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Star Ledger Takes First Step to Correct False, Unfounded Attack on Kars4Kids
Lakewood, NJ — Kars4Kids was shocked by the recent false allegations in a recent story in The Star Ledger (“Alleged Ponzi scheme ensnares Kars4Kids,” published December 12). When confronted with the mistruth in their piece, The Star Ledger agreed last night to remove the story from their website, where it is no longer found. Further, Kars4Kids anticipates a retraction and apology in the publication for the damage done to its organization.
The article misstated facts about Kar4Kids and suggested that Kars4Kids was involved in “a massive, international Ponzi scheme” and in laundering money. Both suggestions were absolutely false, and were never made anywhere, including in the court papers cited by The Star Ledger. The newspaper further misreported on a civil litigation that has nothing whatsoever to do with Kars4Kids.
Kars 4 Kids Responds to Ledger Report
Kars4Kids writes to respond to the December 12th article in the Newark Star Ledger involving the suggestion that Kars4Kids or any of its related charities have been involved in financial misdeeds, including money laundering or other illegal practices. Not only are any such suggestions completely false the newspaper report is based on unjustified accusations in court papers from a court case that has nothing at all to do with Kars4Kids. Those papers do make serious accusations against a number of charities involving millions of dollars. BUT KARS4KIDS IS NOT ONE OF THEM!
The article states at the very beginning that “At issue are millions in payments to Kars4Kids and more than 60 other registered charities.” This is completely misleading. No one — not even the lawyers who made the original claims — has EVER said that “millions” of dollars having anything to do with Eliyahu Weinstein have ever been paid by, through or to Kars4Kids. (In fact Mr. Weinstein has never even donated to our charity!) Of all the transactions involving charities that the lawyer in question claimed “carry the scent of money laundering,” despite the impression left by the newspaper article, KARS4KIDS IS NOT ONE OF THEM!
Petira of The Bostoner Rebbe of Har Nof Z”L
Yerushalayim, Eretz Yisroel: Baruch Dayan Emes VidYid regrets to inform you of the Bostoner Rebbe of Har Nof Z”L, on Shabbos.
The Admor M’Boston Z”L, who was 88 years old, was Niftar Shabbos in Shaarei Tzedek Hospital in Yerushalayim. Thousands of people attended the Levaya that was on Har Nof and after to Kikar Hashabbos, on the way to Har Hazeisim.
Breaking News: New York State Senate Votes Against Legalizing Toieva Marriage 38-24
TOEIVA DEFEATED IN New York State:
SAME-GENDER LEGISLATION FAILS IN SENATE BY VOTE OF 38-24.
Thank you Agudas Yisroel.
BH.
Rabbanim Hire Hit Men; Frum Williamsburg Man Bound, Gagged & Beaten, Dumped on Street in Lakewood
Lakewood, New Jersey: At around 8:00PM, a Chassidishe Yid from Williamsburg was walking out of his office and was kidnapped from 170 Oberlin Avenue, he was duct taped and tied up, and driven to White Road at Drake Street behind West Gate. He was beaten and dumped from the car, he went to the closest house and rang the bell with his elbow, the lady called EMS and he was transported to Jersey Shore hospital.
The story not a simple attack, and there were ulterior motives. The man is being forced to give his wife a Get, and he had Frum people attacking him hired by Bais Din or the family.
Petira of Dr. Chaim Weiss A”H of Monsey Killed in Plane Crash in Vermont
Vemont: A Frum man from Monsey was killed Sunday evening in a plane crash, he was found on Whipstock Mountain in Vermont at 9:15 a.m. Monday morning.
Dr. Chaim Weiss a Monsey Psychologist, and a Certified Pilot was killed r’l when the small plane he was flying solo to a simcha in Vermont crashed. Dr. Chaim Weiss (58, from 4 Charlotte Dr) worked for Shaarei Chemlah, was found today by hiker after his plane went down. Chesed Shel Emes crew en route with family to crash site to help with the ID process, Besiros Tovos.
Rav Binyamin Kamenetzky, founder of Yeshiva of South Shore injured in fall, Binyomin ben Itta Ettil
Rabbi Binyamin Kamenetzky, founder of Yeshiva of South Shore and many other Five Towns institutions, is hospitalized and described as recovering after a fall outside a shul on Wednesday.
Rav Kamenetzky fell on his head and suffered a concussion, according to a yeshiva official, that has left some lingering effects, though those are not expected to be permanent, bezras Hashem. He described Rabbi Kamenetzkys condition as being awake and alert.
Jerusalem: 250 Charedim protest opening of Karta parking lot
Some 250 Charedim demonstrated against the Jerusalem Municipalities’ decision to open the Karta parking lot on Shabbat.
The rally ended uneventfully.
Badatz Toronto offers competition to Kashruth Council (COR) in Toronto
TORONTO Badatz Toronto a new local kashruth supervisory council founded by rabbis Amram Assayag and Moshe Bensalmon opened for business in May 2008 and is currently responsible for the kashruth of five establishments and nine companies in the GTA.
Until now, this major metropolitan area has had to rely solely on the Kashruth Council of Canada, which has been in existence for more than 50 years and is recognized worldwide.
High Court: Mea Shearim ‘Starving mother’ can go back home
The High Court of Justice rejected Wednesday a State Prosecutor’s appeal seeking to keep the so-called “starving mother” away from the ultra-Orthodox Mea Shearim neighborhood.
The decision overturns a previous ruling by the district court, and will allow the mother, who is accused of starving her son, to go back home. The High Court ruled that the mother “will not be separated from her children and will be allowed to live with them at the family home in the Mea Shearim neighborhood.” However, judges also ordered the mother and children to be subjected to a medical test three times a week, in the presence of welfare officials.
Petira of Rebbetzin Scheinberg A”H
Petira of Rebbitzen Basya Scheinberg A”H (96) wife of Rav Pinchos Scheinberg.
Levaya 9PM Torah Ohr.
BT
Update: Shlomo Dwek: Guilty your honor, Ever been treated for psychological problems? Yes your honor
NEWARK Solomon Dwek, the FBI witness at the center of this summers massive corruption sting, pleaded guilty today to the bank fraud charges that led to him becoming an undercover informant.
The 37-year-old failed real estate developer spent more than two years wearing a wire for federal investigators, leading to charges against 45 people in an epic web of alleged extortion and money laundering.
Shlomo Dwek, central witness in N.J. corruption probe, to plead guilty today of $50 million in bank fraud
NEWARK – Solomon Dwek, the key witness in the massive federal corruption and money laundering sting that rocked the state’s political landscape, is expected to plead guilty today to charges in connection with a $50 million bank fraud in 2006 that first brought him to the attention of authorities.
Dwek, 36, is to appear first in federal court. Later in the day, he is expected to be in Superior Court in Monmouth County to plead to similar state charges, according to a person familiar with the investigation who did not want to be identified because he was not authorized to speak about the matter.Real estate developer
Authorities charge former Department of Energy, Defense and NASA worker with attempted espionage for Israel – Maryland scientist Stewart David Nozette charged with giving classified info to Israeli intelligence
AN American scientist who once worked for the Pentagon and the US space agency NASA has been arrested and charged with attempted spying for Israel, the US Department of Justice said. Stewart David Nozette, 52, is charged with “attempted espionage for knowingly and willfully attempting to communicate, deliver, and transmit classified information relating to the national defense of the United States to an individual that Nozette believed to be an Israeli intelligence officer,” the Department of Justice said.
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Petira of The Krasne Rebbetzin A”H
Boro Park: Baruch Dayan HaEmes, Krasne Rebbetzin(97, Lichtenstein) nifter, Levaya tomorrow 9:30 AM Bhm”d Kavunas Halev.
