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Tuesday, August 4, 2026

🎵 Tuesday, August 11, 2026 — DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

🎵 Tuesday, August 25, 2026 — Season Finale!

Ongoing — Rock Hall Museum, Lawrence

Ongoing — FREE Senior Enrichment at The Sands, Lido Beach

This is deeply alarming and every Five Towns resident needs to know about it. Antisemitic incidents accounted for the majority of all hate crimes recorded in New York City in July 2026, with a stunning increase of over 53 percent compared to the same period last year. The surge comes amid a broader national and global trend of rising antisemitism that has been building since October 7, 2023. Our community — proudly and visibly Jewish every single day — must remain vigilant. Report any suspicious activity or hate incidents immediately to Nassau County Police and the Nassau County Human Rights Commission. Read more here

In direct response to the ongoing surge in antisemitic violence across the country, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers has introduced a comprehensive new legislative framework aimed at tackling anti-Jewish hatred at the national level. The framework includes enhanced reporting requirements, funding for community security programs, school curriculum mandates, and strengthened law enforcement tools. For the Five Towns community — home to one of the most concentrated Orthodox Jewish populations in America — this legislation could have real and meaningful impact. Read more here

A federal court challenge is currently underway targeting state-level restrictions on carrying licensed firearms in and near houses of worship. The case has significant implications for our community — with shuls, yeshivos, and Jewish day schools throughout the Five Towns, any ruling on this issue will directly affect how our institutions approach security. The DOJ has already threatened a separate lawsuit over a Maryland county ban on firearms in shuls. The Five Towns community is watching these cases very closely. Read more here

A wild car accident early Shabbos morning closed off a section of West Broadway in Woodmere. Residents lost power between 3–4 AM Shabbos morning after the driver lost control of the car and crashed through electric poles, a stop sign, fences, and trees. The shocking footage, which went viral on 5TownsCentral's social media, shows the full destruction caused by the out-of-control vehicle. Power was eventually restored, but the crash served as a jarring reminder of the dangers of reckless driving on our neighborhood streets — especially in the middle of the night. Please share this with family members who drive in the Five Towns. Read more here 5townscentral

This one hits right in the kitchen. Multiple emergency response units from across northeast Iowa converged on Postville early Tuesday morning after a major structural fire broke out at the Agri Star Meat & Poultry processing facility, threatening operations at one of the nation's largest kosher meat producers. The blaze began around 4:00 AM when heavy smoke was observed rising from the complex. No injuries occurred, but the extent of structural damage has forced an immediate pause in processing and slaughter operations, leading management to warn distributors and consumers to anticipate disruptions to regular meat delivery schedules. 5townscentral

As the largest commercial employer in Allamakee County, the Agri Star plant is the backbone of much of America's kosher beef supply — including many of the brands sold right here in the Five Towns. The Orthodox Union confirmed it is actively working to minimize the impact on the kosher community. Expect possible temporary shortages and price increases at your local kosher butcher and supermarket in the coming weeks. Read more here

Here is some genuinely good news for anyone who drives through Lawrence regularly. Lawrence has begun a $150,000 Nassau Expressway improvement project featuring roadway repaving, ADA-compliant ramps, landscaping and beautification upgrades along Route 878, with construction expected to be completed by October. The project includes repaving the roadway, improving ramps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, adding landscaping and planting trees to create a more attractive corridor for residents and visitors. Herald Community Newspapers

The village received a $150,000 state grant from State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. Mayor Samuel Nahmias said: "This work involves starting the process of beautifying with the trees, fixing the ramps, making it ADA compliant, and then obviously redoing the roads, which are in desperate need." The improvements will run from Burnside Avenue toward the Atlantic Beach Bridge. Expect some temporary traffic disruptions through October. Read more here Herald Community Newspapers

Lawrence is doubling down on public safety in a big way. The new surveillance system — the first of its kind among villages in Nassau County — will feature well over 100 high-tech cameras, including advanced license plate readers. The camera system will be directly linked to the Nassau County Police Department Command Center, while also being monitored locally at Village Hall. The network will operate on a secure intranet system rather than a cellular platform, allowing for faster, more reliable, and real-time data transmission. The majority of the $250,000 cost is funded through previously awarded Nassau County grant funds, part of a larger $1.2 million grant secured by the Village. 5 Towns Central

Mayor Nahmias commented: "We take safety and security very seriously here." While some residents have raised privacy questions about the scope of the system, the overwhelming community response has been positive — particularly in a village that has worked hard to deter car theft and burglary. Read more here 5 Towns Central

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools appointed longtime district educator Reina Hall as Ogden Elementary School's new principal after 18 years of service in the district. Hall is a familiar and beloved face in the Hewlett-Woodmere community who has dedicated nearly two decades to the district's students. The appointment signals strong continuity in leadership heading into the new school year. Congratulations to Principal Hall! Read more here Herald Community Newspapers

