28 Oct SPEAK YOUR VUES WITH THE VUES MASTER
Please note that the author of Speak Your Vues is in no way affiliated with the publisher of
this paper. The author of this column is an independent third party contributor. The views and
opinions expressed by this author may not reflect the views and opinions of the publishers. If
one has any issues with any of the views, please write a letter to the Vues Master.
MANDUMMY
Dear Vues Master,
I am deeply concerned about the direction New York City
could take under Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral leadership.
According to recent polling, an astonishing 26.5 percent
of New Yorkers are considering leaving the city if Mamda-
ni—who openly aligns with anti-Israel, anti-Semitic, and
extremist ideologies—wins next month’s mayoral race.
Alarmingly, he is currently positioned to win.
Even more disturbing, this appears to be exactly what
Mamdani wants: he seems intent on driving out a signifi-
cant portion of residents who do not share his worldview.
While 68.4 percent of respondents said they would stay
in the city, 39 percent believe Mamdani poses a threat to
New York’s future. His approval rating, just under 3 on a
five-point scale, is modest—yet it still surpasses that of
former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candi-
date Curtis Sliwa.
This is not merely about politics; it reflects a deliberate
strategy. Democrats, including Mamdani, have a long
history of governing in ways that push out “normal” resi-
dents, through high taxes, overregulation, rising crime,
failing public schools, and permissive policies toward
lawlessness. By doing so, they consolidate control over
major cities with constituencies that include the homeless,
criminals, radical activists, and wealthy elites insulated
from the city’s decline.
History has shown that controlling cities like New York,
Chicago, and San Francisco translates into state and na-
tional influence. For the sake of the city’s safety, pros-
perity, and stability, New Yorkers should think carefully
before electing leaders who prioritize ideology over the
well-being of the people who keep the city functioning.
Zohran Mamdani may appeal to a segment of voters, but
his vision threatens the very fabric of our city. It is time
for citizens to consider what is truly at stake before voting
this week.
LP
Vues Master’s Note: He’s going to make De Blasio look
good!
TIME TO VOTE
Dear Vues Master
Every election is more than a political choice, it is a moral
and spiritual crossroads. As New Yorkers prepare to vote,
we must look beyond slogans and promises to the deeper
implications of the ideologies we endorse. A vote for As-
semblyman Zohran Mamdani is not simply a vote for a
candidate; it is a vote for socialism, an ideology that, de-
spite its rhetoric of fairness and equality, has brought hard-
ship and loss to countless Jewish communities throughout
history.
Socialism has often sought to erase distinctions, to replace
individual responsibility and community initiative with
state control. Under regimes that embraced it, from the So-
viet Union to modern collectivist experiments, Torah was
silenced, shuls shuttered, and Yidden persecuted for their
faith. What was promised as equality too often became op-
pression. As Torah Jews, we know that freedom to live and
practice our values has flourished not under state domina-
tion, but in societies that cherish liberty and responsibility.
Even setting aside ideology, Mamdani’s policies would
jeopardize the very foundation of New York City’s stabil-
ity. His proposals, free buses, rent freezes, and heavy new
taxes on business and high earners, sound compassion-
ate, but they defy economic reality. The city already faces
multibillion-dollar deficits. To fund his vision, Mamdani
would raise corporate taxes nearly 60 percent and impose
new levies on top earners, driving away the very people
whose contributions sustain our schools, hospitals, and
safety nets. History shows that when those taxpayers leave,
the burden falls hardest on the poor and middle class.
Yet our greatest concern must not be political or financial,
it must be spiritual. We are in galus. No system, whether
socialist or capitalist, can redeem us. That power rests only
with Hashem. The story of the Ksav Sofer reminds us that
when all else fails, the gates of tefillah remain open. Now
too, as challenges mount, we must turn to Him with sincer-
ity and unity.
Let us vote with clarity, daven with intensity, and remem-
ber that our destiny is not decided in City Hall, but in
Shamayim.
BT
Vues Master’s Note: At this point, all we can do is daven
& vote!
