Binyamin Krauss

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

It was great to welcome @MicahLasher to SAR Academy last week. Many ny12 constituents are SAR families and we had a conversation about his priorities, his work at the NYS Assembly, and the current race. Thank you for this pre-Shabbat visit!

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

It was an honor to have the White Sail delegation here this week - 17 injured IDF soldiers spending a week with us for rest, relaxation, and connection. They joined all of our students on the steps this morning, then spoke to our fourth-graders in small groups, sharing their stories at a moment when we are once again concerned about renewed missile attacks. Our kids got to see the heroes of this generation up close - soldiers still able to smile broadly while nursing their injuries.

Before they left, they presented us with a gift: a framed map of Israel designed by Sarit Zusman, inscribed with her words - לסי פור שלנו יהיה סוף טוב. What they didn't know: Sarit and her husband Ben are related to members of our Riverdale community here at SAR. Ben is the sergeant of one of the soldiers they brought to us. The art, the words, the unexpected connection - all of it found its way home. We are moved and grateful to these soldiers for being with us this week.

https://t.co/oRV1o6cUez

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

How Kathy Hochul put affordable education ahead of politics https://t.co/Jxhg8ZMgDs

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

It was a profound honor to welcome Rav Tamir and Rabbanit Avivit Granot to SAR. Beyond serving as Rosh Yeshiva of Orot Shaul in Tel Aviv, they carry an unimaginable weight - the loss of their beloved son Amitai, who fell nine days into the war on the Lebanese border. Rav Granot has been outspoken in encouraging all Israeli citizens to serve, and his story, broadcast on Yom Hazikaron, is powerful and worth watching. In a visit organized nearly last-minute, he was open with our students, joining us on the steps, speaking to faculty and parents - sharing grief and strength in equal measure. We're grateful for leaders like these who choose to teach even in their darkest moments.

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

This announcement is huge for all Jewish day schools in New York State. We are very grateful to @GovKathyHochul for signaling that she will opt in to this program, which will bring much-needed relief and support to so many of our families who are struggling to afford a quality Jewish education.

Thank you to Sydney Altfield and to Teach Coalition and to all of the advocates on behalf of our schools. I joined Teach NYS just last month and we met with the governor about the needs of our schools. She listened, asked great and important questions, and has now indicated her level of comfort with this already approved federal program. I hope that other governors will follow her lead.
--------------
The American Federation for Children celebrates alongside families across New York as Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) has announced at a private gathering Thursday that the state will opt in to the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC). For the first time, school choice will soon be available in the state.
The EFTC opens up an opportunity for all governors to expand education opportunity in their states. With today’s news, New York is set to become the 30th state to do so. Hochul will be the second Democratic governor to stand with constituents across the aisle who are eager for this life-changing opportunity.
The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit will provide a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) starting in 2027. SGOs will, in turn, provide school choice scholarships to families.
https://t.co/9ZDtF233L5

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

On Friday, we had the privilege of celebrating our Mishnah Marathoners as they completed Seder Kodashim with a siyum on the steps, surrounded by our school community.

What makes this especially meaningful is that this learning happens on their own time. These students choose to dedicate extra moments in their days to Torah learning, not because they have to, but because they want to.

This year’s theme, U’Vacharta BaChaim, “Choose Life”, reminds us that who we become is shaped by the choices we make each day. Our students are choosing growth, discipline, and connection to Torah.

In a world filled with distractions, these students are making intentional choices about how they spend their time and what they value. Friday, on the steps, we celebrated not only what they learned, but the choice they made to challenge themselves to get there.

Mazal tov to our Mishnah Marathoners on this incredible accomplishment and to the many mentors who have helped them along their way.

https://t.co/pQVaLb8VpY

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

Motzaei Shabbat, we gathered as a community to celebrate our 56th Anniversary Dinner—an evening dedicated to STRENGTH, IMPACT, AND UNITY!

Our program told the stories of fifteen people- alumni, parents, community members, and faculty—stories of individuals whose lives have been shaped by the values we hold dear. From teachers who have devoted their careers to building students’ intellectual and spiritual foundations, to alumni who embody Jewish resilience and leadership in their everyday lives, the narrative of SAR is one of enduring strength and dedication.

Through videos and personal reflections, we heard from alumni whose journeys from SAR to their incredible accomplishments of today showcase how our students carry the values of Torah, chesed, and advocacy into the broader world.

