Nova music festival survivor and Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Public Affairs Officer Natalie Sanandaji recently visited Tenafly High School in New Jersey offering students a unique opportunity to hear a gripping firsthand account of the horrific events of October 7th and learn what they can do to help fight the surge of antisemitism sweeping across the globe in the aftermath In a moving lunchtime presentation to a packed audience in the school library Natalie reflected on her narrow brush with death evading Hamas terrorists in the fields of southern Israel before reaching safety and explained how the terrifying experience transformed her life A Long Island native born to an Israeli mother and Iranian father Natalie worked in real estate in New York City before October 7th when she attended the Nova festival with friends during a visit to Israel for a wedding she switched her career path to Jewish advocacy and fighting antisemitism I owed it to those who were not as lucky as I was I owed it to those who were murdered on October 7th and to those who until this day are too traumatized to speak out and tell their story,” Natalie said For more on Natalie’s inspiring story of resilience, read HERE and HERE Tenalfy students were visibly moved by Natalie’s remarks, with junior Adi Weissman, the event organizer, telling The Echo “The truth in Natalie’s story has the power to create change and ultimately influence the next generation.” A post shared by Adi (@adis.public) If you would like to host Natalie for a speaking engagement at your school, please email: natalie@combatantisemitism.org Details few and Israel casting doubt that deal is near Briana Vannozzi, Anchor | March 14, 2025 | Politics Freedom may be coming soon for Tenafly’s Edan Alexander Hamas said it’s prepared to release Alexander in an agreement that would also include releasing the remains of four other hostages said to be dual nationals “The United States should never leave any man or woman behind,” said U.S with few updates on Edan’s condition or whereabouts …” but Hamas claimed to have received a proposal from mediators It’s unclear what the militant group may be demanding in exchange and the Israeli Prime Minister’s office was casting doubt that a deal was imminent It said Hamas has continued to reject proposals as the two sides a second phase of a cease-fire in Gaza Hamas persists in its refusal and continues to wage psychological warfare against hostage families,” read a statement from the Prime Minister’s office The Prime Minister says he will convene the ministerial team for a detailed briefing from the negotiating team Alexander would be the first male soldier released from captivity The Alexander family splits their time between New Jersey and Israel and has been vocal in its calls for all the remaining hostages to be set free In a recent interview with NJ Spotlight News “We have to keep fighting for our boy,” said Alexander Briana Vannozzi serves as the anchor for NJ Spotlight News She's worked in several capacities since joining the news division in 2012 as interim anchor and senior correspondent after years of general assignment reporting as a multimedia journalist Vannozzi began her television journalism career by cutting her teeth on New Jersey State House politics for New Jersey Network News and later as a news radio correspondent at FM News 101.9 covering crime and politics in New York City Her work has taken her to national presidential nominating conventions up and down the East Coast and every corner of the Garden State She's interviewed every New Jersey governor dating back to Jon Corzine and moderated numerous political debates and forums Her work has also earned awards from the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists and the Philadelphia Press Association she's honored to be serving and covering her home state and raising her family there SUBSCRIBE NJ Spotlight is part of The WNET Group and is operated by WNET a non-profit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Cooper Consoli (24) of Glen Rock looks to pass the ball during the boys lacrosse game between Glen Rock and Northern Highlands at Glen Rock High School in Glen Rock .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Matt Cosentino | For NJ Advance MediaCooper Consoli scored four goals and assisted on two others to lead Glen Rock to an 11-5 win over Tenafly in Glen Rock Tyler Bosin had a hat trick and Will Corry added two goals and two assists for the Panthers (4-4) Brennan Visokey made eight saves in the win The N.J. 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All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices 2025 Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 21-year-old JEFFREY S This arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck under the direction of Chief Robert Guidetti a month-long joint investigation into area drug activity was initiated by detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force and the Paramus Police Department undercover narcotic detectives identified JEFFREY S KISHINEVSKIY as selling opioid pills and LSD in Bergen County detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotic Task Force and the Paramus Police Department alongside members of the United States Postal Inspection Service detectives executed a court-authorized search of KISHINEVSKIY’s vehicle and residence KISHINEVSKIY was charged with first-degree distribution of LSD 2C:35-5b(6); second-degree distribution of LSD 2C:35-5(b)7; second-degree distribution of LSD within 500 feet of a park 2C:35-7; and third-degree distribution of suspected morphine pills KISHINEVSKIY was remanded to the Bergen County Jail made a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack and was ordered released pending further court action The investigation into this activity is continuing Anyone with information may contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at (201) 226-5532 Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt Prosecutor Musella thanks the Paramus Police Department the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Cresskill Police for their assistance with this investigation which participates in the Bergen County Narcotic Task Force Above: Gottheimer with Councilwoman Julie O’Connor and Mayor Mark Zinna Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) held a ceremonial swearing-in at Tenafly Borough Hall for Tenafly Gottheimer was joined by Tenafly Mayor Mark Zinna “Julie O’Connor has already accomplished so much for the Borough of Tenafly helping to improve the environment and keep its streets safe That’s what Jersey Values are all about,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “As Julie takes her solemn oath to govern and lead I know she will make Tenafly and our entire state stronger.” Below: Gottheimer with Councilwoman Julie O’Connor 2025PressRELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Fifth District Service Academy Ceremony Celebrates Accepted StudentsAbove: Gottheimer with this year’s Fifth District students accepted into U.S Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a ceremony at the Bergenfield VFW Hall to celebrate the 19 Fifth District high school students he nominated and who were accepted to one of the four U.S PressRELEASE: Gottheimer Joins Passaic County Central Labor Council’s Future Leaders Forum Breakfast Celebrates Men and Women of LaborAbove: Gottheimer with Passaic County labor leaders PATERSON Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined hardworking men and women of labor from across Passaic County at the Central Labor Council’s 11th Annual Future Labor Leaders Forum Breakfast The breakfast honors emerging labor leaders who have completed continuing education programs and policymakers who have a track […] PressPHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Speaks with Students at Rutgers Hillel and Rutgers University Chabad to Discuss Combatting Antisemitism on CampusAbove: Gottheimer speaks at Rutgers University Hillel Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Rutgers Hillel and Rutgers University Chabad House on campus to speak with students about the alarming rise in antisemitism on college campuses across the country Rutgers University is home to more than 6,400 Jewish […] (202) 225-4465 (201) 389-1100 (973) 940-1117 (973) 814-4076 