ELLEN GELLER KAMARAS

Are you familiar with the phrase, “Are you ready to flip the script?” Flipping the script can mean many things: rewriting your personal narrative, shifting your mindset to challenge the status quo, or making a bold, transformative change that turns everything around.

The phrase is often used when someone has been wronged and acts to change the power dynamic or uses an unexpected approach that results in a positive outcome.  More recently, it’s become popular with respect to personal and professional relationships.  In personal relationships, an example can be as simple as deciding where to go on a date.

The term flipping the script continues to inspire individuals to take back control by changing one’s perspective and create positive changes in their lives and communities.

Flipping the script encompasses the reversal of negative thoughts and situations into positive thoughts and opportunities.

Last month, I wrote about aging and older individuals feeling invisible.  Some strategies to “flip the script” when one feels invisible included: age out loud and share your wisdom, seek out community, and engage in intergenerational relationships. Please considerthe following strategies to flip the script in your personal life and in your career.

Shift Your Mindset

We often read about altering our lens to uncover new possibilities and to reframe negative thoughts into positive ones. 

A prime example of flipping the script is to change your perspective on setbacks or challenges.  Can you view them as learning opportunities or new chances for growth?   Know that adversity can breed strength. 

A first step in flipping the script is to reframe negative thoughts into positive thoughts or affirmations.  How often do negative thoughts pop into your head?  Research shows that unless we are occupied with positive thoughts, worrying is the brain’s default position. Your brain is a muscle that runs on autopilot.  We can learn how to keep negative thoughts and emotions in check by amplifying positive emotions.  Great leaders know that a positive attitude can be contagious.

Of course, we need time to process a negative event before we try to flip the script. An intelligent person pays attention to his or her mental health, not only physical health.  Know your triggers and your unhealthy thought patterns. Catch the early warning signs. 

Default Patterns

Are your default patterns regarding conflict or stress making you sick?

Try this challenge: when a negative thought enters your mind, think three positive thoughts, thereby training yourself to flip the script. Use the Three Cs of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT.

One of CBT’s core principles is that psychological problems are based partially on unhealthy ways of thinking. CBT identifies and challenges automatic thought patterns or “cognitive distortions” that contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress.

Catch the thought.  Check it for Reality.  Change it to a thought that is more positive or realistic.

Embrace a Growth Mindset

Dr. Carol S. Dweck, a psychology professor at Stanford University, created the concept of a “growth mindset.”   In her book, Mindset, she argues that the way you think influences the course of your life, starting as early as your preschool years. According to Dweck, we learn one of two mindsets from our parents, our teachers and our environment, a fixed or a growth mindset.  A fixed mindset provides that personal qualities such as intelligence and personality are innate and unchangeable.  For example, many of us were trained in this mindset, “It’s okay, I was never good at math. She’s naturally athletic, I can’t compete with her.”  Having a fixed mindset means feeling like you must constantly prove yourself that you have more ability than you were born with.

If you have a growth mindset, you believe you can change and improve. The abilities you are born with are only a starting point.  This means that with hard work, perseverance, and the right learning approaches, you can advance and get smarter.  People with a growth mindset view mistakes as opportunities to learn, are passionate about learning, and seek challenges to push themselves and to grow.

Find the Silver Lining

This coping strategy is one I learned from my mother, a”h.  It’s a simple yet powerful tool to reduce the results of hardships and enhance resilience by finding silver linings within difficult and painful circumstances.  When we seek a silver lining, we turn problems or stumbling blocks into opportunities.

Silver linings are simply the good aspects of challenging or painful situations. The ability to perceive silver linings comes with an optimistic mindset that promotes emotional resilience and the ability to adapt to future challenges.

Many of us discovered silver linings during the pandemic, such as pivoting to find a new career opportunity after losing a job.  Other examples include your flight getting cancelled but getting a refund and finding a great local staycation spot. Or your car breaking down, which caused you to  become more fit while biking to work.

