May 23, 2014 Column: Lauds Councilman Levin's Calls to Restore Bloomberg-era Child Care Cuts

Last week's column reported on Councilman Levin's tireless advocacy to restore funding for ACS Priority 5 Child Care - the last non-mandated child care voucher program to be closed for new recipients during the last year of the Bloomberg administration.

The Councilman raised the issue during an ACS budget hearing that he co-chaired, as Chair of the General Welfare committee, on May 19, 2014. 

For a video of the hearing, click here. The Councilman addresses vouchers starting at about minute 3:10 and then at 4:15. 

May 23, 2014, UJO Colum

May 16, 2014, Column: UJO Thanks Mayor for Issuing Special UPK Instructions for Yeshivos

Last week's column reports on the de Blasio Administration's issuance of special UPK guidelines, following questions and concerns raised by Yeshivos. It followed weeks of talks and deliberations on the issue. The UJO lauds the expedient actions on behalf of thousands of Orthodox children. The article also report on: a meeting in City Hall where the Mayor personally stopped by; and it mentions the tireless efforts on the issue by Councilman Steve Levin of Williamsburg, Councilman Chaim Deutsch who chairs the Sub-committee on Non-public Schools, and Mr. Avi Fink, the hi-ranking aide to the Mayor.

"We thank the administration for delving in the subject to quickly clarify and adjust the regulations, so Yeshivos shall know if the program suits them, so they can apply before the deadline," said Rabbi David Niederman.

An outline of the new guidelines were first unveiled at a meeting of the Committee of NYC Religious and Independent School Officials with Councilman Deutsch and Mr. Fink. Rabbi Niederman, a member on the committee, thanked Mr. Fink, Rabbi Chaim David Zweibel, Excutive VP of Agudath Israel of America, and all who assisted in reaching the solution.

Among the accommodations under the new guidelines are: an allowance to operate programs on Sundays to compensate for Fridays, when Yeshivos dismiss classes earlier to prepare for Sabbath; and the ability to start the programs before the beginning of the school year, to substitute for religious holidays when the Yeshivos are closed.

In a letter to Yeshiva leaders, Councilman Levin wrote:

"I want to commend Mayor de Blasio on the release of these new Universal Pre-Kindergarten guidelines and will continue to work with the Administration to make sure the UPK program is a success for all of our students. I also want to thank Rabbi David Niederman for co-hosting our meeting, and Council Member Chaim Deutsch, Avi Fink from the Mayor’s office, and the UPK operations manager, Chris McKay, for attending and for their hard work on making the UPK program accessible to all students."

Rabbi Niederman said:

"The UPK talks, and the administration's willingness to address our issues urgently and quickly, is - thanks go-d - a good start. It shows the Mayor's dedication to the community and his understanding of our unique issues, and how strong he will work to accommodate our needs."

(Item on p. 20, starting on the bottom-left)
Tens of Yeshiva Representatives Attend Meeting Arranged by UJO and Councilman Steve Levin

Attended by: Special Guest Councilman Chaim Deutsch; Close Aide to the Mayor, Mr. Avi Fink; Mr. McKay of the Department of Education; Rabbi Niderman Reports on Talks with the Mayor and Hi-Ranking Officials

Meeting provided very important information for Mosdos and discussed important issues regarding the Mayor's grandiose Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program

The article - accompanied with photos - reports on a meeting that took place in Williamsburg on Monday, the 5th of May, in the conference room of Pesach Tikva, between Yeshivos and the aforementioned officials to directly discuss the issues. Among the Mosdos attending were representative of: Satmar (UTA), Pupa, Central UTA (Satmar), Viznitz, Tzelim, Viznitz-Tzemach Tzadik, Krasna, Klausenburg, Vien, Nitra, Square, Tashbar, Kasho, Beikvei Hatzon, Shopron and TeacNYS.

Councilman Deutsch reported on the meeting that he held - together with Councilman Levin - with Department of Educations officials and Mr. Fink to discuss the concerns of Yeshivos.

