NORPAC LI Hosts Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis In Lawrence
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis with Michele & Josh Justic and their children Moshe & Sarah Justic
County Executive Bruce Blakeman addresses the NORPAC event
Stanley Stern with Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis with Michele Justic and Trudy Stern
By Michele Justic
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), the only Republican Member of Congress representing New York City, currently facing her third redistricting battle, travelled to Lawrence on the coldest day of the year to speak to NORPAC members. As Assistant Whip for the House Republican Conference and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Congresswoman Malliotakis had much to share about Congressional dynamics and the ever-changing Middle East.
The Congresswoman noted the irony as the daughter of a Cuban mother, the first Hispanic to represent her district—“I don’t think they knew that when they sued”—to face redistricting plans purportedly designed to protect minority representation but which would, in practice, include non-minority liberals from the Lower East Side. She noted how vital her vote is to maintain the House majority. She calls herself the “voice of reason, combatting the spread of socialism and anti-semitism across the country.”
The Congresswoman highlighted her vocal advocacy for Israel, including leading the fight to remove Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee due to her anti-Semitic and anti-American comments. She discussed bipartisan efforts to restore Iron Dome funding and the growing strategic relationship between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. She emphasized the importance of building alliances with countries like Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt to support Israel’s national security, and mentioned the potential for a trillion-dollar Israeli economy due to the Abraham Accords and the expanding alliances in the region, concluding “I think there’s a great future for Israel.”
Some attendees raised concerns about Turkey’s alliance with Pakistan, Egypt, and Qatar, and its role in Lebanon and support for Hamas. Congresswoman Malliotakis responded, “I want to make sure that Turkey does not get our F 35 jets. They’ve aligned themselves with Russia as well with Iran.”
She discussed the complex relationship with Qatar, highlighting its dual role as a strategic partner and a source of funding for anti-Semitic activities. She also mentioned ongoing investigations into the funding of anti-Semitic activities in the U.S. and the need for higher-level negotiations to address these issues.
One question centered on Egyptian Military Aid and Iran Negotiations. Congresswoman Malliotakis explained the strategic importance of Egypt as a partner and the need to support a Coptic president over the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Congresswoman emphasized current strong support for Israel in Congress and the White House, and the unlikely prospect of aid cuts to Israel. “I don’t see right now money being taken away from Israel in this Congress. I think that right now you have a very, very strong supporter in the White House. You have a strong majority in the House. And I think that you’re in a good position as of right now. And now the relationship is getting stronger. In addition to that, the way that they’ve been able to expand their alliances in that region has only made them stronger.”
Regarding Iran, the Congresswoman noted, “They had the first round of negotiations in Oman the other day and they’re standing their ground and saying that they deserve to be able to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, and we’re taking the position that they shouldn’t.” She continued, “You see how the President’s been moving assets in and around that region to send that sort of message of strength. These were very strategic, precise attacks that accomplished their goals.”
Gubernatorial candidate and County Executive Bruce Blakeman attended to show support for the Congresswoman and emphasized, “Nicole has been upstanding member of Congress, leader of Congress, friend of Israel, fought for agenda important to each of us.”
First-time attendee Rebecca Shatz noted, “The event with Cong. Malliotakis reinforced the critical role that NORPAC plays in supporting elected officials who are committed to safeguarding the security and survival of Israel and helping maintain a strong US- Israel alliance. Cong. Malliotakis is a passionate defender of Israel and hearing firsthand about her viewpoints, accomplishments, and record of advocacy only strengthened that perception.
Mayor Sam Nahmias concluded, “NORPAC is vital in helping the House of Representatives maintain a GOP majority. Congresswoman Malliotakis is standing virtually alone representing New York City, and she needs all the support we can provide.”
Dr. Ben Chouake founded NORPAC in New Jersey 1994. Trudy and Stanley Stern founded NORPAC New York in 2006, joining with New Jersey to make NORPAC the most active and strongest PAC in the country advocating for a single issue, in this case, a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. NORPAC’s multi-faceted approach includes organizing and hosting fundraising events, forming lasting relationships with policymakers, providing helpful resources to members of Congress, and keeping our community of activists engaged and informed. To contribute, visit https://norpac.net/contribute.
The annual Mission to Washington, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, is a not-to-be-missed full-day event that brings thousands of pro-Israel citizen advocates to meet with Members of Congress and their staff in Washington, DC. The NORPAC Mission provides an unparalleled opportunity for individuals to directly engage with lawmakers and influence policy decisions. Register at https://norpac.net/mission-to-washington.
Ahead of GOP Convention, Blakeman Selects Slate For Gubernatorial Campaign
Bruce Blakeman NYS slate – temporary
Nassau County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman announced Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his choice for Lieutenant Governor, forming a proven law-and-order partnership focused on restoring public safety, lowering taxes, and making New York affordable for hardworking men and women.
Sheriff Hood brings more than 30 years of law enforcement and public safety leadership experience at the local, state, and national levels. Since 2018, he has served as the elected Sheriff of Madison County, overseeing countywide law enforcement operations, criminal investigations, corrections, emergency management, and civil services—with direct responsibility for budgets, personnel, and public safety policy.
“Sheriff Todd Hood has spent his career protecting communities, managing complex public safety operations, and standing up for law-abiding New Yorkers,” Blakeman said.
In addition to his county leadership, Sheriff Hood plays a major role shaping public safety policy statewide and nationally. He currently serves as Vice President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, representing county sheriffs in legislative and policy discussions in Albany, and is a member of the New York State Association of Counties Public Safety Committee.