TRAGIC
Dear Vues Master,
I was deeply saddened last week when I read in The Jew-
ish Vues that Rabbi Dov Fischer had passed away. Learn-
ing of his petirah left me with a profound
sense of loss. I always looked forward to his
Jewish Vues columns, they were thoughtful,
honest, and thought-provoking. While some
found him controversial, I always felt that
Rabbi Fischer spoke the truth with clarity
and courage.
His writing challenged readers to think criti-
cally about our community, our values, and
our faith. He did not shy away from difficult
topics or uncomfortable truths, and for that,
he earned my respect and admiration. In ev-
ery column, there was a sense of integrity
and a genuine desire to engage readers, not
merely to entertain. Rabbi Fischer had a rare
ability to speak plainly while still convey-
ing deep insight, and his voice will be sorely
missed in the pages of The Jewish Vues and
beyond.
In moments like this, we are reminded of the
impact one individual can have on so many
lives. Rabbi Fischer’s words inspired con-
versation, reflection, and sometimes even de-
bate, but always with the goal of illuminating
truth and encouraging growth.
I am grateful for the wisdom he shared over
the years and for the passion with which he
lived and wrote. His contributions to our
community will not be forgotten.
Yehi Zichro Baruch. ML
Vues Master’s Note: He will be sorely
missed!
RABBI HAUER ZT”L
Dear Vues Master
I was deeply moved by last week’s issue of
The Jewish Vues, which so lovingly paid
tribute to Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt”l, of the Or-
thodox Union. The heartfelt words of Rabbi
Efrem Goldberg, the thoughtful reflections of
Rabbi Gil Student, and the moving interview
with Rabbi Elefant together painted a portrait
of a man whose life was devoted to Torah,
truth, and the unity of Klal Yisrael.
Rabbi Hauer, zt”l, was a leader of rare stat-
ure, wise, compassionate, and unwavering
in his dedication to the Jewish people. He
combined intellectual brilliance with humil-
ity, depth with warmth, and leadership with
genuine care for every individual. His voice
guided our community through both joyous
and challenging times, always reminding us
of our shared values and eternal mission as
Am Yisrael.
Reading about his remarkable life and
achievements brought both inspiration and
profound sadness. Inspiration, because Rabbi
Hauer embodied what true Torah leadership
should be, principled, kind, and far-sighted.
Sadness, because his passing leaves an im-
measurable void in the heart of the Orthodox
community and beyond.
Rabbi Goldberg, Rabbi Student, and Rabbi
Elefant each captured different facets of Rab-
bi Hauer’s greatness, as a thinker, a leader,
and a friend. Yet all their reflections shared
one common theme: that Rabbi Hauer, zt”l,
elevated everyone around him through his
sincerity and devotion to Hashem and His
people.
The entire Klal Yisrael mourns this tremen-
dous loss. May Rabbi Moshe Hauer’s mem-
ory be a lasting blessing, and may his life’s
work continue to inspire unity, Torah growth,
and kindness for generations to come.
KT
Vues Master’s Note: Definitely a great loss
for Klal Yisrael. I’m sure more stories will
emerge over the next year that will highlight
his gadlus even more.
POLITICS
Dear Vues Master:
This letter to the editor will come out in your
newspaper less than a week before Election
Day, November 4th. As of this writing, I have
not heard of any Rebbes coming out with en-
dorsements. I know many in the Chassidic
and Yeshivish communities depend on these
leaders to tell
them whom to
vote for. If that
continues to be
the case, we will
have to decide
among ourselves
who would be the
best candidate.
If anyone can
possibly beat
Mamdani, it
would be former
Governor An-
drew Cuomo, ac-
cording to all the
pundits. Nach-
man Caller, a
Chassidic lawyer from Boro Park who will
be running as a Republican for State Senate
next year, took out a full-page ad in a Jewish
newspaper last month. One of the things Mr.
Caller said in the ad was:
“We must daven to Hashem and ACT to stop
Mamdani from becoming mayor of NYC.
We can do this by coming out en masse and
voting for the only candidate who can beat
Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo. He is our friend
and will act on our behalf.”
