The Clarkstown Police Department is investigating a deeply troubling act of vandalism that occurred at a shul on Tor Terrace early Thursday morning. Mispalllim arrived to find siddurim and chumashim discarded in a garbage can, three bookshelves destroyed, and seforim scattered across the floor, Monsey Scoop reported. This shocking act was promptly reported to the Clarkstown Police Department, and a police report has been filed. Additionally, Chaverim of Rockland has been enlisted to assist in the investigation. The shul, which currently operates out of a backyard tent, is in the process of obtaining the necessary permits from the Town of Clarkstown.

YWN regrets to inform you of the Petira of HaRav Aron Zev Malik Z”L, the Sombor Rav of Williamsburg. HaRav Malik was 79 years old and was Niftar on Wednesday evening after several months of complications stemming from an accident on the New York State Thruway earlier this year. The accident, which YWN reported on in April, occurred between Monsey and Kiryas Joel on April 10. The Levaya was held on Thursday morning in front of the Sombor Beis Medrash in Williamsburg, and the Kevurah took place at the Beis Hachaim in Kiryas Joel. Baruch Dayan Ha’Emes. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

The East Ramapo Central School District (ERCSD) announced a surprising $30 million budget surplus during Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, sparking calls for accountability and reforms in financial oversight, Monsey Scoop reported. This discovery, confirmed by an independent audit conducted by EFPR Group, contrasts sharply with earlier warnings of a $30 to $40 million deficit projected for the summer of 2024. The audit, which reviewed the district’s finances for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, found that financial statements complied with generally accepted accounting principles. The unexpected surplus comes on the heels of concerns raised by a state-appointed monitor last year, who predicted a severe fiscal shortfall.

In a bold initiative to prioritize community safety, Chaverim of Rockland has launched a countywide reflector campaign in response to the earlier nightfall caused by the time change, Monsey Scoop reported. Teams of Chaverim members have mobilized across Rockland County, patrolling villages, towns, botei midroshim, and major roads to distribute reflectors and promote visibility for pedestrians during these darker hours. Chaverim encourages all residents to “Be Seen” and take proactive steps to ensure their safety on the roads. Reflectors, a simple yet effective tool, can save lives by making pedestrians visible to drivers in low-light conditions.

A serious accident occured this afternoon at the intersection of KingsPoint Lane and West Maple Avenue in Monsey, two individuals were struck by a vehicle Monsey Scoop reported. Rockland Hatzoloh Paramedics quickly arrived at the scene, transporting one person in critical condition to Good Samaritan Hospital. The second individual was also taken to Westchester Medical Center by Rockland Hatzoloh Paramedics with serious but non life threatening injuries. YWN will update with names for Tehilim once they become available to us.  

Monsey Scoop reported that, In a conversation with New Square Mayor Izzy Spitzer, Eric Trump expressed heartfelt appreciation for the unprecedented support shown by the Orthodox Jewish Village of New Square. The village delivered a remarkable 99.9% of its vote in favor of former President Donald Trump, marking the highest margin of victory recorded in any municipality across the nation. “It’s a great day for religious liberty and a great day for the United States,” Eric Trump commented, underscoring the strong bond between the Trump family and Jews around the world and the New Square community. Mayor Spitzer extended his congratulations to Eric Trump, celebrating the community’s steadfast support and commitment. “Congratulations on the incredible victory last night,” Spitzer said.

On Tuesday, during Chol Hamoed, Hershy Margeratten, the Rockland County Community Law Enforcement Liaison, hosted a gathering in his sukkah aimed at strengthening the relationship between community leaders and local law enforcement. The event celebrated the ongoing collaboration and mutual commitment to the safety and well-being of the Rockland County community, especially its Jewish residents. The meeting featured notable attendees, including Chaverim of Rockland Coordinator Yossi Margeratten, and guest speaker Rabbi Dudi Farkas of Chabad of Olympia, who delivered inspiring remarks on unity and resilience.

A fire broke out this morning at the New Skvere Shul located at 18 Jefferson Avenue, filling the area with thick black smoke, MONSEY SCOOP REPORTED. The fire reportedly originated in the laundry room, just one day before thousands of Skvere Chassidim were expected to gather for Alef Slichos in the newly constructed shul. Multiple fire departments, including units from Hillcrest, Monsey, New City, and Thiells, responded to the scene. New Square Hatzolah, New Square Erste Hilfe, as well as EMS teams from Spring Hill and Faist, were also on hand to provide emergency assistance. Sources tell Monsey Scoop that the fire began under a flight of steps in the laundry room, where a bag of towels caught fire. The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

The tzibur is requested to daven for Hatzadik HaRav Mordechai Steiner Shlita of Monsey, who was admitted to the hospital a few weeks ago for a surgery and has now been placed on a respirator. The Rebbe was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Ohio a few weeks ago where he underwent a heart procedure. On Tuesday afternoon the doctors had some concerns about his breathing and eating and was placed on a respirator as a precaution. he is reported to be in stable condition, but is currently on a respirator. The Rebbe’s name for Tehillim is HaRav Mordechai Tzvi Ben Mindel Esther Leah for a Refuah Shelaima. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Monsey Scoop regrets to inform you of the Sudden Petira of Reb Leibel Schwartz Z”L, he was 69 years old. The Niftar Z”L was the owner of Electric Outlet in Spring Valley and previously owned the Lake House Hotel in the Catskills and Ramapo Plumbing in Monsey. The Levaya will take place on Sunday afternoon at Rabbi Templer’s Shul 24 Crestview Terrace, Monsey at 1:00PM, followed by the kevurah at Monsey Beis Hachaim.