28 Jul SPEAK YOUR VUES WITH THE VUES MASTER
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The author of this column is an independent third party contributor. The views and opinions expressed by
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views, please write a letter to the Vues Master.
REMEMBERING MR. EINHORN Z”L
Dear Vues Master
The petirah of Holocaust survivor David Einhorn z”l, who
was niftar just days after celebrating his 100th birthday, is both
heartbreaking and deeply symbolic.
Just last week, our community came together to honor a man
who represented the triumph of the Jewish spirit over the
greatest evil in history. Surrounded by his children, grandchil-
dren, great-grandchildren, elected officials, and friends, Mr.
Einhorn celebrated not only a century of life but a century of
courage, emunah, and resilience. None of us could have imag-
ined that the celebration would become his farewell.
There is something profoundly moving about the fact that
Hashem granted him the opportunity to witness so much love,
respect, and hakaras hatov before he was niftar. It reminds us
that we must honor our Holocaust survivors while they are
still with us—not after they are gone.
The reality is that there are very few Holocaust survivors still
living among us. With each survivor who is niftar, we lose an-
other firsthand witness to the horrors of the Holocaust. Soon,
there will no longer be anyone left who can personally recount
what they endured in Auschwitz, Treblinka, Bergen-Belsen,
and the countless other places where six million Yidden were
murdered al kiddush Hashem.
It is our sacred responsibility to hear their stories, preserve
their testimony, and ensure that future generations never for-
get. At a time when Holocaust denial and antisemitism con-
tinue to spread, this mission is more important than ever.
May the memory of Mr. David Einhorn z”l be a blessing, and
may we continue to honor the few remaining survivors while
we are still privileged to have them with us.
RD
Vues Master’s Note: Baruch Dayan HaEmes. It is important
to speak with the Holocaust survivors who are still alive and
make sure that their lives are remembered.
BIKE 4 CHAI
Dear Vues Master
I would like to take a moment to express how much the
Catskills community enjoyed last year’s incredible Bike 4
Chai event when the riders passed through the town of Mon-
ticello.
It was truly something special. For days afterward, everyone
throughout the Catskills was talking about it. Families came
out to cheer on the riders, children waved banners, businesses
gave out free food and people lined the streets to show their
support. The excitement and energy were felt throughout the
entire community. It was more than just a bike ride, it was a
powerful display of achdus, chesed, and support for children
and families who rely on the amazing work of Chai Lifeline.
This year, with the event returning to Camp Simcha, the ex-
citement throughout the Catskills seems much quieter. While
Camp Simcha is a beautiful and meaningful location, there
was something unique about having the riders come through
the streets of Monticello. It allowed the entire community, in-
cluding people who may not have attended the camp, to be
part of this incredible experience.
Events like Bike 4 Chai have the power to bring people to-
gether and create memories that last a lifetime. The sight of
hundreds of riders coming through town, with thousands of
supporters cheering them on, was something truly unforget-
table.
I hope that in future years, the organizers will consider bring-
ing the route back through Monticello or perhaps even ex-
panding the ride to an even more special destination. And who
knows, if Moshiach comes, maybe next summer we will all be
riding together in Eretz Yisrael.
Thank you to Chai Lifeline and all the riders for the incredible
work they do.
BR
Vues Master’s Note: Chai Lifeline is an amazing organiza-
tion and the support they receive for Bike 4 Chai is astound-
ing.
HOCHUL SHOULD GET RID OF MAMDANI
Dear Vues Master
Governor Kathy Hochul has repeatedly spoken about stand-
ing up against antisemitism, but words alone are no longer
enough. As antisemitic rhetoric continues to rise across New
York, it is time for the governor to clearly and publicly con-
demn Mayor Zohran Mamdani for statements and actions that
many Jewish New Yorkers view as promoting hostility toward
Israel and creating an atmosphere that makes them feel less
safe.
New York is home to the largest Jewish population outside of
Israel. Our elected officials have a responsibility to ensure that
every community feels protected and respected. When public
officials make comments that many interpret as demonizing
the Jewish state or appear to excuse hostility directed at Jew-
ish communities, they should be held accountable.
Governor Hochul should not remain silent. If she truly be-
lieves antisemitism has no place in New York,
she should say so without hesitation and call out
it wherever she believes it exists, regardless of
political affiliation. Leadership means speaking
up even when it is politically difficult.
