By Elizabeth Weibel’s (Breitbart)

Hundreds of anti-Israel protesters gathered outside of Sen. Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) home in Brooklyn, calling for the United States to “stop arming Israel.”

Video footage posted to X showed what appeared to be hundreds of protesters gathered in the street outside of Schumer’s home for a “Seder in the Streets” on the second day of the Passover Jewish holiday.

#BREAKING MASS ARRESTS as hundreds blocked Brooklyn street outside Schumer home, during ‘Seder in the Streets’ as they chant “Stop Funding Genocide” their shirts reads “Jewish voices for peace” as they demand to stop arming Israel.

Video by @yyeeaahhhboiii2 [email protected]… pic.twitter.com/IiTBnAWR5i

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) April 24, 2024

A seder is a Passover holiday meal, which includes songs, stories, reading, and eating special foods, along with other traditions. For those who live in Israel, it is held on the first night of Passover, but for those outside of Israel, it is held on the first two nights of Passover.

#NOW Hundreds gathered for “Seder in the Streets” outside of Senator Schumer’s home, shutting down Brooklyn street and risking arrests for Gaza and demanding to “Stop Arming Israel”. pic.twitter.com/xmFaBB1ck5

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) April 23, 2024

Jewish protesters gathered outside of Schumer’s home were reportedly from groups such as the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) chapter in New York City, If Not Now, and the New York chapter of Jews for Racial & Economic Justice, according to a post on X by JVP NYC.

Protesters gathered were reportedly demanding that the U.S. stop sending weapons to Israel as it continues its war against Hamas.

BREAKING: Thousands of US Jews with @jvplive, @ifnotnoworg, and @jfrejnyc are holding an emergency Passover seder, shutting down the streets of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s home to demand he stop sending weapons to the Israeli government as it carries out a genocide.🧵 pic.twitter.com/IV932gshSg

— Jewish Voice for Peace NYC (@jvpliveNY) April 23, 2024

Officers from the New York Police Department were captured on video telling protesters outside of Schumer’s home that they were “blocking vehicular traffic” and would be arrested for disorderly conduct if they did not “move and get onto the sidewalk.”

Protesters could be heard chanting, “Stop Funding Genocide.”

In recent days, there has been an increase in anti-Israel protests occurring across the nation and on college campuses such as Columbia University, Yale University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The House of Representatives recently passed a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other humanitarian efforts.

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Columbia University has become the epicenter of escalating tensions due to recent anti-Israel protests that have spiraled into anti-Semitic incidents. The situation has grown so severe that a prominent rabbi at the university has issued a stark warning to Jewish students, advising them to leave campus for their safety, according to a report that appeared on Sunday in the New York Post.

Rabbi Elie Buechler, responding to the increasing hostilities, communicated directly with students via WhatsApp early Sunday. According to the information in the Post report, he expressed deep concern over their safety in light of the events, particularly following a night marked by virulent protests. One protester notably escalated the rhetoric by displaying a sign that ominously suggested that students displaying Israeli flags could be potential targets for Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization, the Post report added. The Rabbi stressed that the university’s Public Safety and the NYPD were unable to guarantee the safety of Jewish students under the current circumstances.

In response to the growing threat, Columbia University has offered Jewish students the option to continue their studies online. This move sheds a spotlight on the severity of the situation and the institution’s recognition of the dangers posed by the ongoing protests and their virulently anti-Semitic undertones.

The matter has caught the attention of higher authorities, including New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, who expressed his horror and disgust at the anti-Semitic sentiments circulating around the Columbia campus. On a social platform, Adams strongly condemned the hatred and reaffirmed the city’s intolerance towards such discrimination. The Post report said that he has directed the NYPD to take stringent actions against those violating laws, emphasizing that hate has no place in New York City.

In response to the unrest, Columbia University issued new guidelines aimed at protecting its students. The university announced that all schools and programs should offer remote learning options and, where possible, remote assessments, as was noted in the Post report. This measure is specifically designed to accommodate students who seek academic adjustments due to the ongoing campus activities, whether for religious reasons or other approved accommodations related to disabilities.

