In this riveting and electrifying interview, Councilman Yeger UNLOADS on local politicians who have stoked antisemitism. He blasts phony “soft” antisemites who claim they like Jews and only despise the frum way of life. He discusses the BDS movement, Ilhan Omar, and many other outspoken enemies of Jews in America. Yeger addresses the recent spike in antisemitism. He explains why he is skeptical of Mayor DeBlasio’s hate crimes task force. He blasts the new bail reform law, and reacts to the recent meeting in Boro Park with AG Barr and Jewish leaders. And Yeger gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into last year’s controversy, when he tweeted that Palestine does not exist, and was punished by fellow council members. Plus much more.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that it would no longer let New York residents enroll in its “trusted traveler” programs because of a new state law that blocked federal immigration officials from accessing motor vehicle records. In a three-page letter, DHS said the legislation, dubbed the “Green Light” law, prevents federal agencies from protecting residents from “menacing threats to national security and public safety.” New Yorkers will not be able to enroll in “Trusted Traveler Programs,” which allow people to cut through long lines at airports if they pass a pre-clearance with the Department of Homeland Security.

Chaverim of Queens held their Members Appreciation Dinner celebrating twelve years of service to the Queens community. The event which took place in Fresh Meadows at Beit Eliyahu, was a true success as Chaverim volunteers were appreciated over dinner and with words of encouragement and inspiration from community leaders. Chaverim of Queens was founded in memory of Mr. Jack Friedman, whose name was synonymous with tzedaka and chesed and whose name lives on with the work that Chaverim does. The Friedman, Fried, and Mermelstein families were thanked at the dinner and were honored with the Founders Award in recognition of their ongoing support since day one. Chaverim is a 100% volunteer organization that started in January 2008 with just ten volunteers.

A city court judge in upstate New York set bail in a misdemeanor case Wednesday, despite a new state law that eliminates cash bail for most non-violent offenses. Cohoes City Court Judge Thomas Marcelle immediately stayed his own decision to set bail at $100 cash, allowing the defendant to walk out of court while his lawyers appeal the bail ruling. But the judge’s bail decision effectively sets up a challenge to a law already facing relentless criticism from police and prosecutors around the state. Marcelle in decision on Monday reported by the Times Union of Albany questioned whether Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers impinged on judicial powers with the new law. Marcelle was concerned about his ability to use discretion in a case in which the defendant had missed past court dates.

While many find videos like this disturbing, it should be used as a learning lesson. This frightening incident occurred on “Beirach Moshe Street” in Kiryas Joel on Tuesday. Watch how a young child runs across the street directly in front of a car. The driver is heard shrieking in fear on his dash-cam as he slams on the breaks. Bichasdei Hashem the child makes it across in a hair-splitting second. LESSONS TO BE LEARNED: The driver was driving at a safe speed and was alert of his surroundings and had sufficient time to stop in time. Children should be taught how to properly cross a street, and parents should be aware where their children are at all times. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Former Obama housing secretary Shaun Donovan has filed papers to run for mayor of New York City in 2021. Donovan, 54, registered a campaign Monday to succeed Mayor Bill de Blasio, who by law cannot run for a third term. Donovan, a native New Yorker, served as federal secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2009 to 2014 and as director of the Office of Management and Budget from 2014 until Democratic President Barack Obama left office in 2017. Prior to that Donovan served as a deputy assistant HUD secretary under President Bill Clinton and as commissioner of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development under Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

After lots of effort to shut down a vile anti-Semitic Facebook page operating in Ocean County (near Lakewood), New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal today announced that Rise Up Ocean County has been shut down permanently. “We just learned that Facebook has decided to take down the public page on the company’s social network called ‘Rise Up Ocean County.’ Facebook’s action comes ten months after the Director of our Division on Civil Rights, Rachel Wainer Apter, first sent a letter to Facebook expressing concerns about racist and anti-Semitic statements on the page.

An October trial date was set Monday for two associates of Rudy Giuliani who are charged with making illegal campaign contributions. Lev Parnas was the only defendant among four men facing trial to be at a Manhattan courthouse when U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken set the Oct. 5 trial date. If the trial begins on time, it will occur a month before the presidential election. Parnas was smiling and wearing an American-flag pin in court. Outside court, he declined to say if he was cooperating. He said he believes the truth will emerge. Parnas and fellow defendant Igor Fruman had worked with Giuliani to try to convince Ukraine to announce an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden. Biden is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.

YWN regrets to inform you of the Petira of HaRav Meir Reuven Berkowitz ZATZAL, the Rov of Whispering Pines in Lakewood, after a lengthy illness. The Levaya will be at his Shul at 12:00PM, and the Kevura in Kiryas Yoel. Boruch Dayan HaEmmes… (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
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YWN regrets to inform you of the sudden Petira of R’ Shlomie Pinchas Ritterman Z”L of North Miami Beach, Florida (previously of Flatbush). He was 58. R’ Shloime was on a flight with his wife at Forth Lauderdale Airport, when he suffered a massive heart attack. He was rushed to the the closest hospital (Broward Hospital) where he was R”L Niftar. The Niftar Grew up in Flatbush on East 3rd Street near Avenue M, and lived on East 10 between Avenue’s N-O before moving to North Miami Beach. He was one of the original members of Flatbush Shomrim, and was a member of the Chevra Kaddisha in Flatbush. He leaves behind his wife Mrs. Leah Dini and children Chesky, Moshe, Eli, Tzvi and Gitti. Chesed Shel Emes was instrumental in ensuring proper Kavod Hames and a timely Levaya.