexible spatula, add the tahini, and beat again for one minute more.

2. In a medium bowl, whip the cream in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until soft peaks form, two to three minutes. Fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just incorporated. Gently fold in the rest of the whipped cream until the mixture is combined.

3. Pour half of the filling over the biscuit base. Sprinkle the eight ounces halva and all but three tablespoons of the pistachios over the filling. Pour the remaining filling over the top and smooth the surface.

4. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and freeze for at least six hours or overnight.

To Serve

1. At least 10 minutes before serving, remove the cake from the freezer to soften slightly. When ready to serve, loosen the cake by running a knife along the side of the pan, then remove the ring and place the cake on a serving dish. Scatter the remaining two to three tablespoons halva and three tablespoons pistachios over the cake.

2. To serve, dip a knife in boiling water, wipe it dry, and slice the cake, cleaning the knife between each cut.

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.

Notable Quotes

“Say What?!”

Bernie Sanders claimed that Kamala Harris was heavily influenced by wealthy people. Who were these wealthy people that influenced her? Well, there was Captain Morgan, Samuel Adams…and, of course, Bloody Mary.

- Greg Gutfeld

Illinois Governor J.D. Pritzker called Texas Democrats who fled Texas to avoid a vote on redistricting “heroes,” prompting those Democrats to go into hiding, fearing Pritzker might eat them.

- ibid.

Two blind passengers were left behind on a Southwest flight. Who is at fault? The airline or the blind person who says, “ I have a good idea—I’ll travel with another blind person.”

– ibid.

Pres. Trump moved Barack Obama’s White House portrait to a rarely used stairwell. If he really doesn’t want anyone to see it, he should just give it to Jimmy Kimmel.

- ibid.

An ABC News anchor claims that she was jumped by a half-dressed vagrant in D.C. But John Fetterman said that he was in Pittsburgh at the time.

– ibid.

A Washington Post source says that DC is safe but wants to stay anonymous over personal safety concerns. That’s when you know crime is bad—when the people reporting on it are going into the Witness Protection Program for reporting on it.

- ibid.

Tariffs – it’s clear that the President is succeeding in his reshaping of the global economy. He is opening up new markets and putting in a modest amount of protection that makes it more expensive to buy overseas and will stimulate some degree of US manufacturing. It not a barrier but a tilting of incentives that is not disruptive. At the same time, this rebalancing will bring in about $200 billion a year (which is $2 trillion of deficit reduction) as we import about 11 percent of our economy, which is $27 trillion in size. This will not have any real impact on inflation (as about half is paid by the foreign exporter) and as it’s a contractionary tax should lead to lower interest rates if the fed does the math.

-

For those of us [in Butler], it was such a horror, because you saw an emerging America. And, it wasn’t the shooter, Chuck. I got diagnosed with PTSD within 48 hours. I got put on trauma leave. Not because, I think, of the shooting, but because you could — you saw it in the eyes, the reaction of the people; they were coming for us. They were coming for us. If he didn’t jump up with his fist, they were going to come kill us… They were gong to beat us with their hands

- CBS correspondent Scott MacFarlane on the Chuck Todd podcast, oddly recalling the day that Trump was shot

It shows you the level of the main character syndrome that they have. A man died and the guy running for president almost had his head blown off on live TV, and they are like, “But what about me?”

- Comedian Joe Devito, Fox News

By recognizing Palestine, the UK government is effectively claiming that Palestine is an entity with recognized borders, even though those borders are, of course, very far from clear, and the UK is claiming that Palestine has a viable government, when that government is actually shared between Fatah and Hamas, and Hamas, in case you have forgotten, is a psychotic Islamo-fascist death cult that treats women as second-class citizens and throws [some people] off rooftops.

- Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson writing in The Daily Mail

No government can live next door to another government that is expressly dedicated to killing your entire population. That is why Israel is right to try to remove the terrorist regime in Gaza, and that is why the UK is so wrong to puff Hamas and offer recognition now.

- ibid.

Because in my first term, I was fighting lunatics like you.

- Pres. Trump when asked by a reporter why he didn’t do tariffs in his first term

First of all, none of these countries has the ability to create a Palestinian state. There can be no Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to it.

- Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Fox News

At the end of the day, Hamas is sitting there saying: We’re winning the PR war. We’ve got all these countries lining up on our side of this argument. We’ve got leverage now. We shouldn’t agree to anything. We should keep this thing going.

- Ibid.

Iran publishes its list of senior political and security officials in Israel designated for elimination. I suggest to the Iranian dictator Khamenei that when he leaves his bunker, he should occasionally look up at the sky and listen carefully to any buzzing.

- Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz on X

Can you build us a larger press briefing room?

- Reporter Brian Glenn to Pres. Trump at a recent press conference

I don’t want you to be comfortable. I don’t want to do that.

- Pres. Trump’s response

Just had a conversation by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, and I told him that besides criticism from weak politicians and biased media, there are millions and millions of people in Europe supporting him and his brave actions to free both Israel and Gaza from the terrorists of Hamas. His fight is our fight since we cherish life and freedom while they love death and destruction. Am Yisrael Chai!

- Tweet by Dutch politician Geert Wilders who heads the largest party in the Netherlands

My father always used to tell me, “Son, when you walk into a restaurant and you see a dirty front door, don’t go in. Because if the front door is dirty, the kitchen is dirty also.” If our capital is dirty, our whole country is dirty.

- Pres. Trump while announcing a federal takeover of law enforcement in Washington, D.C.

When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she’s going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most: fist-fighting black women.

- Shane Gillis at the 2025 ESPY Awards

If you look at the people from Hamas, when they get photographed, they’re well fed. None of them are hungry. I guarantee you, look at their faces, look at their bodies. And instead of food, they could use some Ozempic.

- U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee in an interview with Piers Morgan

So Israel is expected to surrender to Hamas & feed them even though Israeli hostages are being starved? Did UK surrender to Nazis and drop food to them? Ever heard of Dresden, PM Starmer? That wasn’t food you dropped. If you had been PM, then UK would be speaking German!

- ibid, tweeting in response to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s criticism of Israel

Political Crossfire Hunger in Gaza Has Many Authors, But Israel Isn’t One of Them

Last Tuesday, Israel delivered 1,829,520 meals to suffering Gazans through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation – a nongovernmental organization created this year, with U.S. support, to replace UNWRA, the corrupt, Hamas-infiltrated U.N. relief agency. That is enough to feed nearly the entire Gazan population.

Indeed, since May 26, the foundation reports that it has distributed at least 108 million meals in Gaza. According to the Israel Defense Forces’ Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Israel has facilitated the delivery of almost 1.9 million tons of international humanitarian aid to Gaza since the start of the war by land, sea and air – including food, water, flour, baby formula, cooking gas, shelter and medical supplies.

Far from deliberate starvation in Gaza, Israel is doing something no nation has ever done, or even been expected to do: feed the population of the aggressor force that attacked it while the war is still going on.

“There is no historical precedent for a military providing the level of direct aid to an enemy population that Israel has provided to Gaza,” John Spencer, chair of urban warfare studies at West Point’s Modern War Institute, recently pointed out.

The United States did not feed Germany and Japan while the war was going on; we forced their armies to surrender and then fed their populations.

Today, despite having been defeated militarily, Hamas refuses to surrender. Hamas fights on because it clearly doesn’t care about the suffering of the people of Gaza. Indeed, the suffering is central to Hamas’s strategy of survival, which is to weaponize images of Palestinian misery to build international pressure on Israel to stop its military campaign before Hamas is destroyed.

By Marc A. Thiessen

Food being dropped into Gaza

Unfortunately, that strategy is working.