Petira of HaYeled Yakov Gandel A”H – Niftar In front of His Class at Satmar Talmud Torah
Williamsburg, New York: 10 year old Yanky Ben Binyamin Zev Gandel-Schwartz A”H (137 Keap) had seizures in middle of class in Satmar Cheder in front of dozens of traumatized kids, Hatzolah rushed him to hospital where he was pronounced dead R”L.
He had a medical history. The Levaya is at 9:30PM in Yeriem-KJ. The niftar will be buried in the New Bais Hachaim in Kiryas Yoel.
Pedestrian Struck in Lakewood – Petira of Habocher Shalom Werther A”H Killed in Hit & Run Accident
Lakewood, New Jersey: Last night at 8:15PM Hatzolah responded to a 17 year old pedestrian struck by a vehicle at Cederbridge Avenue and Millville road. When Hatzolah arrived the patient was unconscious, and was transported to hospital in serious condition. The driver of the van fled from the scene.
Baruch Dayan Emes, VidYid regrets to inform you of the Petira of Habocher Shalom Werther A”H, originally from Milwaukee. The Levaya will take place at Bais Shaindel on 299 Monmouth Avenue at 2nd Street and Monmouth Avenue at 11:30 in Lakewood.
Calls of disrespect after Carlsberg beer ads uses picture of Shas’ Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
Carlsberg beer usually advertises using good-looking young men and women enjoying their alcoholic beverages in a pub or other enticing settings; but to attract more ultra-Orthodox customers, the firm has adopted a rather different public figure – former chief Sephardi rabbi and Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.
Over the weekend Carlsberg, owned in Israel by the Central Bottling Company (Coca-Cola Israel), distributed a calendar for the 5770 Jewish year along with the Shas newspaper Yom Leyom featuring pictures of Rabbi Yosef along with a holiday message from him. Using famous rabbis and other ultra-Orthodox leaders is common in advertising for the sector. For example, pictures of company executives being blessed by various rabbis are common in such ads, as well as written recommendations from leading rabbis.
Orthodox Union: TSA to Permit Lulavim and Etrogim During Airplane Travel
Today, the national Transportation Security Administration (TSA) declared a special travel period for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The travel period will begin approximately on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, and end on approximately on Tuesday, October 13, 2009. This policy will allow observant Jewish travelers to carry their Lulavim and Etrogim in airports and through security checkpoints. (During the Sukkot holiday, Jews utilize four species of plants as part of their daily prayer service. See Leviticus 23:40.)
The Orthodox Union (Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, worked with TSA in the framing of this important policy.
Moshe Lefkowitz Monsey Kapparot man: ‘I’m proud of our customs’
Monsey – Moshe Lefkowitz has been conducting the kapparot atonement ceremony for ultra-Orthodox Jews for more than 30 years. So he can’t understand what the recent fuss has been about. The ceremony, which involves the circling of live chicken over the head of the faithful and later slaughtering them as a means of atonement, has invited fines from the county health department that says health codes have been flaunted, and the ire of some neighbors and animal rights groups.
Lefkowitz, 59, said his community was saddened by the furor over the ceremony and its description as something violent. “I am proud of our customs,” said Lefkowitz, a butcher by profession. “It’s very difficult to explain some things to people who do not believe.”
Israeli Military Recruiting Kollel Students for Technical Jobs
Facing dwindling enlistment and wanting to utilize a largely untapped manpower pool, various branches of the Israeli Defense Forces have begun looking at ways to enlist chareidi-religious soldiers.
Inspired by the success of the Nahal Haredi infantry program, Major General Eliezer Shkedi, former commander of the Israeli Air Force, founded a special pilot project dubbed Blue Dawn in 2007 to recruit kollel students. Trained as aircraft mechanics and technical personnel, all inductees are required to be at least 22 years of age and are promised benefits similar to that of the Nahal Haredi.
Top Egyptian Daily: Coins with Name and Image of Yosef HaTzadik Found in Egypt
An Egyptian paper claims that archaeologists have discovered ancient Egyptian coins bearing the name and image of the Biblical Joseph. The report in Al-Ahram boasts that the find backs up the Koran’s claim that coins were used in Egypt during Joseph’s period. Joseph, son of the Patriarch Jacob, died around 1450 B.C.E., according to Jewish sources.
Excerpts from the Al-Ahram report, as translated by Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI):
Rav Elyashiv Shlita: Crocs are too comfortable for Yom Kippur
Rabbi Elyashiv of the Lithuanian stream of ultra-Orthodoxy has ruled that it is best not to wear Crocs shoes on Yom Kippur even though they are not made out of leather and, therefore, would seemingly be permissible for the holiday. His reasoning behind the ruling is that they are too comfortable, and thus don’t provide the level of suffering one should feel on the holiday.
Leather is traditionally not worn on Yom Kippur as a symbol of humility and increased humanity on the atonement holiday. The halachic ruling came in response to a question posed to the rabbi by a young yeshiva student asking whether it is permissible to wear on Yom Kippur shoes one would normally wear throughout the year. In response, the rabbi ruled it is best to avoid wearing Crocs on the holiday. “It is permissible legalistically, but it is inadvisable,” said Rabbi Elyashiv.
Rockland County cites Kapparos site on Route 306 again
Monsey – County health inspectors have found violations after visiting a makeshift chicken pen providing animals used by ultra-Orthodox Jews seeking to repent before Yom Kippur observances. As dozens of families and individuals completed the ceremony – called Kapparot – on Monday, more people followed in the rear parking lot of the former Monsey Jewish Center on Route 306.
Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jews circled chickens above their heads three times before returning the chickens to handlers. The tradition calls for slaughtering the fowl, which is considered an integral and deeply moving part of the introspections that take place days before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Rabbi on Trial for Not Ratting on Students who scared off a group of Arab infiltrators
A young yeshiva dean is on trial for not divulging the names of his students who scared off a group of Arab infiltrators. Rabbi Mordechai Ganiram, head of the Har Shalom hesder yeshiva in the Mount Hevron-area, explained to Arutz-7’s Hebrew newsmagazine that if he would have maintained the right to remain silent, “I would not have been put on trial at all.”
The incident in question took place a year and a half ago. On March 30, 2008, a gang of Arab shepherds infiltrated the Jewish town of Eshtamoa, and began making their way to the yeshiva. Three students went out to the scene, and chased away the Arabs – who later filed a complaint that they had been attacked.
Jerusalem police ask public to ID Meis mitzva
This evening, the Israeli Police has asked the chareidi public for help in identifying a man who fell in the mikvah of Rechov Beis Yaakov 2, in Meah Shearim, approximately three weeks ago, on September 4.
The man lost conciousness when he fell, and was hospitalized at the Hadassa Ein Kerem hospital in Jerusalem.
The doctors fought for the man’s life, but he unfortunately passed away on Rosh Hashana.
The man is not know to the residents of Meah Shearim. His description is as follows: 60 – 70 years old, thin, light skin, gray hair, aged face.
Kiryas Tosh, Canada – Tosh Couple Have Twins After 30 Years Childless
A Nes day Klal Yisroel in general and Kiryas Tosh in particular didn’t have last 30 years we all say together Mazol Tov twice to Reb Toivya Meir Neiman founder of Tovim Meoros Organization who had had twin girls after 30 years of waiting.
Mazel Tov.
BREAKING NEWS IDF: Son of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon killed in Columbia space shuttle disaster has been killed in crash of his F-16 warplane
Eretz Yisroel: Assaf Ramon was just killed when his F-16 crashed over the Chevron Hills. He was the son of Ilan Ramon, Israel’s 1st astronaut, who perished along with the crew of the ill-fated Columbia Shuttle.