Transform Setbacks into Steppingstones

Flip the script by using setbacks to propel yourself forward instead of letting them derail you. Embrace failure as a steppingstone to success rather than a defeat.  To achieve this, be open to growing, try new methods and attitudes, be creative, and analyze what went wrong.  And don’t forget to ask for feedback and to persevere.  This strategy is especially relevant to professional relationships.

Other successful methods in the workplace are recommending solutions instead of just highlighting problems during a meeting, stretching yourself to accept a project that is out of your comfort zone, being understanding rather than defensive, and showing gratitude to the rest of your team. 

Acts of Kindness

Let’s conclude with one of our best tools, acts of kindness.  Flip the script by exercising your hesed muscle. Research shows that being nice, kind, and empathetic to others can help you reduce stress AND improve your mood.  Acts of kindness release the feel-good chemical, oxytocin, in the brain.  Remember to set boundaries to protect your mental and emotional health.

Please share your feedback with me at ellen.kamaras@gmail.com.

The recent effort to stop the proposed casino in Brooklyn stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community unites around shared values and concerns. A casino in Coney Island, the backyard of our community, would have posed a serious threat to the safety of our children and also to the cleanliness and quality life of our neighborhood.

Casinos bring increased exposure to gambling, addiction, and associated social harms. For a community that prioritizes education, family life, and moral responsibility, introducing such an environment nearby would have been dangerous for young people, normalizing behavior that can lead to financial distress and personal hardship.

Parents, rabbis, and lay leaders spoke out clearly: the negatives far outweigh the positives.

Under the leadership and coordination of the Sephardic Community Federation, the proposal was ultimately blocked due to immense and sustained pressure placed on those involved. As a result of an intense marketing and awareness campaign including a petition of 8,000 concerned community members, the local elected officials heard our concerns and stopped the project from moving forward. This outcome reflects not politics as usual, but the strength of collective civic action.

The decision to block the casino was not about resisting progress; it was about protecting the future – safeguarding youth, preserving neighborhood integrity, and affirming that development must align with community values. This effort demonstrated that when residents speak with one voice, they can shape outcomes and defend what matters most.

SCF ANNOUNCES MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS FOR ZONING REGULATIONS IN BROOKLYN

The SCF is happy to report that after an almost nine-year lobbying campaign, meaningful sections of the recently enacted City of Yes rezoning program included many special considerations for new and remodeled houses in our neighborhoods.

As a longtime member of the Flatbush Neighborhood Improvement Coalition (FNIC), the SCF worked together with the FNIC and others to bring this major accomplishment to fruition.

The new regulations provide (among others):

• In our neighborhoods only – Southern Brooklyn (not City-wide)

• Enhanced Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0

• Rear yard depths reduced from 30 feet to 20 feet

• Increase in lot coverage

• Reduction of certain side yard requirements

• Increase in the perimeter side wall height that allows for a 3–4 step-up front porch/entry level vs. the previous 1–2 step-up front porch/entry level.

These enhancements were designed to eliminate the long paperwork delays of a year or more and expenditures of up to $100,000 for legal and filing fees for Special Permits and Variances.

The SCF wishes to extend its deep gratitude to Mayor Eric Adams, his administration, and the Dept. of City Planning Commissioner, Dan Garodnik.

Their combined efforts via more than a dozen meetings, whether they were at City Hall, at the Dept. of City Planning, or on Zoom or by phone, went way above and beyond our expectations.

We are also grateful to Joey Shamie for his untiring efforts re: this initiative and for his involvement in so many other community-wide initiatives.

This historic accomplishment is but one of many successes that the SCF has achieved in its 15-plus years of advocating for the needs of our community.

A Historic Moment for Our Community:‌ Sam Sutton Elected to the New York State Senate

The election of Sam Sutton to the New York State Senate marks a historic and meaningful moment and turning point for our community. A lifelong community member and dedicated activist, Sam’s victory represents the first time one of our own is holding public office, giving our community a direct voice in state government affairs.

