Articles By
Sandy Eller
Sandy Eller is a writer on human interest stories for VosIzNeias.
- Florida - Miami Dade Police Asks Community For Help As Synagogue Shooting Investigation Continues July 30, 2019 04:45 PM | 0 Comments Miami, Fl - Two days after a North Miami Beach resident was shot outside an Orthodox synagogue, the Miami Dade Police Department is turning to the local community, hoping that someone has information that may lead to the apprehension of the lone gunman. In a one on one interview with VIN News, Detective Alvaro Zabaleta, public information officer for the Miami Dade Police Department, said that... Read more »
- Central Valley, NY - Cashless Tolling Triggers Two Weeks Of Ramp Closures At Thruway/Route 17 Interchange In Harriman July 30, 2019 11:34 AM | 2 Comments Central Valley, NY - Travelers headed from the state’s northern regions through the Harriman/Kiryas Joel area may need to allot extra time for their trip with two weeks’ worth of construction now underway at the I-87/Route 17 interchange. A travel advisory issued by the New York State Thruway announced nightly ramp closures and detours which began at 9 PM on July 29th for the installation... Read more »
- Miami, FL - Calls For Action And Crackdown On Anti-Jewish Rhetoric As Police Continue Investigating N Miami Beach Synagogue Shooting July 29, 2019 11:43 PM | 13 Comments Miami, FL - Details continue to emerge on Sunday’s shooting in front of a South Florida synagogue that sent a 69 year old man to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds to his leg. As previously reported on VIN News (http://bit.ly/2YhUIXS) Warren Lipschutz was outside the Young Israel of Greater Miami on NE 171st Street when a car pulled up in front of the synagogue, its driver getting out... Read more »
- New York - Kayco To Acquire Legendary Manischewitz Brand July 29, 2019 10:09 PM | 11 Comments New York - The face of the kosher food world is about to change as word broke today that Kayco will be acquiring Manischewitz, a company that has been serving the Jewish community for 131 years. An internal memo dated July 29th obtained by VIN News confirmed the deal, noting that an understanding had been reached between the two companies, with details to follow when the transaction is... Read more »
- Miami, FL - Police Investigating As Jewish Man Shot Leaving North Miami Beach Young Israel July 28, 2019 09:11 PM | 14 Comments Miami, FL - An Orthodox Jewish man in his late sixties was rushed to the hospital early this evening after being shot four times after leaving a North Miami Beach synagogue. Police chaplain Mark Rosenberg told VIN News that the victim, 69 year old Warren Lipschutz, was sitting under an awning outside the Young Israel of Greater Miami at 990 NE 171st Street at 6:30 PM when a dark colored 2000... Read more »
- Jerusalem - Israel’s Sephardic Chief Rabbi: Relying Exclusively On Eda Charedis 'Hechsher' Is Madness July 24, 2019 10:46 AM | 7 Comments Jerusalem - Taking aim at the Eda Charedis, a powerful and respected rabbinic authority in Israel came out with a public endorsement of Rabbanut kashrus, categorizing it as excellent and reliable in almost all circumstances. Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, Israel’s Sephardic chief rabbi, made the remarks during a recent lecture as reported by Kikar HaShabbat (http://bit.ly/2Y1Y9S3). “I don’t... Read more »
- Washington - Orthodox Jewish Baltimore Woman Tapped To Head New NSA Cybersecurity Division July 24, 2019 08:44 AM | 23 Comments Washington - A former Machon Bais Yaakov of Boro Park graduate has earned the distinction of being the first Orthodox Jewish woman named to head a division of the National Security Agency. Anne Neuberger, a Baltimore resident, will head up the agency’s newly created cybersecurity directorate which is being formed to integrate the NSA’s offensive and defensive operations and is scheduled to... Read more »