We see its success in the coverage by Western media outlets, such as the New York Times, which recently published a frontpage photo of a Gazan mother holding her emaciated child to illustrate the suffering Israel was supposedly inflicting. It turned out the boy was suffering from “pre-existing health problems” affecting his brain and muscle development, the Times later acknowledged in an editor’s note – though it continued to report he “suffers from severe malnutrition.” Of course, they failed to show his healthy, well-fed older brother, perhaps because his inclusion would have undermined that assertion.

We see the success of Hamas’s strategy in the response of governments like France, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Spain and Norway, which have declared, in response to the international outcry Hamas has generated, that they will recognize a “State of Palestine” – thus rewarding Hamas for the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack and its refusal to release Israeli hostages.

This success is why Hamas is determined to stop Israel and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation from delivering aid by systematically stealing it. The United Nations reports that, from May 19 to Aug. 4, a total of 2,545 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. Of those, 2,310 – or about 90 percent – were “intercepted” (either by hungry people or armed actors) and 31,113 tons of aid was taken. As Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) explained on the Senate floor, Hamas resells looted supplies on the black market allowing it “to rake in more than half-a-billion dollars in profit – profits that fund Hamas’s campaign of terror against Israel and its own people.” Meanwhile hundreds of trucks have sat inside Gaza filled with undelivered aid, because the U.N. wouldn’t distribute it – and refused to let the Gaza Humanitarian Fund distribute it. Whose fault is that?

Who else is responsible for Gaza’s suffering? Its neighbors. The normal way to get humanitarian relief to civilians in wartime is allow them to leave the conflict

zone as refugees. For example, there are more than 5 million Ukrainian refugees in Europe. Poland has taken in nearly 1 million, while Germany has accepted 1.2 million. During the civil war in Syria, more than 4.2 million civilians fled that conflict, taken in by Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and other neighboring countries. It would be easier to feed Gazan civilians if they were in safe third countries. But Gaza’s neighbors refuse to allow its civilian population to flee. Jordan’s King Abdullah II declared at the start of the war: “No refugees in Jordan, no refugees in Egypt.” Indeed, Egypt’s response to the suffering of the Gazan people has been to reinforce its border wall with Gaza. They claim it is because Israel might not allow them to return. But the real reason is that they do not want to import Gaza’s problems. Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi admitted as much, when he pointed out that accepting Gazan refugees risks bringing in Hamas operatives, which could use Egypt as a base for terrorist attacks.

Of course, there is a policy of deliberate starvation in Gaza. It is being carried out by Hamas, which last week released photos of two emaciated Israeli hostages. The brother of one of the hostages told the U.N. Security Council this week, “As my younger brother, a living skeleton, was forced to speak and dig his grave, the chubby and well-fed hand of a Hamas terrorist entered the frame. Suddenly, Hamas confirmed what we have known for months – the terrorists have plenty of food. The only ones starving in Hamas’s tunnels are the hostages.”

To lay the blame for this situation at Israel’s feet, rather than on Hamas, requires a stunning level of moral blindness – which apparently is plentiful when it comes to what is happening in Gaza.

Political Crossfire

Trump is Using the “Laffer Curve” To Find the Tariff Sweet Spot

In his first term, President Donald Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to economist Arthur Laffer, inventor of the “Laffer curve,” which provided the intellectual foundation for President Ronald Reagan’s supply-side tax cuts.

Now in his second term, Trump is essentially applying the Laffer curve to his tariff policies.

The Laffer curve, which the economist famously drew on a napkin during a 1974 lunch with Donald H. Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney, shows that when you set tax rates at zero, you get zero tax revenue (because the government collects nothing), and when you set tax rates at 100 percent, you also get zero revenue (because no one has an incentive to work). Somewhere between zero and 100 percent is an optimal tax rate that achieves both growth and maximum tax revenue.

Reagan applied this principle to lowering income tax rates – which were egregiously high when he took office –spurring 92 months of uninterrupted economic growth, the longest peacetime economic expansion in U.S. history and dramatic growth in federal revenue.

Trump is applying the same principle to tariffs. Tariffs are taxes: When you have no tariffs, you get zero revenue, and when you impose tariffs of 100 percent (or more), it throttles trade and revenue. Somewhere between zero and 100 percent is an optimal tariff rate that yields maximum revenue without unduly disrupting trade.

When Trump took office in January, U.S. tariffs were close to zero, which meant they brought in little tax revenue. Trump is negotiating trade deals that, instead of reducing tariffs, raise them to something approximating the revenue-maximizing tariff rate.

Consider the deal he struck last week

By Marc A. Thiessen

with the European Union. In 2018, Trump offered the Europeans a zero-for-zero trade deal, but the E.U. showed little interest in his proposal. Now, seven years later, Trump has struck a deal that includes a 15 percent baseline tariff on most

noses at Trump’s zero-for-zero offer when it was on the table in 2018.

Trump has also set minimum tariffs in other recent trade deals. His deals with Japan and South Korea similarly includes a 15 percent baseline tariff, while his deal

That is the price the Europeans pay for turning up their noses at Trump’s zero-forzero offer when it was on the table in 2018.

European exports to the United States, while most U.S. exports to the E.U. will be duty-free. The E.U. also committed to purchasing $750 billion in U.S. energy and investing $600 billion in the United States by 2028.

Some European leaders are complaining that the deal is heavily tilted to the U.S. They are right, but that is the price the Europeans pay for turning up their

with Britain sets the baseline tariff at 10 percent. And his deal with Vietnam sets it at 20 percent. Trump says the baseline tariff rate for the world will be “in the range of 15 to 20 percent … probably one of those two numbers.”

What is the optimal rate? It’s hard to know, but 10 percent is better than 20 percent – because, as the Laffer curve shows, if the baseline tariffs are too high,

above a certain point the United States will get less revenue, not more, which is bad for the U.S. bottom line.

There are exceptions. For example, the E.U. deal includes a 50 percent tariff on steel – far exceeding any revenue-maximizing rate. That is because Trump’s goal in this case is not to bring in more revenue but to reduce foreign steel imports and spur domestic production for national security purposes. That is why he has set steel tariffs at a protectionist level.

Raising tariffs might seem like an improbable way of channeling Reagan’s supply-side principles. But so long as the baseline remains low, it will allow the United States to bring in more revenue without having to raise taxes on household income or corporate profits. Trump has brought in $150 billion in tariff revenue since taking office, including an unexpected government surplus in June. To put that in perspective, at this pace, the country’s expanded tariff revenue will be more than enough to cover the estimated cost of Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense shield.

When Trump awarded Laffer the Medal of Freedom in 2019, he pointed out that the economist had proved that when tax rates are too high, “the result is less growth and lower tax revenues,” while “lower tax rates spur investment, economic growth, and raise government revenue.”

That lesson applies to trade as well. Trump is right to raise the baseline U.S. tariff from near zero. But he should remember that the Laffer curve works both ways – and raising tariff rates too high will result in less growth and less revenue, not more.

Political Crossfire

The Generational Price of the False Gaza “Genocide” Narrative

By Jonathan S. Tobin

Israel’s enemies and those mainstreaming antisemitism have good reason to celebrate. It’s been only 22 months since the horrific Hamasled Palestinian-Arab terror attacks on Israel that took place on Oct. 7, 2023. But, as far as much of the corporate liberal media is concerned, it is, at best, a distant memory. For the most part, however, it’s been erased along with the latest evidence of Hamas barbarism toward the Israeli hostages still in their hands, as they embrace the narrative that Israel is committing “genocide” and deliberately starving the children of Gaza.

