Local Monsey Rabbanim Sign Letter Challangening Skverer Rebbe's "FATWA" keeping the nearby neighborhood Judenrein

 

New Square "Mile" Scheme - FAQ and Overview 

 What is happening? 

New Square leadership has aggressively pursued a policy since 2017 to block other Jews from buying homes within a mile of their village, to maintain strict religious isolation. 

 How do they do it? 

They use threats, intimidation, bribery, overpayment, and discriminatory renting practices to control nearby housing. 

 Is this legal? 

No. It violates federal Fair Housing laws, mortgage regulations, and local building codes. 

 Who is behind it? 

The Rebbe himself directs the initiative, supported by a group of key community players. 

 Why does it matter? 

It undermines fair housing, hurts neighboring Jewish communities, and causes serious chillul Hashem. 

 What is being done? 

Ichud Kehillos of Rockland was formed to push back in a substantial way under the guidance of Daas Torah. 

 What is the "New Square Mile"? 

 In 2017, New Square leadership published ads in both English and Yiddish announcing an initiative to "keep the neighborhood pure," asking fellow Jews not to purchase homes within approximately one mile of their village. a website was — skvermile.com — identifying properties considered part of this protected area. 

 Why does New Square want to keep Jews out? 

 The Rebbe fears that exposure to other sects of Judaism could weaken his influence over his followers. To preserve complete control, he seeks to maintain New Square as an insulated, shtetl-like environment. 

 What tactics are used to enforce this scheme? 

 Community members are promised blessings if they purchase nearby homes, often overpaying to prevent other Jews from moving in. Significant funds from communal sources have been diverted to this cause. Buyers 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. 

 Who is behind the scheme? 

 While the initiative stems from the Rebbe himself, several key players execute the plan, including:

 Aaron Goldklang | Jonathan Weiss | Zev Gruenzweig | Jacob Glanz | Mendel Berger | David Berger and others 

 If New Square is surrounded by frum communities, why does it matter to them? 

 Although thousands of frum Jews travel daily near New Square on Route 45 — and New Square businesses advertise in local papers and magazines — the Rebbe views any religious differences as a threat to his control.

 Is New Square still a shtetl?

 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. 

 Is the "Mile Scheme" legal? 

 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. 

How does New Square make residents within the mile uncomfortable? 

 They buy homes with the intent to make living conditions for existing Frum neighbors uncomfortable, and refuse to rent homes to Jews. Instead, properties are often overcrowded with Spanish-speaking tenants in illegal setups to create an unwelcoming environment for Jewish neighbors. This is aside from the fire and safety hazards this creates for the individual homes and surrounding neighborhoods. 

 Why would New Square prioritize this despite clear violations of Halacha? 

 It is unclear. Some speculate the Rebbe 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. 

 Why continue the effort if there are already many shuls in the area? 

 Their focus seems to be on properties closest to the village where the Rebbe feels he can still exert the most control., but over the last few years there have been many homes purchased well into "the mile" as well. 

 Has anything changed since 2017? 

 Yes. Around 2022, the community became more aggressive, particularly targeting Chassidim from other groups, who they perceive as a greater threat than Litvish Jews. 

 What is New Square’s ultimate goal? 

 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 after the Rebbe’s eventual passing. 

 If New Square hopes to annex the area, why not rent to Jews? 

 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. 

 What have local politicians done to combat this? 

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. 

 Have there been other incidents aside from home-buying practices? 

Yes. 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 kosher items. There have also been cases where Yeshivos under contract to purchase property nearby were allegedly intimidated into backing out. 

 Are Rabbanim supportive of these efforts to respond publicly and firmly? 

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. 

 What is being done to collectively combat this issue? 

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