Several religious organizations and newspa-
pers have endorsed Cuomo. By contrast, I
haven’t heard of one religious organization
or leader who has endorsed Curtis Sliwa.
According to all the pundits, Sliwa has zero
chance of winning this election. Numerous
recent polls show Sliwa’s numbers remain
extremely low, the latest poll I’ve seen, from
last week, showed he has only a 15% chance
of winning and trails the frontrunner Mam-
dani by over 30 points. There has never been
a race where someone with such low polling
numbers won so close to Election Day.
So voting for Curtis Sliwa would be a wasted
vote when it could go instead to Cuomo, who
has at least a slight chance of winning. In
other words, if one votes for Sliwa instead of
Cuomo, it helps Mamdani win. Cuomo needs
every vote he can get. I’ve seen misleading
ads by Sliwa claiming a vote for Cuomo is a
vote for Mamdani, totally false! The opposite
is true. Ignore those ads! People will say any-
thing to get elected.
Trump’s choice for mayor is Andrew Cuo-
mo. No, he didn’t come out directly to en-
dorse Cuomo, but in several interviews he
strongly hinted that he preferred Cuomo over
Sliwa. In at least two interviews, Trump said
Cuomo had the best chance of winning the
election. He also criticized Sliwa, saying he
is “not exactly prime time” meaning, not
equipped to be mayor. Trump has said Sliwa
lacks government experience and made clear
he doesn’t like him. Even Sliwa himself said
in an interview with a frum newspaper that
he and Trump “have been at each other’s
throats.” Enough said.
Cuomo made big mistakes with the religious
community during COVID, and he expressed
regret. On the eve of Yom Kippur, Cuomo re-
leased a video apology to the religious com-
munity. In an interview on ColLive titled “11
Questions to Andrew Cuomo and His Big
Regret,” Cuomo said he regretted the “red
zone” issue and added, “There are things I’d
do differently next time, G-d forbid. I would
do everything possible to keep religious in-
stitutions open.”
So you can dislike Cuomo for his past mis-
takes, which he regrets, but would you rather
have Mamdani, whose reckless policies
could, Chas Vshalom, destroy NYC? He’s a
member of the DSA (Democratic Socialists
of America), whose policies include defund-
ing the police, legalizing prostitution and
drugs, emptying jails, and ending all misde-
meanor charges, policies that would make the
city far more dangerous.
Mamdani’s economic ideas, such as freezing
rent and opening government-run groceries,
have failed elsewhere. In contrast, Cuomo
offers realistic plans, including hiring 5,000
more police officers and attracting business-
es to New York. Mamdani wants to raise the
minimum wage to $30 an hour, something
that would force businesses to close or raise
prices dramatically.
We don’t have much of a choice here, it’s
either Andrew Cuomo or the anti-Semite
Zohran Mamdani, whose policies could,
Chas V’shalom, destroy New York. He hates
Israel and has even said he would arrest Ne-
tanyahu if he visits NYC!
Please don’t wait until Election Day to vote,
anything can come up. People can fall ill,
there can be bad weather, or family emer-
gencies. Vote early to ensure your vote is
counted, and encourage your family to do the
same. Every single vote counts!
C. Lipschutz
Vues Master’s Note: The Bobover Rebbe
made a first-time kehillah announcement
urging people to go out and vote. That shows
how important this election is.
LIMITS
Dear Vues Master:
Governor Ron DeSantis is absolutely right to
champion term limits for members of Con-
gress. For too long, Washington has been
dominated by career politicians more con-
cerned with maintaining power than serving
the people who elected them. Term limits
would restore accountability, encourage fresh
ideas, and return Congress to the citizen-led
institution our Founders intended.
Public service should be a temporary duty,
not a lifelong career. When politicians stay in
office for decades, they often become behold-
en to special interests and political machines
rather than the voters back home. Term lim-
its would help break this cycle of entrenched
power and open the door for new leaders with
the courage and perspective to tackle the real
challenges facing Americans today.