These claims are false; they can and should be refuted. The distorted news coverage and the lies being mainstreamed about Israel’s conduct in the war against Hamas post-Oct. 7 are inte -

gral to the debate about Gaza. The mendacious atrocity stories alleging Israeli misconduct and sending the truth about the intentions of the Palestinians and the brutal crimes they have committed down the Orwellian memory hole are shaping international opinion about the conflict.

But there is something even more sinister about the debate over the Gaza Strip that isn’t being fully understood by Israelis or those in the Diaspora who are speaking up about what is happening. The willingness of so many to swallow pro-Hamas propaganda as truth transcends contemporary arguments about the war or discussions on how best to combat the post-Oct. 7 surge in the hatred of Jews. The acceptance of assertions put forth by jihadists is laying the foundation for a future in which an-

tisemitism will not just spread but will be treated as something in which decent and high-minded people believe.

The Half-Life of Lies

What should be understood is that the consequences of this campaign to demonize the Jewish state and its supporters will remain long after the war ends. Like radioactive material that lingers in the atmosphere, its half-life will not decay into insignificance for a very long time.

Those who promote the claim of genocide and even those who accept it passively are laying the foundation for how much of the world will think about the Jewish people for the foreseeable future. Their efforts are helping to convince a broad audience that the Jews

and their state are uniquely awful and guilty of crimes against humanity. In this way, smearing the Jewish people, whose state is now considered evil, is rationalized. And such smears will be thrown in the faces of Jews for decades, perhaps even centuries, to come. Put in this context, the effort to refute the lies must be seen not just as an important aspect of the information war to defend Israel today but for generations of Jews not yet born.

Mainstreaming Anti-Zionism

As even a cursory examination of the objective evidence about what is happening in Gaza reveals, the food shortages there are clearly the fault of the Hamas terrorists. The Islamist group that ruled Gaza as an indepen -

dent Palestinian terror state in all but name from 2007 until the aftermath of Oct. 7 started the war that caused all the suffering, and used tactics designed to put civilians in danger.

It also obstructs aid sent into the Strip to alleviate the suffering by sources they can’t control; steals most of the food that does come in; hoards it for itself; and then sells some of it to the population at exorbitant prices.

But with much of the media influenced by Hamas propaganda and woke leftist ideology that wrongly sees Israel as a “white” oppressor state that’s always in the wrong and the Palestinians as “people of color” who are always right, all evidence to the contrary is ignored.

As a result, the discussion about both the post-Oct. 7 war and the surge of antisemitism it set off is being shoehorned into a frame of reference in which Jew-hatred has been normalized. That was best illustrated by a trio of articles published last week by The New York Times, in which the demonization of Israel and Jews was portrayed as a principled response to events.

In one, the Times’s Ezra Klein conducted a fawning interview with Mahmoud Khalil, the Syrian-born activist threatened with deportation by the Trump administration. Khalil helped organize the volatile pro-Hamas rallies and attacks on Jews at Columbia University. Klein’s obsequiousness not only enabled Khalil to falsify the history of the war against Israel but also to justify his conduct and the antisemitic campaign he had helped lead.

That the Times platformed someone spreading lies about Israeli behavior today is bad enough. But he also made the outrageous and equally false claim that the terrorist war of attrition known as the Second Intifada, which took the lives of more than 1,000 Israelis from 2000 to 2005, was “non-violent” and that Oct. 7 was a justified response to Israeli actions. In doing so, it treated his support for Hamas’s goal of eradicating Israel—something that can only be accomplished via genocide—as an objective that is, at worst, something about which people ought to be able to agree to disagree about.

It goes without saying that no responsible outlet would publish such a piece treating the proposed genocide of any other people in this manner. But that demonstrates how effective contemporary Jew-haters have been in mainstreaming both their goals and the

defamation of Israel as an “apartheid” and genocidal state.

Just as telling was the Times interview with Anti-Defamation League CEO and national director Jonathan Greenblatt a few days later. I’m a stern critic of Greenblatt, whose leadership of the venerable group steered it away from its mission of Jewish defense toward one devoted to partisan liberal causes that both undermined its core purpose and legitimized woke leftist forces that were spreading antisemitism. But, since Oct. 7, he has been compelled by events to change course to some extent, as the wave of Jew-hatred spread over the globe.

Unlike the softball questions tossed to Khalil, Times journalist Lulu Gar -

genocide and deliberately starving Palestinians. Polgreen extolled the fact that a large majority of Senate Democrats voted to halt military aid to the Jewish state during wartime.

But in doing so, the words “Oct. 7,” “Hamas” and “terrorism” never appeared, thus justifying the notion that taking sides against Israel and enabling those seeking its destruction to survive was the position of “conscience.”

A Tipping Point

It is therefore clear that the discussion about alleged starvation in Gaza must be understood not as simply a talking point in an endless debate about who did what to whom in a forever war

The acceptance of assertions put forth by jihadists is laying the foundation for a future in which antisemitism will not just spread but will be treated as something in which decent and high-minded people believe.

cia-Navarro was adversarial with Greenblatt, challenging him on virtually every point, denying his attempt to explain how anti-Zionism and support for the Hamas agenda were not “criticism” of Israel. Desperate to appeal to the paper’s overwhelming liberal readership, Greenblatt boasted of his frequent bashing of the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and how he shares the concerns of the Jewish state’s detractors about events in Gaza.

He deserves credit for trying to point out that the unprecedented increase in antisemitism since Oct. 7 is directly tied to the legitimization of anti-Zionism. But the overall impression of the piece was that of a besieged leader thrown on the defensive and losing the battle for the hearts and minds of his group’s erstwhile allies, who have bought into the arguments of antisemites.

A subsequent piece by Times opinion columnist Lydia Polgreen, an avowed anti-Zionist, celebrated the way supposedly moderate Democrats like Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) are buying into the claims about Israel committing

defeat of Hezbollah in Lebanon and of Iran. But his decisions are fair game for criticism.

The New “Protocols”

But by succumbing to the claims about starvation that are rooted in Hamas disinformation and media bias, Netanyahu’s detractors, both at home and among Israel’s friends abroad, are doing more than distancing themselves from a leader they dislike. The legitimacy accorded to the lies about a Gaza famine or vastly exaggerated Palestinian civilian statistics by those who claim they love Israel but oppose Netanyahu isn’t doing him much harm. Yet it is helping to justify the demonization of the Jewish state and giving aid and comfort to an emboldened movement of antisemites on the left and the far right.

At stake here isn’t the reputation of the prime minister. It is, rather, a blood libel about Israel that may well be the moral equivalent of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion for the rest of the 21st century and a game plan for an endless round of antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish misdeeds.

in the Middle East. It is the potential tipping point for the delegitimization of Israel in the minds of most Democrats and liberals—and for the old bipartisan consensus to be replaced by a sense of the justice of the Jewish state that only Republicans can be counted on to espouse.

That’s not how a great many Americans—Jewish and non-Jewish—who think of themselves as friends of Israel, but are falling prey to the narrative about starvation, understand the discussion. The same applies to some Israelis who have allowed their bitter disagreement with Netanyahu to persuade them to validate the media misinformation about Gaza and even to falsely label what is happening there as a form of genocide.

It is possible to argue that Israel’s war against Hamas has had its share of blunders and misguided strategies. The prime minister deserves credit for not letting himself be pressured to allow Hamas to survive – as the Biden administration and most of the world wished—as well as for achieving the

Once you treat the canards about genocide as not merely debatable but reasonable, you have handed anti-Zionist Jew-haters of all ideological stripes a weapon that they will use against the Jewish people in ways that have nothing to do with Israeli political spats or second-guessing about the best way to finish the war in Gaza.

