A rabbi in Ocean County is being sued by a woman who claims he sexually assaulted her when she came to him for financial help, then defamed her on a website and in fliers he posted near her children’s school.
New Jersey
Opinion: The NJGOP’s Identity Crisis – New Jersey Globe
OPINION
The New Jersey Republican Party has a critical choice to make this election season and beyond. Unlike state Republican parties in places like Florida, Texas, and Ohio, the NJGOP has for decades been out of touch with the national GOP. Rather than championing the conservative causes that have propelled the RNC to decisive victories nationwide, New Jersey Republicans often act like a moderate wing of the Democratic Party. Instead of providing a clear alternative to the state’s two and a half million Democratic voters, the NJGOP too often plays along, prioritizing compromise over opposition and pandering over principle.
This accommodationist approach has resulted in a weak, ineffective party that consistently loses statewide elections and struggles to maintain governing relevance. The fact is, the NJGOP so-called “Republicans in Name Only” and “Never Trumpers” wing constantly resist the conservative, America First movement that has reshaped the GOP nationally. These NJGOP establishment leaders cling to outdated political strategies, failing to energize the Trump Republican base or attract any new voters or donors. If the NJGOP wants to be competitive, it needs to embrace the policies and priorities of the national Republican Party starting with new leadership.
A State Party Out of Step with the National Party
The Republican Party at the national level has been dramatically transformed by President Trump in recent years, adopting a strong populist, pro-America, and anti-establishment stance. President Trump’s presidency fundamentally shifted the GOP toward a working-class, America First platform that focuses on economic nationalism, law and order, border security, and standing up to the woke ideology that has turned off and away so many democrats across all demographics. This is the formula that has led Republicans to success in red and swing states alike.
Yet, in New Jersey, the state GOP often seems indifferent, even hostile to this transformation. Many NJGOP leaders’ distance themselves from President Trump and his movement, preferring the old model of backroom deals and bipartisan cooperation with Democrats. While compromise might sound appealing in some cases, in practice, it has led to a watered-down Republican Party that fails to offer a meaningful alternative to disgruntled Democratic voters and drained the party from any new ideas, donors or newcomers. That’s why we are the only state in the unions where unaffiliated voters are such a significant block and often decide the outcome of statewide elections.
For example, on key issues like taxes, school choice, parental rights, and Second Amendment protections, the NJGOP has been hesitant to take strong, decisive stands. Instead of aggressively pushing back against the radical policies of Governor Phil Murphy and the state Democrats, New Jersey Republicans often play defense or settle for minor concessions. This approach does nothing to inspire voters or grow the party.
The RINO Problem in the NJGOP
One of the biggest obstacles to a strong, competitive NJGOP is the dominance of the so-called Republicans In Name Only. These politicians and party officials talk about being conservative during election season but govern and legislate more like moderate Democrats. They shy away from taking bold positions, fearing backlash from the liberal media and the state’s overwhelmingly Democratic and independent voter base.
This problem is compounded by the influence of Never Trumpers, who refuse to accept the reality that Trump’s America First movement is now the backbone of the Republican Party. These figures undermine the party from within, refusing to support conservative candidates and often siding with Democrats on key issues. Their presence weakens the NJGOP’s ability to present itself as a real alternative to Democratic leadership.
The Path Forward: New Leadership, New Priorities
If the NJGOP wants to be relevant and competitive, it needs a complete overhaul. The party must embrace the policies and energy of the national GOP, rather than trying to play nice with New Jersey Democrats. This starts with a complete party leadership change at all levels. The NJGOP needs bold, unapologetic conservatives who will stand up for the values that resonate with the Republican base and align with the National Party:
- Border security and law enforcement support: Standing up for law and order against criminals and for citizens against illegal aliens.
- Election integrity: Fighting for fair and transparent elections, same day elections, paper ballots, voter ids.
- Parental rights in education: Opposing radical leftist indoctrination in schools.