Every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thurs, 9:30am–12pm Proudly representing the Fifth District of New Jersey. Accessibility A massive fire destroyed a single family home in Tenafly Thursday morning the Tenafly Fire Department received a 911 call of a house fire at Cameron Road between West Clinton Avenue and Somerset Road Flames engulfed the home as fire departments from Dumont Englewood and Cresskill assisted with extinguishing the blaze One woman who lived at the house was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries Michael deMoncada of the Tenafly Police Department The cause of the fire has not yet been determined There will be limited vehicle access to Cameron and Somerset Road for several hours as the scene is "still under the control of the Tenafly Fire Department." Tenafly Volunteer Ambulance Corps and paramedics from Englewood Hospital were also assisting at the scene There's a mystery behind a book returned to a New Jersey school library — 43 years overdue The mysterious package was delivered to Stillman Elementary School in Tenafly during the last full week of April it held the school library's copy of the book "Jumanji" that had been checked out in May 1982 Aside from the long-overdue book was a money order for $40 who's sending this and what could it be?" said school librarian Jill Brave "This was its own natural lesson that fell into our laps of another way of researching .. It made me feel good that someone took the time to do this." Get Tri-state area news delivered to your inbox with NBC New York's News Headlines newsletter Instead of quietly putting the vintage book back on the shelf Stillman's librarian decided to get her students involved The students' research was to connect the dots to figure out who returned the book The package itself was mailed from the Drums I always have something to think about," said 9-year-old Sanjana Sen The book had been checked out more than four decades ago by a second-grader named Jessica By the time the book finally made its way back to the school library they probably feel more guilty because it's been 43 whole years," said Sanjana "We got to Google and we got to see a lot of cool things about her," said 7-year-old Gal Ayzenberg The detective work has fueled a lot of conversations at the K-5 school — as well as at least one website and it can also find people," said Miles Grinshtein "Everyone is curious about the whole thing and you want to solve it." The students also questioned if "Jessica" would prefer to remain anonymous "It's kind of rude to try to find them when they don't want to get found," said Sanjana Whether or not students find the former student who sent the book they said they have enjoyed piecing together the clues and using their imaginations to solve a problem Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates a former Tenafly police officer convicted of fatally shooting his husband in what he called a freak accident was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Thursday Joseph Grieco was sentenced to 11 years in prison for fatally shooting his husband Grieco was previously convicted of aggravated manslaughter and faced up to 30 years in prison were at their Vernon Township home after a night out with friends Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Sahil  Kabse said a Gen4 Glock Model 23 and began to handle it He was transported to a nearby where he was pronounced dead NJ Advance Media says Grieco told officers he'd been demonstrating how to kill a snake Following the shooting Grieco penned a Facebook post to Kelly "I wish that freak accident never happened," Grieco wrote "but unfortunately freak accidents are always a game of what ifs… constant moments of steps that led to a single moment Become a member of THIRTEEN ($5 monthly or $60 annually) and get access to THIRTEEN Passport as our thanks for your support Members get extended access to PBS video on demand and more NJ Spotlight News | Clip | Hamas set to release Tenafly native Edan Alexander?Freedom may be coming soon for Tenafly's Edan Alexander "The United States should never leave any man or woman behind,” said U.S NJ Spotlight News is NJTV's nightly news program The program covers news across New Jersey with a concentration on government and public policy ©2025 WNET THIRTEEN is part of The WNET Group and is operated by WNET Dozens of your favorite THIRTEEN and PBS programs are available to watch on-demand on many popular platforms Sponsored by the PTO of the Metropolitan Cathedral of St the youth of the Cathedral – Sunday School and GOYA – came together on March 16th to assemble 150 Hygiene Kits for the IOCC – International Orthodox Christian Charities This effort offered our children the opportunity to practice their faith by teaching them the importance of sharing their time and talents to help people in need who are impacted by disasters or crises.  Get the Orthodox Observer delivered to your inbox Download VCF • Join our Mailing Lists • Donate The information contained on the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is for informational purposes only Certain individuals and institutions are presented for reference purposes only and may not be under the supervision or jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese The Holy Archdiocese does not exercise any administrative oversight or assignment authority over clergy that are not part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Two-term assemblywoman faces a Tenafly councilman in Democratic primary Tenafly Mayor Mark Zinna and three members of the borough council have endorsed Assemblywoman Shama Haider (D-Tenafly) and Ellen Park (D-Englewood Cliffs) for re-election in a race where one of the candidates challenging the incumbents in the Democratic primary serves as a Tenafly councilman Daniel Park is running with Tamar Warburg in the 37th legislative ticket on a slate allied with gubernatorial candidate Steve Fulop Council President Adam Michaels and Councilmembers Julie O’Connor and Venugopal Menon joined Zinna in endorsing the incumbent lawmakers That number will drop tomorrow when Menon “Assemblywomen Shama Haider and Ellen Park have been extraordinary leaders for our district,” Zinna said Whether it’s leading the charge in flood mitigation in New Jersey or championing environmental sustainability they consistently prioritize the needs of the people they serve.” Dan Park became the first Korean American to win a seat on the Tenafly Borough Council withheld party support for his re-election in the Democratic primary by a vote of 687-395 a former councilwoman who won the Democratic primary by 47 votes   Dayton challenged Haider for the State Assembly in 2021 – there were two open seats after Assemblymembers Gordon Johnson (D-Englewood) and Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Englewood) faced off for an open State Senate seat; Haider ran with Johnson Haider pulled party support for Dayton’s re-election to the council and she lost the Democratic primary to Beatriz Pelaez-Martinez Grossman was arrested on child pornography charges in October 2023 He resigned from the council one week after his arrest but remained on the ballot He was charged six weeks after the deadline to withdraw from the race and three weeks after vote-by-mail ballots had already gone out Grossman ran a distant fourth and independents picked up two seats after Jamie Corsair edged out Pelaez-Martinez by eleven votes Alonso Escalante has stepped down as Tenafly’s football coach to take a job as an assistant with the New York Jets Escalante is returning to the NFL after leading the Tigers to a 10-10 record the past two seasons according to Tenafly athletic director Joe Carollo “It’s one of those things where we’re sad to see him go because he did such a great job for us,” Carollo said “But we’re so happy that he has this opportunity in front of him.” Escalante did not return text messages requesting comment The Jets hired former player Aaron Glenn as their new coach two weeks ago following a disheartening 5-12 season Glenn continues to build his staff and the Jets have yet to officially announce all the new hires Escalante is a 2005 Glen Rock graduate who was hired as Tenafly’s coach in April of 2023 after spending a majority of the previous dozen years working in the NFL He was an offensive assistant with the Giants and also had stints with the Raiders Escalante elevated