Holocaust survivor’s hometown honor | Inquirer South Jersey
And a new state bill targets bullying in private and parochial schools.
Good morning, South Jersey.
After he escaped as a child, a Holocaust survivor’s home city will honor him as he becomes a centenarian.
And New Jersey could be the next state to adopt a new anti-bullying bill for private and parochial schools.
Plus, a new poll shows a dip in Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s approval rating, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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At 12, Fritz Fred Behrend and his family fled Germany in 1938 after his family was expelled from the country for being Jewish. His father was released from a concentration camp under the condition that the family leave the country immediately.
Fast forward to today, Fred is a Holocaust survivor and a retired TV repairman living in Voorhees.
Next week, he will turn 100 as Lüdenscheid, Germany, his home city, will honor him and his parents with three plaques known as Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” in front of the building that was once the location of the family’s textile store. The memorials are for victims of the Nazi regime.
Fred’s children will attend the ceremony in Germany while he will watch over Zoom at home surrounded by mementos he’s kept over the years that remind him of his family’s history.
The Inquirer’s Sarah Nicell has the story.
After Elizabeth and Bill Reid’s teenage son died by suicide in 2022, the grieving parents have worked tirelessly to advocate for anti-bullying laws in every state to protect students at private schools.
New Jersey might become the next state to adopt Jack’s Law, named after their son who was bullied for a year at the Lawrenceville School, a boarding school near Trenton. The law has been adopted in New York and six other states.
If passed, it would ban nonpublic school students from harassing or bullying another student regardless if they are on or off school property. Schools would have to create procedures on how to report and investigate allegations, as well as how to protect students when incidents are confirmed.
New Jersey currently has some of the strongest anti-bullying laws for public schools, but they’re not requirements for the nonpublic schools.
Reporter Melanie Burney shares more details about the bill.
What to know today
A new poll released Wednesday shows Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s approval rating dropped to 48%, a change of 10 points compared to the last time Fairleigh Dickinson University asked voters last March.
A developer’s request for a variance to convert a vacant Wells Fargo bank into a Dunkin’ will go to the Mount Laurel zoning board in November, 70and70 reports.
The Clementon Police Department instructed people to not trespass at Clementon Park & Splash World this weekend after a social post encouraged people to do so. They will be doing patrols and warn that those who are caught could be arrested.
Two years after a fire forced the restaurant to close, Angie’s Luncheonette in Bordentown recently announced its grand reopening date for next week on Nov. 2.
Burlington County Parks will be posting clues on where to find sightings of “Jersey Devil horns” on Instagram and Facebook. Visitors are encouraged to be on the lookout when going to the parks from now through November.
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🗓️ The best things to do this week
🤡 Night of Terror at Creamy Acres Farm: Named one of HGTV’s scariest haunted houses, the major attraction is crawling with zombies, killer clowns, and chainsaw-wielders. ⏰ Through Saturday, Oct. 31 💵 Various prices 📍 Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill
🛼 All Hallows Glow Skate: Glide into the weekend with a spooky-themed skate night. ⏰ Friday, Oct. 30, 6:30-9:30 p.m. 💵 $10 📍 The Rink, Edgewater Park
🍭 Trick-or-Treat at the Library: Bring the children in your life up to 5 years old for a Halloween trick-or-treat parade. Come in costume and bring your own bag. ⏰ Friday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m.-noon 💵 Free 📍 Cherry Hill Public Library, Cherry Hill
🧠 Trivia time
Major League Players recently voted for which Phillies player to be the NL Comeback Player of the Year?
A) Bryce Harper
B) Aaron Nola
C) Luis Arráez
D) Zack Wheeler
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
💍 Watching: The story of LeBron James fans getting engaged at the Sixers home opener.
🦐 Craving: Shrimp from Allen’s Clam Bar in New Gretna.
🎧 Listening to: The latest unCovering the Birds episode about the Eagles’ loss this week to the Cowboys.
Have a great day!
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