BREAKING NEWS IDF: Son of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon killed in Columbia space shuttle disaster has been killed in crash of his F-16 warplane.
Jerusalem – 35-Year-Old Mother Of 10, Wife Of Satmar Magid Shiur Nifter Of H1N1 Flu After Giving Birth
Beis Shemesh: Mrs Brucha Faiga Viliger (34) Mother of 10.5 oldest 14 was nifter hours after was diagnosed with swine flu R”L.
Brucha Faiga Williger/Deitel wife of rav avrum yisruel Magid Shiur Satmar Yeshiva Ketana Jerusalem, Levaya Ohel Ruchel.
Williamsburg – Petira of 9 Year Old Yehoshua Ganzfried A”H Killed by Car on Shabbos Morning
TRAGEDY: Williamsburg – BDE: 9 year old Yehoshua Ganzfried A”H son of Menachem Shloime was struck and killed R”L this Shabbos morning before 8:00AM at Bedford Avenue and Wallabout Street on his way to the Pupa Shul. Driver arrested for driving with a suspended license and fined.
LEVAYA 10:00AM Sunday Morning in Pupa.
Tragedy hits Williamsburg family again, 9 year old Shia Ben Menachem Shlome Ganzfried killed by women driver on Wallabout Street 8AM Shia and his father on way to chevras tehillim in pupa shul, bedford wallabout driver made left & jumped sidewalk.
Rabbi Practices Shofer Blowing in his Car at Traffic Lights
Ever since the California legislature passed a bill banning the use of hand-held cell phones by drivers, I’ve been anxious that the law might be expanded to include shofar blowing, as well. My husband, David, is the shofar blower for our small Santa Monica synagogue. Like everyone else in Los Angeles, he spends an inordinate amount of time in his car, commuting to and from work and to meetings.
About a month before the High Holy Days commence, I pick up the temple’s shofar and bring it home for him to practice. Since he has little time at home to do much more than catch up with the kids, try (usually unsuccessfully) to have an uninterrupted conversation with me, gobble down some dinner, do more work and sink into sleep, he practices his shofar blowing in the car. This is no little ram’s horn either. It’s extra long and twisty and comes from an animal you’ve probably never heard of — the kudu.
Edinburgh, UK – Tallis and Tefillin the only thing that survives massive house fire
David Neville with tallis and tefillin
When a fire caused extensive damage to David Neville’s family home in Edinburgh last week, his initial reaction was relief that no one had been injured. But as the extent of the lost possessions became apparent, Mr Neville began to think about items which had been in the master bedroom — the seat of the blaze.
And he remembered that the tallit and tefillin given to him on his barmitzvah had been in the drawer of a desk which had been almost completely destroyed. The BBC Scotland drama producer returned to the bedroom more in hope than expectation. “Of three drawers in the desk, only one was left,” he said. “It was just a black charred mass on the floor. But when I lifted it to see what it was, there was a melted plastic bag inside in which were the tallit and tefillin. They were just about the only things in the room untouched by the fire.
Gush Etzyon – 25-year-old Givat Shaul Charedi Bicyclist Killed from Stolen car Driven by Arab Chased by Police
A chase after a stolen car near the settlement of Ofra ended in a lethal accident Thursday morning. The driver of the stolen vehicle, who was trying to flee police on his trail, committed a serious traffic violation and hit a motorcyclist, leaving him dead.
An initial police investigation revealed that a Binyamin district officer spotted a suspicious vehicle driving near Shaar Binyamin. The officer followed the stolen vehicle, and its driver, a Palestinian, began driving recklessly and made a U-turn and hit the motorcycle coming from the opposite direction.
Kiryas Yoel – Fire Tears Through Satmar Yeshiva Dorms
KIRYAS JOEL – A smoky fire ripped through a dorm at an Orthodox Jewish boys school in the Kiryas Joel section of Orange County. Eyewitness News is told the fire broke out at around midnight in the dorm on Berdichev Drive.
The fire spewed heavy smoke throughout the large structure.
In honor of Jewish holidays, J.P. Licks brings back flavors, ‘Noodle Kugel Ice Cream’ & Manischewitz.
Somerville — In celebration of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, J.P. Licks is bringing back two of its most cherished flavors — Noodle Kugel Ice Cream and Manischewitz Blackberry Wine Sorbet — to all its stores, including its Davis Square location, through the end of September.
The Noodle Kugel Ice Cream is a creamy mixture of sweetened egg noodles blended with butter and brown sugar and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Its counterpart is a fruity and lactose-free ice sorbet with a kick and is made with real Manischewitz wine, a kosher traditional table wine.
A Jewish school in southern France was firebombed, No one was injured in the attack
A Jewish school in southern France was firebombed. No one was injured in the Tuesday morning attack on the ORT Bramson Jewish school in Marseille.
About 66 feet of cypress hedges were set afire, and four parked cars in front of the building were burned by homemade aerosol bombs, according to French reports. Three bombs were found on the premises, according to The Associated Press.
Flatbush – Congregation Machzikei Torah Refuses To Vacate Academy of Yeshiva Rambam Building, Mezuzahs Removed
Last Monday night’s deadline for Congregation Machzikei Torah to abandon its premises at the Zvi Dov Roth Academy of Yeshiva Rambam in Flatbush came and passed. The congregation’s leader, Rabbi Moshe Toiv, says he isn’t going anywhere.
“If they attempt to force us out,” he said, “we’ll call the police.”
Update: Duvid Manshrov’s Killer released from jail 2 months ago, both talmidim of Kollel for BTs and former inmates – Kollel Yungerman Stabs Other Yungerman Arguing in Torah; Yungerman Niftar
Police on Wednesday arrested two suspects in the murder of a Netanya Yungerman who was found stabbed to death in the coastal city.
The two suspects, aged 22 and 35, studied with the victim. An initial investigation found that the three students were involved in an altercation earlier Wednesday night, and police suspect the fight led to the stabbing.
Ben-Gurion Airport keeps passengers in planes which land with nifter in cargo, Airlines seek different solution
A number of airlines are demanding that the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) stop the “impurity of Kohanim” procedure. According to this procedure, if a plane landing at Ben-Gurion Airport is carrying in its cargo area a body flown in from abroad, its passengers can only get off the plane after the body is removed from the aircraft, even if it takes a long time.
This procedure was adopted by Ben-Gurion Airport following pressure by haredi elements, in order to prevent the impurity of people waiting inside the terminal. “The torture of passengers must end,” a source in the aviation industry said.
Charity organization: One in four families in Jerusalem will require food baskets to get through High holidays
According to the Latet charity organization, one in four families in Jerusalem will require food baskets to get through the Jewish High holidays.
The situation is not much better in Bnei Brak. There the organization says 22% of residents will require food donations during the holiday seasson.
As a gesture to Mayor Bloomberg, Reverend Blows Shofar Wears Tallis
In the campaign’s most ecumenical gesture, the Rev. Elijah Thompson, pastor of the Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle church, yesterday greeted Mayor Bloomberg by blowing a shofar and donning a Jewish prayer shawl, two weeks before the high holidays.
In a rare move, Thompson endorsed Bloomberg from the church’s pulpit.
Manchester, UK – £3/4million 310 seat synagogue opens its doors
A THREEQUARTERS of a million pound project comes to fruition this weekend with the official opening of Shaarei Tefillah Synagogue’s new building on the corner of Bury New Road and Sedgley Park Road, Prestwich.
The congregation, which now has more than 100 members, began with only nine men in 1992 in the Richmond Avenue, Prestwich, home of founder member Rabbi Moishe Segal.