For decades, Sam Sutton has been deeply involved in strengthening and uplifting the community. He has served on numerous boards including Sephardic Bikur Holim (as president), NY Cancer Center (as founder), as well as many other projects and initiatives.

Most notably, Sam, along with Ronnie Tawil, is a founder of the Sephardic Community Federation, the advocacy arm of our community, created to ensure that our collective concerns are heard and addressed at every level of government. For over 20 years the SCF has lobbied for our community on important issues while securing tens of millions of dollars for our institutions.

Sam’s election ensures that our community now has a seat at the table on the issues that matter most. With his understanding of our values and needs, we are confident that he will be a strong advocate for:

• Securing funding for our schools, synagogues, and other community organizations
• Fighting anti-Semitism and protecting religious freedoms
• Maintaining clean, safe, and vibrant neighborhoods
• Advancing policies that support families, education, and community institutions

Beyond policy, Sam’s presence in office sends a powerful message: that civic engagement, grassroots advocacy, and long-term commitment to one’s community can lead to a meaningful representation and change.

As Sam Sutton continues his service in the New York State Senate, we look forward with optimism and pride. His leadership promises not only representation, but partnership – a voice that understands where we come from and where we hope to go. We are confident that he will serve with integrity and dedication, and we look forward to having him in office for many years to come.

Our Voice, Our Vote: How SCF United the Community to Register to Vote‌

The Sephardic Community Federation (SCF) has once again demonstrated the power of organized, grassroots advocacy through a historic and highly successful voter registration initiative. What began as a focused community effort grew into a broad, coordinated campaign that mobilized thousands and reshaped civic participation within our community.

Recognizing the importance of civic engagement, the SCF, with the help of community leaders Haim Dabah and Marshall Aronow, launched a multi-faceted voter registration push designed to reach community members wherever they were. Volunteers and leaders spoke directly in schools and synagogues, emphasizing the responsibility and impact of registering to vote. Informational tables were set up outside popular community hotspots and along neighborhood streets, making registration accessible and visible, with dedicated volunteers managing each table.

In addition, SCF implemented a targeted text-message campaign, reaching individuals directly with reminders and guidance on how to register. Volunteers also went door to door, ensuring that no one was overlooked and that every eligible voice had the opportunity to be heard.

The results were extraordinary. As a direct outcome of this collective effort, an estimated number of 15,000 or more new voters were registered, and they turned out to vote in November –  marking the highest voter participation our community has ever seen. This milestone reflects not only numbers, but unity, commitment, and shared purpose.

This achievement proves what is possible when we work together. Civic strength is built through participation, and participation leads to representation. Together, our voice is our vote, and through that vote, we ensure that our community has a seat at the table on all important matters that affect our families, schools, synagogues, safety, and future.

The success of this initiative is a reminder that when we act as one, we are heard. The Sephardic Community Federation’s voter registration drive was not just a campaign – it was a statement: our community is engaged, organized, and ready to shape its own future.

From Hate to Action: Standing United Against Anti-Semitism 

The day after the mayoral election, our community was shaken by a disturbing act of hate: a swastika was discovered painted on a gate outside Magen David Yeshivah in the heart of our community. This act of anti-Semitism was not only an attack on a single institution, but was an attack on our entire community and the values we stand for.

What followed, however, was a powerful demonstration of leadership and resolve.

Newly-elected Senator Sam Sutton along with District Leader Joey Saban acted immediately. Without hesitation, they sprang into action to ensure that this incident would not be ignored or minimized.

Within a short time, a press conference was convened in which NY State Governor Kathy Hochul decided to attend, sending a clear and public message that anti-Semitism has no place in our city or state.

As a direct result of this swift response, additional security funding was granted to our community as well as throughout NY State, strengthening protections for our schools, synagogues, and institutions.

This decisive action reassured families, educators, and community members that their safety is a priority – and that when hate surfaces, it will be met with firm and immediate consequences.

This moment underscored an essential truth: power comes from action. When we do not sit back, when we organize, speak up, and demand accountability, real results follow. Representation matters, and having leaders who understand our community and are willing to fight for it makes a tangible difference.