As Governor DeSantis noted, the Constitu-
tion gives states the power to take the lead.
Florida has already certified its support for
a constitutional amendment on term limits,
and a growing number of states are following
suit. This is the kind of bottom-up reform that
can truly change Washington for the better.
It’s time for other states, and their citizens, to
join this movement. If enough states act, we
can make congressional term limits a reality
and return government to the people. The
Founders gave us the tools to fix a broken
system; now we must have the resolve to use
them.
EG
Vues Master’s Note: What do you mean Pe-
losi won’t be able to make a ton of money
anymore?
WHAT IS HE THINKING?
Dear Vues Master,
I am appalled that President Trump publicly
mentioned Marwan Barghouti as a poten-
tial leader for Gaza. That statement alone is
deeply troubling. When a U.S. leader voices
such ideas, it lends them legitimacy, pres-
sures Israel, and signals to the world that a
convicted terrorist could be considered a vi-
able political figure.
Barghouti is often portrayed as a “Palestin-
ian Mandela,” but the reality is far darker. On
March 5, 2002, Ibrahim Hassouna attacked
the Seafood Market restaurant in Tel Aviv
during a bachelorette party, killing five in-
nocent people. Afterward, Hassouna called
Barghouti to report that the attack was com-
plete. Barghouti was also involved in other
murders, including those of Yoela Chen and
Greek Orthodox monk Georgios Tsiboukt-
zakis. He was convicted of five murders and
sentenced to multiple life terms, though he
faced charges in 26 cases. Israeli authorities
have described him as the “chief of staff of
the Intifada” and leader of the Al-Aqsa Mar-
tyrs Brigades. Records indicate he requested
funding for terrorist operations directly from
Yasser Arafat.
This is not theoretical, it is real, and the blood
is on his hands. History shows the danger of
elevating convicted terrorists. In 2011, Israel
released Yahya Sinwar, considered a moder-
ate at the time, only for him to orchestrate
the horrific 2023 massacre that killed 1,200
people and took 251 hostages.
Publicly entertaining Barghouti as a leader
sends a clear, dangerous
message: commit acts of
terror against Jews, and
you may one day gain po-
litical legitimacy. Families
of victims are watching.
Terrorists are watching.
President Trump has done
more to support Israel than
any recent leader. He must
not undermine that legacy
by treating mass murderers
as potential leaders. Barg-
houti must never be legiti-
mized.
NT
Vues Master’s Note: I can’t
wait until Israel institutes capital punishment
for all terrorists!
RENT
Dear Vues Master,
I must say, the recent move by Mayor Eric
Adams to overhaul the Rent Guidelines
Board is an exceptionally smart and strate-
gic decision. With less than three months left
in office, Adams is ensuring that his influ-
ence on New York City’s rent policies will
be felt well into the next administration. By
appointing at least six new members to the
nine-person board—including trusted allies
like Eleonora Srugo—he is making sure that
policies remain balanced and considerate of
both tenants and landlords. This is not mere-
ly a political maneuver; it is a thoughtful step
to protect the stability of the city’s housing
stock. Buildings need proper maintenance,
and landlords must be able to sustain own-
ership, something that a blanket rent freeze
could jeopardize.
At the same time, I feel genuine disappoint-
ment that Eric Adams will not be serving as
mayor again. His tenure has been transforma-
tive, and he has shown unwavering support
for the frum Jewish community in New York.
From addressing public safety concerns to
advocating for community resources, Mayor
Adams has been attentive and responsive in
ways that deeply resonate with us. His lead-
ership style combined pragmatism with em-
pathy, something rare in City Hall.
While the city looks ahead to the next ad-
ministration, Adams’ final months demon-
strate that he remains focused on responsible
governance rather than short-term political
theatrics. This careful reshaping of the RGB
ensures that the city’s housing policies will
remain stable and sustainable, even as new
leadership takes office. In a time of political
uncertainty, it is refreshing to see a mayor
act with foresight and dedication to the long-
term well-being of New Yorkers.
Eric Adams may be leaving office, but his
legacy, particularly his support for the frum
community and his commitment to practical
housing policy, will be remembered for years
to come.