Those who sign letters denouncing Israel—or who use mainstream platforms to virtue-signal about the plight of the Palestinians who cheered the Oct. 7 atrocities but now are suffering for their support of Hamas—may mistakenly think that they are speaking for Jewish values. But they are playing right into the hands of Hamas propagandists as well as those cheering for Israel’s destruction and attacking Jews wherever they live.

The lies they bolster rather than refute will be thrown in the face of the Jewish people for many years to come. They will be the slogans chanted not just by the current generation of Jew-haters, but those who will plague us in the future.

Jonathan S. Tobin

is editor-in-chief of JNS (Jewish News Syndicate).

Political Crossfire

The Quiet Technocrat Who Enacts Putin’s Ruthless Agenda

By Anton Troianovski

The Kremlin official boasted of his commitment to healthy living, opening a door in his office to show a visiting businessperson what looked like a private gym. Then he described his latest project: stage-managing “referendums” in occupied Ukraine to make it look like those regions wanted to join Russia.

The Moscow businessperson, who had come to see him about another matter, recalled that the official, Sergei V. Kiriyenko, had gone into great detail about the referendums, even listing the percentage breakdown of the results the Kremlin would declare.

He added that Kiriyenko left the impression of a calm, ambitious bureaucrat “solving a concrete, technical problem.”

Since that meeting three years ago, it has become more clear than ever that Kiriyenko is the man who turns President Vladimir Putin’s ideas into action.

As the Russian leader wages war, Kiriyenko oversees wide-ranging government efforts to tighten Putin’s grip on the country and on occupied Ukraine. He has also recently gained new power inside the Kremlin, taking over much of the portfolio of another Putin aide who disagreed with

the invasion of Ukraine.

Despite his modest title of first deputy chief of staff to Putin, Kiriyenko represents an underappreciated aspect of how the Russian president exercises power, forming part of a cadre of skilled, loyal and opportunistic managers who direct the sprawling apparatus of the Russian state.

For more than three years, Putin has leaned on Kiriyenko, 63, to manage the political aspects of the Ukraine war. Cracking down on domestic opposition. Expanding the Kremlin’s control of the internet. Pushing Putin’s narrative into Russian schools and culture. Shaping propaganda and governance in occupied Ukraine. Attempting to legitimize Russia’s land grab.

Just in the past few months, Kiriyenko’s reach has extended to efforts to reintegrate Ukraine war veterans into civilian life and to push Russians onto a state-affiliated messaging app instead of Western ones. If Putin makes a deal with President Donald Trump at their planned summit in Alaska on Friday to end the fighting in Ukraine, it is likely to be Kiriyenko’s job to sell any compromise to Russians as a victory.

In interviews, more than a dozen former colleagues and other Russians who

know Kiriyenko described him as a man whose proficiency in the minutiae of control and influence have greased the machinery of Putin’s autocracy. Many of the people, including three close to the Kremlin, spoke to The New York Times on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.

The Kremlin declined to make Kiriyenko available for an interview and did not respond to a request for comment.

One of his former aides, Boris B. Nadezhdin, said that he noticed Kiriyenko’s skill at managing personnel and at staying in his bosses’ good graces three decades ago, when Kiriyenko was a deputy energy minister. The two men would collide in 2024, when the Kremlin blocked Nadezhdin’s attempt to run for president against Putin.

Nadezhdin noted in an interview that Russia’s era of independent politicians had passed. He said that the Putin era belonged to those like Kiriyenko — “a person who does not try to implement any of his own plans, ideas and so on, but simply, clearly carries out tasks.”

“Without Rules” Kiriyenko casts himself as a student of the cold calculus of power.

He is a sixth-rank black belt in aikido, a Japanese martial art focused on harnessing an opponent’s energy and turning it against them. He professes an interest in Methodology, a Soviet-era school of philosophy in which society can be engineered, managed and transformed from above.

In the tumult of modern Russian politics, that focus on power has translated for Kiriyenko into shifting alliances and repeated reinvention. “In a game without rules,” he once told an interviewer, “the one who makes the rules wins.”

Kiriyenko was just 35 in 1998 when he briefly became Russia’s prime minister. His youthful image and meteoric rise — he’d been a regional oil refinery manager a few years before — earned him the nickname Kinder Surprise, a play on the name of a European children’s candy.

After losing his post when Russia defaulted on its debt, Kiriyenko cofounded a party pushing Western-style economic overhauls. He took a crash course in literature to appeal to the urban middle class, reading five books a week in the midst of his 1999 election campaigns for Moscow mayor and for the Russian parliament, according to Marat A. Guelman, then his

campaign manager.

“He was quick to perceive, quick to change,” said Guelman, who later turned against Putin and now lives in Berlin.

After Putin won the presidency in 2000, Kiriyenko pivoted again and quit parliament to work for the Kremlin. A few years on, Guelman asked for help for an associate who had run afoul of authorities, describing him to Kiriyenko as “a person of our convictions.” Kiriyenko, Guelman recalled, shot back: “I don’t have convictions now — I’m a soldier of Putin.”

Alfred R. Kokh, a 1990s-era deputy prime minister of Russia who also left the country, described a similar exchange. He complained to Kiriyenko in 2003 about improprieties in that year’s parliamentary election campaign.

“Are we going to la-la,” Kiriyenko replied, “or are we going to talk business?”

Powerful Friends

Already ensconced in the Kremlin machinery, Kiriyenko ran one of the government’s biggest businesses from 2005 to 2016: Rosatom, the state nuclear energy conglomerate.

During those years, Kiriyenko deepened a bond with a banking and media magnate, Yuri V. Kovalchuk, according to Western officials and several of the Kiriyenko associates who spoke to the Times. A physicist by training, Kovalchuk is widely seen as one of Putin’s closest friends.

He persuaded Putin to bring Kiriyenko back to the Kremlin, some of those people said. Kiriyenko had proven himself at Rosatom, modernizing the company with Japanese management principles and extending Russian influence by striking deals around the globe.

In his new Kremlin job, Kiriyenko was entrusted with orchestrating Putin’s version of democracy, an exercise in cementing the president’s legitimacy and keeping control of a far-flung nation. As the first deputy chief of staff overseeing domestic politics, Kiriyenko planned the selection of the Kremlin’s preferred candidate for governor in each of Russia’s more than 80 regions, the elections to fill the more than 600 seats in parliament, and the stage management of Putin’s own reelection in 2018 and in 2024.

“He’s the technical implementer,” said Grigory A. Yavlinsky, a liberal politician in Moscow who ran for president, with the Kremlin’s approval, in 2018. “It’s a huge amount of work.”

Kiriyenko also held contests to identify the next generations of technocrats, featuring online aptitude tests and role-playing leadership games. Just this year, finalists

of his “Leaders of Russia” competition have been named to government roles such as auditing construction projects in occupied Ukraine, managing bus transit in suburban Moscow and running the health ministry in Khabarovsk in Russia’s Far East.

He has broadened his portfolio further by taking on Russia’s last bastion of free speech: the internet. In 2021, Kiriyenko wrested control of the country’s most popular social network, VK, from an oligarch. Kovalchuk put up much of the money.

Kiriyenko’s son became CEO. Kovalchuk’s grandnephew took another senior role.

ence in 2023 that the war “must end with trials of Ukrainian criminals.”

He did succeed in putting on a different show — the sham referendums in which Moscow claimed Ukrainians under Russian occupation had voted overwhelmingly to become part of Russia.

