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I can hardly believe it: 13 incredible years! The Queens Jewish Link has been hard at work for 13 years strong, sharing stories of triumph, laughter, and inspiration from our ever-evolving Torah communities, the growth of their institutions, and the unwavering support of our elected officials. From the very first issue, it has been a journey of joy and a privilege to capture the unique experiences of our communities – week after week, issue after issue.

I worked with Zechariah Mehler more than a decade ago as his editor, when he served hot takes as the Kosher Critic. A native of Milwaukee, he moved back to his birthplace eight years ago to take care of his parents, initially serving meals as a caterer and bakery owner. “It was good, but then it collapsed with Covid. I then took over a nonprofit for animal wellness in Israel,” he said.

With Hezbollah’s top commanders eliminated, and tens of thousands of rockets destroyed, the IDF has significantly reduced the terror army’s attack capabilities.

(Sep. 28, 2024 / JNS) The unprecedented series of blows delivered by the Israel Defense Forces to Hezbollah’s leadership and arsenal has severely harmed the Iranian-backed terror army’s ability to attack.

The Dating Resources Network was founded about two and a half years ago to help those navigating shidduchim. It started as a simple hotline to help guys plan their dates and guide them to the proper venue. While dealing with so many young men, we realized a sore lack of resources available for those dating, and shortly thereafter we opened our dating gemachs. While many organizations focus on suggesting shidduchim, the complicated logistics of shidduch dating were largely ignored. Today, our hotline guides over 4,000 dates each year, and our national network of 12 gemachs is used over 18,000 times annually.

While helping so many boys, and being involved in so many shidduchim, we came to understand that many families were being crushed by the high costs of shidduch dating. A simple first date can cost upwards of $160 after the costs of a rental car, gas, tolls, and parking, let alone later dates that entail restaurants and activities.

There are families that struggle to give a yes, as they simply cannot afford it. These families struggle to pay the grocery bill. Paying for their sons' dates is simply out of reach.

The financial aid program seeks to alleviate that stress. All applicants are thoroughly vetted through rabbanim before being added to our program. Once they are approved, they can plan a date properly without stressing about finances and can focus on the important decisions in front of them.

B'h since launching our financial aid program last August, we have helped pay for hundreds of dates and numerous engagements, with our budget for financial aid alone coming to more than $15,000 each month.

But we cannot do it alone. Please join us in Shaping Klal Yisroel's future - one date at a time!

Facing protests on the streets outside of the United Center in Chicago, the Democratic National Convention’s 92-page platform reaffirmed the party’s support for Israel, taking note of the ongoing war against Hamas in the statement.

Until the final hours, political observers were looking at every possible hint of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ running mate. A scheduled rally in Philadelphia seemed to indicate Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was the choice in this hotly contested state, but then the Secret Service vehicles drove up to the home of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, picking him up for a date with history.