- Kirays Joel, NY - Heartbreaking Accident Claims Life Of 7 Year Old KJ Girl July 23, 2019 04:17 PM | 14 Comments Kiryas Joel, NY - Tragedy struck this afternoon in Kiryas Joel as a seven year old girl with special needs died after she was struck by a wall mounted wooden cabinet with doors that fell down for unknown reasons. The incident took place at approximately 2:30 PM at the Kiryas Joel Public School. Kiryas Joel Hatzolah, Kiryas Joel Public Safety and the New York State Police all responded to... Read more »
- New York - The Three Week Challenge Aims To End The Spread Of Destructive Chatter July 21, 2019 09:00 PM | 2 Comments New York - Hoping to use the three week period of mourning over the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash to effect positive change, a Brooklyn resident is challenging the Jewish community to refrain from sharing information about others, a seemingly innocent pastime that can have significant negative repercussions. TWiSTED PARENTiNG’s Avi Fishoff, a respected voice in the world of at risk... Read more »
- New York - 170 Days Before Siyum Hashas, Agudah Pulls Plug On Siyum App After Rabbis Rebuke July 17, 2019 08:00 PM | 22 Comments New York - An app created by Agudath Israel of America to promote Torah learning in advance of the upcoming global Siyum Hashas of Daf Yomi has been retracted in response to complaints from several rabbis who felt that it might encourage smartphone use. The Siyum App is just one of multiple initiatives launched by the Agudah to increase Torah study as the 13th cycle of Daf Yomi draws to an... Read more »
- Clifton, NJ - From Norfolk To NJ, Hundreds Turn Out To Honor Heroic Rebbe On His Final Journey July 15, 2019 09:45 PM | 2 Comments Clifton, NJ - Norfolk’s tight knit Jewish community came together this morning to say a final farewell to a beloved member, paying their respects to Rabbi Reuven Bauman z’l whose body was found Sunday in the ocean waters off the southern Virginia coastline after a six day search that drew volunteers from hundreds of miles away. Tears flowed freely at the B’nai Israel Congregation as... Read more »
- New York - NYSED Commissioner Maryellen Elia Unexpectedly Announces Resignation July 15, 2019 01:39 PM | 22 Comments New York - Less than two weeks after re-releasing regulations that would have given New York State control over the number of hours of secular studies taught at private schools statewide, as well as mandating curriculum requirements, Department of Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia has unexpectedly resigned. Politico reported Anna Gronewold announced the news on Twitter, saying that Elia... Read more »
- New York - NY Post Calls On NY Gov. To Oust NYC Mayor, Over Blackout Handling July 15, 2019 11:30 AM | 8 Comments New York - In a scathing op-ed published Sunday night, The New York Post slammed New York City Mayor de Blasio, calling for his removal from office because of his handling of the Saturday night blackout that hit Midtown, leaving tens of thousands in the dark in the midst of the summer’s heat and humidity. The Post op-ed (nyp.st/2Gd5SlE) described de Blasio’s performance as lackluster... Read more »
- Norfolk, VA - Funeral Arrangements Being Made In Virginia And New Jersey As Search Crews Find Body Of Missing Rebbe July 14, 2019 05:06 PM | 8 Comments Norfolk, VA - Funeral arrangements are being made for Rabbi Reuven Bauman, whose body was found just off the northern coast of North Carolina this afternoon. As previously reported on VIN News (http://bit.ly/2GeUqWr), Rabbi Bauman went missing on Jully 9th after jumping into rough waters to rescue a day camper who was struggling in the ocean. Rabbi Bauman was a rebbe and secular studies... Read more »
- New York - Hey, Brooklyn, Wanna Live Longer? Move To Borough Park A New Report Says July 12, 2019 12:51 PM | 7 Comments Brooklyn, NY - Apparently living in Borough Park area can add years to your life. According to a report recently released by the New York City Department of Health, Borough Parkers live longer than other Brooklyn residents, with an average life span of 84.2 years, three years longer than the city-wide average of 81.2 years. The New York City Community Health Profiles studied the health of... Read more »