Jewish students gathered on campus to protest against anti-Semitism, waving Israeli flags and singing “One Day,” a peace anthem by Matisyahu. However, their peaceful protest was met with aggressive hate speech and threats of violence. The report in the Post said that according to a witness from Barnard College, a student intruded the rally wearing a keffiyeh and displaying a sign that ominously linked the protesters to potential targets of Hamas’s military wing, Al Kassam. This sign, captured in a video and posted on social media, pointed directly at the Jewish students, explicitly threatening them.

Also on Sunday, the Post reported that the campus of the New School in Manhattan became the latest site for escalating Middle East-related protests. Following closely in the footsteps of Columbia University, students at the New School have initiated a “Liberty Zone” encampment within the university’s Union Square campus. This new development is part of a broader wave of protests.

The New School’s University Center lobby on West 12th Street was swiftly transformed as around 20 students erected tents and displayed signs advocating for Palestinian solidarity. The group, known as New School Students for Justice in Palestine, utilized Instagram to rally support and call for immediate action.

By: Rob Otto

Albany legislators approved a record-breaking $237 billion state budget on Saturday, encompassing various measures, including an extension of Mayor Eric Adams’ oversight of New York City schools. This extension, lasting for two years, is accompanied by certain conditions for Mayor Adams. He must demonstrate that any additional state funds allocated for education are specifically utilized for city schools and not diverted elsewhere within the budget, NY Post reported.

State Senator John Liu, who leads on New York City schools in the upper chamber, emphasized the importance of mayoral accountability in education. He highlighted the necessity for a funded and actionable plan aimed at reducing class sizes over the next two years.

The budget also encompasses a comprehensive housing package designed to stimulate the construction of numerous new housing units. The goal is to alleviate rental costs and safeguard tenants from exploitative landlords. Additionally, measures are included to combat illegal cannabis dispensaries and retail theft.

Mayor Adams expressed satisfaction with the budget deal, asserting that all of his administration’s legislative priorities were successfully included. The United Federation of Teachers, representing many educators in New York City, advocated for greater accountability in education to ensure compliance with state laws regarding class sizes.

Furthermore, the budget introduces a 24th member to the Panel for Educational Policy, who will serve as its chairperson. The mayor will select the chair from three candidates nominated by the state Assembly, state Senate, and state schools chancellor.

Initially deemed improbable, the proposal to extend mayoral control of schools was revived shortly before the budget’s passage, indicating a last-minute change of heart among lawmakers. The aim is to imbue the Panel for Educational Policy with more autonomy and effectiveness.

Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to sign the budget, which also includes adjustments to the Tier 6 pension system for public employees. Under the new provisions, pension benefits will be calculated based on the average of the last three years of service, rather than the last five. Critics argue that this change will impose significant financial burdens on taxpayers over the coming decades.

Ken Girardin, Research Director at the Empire Center for Public Policy, expressed concern over the potential long-term costs associated with the pension system adjustments, cautioning against the financial strain it may impose on taxpayers.

Despite initial skepticism from lawmakers, the inclusion of measures such as the extension of mayoral control and adjustments to the pension system underscores the complexity and significance of the state budget. Governor Hochul’s imminent approval is anticipated, solidifying the implementation of these provisions in the coming fiscal year.

In addition to these measures, the budget also addresses concerns surrounding public employee pensions, introducing alterations to the Tier 6 system. Critics fear that these adjustments may burden taxpayers with substantial costs in the future, potentially exceeding $100 billion for New York State. Despite reservations from some lawmakers, the budget’s passage signifies a significant milestone in New York’s fiscal policy landscape.

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Archie Gottesman, renowned for her sharp-witted billboard campaigns for Manhattan Mini Storage, is channeling her advertising prowess into a cause that hits close to home—combating the rise in anti-Semitism. According to a report on Friday in The New York Post, the 60-year-old Manhattanite, famed for her sardonic slogans that have long colored the New York skyline, is now the creative force behind the JewBelong campaign’s bold and controversial billboards that have sparked both support and backlash across the nation.