San Fernando – Went on shooting spree at Jewish community center, killed 1, wounded 5, decade later he repents
A decade after the killing of a Chino Hills man and the wounding of five people at a Jewish community center during a San Fernando Valley shooting spree, the convicted gunman has renounced his white-surpremacist views while expressing “deep remorse.”
“I feel a life based on hate is no life at all,” Buford O’Neal Furrow Jr. wrote in a letter from the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind., where he is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
New Torah in Memory of professor Liviu Librescu. one of 32 killed in Virginia Tech Massacre
BLACKSBURG — About two dozen people gathered Sunday afternoon to dedicate a Torah that was donated to Virginia Tech in honor of the late professor Liviu Librescu.
Librescu was one of 33 people, including gunman Seung-Hui Cho, who were killed during the April 16, 2007, shootings on campus.
UK-born chef Yochanan Lambiase operates the world’s only fully mehadrin cooking school
If chef Yochanan Lambiase had to place his culinary philosophy in a verbal nutshell, it probably would run something like: “Kosher doesn’t have to boring.” London, UK-born, of southern Italian descent, Lambiase is founder of the Jerusalem Culinary Institute (JCI) located at Moshav Messilat Zion near Beit Shemesh. Established in 2003, the JCI runs 10-month programs for 18-24-year-olds from all over the world with classes on a wide range of culinary and patisserie topics.
The 25 students who registered for the upcoming program, which starts in October, will get a handle on the theory behind the gastronomic process but will mostly gain valuable hands-on experience in the kitchen, out in the herb garden and in the institute’s restaurant. They will also learn a thing or two about running a business in the real world.
State Gives New Square $1.6 Million for Poultry Slaughterhouse
New York state has provided New Square with $1.6 million toward the construction of a massive poultry processing plant in the village, next door to New Hempstead. The state money was part of $153.6 million in “Restore New York” grants announced yesterday by Gov. David Paterson and Denis Mullen, the CEO and chairman of the state Empire State Development.
While New Square officials have laid the groundwork for construction of the plant, the Rockland County Planning Board has opposed construction of the proposed 26,250-foot-square-foot facility.
Chabad L.A. Building Defaced With Swastikas
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the appearance of apparent anti-Semitic graffiti at a building used by two Chabad-Lubavitch programs in the heart of the Jewish community in the western section of the city.
According to a report in The Jewish Journal, Rabbi Eyal Rav-Noy, director of the Jewish Learning Academy on Pico Boulevard, arrived the morning of Aug. 23 to discover swastikas and profanity scrawled on the door of his building, as well as on other exterior surfaces. He told police that it must have happened the previous night, as he was conducting Shabbat services at the location the day before and didn’t notice a thing.
Zaka Head Yehuda Meshi-Zahav: Charedi Violence Will Continue, Violence Comes From Youths Not Really Part of Community
Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, the hareidi-religious Jew who heads the Zaka emergency service, said Thursday that hareidi demonstrations will continue. Interviewed by Arutz 7, Meshi-Zahav said that the public does not recognize the dynamic under which the community acts. He explained that the community does not recognize the secular state and that demonstrations are the community’s only vehicle for protesting what it sees as wrong. In addition, participants in the violence include youth who are not really part of the community.
In recent weeks, hareidi demonstrators have blocked the entrance to the Carta parking lot, just outside Jerusalem’s Old City in protest of the municipality’s operation of the lot to accomodate Jewish traffic on the Sabbath, which is prohibited under Jewish law. On Wednesday, Rabbi Tuvia Weiss called on the hareidim not to leave the confines of hareidi neighborhoods in the course of their demonstrations.
Aspen, Colorado – Even With Contract Terminated, Chabad Community Still Interested in Apen Ranch Site
ASPEN, Colorado — An Aspen rabbi said he still has high hopes of moving a Jewish community center into the Silver Lining Ranch, even though he terminated his real estate contract to buy the property.
Litigation threats forced Rabbi Mendel Mintz, who runs the Jewish Resource Center Chabad of Aspen, to last week terminate his contract to buy the 14,000-square-foot building on 6.5 acres at the end of Ute Avenue. The $13.5 million deal was supposed to close in June. Former tennis pro Andrea Jaeger, whose Little Star Foundation owns the ranch property, is embroiled in a nasty legal battle with neighbors threatening a lawsuit if the sale goes through.
Vaad Shuts Washington Cafe With Treif Meat
The JCC Cafe, a kosher dining fixture in the District for more than a decade, has been shut down due to a “very blatant” violation of kashrut standards that employees had tried to cover up, according to a spokesperson for the Vaad Harabanim Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington, which supervised the establishment.
“There was an active attempt to deceive,” said Rabbi Binyamin Sanders, noting that the violation was particularly egregious because it involved nonkosher meat being purposely and clandestinely brought into the establishment. “The deceitfulness has really made this painful.”
Thousands Attended Levaya of Reb Shlomo Zilberstein, Leader of Gerrer Chassidim in Bnei Brak
Rabbi Shlomo Zilberstein, who served for decades as a leader of Gerrer Hassidim in Bnei Brak, passed away Friday. Thousands attended the rabbi’s funeral late Saturday night. The rabbi was buried in Tel Aviv’s Kiryat Shaul Cemetery.
Rabbi Zilberstein was 77 at his passing.
17 Charedim Arrested During Shabbos Protests Against the Opening of the Carta Parking Lot
Seventeen hareidi-religious Jews who were arrested during Saturday protests against the opening of the Carta parking lot have been brought before a judge of the Jerusalem District Court.
The police are requesting that all the accused be held until the end of their trials.
Fire in Capitol Hotel in Lakewood
LAKEWOOD — A fast-moving fire at the Capitol Hotel located at 325 Seventh Street early Sunday morning has claimed the life of one unidentified person and caused at least 40 to 50 people to be evacuated, according to Sgt. Edward Rupp of the Lakewood Police Department.
“There was a casualty. I don’t know if it was male or female,” Rupp said Sunday afternoon. “There was a body found in one of the hotel rooms.”
A Jewish Man Suffered Mortal Stab Wounds Sunday in Jerusalem, Motivation Appears to be Criminal
A 50-year-old man was stabbed to death Sunday evening at a hostel in Jerusalem’s Geula neighborhood. Magen David Adom paramedics that were dispatched to the scene failed in their attempts to resuscitate him.
An initial police investigation revealed that the victim, who was staying at the hostel, was stabbed by a 23-year-old Palestinian from the West Bank. The two had reportedly been arguing since morning hours and the dispute boiled over in the evening when the Palestinian, who works at the hostel, allegedly stabbed the Jewish man in the back, chest and abdomen, multiple times.
Despite Rabbonim Protests, The Montreal YWHA Will be Open on Shabbos
MONTREAL – Despite some very vocal opposition from the Montreal Board of Rabbis, the local Snowdon YM-YWHA does not intend to reverse its decision to open its facilities to the community on Saturday afternoons beginning Oct. 31.At a joint meeting on Aug. 10, the YM-YWHA’s board of directors and board of trustees passed a resolution to open the Y’s facilities to the community from 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoons.
In an interview with the Jewish Tribune, Y executive director Michael Crelinsten explained that this decision was mission-driven, consistent with the YM-YWHA’s mandate to serve as a resource to the entire Jewish community, with the goal of serving the widest cross-section of the community possible.
Karta Protest: Charedi Trying to Block Traffic gets dragged by moving car. Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox holding a mass protest
Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox holding a mass prayer near the Karta parking lot in Jerusalem blocked the nearby Hativat Yerushalayim Street by lying on the road to prevent cars from driving.