- Strong economic policies: Cutting income corporate and property taxes and complete de-regulation to make New Jersey more business friendly.
- Protecting constitutional rights: Defending the Second Amendment and individual freedoms.
New Jersey Republicans must stop trying to appease the state’s Democratic establishment and instead focus on expanding the party’s voter base. This means aggressively targeting disaffected Democrats and independents who are frustrated with Murphy’s radical policies and the national democratic woke platform, standing firm on conservative principles, and supporting candidates who align with the national Republican Party.
The NJGOP cannot align with the National Republican movement overnight. It will take a deliberate slow and steady change to get there. But if it wants to win this next election cycle and beyond, it must stop being the party of surrender and start being the party of real opposition. A new direction is desperately needed one that brings the NJGOP in line with the national GOP and puts New Jersey Republicans back on a path that will undoubtedly lead to more frequent victories.
George Nader, an engineer from Morris Township, is active in New Jersey Republican politics.
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The borough of Lawnside in Camden County will be honored with a historical marker from the New Jersey Historical Commission as part of the state’s Black Heritage Trail.
A ceremony unveiling the marker will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at Lawnside Borough Hall on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Road.
Marsharee Wright, aide to Lawnside Mayor Mary Ann Wardlow and long-time resident, said everyone is thrilled about the marker unveiling.
“We’ve invited the entire community and neighboring towns to come share the celebration with us,” Wright said.
Linda Shockley, president of the Lawnside Historical Society, said it’s “an extreme honor” for the borough to be included in the state’s program, especially as Lawnside is amid a year-long celebration of its centennial.
“It really lifts our profile and hopefully more people will understand and know what Lawnside is about and what it means in the nation,” Shockley said.
Lawnside was one of six sites selected in Camden County in 2024, including “The Point,” a historic Black neighborhood in Haddonfield. Its marker was unveiled last June.
During the ceremony, the borough’s history will be showcased, along with the original documents signed by Gov. A. Harry Moore in 1926, which made way for the borough’s creation.
Though there are many Black enclaves in South Jersey, the borough is the state’s only incorporated antebellum Black community. First known as Free Haven, and later Snow Hill, it was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Peter Mott built a three-floor dwelling in 1844 that was once part of sprawling farmland where he helped slaves escape.
Mott’s house, now owned by the Lawnside Historical Society, serves as an Underground Railroad museum.
See the Roxbury warehouse scouted by ICE as possible deportation site
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were in Roxbury recently apparently scouting a Rt. 46 warehouse as a possible migrant deportation facility.
Federal officials are considering abandoning plans for a controversial immigration detention facility in Roxbury, New Jersey, according to a June 18 report by The New York Times, prompting local leaders and state officials to declare a victory after months of legal and political opposition.
The proposed facility, a warehouse property purchased to serve as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, faced intense criticism from local residents, environmental advocates and elected officials who argued the site was unsuitable for housing detainees.
In a joint statement issued Thursday, Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the Department of Homeland Security appeared to be backing away from the project following legal challenges that halted development.
“Today the New York Times is reporting that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is backing down on its mass detention center in Roxbury,” the statement said. “That is a big win for public safety, for the township of Roxbury, and for New Jersey.”
According to the Times report, the Roxbury facility is one of seven ICE is planning to dispense with by transferring ownership to other federal agencies or selling them.
Opponents argued the warehouse was designed as a logistics facility and lacked the infrastructure necessary to support a large detention center. They also raised concerns about the potential strain on local water and sewage systems and the impact on environmentally sensitive land surrounding the site.
State officials said they joined Roxbury Township in court to challenge the project, contending that federal plans violated local regulations and posed risks to the community.
“DHS’s plans were always illegal,” the statement said. “The Roxbury warehouse is a logistics center fit for packages, not thousands of people.”
Rep. Rob Menendez said in a statement on Thursday: “We are working to confirm reporting that ICE is abandoning its Roxbury warehouse plans, but if true, this would be big news. From day one, we have fought to stop this facility, bringing together thousands of New Jerseyans in opposition. Now we are on the cusp of an important win for our state.”