TP
Vues Master’s Note: You can say what you
want about Adams as mayor, but he was al-
ways good to the Jewish people.
DONATION
Dear Vues Master:
Rabbi Solomon received a phone call from
a man identifying himself as an IRS agent.
“Rabbi,” he asked, “is Daniel Gold a mem-
ber of your congregation?” “Yes,” the Rabbi
responded. “Did he donate $50,000 to the
congregation’s building fund last year?” the
agent asked. “He will,” replied the Rabbi.
KL Vues Master’s Note: He must work for
the UJA!
SHAIMOS
Dear Vues Master:
I am writing regarding the Oct. 22–28, 2025
edition of the Jewish Vues, specifically page
63. In the last paragraph about Yosef-Chaim
Ohana, I noticed what appears to be an im-
portant textual concern. The line of the Shma
Yisroel seems to have been printed as “Shai-
mos.” I respectfully request that your edito-
rial team consider alerting readers to this in
the upcoming edition, so the correct text is
acknowledged and understood. Ensuring ac-
curacy in matters of Torah is essential, and
your paper has always been a trusted and
cherished source for our community. On a
personal note, I want to express my apprecia-
tion for the Jewish Vues. I genuinely enjoy
reading your publication, which consistently
provides meaningful content and keeps the
community informed. Thank you for your
continued dedication to excellence in jour-
nalism and for being a reliable voice for our
readers. Tizku L’mitzvos, NH
Vues Master’s Note:
Thanks for bringing it to
our attention!
DRAFT
Dear Vues Master,
It hurts the heart to see
more and more bad news
each day about the Israeli
Attorney General continu-
ing her tirade against yeshi-
vos and Rabbanim. I single
out the Attorney General
because it is not actually
the Prime Minister or the
Knesset behind these ac-
tions, but rather the rogue
Supreme Court that works
against the government to
undermine it and cause its collapse.
One of the best ways to do that is to push
the country toward civil war and to drive the
religious parties out of the coalition. These
wicked judges know they hold all the cards,
and unfortunately, the Torah world is being
used as pawns in this dangerous game. Every
day there is a new boy arrested, a new decree
announced — canceling National Insurance,
ending daycare subsidies — and every day
more gedolim are in pain.
How the land of the Jewish people has seem-
ingly become one of the chief antagonists of
our own religion and those who hold it dear
is enough reason to cry and fast. And that
is exactly what many Rabbanim have been
calling for. They are completely on their
own, without sympathy.
To see our elderly Torah scholars constant-
ly boarding planes to different countries to
personally fundraise for their institutions
because they are being starved is a tremen-
dous shame for the world, especially a world
filled with Jewish communities that have the
means to help. It is said that a heavenly voice
calls out daily, “Woe to the people for the
embarrassment of the Torah.” Those words
have never rung truer than now.
I’m sure this has been discussed by people
far greater than I, but it is my humble be-
lief that this may be a form of divine judg-
ment, a process to reveal who truly stands
with Hashem and who does not. The Torah
world is enduring tremendous yissurim, but
the light is at the end of this tunnel. They are
watching from above to see who chooses to
support these Rabbanim in their time of great
need and who mocks them with corrupted
hashkafos.
I want to reiterate that I have nothing but
hakaras hatov for our soldiers. But it deeply
saddens me to see people who will donate
everything, from money to pizza pies and
falafels, to IDF units, yet never give a single
penny to a needy kollel or yeshiva. These pri-
orities must change immediately.
We must all run to give whatever we can to
holy causes, because the learners, the lom-
dim, are the ones truly suffering and being
choked. They are our lifeblood and our con-
tinuation. Look for ways to help! Even $10 a
month from a poor person can be greater than
ten thousand from a millionaire.
In the end, one way or another, we know the
lomdim will come out on top, but we must
support them in their time of hardship so that
we, too, will emerge on top with them.
KLMY
Vues Master’s Note: We should all be mis-
pallel to Hashem to bring peace between Jew
and Jew!