Community Corner

Asil Assaidi, a 22-year-old Bronx man, was arraigned last Friday on charges related to a chaotic and fiery car meetup along the Middle Village-Maspeth border. The incident, which took place on Saturday evening, April 18, saw Assaidi allegedly driving in circles and figure-eight patterns through rings of ignited liquid. The intersection of 69^th Street and Eliot Avenue was flooded with approximately 100 people and 50 vehicles when the stunts began. According to the criminal complaint, Assaidi performed multiple maneuvers through the flames, nearly striking pedestrians standing nearby. The location was particularly hazardous: The stunts occurred in close proximity to two gas stations.

On Wednesday, April 22, Yeshiva University welcomed Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Chairwoman of the House Republican Leadership for the 119^th Congress, for a special edition of Great Conversations with Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman. The series brings heads of state, policymakers, and global thought leaders into substantive engagement with the University’s president and has rapidly become a defining platform. Recent guests have included former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Argentinian President Javier Milei, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, and author and cultural commentator Douglas Murray.

Man Sentenced in Fatal Shooting of Detective Jonathan Diller in Far Rockaway

Guy Rivera was sentenced Monday to 115 years to life in prison for the 2024 fatal shooting of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller and the attempted murder of Sergeant Sasha Rosen. The 36-year-old was convicted earlier this month of aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon.

Blending mourning with resolve, the Queens Jewish Center marked Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days. Four local rabbis, a Jewish media leader, and more than 60 attendees honored the difficulties and sacrifices. Rabbi Dovid M. Cohen, CEO of The Algemeiner, a free online Jewish newspaper, was the keynote speaker. Cohen received s’michah from Yeshiva University and was a pulpit rabbi for 18 years in Manhattan, New Jersey, and the Five Towns.

Met Council is encouraging New Yorkers on Medicaid to find out whether they qualify for weekly glatt kosher groceries delivered directly to their homes through a newly available benefit. Many individuals and families may already be eligible for food and nutrition support as part of their Medicaid coverage but are not yet aware of it. Met Council is helping community members understand what benefits may be available to them and guiding them through a simple, respectful screening process.

For many professionals in the field of kosher certification, the annual OU Kashrus Conference is far more than a simple collegial gathering. It serves as a vital opportunity to learn about the latest industry developments and to connect with colleagues who understand the unique experiences and technical challenges of maintaining global standards. This year, the 32^nd annual event held at the Hilton Parsippany in New Jersey carried an added layer of historical significance. Attendees from around the world gathered to pay tribute to a leader who built and grew that community from its infancy. After 45 years of transformative leadership at the helm of OU Kosher, Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Menachem Genack will celebrate his retirement this summer.