Chaverim of Rockland and Hatzolah Air were honored by the Rockland County Legislature for their crucial role in the rescue of 8-year-old Tzion Maron, who went missing near the Lava River Cave in Flagstaff, Arizona, during a family trip. The boy, formerly from Monsey, was found safe, thanks to the efforts of the Chaverim Of Rockland volunteers and other emergency responders. The rescue mission, which took place a few weeks ago, garnered significant attention after the child’s disappearance went public. Tens of thousands followed updates on the search, with many offering prayers and charity in hopes of a positive outcome. Chaverim of Rockland members were flown in by Hatzolah Air to assist in the search, joining forces with local authorities and other Hatzolah units.

Agudath Israel of America expresses deep concern regarding the recent decision by Commissioner of Education Dr. Betty Rosa to significantly and unilaterally raise the tax levy upon the predominantly Orthodox Jewish district of East Ramapo, New York. The tax levy — the highest increase in memory — raises East Ramapo’s already high property taxes by a whopping 5.38% instead of 1%, the increase legitimately decided by the voters of East Ramapo and its elected school board. The state Commissioner interceded in the local matter at the behest of a taxpayer, supported by the NAACP, who was concerned that the suggested budget would be insufficient for public school needs.

The Monsey community is invited to hear Divrei Zichronos and Divrei Hisorerus from Reb Moshe Gross. Reb Moshe is a survivor of the Bergen Belsen and Theresienstadt concentration camps. It will take place tonight (Sunday), August 11th, Erev Tisha B’av at 8:30PM at Bais Hamedrash Bais Yosef Meir (Rabbi Levitan’s Shul), located at 19 Olympia Lane, Monsey, NY – in the lower Bais Medrash. Men and women are invited to attend. (There is no charge). (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

In a landmark meeting held last week in the Catskills, the eight Rebbes of the Viznitz dynasty reached a significant and historic agreement, Monsey Scoop is reporting. The Viznitzer Rebbe of Monsey announced that, moving forward, Viznitzer Chassidim will be permitted to transfer brisim from one city to another. This new policy allows Chassidim to honor their chosen Rebbe by having him serve as the Sandek. Additionally, the agreement includes the establishment of new shtiblech independently by each community in cities where any of the brothers reside. This agreement comes after six years during which the Viznitzer Brothers refrained from accepting Sandekois from Chassidim living in cities where another brother served as Rebbe.

In a celebration of community and safety, Chaverim of Rockland hosted its highly anticipated Annual Bike Registration and Carnival event on Sunday, attracting over 10,000 children and their families. The event, held at Viola Park, transformed the area into a vibrant carnival filled with excitement and entertainment, marking another successful year for this beloved community gathering. Viola Park was abuzz with activity, featuring an impressive bike show, thrilling rides, and cheerful music that created an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Families from across Rockland County eagerly made their way to the park, ready to partake in the day’s festivities. A key feature of the event was the bike registration initiative.

Tens of thousands of people attended the Levaya of the Kossover Rebbe ZT”L, who was Niftar on Shabbos morning. A levaya was first held in Boro Park on Sunday afternoon, followed by a massive Levaya at the Vishnitzer Bais Hamedrash in Monsey. The following videos and photos are via YWN affiliate Monsey Scoop, which was covering the Levaya in live time.

It is with profound sadness that YWN informs you of the Petirah of the Kosover Rebbe, HaRav Shraga Feivish Hager zt”l, a luminary for tens of thousands across the globe. He was 66 years old. In January 2023, the Kosover Chassidus in Boro Park publicized that the Rebbe had fallen extremely ill and was in need of Rachamei Shamayim. In the subsequent year-plus, the Rebbe traveled to Germany for specialized treatments, which ultimately wiped out the disease, but left his internal organs severely compromised. The Rebbe was hospitalized again several weeks ago due to organ failure, and had been back-and-forth between the hospital and home in recent days and weeks as his condition deteriorated. On Friday afternoon, a Minyan was gathered around his bed. He was Niftar over Shabbos.

A 13-year-old Bochur riding a bike tragically lost his life after he was struck by a vehicle that lost control in Pomona on Wednesday afternoon. Rockland Hatzolah Paramedics rushed to the scene at Overlook Drive and High Mountain Road, but were sadly unable to revive the young bochur, who was identified as Efrayim Rubin. Haverstraw Police are now investigating the awful accident, with Chesed Shel Emes, Misaskim and Chaverim Of Rockland at the scene as well. Levaya details will be published when they become available to us. Boruch Dayan HaEmmes… (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Rockland County on Sunday in support of Congressman Mike Lawler’s reelection campaign, attending several key events aimed at rallying support for Rep. Lawler. The visit began with a breakfast reception in New City from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., hosted by Doug Katz and Mike Lehner. Doors opened at 7:30 a.m., with ticket prices ranging from $150 for attendees to $3,300 for hosts. Following the breakfast, Speaker Johnson attended a VIP event in Monsey from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., co-hosted by Sol Werdiger and Sander Gerber. The event location was provided upon RSVP, and tickets were priced at $6,600 per person. The final stop on Speaker Johnson’s itinerary was New Square, where he met with the Skvere Rebbe from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

The Gedolim on their historic mission to raise $100 Million for Yeshivas and Kollelim Eretz Yisroel, have attended their first major meeting at the home of philanthropist Reb Shimmy Glick in Monsey. Two of the Gedolim landed this morning at Teterboro Airport, while the others were scheduled to land in the US later Sunday morning. The Gedolim on this mission are Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rav Yaakov Hillel, Rav Don Segal, Rav Dov Landau, the Rachmastrivker Rebbe and Rav Avraham Salim. The Gedolim will be attending private events with philanthropists and leading Baalei Tzedakah the next few days. As many as ten thousand people are expected tonight at a major Asifa in Lakewood outside BMG.