New Jersey … Long Island … what’s the difference?

Bruce Springsteen, stage-bantering during his Tuesday night concert at UBS Arena in Elmont, told the audience he seen little difference between the two bedroom communities of New York City.

And he paid tribute to Billy Joel.

“You see, Long Island and New Jersey — they’re the same thing. We were just separated at birth. That was what happened,” he said to cheers while performing “Wrecking Ball.” “We’re all my fellow bridge and tunnel people.” 

Then, maneuvering his guitar, he added: “If you shake up New Jersey like this it becomes Long Island.”

The banter was prompted by the song lyrics, “I was raised outta steel / Here in the swamps of Jersey.”

Springsteen’s tribute to Long Island drew laughter, cheers and nods of agreement. His lyrics referencing the New York Giants and The Meadowlands Sports Complex also received warm and enthusiastic reactions from the audience.

As if all that weren’t enough, Springsteen also gave a shoutout to the Piano Man, who has boosted his presence in Florida and isn’t much in a “New York State of Mind” after listing his Gold Coast mansion, movin’ out and becoming a Florida resident.

“Let Billy hear ya in Florida!” Springsteen said during “Hungry Heart.”

Springsteen, of Freehold, New Jersey, has shouted out Long Island — and Hicksville’s Joel — before.

In 2009, at a 25th anniversary concert for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at Madison Square Garden, Springsteen asked the audience: “Are you ready for the bridge-and-tunnel summit meeting right here, right now? Because Long Island is about to meet New Jersey on the neutral ground of New York City!”

Then, Joel emerged. The two performed together.

Newsday’s Rachel Weiss contributed to this story.

An 80-year-old crossing guard who neighbors say devoted years to protecting children was killed Monday after she was struck by an SUV while helping two students cross a busy New Jersey intersection, authorities said.

Witnesses told ABC7 that Jean Schultz pushed the children out of the path of the oncoming car moments before they were struck.

It happened at the intersection of McBride and Lackawanna Avenues in Woodland Park just after 3:30 p.m., according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Schultz, who lived in Woodland Park, was rushed to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

The two children, who are siblings, according to officials, were hospitalized with minor injuries. Authorities said they were not hit by the vehicle but suffered minor injuries when they fell to the ground.

Police said the driver remained at the scene. No charges have been announced as the investigation continues.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through the community, where residents described Schultz as a beloved staple who took pride in keeping children safe.

“You know, we try to save the people, the kids, but it’s very bad what happened,” fellow crossing guard Franko Racanati told CBS News Tuesday.

“She loved the job. She loved it, and it cost her her life. But she was just a good person. I can’t say enough about her,” neighbor David Holster told ABC7.

“She was a staple, a staple. It’s so unfortunate. Eighty years old, and to have to go like that,” resident Giuseppe Martucci added.

“She literally put herself in harm’s way to protect the kids,” Marino Florio, another resident, said.

In a statement shared to Facebook, Woodland Park Mayor Tracy Kallert called Schultz’s death a “heartbreaking loss.”

“Jean Schultz was a dedicated crossing guard who took great pride in keeping our children safe each day,” Kallert said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and our crossing guard team as we mourn together.”

The mayor later described Schultz as “more than a crossing guard.”

“She was a bright and reassuring presence for generations of children and families,” Kallert said. “Jean was a kind and gentle soul who lit up every time she saw the kids coming, greeting them with a smile and ensuring their safety each and every day.”

“Her compassion, warmth, and genuine love for the children of Woodland Park left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten,” the mayor added.

Well I’ll be dammed.

Wild video captured a beaver attacking a small child while he was fishing in a New Jersey lake — after earlier pouncing on other unsuspecting visitors.

The unidentified 8-year-old boy was with his family at Lake Henry in the Continental Soldiers Park complex in Mahwah around 6 p.m. Sunday “when the beaver exited the lake and charged him,” police told News 12 New Jersey.

“The child began to run away but tripped. The animal bit the child in the upper thigh and continued to attack him,” Mahwah police said.

Cellphone footage shared on Facebook shows the boy’s relatives trying to get the child out of the water and away from the beaver — just for the furious animal to give chase.

One of the relatives kicked the animal as a pet dog also joined the fray, before someone managed to fling the wild attacker back into the water.

The boy was transported to a local hospital by EMS crews for treatment. The extent of his injuries isn’t known.

Police later learned the same beaver had attacked other park guests earlier in the day. It was unclear how many or how serious their injuries were, beyond news that they also needed treatment.

Animal control officers responded and reported that the animal went on the attack because of an illness. It was captured and sent for testing,

Police have urged anyone who encountered the animal to contact them at 201-529-1000, Ext. 210.