Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen, both kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oa on Oct. 7 and held for months in Gaza, were married on July 5 in an emotional ceremony attended by President Herzog and fellow former hostages.

Cohen was held by Hamas terrorists for 55 days before her release in November 2023, during the first hostage release deal, while Troufanov was in captivity for 498 days. He was released as part of phase one of a mediated ceasefire/hostage release deal in February 2025.

The Shofar is pleased and proud to announce that at the Annual Congregation Meeting, held on June 13, 2026, Suzan E. Lipson was elected president of Congregation Tifereth Israel for a one-year term beginning July 1, 2026. The Shofar congratulates the new president and wishes her well. See the new president’s first message to the Congregation and Shofar readers on Page 2 of this issue.

Immediate past president Sara Bloom expressed admiration for the new president’s diligence and skill. “I see a bright future for our shul under Suzan Lipson’s leadership, she said.

Community leader Sonia Spar was named the 2026 Champion of Diversity for Suffolk County Legislative District 1, it was announced at the May 4 Southold Town Board meeting.

The honoree, who moved to Southold from Colombia 20 years ago, has helped run a shelter for victims of domestic violence on the East End, assisted those coping with mental health or substance abuse challenges, and is an advocate for educational outreach.

Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is a leading Democratic contender for an open US. House seat, representing part of New York City.

Eli Savit, a progressive county prosecutor, won the Michigan Democratic Party’s nomination for attorney general at a recent convention.

Barbra Streisand will receive an honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement at the Cannes Film Festival in May. (Announced by the Hollywood Reporter)