The ongoing dispute surrounding the Finkelstein Memorial Library trustee election took another turn this week after the New York State Education Department declined to issue a stay order that would have altered the current status of the May 12th 2026 election.
In a letter sent to Ariel Dahan, the Appeals Coordinator for the Commissioner of Education stated that “no stay order will be issued,” adding that the decision “shall preserve the status quo regarding the May 2026 election” while the matter continues to be reviewed on its merits.
As reported by Monsey Scoop, the controversy began after the library election process initially indicated that two trustee seats would be open. Following the submission of petitions by candidates Ariel Dahan and Moshe Dear, the library later announced that only one seat would appear on the ballot, citing a new interpretation of the library’s charter.
Following the Commissioner’s decision not to issue a stay, candidate Moshe Dear released a public letter announcing that he is stepping aside from the race for now and encouraging residents to unite behind Ariel Dahan.
In the letter, Dear wrote that he made the decision “to avoid splitting votes in a way that could impact the outcome,” and stated that he believes the community should have “a unified voice” in choosing its representation.
Dear added that although his name will still appear on the ballot, residents who intended to vote for him should instead cast their vote for Ariel Dahan.
“This is not the end of my involvement,” Dear wrote, adding that he intends to re-enter the race if and when the second trustee seat becomes available in the future.
The election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, from 7:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. at the Finkelstein Memorial Library, located at 24 Chestnut Street in Spring Valley.