We are hopeful and confident that Senator Sam Sutton, in collaboration with the Sephardic Community Federation (SCF), will continue to work closely with additional elected official and remain a strong advocate for our community. His response during this critical moment reflects the kind of leadership we need – proactive, visible, and unafraid to confront anti-Semitism head on. 

Frieda Schweky

Spring has sprung and I have a pep in my step. Do I credit that to the sun finally shining, or my ability to leave the house without a ski mask? Possibly. But honestly, I think the real reason is that I spent all winter going to the gym two to four times a week and lifting heavy weights – and it shows. Not just physically, but mentally, too. For the first time since I was a child, I don’t feel the need to take stimulants to manage my ADHD, and I really think I have working out to thank for that.

Here’s the thing about exercise that doesn’t get talked about enough: it’s not just about how you look. Consistently moving your body has real, measurable benefits that kick in almost immediately. In the short term, even a single workout can boost your mood, sharpen your focus, and reduce stress thanks to a flood of endorphins. Long term, regular physical activity lowers your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, strengthens your bones and joints, improves sleep quality, and has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and depression.

When I’m on my game, I find it hard to imagine people who think physical exertion just isn’t for them. And I get it, I really do, because I used to be one of those people.

I was a full-on couch potato when I was younger. Then, one day my friend Jeanette invited me to a kickboxing class. Thinking nothing of it, I tagged along.  And I was shocked to discover it was actually fun. I signed up for a membership and started working out for the first time in my life. Am I still into kickboxing? No. But that class lit a bulb in my head that’s never gone out. Working out can be enjoyable if you just find what’s right for you.

Over the years I went through plenty of phases – yoga, Orangetheory [a fitness program that combines full-body strength training with heart-pumping cardio], I even tried spin because my dad has been obsessed with spinning my whole life and still is (it was not for me, sorry Dad). These days my thing is CrossFit. I love lifting heavy weights. It’s satisfying in a way that’s hard to explain, and it’s pretty cool that I’m essentially learning an Olympic sport in the process. Plus, I can carry all my groceries in one trip, which might be the greatest practical benefit of all.

Through all those phases I figured out two things. One: you have to love what you do, or you will quit. Two: you need to give something at least a month of consistent effort before you decide whether it’s for you. Your body needs time to adjust. Once the initial soreness fades and you stop dreading it, that’s when you can actually tell if something clicks for you.

I wanted to inspire other members of our community to get moving, so I asked my Instagram followers what they enjoy doing for exercise. Here’s what they had to say.

Natalie Habaz

Natalie has always been active, but her relationship with movement has evolved beautifully over the decades. She started dance training at 16, doing intensives at Broadway Dance Center through her twenties, then shifted to cardio and light weights, then yoga and weights as she got older. Today she teaches dance, choreography, and restorative somatic work, focused on nervous system regulation. And she still takes choreography classes herself.

“The benefits I focus on are more mental than physical – pushing through limits, resilience techniques and regulation. I think the way to look at consistency is: baby steps into often steps into consistency, which then just becomes routine. Also, work out for the feeling it gives you – empowerment, not looks.”

Violet Bernknopf

Violet found her groove with reformer Pilates – five days a week for the past few years, at 5:30am.

“I sneak out and I’m back before my kids even miss me! It keeps me sane. It’s my version of self-care.”

Violet has a bad back with herniated discs, so the low-impact nature of Pilates was a major draw, but the results have been anything but low-impact: toning, strength, and flexibility all over. Her tip? Go early. First she tried nights, but between the kids and general exhaustion, it wasn’t sticking. Now it’s just her routine – and she genuinely misses it when she can’t go.

Melissa Mora

Melissa loves yoga, and she’s the first to admit she came into it as a skeptic.

“In the beginning I kind of mocked it and didn’t think it would help me or even be considered exercise. And then I saw it transform my life.”

Melissa says yoga tones her more than free weights ever did, while simultaneously de-stressing and energizing her.