Gottesman, a mother of three, gained notoriety through her work at Manhattan Mini Storage, where her clever and often cheeky taglines captured the city’s imagination. However, the Post report indicated that recent global events, including the significant uptick in anti-Semitic incidents following the Hamas led October 7th attacks, have steered her professional skills in a new direction. Disturbed by the increasing animosity toward Jews worldwide, Gottesman felt compelled to use her advertising acumen for advocacy, the report added.

The JewBelong campaign has been marked by its audacious approach to addressing hate. With approximately 500 billboards planted across the country, the campaign employs provocative slogans such as “Oh, don’t be naive. Hamas would chop your head off too,” aiming to jolt passersby into awareness and action, according to the information provided in the Post report. These billboards have not been without controversy, drawing criticism and acts of vandalism, yet Gottesman remains steadfast, undeterred by the hostility her work has attracted.

Gottesman’s transition from promoting storage solutions to advocating for what she calls “joyous Judaism” is a testament to her belief in the power of outdoor advertising to influence public opinion and spark dialogue. “I know my way around a billboard and I know that outdoor advertising works,” Gottesman told the Post, emphasizing that the skills required to sell commercial space are akin to those needed to promote cultural and social awareness.

The impact of the JewBelong billboards is palpable, as they bring the issues of anti-Semitism into the open, confronting societal prejudices head-on. However, Gottesman is no stranger to the vitriol that her campaign has ignited. “I’m surprised by the vitriol and anger – it’s insane seeing how much hate there is out there,” she confessed to the Post.

Across the United States, from Louisville, Kentucky, to Berkeley, California, JewBelong’s billboards have sparked significant backlash, including acts of vandalism.

Since its inception in 2017, JewBelong’s billboards have been installed in strategically diverse locations to maximize their impact, aiming to promote awareness and provoke thought about anti-Semitism and its contemporary implications, as was noted in the Post report. Unfortunately, some of these billboards have been targets of anti-Israel vandalism, a testament to the contentious nature of their messages. For instance, a billboard in Louisville stating, “Let’s be clear: Hamas is your problem too,” was defaced, a clear indicator of how heated the public discourse can become around such issues.

The situation was similar in Washington D.C., where a sign posited, “Can a billboard end anti-Semitism? No. But you’re not a billboard,” only to be vandalized. Perhaps more disturbingly, in Berkeley, a billboard that read, “We’re just 78 years since the gas chambers. So no, a billboard calling out Jew hate is not an overreaction,” was sprayed over with graffiti supporting Hamas, showcasing the stark and troubling opposition that such messages can evoke, as was detailed in the Post report.

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The usually tranquil Hamptons, a coveted seaside escape known for its quiet charm, is currently at the center of a contentious debate involving residents and a proposed expansion by Zero Bond, a prestigious, members-only club from Manhattan, as was reported on Friday in The New York Post. The club, frequented by notable celebrities and figures including Mayor Eric Adams, is exploring the possibility of opening a new venue at the historic Hedges Inn in East Hampton, sparking concerns among local residents about the potential disruption to their peaceful community.

Zero Bond, a well-known hotspot in Manhattan’s Noho neighborhood, has garnered attention for its celebrity patrons such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Elon Musk, Tom Brady, and Taylor Swift, according to the information provided in the Post report. The club’s management is in discussions with the owner of the Hedges Inn—a quaint and centuries-old bed and breakfast located by a picturesque pond—to lease the property. Although no formal agreement has been finalized, the talks alone have been enough to alarm residents about the future of their neighborhood.

The primary concerns expressed by the residents center around the potential for increased noise, traffic, and general disruption that a nightlife-oriented venue like Zero Bond could bring to their quiet community. As per the Post report, residents fear that the establishment of such a club could lead to a constant flow of idling vehicles, including Ubers and other ride-sharing services, along with the associated noise from car doors and diners. Furthermore, the presence of paparazzi trying to catch a glimpse of celebrity guests could significantly alter the character of the area.