One of the demonstrators, in his 20s lay under a car standing at a traffic light. When the car began to move, it dragged the haredi man dozens of meters. An emergency service crew was called to the scene and treated the man, who was moderately injured. Police launched a search for the driver who fled the scene, and the demonstrators cleared the road.
Muizenberg, Africa – No Rest in Peace, Vandals Stripped Jewish Cemetery Virtually Bare – Even Burglar Bars Installed to Protect It
Vandals have stripped the Jewish temple at the Muizenberg cemetery virtually bare – even making off with the burglar bars installed to protect it. Sigmund Saffer, president of the Muizenberg Hebrew congregation, said the temple had to be demolished as anything that could be removed, had been stolen.
He said some people had even used the two ceremonial basins in front of the temple to clean their fish. “They were beautiful carved basins with copper spigots which were used to gut fish. There would be scales everywhere.” Now mourners have to bring their own 20 litre barrels of water to wash their hands during burial ceremonies. Saffer said the temple, or Tahara hall, was built in the early 1920s. “In those days bodies were brought here to be prepared for burial.”
6 Charedim Arrested in Karta Parking Lot Protest This Shabbos
Six ultra-orthodox Jews were arrested in Jerusalem on Saturday as protests continued against the opening of a municipal car park near the Old City on the Jewish day of rest, police said. The arrests took place as demonstrators tried to block the entrance to the Carta parking lot.
For nine weeks now, ultra-Orthodox Jews have been protesting against a decision by secular Mayor Nir Barkat to open the car park under City Hall on the Sabbath, which runs from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. City Hall lies very close to the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, a major tourist attraction.
Torah Scroll Falls in Great Synagogue in Yerushalayim; Those Present Must Fast 1 Day
At the end of the Shabbos Torah reading in Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue, a Torah Scroll slipped and fell out of the Holy Ark in which the scrolls are contained.
The synagogue’s rabbi, Zalman Druk, ruled that all those present must do repentance and fast for one day. Those who find it hard to fast were told to give Tzedaka.
Iranian Cabinet Nominee Wanted in Argentine For 1994 Bombing of a Jewish Cultural Center In Buenos Aires
The man Iran’s president has named to be defense minister is wanted in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish cultural center in Buenos Aires, and his nomination drew an outcry Friday from Argentina and Jewish groups. Ahmad Vahidi, who commanded a unit of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard known as the Quds Force at the time of the attack, was nominated by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Wednesday along with others named to fill Cabinet positions. The Quds Force is involved in operations abroad, including working with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, which is accused to carrying out the Buenos Aires attack.
Argentina Prosecutor Alberto Nisman told The Associated Press Friday that Vahidi is accused of”being a key participant in the planning and of having made the decision to go ahead with the attack against the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association.”
UPDATED [Eruv Up] – Massive Storm and Tornado Hits Toronto Area [PHOTOS & VIDEOS] – Toronto Eruv Currently Down
Toronto, Canada: SEE BELOW FOR PICTURES AND VIDEOS. A massive storm cell ripped through the Greater Toronto Area, with multiple reports of tornado touch downs outside the city, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality in the town of Durham, Ontario. Early reports also indicate a tornado touching down near Vaughan Mills and cars having been flipped on highway 400 as well as tornadic activity in the city of Toronto itself, but these have yet to be confirmed as the storm continues to move eastward. Reports, photos and videos have also lit up on twitter throughout the evening.
Eruv Toronto Updates:
As of 11:00AM Friday morning: As of now Eruv Toronto are assessing what action needs to be taken in order to determine the status of the Eruv, due to the severity of last nights storm. Their Our dedicated staff of volunteers and paid employees will give us updated information as they work through their strategy for today. It is imperative upon everyone to make certain they stay updated on the status of the Eruv for this Shabbos. Eruv updates will be posted as soon as new information is available.
12:00PM UPDATE: Eruv is possibly down in at least one location. Dedicated volunteers continue to work on resolving the issue. Please continue to check back to view status.
2:00PM UPDATE: We have heard back from our volunteers and I can confirm that the Eruv for Parshas Shoftim , August 22 is Kosher. We did not sustain any major damage whatsoever, but needed to check many areas of the Eruv, particularly in Thornhill, just in case last nights storm caused damage to our wires or polls.
Toronto Eruv Hotline: 416 350 2879
Rabbi of The Kosel Attacked by Chassidim in Yerushalayim
Police are investigating the last nights rock attack on Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitz of the Western Wall of the Temple in Jerusalem and other Holy Places. The rabbi was attacked by Chareidi religious demonstrators as he left the Jerusalem home of Rabbi Shalom Yosef Elyashiv. He was unharmed, although his car was damaged.
Rabbi Rabinovitz has been criticized in hareidi circles on claims he has contributed to incidents at the Western Wall Plaza and the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai (Rashbi) in Meron and mixing of the genders at those sites. They have also accused him of cooperating with secular Zionists.
The Nuremberg Machzor Dating back to 1331, Goes on Public Display
The Nuremberg Mahzor, one of the most important Hebrew illuminated manuscripts from the Middle Ages, will be presented in its first-ever public display this September in a special exhibition at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Dating from 1331, the manuscript recently underwent extensive conservation at the Museum and will be presented with four missing leaves that had been removed in the early 19th century. The Mahzor includes prayers for the entire Jewish year, which are finely handwritten and embellished with 22 lavish panels in gold and silver leaf and other precious pigments.
The manuscript will be displayed in the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book as part of a focused installation, The Nuremberg Mahzor: A Medieval Masterwork Unveiled, on view from September 15, 2009 through February 10, 2010.
Financial Hardships Threaten To Close Down Bais Yaakov in Boro Park
The difficult financial situation of chareidi schools in Israel, have apparently made their way to the United States, as well. Bais Yaakov of Boro Park has announced that due to financial hardships, the school might close down and seeks the assistance of yidden in the city.
The school’s announcement has come as a surprise to many, although people knew that mosdos in the States have been struggling financially for quite some time now.
R’ Mordchai Dovid Unger, Bobover Rebbe in Beis Chabad
The mispallelim at the Chabad House of Long Island were astounded to see a new permanent ‘congregant’ during three whole weeks: the Bobover Rebbe shlit”a. The Rebbe had arrived in town for a short vacation, after which he returned to the ‘Eitz Chaim’ Bobov Camp.
The Chabad shaliach Rabbi Leibel Baumelgarten received the Rebbe with great honor and asked that the Rebbe daven before the amud during all tefillos. The Rebbe and the local Jews developed a special bond during the three weeks of the Rebbe’s presence.
Petira of Rabbi Ezriel Pearlstein Z”L
Kiryas Yoel, New York: The Satmar kehillah in the United States was devastated to learn of the untimely petirah of Rabbi Ezriel Pearlstein, a son of Rabbi Shaul Pearlstein – a Rosh Kehillah in Satmar-Williamsburg, and a son-in-law of Rabbi Yosef Pinchas Sterlowitz, who serves as a Rosh Kehillah in the ‘Vayoel Moshe’ community of Satmar-Kiryas Yoel.
Rabbi Ezriel was one of the most prominent askanim of the ‘Vayoel Moshe’ community. Today morning he did not arouse from his sleep; he was only 40 years old at the time of his unfortunate passing.
Public Yom Kippur Kotton And Shofar Blasts in Rosh Ha’ayin to Protest Offensive Event
Chareidim and traditionalists in Rosh Ha’ayin are fortifying their stiff campaign after the municipality refused to honor a demand by rabbonim to cancel a distasteful event. During a meeting held at the home of the rov of the city, HaRav Azariya Basis, rabbonim from every neighborhood and kehilloh decided to organize a protest rally, which was held on Wednesday, Erev Rosh Chodesh, including Tefillas Yom Kippur Kotton and teki’as shofar, to remonstrate against the insult to the honor of Torah.
