Dear Editor:
Many of you may have noticed recent changes implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOT) along Main Street in Kew Gardens Hills. Unfortunately, these changes were made without local input, without consultation with elected officials, and without meaningful conversations with the small businesses that are now facing significant impacts.
A specific example is the new truck loading zone sign placed in front of Wasserman, removing 3 to 4 parking spaces. These spaces were crucial for seniors and individuals with disabilities, providing them with easy access to kosher groceries. Wasserman already has its own loading zone, and they did not request this change, which is clearly not what the community wants or needs. This sentiment is evident in the dozens of calls my office has received from concerned constituents.
Good governance should be collaborative and responsive to the very communities it is meant to serve. This is not an example of good governance. I am a New York State official, and while my jurisdiction is at the state level, my foremost responsibility is to be a voice for my community – to ensure that both state and city government agencies hear the concerns of residents and are working effectively. To that end, I will continue to push DOT and City government to reverse course and heed community concerns.
My role as a local representative is not to just hear the concerns of the constituents who voted for me, but to represent all 130,000 of my constituents to the best of my ability. No matter the issue, I am here to address your concerns. Email me anytime at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., because my job is to work for you.
Assemblymember Sam Berger
Support Our Local Stores
Dear Editor:
I am writing to bring attention to an issue that directly impacts our local businesses, particularly our neighborhood flower shop. For years, we’ve seen “pop-up” flower stands appear on street corners. While I don’t know whether these stands are operating legally or not, I do know that there is a hardworking florist right here in our community who runs a brick-and-mortar shop, pays rent and taxes, and contributes to the vibrancy of our neighborhood.
Supporting local businesses should be a priority for all of us. When we buy from our local sellers, we help sustain jobs, invest in the community, and ensure that these businesses remain here for years to come. Recently, I witnessed a couple of young girls purchasing flowers from the corner, and I took the opportunity to encourage them to purchase from our local shop.
I urge all members of our community to think about where their dollars are going. While the pop-up shops may be convenient, it’s our neighborhood businesses that are the backbone of the community. By supporting them, we ensure that they thrive and continue serving us in the long term.
Let’s keep our dollars local and support the people who are invested in the future of our community.
Sorolle Idels
Senile Old Man Gets The Last Laugh?
Dear Editor:
Donald Trump is on the verge of winning the election. The polls are looking favorable for him, and it appears the only way he loses now is if the Democrats can pull off a cheating scheme greater than the election rule changes, the overnight ballot surge, and the Hunter laptop blackout scam they pulled off in 2020. Tarring Trump as the next Hitler appears to be the only strategy now for Kamala Harris.
While this might have worked as an adjunct to another, more substantive issue for Harris, using it as the only issue while running a substance-free campaign appears to be a failure.
Ironically, the other key ingredient to Trump’s ascension in the polls appears to be the action taken by Joe Biden back in July. After Pelosi and Obama orchestrated their coup (Democrat-style “democracy” at its finest) and Biden announced his withdrawal, Pelosi and Obama likely high-fived at the news and began preparing for an open contest to see who would be the party’s new nominee for President. What they did not count on was what happened the very next day: Joe Biden exacted his revenge at being thrown overboard and endorsed Kamala Harris as his successor for President.
There is no one, on or off-record, who has stated that Biden has any warm feelings or frankly any respect for Harris as a politician. To this day, he still believes (and rightly so) that he is the stronger candidate. Biden’s endorsement was only about one thing: Revenge! Once Biden endorsed Kamala for President, he tied the hands of all the orchestrators of his coup and they had no choice but to run with the woefully inept, DEI pick in Harris.
If Trump wins the election next week, he should send a thank you card to Biden as the senile old man appears to have gotten the last laugh on all the Democratic Party operatives who cast him aside like yesterday’s trash back in July.
Jason Stark
Dear Editor:
While national politics dominate coverage in an election year like 2024, we must not overlook the significant impact of state and local policies on our daily lives. We hear every election, but this time it’s no exaggeration: This one matters more than ever. My record speaks for itself: I have never backed down from a fight, and I’ve consistently stood up for my Jewish constituents.
Long before the horrific attack of October 7, I, along with four other Senators, formed the New York State Anti-Semitism Working Group, with a long-term goal of crafting legislation to address the ever-increasing level of anti-Semitism. As part of our initiative, we held roundtable discussions in Nassau and Rockland counties, bringing together community leaders, law enforcement, educators, and the Jewish community to craft legislation against rising anti-Semitism. These talks led to a comprehensive legislative package, including $100 million to fight hate crimes, mandatory anti-Semitism prevention training and reporting on campuses, loss of funding for higher education institutions who fail to comply, penalties for students engaging in anti-Semitic behavior, and criminalizing the vandalism of pro-Israel materials. Despite our calls for action, the Governor and legislative supermajorities failed to move on these critical measures.