Inside Russia, Kiriyenko used the levers of his office to try to engineer popular support for Putin’s invasion.

The Public Projects Directorate, a unit focused on patriotic initiatives that Kiriyenko oversees, developed propaganda lessons for Russian schoolchildren. His

“In a game without rules,” he once told an interviewer, “the one who makes the rules wins.”

The power of that alliance was on display in a blitz that many analysts saw as a prelude to a potential ban on WhatsApp.

In March, VK unveiled its own messaging app. In June, Russia’s communications minister praised the company for releasing a “fully Russian messenger” in a televised meeting with Putin. Days later, Russian lawmakers passed a bill mandating that a Russian-made messaging app should come preinstalled on all smartphones. In July, the government announced that this app would be the one developed by VK.

“For us, the government is always a partner and a senior comrade,” Kiriyenko’s son and the head of VK, Vladimir S. Kiriyenko, said in April.

Backing the Invasion

As Putin massed troops and plotted his 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the president’s political aides were largely in the dark, Kiriyenko’s associates said. The three people close to the Kremlin said they were convinced that Kiriyenko didn’t share the fixation on Ukraine’s pro-Western turn that drove Putin to attack the country.

After the war started, Kiriyenko soon refashioned himself once again. Trading his suit for olive-green shirts, he started traveling to occupied Ukraine amid the fighting, touring hospitals and schools.

He worked on planning a public “war crimes” trial of Ukrainians to show Putin fulfilling his promise to “denazify” the country, one of his associates told the Times in June 2022. The trial never materialized as Russian forces struggled on the battlefield, but Kiriyenko said at a confer-

corridor of a law enforcement agency in Moscow while waiting for his prisoner transport to arrive.

The agent told him that his arrest was a “political decision,” dropping hints about a “Sergei” in the Kremlin who was a “buddy” of Boris Y. Nemtsov, the politician who brought Kiriyenko into government in the 1990s. The suggestion was that Kiriyenko was responsible for his fate, Yashin recalled in an interview after his release in a prisoner exchange last year, though he noted he couldn’t be certain of Kiriyenko’s role, if any.

To Yashin, the irony was remarkable. Both he and Kiriyenko were allies, at different times, of Nemtsov, a Russian opposition leader assassinated in 2015.

“Now Nemtsov is dead, and one of his friends put another one in prison,” Yashin wrote from jail in 2022.

“Absolutely Opportunistic”

staff also pressured midlevel officials to serve stints as administrators in occupied Ukraine, said Sergei Markov, a pro-Putin analyst in Moscow who has worked with the Kremlin.

“Sure, those who don’t want to can refuse,” Markov said. “But in that case they understand that they’ll face serious limits on their careers.”

Kiriyenko’s portfolio also includes the arts. He has ramped up government support for pro-war entertainers who backed the war while blackballing those critical of it, according to Russian media reports. Iosif I. Prigozhin, a major music producer, said in an interview with the Times that the Kremlin gave “a blank check” after the invasion to musicians who were “more focused on national interests.”

Prigozhin’s wife, the pop star Valeria, has performed at patriotic concerts in Red Square. He called Kiriyenko “positive, decent, sensitive and precise.” When Kiriyenko’s office seeks performers for events, “the approach is not demanding, but suggestive,” Prigozhin said.

Kiriyenko’s policies are also backed up by the full force of the Russian state. Thousands of anti-war Russians have been prosecuted or forced into exile in an effort that many analysts, opposition figures and the former colleagues of Kiriyenko say they believe was largely coordinated by him as the Kremlin official who oversees domestic politics.

Ilya V. Yashin, a Russian opposition leader, had just been arrested and interrogated in July 2022 when he said he chatted with a security service agent in the grim

In February of this year, Russian state news outlets reported that Kiriyenko was managing public unrest in Abkhazia, a Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia. To help show the benefits of being on the Kremlin’s side, Kiriyenko offered a gift of 20 Russian school buses and organized a version of his trademark leadership competitions.

Kiriyenko’s remit has been increasingly expanding outside Russia’s borders.

A different Kremlin deputy chief of staff, Dmitry N. Kozak, oversaw relations with Abkhazia as recently as last year. But Kozak has lost influence in Moscow amid his criticism of the invasion of Ukraine, according to the three people close to the Kremlin, a U.S. official and a Western contact. In the past few months, they said, Kozak presented Putin with a proposal to immediately stop the fighting in Ukraine, start peace negotiations and reduce the power of Russia’s security services.

The Russian president has kept Kozak, who has been at Putin’s side since the 1990s, in his senior post. But he has shifted much of Kozak’s portfolio to Kiriyenko, including managing Kremlin relations with Moldova and with the two breakaway regions of Georgia, the people said.

The expansion of Kiriyenko’s influence shows how his star continues to rise at the Kremlin as he embraces and executes Putin’s wartime policies.

Kiriyenko is “effective” and “absolutely opportunistic,” Yashin said. If Putin or a future Russian leader pivots back toward the West someday, Yashin said, “Kiriyenko will find the words for it.”

Political Crossfire Inside the Smuggling Ring Directing Fentanyl Traffic

By Paulina Villegas and Maria Abi-Habib

CULIACÁN, Mexico — The fentanyl packer moved with precision, his headlamp casting a sharp glow on the swift work of his gloved hands.

Hoodless carcasses of old vehicles sat gutted under a pitch-black sky. Car jacks, coils and greasy rags littered the ground.

The man sprayed six aluminum-wrapped packets with a liquid that smelled like chlorine, a compound that he said would help disguise fentanyl from search dogs. Underneath the foil, the deadly drug was wrapped in carbon paper to try to avoid basic methods of X-ray detection, he said.

The 58-year-old man, a mechanic by day and drug packer by night, had been working for the Sinaloa cartel for over 20 years, fixing and loading cars with cocaine, meth and now fentanyl.

In all of that time, he said, his job has never been as dangerous as now. “Hopefully this is my last gig,” he said.

The cartel, which as one of the world’s most formidable drug syndicates had once seemed immune to challengers, has been pushed into survival mode. President Donald Trump has vowed to crush the fentanyl trade — directing the Pentagon to begin using military force against certain cartels that his administration considers terrorist organizations.

Mexico, pushed hard by Trump, has launched its own aggressive crackdown, deploying hundreds of troops to combat the Sinaloa cartel, a U.S.-designated terrorist group. While under intense pressure from both governments, the cartel has also been plagued by infighting.

But even in that weakened state, the cartel continues to adapt. Its smugglers are shifting to smaller loads, devising creative methods and adjusting in real time to changing threats — showing how extraordinarily difficult it would be for any government to dismantle such an entrenched criminal organization.

And despite the campaign against

them, cartel operatives said they had no intention of giving up the trade. Most expressed no compunction over the devastating toll in the United States, where fentanyl has fueled an addiction crisis and become a leading cause of death.

Those operatives said that they were simply running a business and argued that if they did not meet the American demand, someone else would.

This summer, The New York Times interviewed five operatives of the cartel. They spoke to the Times on the condition of anonymity because they would otherwise be subject to arrest or danger. The Times ’ reporting included documenting how fentanyl packages were hidden in cars in Culiacán, in western Mexico, in order to show in greater detail how fentanyl trafficking unfolds.

The car’s subsequent journey into the United States was reconstructed through interviews with the five operatives: the mechanic, a driver, a high-ranking cartel member and two traffickers based in Arizona.

The mechanic was hired this time to conceal about 13 pounds of fentanyl bound for the United States — worth as much as $90,000, but a small cargo compared with recent years, he said.