Tenafly’s program during his two seasons The Tigers went 6-4 in 2023 and 4-6 last season in the Super Football Conference The program had about 45 players last season Tenafly had 14 freshmen in the program last season and played an impressive nine junior varsity games As many as 20 eighth graders in town expressed interest in joining football for the fall of 2025 “He’s this combination of endlessly patient and eternally optimistic,” Carollo said and he just has this magnetism that the kids gravitated to.” in large part because of [Escalante].” The search for a successor begins this week “We’re going to hope to move quickly because ultimately we want to be able to continue the work that’s been going on,” Carollo said When you have a program that’s moving in the right direction we’ve got to make sure that we keep it moving in that direction.” the district certified that voters in a referendum approved a $76 million school proposal Voters were asked to say yes or no on improvements to every school facility including district offices and the athletic complex They were also asked to approve safety and security updates and updates of the instructional spaces to meet modern standards When every mail-in ballot and provisional vote was counted with 1,199 votes in favor and 1,187 opposed The results were officially certified by the county on Wednesday the remaining local tax share would be $59.5 million or $881 per year for a home assessed at Tenafly's average Project status updates will be posted on the district's website moving forward 2025 at 11:36 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A child jumped out of a rideshare vehicle in North Jersey on Tuesday NJ — A child jumped out of a rideshare car in Bergen County on Tuesday when the driver took a wrong turn Tenafly Police Captain Michael deMoncada said that on Tuesday a student at a local school used the Lyft app to get a ride home But instead of driving to the child's street "In fear for their safety," the child jumped out of the moving vehicle The child was brought to the hospital and police began hearing rumors of an attempted abduction who turned out to be a 70-year-old man from Hackensack who was hearing impaired The man came to police headquarters to explain the driver admitted that he had missed the indicated turn while trying to follow directions on his phone’s navigation screen," deMoncada said the man said he saw the child jump out and stopped the car The driver marked the ride as complete and reported the incident to Lyft management via the app Police confirmed that the driver was hearing impaired our agency was made aware of several online social media posts from members of the public that believed this incident was an attempted abduction or kidnapping," deMoncada noted after speaking with all involved parties and completing a thorough investigation we believe this was a misunderstanding and not criminal in nature "We would also like to remind the public that social media has great influence on our communities While we can applaud this juvenile for removing themselves from what they believed was an unsafe situation we should not jump to conclusions online or in any other forum about the identities of the involved persons or legitimacy of a particular ride-sharing app based upon a social media post." Police acknowledged there was a delay in releasing the information to the public "We are often unable to comment because the investigation is active and ongoing," they said we appreciate the public’s patience and understanding and hope that this provides an opportunity for parents to proactively speak with their children about the use of ridesharing apps and establishing a personal safety plan when doing so." Lyft's policy says kids under 18 can't ride without an adult A group called Safe Ride 4 Kids reminds parents that crashes and other incidents can occur during ride shares, and offers tips for safety Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Mak Ojutiku | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comHannah Benowitz posted a hat trick with 11 ground balls to lead Tenafly in a 10-6 win over Emerson Boro Ella Lafond also recorded a hat trick for Tenafly (4-5) while Ella Plotkin finished with two goals Sophia Seigerman recorded a goal and an assist while Hadas Naveh made five saves The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now! Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) Tenafly approved 25-year-old former assistant Matthew LaQuaglia as new head football coach Monday night LaQuaglia, a social studies and economics teacher at the high school, served as special teams coordinator and position coach the last two seasons under former Tigers coach Alonso Escalante, who took a job with the Jets LaQuaglia also headed up the strength and conditioning program “I felt like the kids and the program needed some continuity,” LaQuaglia said Tuesday morning “This is a great community that I have been welcomed into and getting to work with these kids the last two years they deserve to have their hard work pay off I wanted to do my best to keep the band together and keep down the track we’re going.” LaQuaglia grew up in Caldwell and played wide receiver and defensive back in high school He attended Rutgers and received his bachelor’s degree in economics and master's degree in social studies education in 2022 I got into some mentorship programs but I saw that the day-to-day wasn’t something I wanted to do,” LaQuaglia said “I knew I loved football and wanted to be in a profession that let me coach I explored education and I found it was a good fit.” Tenafly played in the Super Football Conference’s Ivy Division last year which is set aside for programs looking to restore participation and competitiveness and LaQuaglia says all the indicators are trending up “Our numbers have been up for the last two years and we expect a good freshman class,” LaQuaglia said “The kids have responded to our strength and conditioning program and we have seen excitement about the program in the building.” LaQuaglia becomes one of the youngest head football coaches in North Jersey taking over a program that dates back more than 100 years “It’s just the facts of the matter,” LaQuaglia said when asked about his relative inexperience “We have a great staff and I am learning every single day from them I spent two years working with Coach Escalante and I got to see information about Xs and Os and the administrative side and all realms about being a head coach Tenafly and Dumont maintain the 12th longest Thanksgiving Day rivalry in New Jersey but the Huskies have won the last 10 meetings “I have been super lucky to be around that for the last couple of years,” LaQuaglia said Dumont values tradition greatly and we’re excited to keep that going and we’re going to work for that victory.” LaQuaglia has already been meeting with team members and expects the core of the staff to return our goal every single day is growth,” LaQuaglia said whether it’s deepening our understanding of the game We want to be the most prepared team in the conference and be ready to go.” .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Reed Becker | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comRyan Lotito led a 16-hit attack with three hits when Demarest earned an 11-1 win over Tenafly in Demarest while Zachary Kochnover and George Theodorakos each finished with two hits and two RBIs in the five-inning game Ethan Dai and Owen Rose added two hits apiece Demarest starting pitcher Jaxon Austria went five strong innings Demarest (7-5) will travel to face Mahwah on Friday while Tenafly (2-10) will host Bergen Tech on Friday Reed Becker can be reached at rbecker@njadvancemedia.com .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Dylan McCoy | For NJ Advance MediaEli Dzwonkowski led all scorers with five goals as Tenafly went on the road to claim a 14-5 victory over Pascack Hills Tenafly (4-2) created separation with an 8-2 advantage in the first half taking a lead it would hold for the remainder of the game Parker Levine was all over the offensive side of the field for Tenafly scoring two goals and dishing out four assists while Jared Corsair and Charlie Piluso each had three assists Logan Nassau accounted for most of the Pascack Hills (4-4) offense Dylan McCoy can be reached at hssports@njadvancemedia.com .