Zohran Mamdani, the far-left Assemblyman from Queens and a leading candidate in the NYC mayoral race, dropped jaws at Wednesday night’s debate when he flat-out refused to say he supports Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. “I believe Israel has the right to exist, as a state with equal rights,” Mamdani said, sidestepping a direct yes-or-no question about Israel’s Jewish identity — a dodge he’s pulled before. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, leading in the polls, wasn’t having it. “Not as a Jewish state,” Cuomo shot back. “And his answer was no, he won’t visit Israel.” The exchange lit a fire under what had been a sleepy debate — and put Mamdani’s long history of anti-Israel activism front and center just weeks before the crucial June 24 primary. Mamdani, who’s been vocal about his anti-Zionist views and is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, has repeatedly refused to recognize Israel’s Jewish character — a position that’s infuriated Jewish voters across the city. And when asked if he would visit Israel if elected mayor? “I would stay in New York City,” Mamdani shrugged — in a city with over a million Jews, no less. Three other candidates — Cuomo, former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, and longshot Whitney Tilson — all said their first trip abroad would be to Israel. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said she’d head to “the holy land.” Mamdani’s dodge comes as tensions skyrocket in NYC’s Jewish community, with antisemitic attacks on the rise and the Gaza war casting a long shadow. When the moderators pressed the candidates on the Trump administration’s threat to revoke Columbia University’s accreditation over antisemitism, Mamdani didn’t even mention Jew-hatred — until the next question, when he gave a half-hearted nod to the “very real issue of antisemitism.” That wasn’t enough for Cuomo. “There’s been antisemitism in this city. I believe it’s a growing problem and I believe the rhetoric about Israel has actually inflamed the antisemitism,” he said. Mamdani’s campaign has been dogged by controversy since Day One. A 2021 video showed him proudly calling himself an anti-Zionist at a protest, and he’s echoed similar talking points ever since. He’s also been under fire from both sides: when he once dared to say Israel has a right to exist (without calling it a Jewish state), pro-Hamas radicals turned on him. Cuomo and Tilson wore yellow ribbons at the debate in solidarity with the hostages still held by Hamas. Mamdani didn’t. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
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Three kedoshei elyon had one common concept when it came to learning Torah – they were the Ohr Hachaim Hakadosh (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar 1696-1743) when he came to Eretz Yisroel; the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto 1707-1746) when he lived in Padua, Italy; and Hagaon, Harav Chaim Volozhiner, (1749-1821) the famous talmid of the Gaon of Vilna.
They each had a yeshiva with ‘around-the-clock’ Torah learning, 24-hours a day, so that there would be no minute when the sound of Torah learning would not be heard in this world. The 24-hour period would be divided into shifts, and as one ended the next would begin.
Torah-24
A “Torah-24” Center has been opened in Yerushalayim and the Nasi is Maran Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l.
Under ONE ROOF, from 6:00 am – 6:00 am, 10 kollelim fill successive learning shifts. Each kollel focuses on a specific area of in-depth Torah study. The “Torah-24” Kollelim include: Boker (Gemora), Yerushalmi, Bavli, Zeraim-Taharot, Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Erev (Gemora), Chatzos- Zohar/Kabbolah, Erev Shabbos (Chumash / Medrash b’iyun).
Already there are 52 avreichim metzuyonim, and a large number of candidates are vying for the remaining slots in the kollelim. All the avreichim are required to take rigorous monthly tests.
Endorsements & Letters
Endorsements include Maranan Hagaonim shlit”a: Harav Gershon Edelstein, Harav Berel Povarsky, Harav Shimon Badani, Harav Dovid Cohen, Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Harav Chaim Feinstein, Harav Shimon Galai, Harav Shraga Shteinman.
Letters of support-encouragement have been received from Maranan Hagaonim, shlit”a: Hamekubal Harav David Bazri, Hamashpia Hagadol Reb Elimelech Biderman, Hamekubal Harav Yaakov Meir Schechter, Harav Moishe Sternbuch, Harav Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss.
For more “Torah-24” information click on: www.torah-24.com or call 718-766-5022
Discover your ideal career path at a free “Informative Evening With Professionals” Career Night for men. Gain direct insights from industry leaders on critical topics including: Starting Your Own Business Vs. Buying A Business Shneur Mueller, CEO, Midway Business Brokerage Beyond the Resume: What Employers Really Look For David Grunhut, Astor Chocolates Accounting Mordechai Sidell, CPA, Controller, Bell Works Programming Zev Feldberger, Senior Software Developer, Parsons Corporation This exclusive event offers practical advice, industry trends, and networking opportunities, followed by a Q&A session. Event Details: When: Monday, June 9, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Where: PCS, 1771 Madison Ave, Executive Center, Lakewood, NJ Admission: Free Remote access available: Email nj@nj.pcsjobs.org for the link Don’t miss this chance to advance your professional journey! Register Here!
