Rep. Elise Stefanik kicked off her 2026 bid for New York governor on Friday with a fiery promise to “clean up Kathy Hochul’s catastrophe” and restore safety and affordability to the Empire State.
“Kathy Hochul is the worst governor in America,” Stefanik declared in a post on X. “Under her failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery bills. When New Yorkers were looking for leadership from our governor, she bent the knee to the raging defund the police, tax hiking communist causing catastrophe for New York families.”
Stefanik’s campaign launch video, titled “From the Ashes” and first obtained by The Post, opened with grim images of New York under Hochul’s watch—skyrocketing costs, rampant crime, and an exodus of middle-class residents. “Kathy Hochul’s failed policies are to blame,” the narrator says, adding that the governor’s agenda has made New York “the most unaffordable state in the nation, crushing families with sky-high taxes, unaffordable rent, soaring energy costs and record-high grocery bills.”
In the two-and-a-half-minute video, Stefanik accuses Hochul of aligning herself with far-left figures like New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, calling him a “defund-the-police, tax-hiking, antisemitic Communist.” The narrator vows that “New York will rise, like we always do,” with Stefanik leading the way.
“The spirit of the Empire State cannot be broken. All we need is a courageous leader ready for the fight,” the ad proclaims. “Elise Stefanik will make New York affordable and safe.”
The video portrays Stefanik as a “working mom, congresswoman and fighter,” describing her as someone who “knows families need more help.” It highlights her record of supporting law enforcement, battling “woke insanity in our schools,” advocating for small businesses, and fighting antisemitism on college campuses. “She fought woke insanity in our schools, stood proudly with law enforcement, championed small businesses and will never back down from fighting for New York families,” the narrator says.
Among her legislative achievements, the ad points to her role in raising the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000 and her high-profile grilling of university presidents on Capitol Hill over antisemitic incidents. “She’ll make New York affordable,” the narrator promises. “Elise will reduce your energy utility and grocery bills.”
“We have crisscrossed the state. The overwhelming outpouring of support from Republicans, independents and Democrats is that we need a new governor to save our state,” Stefanik told The Post on Thursday.
In her statement announcing the run, she added, “I am running for Governor to make New York affordable and safe for all.”
The campaign video closes with a rallying message: “With everything on the line, we need someone who will deliver results and make New York affordable and safe for families and small businesses, to not just survive, but thrive.” It concludes with the slogan, “Elise Stefanik for governor. It’s time to save New York.”
Behind the scenes, Stefanik has been quietly assembling what insiders call an “all-star” team of New York political strategists as polls show her running neck and neck with Hochul in early matchups. The upstate congresswoman, a close ally of President Trump, hopes to become the first Republican to lead New York in two decades.
New York GOP Chair Ed Cox hailed her entrance into the race, describing Stefanik as “a unifier and party builder with the brains, the guts and the resources to win.” He praised her as “the warrior we need to lead the fight against Democrats’ corrupt Albany machine,” adding, “She has fought for our principles every day of her career and never backs down.”
“Thanks to Kathy Hochul and Democrats, New York leads the nation in outmigration as the most taxed, least free, least affordable state in America,” Cox said. “There will not be a Republican primary and a year from now, Elise will lead our team to victory over Kathy Hochul, end one-party Democrat rule, and make New York affordable again.”
{Matzav.com}Police investigators are still working to determine whether the cellphone discovered early Friday on Hatzuk Beach actually belongs to ex-Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who was released to house arrest.
Although a senior police source initially claimed that “all signs indicate” the device is hers, doubts have since emerged as investigators weigh several inconsistencies. One puzzling issue is how the phone’s battery, found in airplane mode, managed to remain charged for nearly a week. Another mystery is how the device stayed intact after being submerged in the salty waters of the Mediterranean.
Complicating matters further, older photos of Tomer-Yerushalmi show her holding a phone that appears to be of a different make and model than the one recovered from the beach.
Tomer-Yerushalmi, who has admitted to leaking the Sde Teiman video to the press, is facing serious accusations including fraud, breach of trust, obstruction of justice, and misuse of her public office.
Earlier Friday, she posted a financial bond of 20,000 shekels as part of her release conditions. Notably, the police did not request that her passport be confiscated, nor did they impose any travel restrictions.
{Matzav.com}In what insiders describe as one of the stormiest weeks the Degel HaTorah party has seen in years, deep tensions have erupted following the decisive ruling of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshivas Slabodka, on the contentious draft law.
According to sources, Rav Hirsch informed the party’s Knesset members that it was permissible to move forward with the legislation — a ruling that did not sit well with certain figures who sought to undermine his authority.
Instead of welcoming the clarity his decision provided, these individuals reportedly summoned Degel HaTorah MKs for what was described as a “reprimand meeting,” insisting that they also visit Rav Dov Landau. Their alleged motivation: “to ensure that tomorrow Yated Ne’eman can publish a picture and set its own narrative.”