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Will Harrigan | For NJ Advance MediaEli Dzwonkowski scored a hat-trick helping Tenafly notch a 6-5 victory over River Dell in River Dell Jared Corsair added two goals and an assist for Tenafly which snapped a two-game slide to improve to 5-4 on the season The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now and be among the first to get all the boys and girls sports you care about, straight to your inbox each weekday. To add your name, click here Get a weekly serving of the hottest NJ food news sent right to your inbox with our Side Dish newsletter serial entrepreneur Jonathan Krieger was a die-hard New Yorker his wife Julia and two sons “wrenched ourselves from Manhattan” to settle in Tenafly The verdant Bergen County borough proved a one-in-a-million hometown for the Kriegers it supposedly houses a friendly ghost; stay tuned.) Krieger named the restaurant to conjure “life and home because my family’s life is now so rooted in Tenafly and because Spring House was in fact a home.” And quite a home at that: Built by the Demarests and their Lyle family branch in the 1790s the Demarest-Lyle House is Tenafly’s oldest home and is honored on the National Register of Historic Places Spring House is the oldest home in Tenafly The poshly yet playfully reimagined three-story stone mansion is a pleasure to relax in Its quirky original layout harbors varied dining and drinking environments—such as two gracious the Art Deco Lyle Lounge in a seductive garret tree-lined patio and exuberant beer garden welcoming staff keep guests comfortable and cared-for Culinary director Pasquale “Paco” Frola’s passion and principles are evident in his delightful Mediterranean menu. (Lunch service kicks off in September.) The native Neapolitan chef is known to Bergen County diners from his stint at Sofia in Englewood Spring House’s culinary director Paco Frola “I’m able to serve the world’s very best ingredients in ways that are a rediscovery of food,” he says “I don’t do what other chefs do.” These are not mere boasts; Frola’s dishes are often in a class by themselves uncontrived and bursting with honest flavor I was dazzled by his meat and cheese board (often an afterthought at restaurants) it’s a tasting tour of Italy and Spain’s most rare artisanal cheeses and succulent salumis and paper-thin hams A memorable bar meal could consist of the tasting board alongside a couple of swooningly delectable cocktails But there’s more to dig into: Frola’s meaty octopus with perky Calabrian peppers; his perfectly composed homemade pasta dishes; his steak frites or herb-laden you’ll want your own order of the chef’s sensational S’mores dessert with oozy toasted marshmallows on a bed of Italian Nutella you’ll find that the entire restaurant joins in a communal conversation One regular Spring House guest notes another aspect of the place’s aura: the Demarest-Lyle House’s lady ghost “A female ghost is a constant in the house’s history,” Krieger confirms “They all said the ghost was very polite and wanted to be around people the young mistress of the house who was widowed in the early 1900s.” “Julia’s husband was John Lyle,” he continues Read more Eat & Drink articles At the busiest intersection of Tenafly, a red and white billboard bears the image of Edan Alexander the young North Jersey native taken hostage during the Hamas attack in Israel on Oct That's been the prayer of Edan Alexander's parents for the 15 months since their son was captured It has also been the plea of many in this tight-knit town where everyone seems to have a connection to the Alexander family their prayers came a step closer to being answered After months of deadlocked negotiations, Israel and the militant group Hamas reached a fresh Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal Wednesday official told USA Today and other news organizations The agreement calls for hostages to be released in stages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel Male Israeli soldiers like Edan Alexander would not be freed until a second stage which is not expected to begin for another 16 days Negotiations have fallen through repeatedly during the course of the war and the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that details remained to be worked out In an interview Wednesday, Adi Alexander, Edan's father, told NBC's Lester Holt that he feels "very happy and grateful that finally It's a long time coming and we are there." "I am happy but we also have four American hostages who were murdered on Oct 7 and their remains are still being held there (in Gaza)," he said Alexander's son was serving with the Israel Defense Forces near the Gaza border when he was captured in the Oct 7 attack in which Hamas operatives killed 1,200 people and took another 250 captives Judy Weinstein and Gad Haggai - were killed by Hamas Fewer than 100 of those kidnapped are believed to still be alive, according to Israeli officials. Edan Alexander's status has not been publicly confirmed, though Hamas did release a video in early December in which he pleaded for Israel to negotiate a deal hostages said: they were “deeply grateful that there is finally an agreement between Israel and Hamas to bring our loved ones − Omer We have been waiting for 467 days while our family members suffer from life-threatening injuries and their teams for their constructive efforts to make this possible." The first phase of the ceasefire deal is expected to see 33 civilians and women soldiers held hostage in Gaza released in the first 42 days Israel will free as many as 1,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails and its troops will withdraw from city centers in Gaza a key coastal road and a strategic strip of land along the border with Egypt when the remaining hostages would be released would likely begin on the 16th day of the implementation of the deal more Israeli troops would also pull out of the Palestinian territory Israel's counteroffensive against Hamas has led to 45,000 deaths in the Palestinian territory and more than 100,000 injuries Months of negotiations had raised and dashed hopes for a ceasefire and hostage release until now Adi and Yael Alexander have actively campaigned for their son's release regularly meeting with American and Israeli officials to keep the hostages on their radar They have spoken at rallies and to the media about the critical need to seek a hostage release "There's an urgent need for a deal now," Adi Alexander told The Record and NorthJersey.com in September, after news that Hamas had executed six other captives, including fellow American Hersh Goldberg-Polin "I never imagined that something like this could happen a few yards from the Israeli border the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey said it "cautiously welcomes" the ceasefire announcement true resolution depends on the safe return of all hostages," said Jason M and we will continue advocating until every hostage is free." Friends and family praised the Tenafly High School alumni for his warmth His father called him an "All American kid," who loves swimming and hanging out with friends Edan grew up in Tenafly and graduated from high school in 2022 He opted to spend time in his parents' home country after that and volunteered for the Israeli military Yael Alexader said she had called her son on the morning of Oct 7 after she heard about an attack in southern Israel Edan tried to reassure her that he was safe even as she heard shooting in the background Israeli officials informed the Alexanders that their son was among the hostages taken to Gaza His parents said it was excruciating to watch the December propaganda video in which the young man appeared pale and But it was also a reassurance that he was still alive More: In Tenafly, weekly march keeps focus on Edan Alexander and other Hamas hostages Bergen County residents have also kept Edan on their minds as well as 150 other cities around the country on a regular basis to keep attention on the hostages Every Friday morning for months, Tenafly residents have gathered at the center of town with Israeli flags and posters bearing Edan's images, proclaiming "Bring them Home." They march through town participants stopped at the billboard and examined it sadly "I can't wait to change that sign to say `Welcome Home,'" she said Deena Yellin covers religion for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to her work covering