President Donald Trump’s administration is taking aggressive new steps to target foreign nationals who have remained in the United States beyond the expiration of their visas. This action follows a recent terror incident in Boulder, Colorado, in which the alleged perpetrator is an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa.
On Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared that the agency would intensify its scrutiny of immigration files to identify individuals who have not exited the country after their visas expired.
For years, DHS has reported that millions of illegal aliens living in the U.S. originally entered legally with temporary visas but failed to leave when required. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are added to this population due to visa overstays.
This renewed enforcement initiative follows the arrest of 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national accused of launching a violent attack with a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails during a peaceful rally in support of Israel in Boulder.
Soliman, now in federal custody along with his relatives, is facing serious charges, including attempted murder and hate crimes, for allegedly targeting Jewish attendees and pro-Israel demonstrators—among them a Holocaust survivor.
“There is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “Anyone who thinks they can come to America and advocate for antisemitic violence and terrorism – think again. You are not welcome here. We will find you, deport you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to immigration authorities, Soliman legally entered the country through Los Angeles International Airport on a tourist visa in August 2022. That visa expired in February 2023, but he failed to leave, thus violating federal immigration laws and becoming unlawfully present.
Despite the expiration of his visa, records show that Joe Biden’s administration granted Soliman a work authorization in March 2023. That work permit was valid for one year and expired in March 2024.
This was not Soliman’s first attempt to enter the United States. Two decades ago, he applied for a visa and was denied.
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Matzav.com}
A former Republican congressman and vocal critic of Donald Trump says he wants to become governor in the president’s adopted home state of Florida, and that he’s running as a Democrat. David Jolly formally announced his bid Thursday, becoming the latest party convert hoping to wrest back control of what had been the country’s premier swing state that in recent years has made a hard shift to the right. Under state law, term-limited Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis can’t run for reelection in 2026. Even as Florida serves as a place for the Trump administration to poach staff and test policies, Jolly says he’s confident that issues such as affordability, funding public schools, and strengthening campaign finance and ethics laws will resonate with all voters in 2026. He predicts elections next year will herald nationwide change. “I actually think Republicans in Tallahassee have gone too far in dividing us. I think we should get politicians out of the classrooms, out of the doctor’s offices,” Jolly said. “I think enough people in Florida, even some Republicans, now understand that. That the culture wars have gone too far,” he said. Jolly was first elected to his Tampa Bay-area congressional seat during a 2014 special election, and was reelected for one full term. The attorney and former lobbyist underwent a political evolution that spurred him to leave the Republican Party in 2018 to become an independent and then a registered Democrat. And he has built a national profile for himself as an anti-Trump political commentator on MSNBC. Jolly said he has considered himself “part of the Democratic coalition” for five or so years, and believes in what he sees as the party’s “fundamental values” — that government can help people, that the economy should be “fair” to all, and that immigrants should be celebrated. “I struggled to exercise those values in the Republican Party,” Jolly said, continuing: “The actual registration as a Democrat wasn’t a pivot. It was a kind of a formality.” Jolly has broken from his old party on immigration, as Florida lawmakers race to help Trump fulfill his promise of mass deportations. Jolly skewered Republicans who he said have ”conflated immigration and crime,” which he described as wrong and immoral. “If you were born here or if you immigrated here, or if you’re a Tallahassee politician who steals Medicaid money, we’re going to be tough on crime,” Jolly added, referring to a probe into the use of Medicaid settlement funds by a charity associated with first lady Casey DeSantis. Jolly’s gubernatorial run as a Democrat draws comparisons to the failed bid of former Republican congressman-turned-independent-turned-Democrat Charlie Crist, who lost to DeSantis in 2022 by 19 points. It was Crist, running as a Democrat, who ousted Jolly from his congressional seat in 2016. Jolly joined the Florida Democratic Party at what is arguably one of its most vulnerable points in years. Florida currently has no Democrats elected to statewide office, and there are now 1.2 million more registered Republicans than Democrats, according to the state’s active voter rolls. The GOP has made significant inroads in formerly Democratic strongholds in the state, such as Miami-Dade County. The day that Jolly announced his new affiliation, the-then top Democrat in the Florida Senate, Jason Pizzo, revealed he was leaving the party, declaring that “the Democratic […]
In a recent phone call between President Xi and President Trump, the two have agreed to launch a new round of TRADE negotiations at the earliest opportunity, while also being invited to visit China.
Influential clans and tribal leaders affiliated with Fatah in southern Gaza have issued a strong statement condemning Hamas. They accuse the group of rejecting the current ceasefire proposal and hostage deal, choosing instead to cling to its hardline positions — even as the humanitarian and political costs continue to rise.
