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The common question arises: Why do we count upwards towards Shavuos instead of downwards, eagerly anticipating the moment we reach the pinnacle of our journey? Rav Shimshon Pincus offers insight through a teaching from Rav Aharon Kotler. Rav Aharon poses a thought-provoking question regarding Yaakov’s experience waiting seven years to marry Rachel. Surprisingly, the Torah describes these years as passing quickly for him, contrary to what one might expect. Rav Aharon explains that Yaakov was not merely enduring the wait; rather, he was preparing for the foundation of the Jewish people.

On Friday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with the new Consul General of Israel, Ofir Akunis, to discuss deepening ties between New York City – home to the largest community of Jewish people in the world outside of Israel – the State of Israel, and their shared commitment to democratic values. They addressed the atrocities of October 7 in Israel and the desire to end all forms of hate and anti-American rhetoric in New York City. They also focused on the importance of educating people about these events and the necessity of a strong response to dismantle Hamas, prevent future violence, and create peace in the region.

Speaker Carl Heastie, Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto, and Assemblymember Nily Rozic announced the State Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget investment of $500,000 to review and update the curriculum on the Holocaust, as antisemitism continues to rise across the state. The Anti-Defamation League reported that antisemitic incidents rose by 110 percent last year, with incidents of harassment up 226 percent in New York.

Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Hills was created to ease the tribulations of the Holocaust survivor population. Today, although no longer a nonprofit, the facility faithfully continues the tradition of hosting a moving Yom HaShoah Remembrance Day for Jewish Martyrdom and Heroism Service. The annual program was held this past Monday morning, May 6, in the center’s shul. Those gatherings mourned the six million brutally murdered by the Nazis.

The grandmother of Rabbi Elisha Friedman of the Young Israel of Forest Hills was the keynote speaker at the Yom HaShoah commemoration on Sunday, May 5.

Seymour (Sey) Schwartz is widely recognized for his communal work at Community Board 8, where he serves as Second Vice Chair. Nearly 80 years ago, Schwartz served in a different capacity – in the Second World War – but was never properly recognized for his achievements. In recent weeks, a slew of accommodations were issued to the local veteran. The Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service issued by US Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth was first to arrive in a presentation by an Army honor guard at the Queens Civic Congress’ annual Legislator’s Reception.