Raleigh, N.C. – Harvey David Eluto passed away on March 10, 2026. Harvey Eluto was the oldest child of Jerome and Ida Eluto. He is survived by his brother Larry of Brooklyn, N.Y. and sister Susan of Baltimore, Md. He is also survived by his wife, Harriett Snyder...
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Gerald Maury Hankin
Virginia Beach – Gerald Maury Hankin, better known as “Jerry,” a man of unwavering determination and boundless generosity, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at the age of 80, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born on December 30, 1945, in Camden, New...
Arnold “Arnie” Unterbach
Virgina Beach – Born in Brooklyn in 1946, Arnie Unterbach died on Mach 9, 2026. Arnie was the son of Louis Unterbach and Hilda Saltzman, both of whom immigrated from Warsaw Poland in 1927. Arnie’s first career was as a jazz bass player and toured with the USO...
Thank you to our supporters who recently donated to Jewish News!
Supporters of Jewish News help keep local Jewish journalism alive at a time when it feels as if it is disappearing almost everywhere else. Jewish News appreciates all who support the newspaper with generous contributions – whether in honor of or in memory...
Investing in futures: JELF helps local students afford college –interest free
Applications for the 2026-2027 Academic Year accepted through April 30 In 2025, JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund) loaned $2.3 million in 0% interest loans to almost 500 students, allowing Jewish students to pursue higher education without the burden of...
Securing Houses of Worship:Countering Active Threat Training (CATT)
Sunday, March 22, 3 pm First Presbyterian Church, Norfolk Active threat situations are unpredictable and can unfold quickly—often ending within three to five minutes. Recognizing warning signs and knowing how to respond can save lives. In collaboration with Jewish...
Jody’s Popcorn opens new retail store
A small factory retail store recently opened at Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn’s Norfolk manufacturing facility – making in-person purchasing of the artisan popcorn again doable for Tidewater residents. While it’s always possible to purchase the popcorn from the...
Securing Houses of Worship:Countering Active Threat Training (CATT)
Sunday, March 22, 3 pm First Presbyterian Church, Norfolk Active threat situations are unpredictable and can unfold quickly—often ending within three to five minutes. Recognizing warning signs and knowing how to respond can save lives. In collaboration with...
Sababa Beach Camp plans a Bowling Experience
Saturday, February 21, 7 – 9 Campers who have attended Sababa Beachaway, possible new Sababa Beachaway campers, and their families, are all invited to attend a Sababa Beach Camps Bowling Experience. The evening includes two hours of bowling, soft drinks,...
JCC Maccabi Games and Access interest meeting
Thursday, February 19, 6 pm Sandler Family Campus Ready for the experience of a lifetime? Attend this meeting to learn about this summer’s JCC Maccabi Games and Access, happening August 2–7 in Toronto, Canada. The Games are open to Jewish teens, ages 13–17; Access...
Howard J. Bernstein
Galloway, N.J. – Howard J. Bernstein, 93, passed away on January 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, Ida and Benjamin Bernstein, and his sister, Selma Shefferman. Howard is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, his high...
Robert Buckman
Virginia Beach – Robert “Bob” Buckman, passed away peacefully at his home on January 13, 2026. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and friend. His greatest legacy was the love he had for his preceded in death wife, Ittie (Edye) Buckman; children,...
Barbara Carlson
Chesapeake – Barbara Carlson, a remarkable soul who dedicated her life to the pursuit of truth and beauty, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 11, 2026, in Chesapeake, at the age of 91. Born on April 9, 1934, and raised in New York, Barbara’s...
Thelma Laderberg
Norfolk –Thelma Laderberg passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Harbor’s Edge in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 100. She lived a long, full, and deeply meaningful life—one defined by creativity, independence, devotion to family, and enduring...
Marvin Joel Merkle
Norfolk – Marvin Joel Merkle, 79, passed away peacefully, Thursday, January 22, 2026. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, the son of the late Harold Hyman and Eva Merkle. He is survived by his two daughters, Jenefer Dayle Snyder and husband...
Toby Flex Pekarsky
Virginia Beach – Toby Flex Pekarsky, age 85, passed away on January 11, 2026. She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late Fred and Belle Levin Flex. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Robert Jay Pekarsky, her sister Sally Flex Weinraub, her...
Gerald Martin Sandler
Norfolk – Gerald “Jerry” Martin Sandler, 88, of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on January 20, 2026. He was born in Norfolk on June 28, 1937, to the late Lou “Lovey” and Anna Rose Sandler. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife...
Samuel Leon Shapiro
Washington, D.C. – Samuel Leon Shapiro, a long-time Norfolk resident, died on January 17, 2026, in Washington, D.C. at the age of 86. He will always be remembered as a loving and beloved husband, father, and grandfather with a remarkable intellect, a gentle...
Albert P. Solomon
Virginia Beach – Dr. Albert “Al” P. Solomon, a devoted husband, father, and veteran, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, in Virginia Beach at the age of 81. Born on July 31, 1944, Al lived a life marked by dedication to both his profession and his...
Gary Tabakin
Virginia Beach – Gary Tabakin, 70, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, left us peacefully on January 27. Born in Norfolk, he was the son of the late Burnley and Bobbi Tabakin. He was predeceased by his baby brother Matthew. A lifelong resident of Norfolk...
Spencer Alan Zahn
Virginia Beach – Spencer Zahn, 87, passed away in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on January 25, 2026. Born in Princess Anne County in 1938, he resided in Chesapeake, Virginia for over 50 years. Spencer retired from Civil Service as an auditor 32 years ago and...
Support for Beth Israel
Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, was set on fire predawn on Saturday, Jan. 10. Thankfully, no congregants or staff were injured, and the building was unoccupied at the time. The synagogue did have a security camera system, a fact which assisted in the...
Man charged with setting fire to Mississippi synagogue targeted it due to its ‘Jewish ties,’ FBI
(JTA) — The suspect arrested for allegedly setting fire to a Mississippi synagogue on Saturday, Jan. 10 confessed to the FBI that he had targeted the congregation due to its “Jewish ties.” Stephen Spencer Pittman was charged on Monday, Jan. 12 with maliciously...
Attorney General Miyares calls on Virginia K–12 Schools to adopt IHRA Definition of Antisemitism to protect Jewish students
In a letter sent earlier this month to all Virginia K–12 school superintendents and school boards, Attorney General Jason Miyares urged them to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into their codes of conduct and...
Amy Milligan named a Shine A Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Awardee
The Jewish Education Project, an organization with the mission to inspire and empower educators to create transformative Jewish experiences, last month announced its annual Shine A Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Award recipients—individuals across the United...
Tidewater Jewish Foundation expands team with new COO
Russell “Russ” Cronin recently joined Tidewater Jewish Foundation as its new chief operating officer and vice president of operations. Cronin brings strong professional expertise and a local connection to the organization’s leadership team. Raised in Virginia...