If the mayor has engaged in conduct that vio-
lates legal or ethical standards warranting re-
moval under New York law, the appropriate
authorities should carefully examine those facts
and follow the legal process. No public official
should be above accountability.
The Jewish community deserves leaders who
will stand firmly against antisemitism in all
its forms and ensure that New York remains a
place where every resident can live without fear
or intimidation. Silence in the face of hatred
only emboldens those who spread it.
TY
Vues Master’s Note: As the saying goes: Ac-
tions speak louder than words. It’s time for
Governor Hochul to take some action!
PICTURE PAGES
Dear Vues Master
I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how
much my family looks forward to receiving The
Country Vues and The Jewish Vues every single
week.
The first thing everyone does is flip through the
picture pages. They have become our favor-
ite part of the paper. Whether it’s photos from
camps, community events, simchos, or special
gatherings, it’s always exciting to see familiar
faces and relive the week’s highlights.
The camp pictures are especially appreciated
during the summer. As parents and grandpar-
ents, we love seeing our children and grand-
children enjoying camp, making friends, and
creating wonderful memories. It’s something
our entire family looks forward to each week.
We also really enjoy the pictures of rabbanim,
rebbes, roshei yeshiva, and community leaders.
These photos help capture the spirit of our com-
munities and preserve so many meaningful mo-
ments. It’s wonderful to see Torah, chesed, and
community life featured so prominently.
The Country Vues has become a must-read in
our home every week. Between the outstanding
photo coverage, interesting articles, interviews,
jokes, puzzles, and community news, there is
truly something for everyone in the family. It
does an incredible job of bringing together the
Catskills and the communities back home.
Thank you to everyone who works so hard be-
hind the scenes to produce such a beautiful pub-
lication week after week. Your dedication does
not go unnoticed, and it is greatly appreciated.
Please keep up the outstanding work. We look
forward to reading The Country Vues and The
Jewish Vues for many years to come.
HT
Vues Master’s Note: Thank you for your kind
words! It’s always nice to hear positive feed-
back. It’s readers like you who make all the
hard work worth it!
SHIDDUCH RESUMES AT
CHASUNAS
Dear Vues Master
I had the privilege of attending a beautiful cha-
sunah this past weekend, a true simchas chos-
son v’kallah filled with tremendous joy and
excitement. There was one moment, however,
that left a lasting impression on me and made
me think about the challenges so many singles
face today.
As one of the chosson’s unmarried sisters
walked down to the chuppah, she did some-
thing I had never seen before. She respectfully
handed out copies of her shidduch résumé to
the guests seated along the aisle. At first, I was
surprised, but within moments I realized how
thoughtful and practical the idea was.
Our community constantly speaks about the
shidduch crisis and the importance of doing our
hishtadlus to help singles find their zivug. Here
was a young woman taking a sincere, digni-
fied step to increase the chances that someone
might think of an appropriate shidduch. There
was nothing uncomfortable about it. On the
contrary, I admired her courage and her emunah
that Hashem can send a yeshuah through any
shaliach.
A chasunah gathers together relatives, friends,
rabbonim, neighbors, and people from many
different kehillos. It is the perfect opportunity
for someone to become known to individuals
who may have the right suggestion but other-
wise would never have made the connection.
I hope more singles will consider doing some-
thing similar at family simchos. If it leads even
one person to meet their bashert and build a
bayis ne’eman b’Yisrael, it will have been well
worth it.
May we soon hear many more besuros tovos
and celebrate countless more engagements and
chasunos throughout Klal Yisrael.
FF
Vues Master’s Note: She sounds like a brave
young woman with a great sense of humor!
SHABBOS NACHAMU CONCERTS
Dear Vues Master
As another summer in the Catskills goes by,
I can’t help but miss the good old days of the
legendary Motzaei Shabbos Nachamu concerts.
For so many of us, those concerts were among
the highlights of the entire summer. There was
nothing quite like joining thousands of people
from every bungalow colony and camp for an
unforgettable evening of Jewish music. The
concerts at the Monticello Raceway were es-
pecially memorable. Year after year, the big-
gest stars in Jewish music took the stage, and
it seemed like Avraham Fried and MBD were
performing there all the time. Those concerts at-
tracted enormous crowds and created an atmo-
sphere of excitement that people talked about
for weeks afterward.