The detention center was expected to become part of the federal government’s broader immigration enforcement and detention network. However, the project became a flashpoint in New Jersey, drawing opposition from both local officials and residents concerned about public safety, environmental impacts and the facility’s compatibility with surrounding land uses.
Federal officials have not publicly confirmed whether the property will be sold or formally removed from consideration. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the reported change in plans.
Opponents vowed to continue monitoring the situation until the project is officially terminated.
“This isn’t a partisan issue,” the statement said. “We’re grateful for our partnership with the Roxbury community as we keep DHS’s feet to the fire to ensure this facility is never opened.”
New Jersey
NJ rabbi faces lawsuit for sexual assault after giving financial aid | The Jerusalem Post
Avraham Appel, of Jackson, abused his position as a trusted community leader to sexually assault and exploit the woman, an Israeli immigrant who came to him as a single mother struggling to pay bills, according to the lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of Ocean County.
Appel is a prominent rabbi and Rosh Kollel, or head of a Jewish institute for advanced Talmudic study, who is based in Lakewood and Jackson, according to court papers filed January 5.
Appel did not respond to calls to his home and cellphone seeking comment on the lawsuit.
The woman claims she confided in one of her children’s schoolteachers in early 2020 that she was in significant financial distress and having trouble paying for daycare.
The teacher suggested she contact Appel, according to the suit.
In February 2020, Appel arranged to meet with the woman at a local Starbucks.
“During that meeting, Appel presented himself to (the woman) as a rabbi, mentor, advisor, and friend whom (the woman) could trust, confide in, and depend on,” the lawsuit states.
Appel, who had experience in real estate, allegedly offered the woman an opportunity to solicit investments on his behalf and to “draw,” or advance, money against future commissions.
Rabbi issues payments to woman after alleged sexual assault
In June and July 2022, Appel issued six payments to the woman, totaling $20,000 and characterized as advances or loans. He also provided the woman with “financial assistance” so she could buy groceries and pay medical expenses and water bills, according to the suit.
The lawsuit claims most of the money was meant to buy the woman’s silence after he attacked her on June 1, 2022.
The suit alleges Appel visited the woman while she was alone at home and sexually assaulted her as she pleaded for him to stop.
“Appel was abusive and unrelenting. The more (the woman) pled for mercy, the more aggressive Appel became,” the suit alleges.
Before leaving her home, he allegedly ordered her to delete Ring camera footage that showed him arriving.
In the months after the assault, Appel “forced himself upon” the woman and took sexual advantage of her on other occasions, the suit claims.
Appel also allegedly bombarded the woman with demands for sexual acts and sent her a barrage of text and WhatsApp messages containing crude and graphic sexual content.
“I want to squeeze your breasts,” one text allegedly said. In another, he sent the woman a photo of his penis, the suit alleges.
In July 2024, the woman met with another rabbi and shared evidence of the sexual assault and “other incidents involving Appel,” the suit claims.
Woman offered $50,000 for therapy after sexual assault
Appel later contacted his attorney and the two offered the woman $50,000 to cover her future therapy expenses.
The money would be available only if the woman signed a release of any claims related to the assault and agreed to keep all incidents between them confidential, according to the suit.
The woman refused to accept the money or sign the agreement, the suit says.
Appel then launched a campaign to destroy the woman “personally and professionally,” according to the lawsuit.
On December 15, 2025, the woman became aware of a website with her photos that claimed she was “a danger to all Jews,” and warned the public to stay away from her, according to the complaint.
The website disclosed the woman’s address, claimed she stole money, and characterized her as a “thief.”
Moreover, Appel and possibly others posted signs smearing the woman. The signs were posted at public locations throughout the community, including the school her two children attended, the suit alleges.
The lawsuit claims sexual assault, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, and conspiracy.
The complaint also alleges Appel breached his duty as a rabbi to conduct himself with loyalty and in good faith.
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