“Even If Israel Didn’t Exist, U.S. Would Have Needed to Hit ‘Death to America’ Iranian Regime”

Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) National President Morton A. Klein released the following statement:

Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) National President Morton A. Klein, and the ZOA Board, staff, supporters, and friends are enormously grateful to President Trump for the courageous, necessary joint U.S.-Israeli action against the Islamic Iranian terror regime and elimination of Iran’s monstrous evil Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, and many of Iran’s evil leaders. Millions of citizens of Iran, Israel and other Middle Eastern nations share our gratefulness to the U.S. President and the U.S. and Israeli forces. Polls show 81% of Iranians oppose the Ayatollah and his regime. (It seems only Tucker Carlson supports the Ayatollah.)

The U.S.-Israeli action was long needed: For decades, the Iranian Islamist regime has been the world’s prime state sponsor of terrorism—funding, arming, and directing terror proxies that murdered Americans, Israelis, and countless others across the globe including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and more. The Iranian regime’s relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles endangered the U.S., Israel, and the entire free world.

Throughout the forty-seven years since radical Islamic Iranian terrorists seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took American diplomats hostage, the Iranian regime and its proxies have engaged in war against America, Israel, Jews, Christians, other non-Muslims, the West, its Muslim Arab neighbors and its own people who sought freedom from Islamist tyranny. The Iranian regime openly declared its intentions, chanting “Death to America,” “Death to Israel” and “America is the Big Satan, Israel is the Little Satan” at state-sponsored rallies.

Iran and its proxies murdered American service members and civilians in attacks in Lebanon, at Khobar Towers, aboard the USS Cole, roadside bombings in Iraq, the October 7 massacre, and other acts of terror across decades. Iran also facilitated the worst terror attack on American soil: Iran helped Al Qaeda plan 9-11, and arranged the travel and trained the terrorists for the deadly 9-11 attacks.

In 2020, ZOA expressed our gratitude to President Trump for eliminating IRGC terror leader Qasem Soleimani to prevent imminent attacks on Americans.

But for decades, many U.S. administrations, especially the Obama and Biden administrations, “kicked the can down the road,” or even continued to fund Iran, even while Iranian regime hit lists targeted U.S. officials (including President Trump and former Secretary Pompeo) and U.S. citizens (including ZOA President Klein). Former administrations moreover ignored the Iranian people’s cries for U.S. assistance when they rose up against the regime.

This action was clearly not solely about Israel. Even if Israel didn’t exist, America would have needed to attack Iran to protect itself and much of the world from terror, deadly missiles and nuclear annihilation, and to aid the Iranian citizens who have severely suffered from the Iranian regime’s tyranny, massacres of women who refused to abide by the regime’s fanatical demands, and recent massacre of over 32,000 innocent Iranian civilians in the last few weeks.

Just as America and its allies would have needed to attack and destroy Hitler and the Nazis even if there were no Jews, America would need to destroy the Ayatollah’s regime even if there were no Jews. Hitler’s regime and the Iranian Ayatollah’s regime were marked by the same brutality, evil, and destructive goals of world domination and repression.

This is a historic time that may begin to transform the Middle East. Iran—once the center of Cyrus the Great’s groundbreaking respect for all faiths—may again become a stable, rational, tolerant nation and law-abiding citizen of the world. The Zionist Organization of America sincerely thanks President Trump for taking courageous, long-needed action to bring safety and stability to America, our allies, the Middle East and the world. n

The Religious Zionists of America-Mizrachi expressed full support for the coordinated military action undertaken by the United States and Israel against the Iranian regime, calling it a necessary response to decades of state-sponsored terrorism and open genocidal threats.

“For more than forty years, Iran has armed, funded and directed terror proxies on Israel’s borders while openly calling for the destruction of both Israel and the United States,” said Stephen M. Flatow, President. “When a regime repeatedly declares its intent to annihilate you and builds the capability to do so, moral clarity demands action.”

The Islamic Republic has financed Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, launched ballistic missiles at Israeli population centers, pursued nuclear capabilities in defiance of international norms, and brutalized its own citizens. RZA praised the unprecedented coordination between Washington and Jerusalem.

“We commend President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their resolve and for the historic level of cooperation demonstrated at this critical hour,” Flatow said. “This reflects a partnership rooted not only in shared interests, but in shared values.”