how the spiritual intersects with our daily lives, please subscribe or activate your digital account today Email: yellin@northjersey.comX/Twitter: @deenayellin (This story was updated to add new information.) TENAFLY — Thousands of people gathered Monday night for an emotional commemoration of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel in a Bergen County town where the ongoing toll of that assault is felt personally Tenafly is home to a large Jewish population that includes the parents of Edan Alexander a 20-year-old Tenafly High School graduate who remains one of about 100 hostages in captivity a year after the assault Monday's event − held in a tent outside of the Kaplen Jewish Community Center and organized by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey − was among many ceremonies held around New Jersey and the rest of the globe as the community grapples with the tragic anniversary amid an escalating war in the Middle East sing and remember those who were abducted or killed a year ago Organizers said it was the largest event ever hosted at the venue with 6,000 registered and nearly 4,000 in attendance They gathered to mark an attack that changed the course of Jewish history president of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey Images on a screen Monday projected young people dancing at the Nova music festival in southern Israel last Oct The happy scene is interrupted by Hamas terrorists who arrive on motorcycles There were shots of young people being hunted down or dragged away chilling aerial shot showed hundreds of empty cars left abandoned on a desert road outside the festival Yael Alexander elicited a standing ovation when she spoke about her son an Israeli soldier captured while on duty Oct "He grew up in Tenafly and it shaped who he is," she said She described Edan as being "full of energy" and "the light of our family" as well as a devoted older brother to his younger siblings he made a decision that changed all of our lives," she said of his choice to go to Israel and join the army "He believed that this was where he could make a difference We supported him wholeheartedly because we knew it was something he believed in deeply." She went to visit him in Israel during the Jewish holiday of Succoth last October and he was happy and joking around He returned early in the morning to his base in southern Israel for guard duty But when he called her in the morning of Oct "his voice was shaking" his mother told the audience Edan Alexander's mother recalls 'agonizing' waitThere was a lot of noise That was the last time I heard his voice." For "five agonizing days," she had no idea what had happened to Edan Several hostages were released and "they told us they had seen him "He told them about us." The Alexanders felt momentarily reassured Yeal Alexander thanked the community for their support "You have held us up when we couldn't stand We must do everything we can do to bring them home." She urged the crowd to join her in reciting the blessing that her father used to give Edan whenever he left home "It's a blessing for his safe return," she said Many in the crowd stood up to recite the Hebrew prayer for physical well-being in the hostages' honor who grew up in a village in southern Israel that was often under attack said he felt a strong emotional connection to northern New Jersey because a program that brings Israeli teens to the U.S He joined his army unit when they were called to fight in Gaza and was devastated when several members of his unit were killed as they searched a tunnel where Hamas detonated a bomb where a new war is heating up with Hezbollah forces in Lebanon "The Israeli army is not just fighting for the land of Israel but for Jews all over the world," he said Worries about the future of IsraelMany attendees said they continue to worry about violence in Israel as war spreads in the region Hamas and Hezbollah militants fired rockets from Lebanon and Gaza forcing Israelis to flee to shelters as they tried to grieve at memorial ceremonies As the focus of the war increasingly shifts north to Lebanon fired rockets at Israel's third largest city while Israel's military said its air force was carrying out extensive bombings of Hezbollah targets in south Lebanon many in the crowd had a personal connection to Israel and vivid recollections of where they were when they heard about the events of Oct North Jersey voices: 'It was a huge shock'Isabella Bennaim said she didn't find out about the attacks until the following day since she was offline for the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah When she discovered the full extent of what had occurred "It was a huge shock - nothing like that had ever happened before." said he and his family were in Jerusalem on Oct He and his son were walking to a prayer service when emergency sirens blared and they quickly had to run for cover in a shelter but nothing compared to what other Israelis are going through," he said called him and his wife Robin crying at 2 a.m She and her friends in Israel continue to support each other during these difficult times and the Goldberg family has been involved in fundraising and other efforts to aid Israel "You really feel the unity of the Jewish people" seeing how "everyone went out of their way to help," he said He said he was grateful to be able to help support Edan Alexander's family and was moved by his mother's speech "I can't even imagine the hell they are living," he said Bergen County walkers meet weekly to call for return of Hamas hostages Brenda Flanagan, Senior Correspondent | January 17, 2025 | More Issues, Politics 17: The full Israeli Cabinet voted 24-8 to approve the ceasefire agreement the first three Israeli hostages will be released on that day “There’s news of a hostage deal being done so the biggest hope for next week is we have fewer posters with us for the walk,” said Roberto Cymrot an organizer for the group “Run for Their Lives.” Cymrot rallied the group of walkers who march every Friday morning with posters and placards — draped in flags — through downtown Tenafly The walk’s aim is to keep attention on the hostages kidnapped by Hamas in the Oct including one from this Bergen County town “We’ve been walking for a year and a half and they’re still there — and we’ll keep on walking until they’re back,” said Cymrot but also hopeful,” added walker Ilan Kravic “It looks like a deal is about to happen and people are about to be released And that is something to be happy and hopeful for Tenafly is home to a large Jewish population with strong ties to Israel It’s where hostage Edan Alexander grew up She’s known Edan since he attended grade school with her sons “Everything and anything is possible,” she said “So there’s not even one single day that I don’t think he’s alive — or that he’s not coming out Edan Alexander will not be among the first group of 33 hostages released he would join hostages released during Phase Two of the ceasefire Two Americans are among the first group to be returned: 65-year-old Keith Siegel remains deeply anxious about his condition “I will feel joy — I assure you— when Sagui is able to embrace his little girls — one of whom he has not met She was born two months after the massacre.” Fractures have spread across the political landscape in Israel as the cabinet met to vote on the ceasefire agreement Supporters gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square Far-right factions fear adopting a ceasefire could compromise Israel’s hard-won military advantage — and put hostages at risk some marchers said they also don’t like the phased hostage release “I don’t think it’s wonderful that they’re going to give us back our people and it’s going to take six weeks and — just let them go,” said walker Meryl Schreiber to match red-headed Israeli hostage Kfir Bibas “We want to make sure the world knows that this poor baby’s not had a birthday yet,” said walker Daphna Arad “He was in Gaza for his birthday and now he’s in Gaza for the second birthday.” They sang him “Happy Birthday,” hoping he would be among those released soon Senior Correspondent Brenda Flanagan joined NJ Spotlight News in 2013 The Emmy-award-winning reporter has also worked as an investigative/political correspondent for news departments at WWOR,WNYW and NJN the CEO of Kaplen Jewish Community Center on the Palisades Rogers was a longtime member of the JCC