He had carved out a hidden compartment behind the panel of a car’s front left door. He welded a steel tube between the outer shell and the interior frame, creating a false space where packages could rest. He designed carefully: If officers knocked, seeking hidden contraband, it would sound hollow, just like a normal, empty door.

The cartels typically use midsize cars like Hondas, Nissans or Toyotas, reasoning that the more ordinary the vehicle, the more likely it would go unnoticed, the mechanic said. He never does the same concealment twice, he said, varying it by car and quantity of contraband.

“Sometimes we place it inside the gas tank, others, under the hood by the engine, or even underneath the rocker panel,” he said, pointing at different parts of the vehicle.

The drug packing was just the start of a journey that took the car from a cartel stronghold in Mexico across the border and into the United States, a trip that would require careful coordination by the smugglers.

Responding to the threats against it, the cartel has drawn from deep cash reserves, slashed payrolls, taken fentanyl production out of its home state, redirected shipments to Europe and — perhaps most tellingly — forged a fragile alliance with a competing organization that was once its archenemy.

The moves are desperate, analysts say, but they also reveal something else: a criminal network that, even in retreat, has shown a capacity for resilience and innovation.

Under these new conditions, producing and moving fentanyl has become slower, riskier and far more costly, the five cartel operatives said. Bribes now cost more, military checkpoints have multiplied across Mexico, and U.S. border agents have tightened scrutiny. More shipments are seized, so to minimize losses, traffickers are sending smaller quantities.

Yet the cartel operatives said the demand for fentanyl had not waned, despite its role in huge numbers of overdoses every year. So the cartels find ways to deliver the drug.

The operatives’ descriptions of how the fentanyl was smuggled across the border were consistent with the methods described to the Times by U.S. law enforcement officials, including one overseeing border operations and another who monitors cartel activity.

Findings by the Drug Enforcement Administration, described in the agency’s reports, also match the smuggling techniques described by the cartel operatives.

The mechanic, whose own life in Mexico’s underworld had left him with serious gunshot wounds, a cocaine addiction and a shattered family, was among the few to

express guilt for his actions. Fentanyl, he said, “is the reason for this [darn] war where so many people have died, many of them innocent, and that weighs on me.”

“I am scared, really scared,” he added, “because not everyone gets out of this, and the ones who do, they leave feet first.”

The Driver

For the mission from Culiacán, cartel leaders were having trouble finding reliable men. Too many had been arrested or killed in the bloody cartel infighting and Mexico’s offensive to dismantle the criminal group. One high-level operative, whose role focused on recruiting chemistry students to help manufacture fentanyl and overseeing production, typically avoided risky hands-on operations like this.

But despite his rank, the cartel’s needs put him at a crossroads. He could stay behind the scenes, or seize a dangerous opportunity to impress his superiors.

He did not hesitate, taking the chance to prove himself — and to become an even closer partner in the multimillion-dollar business. He said he could gain not only money or a possible promotion, but the rarest commodity, as well: trust from the cartel’s upper ranks, in a world where suspicion alone can be fatal.

To gain that trust, he was willing to risk his freedom and his life.

So, on a recent night, he turned the car’s key and set off toward the U.S. border, he later recounted.

A second vehicle moved ahead of him, holding lookouts trained to read the terrain. Their job was to call out what lay ahead and spot potential threats: a new checkpoint, soldiers where there had been none, a car parked too long on the side of the road.

“They watch for anything,” the driver said. “Anything suspicious.”

He followed at a distance, his hands tight on the wheel, an assault rifle tucked beneath the seat, he later recalled. The destination: Arizona.

There would be no turning back — not if they got stopped, not if someone got spooked. The cartel’s retaliation would be swift. But the payout was worth it, he said.

Hours after setting off, he said, he was instructed to stop. He waited for hours more at a midpoint on the route north.

The journey from Culiacán to the U.S. border was a meticulously choreographed operation. A single driver took a car packed with the synthetic opioid, but backing him up was a robust machinery of power.

At each stage, the driver received in-

structions from higher-ups — coded guidance on which roads to take and which to avoid. Sometimes, he drove along well-paved highways, cartel operatives said. Other times, he veered onto dirt tracks snaking through brush. The path was never improvised. Each detour was designed to sidestep law enforcement or military checkpoints.

Even those checkpoints were accounted for. According to the five operatives, bribes are usually arranged at no fewer

ico, the driver pulled over for what had become a routine pause on these runs.

On both sides of the border, a network of lookouts and coordinators was working in sync, double-checking that every piece of the operation was in place. That included the most critical one: the U.S. border agent who, for a price, had agreed to let the vehicle through, cartel operatives said.

But soon, notice came from the U.S. border agent that there was trouble, the

According to the five operatives, bribes are usually arranged at no fewer than four Mexican military posts between Sinaloa and Sonora states.

than four Mexican military posts between Sinaloa and Sonora states. Soldiers wave the designated driver through with the cargo untouched — the price of passage already paid, they said.

At one point, the driver recounted, progress was halted by a Mexican military “checkpoint that wasn’t there before.” The cartel then had “to solve that little problem” with a bribe, he said.

The Border

Just as he was closing in on his destination, he said, a call came in: stop the car.

Roughly 70 miles south of Tucson, Arizona, on the outskirts of Nogales, Mex-

After three days in limbo, another signal finally came. The operation was back in play.

Once again, the cartel’s network had kicked into motion — a criminal ecosystem sustained by a coordinated web of lookouts, drivers, packers, operatives and a long chain of corrupted officials, from street-level foot soldiers to border agents.

The driver said that the U.S. border agent would now receive tens of thousands of dollars for the warning alone, on top of the original payoff already promised for waving the car through the Mariposa Port of Entry in downtown Nogales.

His accusation could not be independently verified. But the driver and the mechanic both said the drugs had made it across the border — a sign of how deep the cartel’s reach ran.

The U.S. border agency, Customs and Border Protection, refers cases of possible corruption in its ranks to the Justice Department for investigation. Asked about accusations of agents taking bribes, the agency’s acting commissioner, Rodney S. Scott, said in a statement that “CBP agents and officers risk their lives to defend you every day.”

The operative’s account also corresponds with findings by U.S. authorities who have documented the Sinaloa cartel’s influence.

In April, a former U.S. Border Patrol agent was convicted of conspiring with two Mexican nationals to let vehicles pass through his lane without inspection, the U.S. attorney’s office for the district of Arizona said in April.

Federal prosecutors said the agent provided details to the Mexican individuals about checkpoint operations and cleared at least five vehicles in exchange for a promised cut of the smuggling fee — $20,000 of the $40,000 that the traffickers received.

driver said. The car had been flagged. Word spread quickly through the network that U.S. authorities had been tipped off, possibly by a cartel rival. The operation was compromised. The smugglers activated a Plan B.

A second vehicle would be arranged deeper in Sonora, the cargo repacked.

But that wasn’t the only issue. U.S. security looked tighter amid tensions in the Middle East. Nothing was moving easily.

So the waiting began.

As hours dissolved into days, anxiety crept in. The driver thought about turning back and driving south to Sinaloa. But pulling out meant risking retribution.

The cartel exerts “near-total control over the border region south of Arizona, giving the cartel easy access to the San Luis Rio Colorado and Nogales points of entry,” according to a 2024 DEA report. Criminals use that control to smuggle fentanyl into the United States, it added.

Speaking in a phone interview once he was back in Mexico, the driver said that he had delivered the cargo in Tucson and that local operatives would take it to California.

The driver said everything had gone smoothly because of how it had been arranged. “The crossing was easy,” he said.