Most of the stories we told centered around what is happening in Israel- with a focus on the pain and sacrifice still ongoing, as well as the remarkable people who have stepped up to serve on the frontlines, in the media and on campus, and through herculean acts of chesed and support.

This dinner wasn’t just a celebration—it was a call to action. It reminded us of the power of community and the importance of standing tall and moving forward together.

Thank you to the amazing community of SAR for coming together to reinforce our values and to share stories of strength, impact, and unity.

Thank you to our elected officials for being with us in times of celebration and at times of challenge.

@RitchieTorres @bronxbp @JeffreyDinowitz @EricDinowitz

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

Prior to Winter break, SAR Academy hosted a conference focused on AI in education, in partnership with @JewishEd . The initiative was organized by our Director of Technology, Rebecca Glassberg, in collaboration with Gary Pretsfelder from The Jewish Education Project. Bringing together administrators, instructional leaders, and technologists from 16 schools, the event explored thoughtful ways to integrate AI into educational practices. Day Schools from across New York came together and demonstrated the shared commitment within our community to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The conference included a keynote by Sarah Rubinson, a Jewish educator and consultant, who offered practical insights into AI in education, as well as workshops run by Becca and Rivkah Schack Shack from JEP, encouraging hands-on exploration of tools and discussions about aligning AI with school values. It was inspiring to see educators collaborate on approaches that support innovation while maintaining educational priorities.

I want to thank all the schools that participated, our partners at The Jewish Education Project, and especially Becca Glassberg for her vision and leadership in organizing this event. I am proud of SAR’s role in fostering conversations about educational innovation. Together, we are working to create a framework that stays true to our traditions while preparing for the opportunities of the future.

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

Yuval Shoham (top row, third from right) was a third grade student at SAR for the 2010-2011 school year. Yesterday, at age 22, he was killed while serving in Gaza, on the fourth day of Chanukah. We join his family in mourning this hero, and we pray for light to overcome darkness at this time. Yehi Zichro Baruch.

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

Last week, we were deeply honored to host Mr. Emad Habaka, the father of the late Lt. Col. Salman Habaka, z”l. Lt. Col. Habaka, a native of the Druze village of Yanuh-Jat, was a remarkable leader, beloved husband to Erin, father to Amiad, and brother to five siblings. His heroism and unwavering commitment to protecting others left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

As the commander of the 188th Armored Brigade’s 53rd Battalion, Salman courageously led his soldiers during the IDF ground operation in Gaza. Tragically, he made the ultimate sacrifice on November 2, becoming the highest-ranking officer to fall in this campaign. Just weeks earlier, on October 7, Salman was among the first responders to the Hamas atrocities at Kibbutz Be’eri, working tirelessly to secure the area and rescue survivors.

Salman’s legacy is one of unparalleled courage, leadership, and humanity. His family, comrades, and community recall his values: ezra la’zulat (helping others), chiuch (smile), devaykut bamatara (focus on his goals), tzniut (modesty), ha’ikviyut (consistency), and ometz lev (bravery). He touched lives not only through his actions but also his profound care for his soldiers and their families, exemplifying the highest ideals of leadership.

In his own words, Salman urged us all: "I send you my strength and encouragement, and I expect you, the people of Israel, to continue to stay united. Let us remain resilient, let us stay bonded together, because only together can we prevail—our strength lies in our unity."

Mr. Habaka’s visit reminded us of the profound sacrifices made in defense of our shared values and the enduring power of unity. May Salman’s memory be a blessing and an inspiration to us all.

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

Today, we had the extraordinary honor of welcoming Israel’s Olympic Judo Team to SAR Academy in collaboration with the @CombatASemitism . Our students had the privilege of participating in a live judo demonstration, witnessing athletic excellence, and learning about resilience, teamwork, and the power of standing against hate.

Thank you to Yigal Nissel and @SachaRoytman  of Combat Antisemitism for making this event possible, and to Moshe Ponte and Shany Hershko for sharing their expertise and leadership. We were inspired by Olympic medalists Peter Paltchik, Inbar Lanir, and Raz Hershko, whose achievements embody excellence and perseverance.

This visit wasn’t just about sports—it was about celebrating Jewish pride, unity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Thank you to our guests for inspiring the next generation to dream big, stand tall, and champion their values both on and off the mat.

