Across the community, families are confronting an escalating challenge: the cost of tuition. For many, these expenses have grown into one of the heaviest financial burdens they carry, forcing difficult decisions and putting strain on households. The issue is no longer isolated – it is widespread, affecting parents from all walks of life.
Enter UCEF (United Children Education Foundation), a grassroots effort that has quickly gained momentum by approaching the tuition crisis in a new way. Rather than leaving parents to shoulder the burden alone, UCEF taps into the collective power of the community. The idea is simple yet powerful: when everyone contributes where they can, the impact multiplies.
UCEF has already begun to prove this model works. Its vendor partnerships generate ongoing royalties for tuition. Its insurance collaborations save families money while directing funds back toward education. And with additional creative programs in the works, UCEF is constantly finding fresh ways to reduce costs and increase support.
Of course, everyone complains about tuition – but the question is, are we ready to do something about it? UCEF offers countless ways to make a difference: through your business, your insurance, your shopping, and through new ideas that are just getting started. No one is asked to go out of their comfort zone. What’s needed is for everyone to get involved in ways within their reach. UCEF doesn’t claim it can erase tuition overnight – but the more people who step up, the faster real change will come.
As Executive Director Sammy Esses puts it: “Our community is amazing, we always step up when someone is in need. Right now, most of the community needs help. Everyone in this community can play a roll, all we ask is that you take a couple of minutes to learn more about what UCEF does and reach out to me – call or text 917-647-9276, or email Sammy@ucef.com. Let’s have a conversation to see how you can be part of the solution.”
Magen David Yeshivah Students Honor the Legacy of Their Heritage
Last month, the students of Magen David Yeshivah paid a meaningful and moving tribute to its foundational roots by gathering for the annual Selichot Gedolah program. This year’s event was held within the historic Magen David Synagogue on 67th Street, the very location where the community’s inspiring story first began.
The program commenced with Rabbi Eli Mansour offering impactful words that underscored the profound spiritual significance of the day, emphasizing the importance of repentance and reflection as the Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days) approach. Following the Rabbi’s address, the congregation was led in the powerful liturgical songs of Selichot by Hazzan Mordechai Salem. The atmosphere allowed both students and long-time members to deeply connect with the traditions of their forefathers. It was a beautiful expression of kavod (respect) for the past, inspiring the present generation to maintain the chain of mesorah (tradition) with strength and devotion.
Flatbush Shomrim and NYPD Nab Car Theft Suspect
In a powerful testament to community vigilance and seamless cooperation with law enforcement, volunteers from Flatbush Shomrim (FSSP) recently played a critical role in the recovery of a stolen vehicle, in an operation that ultimately led to the discovery of a larger criminal network operating across the boroughs.
The incident began when Shomrim volunteers were alerted to the theft of an Acura. Utilizing advanced tracking systems available to the organization, volunteers successfully located the stolen vehicle in a specific location within the Bronx. Following established protocol, the Shomrim team immediately notified the New York City Police Department (NYPD) of the confirmed location.
NYPD officers quickly responded to the area, where they successfully took a suspect into custody. The subsequent investigation and search prompted by this initial recovery uncovered a much more extensive operation. Law enforcement confirmed that the search led not only to the apprehension of the individual but also to the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles, an inventory of various stolen license plates, and an assortment of sophisticated electronic devices used to facilitate vehicle thefts.
This operation highlights the invaluable commitment of Flatbush Shomrim’s dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure the security and stability of the community.