“It is crucial that our communities have access to Mayor de Blasio’s universal pre-kindergarten program and today’s meeting was an important opportunity to provide information about this new program with the yeshiva leaders throughout Williamsburg," Councilman Levin said. "I want to thank Council Member Chaim Deutsch, Avi Fink from the Mayor’s Office, the universal pre-kindergarten operations manager Chris McKay, and leaders from our local yeshivas for an informative discussion on how we can best provide access to universal pre-kindergarten for all the children of Williamsburg.”

Added Rabbi Niederman:

"Thanks to the tireless efforts of Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City is now implementing this game-changing program for all of our children." He thanked Councilmen Steve Levin and Chaim Deutsch, Mr. Avi Fink and Mr. McKay. "I want to thank each of them for attending today’s meeting and providing our community critical information.”

(Shaded box on p. 20)
Councilman Levin Delves in to Bring Additional Child Care Assistance

The article reports on the additional funds that the Mayor allocated to Child Care in his Executive Budget release last week. Councilman Levin already discussed with the ACS Commissioner the Child Care issue, and will continue to call for the restoration of Priority 5 Child Care Vouchers cuts implemented during the last years of the Bloomberg administration.

Councilman Levin serves as Chair of the General Welfare Committee that has oversight on these programs, and next week he will preside over a hearing on these programs. "You got my word, I will not step stop from pressing and fighting for it," the Councilman told the Yeshiva leaders at the meeting.

The article points out that Council member Deutsch and Levin chair two committees that are very important to the community and its families. Councilman Deutsch's Committee was formed especially on his request, to be able to assist the non-Public School communities, Achieving the UPK accommodations prove how successful they are to advocate for the community, and much more is hopefully to come.

The photos on p. 43 are from are from Williamsburg Yeshiva meeting.

UJO Column, May 16, 2014

May 9, 2014 Column: Rabbi Niederman's Joining President Obama to Celebrate the Affordable Care Act and More

Mayor de Blasio's Massive Affordable Housing Plan

This week's Der Yid main headline was about the massive affordable housing plan that Mayor de Blasio unveiled this week. The story appeared on pages 34-35. It closes with the following paragraph:

"The whole city stands to be revitalized and to tremendously benefit from the Mayor's newly-announced plan, especially (will it benefit) New York's densely-populated Jewish quarters that are suffering the most from a shortage in new affordable houses."

Rabbi Niederman Celebrates with President Obama

The UJO Column (pages 16 and 59) reports on President Obama's celebration of the 8 million sign ups on new health plans, under the Affordable Care Act, that was attended by the UJO Executive Director, Rabbi Niederman. He was invited to the event by the White House, in recognition of the UJO's dedicated assistance to the community with with choosing the best plans and signing up on them.

“It was an honor to join the President and the First Lady celebrating the Affordable Health Care Act. The President’s heart-felt remarks showed how personal they felt about making sure health coverage and access to quality health care is attainable to all,” said Rabbi Niederman.

“I’m proud that the UJO is a part of that, enabling so many in the community, on a daily basis, enroll in plans on the exchange. I especially want to thank Mr. Matt Nosanchuk – who may have undertaken a new assignment, but is still there for the Jewish community as much as before – who worked with us to make the ACA a success in the community. In addition, I want to express my appreciation to the NYS Marketplace Exchange – one of the best ACA systems in the nation created by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration – that assisted us in getting health coverage to those who need it most” Rabbi Niederman concluded.

Meetings on Behalf of the Ukrainian Jewry

With Senator Gillibrand

The Shaded box on p.16 reports on Rabbi Niederman's meeting Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to discuss measures for the safety and security of Ukrainian Jews.

"I'm astonished by the energy of the New York Senator [Gillibrand]. Despite her leadership on so many international, national and state issues, emerging as one of the most effective Senators in the country, she made time for the meeting that lasted over an hour. She knew in advance all the small details about the topic that we discussed, and exhibited a strong interest to work on those issues, to improve the world and to assist the most helpless wherever they are," Rabbi Niederman said.

"New York is fortunate to have such a dedicated Senator."

