Community Corner

One of the most-used words during this challenging time in Israel is “chamal” (חמ״ל in Hebrew), an acronym for cheder milchamah (war room), which refers to a command center or “situation room” where individuals are mobilized for the war effort. Alongside the military command centers operating around the clock, there has been an incredible proliferation of civilian command centers, both in Israel and abroad. These “chamalim” have played a critical role in addressing the ever-evolving needs of both soldiers and civilians, and they have been at the forefront of ensuring that every IDF soldier is properly equipped to protect the Land of Israel.

It was the spring of 1976; I was teaching English at YHSQ and was the de facto assistant principal at MTJ in the afternoon. The English Chairman at YHSQ was Marvin Hirschorn, who also served as the Chairman of the Board of Education at the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County. When the then-current general studies principal, Mrs. Sally Reimer, decided to retire to Florida, Mr. Hirschorn suggested I interview for the position. By that time, HANC had already established itself as one of the elite yeshivah day schools in the country, and I approached the upcoming interview with HANC’s Dean with more than a little trepidation.

At the Annual Met Council Benefit recognizing leadership in supporting their causes. From left to right: Pesach Osina (Senior Aide to Council Speaker Adrienne Adams), NYPD Chief Richard Taylor, Council Member Lynn Schulman, Joel Eisdorfer, and Jason Koppel (Director, Northeast Region for AIPAC).

In the shadow of October 7, a remarkable story of human connection unfolded. IDF soldiers called into battle, many without the most basic equipment, were outfitted through the donations of tens of thousands of Diaspora Jews.  Hundreds of aid groups sprang to life, led by Jews across the world with hearts burning with solidarity with Israel’s defenders. But as weeks turned into months of unrelenting conflict, most faded away — leaving behind a gaping need for life-saving equipment.

Over 1,200 Signatures Collected in Community Petition

The Issue

The Kew Gardens Hills (KGH) community is rallying to protect the sanctity of its public library’s children’s section. Sigalit Davidov, a concerned community member, has spearheaded a petition urging the Kew Gardens Hills Public Library management and the New York Public Library System Administration to take immediate action. The petition demands the removal of inappropriate, sexualized materials currently available in children’s areas, and calls for a halt to their advertisement.

Celebrate the joy and miracles of Chanukah with the 2024 Chanukah Telethon on Saturday, December 22, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.! Broadcasting live on JBS Channel 138, News12+, Fios, and online at ChanukahTelethon.com, this inspiring event is hosted by the beloved Rabbi Anchelle Perl of Chabad of Mineola.