Rav Hirsch’s Careful Deliberation
Since the passing of Rav Gershon Edelstein zt”l, who had long guided the chareidi approach to the draft issue, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch has been the leading authority on the matter. Known for his deep understanding of the legal and political complexities surrounding the law, he has been entrusted by the senior Torah leadership to decide how the Litvishe world should proceed.
On Tuesday night, the Degel HaTorah MKs — Moshe Gafni, Uri Maklev, and Yaakov Asher — met with Rav Hirsch to review the latest draft of the law. The meeting lasted nearly two hours, during which the Rosh Yeshiva examined each clause, consulting with legal experts and policy advisers by phone to ensure a full understanding of the implications.
Rav Hirsch did not issue an immediate ruling. He deliberated throughout the night and morning before notifying the MKs on Wednesday afternoon that, in his view, they could proceed with advancing the legislation.
Internal Power Struggles and Media Manipulation
However, the announcement triggered an internal uproar. According to multiple sources, a small group within the Litvishe establishment — connected to the Israeli Yated Ne’eman newspaper — was displeased that Rav Hirsch had been portrayed as the final arbiter.
“The person behind the backlash,” a senior insider said, “is apparently a grandson of one of the late Torah leaders who wields influence over Yated Ne’eman. He decided that only he would determine who the ‘gadol’ is. Because the public statement after the meeting mentioned Rav Dov Landau together with other members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah — rather than portraying him as the sole authority — he took revenge by ordering the Yated to completely ignore the meeting.”
The same source added that this individual later “summoned the three MKs to a rebuke session in an apartment in Bnei Brak and demanded they go to Rav Dov Landau that evening — all so he could have a photo for Yated Ne’eman the next morning, creating the false impression that Rav Landau was the one who issued the ruling.”
The Coming Court of Public Opinion
Despite what was described as “shameful political maneuvering,” the MKs agreed to visit Rav Landau, and may later also meet Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, the senior member of the Moetzes. “The MKs now understand better than ever that they cannot let a handful of power brokers dictate the narrative,” said one source, adding that the lawmakers intend to consult both rabbonim directly rather than through intermediaries.
Anger Among Rav Hirsch’s Followers
The decision by the Israeli Yated Ne’eman to censor mention of the pivotal meeting with Rav Hirsch sparked outrage among his thousands of talmidim and supporters. In a sharply worded protest letter circulated in yeshiva circles, they condemned the “blatant erasure” of the Rosh Yeshiva’s role at a time when Klal Yisroel faces a fateful moment for the future of Torah learning.
“The entire Torah world was speaking about the consultation between Degel HaTorah’s MKs and our master, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, to receive his direction alongside his close friend Rav Dov Landau shlit”a and the members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah,” the letter stated. “For Yated Ne’eman to intentionally censor this historic consultation is not only a breach of public trust but a grievous affront to the honor of Torah leadership at a time that calls for unity.”
What Comes Next
Since Rav Gershon Edelstein’s passing, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah has not convened. Rav Hirsch reportedly intends to call a formal session soon so that the Torah leadership can issue a joint position on the draft law.
Meanwhile, insiders say this episode has exposed long-simmering tensions between certain parties.
May shalom prevail.
{Matzav.com}
Congressman Buddy Carter of Georgia is preparing to unveil new legislation aimed at choking off federal funding to New York City during the tenure of incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist. The measure, dubbed the “MAMDANI Act,” short for the “Moving American Money Distant from Anti-National Interests Act,” is set to be introduced on Friday, according to Breitbart.
The brief two-page bill bluntly declares that all federal funds for New York City “are hereby rescinded,” and further mandates that “no federal funds may be obligated or expended for any purpose to New York, New York,” the report said.
“If New Yorkers want communism, we should let them have their wish and not artificially prop them up with our successful capitalist system,” Rep. Carter stated. “Any New Yorker with common sense is welcome to move to the great, FREE state of Georgia.”
Though symbolic, the bill underscores growing outrage among conservatives toward Mamdani’s far-left platform, which includes strict rent control policies, using private vacant property to house the homeless, and heavy redistribution of wealth. The proposal is not expected to clear the House.
Mamdani, who has said, “I have many critiques of capitalism” and “I don’t think we should have billionaires,” easily defeated Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s mayoral race, securing a sweeping victory in one of the nation’s most progressive cities.
President Donald Trump, who spent decades living and working in New York, blasted the city’s political direction following Mamdani’s win. “It is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home, because of the fact that, as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival! It can only get worse with a Communist at the helm, and I don’t want to send, as President, good money after bad,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
{Matzav.com}
Four Israelis who endured months—and even years—of Hamas captivity are uniting their voices in a moving message to Jews everywhere: keep this Shabbos together.