[Marc Rod @marcrod97]

In front of a crowd of children chanting "we love Ritchie," Rep. Ritchie Torres received an honorary report card at a Jewish day school (SAR Academy) in Riverdale during a visit on the last day of school:

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

This week, our students and faculty met Noam Guez, who shared his remarkable journey after losing his arm by a grenade, while training for an elite IDF unit. Noam spoke eloquently about looking forward, setting clear goals, and working hard, and with humor and clarity of thought, he answered hours of questions from all about his prosthesis, how it works, the work he is doing with Gideon (Gidi) Grinstein and Reut, including the development of 3D printable prosthetics that can be shared via PDF and manufactured at a fraction of the cost.

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

What an honor it was to meet Rami Davidian, a true hero, who saved 750 people and rescued them over 48 hours from the site of the Nova Music Festival from October 7th-9th. Rami received thousands of what's app messages, and showed up at locations sent to him by those stuck, or from their relatives who pleaded with Rami to rescue their loved ones. He spoke to our students about the strength God gave him to keep on going, as well as his sadness for those who he was unable to reach before they were killed. We gathered on the SAR steps to pay tribute to Rami, and sang the words written by Rav Kuk- בן אדם עלה למעלה עלה....יש לך כנפי רוח, כנפי נשרים– Rami is a true person with wings, who demonstrated the power of an individual to save lives, and worlds. I shared with him that we had 750 students gathered, 750 treasured worlds- may Hashem grant him and his family strength

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

This morning, before departing back to the US, @RitchieTorres paid tribute to Senator Joe Lieberman, at the Western Wall. At a brief but meaningful ceremony, the Congressman spoke about the impact Senator Lieberman had, the “Mensch” that he was, and the role model he became for members of Congress and leaders across the world. We were joined by students who took time from their Torah learning to remember Senator Lieberman and to say thank you to Congressman Torres for following in his ways.

It was a beautiful last stop on a 48 hour trip that was marked by sadness for what was lost, and for the hostages not yet home, and also hopeful about what can be when people stand up for what is right, serve with integrity, and work together.

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

Just landed in Israel on a two day Solidarity mission led by Congressman @RitchieTorres His first visit since October 7th, he hopes to bring comfort and connection, continue to learn about the ongoing challenges and threats, and to strengthen and reenforce the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel. Honored to be among a few leaders from the Bronx accompanying the Congressman on this visit. UJA-Federation of New York thank you for sponsoring this visit.

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

Tomer and Amit Ades of Kfar Aza completed a second whirlwind trip to NY this week, speaking to over 2000 students and adults about their experiences on October 7th, their work to strengthen their own family and the people around them, as they work to rebuild. Their strength, resilience, honesty, compassion, and ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds is remarkable and inspiring. Our entire community is grateful for this friendship and bond, and we hope to continue working together and learning from each other.

Thank you to the institutions and the law firms that hosted Amit and Tomer this week and helped to provide support to the families of Kfar Aza: Yeshivah of Flatbush, The Frisch School, The Jewish Center, Temple Am Echad, Hebrew Institute of White Plains, Kirkland and Ellis, Fried Frank, Goodwin Procter, Columbia/Barnard Hillel and Israel Bonds, Morristown, New Jersey.

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

Thank you Lt. Colonel @jconricus for visiting SAR this morning and giving us a briefing about his work over the past five months. Thank you @FIDF Friends of the Israel Defense Forces and its chairman Morey Levovitz for making this event possible and Drs. Teena and Larry Lerner for serving as hosts.

The second front of this war has been both traditional and social media and voices such as Jonathan’s have been effectively fighting daily to articulate the challenges, successes and obstacles of this unprecedented battle.

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

We’ve officially completed the handoff from school to camp. I’m feeling grateful to our partners at sleepaway camps across the US — and the world — who are continuing to educate and nurture our students.

This got me thinking abou…https://t.co/pG40Jfhtb2 https://t.co/HZHAlIblba

[Binyamin Krauss @binikrauss]

I’m honored to be part of Mayor Eric Adams' inaugural Jewish Advisory Council.

We’re a group of 37 people — rabbis and community leaders — who represent the spectrum of Jewish life. We hope to serve as ambassadors of the Jewish community to the city gov…https://t.co/HArmmkMKTE