“It [yoga] forces optimal breathing, resilience, flexibility, and positivity. But most importantly it fosters grace within yourself. I can’t think of any other exercise, activity, or sport that does ALL of that.”

Jacklyn Gabbay

Jacklyn doesn’t follow a set routine – she follows her gut.

“I go based off my mood,” she says. When she wants something grounding and a little challenging, she goes for a hike, which is good for her mind, body, and soul. And it gives her some time to talk to Hashem. When she wants high energy, she does dance cardio. When she wants to slow down and get out of her head, she turns to yoga. And sometimes, like during the two week Pesach break, she mixes it up entirely – dance one day, aerial yoga the next (yes, aerial yoga, where you can do flips in the air, which sounds like an absolute blast).

But Jacklyn’s fitness journey didn’t start from a place of fun. It started from a place of pain. Around 2020, her close friend was diagnosed with cancer, and Jacklyn was devastated. She was so distraught she couldn’t even eat. She needed somewhere to put all of that emotion, so she threw herself into physical activity, starting with weight training.

“Instead of being depressed on the couch, I found this beneficial outlet. I felt more connected to my body.” Jacklyn began losing weight without even realizing it, because she wasn’t focused on her appearance, she was focused on taking charge of her life. And that shift turned out to be more important than she knew, because it was around this time that she discovered she was dealing with a health issue herself.

So, what’s the takeaway?

Movement looks different for everyone. It can be hikes and heavy lifts, reformer Pilates early in the morning, or aerial yoga on a whim. It’s kickboxing classes you stumble into and yoga practices you initially roll your eyes at. It’s dancing since you were two years old and weight training through one of the hardest seasons of your life. There is no single right answer – just the one that works for you.

What all of these women have in common isn’t a specific workout or a perfect schedule. It’s that they found something that made them feel good, and they kept showing up. Some days that means discipline, and some days that’s just listening to your body and doing what it needs. Both are valid.

If you’ve been on the fence about getting moving, let this be your nudge. You don’t have to love it on day one. Give it a month. Try the weird class your friend invites you to. Go for the hike. Sign up for the thing that intimidates you a little. The shift for your mind, your body, and your whole life might surprise you.

And if all else fails – at the very least, you’ll be able to carry all your groceries in one trip. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Signing off until next time,

Frieda Schweky!

Frieda is an event and portrait photographer. Check Frieda out on Instagram @friedaschwekyphoto. For photography inquiries or article topic suggestions email her at friedaschweky@gmail.com.

 Jack Gindi

Many of us think appreciation is something we give because someone did something for us. They helped. They supported. They solved a problem.

So we say thank you.

But over time, I’ve learned that real appreciation is not about what someone does. It’s about who they are. It’s about recognizing the quiet, consistent presence of someone who showed up – especially when it mattered most.

Fifty Years of Presence

I met my wife, Meredith, when I was a teenager, and we got married young. She has been by my side for over 50 years. When I think about appreciation, I don’t think about a list of things she’s done. I think about something much simpler.

She stayed.

Through the highs and the lows… through seasons of growth and seasons of challenge… she stood beside me. The truth is, we don’t always stop to acknowledge that kind of presence. We get used to it. We assume it. We move past it.

But presence is not a small thing. It may be the greatest gift a person can give.

The People Who See Us

I’ve experienced this in other relationships as well. My oldest brother has been one of those people in my life. Not because of one big moment, but because of how he consistently showed up.

When I struggled, he stepped in. When I needed direction, he guided me. When I doubted myself, he believed in me.

Looking back, what I appreciate most isn’t what he did. It’s that he saw me. He stood beside me.
He was there. And that kind of presence shapes a life.

The Moments That Stay

A friend shared a story with me that sits with me today.

When she was in third grade, she struggled in class while the other children seemed to understand everything easily. One day, a little girl leaned over and quietly helped her.

She was not looking for anything in return – not attention, tot a reward, with no expectation. She  just performed a simple act of kindness.