Today, things have changed. Many bungalow
colonies and private communities bring in their
own major Jewish singers for exclusive perfor-
mances. While those events are certainly enjoy-
able for the people who attend them, they don’t
create the same feeling of achdus that the Race-
way concerts did. Instead of one large event
bringing everyone together, the entertainment
has become scattered among dozens of private
venues.
Last summer, we were fortunate to have the
spectacular Ishay Ribo concert, which re-
minded us how special these large community
gatherings can be. This summer, however, there
doesn’t seem to be a major concert that every-
one can look forward to.
There’s something nostalgic about those sum-
mer nights when families, teenagers, and music
lovers from across the Catskills all gathered in
one place. It wasn’t just about the music, it was
about the atmosphere, the friendships, and the
feeling that the entire community was celebrat-
ing together.
I hope someone brings back this cherished tra-
dition. The Catskills could certainly use another
unforgettable Motzaei Shabbos Nachamu con-
cert.
RJM
Vues Master’s Note: The Catskills can also use
some of the old fashioned hotels it used to have
with the Motzei Shabbos entertainment. Bring
back the nostalgia!
TRAFFIC GOING TO THE
CATSKILLS
Dear Vues Master
The traffic leaving New York City for the
Catskills this past Friday was absolutely un-
bearable. What usually takes me two and a half
hours took over four hours. It was a very frus-
trating and exhausting trip, with endless lines
of cars, major delays, and hours wasted sitting
on the road.
This unusual congestion, I believe, was largely
connected to the timing of Tisha B’Av, which
fell on a Thursday this year. Since many people
observed the fast day and then traveled upstate
for Shabbos on Thursday night and Friday, in-
stead of traveling during the day on Thursday,
there was a tremendous surge of vehicles head-
ing toward the Catskills all at once. The result
was overwhelming congestion on roads that
were simply not prepared for the volume of
traffic.
Those familiar with the summer traffic patterns
know that the busiest Shabbosim in the moun-
tains are typically July 4th weekend and Shab-
bos Nachamu. These weekends already bring
a significant increase in travelers, and when
Visiting Day coincides with one of them, the
traffic situation becomes even more challeng-
ing. Thousands of additional families are on the
move, creating delays that affect everyone trav-
eling in the area.
TH
Vues Master’s Note: The only solution to
Shabbos Nachamu traffic is to stay home.
SCHUMER IS A COWARD
Dear Vues Master
Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s recent criti-
cism of Senator Chuck Schumer has reignited
an important debate about political leadership
and moral clarity. Ambassador Huckabee called
Senator Schumer a coward, arguing that he has
failed to denounce Mayor Zohran Mamdani
strongly enough over statements and positions
that many critics view as antisemitic.
What makes this especially striking is that Sen-
ator Schumer published a book last year focus-
ing on the rise of antisemitism and the need to
confront it. Given that background, many ex-
pected him to speak more forcefully in response
to statements and actions by Mayor Zohran
Mamdani that critics, including many in the
Jewish community, view as hostile toward Isra-
el or insufficiently sensitive to Jewish concerns.
Senator Schumer has not been as outspoken as
many believe this moment demands.
President Trump and Ambassador Huckabee
have both presented themselves as unwaver-
ing supporters of Israel and the Jewish people.
Ironically, many observers now argue that
they have been more vocal in defending Jew-
ish concerns than Senator Schumer, despite his
long-standing reputation as one of the nation’s
highest-ranking Jewish elected officials.
Senator Schumer has referred to himself as a
“Shomer Yisrael.” Many in the Jewish commu-
nity strongly disagree with that characterization
and believe his recent actions have not reflected
the leadership they expect. Regardless of po-
litical party, Jewish Americans deserve leaders
who speak clearly and consistently against anti-
semitism and who stand firmly with the Jewish
community when it feels threatened.
RTY
Vues Master’s Note: Those who stay silent are
just as guilty, or maybe even more, as the per-
petrators themselves.
TU BA’AV & SHIDDUCHIM
Dear Vues Master
As we approach Tu B’Av, the day that Chazal
describe as one of the happiest days on the
Jewish calendar, it is an appropriate time for
all of us to turn our thoughts and tefillos to the
thousands of single men and women through-
out Klal Yisrael who are still searching for their
bashert.
