Shabsie Saphirstein

The Israel Heritage Foundation (IHF) held their Yom Yerushalyim celebratory dinner this past Monday evening in New York City. An elite group of guests heard of a new vision for Eretz Yisrael under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from a number of speakers, headlined by powerful addresses from Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan, Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu (Otzma Yehudit), and Minister of Information Galit Distel-Atbaryan (Likud).

Daniel Luria was in New York for a short three days in conjunction with the Ateret Cohanim dinner. Luria embarked on his mission in the States to bring the Yom Yerushalayim spirit to our shores. Many of us would call Purim or Chanukah our favorite chag, but for Luria, Yom Yerushalayim shines as his most cherished Yom Tov on the Jewish calendar. Luria was visibly pained at missing the festivities back at home, but his depiction of the flag parade evoked a memorable yearning to be celebrating with his Israeli brethren: “The flag parade makes a huge statement in Jerusalem, throughout the State of Israel, and to all those abroad who witness its glorious joy.”

Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation recently welcomed the New York Police Department’s Ceremonial Band for a riveting jazz performance. A couple of months ago, Officer Peterson Leny came in to see Linda Spiegel, Director of Public Affairs for the center. Officer Leny explained that he regularly passes the rehab and was curious to see their work. Spiegel explained that they house 200 residents. The officer described the department’s jazz band, explaining that it launched in 1932 and continues to spread cheer today. “It's like the best kept secret; we all need to know about this,” stated Spiegel. “For you to do what you do for all of us resonated deeply.” Spiegel was touched by their rendition of "America the Beautiful," noting that with everything going on in the community, it had greater significance. “We know that you're there for us and we really appreciate you going out of your way to come in the middle of your day for our residents; it's a very special and fun initiative.”

“Not on our watch!” say Assembly Members Daniel Rosenthal and Nily Rozic to socialists fighting local orgs aiding Israeli settlements

Jews around the world were extremely concerned for the lives of their brethren just a few days ago when Israel was targeted in yet another barrage of rocket attacks. Following an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire after five days of fighting, the IDF’s Operation Shield and Arrow resulted in significant progress against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The operation successfully disrupted many terrorist activities, including the destruction of 17 jihadist headquarters and numerous rocket depots. The ceasefire has allowed a return to normalcy for many of Eretz Yisrael’s beloved communities. Israeli crossings to the Gaza Strip are reopening and roadblocks are being removed. Despite the turmoil, organizations like ZAKA stood out. Their teams remained committed to a mission of preserving life and providing critical support to those in need.

With the arrival of the summer months, Chaverim Of Queens and Great Neck wants to ensure that its over 130 exclusively-volunteer members have the equipment necessary to respond to the community’s non-medical emergencies in a moment’s notice.

This past Sunday, May 14, a wide range of Jewish participants attended the National Conference of Shomrim Societies’ annual memorial Kaddish service in Washington, DC, at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Judiciary Square. The sole Jewish-themed program held in conjunction with National Police Week paid special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty while providing safety and protection to others. The morning event highlighted Shomrim Society’s mission of uniting police, fire, and public safety officers of the Jewish faith for the welfare of all. The event often pays tribute to the sacrifice of Secret Service members at the United States Secret Service Wall of Honor Memorial and celebrates Israeli police officers in a unifying gesture. A dinner as part of the Shomrim Society’s Police Unity Tour was sponsored by Boro Park resident Yeedle Perlstein.