20 Jan 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.

MONEY GRAB
Dear Vues Master:
I am writing out of frustration to alert drivers, delivery
operators, and everyday commuters that the Bx9 and B11
bus routes in the Bronx and Brooklyn are now equipped
with Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) cameras. Far
too many people are still unaware of this change, and that
lack of awareness is about to result in costly and completely
avoidable fines.
The purpose of the ACE camera program is to keep bus
routes moving safely and efficiently. These cameras monitor
vehicles that block bus stops, drive or park in bus lanes, or
illegally double-park along the route. When buses are delayed
by blocked lanes, riders are late to work, school, and medical
appointments, and our streets become more dangerous for
pedestrians and cyclists. This is not a minor inconvenience;
it affects thousands of people every single day.
For the first 60 days, drivers who violate these rules will
receive warning notices in the mail. After that grace
period ends, summonses will be issued, starting at $50 and
increasing for repeat offenses. These tickets are automatically
generated. There is no arguing with a camera that clearly
records the violation.
This letter is not just a warning; it is a reminder to be mindful
and responsible. A few minutes of selfish convenience,
blocking a bus stop or stopping in a bus lane, now carries a
financial penalty and causes serious disruptions for an entire
community of riders who rely on these routes.
If you drive along the Bx9 or B11 routes, pay close attention
to bus lane signage and curb regulations. Respecting bus
lanes keeps traffic moving, reduces emissions, and makes
our streets safer for everyone. Ignoring the rules is no longer
an option.
Sincerely,
A Concerned (and Fed Up) Community Member
Vues Master’s Note: All in the name of wasting cash on
liberal causes!

DRIVING
Dear Vues Master:
I am writing as a deeply frustrated New York driver who
feels that the state’s new, stricter driving rules go too far and

unfairly punish everyday people who are simply trying to
get to work, school, and home safely. While no one supports
reckless driving, the expanded point system and harsher
penalties for relatively minor infractions feel excessive and
out of touch with reality.
Under these new rules, actions like making a U-turn or briefly
handling a cell phone, even in low-risk situations, can now
carry points that stay on your record longer and push drivers
closer to suspension. This does not make our roads safer; it
creates anxiety and financial strain for working families. One
or two honest mistakes should not put someone’s livelihood
at risk, especially in a state where many people rely on
driving to survive.
I am especially upset with Governor Kathy Hochul for
supporting these changes without adequately considering
their real-world impact. Once again, Albany seems more
focused on punishment than on fairness, education, or
improving infrastructure. Instead of fixing dangerous
intersections, confusing signage, or outdated traffic patterns,
the state has chosen to crack down on drivers as an easy
solution.
These rules feel less like public safety measures and more

like a revenue grab that will disproportionately affect middle-
and working-class New Yorkers. We deserve balanced laws

that promote safety without turning responsible drivers into
repeat offenders on paper.
I urge our leaders, including Governor Hochul, to reconsider
this approach before more New Yorkers pay the price.
Sincerely,
A Concerned New York Driver
Vues Master’s Note: Same answer—all it is is more money
for liberal causes!

RABBONIM
Dear Vues Master:
It is well known that this is a generation that cannot handle
rebuke, even though it is a mitzvah in the Torah to correctly
rebuke one’s fellow when required. When done properly and
politely, rebuke can save a person from possibly going years
while doing the wrong thing. Wouldn’t they be grateful to
have that prevented? That is the Torah’s approach.
Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, many people believe

they are on the same wavelength as Talmidei
Chachamim, as if whenever they issue a ruling
or an opinion, we are free to comment and
disagree. Just because the internet (which they
have warned about) gives everyone a blank
page to share their thoughts does not mean they
should.
It is a grave sin to go up against Gedolei
Yisrael on anything, no matter how strongly
your emotions and feelings pull you. If you
believe they have erred, you are permitted to
discuss it confidentially with a knowledgeable
Rav of your choice, who can hopefully guide
you toward a better understanding of the topic
and provide sources as well. But there is never
permission to share negative opinions about
them with others, or to write online columns
bashing their rulings or making light of their
qualifications.
I do not think I need to elaborate on where
such behavior could lead a person. Anyone
who truly believes that someone who brazenly
stands against the Gedolei HaDor will be
warmly welcomed in Shamayim as a hero who
“showed them” is fooling himself. Once that
picture is clear, it becomes obvious how careful
we must be.
KLMY
Vues Master’s Note: Follow our Rabbonim!