The shidduch crisis is real. Behind every statis-
tic is a person, a son, daughter, brother, sister,
friend, or neighbor, who dreams of building a
Torah home. There are many wonderful men
and women who desperately want to get mar-
ried but are simply not meeting the right people
through the current shidduch system. For many,
the waiting can be painful and discouraging.
Tu B’Av should remind us that we all have a
role to play. You don’t have to be a professional
shadchan to make a difference. Every one of
us knows people who are single. Think about
who you know. Make a phone call. Suggest an
idea. Introduce two people who might be com-
patible. Even if only one suggestion leads to a
chasunah, you may have helped build a bayis
ne’eman b’Yisrael.
At the same time, let us add these singles to our
daily tefillos. Ask Hashem to bless every single
man and woman with the opportunity to find
their zivug b’karov.
This Tu B’Av, let’s not simply celebrate the day.
Let’s use it as a catalyst to take action. Together,
through caring, effort, and tefillah, we can help
bring simcha to countless individuals and fami-
lies throughout Klal Yisrael.
REJ
Vues Master’s Note: A great idea! The prob-
lem is that with resumes and pictures many of
our singles rule out a meeting from the onset. I
think we should get rid of pictures all together
when trying to set up singles.
IT’S TIME TO GET RID OF
MAMDANI
Dear Vues Master
New Yorkers deserve leaders who understand
that holding public office requires more than
repeating the language of activism. It requires
judgment, responsibility and an awareness that
every statement from City Hall can affect the
lives of millions.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s recent comments
regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Ne-
tanyahu reveal a troubling inability to separate
campaign rhetoric from the responsibilities of
governing. During his campaign, Mamdani
made promises about Netanyahu’s potential
arrest in New York that were never within the
authority of the mayor’s office. Rather than
acknowledging those limitations, he has con-
tinued to use his platform to promote a highly
divisive message.
A mayor has every right to express opinions,
and peaceful protest is a fundamental American
freedom. However, leadership also requires rec-
ognizing the consequences of one’s words. At a
time when many Jewish New Yorkers are expe-
riencing fear because of rising antisemitism and
hostility toward Jewish communities, elected
officials should be working to reduce tensions,
not intensify them.
The mayor’s office carries a responsibility to
represent all residents, including those who dis-
agree with him politically. New York is a city
built on diversity, and that diversity depends
on mutual respect and the rejection of hatred in
every form.
Activism and governing are not the same. A
protest leader may seek attention through strong
statements and confrontation, but a mayor must
consider public safety, social harmony and the
well-being of every community.
Mayor Mamdani promised to serve all New
Yorkers. Now is the time to demonstrate that
commitment through thoughtful leadership, re-
sponsible language and a genuine effort to bring
people together.
RML
Vues Master’s Note: NYC might be built on
diversity, but we’ve lost a lot of our tolerance
for that diversity.
ANTI-SEMITISM IN FLATBUSH
Dear Vues Master
I am writing with deep concern and fear over
the growing number of antisemitic incidents af-
fecting Jewish communities in Brooklyn. The
recent attack on a 64-year-old Jewish man at the
intersection of Kings Highway and Ocean Av-
enue in Flatbush is a painful reminder that ha-
tred against Jews is not just a historical concern
or something that happens somewhere else. It
is happening in our own neighborhoods, on our
own streets.
According to reports, the victim was simply
walking across the street when he was inten-
tionally confronted and assaulted. The alleged
attacker’s hateful words, reportedly saying,
“This is what Jews deserve,” make this incident
even more disturbing. No person should ever be
targeted, attacked, or made to feel unsafe be-
cause of their religion or identity.
Brooklyn has long been home to diverse com-
munities living side by side. The rise in anti-
semitic acts threatens not only Jewish residents
but the values of respect and tolerance that
make this city strong. When hatred is allowed
to spread, it creates fear among families, chil-
dren, seniors, and anyone who wants to live
peacefully.
Law enforcement must continue to take these
crimes seriously and ensure that those respon-
sible are held accountable. But addressing an-
tisemitism requires more than arrests after an
attack occurs. It requires education, community
awareness, and leaders from all backgrounds
speaking out clearly against hate.