National Drowning Prevention Day is raising awareness about water safety as local officials highlight drowning prevention efforts, safety tips and upcoming rescue training in Atlantic Beach. With the Five Towns community spending significant time at Long Beach, Atlantic Beach, and local pools throughout the summer, water safety cannot be overstated. Key reminders: never swim alone, always swim near a lifeguard, ensure children wear properly fitted life vests near open water, and enroll young children in swimming lessons as early as possible. Nassau County offers affordable learn-to-swim programs — visit nassaucountyny.gov for details. Read more here Herald Community Newspapers

A Queens resident has been arraigned on hate crime charges following a targeted act of vandalism against a kosher bakery. The attack, which caused significant property damage, was determined by investigators to be motivated by anti-Jewish bias. This incident is part of the broader surge in antisemitic activity across the New York metro area — and a reminder that the threat is not abstract. Our community remains a target and must remain alert. Read more here

Nassau County Police made three arrests in Jericho following the discovery of illegal weapons and a significant quantity of narcotics during a targeted enforcement operation. The bust — just a short drive from the Five Towns — is another example of Nassau County Police actively working to keep our communities free from weapons and drugs. Full details on the charges have been filed at First District Court in Hempstead. Read more here

Over this past Shabbos, significant geopolitical developments were unfolding that the Five Towns community is watching closely. Israel placed its military on high alert over the weekend as reports emerged of a possible coordinated U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. While no strike has been confirmed as of press time, the situation is highly fluid. For a community with deep family and emotional ties to Israel, this is a story to follow extremely closely this week. Check 5townscentral.com for the latest updates as they come in. Read more here

After a nine-month closure, Peninsula Public Library celebrated the reopening of its fully modernized, ADA-compliant elevator, restoring accessibility for patrons of all ages and abilities. The library — a central Five Towns community institution — is now fully accessible again. If you haven't visited lately, this is a great time to rediscover everything it has to offer, from programming for kids and seniors to community meeting rooms and a world-class collection. Read more here Herald Community Newspapers

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📣 Long Island Small Businesses Win $5,000 Grants — Could YOUR Business Apply Next Year?

Optimum Business and the LIA Foundation celebrated 40 Long Island small business grant winners at their 2026 Small Business Summit in Bethpage — 20 from Nassau County and 20 from Suffolk. Each winner received a $5,000 grant through the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant program. Five Towns business owners: watch for next year's application cycle opening. It's a real opportunity for local businesses to get a meaningful boost. Source: patch.com

As reported above — the Agri Star fire in Postville, Iowa has halted production at one of the country's largest kosher meat facilities. The Orthodox Union is working to minimize the impact, but Five Towns families should expect possible supply shortages and price increases at local kosher butchers and supermarkets in the coming weeks. If you have a freezer, now is a smart time to stock up on whatever you can find at current prices. Read more here

🎳 UPDATE: Woodmere Lanes Kosher Transition — Watch This Space

The community continues to await further details on the timeline for Woodmere Lanes' full transition to frum ownership and kosher certification under the Vaad of the Five Towns. As soon as more details are released we will have them for you right here in the Five Towns Insider!

🍽️ Stay Up to Date on Five Towns Kosher Restaurant News:

Why did the kosher butcher close early? He heard there was a big sale at the plant — turns out it was on fire! 🥩🔥

(Too soon? We know, we know — but the OU is on it.)

Question:
The Agri Star Meat & Poultry plant in Postville, Iowa is one of the world's largest kosher meat packing facilities. Before it became Agri Star, it operated under a different — and very famous — name in the kosher world. What was it called, and what happened to the previous ownership?

Answer:
The Postville facility was previously known as Agriprocessors, owned by the Rubashkin family — the largest kosher slaughterhouse in the United States for many years. In 2008, the plant was the subject of a massive federal immigration raid, after which the company went bankrupt. Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin, the CEO, was convicted of financial fraud and sentenced to 27 years in federal prison — a sentence widely viewed in the Orthodox community as excessive. In December 2017, President Trump commuted Rubashkin's sentence after eight years, following an extraordinary bipartisan campaign on his behalf. Agri Star purchased the plant in 2009 and has operated it since.

As reported above, antisemitic hate crimes in NYC surged over 53% in July. The Five Towns remains one of the most visibly Jewish communities in America. If you witness any antisemitic act, harassment, or suspicious targeting of Jewish individuals or institutions — report it immediately.

To report: Nassau County Police Non-Emergency: 888-684-4274 | Nassau County Human Rights Commission: 516-571-3704 | FBI Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI

🚗 WEST BROADWAY WOODMERE CRASH REMINDER

The wild overnight crash on West Broadway that knocked out power throughout Woodmere on Shabbos morning is a reminder to report any reckless driving in our community to Nassau County Police immediately. If you have dashcam or Ring footage of the incident or the driver, contact RNSP at (516) 858-7300.

The Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol (RNSP) operates 24/7, 365 days a year — completely volunteer-run — protecting the Five Towns and Rockaway communities.

📞 24/7 Hotline: (516) 858-7300
📱 Instagram: @rnsp_patrol
🌐 Website: rnsafetypatrol.org
💛 Donate: rayze.it/rockawaynassausafetypatrol

Nassau County Police Non-Emergency: 888-684-4274 | Crime Stoppers: 1-800-244-TIPS