{"id":159613,"date":"2026-04-07T17:33:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T17:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/159613\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T17:33:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T17:33:22","slug":"a-kosher-bagel-shop-faces-antisemitism-accusations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/159613\/","title":{"rendered":"A kosher bagel shop faces antisemitism accusations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi, Lower Merion<\/a>! \ud83d\udc4b<\/p>\n

This week, we bring you a story about a Jordanian-Palestinian man who owned a popular local bagel shop for years<\/a>. Then some Jewish residents found his Facebook posts about the war in Gaza \u2014 and came for the shop\u2019s kosher certification. Plus, a Bryn Mawr College professor who works for the Vatican mourns the passing of Pope Francis<\/a>, a Gladwyne wealth manager is selling off assets to pay restitution<\/a> after misusing client funds<\/a>, and a Bryn Mawr home with Mad Men vibes hits the market<\/a>. <\/p>\n

As always, let us know if you have feedback. Are we missing something? Should we add a section? What community events or groups should we keep an eye on? You can tell us by taking our survey<\/a> or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The Inquirer\u2019s Zoe Greenberg brings you a story this week about how the war in Gaza led to a heated debate over whether a beloved bagel shop should keep its kosher certification.<\/p>\n

New York Bagels on Haverford Avenue is a longtime neighborhood staple, selling some of the best bagels around. Its former owner, Nick Sammoudi, who grew up in Jordan with Palestinian parents, became close with his Jewish customers, catering their brises and shivas during his 25 years at the shop. Then some residents found his Facebook posts about the war in Gaza, and formed a secret task force to expose what they say was antisemitic hate \u2014 hate that Sammoudi denies.<\/p>\n

The rabbi who certifies the shop said kosher status is about abiding by strict dietary laws. But those outraged by Sammoudi\u2019s posts felt that kosher status is \u201cakin to a Jewish stamp of approval,\u201d and that New York Bagels no longer qualified.<\/p>\n

Over the past few months, outrage and hurt made its way to nearby synagogues, where congregants circulated digital dossiers and rabbis grappled with teachings about forgiveness and humility.<\/p>\n

Read more about the controversy that <\/a>embroiled the bagel shop here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udca1 Community News<\/p>\n

Residents from around the Philadelphia area mourned the loss of Pope Francis this week<\/a>, including Bryn Mawr College professor Michelle Francl-Donnay. Also a Vatican scientist, she reflected on when she met the pope and his unique views in valuing the scientific field<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Scott Mason, the Main Line wealth manager who pleaded guilty in January<\/a> to using his clients\u2019 funds for personal expenses, sold his Long Beach Island home to help pay back nearly $19 million in restitution. As of now, he still retains his Gladwyne residence. Mason has agreed to relinquish shares of Radnor-based NewSpring Holdings as well as other assets to pay restitution. (Philadelphia Business Journal<\/a>) <\/p>\n

Communities served by SEPTA\u2019s Paoli\/Thorndale Regional Rail line may be at risk of residential property value loss if the proposed cuts go through<\/a>. (WHYY<\/a>) <\/p>\n

Narberth native and decorated amateur golfer Jay Sigel died on Saturday<\/a> following a battle with pancreatic cancer. During his golfing career, Sigel, 81, won numerous titles and participated in nine Walker Cups. <\/p>\n

A Bryn Mawr home with a midcentury modern aesthetic reminiscent of the popular show Mad Men has hit the market for $2.2 million<\/a>. The Inquirer\u2019s Erica Palan takes a look inside the retro home.<\/p>\n

Parents whose babies are in the NICU at Main Line Health\u2019s hospitals will soon be able to watch them 24\/7 via a live stream. The health system is installing the technology after receiving a $50,000 grant from The Superhero Project, according to the Delco Times<\/a>. The move comes as Main Line Health looks to expand its OB\/GYN practice by taking over those at the shuttering Crozer Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Applications are open for a new Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence for Public Good<\/a>, launched by the Montgomery County Commissioners. They can be submitted here<\/a> through May 31. <\/p>\n

You can drop off unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medicines at the Lower Merion Police Department\u2019s Drug Take Back Day on Saturday<\/a> from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. <\/p>\n