Years later, they crossed paths again. My friend stopped her and said, “I want you to know, I’ve never forgotten that moment. You saw me when I needed it most.”

One small moment. One person taking the time to see another. And it stayed with her for a lifetime.

What We Often Miss

That’s the part we overlook. We think appreciation has to be tied to something big or measurable. But often, it’s the smallest things that matter most.

People show up every day. They carry more than we see. They give in ways that are quiet, consistent, and easy to overlook.

And because it’s consistent, we begin to expect it. Because we expect it, we stop acknowledging it.

What Our Children Learn

Our children are always watching, not just what we say, but what we notice.

When we take the time to appreciate someone out loud… when we acknowledge who a person is, not just what they’ve done… we teach something deeper than manners.

We teach awareness. We teach respect. We teach them how to truly see people. And when that’s missing, something important is lost.

A Simple Practice

Try this for the next 30 days.

Each day, reach out to one person in your life. A parent. A friend. A sibling. A teacher. Anyone. Tell them something you appreciate about who they are, not just what they’ve done. Don’t expect anything back.

Just notice what happens.

Notice how it feels to say it. Notice how it changes the way you see people. Notice how it shifts your day.

The Gift That Remains

In the end, appreciation isn’t about the moment. It’s about what remains. The gift of being seen may be the greatest gift we can give another person.

Don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t wait for the right words.

Just say it. Onwards together – with love and gratitude.

Jenna Ashkenazie

In a world where fashion often moves fast, Anna Augusta has built something rare – an experience that feels truly personal. For over a decade in New York, she has been creating gowns with care, precision, and a deep understanding of each woman – where every dress becomes a true reflection of the client.

Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Anna is inspired by the rich history of the ancient Silk Road – a place where cultures, styles, and traditions came together. This influence can be felt in her designs, which combines timeless beauty with a modern, elegant touch. Her journey to New York began in an international environment, arriving in the United States as the spouse of a representative at her country’s mission to the United Nations. Being surrounded by different cultures and perspectives helped shape her unique approach to design – one that feels both global and deeply personal. 

One-on-One Personal and Expert Guidance

What makes Anna Augusta truly special is the experience she offers her clients. In today’s world, it is very rare to work directly with a couture-level designer. At Anna Augusta, every bride is personally guided through the entire process, with Anna acting not only as a designer, but also as a trusted fashion consultant. Each gown begins with a thoughtful conversation – not just about measurements, but about personality, style, lifestyle, and the overall vision for the wedding day.

From there, the bride becomes part of the creative journey, actively participating in shaping her gown. Together, they refine every detail, ensuring the final design feels authentic, personal, and perfectly aligned with the woman who will wear it. This personal attention makes all the difference. Every gown becomes more than just a dress – it becomes a statement of the woman wearing it. The result is something truly unique, created with care, intention, and artistry. For Anna’s clients, this is not just a service – it is a seamless, stress-free experience and a truly memorable journey. 

This approach is what has made Anna Augusta so loved and trusted among her clients. Her gowns stand out not because they follow trends, but because they reflect real women and real stories.

Future Expansion

With the opening of BUY GOWN, Anna Augusta made her designs more accessible for women who need a beautiful dress right away. Clients can choose from a curated collection of wedding and evening gowns available for purchase or rent – while still enjoying high quality and thoughtful design. As demand continues to grow, Anna is preparing to expand into New Jersey, making it easier for clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania to experience her work. At the same time, there is an influx of retail stores that are showing interest in carrying Anna Augusta designs, recognizing the uniqueness and craftsmanship behind each piece.

 Looking ahead, Anna Augusta plans to grow into a leading designer and manufacturer of modest and plus-size gowns, bringing elegance and attention to detail to a wider range of women. She is also expanding her evening wear collections, offering both one-of-a-kind couture pieces and ready-to-wear designs – so her clients can always feel stylish and confident.  In a time when everything moves at a rapid pace, Anna Augusta offers something truly special: personal attention, true craftsmanship, a seamless, stress-free experience, and gowns that are not just worn – but deeply felt.