in Tenafly and was a board member when he became CEO in 2021 "He led the JCC with enthusiasm and pride and exemplified our Jewish values," Kaplen board Chairman Michael Kollender said a statement announcing Rogers' death Wednesday "Through his leadership our JCC has achieved new heights and in times of grief united the community in our role as the Jewish Town Square His passing is a profound loss for the entire community No cause of death was given in the statement "I have a deep commitment to the advancement of Jewish and Israel-related causes, which I feel strongly begins on the ground in local communities such as ours," Rogers said in a quote on his Kaplen profile page The Kaplen JCC announced on its website that funeral services will be held for Rogers on Friday at 10 a.m at Temple Emanu-El of Closter with interment to follow at Cedar Park and Beth El Cemeteries in Paramus Friends remembered Rogers fondly, posting remembrances and condolences on the Kaplen JCC Facebook page. and infectious laughter touched each of us Steve wasn’t just a leader; he was a father figure who genuinely cared for every employee and member of our community," one person commented County history: In its early days, Bergen County had few doctors. See the challenges they faced profound words during difficult and confusing times Rogers worked for more than 30 years as an attorney according to his profile on the Kaplen website He graduated from Binghamton University and the Fordham University School of Law was starting at center for Pomona Jewish Center’s three-peat championship basketball team which dominated the Rockland County Temple League from 1977 – 1979," the biography adds The father of the last surviving American hostage in Gaza is trying to stay hopeful for a reunion with his son But Tenafly's Adi Alexander remains worried about the amount of time it's taking to bring home his son and the remaining captives held by Hamas for over 500 days "The latest that we have is from the released hostages actually who saw him in those tunnels," Alexander said Wednesday of his son, 21-year-old Edan Alexander Former hostages also reported that Edan helped take care of some of the people held with him In a statement Friday, Hamas said it had agreed to release Edan Alexander and return the remains of four other hostages But a response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Hamas “continues to wage psychological warfare against hostage families,” suggesting the gap that remains between the two sides Adi Alexander spoke to The Record and NorthJersey.com during an exclusive interview in Tenafly where he lives with his wife and Edan's younger brother He spoke of the Trump administration's efforts in the latest round of negotiations and a private meeting with President Donald Trump last fall Alexander didn't address recent reports in Israeli media that Edan and other hostages had been mistreated Israeli TV station N12 reported last week that hostages released in recent weeks said Edan Alexander was alive but was being kept in an underground tunnel and was malnourished has been "severely interrogated and tortured," the Jerusalem Post said in another report "We do have this hostage video, which is the latest sign of life. It was released on Thanksgiving weekend," Adi Alexander said, referring to a Hamas propaganda video in which a pale and gaunt Edan begged for his life the father said the image was painful to watch but also an encouraging sign that Edan was still alive graduating from Tenafly High School in 2022 where he volunteered to serve in the Israel Defense Forces He was patrolling the Gaza border as part of the IDF's Golani infantry brigade on Oct when Hamas terrorists stormed across the border in an attack that killed 1,200 people and captured 251 hostages His father recalled "looking through hospitals "we were informed by the IDF that our son was kidnapped and they have some evidence to support that because on that day so many of his brigade members found themselves dead "So we were optimistic since Day One only for the fact that .. More: U.S. holds secret talks with Hamas on Gaza hostages, including Tenafly man, sources say Edan Alexander was not among the 30 hostages released in the first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that started in mid-January The pact also led to the release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel Negotiations to extend the deal are underway in Qatar but have shown few signs of progress thus far Alexander said he hopes they can "seal a new deal It was actually placed together back in the end of 2023 everybody that is being held there is a humanitarian case Another reason for that deal not being perfect is very simple: It left people behind." There are roughly 24 hostages who are presumed to be still alive Trump has sent his highest-level diplomats to the talks Steve Witkoff and all the professional teams are still there .. I don't think there's something better to do for both parties but this ceasefire — a long-term sustainable ceasefire and releasing the hostages." has said that gaining Edan's release is a "top priority" for the administration Adi Alexander said he's grateful for the outpouring of support his family has received from the Tenafly community and elsewhere since Edan was kidnapped noting that he feels at times like he's having an "out-of-body experience that you see yourself doing stuff that you never imagine you will be doing." Alexander said he feels indebted to Trump for his activism on behalf of his son and the other hostages and hopefully it will work for the second deal as well." and another 12 were kidnapped," Alexander said rattling off the first names of the other American captives there are some two dozen living hostages left in Gaza "It took too long," Alexander said of the negotiations This story includes information from USA Today Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application passed away peacefully in his home on February 17th 2025 He is pre-deceased by his wife Mersea “Mitzi” Crimeni of 59 years After retiring from his career at ITW Holopak he joyfully worked as a Tenafly school crossing guard for many years He was an active member of the Tenafly Senior Center and was loved by many in the community He is survived by his son Frank Crimeni Jr.  Services will be held at Riewerts Memorial Home Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors officiated a ceremonial swearing-in for Councilwoman and fellow Democrat Dr helping to improve the environment and keep its streets safe,” Gottheimer said As Julie takes her solemn oath to govern and lead Also sworn to a three-year term on council was fellow Democrat Lauren Dayton a middle school teacher and district coordinator in Cliffside Park and mother of twins in the Tenafly district,  has served on the Tenafly Borough Council since the pandemic when she was elected to fill the seat vacated by Zinna who defeated independent Peter Rustin for mayor in the 2019 election District 37 state Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle referred to O’Connor as her “gold stamp of approval” on animal and environmental legislative issues O’Connor is liaison to several borough entities staff writer Nikhil Lewis highlighted O’Connor’s dedication “O’Connor’s commitment to her family and community is strong and she has served on the Tenafly council since the pandemic which directs fines toward replanting at the Tenafly Nature Center He also credited her with spearheading the borough’s composting program helping families divert food waste from landfills O’Connor dedicates a large amount of time to ensuring the comfort and safety of Tenafly’s community,” Lewis wrote O’Connor felt the community’s yearning to grieve their losses she organized an area for a COVID memorial in Davis Johnson Park & Gardens for people to pay their respects to their loved ones they lost to the pandemic.” Lewis also noted O’Connor’s advocacy for cultural diversity She helped plan Tenafly’s Juneteenth celebration and organized a gathering to celebrate the borough’s new sister city relationship with Seneca Falls honoring Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the fight for women’s suffrage “Diversity is our strength,” O’Connor said O’Connor plans to expand her programs while addressing taxes “You’ll always see me walking around,” she told The Echo so I’m always walking to town and back.” A