NYS Assemblyman Aron Wieder has announced his resignation from the Rockland County Legislature, effective immediately. Wieder, who was elected to represent the 97th Assembly District in the November 2024 election, has decided it is the right time to step down after making significant progress on key projects. “Serving the voters of District 13 in Spring Valley has been an honor, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me over the past 13 years,” Wieder said. “I’m especially proud of my work on pedestrian safety and infrastructure projects, which are now well underway.” Wieder highlighted the completion of the pedestrian safety initiative, a $30 million project to add sidewalks on county roads, as the key reason for his decision to resign.

As Monsey’s community continues to expand into neighboring towns, Chaverim of Rockland is rising to meet the growing demand for its critical services. This week, the organization welcomed 21 new volunteers to its ranks, reflecting its commitment to serving the broader region. Some of these new members hail from the burgeoning communities of Haverstraw, Chestnut Ridge (on the New Jersey border), Airmont, Montebello, New Hempstead, Pomona, New City, Stony Point, and other locations. Chaverim of Rockland has long been a pillar of support for residents, earning its reputation as the backbone of the Monsey area. With a dedicated team of 200 volunteers, the organization operates 24/7, responding to emergencies and providing vital assistance at all hours.

Deputy Mayor Joseph Gross of Spring Valley narrowly survived unharmed in a serious accident on Sunday afternoon when his vehicle veered off NY-17 near Exit 114. The car plunged down a steep embankment, overturning multiple times before coming to a stop. Bichasdei Hashem, Gross walked away from the crash without injury. Dashcam footage of the incident shows the shocking sequence of events. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

On the opening day of New York State’s legislative session, newly elected Assemblyman Aron Wieder of the 97th District was officially sworn into office, marking the beginning of his term as a representative for Rockland County. Following the swearing-in, Wieder embraced the opportunity to connect with fellow lawmakers on the Assembly floor, fostering relationships across party lines. During his first walk around the chamber, Wieder struck up a conversation with Republican Assemblyman Scott Bendett, who introduced himself with a touch of humor as a “Jewbilly,” describing himself as a Jewish hillbilly living in the countryside. The friendly exchange quickly evolved into a deeper discussion about Jewish traditions.

YWN regrets to inform you of the Petira of the Viznitzer Rebbetzin of Monsey, Rebbetzin Miriam Hager A”H, at the age of 72. She was Niftar on Wednesday morning at Mount Sinai Hospital. Rebbetzin Hager A”H, a pillar of the Monsey community, was the daughter of Harav Eluzer Meisels of Uhel ZT”L. She was part of a distinguished family, with three brothers serving as Admorim and Rabbonim, and two sisters as respected Rebbetzins. Despite battling multiple sclerosis for more than 25 years, Rebbetzin Hager exemplified unwavering devotion and strength. She attended shul and family simchas with remarkable Mesiras Nefesh, inspiring countless individuals with her resilience and faith. The Rebbetzin leaves behind a legacy of dedication to her family and community.

On Monday evening, Aron Wieder was officially sworn in as a New York State Assemblyman during a ceremony held at Rockland Community College. The event drew a large crowd of elected officials, dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and local residents who came to celebrate this significant milestone. Rockland County District Attorney and former judge Tom Walsh administered the oath of office, marking the beginning of Wieder’s tenure as a representative in the state legislature. The ceremony, emceed by David Greenfield, CEO of Met Council and a former elected official, was a celebration of Wieder’s dedication to public service.

Early Sunday morning, Chaverim of Rockland’s highly trained Search & Rescue teams sprang into action after receiving an urgent call about an injured hiker at Harriman State Park. The hiker had slipped on icy terrain, fracturing an ankle and enduring significant pain while stranded on a sheet of ice for an extended period. NYS Forest Rangers and NYS Park Police were promptly notified and joined the operation. Upon arrival, the Chaverim teams demonstrated their expertise, quickly stabilizing the hiker’s injury and providing necessary warmth to counter the freezing conditions. Using a specialized hiking stretcher, they carefully secured the hiker for transport out of the rugged terrain.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary findings on the December 12th plane crash that resulted in the tragic death of Monsey resident Yankel Friedman z”l, and injuries to the pilot. The small plane, which took off from Linden Airport in New Jersey at 6:09 p.m., was bound for Albany, New York. However, at 6:26 p.m., one of the pilots reported engine trouble and requested to divert to Westchester County Airport. Moments later, the pilot indicated the engine appeared to recover after switching fuel tanks. Despite this, at 6:42 p.m., the pilot again reported engine failure and aimed for runway 16 at Westchester. Surveillance footage captured the plane making a steep turn over Interstate 684, climbing briefly, then descending rapidly.

Chaverim of Rockland, has broken its own record by responding to an astonishing 64,135 calls throughout the year 2024. Chaverim of Rockland, an essential lifeline for residents in the area, boasts an impressive team of 180 dedicated volunteers who tirelessly respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day. Furthermore, the organization’s operations are made possible by an additional 30 skilled dispatchers who ensure that assistance is just a call away, covering shifts around the clock. In comparison to the previous year, 2023, when Chaverim of Rockland responded to a still-impressive 53.003 calls, this year’s total of 64,135 marks a substantial increase of 11,132 calls.

On the fourth day of Chanukah, the Monsey community gathered for a monumental and spiritually uplifting event at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim (Scheiner’s Shul). The occasion marked the joyous welcoming of two new Sifrei Torah into the shul’s premises. This event was dedicated לעילוי נשמת the esteemed Rebbetzin Zipporah Malka A”H, the grandmother of Philanthropist Reb Lazer Scheiner, as well as Reb Tzvi HaKohen Kogan HY”D, the Chabad Shlaich tragically kidnapped and murdered in Dubai while spreading the light of Torah and mitzvos. The event served as a poignant tribute, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire the community and beyond.