Every Brooklyn resident should be alarmed by
this trend. An attack on one community is an
attack on the safety and dignity of all. Silence
only allows hatred to grow. We must stand to-
gether and make it clear that antisemitism has
no place in Brooklyn.
KT
Vues Master’s Note: Our mayor doesn’t seem
to be helping us fight antisemitism…
ATTACKING IRAN
Dear Vues Master
Like many Americans, I was puzzled by reports
suggesting that President Trump decided to halt
further military strikes against Iran because the
United States was running low on certain muni-
tions.
If that is truly the reason, it raises an obvious
question. President Trump has often said that
the United States has the strongest military in
the world. He has repeatedly highlighted the
billions of dollars invested in rebuilding Ameri-
ca’s armed forces during his presidency and has
proudly stated that no administration has done
more to strengthen our military.
If our military is as strong and well-funded as
we have been told, how could a shortage of am-
munition suddenly become the deciding factor
in such a major national security decision?
Perhaps there are strategic reasons that have not
been made public. Military operations are com-
plex, and presidents often have access to intel-
ligence that the public does not. It is entirely
possible that there were diplomatic, geopoliti-
cal, or operational considerations that played a
far greater role than ammunition supplies.
However, if ammunition shortages are indeed
the explanation, the American people deserve a
clearer understanding of how that could happen
after years of record defense spending.
Transparency is important, especially when it
comes to decisions involving our national secu-
rity and the safety of our troops. Americans can
accept difficult decisions when they understand
the reasoning behind them.
For now, many of us are left wondering whether
the explanation we’ve heard tells the whole sto-
ry or whether there were other factors that led
President Trump to end the military campaign
against Iran.
TP
Vues Master’s Note: I don’t think anyone but
Hashem really knows the truth about President
Trumps motives.
WE LOVE YOU SID
Dear Vues Master
Way to go, Sid Rosenberg. I could not agree
more with the points you made about Zohran
Mamdani and the serious concerns many peo-
ple have regarding his views, statements, and
positions. At a time when antisemitism is rising
across the country and especially in New York
City, we need more people willing to speak up
and address these issues honestly.
Too often, public figures are afraid to say what
many ordinary citizens are thinking.
They worry about political correct-
ness, backlash, or criticism from the
media. Sid Rosenberg has never been
afraid to have difficult conversations,
and that is why so many people appre-
ciate his voice.
The Jewish community has watched
with concern as anti-Israel rhetoric has
increasingly crossed lines into hostility
toward Jews. When elected officials
promote ideas that many believe cre-
ate division or make Jewish New Yorkers feel
unsafe, those concerns deserve to be heard and
taken seriously.
Of course, words matter, and public discussions
should be based on facts. But we cannot allow
the fear of using strong language to prevent
an honest examination of dangerous ideas and
harmful rhetoric. Silence has never protected
our community.
Sid’s willingness to challenge powerful people
and speak from the heart is something that
should be appreciated. He gave a voice to those
who feel ignored and frustrated by the direction
our city is heading.
At a time when courage is needed, we should
thank those who stand up and speak out. Sid
Rosenberg did exactly that.
IW
Vues Master’s Note: We could use a few more
influential friends to speak out on our behalf,
but I’ll take Sid’s remarks as a good start.
MOTZEI SHABBOS NACHAMU
CONCERTS
Dear Vues Master,
It was amazing how many Jewish music singers
were in the Catskills this past Motzei Shabbos
Nachamu, performing at different bungalow
colonies. I remember the old days when every-
one went to the racetrack. Now, every colony
brings in its own entertainment.
GP
Vues Master’s Note: What’s crazy is how
much each colony spent to bring these Jewish
musicians to perform! Many colonies paid be-
tween $10,000 and $20,000 for just a 90-minute
performance.
YESHIVA WILL BE HERE BEFORE
YOU KNOW IT
Dear Vues Master,
I can’t believe we’re starting the month of Au-
gust this week. Before you know it, we’ll be
back in school. I’m having such a great time
this summer that I really don’t want to think
about it yet. But I’ve already started getting lists
of things I need for yeshiva this year, and it’s
getting me depressed.
KL
Vues Master’s Note: Elul is still a couple of
weeks away. Don’t remind me yet!