HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA (V

Hundreds of Orthodox Jews crowded into Linden, NJ’s City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, during Chol Hamoed Pesach, to protest a series of proposed ordinances that community members say unfairly target and restrict the growth of the Orthodox Jewish population in the city. Men and boys, many dressed in Yom Tov clothing, arrived in packed buses and cars, filling the municipal building beyond capacity. The meeting room quickly became overcrowded, with many people turned away at the door. The meeting, which included second readings on several proposed zoning changes, concluded without a vote—adjourned in the face of the overwhelming turnout from the community.

Over the past few weeks, as Jewish families prepared for Passover amid soaring food prices, Met Councilled a massive food relief effort to ensure that more than 250,000 food-insecure Jewish Americans could celebrate the holiday with dignity. With grocery costs skyrocketing—some items increasing by 40% since last year and over 200% from pre-pandemic prices—Met Council distributed millions of pounds of free kosher-for-Passover food across 185 distribution sites in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. Working in partnership with local food pantries, synagogues, and community organizations, Met Council’s coordinated efforts helped struggling families access the essential foods needed for a proper Seder.