East Hampton Mayor Jerry Larsen has vocally criticized the proposed plan, labeling it as a move driven by greed and suggesting that the owner of the Hedges Inn should reconsider the impact on the community, the Post report noted. His sentiments are echoed by many in East Hampton, who feel that such a development would be out of step with the village’s historical and cultural ethos.

In response to these concerns, the village is considering legislation that would prevent the operation of a social club serving food and drinks within the historic zone from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m, as was pointed out in the Post report. This legislative effort is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the nighttime tranquility and heritage of the area.

However, this has sparked a legal debate about the extent of municipal powers over businesses that sell alcohol. The Post report said that a representative for Zero Bond argued that the proposed restrictions might be overly broad and unconstitutional, suggesting that the town might not have the authority to enforce early closing times on establishments like bars and restaurants.

The East Hampton Village Civic Coalition has been particularly active in rallying the community to oppose the club’s opening. They have utilized social media platforms, such as Facebook, to organize and inform residents. Indicated in the Post report was that the group has emphasized the importance of community engagement, urging residents to attend a hearing about the proposed legislation, calling attention to the hearing as a critical opportunity to influence the decision and preserve the integrity of the village.

The opposition from local residents is multifaceted, touching on issues of exclusivity, accessibility, and the preservation of the community’s character.

By: Hal C Clarke

Fred Neulander, aged 82, was discovered unresponsive in the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton and later pronounced dead at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.

Neulander, the founder of Congregation M’kor Shalom Reform Jewish synagogue in Cherry Hill, was involved in a notorious murder case from three decades ago, NY POST reported.

His wife, Carol Neulander, co-founder of the popular bakery Classic Cakes, was found bludgeoned to death in their home in 1994. Initially staged as a botched robbery, the investigation later revealed Neulander’s involvement in orchestrating her murder.

The motive? Neulander sought to continue his extramarital affair with Philadelphia radio personality Elaine Soncini. He allegedly paid hitmen $30,000 to carry out the crime, fearing divorce would tarnish his reputation within the community.

During trial proceedings, witnesses, including Soncini and Neulander’s own children, testified against him, corroborating his involvement in Carol’s murder. Despite a hung jury in the first trial, Neulander was eventually convicted and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.

The case garnered significant media attention, leading to adaptations in books, documentaries, and even a musical. While Neulander’s accomplices were released from prison in 2014, his conviction stood firm, with an unsuccessful attempt to overturn it in 2016.

Reflecting on Neulander’s legacy, Rabbi Jannifer Frenkel of Congregation Kol Ami, the successor of M’kor Shalom, emphasized the congregation’s focus on the future, distancing themselves from Neulander’s actions and values.

Fred Neulander’s death marks the end of a chapter in a tale of betrayal and tragedy that shook the Cherry Hill community and reverberated throughout the nation. His demise in prison raises questions about justice, redemption, and the enduring impact of his crimes on those he left behind.

Born in 1939, Neulander grew to become a prominent figure in the Jewish community, founding Congregation M’kor Shalom in 1974. His involvement in various charitable and religious endeavors earned him respect and admiration among his peers. However, beneath the veneer of piety lay a darker reality of deceit and moral bankruptcy.

The murder of Carol Neulander sent shockwaves through Cherry Hill and beyond. The carefully orchestrated plot to eliminate his wife, fueled by lust and greed, shattered the illusion of marital bliss and exposed the depths of human depravity. Neulander’s callous disregard for human life and the sanctity of marriage appalled all who followed the case.

Despite attempts to portray himself as a pillar of the community, Neulander’s true nature was laid bare during the trial. Testimony from witnesses painted a damning picture of a man consumed by his desires, willing to resort to murder to satisfy them. The revelation of his affair with Elaine Soncini further tarnished his reputation and left a stain on his legacy that would never fade.