As the statement was issued, Israeli civilians remained under threat from retaliatory attacks. RZA expressed solidarity with Israel’s citizens and the Israel Defense Forces and extended prayers for the safety of all allied forces engaged in the operation.

“In every generation there are those who rise with the intent to destroy us,” Flatow said. “The names change. The ideology does not. Our tradition is not merely about remembering the past. It is about recognizing present danger.”

Flatow also noted a deeply personal dimension to the confrontation with Iran. Iran’s Supreme Leader was named as a defendant in litigation arising from the 1995 Iranian-sponsored terrorist attack that murdered his daughter, Alisa Flatow.

“But this moment is not about personal history,” he said. “It is about ensuring that no Jewish child—in Israel or anywhere—lives under the shadow of annihilation.”

RZA urged American leaders to maintain moral clarity in confronting the Iranian regime and called on Jewish communities worldwide to stand united in visible and vocal support for Israel.

The Religious Zionists of America concluded its statement with a prayer for the protection of Israel and for the swift restoration of peace secured through strength. n

Village Of Lawrence Reacts To Historic Worldwide Developments

By Mayor Samuel Nahmias

This week, the world witnessed significant and historic moments. Following United States strikes on Iranian military targets in support of Israel, global tensions have entered a new and consequential chapter.

For more than four decades, the leadership of Iran has promoted hostility, instability, and threats toward Western civilization and its regional neighbors. This pattern of aggression has placed immense strain on international relations and on the people of the Middle East who seek peace, modernization, and opportunity.

Another core concern for the international community has been Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons capability. While Iranian officials have claimed peaceful intent, uranium enrichment levels and restrictions placed on international inspectors have raised serious alarms across the globe. A nuclear-armed Iran would pose an unprecedented threat to regional and global stability. Preventing the world’s most dangerous weapons from falling into the hands of a regime that has repeatedly threatened its neighbors is essential for the safety of the free world.

Today, I stand with President Trump and the leadership of Israel for taking decisive action in response to continued threats. These actions reflect a firm stance against regimes that destabilize an already fragile region.

At the same time, we must remember that the people of Iran are not their government. For generations, many Iranian citizens have expressed aspirations for freedom, modernization, and peaceful engagement with the world. Our hope is that this moment marks the beginning of a new era—one in which the people of Iran can determine their own future free from extremism and oppression.

This development also carries profound implications for neighboring nations, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Stability in this region is vital not only for those who live there, but for the global community.

Let us be clear: no single nation should be allowed to threaten the stability of an entire region. The world cannot stand idle in the face of persistent aggression. At the same time, we remain committed to the principles of international cooperation, human dignity, and lasting peace.

Here at home, the people of Lawrence stand united in support of the actions taken by the United States military. We stand especially with those members of our community who are of Iranian heritage and who long to see positive change, freedom, and a future defined not by fear, but by opportunity. Our community is strongest when we stand together—across backgrounds, across faiths, and across cultures—in defense of liberty and peace.

As your Mayor, my foremost responsibility is the safety and unity of our community. In moments like this, we reaffirm our commitment to democratic values, to standing with our allies, and to supporting efforts that promote freedom and security around the world. n

Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for Governor Bruce Blakeman blasted Governor Kathy Hochul for failing to maintain New York’s aging infrastructure after an alarming video revealed a large hole in the roadway of the state-owned Fire Island Inlet Bridge.

Blakeman commented, “New Yorkers should not be driving over bridges that are literally falling apart because Kathy Hochul has neglected core infrastructure while spending billions on illegal migrants and a bailout for NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.”

Blakeman noted that Long Island’s share of state transportation funding has fallen from nearly 24 percent historically to well under 15 percent today—even as vehicle registrations and travel demand continue to rise. In inflation-adjusted terms, state highway investment on Long Island has dropped by more than 50 percent from peak levels.

“This is not just a Long Island problem—it’s a symptom of Hochul’s broader failure to prioritize basic infrastructure across New York,” Blakeman continued. “Our roads, bridges, and highways are essential to public safety, emergency response, and economic stability.”

Blakeman also renewed his support for the reintroduction of the State Highway Improvement Program (SHIPs), which would provide predictable, flexible funding directly to local governments so they can address critical needs before they become emergencies. The program would deliver an additional $31.25 million annually for Long Island municipalities and similar support for communities across the state.

“SHIPs is a commonsense solution that empowers local officials to fix problems proactively and cost-effectively instead of waiting for dangerous failures,” Blakeman said.