YANUKA
Dear Vues Master:
I read with interest The Yanuka: The Genius
Who Captivates the World in your last issue.
Is Rabbi Shay Tahan nominating R. Shlomo
Yehudah Be’eri to be the successor to the late
Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe of Crown Heights?
A reader
Vues Master’s Note: If yes, what will you do
about it?

HOLOCAUST
Dear Vues Master:
You wouldn’t think Vladimir Putin, the BBC,
and the National Education Association have
much in common. But in recent weeks, they
have demonstrated that they share a peculiar
understanding of the Holocaust—one that
omits the Jews.
Putin recently announced the establishment of
a “Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the
Genocide of the Soviet People” by the Nazis
during World War II. The actual victims of that
genocide, Europe’s Jews, were not mentioned
in his description of Nazi crimes.
This is nothing new for the Soviet dictator. In
2005, Putin spoke at the site of the Auschwitz
death camp about Soviet soldiers who died
liberating Poland from the Nazis and about
other Russians killed in World War II, but he

made no mention of the Jews.
Coincidentally, the BBC recently aired a
television program about the Kindertransport,
which brought 10,000 children from Nazi
territory to Great Britain between 1938 and
1939. Somehow, the writers and producers
neglected to mention that nearly all of the
children were Jewish and were fleeing
antisemitic persecution. According to the
London Jewish Chronicle, actress Helen
Mirren, who appeared in the program, did say
the word “Jew,” but it was edited out.
Meanwhile, on this side of the Atlantic, the
National Education Association, the largest
union of public educators, has been circulating
a similarly revised version of the Holocaust.
The NEA’s annual handbook describes the
Holocaust as having claimed the lives of “more
than 12 million victims of different faiths,
ethnicities, races, political beliefs, genders and
gender identification, abilities/disabilities, and
other targeted characteristics.”
The “12 million” figure was calculated by
combining fatality numbers among various
groups who suffered during the war but were
not targeted by the Nazis for mass annihilation.
Astonishingly, the NEA did not even mention
the actual victims of the genocide, the Jews.
This approach is painfully reminiscent of the
way President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his
administration omitted Jews from references
to the Holocaust, even as the mass murder was
still ongoing.
In 1943, the Roosevelt administration
announced a conference in Bermuda to discuss
the Jewish refugee crisis, emphasizing that
“the refugee problem should not be considered
as being confined to persons of any particular
race or faith.” Later that year, senior American,
British, and Soviet officials met in Moscow
and issued a statement threatening postwar
punishment for Nazi war crimes against
various European groups, but again, not Jews.
President Roosevelt did not use the word “Jews”
even in his 1944 statement commemorating the
anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising,
which was a Jewish revolt against the Nazis.
In early 1944, officials of the U.S. War Refugee
Board drafted a statement warning people in
Axis-occupied countries not to collaborate
in atrocities against Jews. White House aides
instructed that the statement be rewritten
to focus less directly on Jewish suffering.
References to Jews were removed or reduced,
and the final version broadened the focus to
include other nationalities.
Later that year, the War Refugee Board
encountered similar resistance from General
Dwight D. Eisenhower. A proposed leaflet
warning civilians not to participate in atrocities
against Jews was altered at his insistence,
removing references to Jews entirely.
The artist and Jewish activist Arthur Szyk

charged that the persecution of Europe’s
Jews was being “treated as a pornographical
subject—you cannot discuss it in polite
society.”
There was a clear reason behind the Roosevelt
administration’s policy. Officials feared that
publicly acknowledging the Jews as the
primary victims would increase pressure to
take specific action to help them.
Although today’s Holocaust distorters may be
motivated by different concerns, callousness,
political convenience, or ignorance, the result
remains the same: the Jews are rendered
unmentionable.
Dr. Rafael Medoff
Vues Master’s Note: Thanks for the lesson!

CONGRESS OR PROGRESS
Dear Vues Master:
As an engaged citizen watching Congress
at work, I am deeply concerned about the
age and effectiveness of many of our current
representatives. Right now, about 24 members
of Congress are 80 years old or older, and
some have served for decades—well past the

age at which most Americans retire from high-
pressure careers.

This isn’t about disrespecting elders or
dismissing the value of experience. Wisdom
and historical perspective are important in
public service. But Congress is not an advisory
board; it is one of the most demanding jobs
in our government, requiring sharp cognitive
skills, strong communication, and the ability
to make quick, complex decisions that affect
millions of people every day.
Too often in recent years, we’ve seen public
moments that raise serious questions about
whether some lawmakers are fully capable of
meeting these demands. When conversations
are confusing, hearing testimony is difficult,
or lawmakers struggle to stay engaged
during critical debates, it undermines public
confidence in our democratic system.
In most professions, from airline pilots to
surgeons, performance standards
or retirement expectations are
normal and necessary for public
safety. Yet there are no similar
expectations for those who make
our laws, control spending, and
shape foreign policy.
Our country deserves
representatives who combine
experience with energy—leaders
who understand both today’s
technological challenges and
the lived realities of younger
generations. Honest discussions
about age, fitness for office,
and generational renewal aren’t
attacks; they’re necessary for a

healthy democracy.
MY
Vues Master’s Note: Age is just a number!