In the years following his conviction, Neulander languished in prison, his once-influential voice silenced by the walls of his cell. While justice was served for Carol Neulander and her family, the scars left by her untimely death would never fully heal. As Fred Neulander takes his final breath, his passing serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the consequences of succumbing to temptation.

By: Rob Otto

In a recent development, City Schools Chancellor David Banks has issued a stern reprimand directed at the Brooklyn Parent Council for what he deems as a failure in effectively conducting its business. The controversy centers around the promotion of a citywide student walkout organized to protest the Israel-Hamas conflict, according to exclusive information obtained by NY The Post.

Chancellor Banks directly accused Tajh Sutton, President of Community Education Council 14, of violating multiple state laws, including one that could potentially result in her permanent removal from serving on any citywide board. In a scathing three-page letter addressed to Sutton, Banks criticized the council’s leadership under her direction, alleging selective representation of the district’s parent community and obstruction of attendance and participation at meetings.

The council, notably, has faced criticism for allegedly blocking Jewish parents from its meetings and social media platforms. A particular incident of concern revolves around the support provided by Sutton to James Parra, a paraprofessional at Brooklyn Arbor Elementary School. Parra’s vocal pro-Palestine, Hamas loving views sparked controversy, with his social media posts labeling Israel as a “racist” and “terrorist” state, alongside derogatory remarks about Zionism.

Banks condemned Sutton’s actions as “highly inappropriate” and lacking relevance to the duties of the Community Education Council. During a virtual meeting of CEC 14, despite orders to hold in-person sessions in compliance with state law, Parra directed a tirade towards District 14 Superintendent David Cintron, branding him a “spineless coward” and concluding with a profanity-laden declaration of solidarity with Palestine.

In response, Sutton expressed support for Parra, further escalating tensions within the council. Adding to the controversy, Sutton faced a notice of guilt for violating Chancellor’s Regulation D-210, which prohibits harassment and discrimination, due to her advocacy for a pro-Palestine student walkout in November. She now has the opportunity to participate in a conciliation process before any final action is taken.

In another development, Maud Maron, a member of the Community Education Council in District 2, found herself entangled in controversy this week. Maron was issued a notice for violating Chancellor’s Regulation D-210, which prohibits harassment and discrimination, after her comments to The Post regarding an anonymous student editorial in Stuyvesant High School’s newspaper. The editorial had sparked criticism for its perceived antisemitic content.

Maron’s remark, suggesting the byline should read “coward” instead of “anonymous” and condemning the editorial for what she termed “ignorance and Jew hatred,” led to the directive for her to refrain from making derogatory or offensive remarks about any New York City public school student.

The situation with Maron is compounded by another pending complaint, alleging disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ community made in a private chat group. Maron’s purported comments denying the existence of transgender children and dismissing the concept of transitioning have stirred outrage, prompting scrutiny of her conduct both within and outside of official council duties.

Despite facing censure, Maron remains steadfast in her convictions, asserting her right to express opinions in both private and public forums without fear of reprisal from the Department of Education. These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding respectful dialogue within educational leadership circles.

Edited by: TJVNews.com

New York City is set to welcome a new architectural marvel into its iconic skyline—a multi-billion-dollar office tower at 350 Park Avenue, a project that promises to reshape the urban landscape and bolster the city’s economic vitality, according to a recently published report on CNN. Announced by Mayor Eric Adams, this ambitious development is poised to add not only a stunning visual element to the cityscape but also significant commercial and public space.

The proposed tower will rise to 62 stories, integrating seamlessly with the celebrated profiles of the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Flatiron Building. According to the information provided in the CNN report, unlike its famous predecessors, which feature Art Deco crowns, limestone, and granite facades, this new structure will be distinguished by its modern, all-glass façade, offering floor-to-ceiling windows that promise breathtaking views of the city.