It’s alarming that some far-left members of the State Legislature refuse to support Israel, instead echoing pro-terror narratives. By opposing Israel’s right to self-defense and minimizing the threat of groups like Hamas, they not only betray a key ally but also embolden those who seek Israel’s destruction. This dangerous stance shows a blatant disregard for Israeli safety and democratic values. I’m particularly concerned by the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America within the State Senate and Assembly, who push anti-Semitic legislation like the “Not On Our Dime Act” and advocate for protections for those harassing Jews, especially on college campuses. Additionally, some Albany policymakers are targeting Jewish communities by attempting to control private school curricula.
I didn’t just talk about combating anti-Semitism – I did something about it. While some politicians make excuses, I’ve been delivering results and holding those who hate accountable.
I’m not afraid to go toe-to-toe with anyone who stands in the way of safety and security for our Jewish community and will continue to do so. This year more than ever, it is important to vote for candidates who will support our Jewish communities.
Sincerely,
Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
State Senator, District 9
Dear Editor:
We are now in the middle of early voting in New York with Election Day right around the corner. The Jewish community must come out in strong numbers against Kamala Harris, and here’s why. Last week at a rally, she agreed in the affirmative after a rallygoer screamed that Israel is committing genocide. She is accusing Israel, Jews, of a blood libel in Gaza. She continues to demonstrate her hatred of the State of Israel and her anti-Semitism against the Jewish people. This was not even the most outrageous thing she did last week.
Kamala Harris had the absolute audacity to compare President Trump to Hitler. I guess some need a reminder of just a few things that heinous man was responsible for. [The Nazis] rounded up Jews at gunpoint and had them physically removed from their property. Shuls were ransacked and siddurim and Torahs were burned. Men had their beards shaved off. Jews were shot to death at point-blank range into mass graves. Jews were burned alive in crematoria; they were gassed to death in showers. Anyone who had a relative who was murdered by the Nazis should be irate at such a statement. Anyone who is the descendant of a holy Jew with a number tattooed permanently on his or her arm should be outraged.
Donald Trump has a Jewish daughter. His grandkids go to yeshivah. For anyone to dare compare him to one of history’s most evil men is grotesque. Clearly, it’s propaganda and is being used to instill fear in the electorate’s eyes. We already had four years of his presidency, and it certainly wasn’t any of that!
We just finished the holidays of Sukkos, Sh’mini Atzeres, and Simchas Torah. We had meals and bonded with our families. We said Yizkor on Sh’mini Atzeres for those no longer with us. We took our children and grandchildren under the talis for the Kol HaN’arim aliyah on Simchas Torah. The Jewish religion values family and our Mesorah – our tradition getting passed down from one generation to another. How can any of us go and vote for a candidate who is obsessed with abortion and killing babies? It’s not an issue anymore. States are making their own laws and even The New York Times is reporting that there are more abortions being performed in the United States post-Dobbs than ever before.
Remember: Every down ballot candidate has the same agenda as Kamala Harris. Please go out and vote. For our country. For Israel and for am Yisrael.
Shalom Markowitz
Dear Editor:
Beware of all the promises of goodies, or as I call them Halloween tricks and treats, promised by candidates running for public office. TINSTAFL – “There is no such thing as a free lunch,” or in this case new government program offering benefits to you. Taxpayers always end up picking up the tab. A good reason why politicians should be changed as often as diapers is because most are full of you know what! Remember this on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, before voting.
Sincerely,
Larry Penner
Great Neck, New York
Hebrew Mastery
Dear Editor:
I know. You’re thinking, Oh, no, another “When I was in Israel” story. First, let’s start with my mastery (or lack of it) of oral Hebrew. I guess if I had met Avraham Avinu on the street, we would have had an interesting conversation. However, in the mall (my home away from home), things were different. The salesgirl spoke no English and asked me what “midah” I wanted. Naturally, since it was around Yom Kippur, I answered, “Rachamim.” My ten-year-old grandson rolled his eyes and explained that midah meant size.
Then, I was in Tel Aviv, where I was moved by Hostage Square. I understood what the signs and graffiti referring to Bibi meant. Afterwards, I decided to go to The Tel Aviv Museum (I know, you’re wondering what I’m doing in a museum). In truth, I know a little about Impressionist Art, so after viewing some paintings, I naturally asked where the “chanut” was. I got some puzzled looks, but I found the gift shop on my own, thanks to my shopping radar. I bought ten Van Gogh “Iris” placemats and was proud of myself. Of course, instead of giving them as gifts, I’ll probably keep them for myself.
After that, I had to leave the museum. I got that “Y’tziah” means exit, but since there are at least ten of them, I needed the front exit, but I forgot how to say “front,” and the guard looked at me like I was crazy since I was waving my arms like an octopus. Finally, I figured things out and, being an ESL teacher, I understood what being an HSL student is like!
Debbie Horowitz
The Lies of the Democrats –
Part 1
Dear Editor:
I would like to respond to David Pecoraro, Warren Hecht, and all the other liberals out there who support Harris/Walz. Pecoraro stated that we should support the “highly qualified” team of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Qualified for what? As I shall set forth below, they are “qualified” to destroy this country and promote anti-Semitism with their vicious lies.
Lie #1: Vance said that school shootings are a fact of life. What Vance actually said was that we need increased security in schools, which should include armed guards. He further stated that without this protection, it is a fact of life that schools will be targeted.