Blakeman said that as Governor, he would direct the Department of Transportation to conduct immediate inspections of vulnerable bridges and roadways and restore fair, sustained infrastructure investment statewide.

“New Yorkers pay too much in taxes to drive on unsafe roads and bridges,” Blakeman concluded. “This situation demands immediate action—not studies, not excuses, but shovels in the ground and funding where it’s needed most.” n

{Build Homes. Cut Costs. Keep New Yorkers Here

Senate Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, along with Senators Jack Martins, Pam Helming, and Mark Walczyk, members of the Senate Housing Committee, and members of the Senate Republican Conference, unveiled a comprehensive package of housing legislation designed to help New Yorkers build homes that are affordable in an effort to keep homeowners here in the Empire State.

The Senators were joined at a Capitol news conference by Humberto Lopes, Executive Director of Gotham Housing Alliance and CEO of HL Dynasty, a construction, investment, development, and management company with a portfolio consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

The package includes affordability incentives for first time homeowners and lowers the construction costs by removing regulatory burdens such as streamlining the environmental review process to build homes. The package aims to increase housing supply by establishing a task force composed of local government officials, state agencies, and other stakeholders to develop best practices for local governments to incentivize housing development. In addition, the package includes legislation that ensures rent controlled and stabilized housing goes to those who need it most.

“For too many New Yorkers, the housing crisis is not abstract. It means young families cannot afford to buy their first home, seniors are struggling to remain in the communities they helped build, and too many residents are considering leaving the state altogether. High property taxes, regulatory burdens, and rising construction costs continue to push homeownership further out of reach. These proposals take a practical approach to lowering costs, increasing housing opportunities, and restoring a clear path to homeownership so families can build their futures here in New York instead of looking elsewhere,” said Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

Included in the package are proposals that would:

Increase Housing Supply S.538 (Martins) Means test rent-controlled apartments to ensure that people who need affordable housing are occupying them.

S.529 (Martins) Establishes the local initiatives task force on housing, in order to collaborate with local government officials, state agencies, and stakeholders to develop best practices for local governments to incentivize housing development.

S.576 (Helming) Create tax incentives for manufactured housing developers to build affordable homes in rural areas.

Homeownership Affordability S.850 (Helming) Provides a first-time homebuyer tax credit for local property taxes.

S.8489 (Weber) Freezes real property taxes for three years to provide relief to New York homeowners. New York has some of the highest property taxes in the nation.

S.852 (Helming) Give homebuyers who rehabilitate dilapidated properties an exemption from property tax reassessment.

Lower Construction Costs S.1167 (Mattera) Repeal the All-Electric Building Act. The all-electric mandate will increase the cost of the average single-family home by about $20,000.

S.8621 (Mattera) Allow building developers to comply with the less costly and less burdensome 2020 Energy Codes in lieu of the 2025 Energy Code. This would result in lowering the cost of an average single-family home by approximately $7,400. n

The Great American Comeback Is Already Underway

By Assemblyman Ari Brown

For nearly two hours, President Donald J. Trump stood before the nation and delivered something far more meaningful than a traditional State of the Union address; he delivered accountability. He presented clear, measurable results and a forward-looking vision grounded in common sense and economic reality. At its core was a simple message: America is coming back, and the American people can feel it.

Affordability, the issue that affects every family, was front and center. After years of crushing inflation driven by reckless government spending, core inflation has dropped to just 1.7% in the last three months. The stock market has reached 53 record highs, restoring retirement accounts and financial security for millions of Americans. An extraordinary $18 trillion in new investment has returned to the U.S., signaling renewed global confidence in American leadership. Most importantly, 2.4 million Americans have come off food stamps, reclaiming independence and dignity.

Energy production, which directly impacts the cost of living, is rising again. American oil production is up by more than 600,000 barrels per day, strengthening America’s economy and reducing dependence on foreign nations. These decisions translate directly into lower energy costs, lower transportation costs and real relief for American households.

Safety and security, the most fundamental responsibility of government, are also improving. The flow of fentanyl into the U.S. has dropped by 56%, protecting communities and saving lives. The nation has experienced the largest decline in the murder rate in 125 years. The border, once in chaos, is now secure and enforced. These are outcomes that protect American families.