The project, funded by Vornado Realty Trust, Kenneth Griffin—the founder and CEO of the global investment firm Citadel—and building and management company Rudin, is expected to generate more than 6,000 jobs, revitalizing the local job market, as per the CNN report. Furthermore, it will provide 1.8 million square feet of commercial office space, much of it destined to become the new home for Citadel and its market-making firm, Citadel Securities. This significant addition to New York’s commercial real estate market calls attention to the city’s ongoing appeal as a global business hub.

One of the standout features of the new tower at 350 Park Avenue will be its approach to public space. The design includes a grand public concourse at the building’s base, framed by striking white columns. This area will feature ample green space, seating, and art displays, transforming it into a vibrant communal area for residents and visitors alike, according to the CNN report. Above, landscaped terraces will crown each section of the building, adding a touch of greenery to the urban environment and enhancing the aesthetic and environmental quality of the midtown area.

In his announcement, Mayor Eric Adams lauded the project, emphasizing its potential to “supercharge our economy and expand New York City’s iconic skyline,” as was referenced in the report on CNN. The mayor’s vision for the tower extends beyond its architectural and economic benefits; it is seen as a cornerstone in the broader effort to energize Midtown Manhattan, reinforcing its status as a premier business address and an economic engine for the region.

The new tower, designed by Foster + Partners, is expected to bring a contemporary aesthetic to the city’s architectural landscape while harmonizing with the historical and cultural significance of its Midtown surroundings, the CNN report noted. The building’s design focuses on sustainability and modernity, aiming to set new standards in urban office space. Its strategic placement near major landmarks will further integrate it into the fabric of New York City’s rich architectural heritage.

The announcement of the new tower comes at a critical time for New York City, which is still grappling with the economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. The city’s administration, including Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, has expressed optimism that this project will mark a significant step in Midtown Manhattan’s recovery.

By: Mario Mancini

In the heart of downtown, a solemn yet poignant exhibit has emerged, a testament to tragedy and resilience. With a haunting display of battered shoes, recovered cell phones echoing frantic messages to loved ones, and immersive video installations capturing the confusion and terror of the day, the new downtown exhibit commemorating the Oct. 7 Nova music festival massacre invokes memories akin to the solemnity of the 9/11 Memorial and the somber reflection of Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum.

“It’s not an exhibition about Nova. It is Nova — we want them to feel — to feel the journey, the light in their hearts before” the attack, Feingold emphasized, highlighting the essence of the experience.

. Co-founder Ofir Amir, still bearing the physical scars of the attack, expressed the exhibition’s purpose: to honor the 370 souls lost to the violence orchestrated by Hamas.

Thousands of artifacts, ranging from burnt-out cars to bullet-pierced port-o-potties, were painstakingly assembled to recreate the harrowing scenes of the attack. Each item serves as a poignant reminder of how moments of peace were shattered by the onslaught of rockets.

“This wasn’t a terror attack. This was something much bigger – it’s biblical,” Amir remarked, underscoring the magnitude of the tragedy and the ongoing struggle for survival.

Reut Feingold, the exhibit’s creator, director, and writer, sought to transport visitors back to the festival’s joyous atmosphere before the invasion. Survivor Natalie Sanandaji and Nova Foundation Chairman Reef Peretz stand in the exhibit’s “healing room,” where the words “we will dance again” offer a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.

“It’s not an exhibition about Nova. It is Nova — we want them to feel — to feel the journey, the light in their hearts before” the attack, Feingold emphasized, highlighting the essence of the experience.

Throughout the exhibit, signs and videos recount the randomness that determined life or death on that fateful day. The violence unleashed on the music festival is depicted with unflinching honesty, as one rescue volunteer recalled the gruesome discovery of bodies burned beyond recognition.

Visitors with shell-shocked expressions traverse the dimly lit 50,000-square-foot space, culminating in a luminous healing tent and lighthouse, symbolizing the resilience and the collective determination to overcome tragedy with the rallying cry, “We will dance again.”

Tickets, starting at $1, offer access to the exhibit, with options to contribute additional donations to support survivors and their families. In this space of remembrance and reflection, the Nova music festival lives on, not just as a tragic event but as a testament to the human spirit’s enduring strength in the face of adversity.