Sergey Kadinsky

The once-in-five-years election that represents diaspora Jewry in the World Zionist Congress had a record turnout, with more than 230,000 votes cast, producing a historic result that gave the largest number of seats among the 22 parties to the Reform movement—even as its share of the seats dropped, with Orthodox parties picking up more votes than in the previous election.

Increased security measures at the “Israel Day on Fifth” parade last Sunday did not deter participants from marching with numerous organizations, schools, and synagogues on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue.

The Gaza War and accusations of anti-Semitism were repeatedly mentioned at the Democratic mayoral primary debate on Wednesday, June 4, with frontrunner Andrew Cuomo wearing a yellow lapel pin as a reminder of the hostages held by Hamas.

Books are going off the shelves as Boris Production ends its 35-year run on 108^th Street in Forest Hills, the sole Russian-language bookstore in Queens – a sign of changing economic and social conditions.

My family is among many from West Hempstead who have sons enrolled at the Yeshiva of South Shore, and every Sunday (when school buses are not available), we take our sons to class. Driving on Peninsula Boulevard, the symbolic gateway to the Five Towns is the railroad overpass followed by the former bank that has served as the Israel Chesed Center since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The row of Israeli flags facing the busy road reassures supporters. Here’s a place where one can physically get involved in packing boots, duffel bags, and other supplies needed in Israel.

More than a dozen Jewish organizations on Long Island welcomed Rep. Ritchie Torres to West Hempstead for a Yom HaShoah talk hosted by the Conservative Congregation Shaaray Shalom. The Bronx lawmaker stands out as one of the most outspoken pro-Israel voices in the Democratic Party, offering honest commentary in a social mediascape dominated by opposition toward Israel, influenced by anti-Semitism. Security for this high-profile event was provided by the Nassau County Police Department and the volunteers of CSS, which is comprised of local Jewish community members.