At the national level, Sheriff Hood serves as Chairman of the National Sheriffs’ Association School Safety Committee, where he provides leadership on school safety policy, threat assessment, and violence prevention strategies—helping protect students, educators, and communities across the country.
Before becoming Sheriff, Hood built a distinguished career with the Syracuse Police Department, where he served as a detective assigned to gang and organized crime investigations, a SWAT supervisor and team leader for more than two decades, a firearms instructor, and a Deputy U.S. Marshal with the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. He later served as an investigator with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, working major felony and violent crime cases.
“I’m honored to join Bruce Blakeman in this fight to make New York safe and affordable again,” Hood said. “As Sheriff, I see the real-world consequences of Albany’s failed policies every day—rising crime, higher costs, and repeat offenders released back into our communities. Together, Bruce and I will restore law and order, support law enforcement, protect victims, and respect taxpayers.”
Blakeman said the Blakeman–Hood ticket stands apart because both candidates bring executive experience and a record of results, not political rhetoric.
“As County Executive, I cut taxes, controlled spending, and backed the police to make Nassau the safest county in America,” Blakeman said. “Sheriff Hood has spent his career leading from the front—managing budgets, protecting communities, and coordinating with law enforcement at every level of government. That’s exactly the leadership New York needs right now.”
Together, Blakeman and Hood pledged to repeal Hochul’s reckless bail laws and restore consequences for crime, back law enforcement, and support victims—not criminals, work with district attorneys and law enforcement across New York to make communities safer, cut taxes and rein in out-of-control state spending, investigate waste, fraud, and abuse in Albany, stand up to far-left politicians like Zohran Mamdani pushing higher taxes and fewer police, and lower the cost of living for families, seniors, and small businesses.
“Safer streets, lower costs, and a government that works for taxpayers—that’s the Blakeman–Hood promise,” Blakeman said. “Together, we’ll make New York safe, affordable, and accountable again.”
Joseph Hernandez was officially nominated for Comptroller and Saritha Komatireddy for Attorney General at the New York State Republican Convention. Nassau County Executive and Republican candidate for Governor Bruce Blakeman said, “I’m proud to be running on a ticket with Joseph Hernandez for Comptroller. Joseph brings something Albany desperately needs: real-world business experience and accountability. While Kathy Hochul has allowed waste, fraud, and abuse to run rampant—causing taxes to soar—Joseph and I will treat taxpayer dollars like they’re our own. He’ll be a watchdog for New Yorkers and a partner as I work to make this state affordable again.
“Saritha Komatireddy brings unmatched experience to the Attorney General’s race, and I’m thrilled to have her on my team. After 9/11, Saritha chose a life of service—prosecuting international terrorists, cartel leaders, and violent criminals, and later helping lead the DEA and getting drugs off our streets. She has spent her career protecting Americans and defending the rule of law. Saritha will crack down on crime, hold offenders accountable, and work with me to restore safety and common sense across our state.”
{Election of Ed Ra as Assembly Republican Leader
Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) speaking at the Transportation Join Legislative Public Hearing on the 2026 executive budget proposal on Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026
Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick issued the following statement, “I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Assemblyman Ed Ra on his election as Assembly Republican Leader. Ed is a thoughtful, steady, and deeply respected leader who brings both experience and integrity to the conference. As both a colleague and a friend, I know the thoughtfulness and responsibility Ed brings to this work every day. I look forward to partnering with Leader Ra as we navigate the budget and legislative session ahead, with a shared focus on getting results for our constituents.” n
Mourning The Loss Of Salvatore Castro
By Mayor Sam Nahmias
Salvatore Castro
It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of Salvatore Castro, who devoted 30 years of distinguished service to the Village of Lawrence as Superintendent. Salvatore was the father of our current Administrator, Gerry (Geraldo) Castro.
He is survived by his beloved wife Franca, his sons Gerry and Joseph, and his daughter Maria.
In honor of Salvatore’s longstanding service and dedication to our Village, all flags were lowered to half-staff. May his legacy be remembered with honor, and may his family and all who mourn his loss find comfort during this difficult time.
I, along with Deputy Mayor Aaron Felder, Trustee Tammy Roz, Trustee Aaron Parnes, and Trustee Steven Gottesman offer our deepest condolences to the family. n
Village of Cedarhurst Honors Firefighter Robert “Bobby” Hicks
Village of Cedarhurst honors Firefighter Robert “Bobby” Hicks
At the Village Board Meeting held on Monday, February 2, Trustee Daniel Plaut presented a citation on behalf of the Incorporated Village of Cedarhurst recognizing Firefighter Robert “Bobby” Hicks of the Lawrence–Cedarhurst Fire Department for his bravery, dedication, and service to the community.
On December 20, 2025, while operating at a confirmed house fire at 215 Spring Street in North Lawrence in the critical nozzle position, Firefighter Hicks sustained serious burns to his leg. Despite the injury, he continued to perform his duties without hesitation, placing the safety of others ahead of his own. His actions demonstrated extraordinary courage, commitment, and selflessness in the face of danger.
Mayor Benjamin Weinstock reflected on the recognition, saying, “Our Board has had the privilege of knowing Bobby his entire life, and watching the person he has become has brought us great pride. His courage, integrity, and perseverance make us incredibly proud, and his willingness to put others before himself embodies the very best of public service.”
