This is not me talking. This is not the opinion of a frustrated neighbor or an angry outsider. This is what I’ve been hearing, repeatedly, from respected and committed members of Klal Yisroel – including Chassidim, askanim, businessmen, donors, and rabbanim – over the past few weeks alone.

The lasting shame and embarrassment that New Square is bringing upon itself “l’shem mitzvah,” while openly violating both Halacha and secular law, is incomprehensible – and the pain is not only from those affected, but from those who love Skver and feel betrayed by what is being publicly associated with its name.

One respected Monsey businessman – deeply invested in the Skver community both financially and personally – confided that if he believed his words could genuinely influence leadership, he would willingly jeopardize the very lucrative business relationship he maintains with Skver institutions. “There comes a point,” he told me, “where silence becomes complicity. When integrity and kavod haTorah are at stake, financial gain can no longer justify silence.” His voice reflects a growing sentiment among many loyal supporters – that if leadership truly understood how seriously the broader community viewed this issue, they might reconsider their current approach.

I recently gave a ride to a prominent and deeply respected Chassid, unaffiliated with Skver. I asked what I should answer my children when they ask why some of our Jewish neighbors seem to treat us with hostility and are actively seeking to hurt us. He responded that what is happening here is not just unjust – it is a bizayon, a shame to the broader Chassidic world. “I can assure you,” he said, “this is not what the Baal Shem Tov envisioned when he founded Chassidus. This is not chassidus at all. This behavior does not reflect the heart, spirit, or purpose of Chassidus at its core.” His words did not carry anger – they carried sorrow – a deep pain at the gap between our holy ideals and what is being practiced in their name.

Another long-standing communal supporter recently informed me that he is suspending his substantial annual donations to Skver kollelim. “I cannot continue to fund institutions whose leadership is perceived as enabling or excusing conduct that harms fellow Yidden and causes a Chillul Hashem,” he said. He emphasized that he is not alone. Many smaller and large donors have similarly stated that they will not contribute even another dime until they witness legal compliance, resolution of the disputed housing matters, and restored accountability. These are not outsiders or critics – but loyal supporters whose conscience compels them to pause their support in the hope of encouraging real change.

There are multiple rabbanim and askanim who have spent countless days and nights working tirelessly on this issue behind the scenes. It is our sincere hope that this can still be resolved before it is too late – though no one knows when that moment will come, or if it may already have passed.

Let it be clear: this article is not written to personally condemn or call out individuals. Rather, it is a sobering and urgent message to the leadership of New Square – that the damage is spreading far beyond zoning lines and property disputes. It is affecting the standing, dignity, and spiritual credibility of Skver in the eyes of Klal Yisroel.

A noted speaker told me that he was invited to deliver a talk at an event in Monsey – only to discover, minutes before, that the venue was in New Square. Not wanting to embarrass the hosts, he proceeded with his talk. But afterward, he told the organizer – unequivocally – that had he known the location in advance, he would have declined the invitation altogether.

Another friend described a shul event in which, during setup, someone realized that all catering had been ordered from a New Square establishment. The rabbi stood up and announced, on the spot, that from now on, their community should not use businesses affiliated with New Square until justice is pursued and peace is restored – not out of spite, but out of conscience.

A choshuve askan in Monsey confided quietly: “The day I wake up and read that there were federal arrests tied to this scheme, I will feel pain – but not surprise. They’ve had every opportunity to correct their actions. The Chillul Hashem will hurt – but not the consequences, and not the fact that it took that to bring justice.”

And perhaps most painfully, a local Rav put it this way:
“There is Klal Yisrael, and there is New Square. They clearly have a different Shulchan Aruch than we do – and Klal Yisrael has no reason to support them while this continues.”

My message to New Square is this: you have sunk to a troubling low. No one in our neighborhoods is interested in smearing your name; however, your continued conduct leaves us no choice but to persist until you acknowledge and correct your wrongdoing. Your failure to offer even a basic apology for the pain you have caused is a serious miscalculation, one that is likely to have lasting consequences for both your reputation and your financial standing.

One final thought: your actions have raised serious questions about whether you still believe in the Torah at all. At this stage, it will take convincing – through change and action – to show that you do. 

A Regular Yid