Political Crossfire

Bite Club: The Fraternity That Awaits You After a Shark Attack

By Victoria Kim

SYDNEY — It was from a hospital bed, in a daze from painkillers, overwhelming media attention and a lingering frisson from her brush with death, that Anika Craney saw the Facebook message:

“Welcome to Bite Club.”

Days earlier, she had been free-diving in the Great Barrier Reef when she saw a shark barreling toward her. She flipped around to put her fins between herself and the predator, but the murky water around her quickly turned crimson.

Blood coursing out of her left foot, she struggled to get to the beach, trying to stem the arterial bleeding and screaming for help. An off-duty medic fashioned a tourniquet out of a belt, saving her life and her limb.

Even in those early moments, Craney, then 29, was determined not to let the experience affect her lifelong bond with the ocean. From a gurney, as she was taken from the rescue helicopter into the hospital, she cried out to a swarm of news cameras: “I still love sharks!”

What she didn’t know was that the

bite was the beginning of a long journey.

Yet to come were searing nerve pain, nightmares, sleepless nights, hallucinations and the loneliness of suffering from physical and psychological wounds that few can relate to. Still ahead were the offers of quick money for an interview or a documentary, which would only renew her trauma and underscore that the world’s interest was in the gruesome details of her encounter, not the grueling recovery that would never truly be over.

But Dave Pearson knew — because he had been through it a decade earlier, after a shark shredded his left forearm down to the bone, profoundly altering his life and his mind.

So he reached out to Craney, as he has for many other survivors in the years since his own bite, welcoming her into a fellowship no one would want to join. Over the phone, in his calm, steady voice, he told her a bit about what to expect, and he said there was a group of people she could turn to.

“We’ve been through this, and we’re here for you, through every step of the

way,” she later recalled him saying.

“Why Me?”

There is a pattern, Pearson has learned, to what comes after the bite.

There is the elation of survival, the celebration of a miraculous escape, the inundation of attention. Then, often, comes months of obsession, spent researching everything about the creature and its behavior.

“You just want to know, why me? What did I do wrong?” he said. “The hardest thing to accept is you did nothing — you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Pearson, 62, is the founder of Bite Club, a network of shark attack survivors (plus family members, first responders and a few people who’ve been bitten by other animals, like crocodiles). It started in Australia but now has more than 500 members across the world. Its private Facebook page functions as a medical forum, a middle-of-the-night lifeline, a post-traumatic stress disorder support group and an accidental family.

It is an exclusive club, one with many members in Australia, where the vast majority of the population lives near the coast (the country regularly reports more human-shark encounters than any other, except for the United States). Last year, 47 “unprovoked” shark bites were reported worldwide, four of them fatal. Pearson, an affable Everyman with the sunbaked hue of a lifelong surfer, joined those rarefied ranks in 2011. During an afternoon surf at his local beach at Crowdy Head, a few hours up the coast from Sydney, a bull shark sank its teeth into his brand-new surfboard — and his left arm, including the wrist and the hand. His buddies pulled him out of the water and tried to slow the catastrophic bleeding with a tourniquet, using his surfboard leash.

Lying on a beachside picnic table, he cracked jokes and admired the sunset while waiting for a helicopter to arrive, thinking it was not such a bad day to die. When he emerged from surgery, he was ecstatic to see that his arm had not been amputated.

Once the blur of the first weeks was over, though, a quiet new reality set in. There were long days alone, addled by painkillers, and fraught nights during which scenes from the fateful day replayed in his dreams. He could not turn to the one place where he’d always sought solace: the ocean.

“The shark decided to upturn that basket where I’ve been hiding everything my whole life,” he said. “I thought I was doing really well, until I wasn’t.”

During his time in the hospital, he met a young woman about his daughter’s age, who had been bitten a week before he was. He was amazed at the instant connection they felt.

Pearson began reaching out to every shark attack survivor he could get in touch with — calling hospitals, asking journalists to put him in touch, talking to local government officials who worked on shark safety. He started calling survivors regularly on his commute, sometimes driving for hours to meet them in person.

When he realized there was no place where they could share their experiences and exchange information and advice, he thought: “Let’s become that group that just supports people.”

His first idea for a name, Australian Shark Attack Survivors and Friends, was a mouthful. “Bite Club” came up as a joke in a late-night conversation over beers and wine. It was snappier.

Someone to Talk To

Most discussions of human-shark encounters are accompanied by the caveat that they are exceedingly rare. People are more likely to be killed by bee stings or lightning strikes, and getting bitten by another human is far more common.

But there’s a flip side to that: If you do have a run-in with a shark, very few people know what you’re going through.

Craney is a lifelong swimmer and diver who, as a child, doodled dolphins in every textbook and daydreamed about becoming a mermaid. She was living on a boat off Australia’s eastern coast, working on a film crew for a series about the Coral Sea, when a quick swim with a colleague to look for sea turtles ended with the bite.

Not long after speaking with Pearson on the phone, she introduced herself on the Bite Club Facebook page.

“Hi, my name’s Anika, and I was just bitten by a bull shark in Far North Queensland,” she recalled writing. “I was bitten on the left leg, and I’ve got

this damage, deep and superficial peroneal nerve damage, three tendons severed, dented tibia bone and a tooth shattered in my bone.”

Her nerve pain was harrowing — “It feels like you’re being electrocuted, or like you’ve got red ants biting you all over your skin” — but psychologically, she thought she was one of the lucky ones. Many survivors never go back into the ocean; some can’t even bear to face it, sitting at the beach with their backs turned to the water.

and surfers. Phipps Newman found himself constantly scanning the waters for dark shadows.

He was in Sydney on a business trip from Britain, and Pearson and Minett had driven four hours south to see him. It was the first time the men had met in person, but they immediately embraced in a bear hug. Another Bite Club member, a young woman who was attacked last year, briefly stopped by to say hello. “You’re both leg people,” Pearson told them.

“You just have an affinity. There’s a

From a gurney, as she was taken from the rescue helicopter into the hospital, she cried out to a swarm of news cameras: “I still love sharks!”

But within a couple of months, Craney was back in, swimming and diving. She went to work as a skipper for a boat charter company.

A little more than a year after her attack, while surfing with Pearson and his partner, Debbie Minett, she dove under a wave and saw, crystal clear, a shark with its mouth agape, hurtling toward her.

“I blinked, and it disappeared,” she said. It had been a hallucination, vividly imprinted into her brain.

“I burst into tears and called out for them,” she said. “I said, ‘I need to get out; I need to get out.’”

At work, she began hearing phantom cries for help or people yelling, “Shark!” She had to give up the job. At night, the image of the approaching shark would play on a loop in her mind.

On those nights, she would turn to the Bite Club page to see if anyone was awake, someone she could talk to. There always was.

“The mental hurt becomes louder when you feel alone, but when you can relate to other people, you don’t,” she said. “It’s honestly lifesaving.”

An Affinity, an Understanding

Earlier this year, at the tail end of Australia’s summer, Pearson went to Bondi Beach in Sydney to meet with Andrew Phipps Newman, who was bitten by a shark in the Galápagos Islands in 2018.

Bondi’s pristine sand and water were brimming with sunbathers, swimmers

lost relatives to shark encounters —

minders, to the others, of how easily their stories could have ended differently.

Some of those members have asked survivors about the pain they suffered, wanting to know what their loved ones’ final moments were like, Pearson said. He assured them that in the first 20 minutes of the experience, with adrenaline coursing through his body, he felt absolutely nothing.