HOCHULBERRY FINN
Dear Vues Master:
Governor Hochul is correct that shuls deserve
real protection, but a 25-foot buffer zone, or
even 50 feet, is plainly insufficient. If the state
is genuinely committed to ensuring people can
pray without fear or intimidation, the distance
should be at least 150 feet.
Anyone familiar with protests understands
how meaningless short distances are. Chants,
bullhorns, signs, and aggressive behavior don’t
stop at an arbitrary line on the pavement. At 25
or 50 feet, demonstrators can still shout directly
at congregants, photograph them, follow them
with insults, and create an unmistakably hostile
environment. That is not abstract political
speech; it is targeted intimidation.
This proposal is not about banning protests or
suppressing unpopular viewpoints. Protesters
would retain ample space to assemble, chant,
and express their opinions in public forums.
What they would lose is the ability to confront
individuals at the precise moment they are
entering or leaving a religious service. No one
should have to run a gauntlet to attend a shul,
mosque, church, or temple.
Given the documented rise in antisemitism,
half-measures are irresponsible. A 150-
foot buffer provides meaningful physical
and psychological separation, reducing
the likelihood of confrontation while still
respecting the First Amendment.
If lawmakers are going to act, they should do
so decisively. Anything less than 150 feet is
symbolism dressed up as safety. New Yorkers
deserve better than performative protection.
NR
Vues Master’s Note: She is trying to get
votes from everyone, but we see through her
shenanigans!

OBSERVANT?
Dear Vues Master,
The author Isaac Bashevis Singer traveled to
Vilna before the war. When he returned to the
United States, he remarked:
“I saw a Jew who studies Talmud all day; I

saw a Jew who spends his day devising get-
rich schemes; I saw a Jew who races after

women; and I saw a Jew who does not look
at women.”
Hearing this, his friend said, “I don’t know
why you’re surprised. Vilna is a big city, and
there are all kinds of Jews there.”
Singer responded, “No, you don’t understand.
I was talking about one person. All of these
were the same Jew.”
LP
Vues Master’s Note: Always looking for the
negative?

A TIME FOR MUSIC 39
Dear Vues Master
I would like to express our heartfelt
appreciation for this year’s HASC A Time
for Music 39 concert and, just as importantly,
for the incredible organization behind it. We
first saw an ad for the concert in The Jewish
Vues and decided to purchase the live stream.
With the snowy weather this past Sunday, we
thought it would be the perfect opportunity
to watch together as a family. What we
experienced was nothing short of amazing.
From beginning to end, the concert was
uplifting, inspiring, and beautifully produced.
The performers were outstanding, the music
was powerful, and the quality of the live
stream made it feel as though we were sitting
right in the venue. Every detail was clearly
thought out and executed with care and
professionalism.
Beyond the music itself, what truly stood
out was HASC as an organization. HASC
consistently demonstrates excellence,
compassion, and dedication in everything it
does, and this concert was a perfect reflection
of those values. Knowing that this incredible
event supports such a meaningful cause made
the experience even more impactful. It was
inspiring to see how HASC uses music to
bring people together while continuing its
vital work for individuals with special needs
and their families.
Our entire family was captivated throughout
the concert, and it created a special sense of
togetherness on a wintery Sunday. We love

Benny Friedman, Shulem Lemmer & Naftali
Kempe. We are deeply grateful to HASC,
the organizers, and the performers for an
unforgettable experience. HASC A Time
for Music 39 was truly exceptional, and we
already look forward to next years concert.
IP
Vues Master’s Note: We love HASC! Cant wait
for A Time for Music 40!!