traffic light is planned for the Clinton Inn Hotel intersection alongside a new traffic pattern to improve safety O’Connor’s recreational initiatives include a new skate park at the former swim club with raised flower beds to accommodate those with mobility challenges and community gardening areas to attract pollinators like monarch butterflies and bees The borough also plans to expand the dog park Lewis summarized O’Connor’s goals: “Overall O’Connor is looking for ways to assist and help our community in a healthy and productive way.” O’Connor’s professional background reflects her lifelong commitment to education and progressive advocacy O’Connor has been a teacher and instructional supervisor for over 20 years in both the New York City and Cliffside Park public school systems She earned her doctorate in education from Northcentral University focusing her research on how “humane education,” prosocial learning that includes kindness to animals She holds master’s degrees from Mercy College and The Bank Street College of Education and has presented on humane education at numerous conferences including The Oxford Animal Ethics Summer School and the American Teacher Educators Conference O’Connor as of 2021 served as the educational director for the Animal Protection League of New Jersey and was vice president of The Humane Education Committee Inc In her book “United States of Friendship,” O’Connor reflected on a national pen pal project inspired by the events of Sept “The third graders in Illinois reaching out to the traumatized children in New York City through a pen pal project was exactly the type of healing our nation craved,” she wrote just as these small-town students were to their inner-city pen pals.” Urban mayors group joins opposition to Montvale’s 28-town affordable lawsuit All content on this 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Reproduction, distribution, or use of any material without prior written permission is strictly prohibited, unless otherwise stated. To report any misuse, please contact us at PascackPress@ThePressGroup.net A former police officer has been convicted in the 2023 shooting of his husband in their Sussex County home was found guilty of first-degree aggravated manslaughter in the death of John Kelly following a week-long trial the county prosecutor's office said in a press release Wednesday He is scheduled to be sentenced March 20 and faces 10 to 30 years in prison According to the facts presented at the trial returned to their Vernon home after a night out on July 25 Grieco had consumed alcohol at the Vernon VFW earlier that evening and continued to drink at home with Kelly and friends retrieved his handgun and began to handle it "despite being warned multiple times that the firearm was loaded," the release stated Courts Fatal shootings, a boat crash: Here's what North Jersey cases may head to trial in 2025 Emergency personnel responded to the scene and took Kelly to a hospital in Warwick "This tragic incident underscores the inherent recklessness of handling firearms under the influence of alcohol," acting Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn A The case was prosecuted by acting First Assistant Prosecutor Sahil Kabse and acting Assistant Prosecutor Vanessa Henderson Hundreds of people gathered Sunday morning in New York's Central Park to mark Edan Alexander's birthday has been held captive for more than 450 days in Gaza by Hamas Participants held Israeli and American flags posters with the faces of Alexander and the other hostages and signs that said "Bring them Home," to show the world that they haven't forgotten about the nearly 100 hostages — including seven Americans — remaining in Gaza The event was organized by the New York Hostages and Missing Families Forum "This is a day that should be filled with joy and celebration, but instead we are marked by pain and worry. It's been 450 days since he was taken, and every day without him feels like an eternity," Edan's father, Adi Alexander, told the crowd. "We need Israel and Hamas to reach a deal today It is a matter of life and death," he said The rally, in which participants and speakers chanted, sang and demanded an agreement to ensure the return of all the hostages, came on the heels of a report of horrific conditions being endured by the hostages. According to the Israel Health Ministry report which will be submitted to the United Nations this week the hostages have been subjected to torture The report is based on interviews with hostages who returned from captivity and reported that they endured beatings Earlier this month, Hamas released a propaganda video featuring a gaunt-looking Edan Alexander begging Israeli and American leaders not to forget about the hostages and to fight for their release and we are dying a thousand times every day that passes but he was grateful for the sign of life from his son from whom he hadn't heard since he was kidnapped Edan grew up in Tenafly and volunteered for the Israeli army after high school graduation He was guarding Israel's southern border when Hamas attacked on the morning of Oct The then-19-year-old sent a message to his mother during the fighting attempting to reassure her that he was safe The family was later informed that he was among the 250 people who had been kidnapped by Hamas Edan's family and friends released a video online on Sunday morning in honor of the Tenafly native's birthday Friends who shared messages on the video describe him as caring funny and the kind of person who always knows the right thing to say "He's the guy to go to when you are feeling down or when you need advice," said one of his friends "This is not how any of us want to celebrate your 21st birthday .. Nov 30 (Reuters) — The Palestinian militant group Hamas published a video on Saturday of an Israeli-American hostage from Tenafly President-elect Donald Trump to secure his release from captivity The mother of hostage Edan Alexander, Yael said she was shaken by the 3½-minute video which showed the 20-year-old captive looking pale and seated in a dark space against a wall He identified himself and addressed his family Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump but it also shows how difficult it is for Edan and for the other hostages and how much they are crying out and praying for us to rescue them," his mother said at a Tel Aviv rally calling for the hostages' release before calling on Israel's leaders to end the war in Gaza and make a deal with Hamas to release the hostages Netanyahu said in a statement that the video was cruel psychological warfare and that he had told Alexander's family in a phone call that Israel was working tirelessly to bring the hostages home Phil Murphy posted on social media: "I join the Alexander family in urging both the Biden Administration and incoming Trump Administration to do everything possible to quickly facilitate an agreement that brings him home safe." Reuters released an edited 1½-minute version of the propaganda video Edan Alexander: NJ dad has a message for son held by Hamas: 'Stay strong. Survive' Around half of the 101 foreign and Israeli hostages still held incommunicado in Gaza are believed to be alive Hamas leaders were expected to arrive in Cairo on Saturday for ceasefire talks with Egyptian officials to explore ways to reach a deal that could secure the release of hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners The fresh bid comes after Washington said this past week that it was reviving efforts toward that goal More: 'Our hearts are hostage': Family of Hamas captive from Tenafly tries to keep up hope said it is working "around the clock" to secure the release of U.S "We have a critical opportunity to conclude the deal to release the hostages and surge humanitarian assistance into Gaza," said White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett The Hostages Families Forum urged the administrations of both outgoing U.S President Joe Biden and Trump to step up efforts to secure a hostage release "The hostages' lives hang by a thread," it said This article contains material from NorthJersey.com One person was killed in a crash in Tenafly on Monday morning that involved a tractor trailer and a garbage truck the Tenafly Police Department received a report of a serious motor vehicle crash on County Road just north of the intersection of Prospect Terrace Responding officers found