The town’s Torah-true and traditionalist sectors have been up in arms ever since City Hall publicized a plan to set up an artificial beach for an event scheduled to continue until 2:00 am, with flagrant disregard for modesty standards. The program schedule even includes various events rooted in idolatrous cults, Rachmono litzlan.
Lakewood Homes and Shuls in Westgate Target of Burglaries
Lakewood, New Jersey: Two burglaries, an attempted burglary and an act of vandalism were reported in Westgate between 6:32 and 9:51 a.m. this morning, police said. The first incident reported was at the Bais Medrash, where someone entered through an unlocked rear window, disturbed several Sforim and took loose change, said Lt. William Addison.
The second burglary was reported at 8:27 a.m. at 18 Kingsfield Drive where a person entered the home through a back window and took $42 in cash and coins. An attempted burglary was discovered at 22 Kingsfield Drive and was reported at 9:26 a.m. A window was partially opened but no one entered the home, Addison said. A vandalism report was taken at 9:51 a.m. at 20 Kingsfield Drive where a window was broken, Addison said. Officer Lynn Miller investigated the four incidents.
Shomrim in Crown Height Returns Missing 2-Year-Old; Harrased by Police for Illegaly Parked 3-Wheel Shomrim Scooter
A 1-1/2-Year-Old girl slipped away from her father at around 11:00 this morning, wandering out of 770 and taking a stroll down Eastern Parkway. A Lubavitcher woman on her way to work saw the little girl walking alone and called Shomrim.
A number of Shomrim members arrived and began looking for the father, assuming he was in 770. A short while later the father was found. Upon being reunited with his daughter, he thanked the members. As Shomrim began leaving the area, a new and very disturbing scene unfolded. Two cops approached one of the members and began harassing him about his not having parked his three-wheeled Shomrim scooter legally. The Shomrim member said that he would move his vehicle immediately since the call was already over. The officer responded, “Next time have them call 911 and not you guys.”
Harav Ovadia Yosef Says Judges Who Sentenced Shlomo Benizri to Four Years in Jail are Kofrim
Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef harshly slammed the legal system on Wednesday following the decision to send former Minister Shlomo Benizri, who was convicted of taking a bribe, to four years in prison. The rabbi referred to the judges in the Benizri trial as “heretics”. “We deeply regret the evil trial given to our active friends, who has always engaged in teaching and praising the Torah,” Rabbi Yosef said. “It’s a shame that we have such a distorted court. They have no religion, no judgment, they don’t believe in anything.”
Benizri was convicted of taking a bribe from contractor Moshe Sela during his tenure as labor and welfare minister. The former minister received many benefits from the contractor, from large sums of money, through electric appliances, to cleaning services.
Tosher Chassidim Evicted From beis Medresh by Police in Kiryas Tosh
Kiryas Tosh, Montreal, Canada: 50 people have been evicted from Avreichem in Kiryas Tosh by the police force. And it has been locked up. Unconfirmed at this time. Police emptied out the Avrichem Bm”d after the Bnie Lievy said their Boss & Paid the Electric Bill, Now PD Securing Building.
Since The Tosher Rebbe Shlita was Hospitalized and doesn’t Daven in Bm”d Hg’ Bnie Lievy make Minyunim Shabos in Avriechim not to Daven with Ruv Shlita.
Anti-Semitism Accusations Fly in Skokie School Over Expansion
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When students return to Arie Crown Hebrew Day School in Skokie in two weeks, they may be greeted by yard signs protesting expansion plans, marking a summer of discontent between the fast-growing Orthodox Jewish elementary school and its neighbors.
Long-simmering tensions over congestion and a proposed $25 million, three-story school redevelopment came to a head during the hiatus, with accusations of anti-Semitism reverberating throughout the peaceful enclave. “What’s happened here is Arie Crown has not been a good neighbor,” said Bill Novello, a longtime Skokie resident and attorney representing some of the residents.
Lakewood Man Admits Targeting Orthodox Jews in Robberies, Facing 30 Years
TOMS RIVER — A 20-year-old Lakewood man has admitted violently robbing two men he said were targeted for the crimes because they are Orthodox Jews. Devon Hardy of McArthur Street pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of armed robbery and two counts of bias intimidation related to crimes in Lakewood on May 25 and July 8 of last year.
In entering his guilty plea before Superior Court Judge James Den Uyl, Hardy said an alleged accomplice, Jose Diaz, selected the Orthodox Jewish men as victims because he knew them to be easy targets. “It wasn’t a hate crime, but they were selected because of their religion,” said First Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ronald DeLigny.
Rav Elyashiv Assurs Going to The Kosel On Shabbos Because of Video Cameras
Ynet Reports: Supporters of Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, leader of Israel’s Lithuanian Charedi Jews, issued a dramatic statement last week saying that Jews must not visit the Western Wall on Shabbat due to Rabbi Elyashiv finger 2 security cameras placed at the holy site, desecrating the Jewish day of rest.
Ynet has discovered, however, that hundreds of ultra-Orthodox worshippers flocked to the Western Wall over the weekend, despite the rabbi’s ruling. One of the worshippers told Ynet on Saturday evening, “I am not affiliated with the Lithuanian faction and therefore do not feel obligated by this halahchic ruling.”
El Al Plane Makes Emergency Landing in JFK
New York: El Al flight from Israel diverted to JFK Tuesday Morning 5:00AM.
EL-AL Passenger: We smelled gas, heard noise, but flight was uneventful, hour before landing were told prepare for emergency landing at JFK, plane ruptured wheel, JFK has longer runways, B”H landed safely in JFK around 5:00AM surrounded by fire trucks, the plane was towed to terminal.
Swine Flu Claims 10th Israeli Victim: 62-year-old Frum Jerusalem Woman
Swine flu death toll rises following 10th victim. A 62-year-old woman died Tuesday morning at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital after being diagnosed with the H1N1 virus. The woman suffered from breathing difficulties and was in need of respiration. She was admitted 10 days ago to the intensive care unit. The Health Ministry said that although they could not determine with certainty that the H1N1 virus was the cause of death, they could not rule out a connection between the two.
On Monday, two men aged 67 and 76 died as a result of H1N1 complications. The 67-year-old patient was hospitalized a week ago in serious condition at the intensive care unit in the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva and had apparently suffered from a severe illness. The 76-year-old man suffered from a heart condition and was also admitted in serious condition to the intensive care unit at the Hasharon Hospital. Health Ministry officials claim that in these cases too swine flu could not be determined as cause of death but could not be ruled out either.
Update – Chabad Bocher Raphael Miralashvili, Found in Beit Dagan, Was Not Killed
It has been cleared for publication that the body found in Beit Dagan belongs to Raphael Miralashvili, a local resident. Initial autopsy findings are not of a criminal nature at the current stage.
The story was originally reported on VidYid.com, HERE and HERE.
Phoenix Woman Fired From Jewish Community Center for Speaking Spanish
Phoenix, Arizona: A woman says a Jewish community center fired her after ordering her not to speak Spanish to her clients or on the telephone, though employees were allowed to speak Portuguese and Hebrew. Vanessa Santiago says the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center retaliated for her complaints of discrimination by refusing to allow her to apply for a promotion. Santiago was an exercise instructor.
In her federal complaint, Santiago says her boss harassed and discriminated against her, demanding her “green card” and telling her “the only reason persons of Puerto Rican heritage come to the mainland is to get food stamps and beer.” Santiago says she complained about the harassment and was fired in retaliation.