Some of the most powerful moments involved the human faces behind these policies. The president introduced a young girl whose life was permanently altered after being struck by a truck driven by an illegal immigrant. Her parents sat in the chamber, representing countless mothers, fathers, wives and families who have endured suffering and loss. Their presence was a solemn reminder that leadership decisions carry real consequences.

President Trump also honored American heroes whose lives define courage and sacrifice. Captain E. Royce Williams, a 100-year-old Navy veteran, received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary bravery during the Korean War. World War II veteran George “Buddy” Taggart, nearly 100 years old, was recognized for helping liberate the Philippines and defend freedom itself. Olympic gold medal goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, representing the excellence and determination that define America.

President Trump outlined policies that directly benefit working Americans, historic tax relief, elimination of taxes on tips and Social Security benefits and health-care reforms designed to lower prescription drug costs and empower patients.

The contrast in the chamber was unmistakable. While the president honored heroes and spoke about recovery, many Democrats remained seated, unwilling to acknowledge the progress being made. Their reaction reflected a political divide that the American people can clearly see.

Across the country, Americans saw leadership grounded in results. They saw strength restored. They saw a nation regaining its confidence. The great American comeback is not a promise. It is happening now. 

The Nassau County Republican Majority announced the introduction of a new local law, the “Nitrous Oxide Consumer Protection Act,” aimed at restricting the retail sale of nitrous oxide whipped cream chargers only to properly licensed food-related businesses.

Whipped cream chargers, small metal cartridges filled with nitrous oxide gas (N₂O), are widely used in commercial kitchens as a whipping agent. However, in recent years, they’ve also been increasingly misused for recreational inhalation, a dangerous practice that can cause serious and sometimes permanent health damage, including oxygen deprivation, blood clots, frostbite, nerve damage, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness, numbness, psychiatric symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, depression), neurological damage including spinal cord and brain damage, paralysis, and even death.

“These products serve a legitimate purpose in the food industry,” said Legislator Rose Walker, Chairwoman of the Health & Social Services Committee. “The problem is how easy they’ve become to buy and misuse. This legislation is about putting reasonable guardrails in place and protecting our community, especially our kids, from a serious and growing health risk.”

“This isn’t about punishing responsible restaurant owners or suppliers,” Presiding Officer Howard Kopel stated. “It’s about making sure these products are used the way they’re intended—in kitchens, not in ways that put people at risk. We have a responsibility to step in before more young people get hurt.”

Under the proposed measure: Nitrous oxide cartridges could only be sold to buyers who hold a valid Food Sale Permit. The restriction would apply specifically to cylinders or cartridges containing nitrous oxide for use in whipped cream dispensers. It would not apply to pre-mixed whipped cream products or sealed, single-use dispensers where the gas cannot be accessed.

To qualify, a Food Sale Permit must be issued under the New York State Sanitary Code, the Public Health Law, or the Agriculture and Markets Law—including licenses for food processing establishments and retail food stores.

Retailers would be required to verify a purchaser’s permit before completing a sale. That could include reviewing the permit directly or collecting written certification with the permit number, issuing agency, and expiration date. Sellers would also need to keep verification records on file for at least two years and make them available to the Nassau County Department of Health or other authorized officials upon request.

The proposal would not affect transactions between properly licensed manufacturers, distributors, or wholesalers, if the final buyer meets the permit requirement.

If adopted, the law would be enforced by the County’s Department of Health, Department of Consumer Affairs, and Police Department.

Violations would be treated as misdemeanors and could result in: Fines of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both, an additional $1,500 fine for subsequent violations.

If a seller provides nitrous oxide cartridges to a minor, penalties would increase: Fines of up to $1,500, up to one year in jail, or both, an additional $2,500 fine for repeat offenses.

The County could also seek court orders to stop ongoing violations and repeat offenders could face suspension or revocation of county-issued business licenses or permits.

If passed, the law would take effect immediately. The proposal is designed to protect public health without burdening legitimate businesses.

The FDA advises consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide products from any size canisters, tanks, or chargers. These products are marketed as both unflavored and flavored nitrous oxide canisters and are sold as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use. Intentional misuse or inhalation of contents can lead to serious adverse health events, including death.

Products may be sold under the following brand names, including but not limited to: Baking Bad, Cloud 9ine, Cosmic Gas, Euro Gas, ExoticWhip, FastGas, Galaxy Gas, Goo Sticks, HOTWHIP, InfusionMax, MassGass, Miami Magic, Monster Gas, NITROX, Whip-it!