Back in the Water

Last month, Craney marked the fifth anniversary of her attack. She is back in the water, swimming and diving. She recently moved from Sydney back to Cairns, near the site of her bite, to be closer to the ocean she loves. She is also starting a business, teaching diving to people who struggle with trauma.

warmth; there’s an understanding,” said Phipps Newman, who had met only one other survivor in person before, back home in Britain, through Bite Club.

Phipps Newman had been reeling from his friend’s unexpected death when he joined the Galápagos snorkeling excursion on which he was bitten. When he felt the powerful force pulling him down, he thought a fellow tourist was playing a joke. Instinctively, he punched the shark in the nose twice, and it let him go.

In that moment, he said, for the first time in months of wallowing in grief, he felt a strong will to live.

He had stayed away from the ocean in the seven years since then. On this day, though, at Pearson’s urging, Phipps Newman took his socks off and waded briefly into the water, up to his shins. Bite Club members often accompany one another for their first return to the ocean, or for a swim or a surf to mark the anniversary of their attack.

Pearson has a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of club members’ injuries, and he connects people who he thinks will benefit from speaking with each other, almost like a sponsor in a recovery group. He put Craney’s father in touch with an American whose daughter had also been attacked. The two men, both of whom joined Bite Club, had suffered from nightmares, fear of the ocean and a paralyzing dread for their daughters.

A few club members are people who

On her drive up, she stayed with Pearson and Minett at their home in Coopernook. They went for a quick swim at Crowdy Head, where Pearson was attacked, near where she hallucinated. She peeled off socks that featured cartoon sharks and, on the soles, the words “BITE ME.”

Looking out at the waves he’s surfed for five decades, Pearson said that his attack, more than 14 years later, still colored his every encounter with the ocean.

“I used to stare at the waves, thinking of how I would ride each one,” he said. Now, each surf is tinged with fear. But he swallows it and paddles out, several days a week.

How long does an attack stay with you? A few years ago, Pearson got a call from a staff member at a nursing home, who asked if he would meet with a resident in his 80s. The man, who had Alzheimer’s, was experiencing night terrors that seemed to stem from his experience with a shark. The man had been attacked in 1955.

Pearson visited him twice, listening to his story, as he does for new members of Bite Club. Even though the man couldn’t remember Pearson’s name on the second visit, he recounted the details of his attack as if it had just happened. Their chats seemed to bring the man peace, and his nights were calmer after that. For Pearson, that’s what it’s all about. What he has lost in his uncomplicated love for the ocean, he has gained in profound connections with hundreds of people around the world.

“You get to make a difference,” he said. “We share this thing.”

Forgotten Her es The Making and Dropping of the Bomb – 80 Years Later

By Avi Heiligman

On August 6, 1945, an American B-29 Superfortress bomber named the Enola Gay dropped a uranium bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Three days later, another B-29 bomber named the Bockscar dropped a plutonium bomb. This time, the target was Nagasaki. Days later, on August 15, the Japanese surrendered unconditionally to Allies. The discussion of whether these bombs were necessary is beyond the scope of this article. The atomic bombs, widely believed to have been the principle factor in ending World War II, were the result of many individuals’ efforts in their creation and deployment.

Years of research went into building the weapons. The American secret program was called the Manhattan Project. Led by General Leslie Groves of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the project had three main sites: Hanford, Washington, was where plutonium was produced; Oak Ridge, Tennessee, specialized in uranium enrichment; and Los Alamos, New Mexico, was the location of the top nuclear scientists who designed and assembled the weapons. Los Alamos was chosen for its location in a remote area that would be far away from unwanted observers.

Groves needed someone with the technical skills to lead the Manhattan Project and in 1943 appointed Jewish nuclear scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer as the director of the laboratory. Oppen-

heimer would become known as the “father of the atomic bomb” as he supervised the building of the laboratory, recruited the best scientists, and came up with brilliant ideas on the how the bombs should be constructed.

There were a number of Jewish scientists working on the Manhattan Project including Hungarian-born physicist Leo Szilard. In 1939, Szilard convinced Albert Einstein to write a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt which stated in part “in the course of the last four months

behind other countries in developing nuclear weapons and had built the first nuclear reactor at the University of Chicago.

Other Jewish scientists included Edward Teller who was known for his work on the implosion design and was known as the “father of the hydrogen bomb.”

Mathematician John von Neumann worked on building computers that would calculate computations for the bomb. Richard Feynman was a theoretical physicist and focused on complex calculations in the design used for the bombs.

The only person to have flown on both strike planes was Jewish First Lieutenant Jacob Beser.

it has been made probable – through the work of Joliot in France as well as Fermi and Szilard in America – that it may become possible to set up a nuclear chain reaction in a large mass of uranium, by which vast amounts of power and large quantities of new radium-like elements would be generated. Now it appears almost certain that this could be achieved in the immediate future.”

Szilard felt that the Americans were

On July 16, 1945, a plutonium implosion-type bomb nicknamed “the Gadget” was detonated at the Alamogordo Bomb Range in the deserts of New Mexico. Known as the Trinity Test, the successful detonation proved that the bombs could be implemented for use overseas.

The search for a plane and the men who would drop the bombs was a work in progress that took over two years.

The 509th Composite Group (CG) of the

29th Air Force was selected to plan for the raids that were to drop the bombs on Japan. Colonel Paul Tibbets was recommended by General Jimmy Doolittle to General “Hap” Arnold to work out problems with a new long-range bomber that could carry a very large payload. Arnold, the commanding general of the United States Army Air Forces during the war, wanted the best field grade officer with extensive experience in the B-17 to help test-fly the newly introduced B-29 bomber. The B-29 was a four-engine heavy bomber with a range of over 3,000 miles and was suitable to carry atomic weapons. After extensive tests, the B-29 was ready to fly combat missions, and Tibbets was selected to lead the 509th with the intention of him leading the atomic bomb missions.

Sixty-five B-29 Superfortresses were modified to carry atomic bombs, and these became known as the Silverplate bombers. Tibbets handpicked the fifteen planes he wanted for the 509th as well as the crews that would be flying them. The men were not told of the nature of the missions for most of the training period.

Flying from their base on Tinian, the Enola Gay dropped the uranium bomb named “Little Boy” on Hiroshima on August 6. Tibbets named his plane the Enola Gay after his mother, and the Bockscar was named for its pilot, Captain Frederick Bock. However, on

August 9, Bock flew in the Great Artsie on a mission as the measurement instrumentation aircraft. Major Charles Sweeney and his crew flew the Bockscar and dropped the “Fat Man” bomb on Nagasaki.

The only person to have flown on both strike planes was Jewish First Lieutenant Jacob Beser. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Beser studied mechanical engineering at Johns Hopkins but left college to join the Army Air Corps. He was sent to work on the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and

was with the 509 th through the training period. During the atom bomb missions, he was the radar counter-measure observer and needed to make sure that the bombs didn’t explode too early. There was concern that the Japanese may jam the fuse frequencies to cause it to prematurely detonate, and his job was to prevent it from happening. Beser was awarded the Silver Star for his role in the bombing missions.

Jewish First Lieutenant Charles Levy was the bombardier for the Great Artsie on the Nagasaki mission. During

that mission, he was the photographer and took the famous photo of the mushroom cloud over the city. He was originally supposed to fly on the Bockscar, but the crews were switched around because of a complication stemming from flight equipment.

After the war, most planes were sent to the scrap heap, but the Enola Gay and the Bockscar were saved. After extensive restorations, both planes are now on display. The Enola Gay is at the Smithsonian outside Washington, D.C., and the Bockscar can be viewed

at the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. Eighty years after the bombs were dropped, the scientists who designed the bomb as well the airmen who flew the missions are remembered for their part in ending World War II.

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.

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