- Chicago - Early 1900s Safe Excavated From Chicago Synagogue Parking Lot July 11, 2019 08:32 PM | 3 Comments Chicago - An item found during an expansion project at a Jewish school in Chicago may give a whole new meaning to the phrase “buried treasure.” The Chicago Tribune (http://bit.ly/2Gb0G1r) reported that construction workers who were excavating a portion of the Anshe Emet Synagogue’s parking lot as part of the construction of a 25,000 square foot building for the Bernard Zell Anshe Emet... Read more »
- Los Angles, CA - Major Entertainment Magazine Spotlights Jewish Husband And Wife Team’s Charitable Contributions July 10, 2019 02:30 PM | 12 Comments Los ANgels, CA - A Jewish power couple from Los Angeles whose charitable foundation has given away $420 million over the past 19 years has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter, making the front cover of magazine’s philanthropy issue. Haim and Cheryl Saban have a combined net worth of $3.2 billion, according to Hollywood Reporter (http://bit.ly/30uYhGF) and they contribute 13 percent of... Read more »
- Virginia Beach, Virginia - Jumping Into Water To Rescue Struggling Student, Norfolk Rebbe The Subject Of Desperate Search July 9, 2019 04:39 PM | 4 Comments Virginia Beach, Virginia - A popular teacher at a Norfolk yeshiva has gone missing in the waters off Virginia Beach after attempting to rescue a child who was struggling in the water. The incident took place at approximately 12:30 this afternoon at the 4000 block of Sandpiper Road at False Cape State Park. According to Coast Guard Sector Unit public affairs officer Lieutenant Steve... Read more »
- Brooklyn, NY - Her Family Frightened By Late Night Measles Summons, Woman Says Some In Chasidic Community Still Unaware Of Emergency Order June 27, 2019 02:56 PM | 9 Comments Brooklyn, NY - A Chasidic woman who received a late night visit from city sheriffs for not vaccinating her infant against the measles told a health department hearing officer that some members of the Jewish community may not even be aware of an emergency order that bumped up immunization schedules for the MMR vaccine by six months. The Daily News (http://bit.ly/2XvMBFT) reported that the... Read more »
- New York - Orange County Chooses Its First Chasidic Paramedic As Responder Of The Year June 25, 2019 12:10 PM | 6 Comments Orange County, NY - A Kiryas Joel paramedic was honored last night as ALS provider of the year by Orange County Department of Emergency Services, the first time a Chasidic individual has ever been selected to receive that award. KJ Hatzolah paramedic supervisor Avrohom Yitzchok Flohr, was hailed for responding to 350 mutual aid calls, responding to calls from local ambulance companies located... Read more »
- Kiryas Joel, NY - Dashcam Video Sought After Armed Robber Makes Off With Thousands In KJ Robbery June 20, 2019 08:30 PM | 7 Comments Kiryas Joel, NY - An investigation is underway in Kiryas Joel after a late afternoon armed robbery that had an unknown suspect making off with approximately $20,000 to $30,000 in cash. Sources told VIN News that the knifepoint robbery took place at approximately 5 PM on Dinev Road. The victim is believed to operate a mobile check cashing business out of his car. The suspect between 30 and... Read more »
- Queens, NY - African American Prisoner Turned Advocate Makes Gravesite Visit To Thank Lubavitcher Rebbe June 20, 2019 11:09 AM | 2 Comments Queens, NY - A Nashville man who is believed to be the first person released under President Donald Trump’s First Step Act visited Cambria Heights this week to express his gratitude to the Lubavitcher Rebbe who spoke publicly decades ago about the importance of using prison as a vehicle for rehabilitation, not punishment. A career offender with multiple convictions on various charges... Read more »
- New York - Elite Manhattan Philanthropists Identified As Key Funders Of Anti-Vax Movement June 19, 2019 01:14 PM | 4 Comments New York - With the New York area’s Jewish community still facing repercussions and acts of hostility because of the latest measles outbreak, a new report has identified a wealthy Manhattan couple as a significant source of funding for the anti-vaccination movement. According to a report today by the Washington Post (https://wapo.st/2XmaY8W), Bernard and Lisa Selz have been contributing... Read more »