Lie #2: Crime has dropped to record lows under Biden/Harris. This statement is false. This statistic was put out by bureaucrats who deliberately did not include the crimes in inner cities.
Lie #3: Trump said that he will implement Project 2025. Actually, Trump said that he doesn’t know what is written in Project 2025. He furthermore stated that his views are moderate and that he would never consider any radical ideas whether they are written in Project 2025 or anywhere else. It is actually the Kamala/Walz team that wants to implement radical ideas. They want to tax unrealized capital gains, open the border, defund the police, put tampons in men’s bathrooms, and have surgical gender-change operations performed on children without a parent’s consent.
Lie #4: The US Supreme Court is a radical right-wing group masquerading as justices. This inflammatory statement should be condemned by everyone. Pecoraro should be ashamed of himself for having the temerity to support this preposterous statement. The Supreme Court is made up of three staunch conservatives and three radical liberals. The other three justices are moderates who sometimes side with the Dems and sometimes with the Republicans. The fact that SCOTUS limited the power of unhinged prosecutors to go after former presidents is a good thing, not a bad one.
Lie#5: Trump would use the DOJ to go after his political enemies. The opposite is true. It is the Biden/Harris DOJ that has gone after Trump and interfered with the election.
The Biden/Harris DOJ is now suing to prevent Virginia from taking illegal aliens from the voting rolls that is open under Harris.
As I have stated on multiple occasions, our legal system is in shambles. The Democrats have used weaponized legalization to go after political opponents.
There are more lies to speak about, but this is a start.
Martin Berkowitz
Dear Editor:
I warn every person that Harris/Walz will try to slit Israel’s throat and fan the flames of anti-Semitism. During a Harris campaign stop, a Hamas supporter shouted that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Kamala replied, “it is real.” Anyone who supports a blood libel against the Jews and Israel is not fit to be president.
Kamala/Walz wants to rebuild Hamas and Hezbollah and tie Israel’s hands to defend itself. By their support for AOC and the “Squad,” they are indicating that they support anti-Semitism.
Case in point: An Orthodox Jew was shot in Chicago by an illegal immigrant who shouted “Allah akhbar.” This terrorist was not charged with a hate crime. Apparently, it is acceptable to murder Jews.
Kamala has also voiced support for anti-Semitic protesters who want to attack Jews. Harris has also indicated that she intends to continue supporting Iran by easing sanctions.
There is nothing as urgent as supporting Donald Trump. He is the candidate who has done great things for Israel and the Jewish people.
Eric Rubin
Dear Editor:
We are just a few days away from an election where we face the stark choice between one candidate who has openly stated that he would be a dictator (Trump) and one who hasn’t (Vice President Harris).
As a Jewish American, I viscerally fear a second Trump term. Former Anti-Defamation National Director Abraham Foxman has stated, “I believe this upcoming election is the most consequential vote Jewish Americans will cast, perhaps in their lifetimes...” He continued, “Trump’s Project 2025 is a fully developed policy agenda that will endanger our democracy, and therefore the Jewish community. It is clear that, in a second Trump term, there will be no guardrails when it comes to the consolidation of autocratic executive power. I was a Jewish child living under a charismatic dictator who used hatred and division to consolidate power.”
Trump’s lies about hurricane relief efforts have resulted in the Jewish mayor of Asheville, North Carolina, Esther Manheimer, receiving anti-Semitic comments and threats. FEMA officials have been threatened at gunpoint because of those lies.
Then Trump held a staged event at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. The franchise owner of this McDonald’s has been fighting against raising the minimum wage; it has been the site of protests in the past for working conditions. He couldn’t even properly answer the simple question of whether he thinks the minimum wage should be raised.
Over 235 doctors and medical professionals recently wrote that Trump is showing “alarming characteristics of declining acuity.” The Republicans of the Lincoln Project in a recent ad described Trump as “weak, impotent, forgetful, mentally declining fast.” Meanwhile, John Gartner, a psychologist and former professor at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, argues that Trump is “showing unmistakable signs strongly suggesting dementia.” It is clear from the fatigue Trump has exhibited by repeatedly canceling interviews (though he has agreed to speak with a Saudi broadcaster), his slurring of words, his repeated angry outbursts, and his inability to answer voter questions that he is not up to serving as President for four years.
In closing, being a Republican voting for Kamala Harris doesn’t make you a Democrat like me. It makes you a patriot like your fellow Republicans Dick and Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, former Senator Nancy Landen Kassebaum (whose dad lost to FDR), former Bush Attorney General Gonzales, former Reagan and H.W. Bush FBI/CIA Director William Webster (who wrote in a letter, “We expect to disagree with Kamala Harris on many domestic and foreign policy issues, but we believe that she possesses the essential qualities to serve as President and Donald Trump does not. We therefore support her election to be president”), Georgia Lt. Governor Duncan, Mesa Arizona Mayor Giles, and over 200 members of Trump’s first term, plus both Bushes and Reagan appointees and Romney and McCain teams (including McCain’s wife and son), who have all put country before party.
David S. Pecoraro
Former Vice President
Rosedale Jewish Center
