As the Orthodox Jewish community continues to experience exponential growth across the region, natural expansion has become necessary for both seasonal and year-round living needs. Unfortunately, religious Jews have been subject to discrimination from many towns and cities that have placed arbitrary roadblocks in the form of restrictive zoning ordinances designed to prevent them from pursuing opportunities available to other communities.

A small tornado took Buffalo by surprise Monday, damaging buildings, flipping cars and sending debris swirling over downtown. A spiraling column was caught on multiple videos shortly before 2 p.m. One video showed the cell appearing to move from Lake Erie into the city, which sits on the lake’s shore, sending pieces of roofing flying before quickly dissipating. “It surprised everyone,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said at a news conference. In the aftermath, photos showed a car on its roof in a parking lot, street signs bent and fallen tree limbs across roads and sidewalks. After assessing the scene, a National Weather Service team confirmed that a tornado had touched down on the city’s west side. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Rav Dovid Beinish Feinstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva of Staten Island, paid a memorable visit to Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s medically supervised summer program for children with cancer and other serious illnesses in Glen Spey, NY, on July 29. The Rosh Yeshiva spent time engaging with the campers, offering them words of chizuk and bracha. During his visit, Rav Feinstein toured the beautiful campus, witnessing the renowned Camp Simcha energy firsthand. Rav Feinstein met with the campers and staff and joined them in joyous dancing. “We were honored to host Rav Feinstein,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “The Rosh Yeshiva’s visit was a source of inspiration for our campers and staff, instilling them with immense simcha and strength.”

I have seen just in recent days alone, the alarming number of car accidents at the intersection of Anawana Lake Road and Fraser Road, and it’s clear that immediate action is necessary to prevent a tragic loss of life. The status quo is unacceptable, and we must demand change. Every summer the number of accidents increases, and it’s now at a dangerous level. First and foremost, drivers must take responsibility for their actions and adhere to vehicle and traffic laws. Reckless behavior behind the wheel puts innocent lives at risk and has no place on our roads. Secondly, law enforcement must step up and enforce traffic regulations with seriousness and consistency. Strict policing will serve as a deterrent to dangerous driving and help restore a sense of safety for all road users.

Following an altercation in front of Gombo’s Bakery on Main Street in South Fallsburg, an individual is in serious condition after being stabbed. Catskills Hatzolah was called for mutual aid by the local EMS system, and Hatzolah Paramedics treated the victim. A medevac landed at the Fallsburg High School to airlift the patient to a trauma center. A name for Tehilim was not needed in this incident. A suspect is in custody, and Fallsburg Police and other law enforcement personnel are on the scene investigating the incident. THIS STORY WAS FIRST PUBLISHED ON THE CATSKILL SCOOP STATUS CLICK HERE SIGN UP TO THE CATSKILL SCOOP WHATSAPP STATUS TO BE INFORMED OF CATSKILL NEWS IN LIVE TIME (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The Sullivan County Jewish Community Council (JCC) recently hosted a meet and greet event featuring local government officials and legislators. The JCC – which specifically emphasizes its role in voter registration and civic engagement – is dedicated to connecting the community with elected and appointed officials. The event featured remarks from various dignitaries, including the congressman, state senator, district attorney, clerk, and sheriff. Keynote speaker Chaskel Bennett of Agudah praised the JCC’s efforts and expressed gratitude for the support from law enforcement and local officials. The sheriff lauded the strong relationship with the Orthodox community, highlighting the mutual appreciation and collaboration. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Hatzalah needs no introduction. The dedicated volunteers ensure the safety of hundreds of thousands of people vacationing in the Catskills each summer. This summer alone, Catskills Hatzalah has already responded to hundreds upon hundreds of emergencies, and saved many lives including drowning victims, people injured in serious car crashes, critical trauma victims, cardiac arrest victims, heart attacks, choking victims, stroke victims and many other critical emergencies. The fact is, that Catskills Hatzolah has seen an incredibly staggering increase in emergencies, and. The call volume is like nothing they have ever seen before. The fleet of the 21 Catskills Hatzolah ambulances are being used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – literally.

In a show of appreciation and commitment to community safety, more than 700 camp members, faculty, and guests gathered at Camp Oraysa for a special luncheon honoring the leadership and personnel of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department and the directors of the Sullivan County Correctional Facility. The event aimed to foster a strong, prosperous relationship between Camp Oraysa, other Jewish camps, and local law enforcement. The luncheon highlighted the importance of collaboration with law enforcement, especially during the summer months when Sullivan County’s population swells by an estimated 350,000 people. This influx underscores the need for robust partnerships to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.

A massive fire ripped through the Bais Hamedrash in Camp Maminim / Camp Chaveirim in Swan Lake, Friday afternoon. Fire departments from more than a dozen towns in Sullivan County were on the scene at the camp, located at 169 Laymon Road, just before 6:00PM. Bichasdei Hashem, no one was injured in the blaze, and thankfully, the Sefer Torah was not in the building. Sources tell YWN that tragically, nearly TWO HUNDRED pairs of tefillin were reportedly destroyed in the blaze, as the entire building was engulfed in flames and has totally burned down to the ground. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

A group of Orthodox Jewish families have filed a federal lawsuit against a Hunter Lodge, Catskills hotel, alleging religious discrimination and wrongful eviction from the property on Shabbos last year. The families, who had planned a peaceful weekend retreat from July 14 to July 16, 2023,  are accusing the hotel management violated their civil rights and religious freedoms. In preparation for their weekend getaway, one of the Jewish women contacted the hotel on July 13, 2023, according to court documents. She spoke with the hotel manager, Jackie Gordon, to ensure the hotel could accommodate their religious needs. The now-plaintiff explained that the group, comprising 30 to 40 guests, including many children, were Shabbos-observant Jews from Lakewood and Toms River, New Jersey.