- Brooklyn, NY - Midwood Arsonist Arraigned, Denied Bail, Due Back In Court On Friday June 17, 2019 12:13 AM | 16 Comments Brooklyn, NY - A Kings County Criminal Court judge refused to set bail for the man accused of setting fire to the occupied home of a Flatbush rabbi, instead announcing that he would be arraigned in front of a grand jury later this week. 42 year old Menachem Karelefsky of McKeesport, Pennsylvania smiled during his arraignment Sunday night, with prosecutors telling the judge that he was in... Read more »
- Jerusalem - From A NY Neturei Kartunic To The IDF Military: Israeli Policeman Shares His Personal Journey June 16, 2019 12:00 PM | 43 Comments Jerusalem - He actively demonstrated against the State of Israel as a child, burning Israeli flags and criticizing the IDF, but today Zalman Schwartz is a 22 year old member of the Israel Border Police who has successfully foiled a terror attack. In an interview with Yediot Aharonot (http://bit.ly/2KlUk3c), the 22 year old Schwartz said that he grew up in Monsey as a member of the Neturei... Read more »
- Brooklyn, NY - Police: Pittsburgh Man Arrested, Charged With Attempted Murder In Torching Of Flatbush Rabbi’s Home June 16, 2019 09:16 AM | 5 Comments Brooklyn, NY - A 41 year old Pennsylvania man has been charged in the fast moving Thursday morning Midwood fire that caused massive damage to three houses and left multiple families homeless. Menachem Karelefsky of McKeesport was arrested by the NYPD at approximately 1:30 this morning and charged with two counts of Attempted murder and one count of arson. A former student at Yeshiva Rabbi... Read more »
- Brooklyn, NY - 12 Hurt In Massive Midwood Fire That Torched At Least Three Homes; Arson Suspected, Police Looking For Suspect June 13, 2019 08:21 AM | 14 Comments Brooklyn, NY - A massive fire in the Midwood section of Brooklyn torched at least three buildings early Thursday morning, injuring at least 12 people, including a baby. The fire broke out just after 4 AM on E17th Street near Avenue O at the two-family home of Rabbi Jonathan Max, and quickly jumped to both neighboring houses. “There is no question that everyone is alive today because the... Read more »
- Brooklyn, NY - City Residents Give Mt. Sinai Thumbs Down For Overly Loud Ambulance Sirens June 4, 2019 04:12 PM | 10 Comments Brooklyn, NY - A New York City network of hospitals has found itself in the media spotlight, with city residents complaining about the volume level of its distinctive ambulance sirens. Mt. Sinai Hospital, which has four locations in Manhattan, as well as one in Queens and one in Flatbush, switched to European-style high-low tone sirens approximately 18 months ago, reported WNYC... Read more »
- New York - PHOTOS: Marching In Celebrate Israel Parade, Cuomo Pledges Solidarity To Jewish Community, Announces Upcoming Israel Trip June 2, 2019 05:51 PM | 13 Comments New York - New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was among the 40,000 people who marched in the five hour long Celebrate Israel parade which began at 11 AM Sunday morning at 57th Street and continued north until 74th Street. Thousands of onlookers lined the streets, many waving Israeli flags, cheering and waving as the many schools, organizations, marching bands, bands, floats and special performers... Read more »
- Monsey NY - Rockland County Exec Pops In To Show Support For Chasidic Business Owner Bombarded By Threats Over Measles Interview May 29, 2019 03:29 PM | 23 Comments Rockland County, NY - A Spring Valley children’s play center got a surprise visit yesterday from Rockland County Executive Ed Day who dropped in to express his support for the business’s Chasidic owner who reported being threatened and harassed after expressing his pro-vaccination views in a CNN interview. Day said that he seen a News 12 story (http://bit.ly/2VYoYRl) reporting that Shimon... Read more »