Need to dispose of certain household goods? The township is hosting its final spring clean-up event<\/a> this weekend from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Koegel Complex. Acceptable items include small appliances, textiles, and dried latex paint. <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfeb Schools Briefing<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f On our Plate<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfb3 Things to Do<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc26\u200d\u2b1b Spring Bird Walk<\/a>: Conservationist and birder Phil Witmer will lead two leisurely walks, one for adults and another for families, as part of the township\u2019s Earth Day celebrations. \u23f0 Saturday, April 26, 8-9:30 a.m. for adults, 10-11 a.m. for families \ud83d\udcb5 Free \ud83d\udccd Riverbend Environmental Education Center<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfc3 30th Annual Narberth Cystic Fibrosis Run & Walk<\/a>: Hit the pavement for a five-mile competitive run or a family-friendly two-mile walk to support cystic fibrosis research. \u23f0 Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $30-$55 \ud83d\udccd Narberth Park<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc15 Cocktails for Canines<\/a>: Narberth nonprofit Paws and Affection\u2019s 21-and-over fundraiser includes a buffet, wine and beer, live music, and cute pups. \u23f0 Saturday, April 26, 7 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $80 \ud83d\udccd The Cynwyd Club<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf7f Movie Night in the Park<\/a>: Bring blankets, chairs, and snacks and catch an outdoor screening of 1993 cult classic The Sandlot. \u23f0 Saturday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 Free \ud83d\udccd Narberth Park<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83c\udf73 Soom Family Cooking Workshop<\/a>: Local resident and Soom Foods CEO Amy Zitelman will lead a tahini-focused cooking demonstration. \u23f0 Sunday, April 27, 10-11:30 a.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $18 per family \ud83d\udccd Kaiserman JCC <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf79 Herb Garden Cocktail Workshop<\/a>: Learn how to incorporate herbs in cocktails and mocktails. \u23f0 Sunday, April 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $75 \ud83d\udccd Wallace Dry Goods <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Henry Johnson<\/a>: Catch the local premiere of this film starring Bucks County native Evan Jonigkeit, who will participate in a conversation after the screening. \u23f0 Tuesday, April 29, 7 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $16.25 for adults, $13.75 for seniors and students, $11.75 for children \ud83d\udccd Bryn Mawr Film Institute<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf3f Terrarium Workshops<\/a>: Learn to make your own terrarium at an afternoon session<\/a> on Tuesday or an evening session<\/a> on Wednesday. \u23f0 April 29, 2:30-3:30 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $10 \u23f0 April 30, 7:30-8:45 p.m. \ud83d\udcb5 $36 \ud83d\udccd Kaiserman JCC <\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfe1 On the Market<\/p>\n

This sprawling Gladwyne home has eight bedrooms and more than a dozen bathrooms, providing ample space for family and guests alike. Spanning four levels, all accessible via elevator, it has a chef\u2019s kitchen with high-end appliances, plus a great room with 20-foot ceilings and a full bar. Well suited to entertaining, there\u2019s also a caterer\u2019s kitchen. In the finished lower level there\u2019s a family room, a billiards room, a sauna and steam room, a home theater, a gym, plus a wine cellar with its own tasting room. <\/p>\n

Price: $7.875M | Size: 17,913 SF | Acreage: 1.47<\/p>\n

Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Lower Merion? Share it with us in an email to lowermerion@inquirer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f We want to hear from you!<\/p>\n

See something we\u2019re missing? Want to alert us about a community event? Take our survey<\/a> or reach out to us at lowermerion@inquirer.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

By submitting your written, visual, and\/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer\u2019s Terms of Use<\/a>, including the grant of rights in Section 10.<\/p>\n

This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirer\u2019s high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com\/donate<\/a>. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org\/supporters<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Hi, Lower Merion! \ud83d\udc4b This week, we bring you a story about a Jordanian-Palestinian man who owned a…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":159614,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[183,185,184,186,72228],"class_list":{"0":"post-159613","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-lower-merion","8":"tag-lower-merion","9":"tag-lower-merion-headlines","10":"tag-lower-merion-news","11":"tag-lower-merion-township","12":"tag-lower-merion-new-york-bagels-scott-mason-fraud"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=159613"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159613\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/159614"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=159613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=159613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=159613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}