On March 17, Allenhurst held its monthly town hall meeting. What unfolded was not routine civic discussion, but something more revealing: a series of firsthand accounts from Jewish residents describing experiences of exclusion, hostility, and discrimination that, until now, had largely gone unspoken.

For years, many in the community have described carrying quieter versions of these moments – interactions that felt off, or a sense of being unwelcome without a clear cause. At the town hall, those experiences were articulated.

One of the clearest accounts came from a woman who has lived in Allenhurst for ten years. When she first moved to town, neighbors did not realize she was Jewish and, she said, she encountered no issues. Once her Jewish identity became known, her experience changed. She described being asked where her horns were, facing assumptions that large numbers of people would live in her home, and being refused business outright by residents who told her they “don’t do business with Jews.” She also noted she had not experienced anti-Semitism before moving to Allenhurst.

Political Context and Public Scrutiny

These accounts did not emerge in a vacuum.

In May 2024, Frieda Adjmi, a Syrian Jewish resident and longtime Planning Board member, became Allenhurst’s first female mayor. Her election was followed almost immediately by an investigation into alleged voter irregularities, centered on a sharp increase in registrations. Critics suggested members of the Syrian Jewish community had improperly registered at seasonal homes.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office ultimately closed the investigation without charges or findings of wrongdoing. However, the scrutiny and the tone of its coverage left a lasting impression on many residents, who saw it as part of a broader pattern where Jewish civic participation was treated with suspicion.

The Graffiti Incident

Weeks later, in June 2024, a local grocery store transitioning to a kosher establishment was vandalized. Jewish stars were painted across the property, alongside the words “go home.”

The response raised further concern. Rather than preserving the scene for investigation, the public works department removed the graffiti before evidence could be fully examined. Although Mayor Adjmi directed that the incident be referred to the bias crime unit, she said she never received confirmation that such a referral occurred. The incident was not covered in the press.

By the time of the March town hall meeting, these and other episodes had escalated into Jewish residents feeling an increasing sense of unease.

As the meeting progressed, tensions in the room rose. Speakers who shared experiences of anti-Semitism were at times interrupted or dismissed. When Mayor Adjmi rose to close the evening, she addressed not only the incidents themselves but the reaction to them. She said that dismissing or mocking someone’s account of discrimination is itself a form of harm.

She then shared her own history.

Since the 1990s, Mayor Adjimi has experienced anti-Semitism in Allenhurst. As a young woman, she found her beach club locker repeatedly filled with garbage, with the phrase “Syrian Free in ’93” written inside. She recalled being advised not to confront the behavior, but to accept that some residents were resistant to change.

Long-Term Engagement

Instead, she became more involved in the community – raising funds for local services, leading projects, and working to build shared spaces. In the early 2000s, she helped create a public playground intended to bring children of different backgrounds together. More recently, she led the development of pickleball courts, despite opposition from residents concerned about the courts attracting outsiders.

On the first day of Passover, those courts were vandalized.

No single incident defines a town. Each can be explained, disputed, or minimized on its own. But taken together – the testimonies, the graffiti, the vandalism, the patterns of opposition described by residents – a broader picture begins to emerge.

The Broader Question

The central issue is not only whether anti-Semitic acts have occurred. It is whether they are being taken seriously when they do.

When incidents are not fully investigated, when public accounts are dismissed, and when patterns are treated as isolated disputes, the result is not neutrality, it causes erosion of trust. For those experiencing it, the message is not ambiguous.

Mayor Adjmi’s Closing Message

Mayor Adjmi ended the evening not with accusation, but with intent.

“I ran because I wanted to heal the pain, heal the hate,” she said. Her closing message was simple: a hope for mutual recognition and respect in a community that is still struggling to define both.

That may be the real test facing towns like Allenhurst. Not whether conflict exists, it always will, but whether a community is willing to confront uncomfortable patterns honestly, or allow them to remain just below the surface, where they are easier to dismiss, and are harder to resolve.