2 NYC Teens Charged in Drag Race That Killed 12-year-old Bayside Jewish Boy
New York: Two New York City teenagers accused of drag racing have been charged in the death of a 12-year-old boy who was injured when the cars collided. Queens prosecutors say the 16- and 18-year-olds are charged with second-degree manslaughter, among other charges, in the death of Aviv Babayev.
The teens are accused of racing up to 76 mph on a street last Wednesday in a 35 mph zone. Prosecutors say one of the teens lost control of his car, slamming into the other teen’s SUV and striking a parked van. Babayev was sitting in the backseat of the car that struck the other vehicles.
Mobile Chabad House Burns Down, Seforim, Tefillin, Library in Memory of Gavriel & Rivki Holtzberg HY’D Lost
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Eretz Yisroel: Soldiers serving in northern Israel, used to visiting the “M” mobile Chabad House at the Golani Junction in the Lower Galilee, were shocked to find that it had burned down. The Chabad House, run by Rabbi Shmuel Rosenberg with the help of Menachem Mendel Macamel, was set up four years ago. Its main purpose was to serve the soldiers, but over time it also became a shul and a center for activities for civilians passing through the busy junction.
Several minyanim were held at the Chabad House every day, along with regular shiurim and other activities. Hundreds of people visited the Chabad House to put on tefillin in accordance with the Rebbe’s directives. The soldiers and regular civilians would also enjoy a hot drink and a pastry at the Chabad House.
Tests Completed, Body Found In Beis Dagan Is 25-Year-Old Israeli Lubavitcher Bocher Refael Miriashvilli HY’D Found Handcuffed And Murdered
Kfar Chabad, Eretz Yisroel: It was disclosed Monday that the body found in a relatively advanced state of decay on Friday in an abandoned structure near Beit Dagan in central Israel, as reported HERE on VidYid.com, was that of Rafael (Refoel) Miriashvilli, a 25-year-old Chabad Lubavitch yeshiva student from the city of Lod who had been missing for five weeks. Police say evidence at the scene points to Miriashvilli having been murdered although the circumstances are not clear.
There have been rumors in Chabad circles that he was murdered by Arabs in revenge for his anti-intermarriage efforts. Approximately four years ago, working for the Yad L’Achim anti-assimilation and anti-intermarriage organization, Miriashvilli and two colleagues were charged with kidnapping and impersonating security personnel in the course of saving a Jewish woman from marriage to an Arab.
2 Central Israel Residents Arrested Over Death of 17-year-old Yeshiva Student Yiftah Mor-Yosef
Eretz Yisroel: Police arrested two men in their 20s on Monday for allegedly carrying out a motorcycle drive-by shooting attack targeting a criminal rival in Ramle, but which resulted in the death of a 16-year-old yeshiva student who was stuck in the head by a stray bullet.
Yiftah Mor Yosef was sitting on a public bench next to 36-year-old underworld figure Einav Cohen – the intended target – and sustained a gunshot wound to the head during the August 6 shooting. Doctors at the Assaf Harofe Hospital in Tzrifin battled to save Yosef’s life for several hours, but he succumbed to his wounds in the early hours of the following morning.
Neturei Karta Call on Men and Women to Use Separate Sidewalks
Yerushalayim, Eretz Yisroel: A group of ultra-Orthodox men took to the streets of the Charedi neighborhoods in Jerusalem last Friday and called on the public to adhere to a complete separation between men and women in certain areas of the city.
The activists toured the streets near Geula neighborhood in taxicabs and announced, using megaphones that on some streets men and women should walk on opposite sides of the road during the weekend. According to a resident of the neighborhood, Avraham Cohen, those responsible for the initiative belong to the extremist Neturei Karta stream. “The leading rabbis of the ultra-Orthodox public do not support this initiative,” he said. “This group decided to on their won accord go into the neighborhoods and set new modesty codes.”
Man Sentenced For Role In Plot To Kill Jews, Attack Military Bases
A man was sentenced to 70 months in prison today for his role in a domestic terrorism plot to wage war on the United States by attacking Jewish synagogues and military bases. Hammad Riaz Samana is the fourth member of Jami’yyat Ul-Islam Is-Shaheeh, or JIS, a prison-founded group that wanted to make a political statement that also had plans to attack the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles and El Al Israel Airlines at the Los Angeles International Airport.
Samana was 21 when he was charged in the case in July 2005, along with the cell’s mastermind, Kevin James, and members Levar Haley Washington and Gregory Patterson. The group committed armed robberies of 11 gas stations, including two in Fullerton, to buy weapons and gear for the attacks. Authorities said gas stations were chosen as targets because of the symbolism of the oil.
Skulener Rebbe’s Gabbai in Serious Condition – Be Mispallel
New York: Please say Tehillim for the Skulen Gabbai [Alter] Ahron Ben Shulamis Surel, who is in critical condition with a minyan next to him.
The Skulener Rebbe Shlita asks all to please Daven for a Heimisha Yingerman in critical condition ‘Alter’ Ahron ben Shulamis Surel (name added).
Letter From Daniel Sturm – The Truth About The Satmar Bethel Shul
My name is Daniel Sturm, and I am the Supervisor of the Town of Bethel. I would like to offer you the real truth about the recent events concerning the new community building/Shul on Shultz road REPORTS ON VidYid.com click HERE. There have been many misconceptions and outright lies about what the Town’s actions have been, what my involvement has been, and what our motives really are. Some members of the UTA of Lepidus colony, and our building department official, Tim Dexter, are not telling you the whole truth. They got caught trying to circumvent very basic rules of building and construction and have jeopardized the safety of those who are going to use the new building.
First off, I am Jewish, and my Jewish name is Simone Daniel. My parents are Jewish, and my mother stayed at the Lepidus colony as a young child in the 1940’s. My grandmother on my mother’s side had 11 brothers and sisters, and many died in concentration camps. I have had a good relationship with the Jewish community since I have been on the Town board for the last 6 years. I have many friends in the Hassidic community in Bethel. The town’s new zoning laws took into account many views and concerns expressed to me by members of the Hassidic community.
Massive Fighting in Kiryas Yoel on Eve of Satmar Rebbe’s Yartzeit
Kiryas Yoel, New York: When thousands of Satmar Chassidim are gathering throughout the day for the Satmar Rebbe’s Yartzeit, fights between the two sides broke out leading to arrests.
The following are updates from a VidYid.com reporter at the scene:
11:12PM – Police have just arrived to Forest & Hayes with heavy man power, it is unclear what is going on.
11:23PM – A Chasid or Reb Zalman Teitelbaum Came Down Forest Rd. and Refused To Turn into Schonnemunk, PS (Public Safety) blockedhim with their Body, He Started to Scream at them “I’ll Hit You & Kill You” so PS called State Police, Satmar Queens Bucherim and Yosel Waldman were Fighting with Public Safty, (After Success With the Chopper that was called to the scene by him [Media Chopper]) the situation looks like it is now under control.
11:55PM – No arrests have been made, Yosel Waldman’s Eidem has been taken by Hatzula To Hospital.
12:12AM – Y. Waldman also In Ambulance with his Eidem, police following them, Moshe Leib also got hit, Glases Broken.
12:19AM - YOSEL WALDMAN & HIS EIDEM ARE UNDER ARREST R”L…!!!
Bears Enter Satmar Rav Tov Camp in The Catskills [PHOTO]
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Monticello, New York: Staff in Camp Rav Tov, Satmar – Kutchers dealt last night with an unwelcome guest. An 8 foot grizzly black bear was going in and out of bungalows on the campus. Staff called police to respond, and the animal team responded.