PHASE TWO
Dear Vues Master
I am deeply disturbed by reports that the
Trump administration is unilaterally dictating
the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire while
openly dismissing the elected government
of Israel and the unresolved fate of Israeli
hostages. The quote attributed to a senior U.S.
official, “This is our show, not his show” is
not just arrogant, it is reckless. It treats a close
ally as a subordinate and reduces matters of
war, peace, and human life to a geopolitical
power play.
The United States does not bear the
consequences of failure here; Israel does.
It is Israeli civilians who face rockets if the
ceasefire collapses, Israeli soldiers who
would be sent back into Gaza, and Israeli
families who are still waiting to bury their
dead. Pressing ahead with “Phase Two” while
Hamas still holds the body of Ran Gvili is
morally indefensible. No agreement should
move forward while a terrorist organization
openly violates its most basic obligations and
is rewarded with political legitimacy.
Equally alarming is the creation of a so-called
“Board of Peace for Gaza” without Israeli
coordination, potentially including Turkey and
Qatar, states that have consistently enabled
Hamas. Calling this board “prestigious” does
not make it credible. Putting foreign actors
over Israel’s objections in charge of Gaza’s
future ignores both regional realities and hard
lessons from past failures.
Peace cannot be imposed through bravado,
social media announcements, or threats of
abandonment. If Washington truly seeks
stability, it should stand with its ally, insist
on full accountability from Hamas, and
recognize that durable peace requires trust
— not coercion. What is being presented as
diplomacy instead looks like hubris, and the
cost of that mistake will be paid in blood, not
headlines.
LT
Vues Master’s Note: Give Trump the benifit of
the doubt. He’s been very good to us so far!

TIME TO BUY A HOUSE
Dear Vues Master
For the first time in years, homebuyers
and homeowners alike have a genuine
reason to feel optimistic. The recent drop in
mortgage rates to 6.06%, the lowest level
since September 2022, is welcome news for
a housing market that has been suffocating
under the weight of high financing costs.
This shift is not just symbolic; it is already
translating into real economic activity.
Freddie Mac’s latest data shows that
borrowing costs are down sharply from both
last week and from this time last year, when
rates hovered above 7%. As Freddie Mac’s
chief economist Sam Khater noted, purchase
applications and refinancing activity have
jumped, signaling renewed confidence from
buyers and relief for existing homeowners.
After months of stagnation, this momentum
matters.
President Trump deserves credit for keeping
sustained pressure on lowering mortgage
rates and for openly prioritizing affordability.
His focus on mortgage-backed securities
and willingness to challenge the status
quo has clearly coincided with measurable
improvements. Even typically skeptical media
outlets have acknowledged the trend.
Yes, challenges remain. Housing supply
is still tight, and prices remain elevated,
as economists rightly point out. But lower
financing costs are a critical first step. They
expand access for qualified buyers, reduce
monthly payments, and encourage sidelined
homeowners to reenter the market.
With existing-home sales rising for the fourth
consecutive month, this progress should be
celebrated. Lower mortgage rates won’t solve
everything overnight, but they offer something
the housing market has sorely lacked: hope.
HP
Vues Master’s Note: Try buying a single
family home in a frum neighborhood! It’s still
very difficult.

ALIYAH
Dear Vues Master
As someone deeply connected to the Jewish
homeland, I have long dreamed of making
Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael. The idea of living
in the land of our ancestors, raising a family
immersed in Yiddishkeit, and contributing
to Klal Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael is a dream I
hold close to my heart. However, the current
reality of apartment prices in Israel makes

this dream feel increasingly out of reach.
Even modest apartments in cities like Har
Nof, Ramot, Yerushalayim, and Beit Shemesh
are now priced at staggering levels. For many
prospective olim, including young families
and professionals, the cost of housing far
exceeds what one could reasonably expect
to save, even after years of careful financial
planning. It is heartbreaking to see the
dream of Aliyah so closely tied to an almost
unattainable real estate market.
This situation is more than a financial hurdle;
it is a barrier to connecting with the land and
contributing to the community in the way
many of us envision. Skyrocketing prices
risk pushing dedicated Jews away, making
it harder for Israel to attract and retain new
citizens eager to participate fully in the
country’s social and economic life.
I hope policymakers, developers, and
community leaders will take urgent steps to
address this crisis, creating affordable housing
options for those who wish to make Israel
their home. Aliyah should be a realistic dream,
not one indefinitely deferred by economic
impossibility.
NH
Vues Master’s Note: My daughter recently
tried to purchase a house in Ramat Beit

Shemesh & couldn’t believe that a three-
bedroom apartment is over a million dollars!!

HELP
Dear Vues Master:
When Rabbi Eizel Charif was asked why
wealthy people are more willing to help a
poor person with a physical disability than a
poor Torah scholar, he answered:
“Because every wealthy person can imagine
that one day he might become a poor, disabled
person. But he does not worry that one day he
might become a poor Torah scholar.”
MB
Vues Master’s Note: We are only ready to help
those who are not our competition.