a crash scene involving a private sanitation truck and a tractor trailer in the northbound lane of County Road A spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said that the crash involved trucks from Regional Industries LLC a solid waste and recycling company based in Elizabeth According to the Tenafly Police Department it appears that the sanitation truck was parked along the northbound curb with one worker in the roadway collecting trash from area residences Officers determined that the tractor trailer was traveling northbound and crashed into the back of the garbage truck as the sanitation worker was transferring garbage in the truck who has since been identified as a 23-year-old man from North Arlington according to the Tenafly Police Department were brought to Englewood Health Medical Center for evaluation remained on the scene and was later brought to the hospital for evaluation The County Road remained closed for several hours for investigation but the cause of the crash is still under investigation OSHA has also opened an investigation in response to the fatality The agency has a total of six months to conduct the probe and release its findings This story was updated to add new information View Box Score 2014 Tenafly graduate Josette Andrews (formerly Josette Norris) re-broke her own meet record in the Olympic Development record 1500 meter run on Saturday .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Corey Annan | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comPHILADELPHIA—Once again Josette Andrews has further etched her name into Penn Relays history Making her return to Penn Relays after missing the previous year with a bone injury the Tenafly alum crushed her own Olympic Development record with a time of 4:01.76 beating her previous mark of 4:06.84 set in 2013 It’s the eighth fastest time in the world this year and it’s the second fastest mark from an American competitor “It’s really special,” Andrews said about the win “I’ve been running at Penn Relays since high school I got thrown in the DMR here and I got to anchor that I want to walk out of this meet with a watch So now to come out with a second one is really special.” Not wanting to force herself into the front of the pack immediately Andrews was in fourth place through the first 300 meters she cut outside of Lane 1 and made contact with the leaders Andrews had fully taken the lead and continued to push her pace closing out the final 400 meters in 1:01.47 “Just being positioned (well) in the 800 meter mark ended up being really nice,” Andrews said so I just felt like I had a lot of momentum So I just went for it at 800 and tried to open the race by surging every 100 meters.” Saturday’s win is extra meaningful considering the road that she was forced to take just to get back to running again I was a spectator at this meet and had my first run on land after eight weeks off from a bone injury,” Andrews said I am in such a better spot than I was one year ago’ Anything I do today is so much better than where I was a year ago.” Saturday’s win adds to a sensational start to the 2025 season for Andrews who previously set the women’s indoor 5000 world lead at the Last Chance National Qualifier at Boston University (14:44.80) on March 2 “I really wanted to just progress from two years ago because I do feel like a whole different runner,” Andrews said “That’s what’s been showing this indoor season.” Being back near her Jersey hometown only made the win even sweeter for for Andrews She had plenty of friends and family at Franklin Field supporting her Olympic Development athlete Josette Norris Andrews dominated both track and cross country during her time at Tenafly Andrews won a Meet of Champions title in the 1600 and placed second at the NJSIAA XC Meet of Champions.SL “It really feels special to come back to the East Coast,” Andrews said “I love running on the East Coast so my friends and family can come and my mom will sleep in my little apartment tonight that we have My college coach (from Georgetown) is here too and just running into everyone from Bergen County The 1500 isn’t Andrews primary focus right now team for the 2025 World Outdoor Championships in the 5000 meter run “When I ran 14:44 indoors (at Boston University) and it kind of felt like a time trial,” Andrews said “Me and my (coaches) really did feel like I was in 14:30 shape I am excited for the chance to have an honest 5K where I’m pushed with other competitors and pacing for much longer But I’m trusting that we’re in a good spot and we’re just gonna keep progressing I’m in the best spot to try to contend for the U.S because I haven’t made an outdoor team (at the World Athletics Championships) and that’s something that I really want to do.” The speed and strategy she showed at in the 1500 on Saturday should absolutely serve her well moving forward my (coach) was like ‘damn you’re in really good (running) shape right now,” Andrews said with a smile “So this even helps both of us now for the next training block now we can progress the workouts to reflect that RESULTS Corey Annan can be reached at cannan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him or send him a message on Twitter/X @coreyannan360 High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) Sign up now! Edan Alexander is believed to be the last surviving American Israeli hostage taken by Hamas in the Oct NJ native is the last surviving American-Israeli hostage taken by Hamas in the Oct Multiple news outlets including ABC and The Hill said on Friday that the terrorist organization agreed to release Alexander along with the bodies of four other dual nationals After graduating from Tenafly High School in 2022 Alexander volunteered to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) He was serving at the Gaza border at the time of the Oct Alexander's Tenafly parents, who were born in Israel, hadn't heard from their son since — until November 2024, when Hamas released a video showing Edan pleading for his life from the tunnels of Gaza President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff told reporters that the return of Alexander was a "top priority." The latest development comes on the heels of a fresh proposal from the United States, which seeks to extend the Israel-Hamas ceasefire by a month in exchange for the release of surviving Hamas hostages, CNN reports. A juvenile who feared for their safety jumped from a moving Lyft in New Jersey after a missed turn But police say it was all a misunderstanding after the juvenile requested a ride home from school The juvenile became alarmed when the driver took a different route and missed a turn onto their street “The juvenile attempted to alert the driver to the missed turn but indicated that the driver did not respond,” deMoncada said Police say the child was taken to an area hospital as a precaution and “released later that afternoon.” later cooperated with police and came to the station He told officers he had missed the turn because he was following his phone’s GPS “He then observed the juvenile exit his moving car after missing the turn and immediately stopped his vehicle in the roadway,” the press release states “The driver stated he watched the juvenile run from his car and believed that they were uninjured.” Police said the man was “shocked by what had taken place” and marked the ride as complete after collecting himself He also reported the incident to Lyft via the app police learned the driver is hearing-impaired which they said “may have added to the confusion and concern when the juvenile attempted to bring the missed turn to the driver’s attention.” several social media posts suggested the event may have been an attempted abduction “After speaking with all involved parties and completing a thorough investigation we believe this was a misunderstanding and not criminal in nature,” Captain deMoncada wrote He urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions based on online posts “While we can applaud this juvenile for removing themselves from what they believed was an unsafe situation,” he said “we should not jump to conclusions online or in any other forum about the identities of the involved persons or legitimacy of a particular ride-sharing app.” Police encouraged families to use the incident as a “teachable moment” to talk to their kids about ride-share safety and how to create a personal safety plan