News

The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 2,500 traditional, Orthodox rabbis in American public policy, applauded the formal Notice of Violation from the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) against Harvard University. The OCR concluded that Harvard permitted a hostile environment to persist on campus marked by anti-Semitic threats, intimidation, and violence, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The finding follows a 19-month investigation and underscores the university’s failure to protect Jewish students from discrimination and harassment.

In this week’s parshah, Parshas Chukas, we encounter a significant event in the life of Moshe and the Jewish People during their journey in the Midbar. It begins with the death of Moshe’s sister, Miriam. Miriam had been a source of inspiration and leadership among klal Yisrael, and her passing marked a moment of mourning and loss for the community.

Though we are a local newspaper rooted in the vibrant neighborhoods of Queens, the turmoil unfolding across the globe has reached our doorsteps — and touched our hearts — in deeply personal ways.

I first learned about Yehonatan “Yoni” Asayag through a group email sent by the Forest Hills Jewish Center. The message referenced his involvement in a presentation by Purple Fox, an organization run by Special Forces soldiers that provides support to families of fallen IDF soldiers. Purple Fox helps these families navigate loss and regain stability, offering educational scholarships, mental health and PTSD treatment, and direct financial and material assistance.

Chazaq hosted its Second Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament this past weekend, bringing together 24 competitive teams and hundreds of enthusiastic attendees for a fun-filled, family-friendly event that celebrated sports, community, and purpose.

On Sunday evening, June 8, Rabbi Paysach Krohn – well-known mohel, author, and speaker – addressed a crowd at Congregation Ohel Simcha on behalf of Chazaq. He spoke about emunah in challenging times. The shiur was dedicated in memory of Dora bas Zilpah, a strong woman who exemplified yir’as Shamayim and spiritual strength.