At a press event on Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) sarcastically renamed the House-passed budget measure pushed by President Donald Trump. Instead of calling it the “big, beautiful bill,” Schumer dubbed it the “Well, We’re All Going to Die Act.”
Flanked by Senators Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Ron Wyden of Oregon, Schumer stood beside a bold sign bearing the mock title. The slogan was a jab at a remark made earlier by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).
“The more you look at the bill, at the House bill, the worse it gets,” Schumer said during the press conference.
He went on to accuse the legislation of benefiting the richest Americans at the expense of millions. “This bill is just tax breaks for the ultra wealthy, paid for by gutting health care for up to 16 million Americans.”
The controversy stems in part from remarks Ernst made at a recent town hall in Butler, Iowa. There, she defended elements of the legislation, especially provisions targeting undocumented immigrants’ access to federal programs.
While Ernst fielded questions about changes to programs like Medicaid and SNAP, an audience member interrupted her, warning that such reforms would lead to people dying.
“Well, we’re all going to die,” Ernst responded, a comment that provoked boos from the crowd.
Following the backlash, Ernst took to Instagram on Saturday to clarify her intent, though she stood by her words. She wrote, “made an incorrect assumption that everyone in the auditorium understood that, yes, we are all going to perish from this Earth.”
{Matzav.com}
Let’s stop dancing around the truth. The Jewish community in New York—particularly the frum community—faces a political crisis of historic proportions. This isn’t about whether Andrew Cuomo apologized or whether he was a perfect governor. This is about whether our children and grandchildren will be able to live as Torah Jews in New York a decade from now. We still feel the pain of the unfair red zones imposed by Cuomo in 2020, which targeted our communities and restricted our way of life with heavy-handed measures. That wound lingers, a reminder of how quickly our freedoms can be curtailed. Yet, despite this pain, we must look forward and consider our future as Jews in New York City, where new threats loom larger than past grievances. If Zoran Mamdani and the movement behind him succeed, we risk losing everything we’ve built. This isn’t a mere policy disagreement or politics as usual. Mamdani and his allies, backed by the DSA, have made their intentions clear: they aim to defund our yeshivas, strip our neighborhoods of police protection, and vilify support for Israel as a disqualifying offense. These aren’t empty threats. They’re drafting laws, redirecting budgets, and winning elections—all while projecting a facade of goodwill. After October 7th, while we were still mourning our dead, Mamdani signed a public statement blaming Israel entirely for the massacre. Not a word of condolence. Not a mention of the murdered children or the raped women. That wasn’t a misstep—it was a declaration of values. We must recognize this: if we allow people like Mamdani to gain power—if we stay home, shrug, and say “Cuomo’s not my favorite”—we’re not just surrendering influence, we’re forfeiting protection. Without a strong political defense, we cannot shield our mosdos from hostile regulations. We cannot keep our neighborhoods safe. We cannot speak out without fear of Retribution. The DSA movement has no regard for Torah, no room for Zionism, and no tolerance for Jews who don’t conform to their ideology. They view our schools as regressive, our values as threats, and our identity as an obstacle. Their goal isn’t inclusion—it’s erasure, from education, politics, and public life. If they win this round because we stayed home, who will stop them in the next? Cuomo is no tzaddik, and no one claims he is. But we’re not choosing a rebbe—we’re choosing a shield. If we don’t seize the shield before us, we’ll be left utterly defenseless. The reality is stark: in the voting booth, only two candidates can win—Andrew Cuomo or Zoran Mamdani. No one else is close. ( and Eric Adams is not running in the primary – he is on the November ballot) Choosing not to vote for Cuomo isn’t neutrality—it’s handing Mamdani a victory. That’s a risk our community cannot take. This moment demands action. If we fail to resist this radical, anti-Torah movement, we won’t be debating policies in ten years—we’ll be debating whether we can still live here at all. We cannot stay silent. We cannot stay home. Not now. Early voting in the Democratic Primary for Mayor begins on Sunday, June 15th This isn’t about Cuomo. It’s about us. Our families. Our yeshivas. Our future. Far Rockaway Jewish Alliance Elkana Adelman Richard Altabe Shalom Becker Zvi Bloom Jack Brach Mordechai Zvi Dicker Ruchie Dunn Joel Kaplan Dr […]
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on ICE Agents: “I don’t know of any police department that routinely wears masks. We know that there are other groups that routinely wear masks. NSC-131 routinely wears masks.”
