In some ways, yes — many Skverer Chassidim remain sheltered and idealistic. However, aspects of modernity have crept in: upscale grocery stores selling sushi, growing outside business ventures, and residents moving elsewhere for economic success.

The Leadership fears that exposure to other sects of Judaism could weaken their influence over their followers, and result in them becoming “unpure.” To preserve complete control, they seek to maintain New Square as an insulated, shtetl-like environment. By keeping their Chassidim unexposed to other sects of Yiddishkeit and outside influences, it increases the likelihood of them remaining “pure.”

Despite the above reasoning, it is still puzzling. New Square businesses advertise in local papers and magazines, which would indicate that they very much consider themselves to be part of the greater Monsey Frum community. There are also hundreds of “outside” Yidden that are welcomed into New Square daily for work or Minyanim. Why this is not more of a threat than people living in a neighboring village, minding their own business, is unclear.

Members of the New Square Kehillah (community) are promised blessings and special Kibbudim (honors) if they purchase nearby homes (often overpaying), with the intent of preventing other Jews from moving in. Significant community funds and resources have been diverted to this cause. End users already under contract have reported being harassed, threatened, or coerced into backing out of deals.
Attorneys and realtors have allegedly been bribed to sway transactions in New Square’s favor.

No. Evidence suggests violations of federal Fair Housing laws, mortgage fraud, racketeering, and ongoing building code violations such as illegal boarding houses and unsafe overcrowding.

They buy homes with the intent of renting them out and moreover, overcrowding them with Spanish-speaking tenants in illegal setups to create an unwelcome environment (loud music, parties, Tznius issues etc.) for current or potential Jewish residents. This is aside from the fire and safety hazards this creates for the individual homes and surrounding neighborhoods.

THEY REFUSE TO RENT HOMES TO JEWISH FAMILIES.

It is unclear. Some speculate the New Square leadership believes maintaining a historic way of life outweighs Halachic or ethical concerns. Many Skverer Chassidim quietly disagree but fear speaking up due to the authoritarian nature of their community.

This is deeply troubling to the hundreds of families that Daven in these Shuls, and somewhat counterintuitive considering their aggression over the last few years has only increased. Originally their attention seemed to have been on properties closest to the village, but over the last few years, they expanded their efforts to include a much broader scope of properties up to a mile away. This has led to a large, and multi-faceted effort from multiple neighborhoods to combat this terrible practice.

Yes, but not yet for the better. Around 2022, New Square appeared to become even more aggressive, perhaps due to intimidation from other Chassidim that began to move “within the mile.” It would make sense that they perceive them as a greater threat than other Orthodox Jews.

It is uncertain. Theories include:

Preserving “Taharas Hakodesh” (spiritual purity) for as long as possible. Buying enough properties to annex the surrounding area into New Square. Delaying outside influence until a later date.

Despite it being illegal, renting to multiple non-Jewish families by the room brings in far more income – sometimes double – than renting to a single Jewish family. Additionally, making Jewish buyers feel unwelcome serves their insulation goals.

Historically, New Square has carried significant political sway due to bloc voting and strategic alliances. However, several local politicians are beginning to understand the broader harm this policy causes to the town of Ramapo and neighboring areas like New Hempstead and Hillcrest, and are taking action. As awareness of the scope and injustice grows, and with hundreds of families impacted, there is hope that these leaders will take stronger, more aggressive action.

Yes, many. In 2020, the Shell gas station on Route 45 introduced kosher food options and a takeout counter. New Square exerted intense pressure on the owner to discontinue these offerings, leading to the removal of all prepared kosher items. There have also been cases where Yeshivos under contract to purchase property nearby were allegedly intimidated into backing out, as well as reports of New Square residents harassing and publicly shaming individuals from within “the mile”

Yes. The Ichud Kehillos of Rockland is acting with full Daas Torah, guided by several leading Monsey Rabbanim. Every effort is made to avoid Chillul Hashem, while firmly standing up for halachic integrity and community fairness.

Several neighborhoods within the “mile” have formed Ichud Kehillos of Rockland, a united community organization operating under Daas Torah. Their mission is to combat these illegal and unethical practices by using any and every avenue that falls within the parameters of Halacha, under the guidance of our Rabbanim.