Ohad Ben Ami, Raz Ben Ami, Almog Meir Jan, and Elkana Bohbot shared their emotional plea ahead of this weekend’s global Shabbos Project, an international effort encouraging Jews to observe one full Shabbos as a show of unity and faith.
Each of them described how, even in the depths of Gaza captivity, Shabbos became their lifeline. Ohad Ben Ami, who was imprisoned for 491 days, told how the hostages clung to the holiness of the day—singing zemiros, making Kiddush over water, and using pita instead of challah to mark the seudah.
His wife, Raz Ben Ami—who was also taken captive for 54 days—spoke with urgency and love, calling on Jews everywhere to “turn off their screens this Shabbos and embrace the sanctity of the day.”
Almog Meir Jan, who was held for 246 days, and Elkana Bohbot, freed only weeks ago after an agonizing 738 days, recalled that even under the most brutal conditions, they prayed, sang, and ended Shabbos with Havdalah by the light of a flashlight.
The Shabbos Project—founded to bring Jews together in shared observance—has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, inviting participants to unplug, disconnect from technology, and reconnect with their families, communities, and faith.
This year’s theme, “One Shabbat, One People,” carries special weight after a year of national heartbreak and endurance. Organizers expect more than one million Jews across the globe to take part, united by the strength that once sustained those who celebrated Shabbos even in captivity.
{Matzav.com}
The popular Motzoei Shabbos Navi Shiur with Rabbi Doniel Neustadt, mara d’asra of Pine River Village Shul, is back by popular demand, launching this Motzoei Shabbos Parshas Vayeira, November 8.
The weekly shiur, which delves deeply into Sefer Shmuel, will take place at the Pine River Village Shul, located at 38 Goldcrest Drive, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Open to the entire Lakewood community, participants are invited to join for one hour anytime after Maariv until 11:45 p.m.
This shiur is a project of the Seder Shalom Rav Adult Learning Program, established l’illui nishmas Rav Shalom ben Rav Shlomo Hillel Yisrael and Rav Yosef Galdsteyn ben Rav Shlomo Binyamin Goldsteyn.
Those unable to attend in person can view the shiur live on TorahAnytime or at www.sedershalomrav.com.
In addition to the powerful Torah learning experience, attendees will receive a raffle ticket each week for a chance to win a trip for two to Eretz Yisroel.
This exciting return marks another milestone in Pine River Village’s growing Torah programming and offers a meaningful way for community members to elevate their Motzoei Shabbos through inspiring limud haTorah.
{Matzav.com}
The political earthquake in New York City is sparking a surge of migration southward, with Miami’s luxury housing market flooded by buyers from the Big Apple who say they’ve had enough. “We’ve closed more than $100 million in signed contracts from New York buyers in just the past few months – about twice last year’s volume,” said Isaac Toledano, CEO of BH Group in Miami. He told Fox Business that politics is playing a major role in the stampede.
“I think the election accelerated how people make decisions. I think people are nervous [for] what’s coming, how it’s going to affect their lifestyle, the quality of life, taxes, potential of crime [or] no crime,” Toledano explained. The uncertainty surrounding the city’s future, he added, is prompting residents to make quick moves to protect their assets and quality of life.
“This unknown in what’s coming, and the fact that Mamdani said loud and clear what he’s going to do and what he believes is the right thing for New York, make[s] a lot of people very nervous,” Toledano said, describing the flood of buyers his firm has seen as “higher than expected.” He noted that many of these clients are “becoming very aggressive” about relocating to South Florida.
The wave of departures follows the election of Democrat Socialist Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s new mayor, who defeated both Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa on Tuesday. During his campaign, Mamdani opposed NYPD cooperation with federal immigration enforcement outside of narrow legal limits, vowed to defend sanctuary city policies, and promised to resist Trump administration conditions tied to federal funding. He also pushed for city-run grocery stores and argued that mental health professionals — not police — should respond to certain crises.
Mamdani, who was relatively unknown just months ago, ended up drawing support from over a million New Yorkers, according to Breitbart News. His progressive platform and outspoken criticism of capitalism have left many business leaders and homeowners on edge about the city’s economic future.
Speaking in Miami on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said the election results show the country is at a defining moment. “Between communism and common sense,” he said, warning that Mamdani’s leadership could accelerate a broader national divide.
Toledano’s comments come as the broader migration trend continues. Breitbart News previously reported that large numbers of NYPD officers relocated to Florida in 2021, and U.S. Census Bureau data later confirmed that Americans were leaving blue states for red ones in growing numbers.
“The sales surge his real estate firm has seen is not surprising, but the figure is ‘higher than expected,’” Fox Business reported, underscoring how New York’s shifting politics — and fears of what’s next — are driving one of the biggest real estate booms South Florida has ever seen.
{Matzav.com}