The landmark Jewish music event of the year: the first-ever large-scale open-air music festival, headlining Ishay Ribo with guest performances by Chasidic music legend Avraham Fried, as well as Zusha and Shmuel, on August 7th at the iconic Bethel Woods in the heart of the Catskills of upstate New York. ————————————————————————— Set at the historic Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – one of the most iconic open-air venues in America – Yamim Ba’im, “New Days are Coming,” marks the dawn of a new era in Jewish music and unity. Nestled in the scenic Catskills and known for its sweeping hillside and world-class acoustics, Bethel Woods has hosted some of the most legendary performances in American music history. Now, for the first time, it will become the stage for an unprecedented celebration of Jewish song, spirit, and togetherness. Thousands from across the tri-state area and beyond will gather under the open sky for a night of heartfelt music and unity – on a scale never seen before. The landmark event will take Jewish music to new heights in upstate New York on August 7th, the 13th of Av – the Thursday evening before Shabbos Nachamu. The festival is centered on a full-length outdoor concert by Ishay Ribo who’s meteoric rise has redefined the landscape of Jewish music, going from humble beginnings to two sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden and becoming one of the most beloved and influential voices in contemporary Israeli music. Yamim Baeim marks his largest North American performance to date, with guest performances by the legendary Avraham Fried as well as Zusha and Shmuel. A world-famous musical icon, Bethel Woods is a massive, historic, and breathtaking amphitheater nestled in the heart of the Catskills — a region that comes alive each summer with vibrant Jewish life. With sweeping lawns, stunning natural surroundings, and state-of-the-art production, it offers a setting of unparalleled beauty and legacy — an ideal backdrop for a night of Jewish music, meaning, and unity. Yamim Baeim will demonstrate the Jewish community’s strength, spirit, and unity with an unprecedented celebration of authentic Jewish music straight from the soul. Tickets are now live at Ticketmaster.com For more information and VIP options: Yamimbaim.com
The landmark Jewish music event of the year: the first-ever large-scale open-air music festival, headlining Ishay Ribo with guest performances by Chasidic music legend Avraham Fried, as well as Zusha and Shmuel, on August 7th at the iconic Bethel Woods in the heart of the Catskills of upstate New York.
—————————————————————————
Set at the historic Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – one of the most iconic open-air venues in America – Yamim Ba’im, “New Days are Coming,” marks the dawn of a new era in Jewish music and unity. Nestled in the scenic Catskills and known for its sweeping hillside and world-class acoustics, Bethel Woods has hosted some of the most legendary performances in American music history. Now, for the first time, it will become the stage for an unprecedented celebration of Jewish song, spirit, and togetherness. Thousands from across the tri-state area and beyond will gather under the open sky for a night of heartfelt music and unity – on a scale never seen before.
The landmark event will take Jewish music to new heights in upstate New York on August 7th, the 13th of Av – the Thursday evening before Shabbos Nachamu.
The festival is centered on a full-length outdoor concert by Ishay Ribo who’s meteoric rise has redefined the landscape of Jewish music, going from humble beginnings to two sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden and becoming one of the most beloved and influential voices in contemporary Israeli music. Yamim Baeim marks his largest North American performance to date, with guest performances by the legendary Avraham Fried as well as Zusha and Shmuel.
A world-famous musical icon, Bethel Woods is a massive, historic, and breathtaking amphitheater nestled in the heart of the Catskills — a region that comes alive each summer with vibrant Jewish life.
With sweeping lawns, stunning natural surroundings, and state-of-the-art production, it offers a setting of unparalleled beauty and legacy — an ideal backdrop for a night of Jewish music, meaning, and unity.
Yamim Baeim will demonstrate the Jewish community’s strength, spirit, and unity with an unprecedented celebration of authentic Jewish music straight from the soul.
Tickets are now live at Ticketmaster.com
For more information and VIP options: Yamimbaim.com
PHOTOS: On Thursday morning, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, along with other top FDNY officials, visited Boro Park Shomrim headquarters and met with coordinators from both Boro Park and Flatbush Shomrim to strengthen collaboration.
The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously blocked a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Mexico against major U.S. gun manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Glock, and Colt. Mexico accused the companies of fueling cartel violence by knowingly allowing firearms to be trafficked into the country. But the justices ruled the gunmakers are shielded under U.S. law, which largely protects them from liability when their weapons are used in crimes.
A two-year-old boy was rescued last week after being swept away by a conveyor belt in the luggage screening area at Newark Liberty International Airport, officials said.
PHOTOS: FDNY Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, along with other high-ranking FDNY officials, met with Boro Park Hatzolah coordinators at their headquarters on Thursday morning to strengthen ties and enhance collaboration.
Sen. John Kennedy confronts Ivy League law professor with blistering questions over her past comments about “evil” Supreme Court justices.
Hakeem Jeffries threatens to doxx ICE agents involved in arresting and deporting criminal aliens.
Palestinian in Gaza thanks the US and blows kisses to Trump after receiving his GHF aid box.
Senior Israeli security officials report that local Gazan militias, unaffiliated with Hamas or Fatah, are collaborating with Israel, combating Hamas, and assisting in securing aid distribution sites.
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