The armed team tracked the bear all night, it swam through the lake in the morning. Police say that every camp near lake is subject to host him, and everyone should be on alert and be careful.
Spanish Ambassador Set to Visit Satmar Camp in Catskills
Monticello, New York: The Spanish ambassador is set to visit the Satmar Rav Tov camp, because they are showing Hakaros Hatov after helping rescue the Jewish cemetery in Spain, as reported HERE on VidYid.com. People in spain were going to ruin Yiddish cemeteries, and Satmar Chassidim rallied against it.
The Spanish Ambassador is coming to Machne Rav Tov in Monticello at about 12:00PM, a major schedule for Hakores HaTov, for his big Kiddish Hashem is prepared.
Petira of R’ Yisroel Moshe Cohen Z”L
Monsey, New York: Baruch Dayan Emes, VidYid regrets to inform you of the petira of a Yungerman in Monsey R’ Yisroel Moshe Cohen Z”L, 32, after a short illness, a few weeks ago R’ Yisroel Dovid fell ill and was taken to the hospital where it was discovered he was suffering from liver problems which quickly deteriorated into liver and kidney failure.
He was transfered from a local hospital to a hospital in Minnesota where better treatment was sought. He passed away Shabbos Morning, R’ Yisroel Dovid was known as a very fine and quiet Yungerman and this is a big shock to all who knew him. The Levaya will be at the shul of Rav Chaim Faivel Schnebalg Shlita on Dover Terrace at 12:00PM.
UPDATED – Rebbetzin Salomon Taken by Lakewood Hatzolah to Hospital in Critical Condition This Morning
Lakewood, New Jersey: Rebbetzin Salomon, the wife of Hagaon Rav Matisyahu Salomon was taken by Lakewood Hatzolah Paramedics to Kimball Medical Center in critical condition this morning.
Update: The Mashgiach’s wife’s condition has improved. Please continue to say Tehillim for Miriam Bas Sorah, the Mashgiach’s Wife. She was rushed by Hatzolah to the hospital this morning after suffering a heart attack. She is reportedly in critical condition.
Lubavitcher Bochur Murdered; Truck Driver Finds Partially Decayed Body Near Road Entering Kfar Chabad
This past weekend, a truck driver reported finding a partially decayed body near the road entering Kfar Chabad. Homicide detectives from Rishon Letzion who came to investigate found the body in an abandoned building near the road. The body, which seems to have been left there for several weeks, was handcuffed. The police have ruled it a homicide.
This tragic episode began when K. a young Jewish girl, from a Persian family, became acquainted with M. a Muslim young man, who was allegedly abusing her, courted him and eventually moved in with him in his apartment in the Hatikvah neighborhood in Tel Aviv.
8 Charedim Arrested in Shabbos Parking Lot Protest
Yerushalayim, Eretz Yisroel: At least eight ultra-Orthodox men were arrested yesterday for blocking the entrance to Jerusalem’s Carta parking lot. This is the latest Charedi protest against the lot being opened on Shabbos. Police dispersed hundreds of Charedi demonstrators who were trying to block the street leading to the parking lot.
The parking lot protests began in June, and they have continued despite talks between Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch and leaders of the Eda HaCharedis. Two weeks ago, 15 ultra-Orthodox men were arrested and one policeman was injured in a particularly violent protest.
UPDATED – Child Transported by Chopper [VIDEO] After Being Run Over by Golf Cart in Catskills
Monticello, New York – 9:00PM: VIDEO BELOW. Hatzolah is responding to a call in Camp Machana Shalva on Route 17b, for a kid under a golf cart, C-11 W-104 are responding. Backing up are RL-77 and W-67 to the scene.
Update – 9:30PM: B-202 and F-83 are responding with the bus to the kid.
Update: The child has been transported by chopper with trauma injuries.
-The three year-old boy was flown to Westchester Medical Center on Shabbos evening, August 8th, 2009 after a runaway golf cart ran over the boy’s head at the Bobov camp at the intersection of Cooper Road and 17B in Monticello. No word yet on the boy’s condition.
Click “MORE” for Video.
Congregation Kollel Knesses Yisroel in Staten Island Vandalized
Congregation Kollel Knesses Yisroel member, Moshe Schwartz, looks at the damaged windows at the Eltingville Jewish center.
Staten Island, New York: Congregation Kollel Knesses Yisroel, a religious group in Staten Island’s Eltingville community that runs high-level Torah study groups for Jewish men, has kept a low profile. When the 10-year-old Richmond Avenue storefront was occasionally targeted for vandalism, its leaders were cautioned about jumping to accusations of anti-Semitism.
But after windows were broken Wednesday night, and none of the businesses around them were affected, “we know good and well what this was,” said Shlomo Kramer, a Kollel official. Three plate-glass windows were shattered and another window broken during the attack that occurred during the rare summer period when no one is at the center.
Klein’s Ice Cream Truck Overturns in Catskills [PHOTOS]
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South Fallsburg, New York: PHOTOS BELOW. This afternoon Hatzolah responded to Route 42 in Fallsburg in front of Skolya camp for an overturned Klein’s Ice Cream truck. One patient was transfered to Harris hospital with injuries.
The truck was turned back upright, with minor damage.
Click “MORE” for photos.
Mordechai Yosef Leiner Becomes Bar Mitzvah and Radziner Rebbe at Age 13
Boro Park, New York: According to some, this may be a false report: Mordechai Yosef Leiner celebrated a double milestone on Wednesday night in New York’s capital of Chassidic Jewry, Boro Park – He was named to succeed his father, the late Rabbi Yaakov Leiner, as Radzhiner Rebbe, and became Bar Mitzvah – 13 years old and obligated in the Torah’s commandments – at the same time.
Rabbi Yaakov Leiner passed away suddenly three months ago, at the age of 47, leaving behind a wife and 11 children, the oldest not yet 13. The deceased represented the sixth consecutive generation of Leiners to serve as Radzhiner Rebbe, beginning with Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Leiner of the early 19th century, who founded the dynasty. He was also the great-grandson of Rabbi Avrohom Yehoshua Heshel Leiner, whose brother, the late Rabbi Gershon Henoch Leiner, is considered the “rediscoverer” of the blue dye mandated by the Torah for Tzitzis.
Shoprite Invests in its Catskills Kosher Operations as Sales Soar
Monticello, New York: With three stores in the Catskills (Monticello, Liberty and Ellenville) Shoprite has significantly upgraded its services to the kosher consumer. Sources say that its sales of kosher foods this summer have soared, particularly in Monticello where it faces competition from Wal-Mart just across the road. Shoprite hired Zelig Krymko as its new liaison to the kosher community.
According to the Hamodia weekly, he is already committed to sponsor a Cholov Yisrael Kiddush in local synagogues and has even instituted a special check-out counter where the monitors are tuned off and the magazines covered over with black plastic bags. Kosher distributors say that sales of kosher foods in general have soared this season.
Judge Again Orders Town to Permit Work of Mikva and Bathrooms in Satmar Lapidus Shul
MONTICELLO — The Town of Bethel and Satmar Chassidim continue to fight over a controversial shul on Schultz Road — and a judge was once again called on Thursday to end a standoff between the two sides. Attorneys gathered before Judge Frank LaBuda, who previously allowed the group to use the building for the summer after touring the facility in July.
Once again, LaBuda sided with the United Talmudical Academy, ordering the town to lift the stop-work order and allow the group to finish work on the shul and community center. LaBuda’s decision allows the group to meet an Aug. 28 deadline to meet stormwater standards, for which the Department of Environmental Conservation has cited UTA.
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