With Congressman Jeffries 

Then it reports on a meeting that Rabbi Niederman held with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, who is representing parts of the Williamsburg Hasidic community, on the Ukrainian issue.

"We thank Congressman Jeffries for the courteous reception. Despite being a freshman, he's already highly influential in Washington [DC], and is a dedicated friend to the community on all benevolent issues," Rabbi Niederman said. "We are thankful  for his help and look forward to continued with this partnership for many years on international, national and district issues."

With Mr. Matthew Nosenchuck

Rabbi Niederman also discussed the Ukrainian issue with Mr. Matt Nosenchuck, who until recently served as the White House Jewish Liaison and is now handling communications at the National Security Council.

"Mr. Nosenchuck was always a dedicated advocate for issues of interest to the Jewish community. With his rising in the ranks, Kllal Yisroel will now be able to benefit from him even more," Rabbi Niederman said.

With Ms. Lesley Weiss, Chair of the Heritage Commission for the Preservation of the US Heritage Abroad

Also, Rabbi Niederman met Ms. Lesley Weiss, Chair of the US Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad.

"At that meeting we saw first-hand Ms. Weiss' feeling for Jewish graves. With her at the helm of the Commission, we will be able - with Go-d's help - to achieve a lot for the holy places," Rabbi Niederman said.

Further Reading

For further coverage of Rabbi Niederman's meeting the president, check out the following:
Greenpoint Gazette: North Brooklyn Leader Lands Meeting with President Obama
The Yeshiva World: UJO of Williamsburg Joins White House Celebration Marking 8 Million Enrollees in the Affordable Care Act
5 Towns Jewish Times:

UJO of Williamsburg Joins White House Celebration Marking 8 Million Enrollees in the Affordable Care Act

Der Yid May 9, 2014 - Coverage of Mayor's Housing Plan, and the UJO Weekly Column

May 2, 2014 Column

(Heading) Law to Classify Cemetery Desecration as Religious Freedom Violation Passes Congressional Committee

(Subtitle) UJO is Thankful to Congresswoman Meng for Sponsoring the Important Law for Cemetery Preservation

More 
The article also mentions Rabbi Pinchas Hecht of Mir Yeshiva, and Dr. Bernard Fryshman of the Conference of Academicians for the Protection of Jewish Cemeteries who have worked for such a policy. Rabbi Hecht raised the proposed law during a reception in Williamsburg for the Chair of the US Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad, together with esteemed Commission member Mr. Herbert Block. Chair Weiss lauded the law, as a helpful tool at negotiations with governments to protect cemeteries. 

In her statement on the bill, Rep. Meng pointed out that it will empower the Heritage Commission, created by a law passed by the late Congressman Steve Solarz. Solarz represented the Williamsburg Jewish community, and passed this law on the urging of the late Rabbi Zvi Kastenbaum, who served on the commission for many years, being appointed and reappointed by several presidents.

"We thank Congresswoman Meng for introducing that important legislation to name the desecration of cemeteries exactly what it is - a violation of religious freedoms - and we thank the Foreign Relations Committee for passing it," said David Rabbi Niederman.

"A cemetery remains holy forever, it belong to those buying their plots knowing that according to the Halachah, that they followed, they must remain there eternally. To dig it up for private interests is a violation of the basic religious freedoms and human rights. Congresswoman Meng's bill - with Go-d's help - will be very helpful to convince governments to guard cemeteries from developers and other interests, an will also strengthen the hands of activists and the Heritage Commission's power to save cemeteries. We call on congress to pass it," Rabbi Niederman concluded.


Second item notifies on current NYCHA policies regarding repairs for Section 8 units that failed annual inspections.

UJO Column in Der Yid, issue of May 2, 2014 by United Jewish Column

April 25, column

Der Yid, April 25, UJO column by United Jewish Column

Right Top: Reporting on Tefilin recovery after it landed in garbage accidentally, thanks to quick response by DSNY to request of the UJO to stop from emptying container. Lauds assistance of Brooklyn sanitation chief and other officials. 

Also lauds dedicated work of Shomrim, Chaverim, Chesed Shel Emes etc. for combing through piles of refuse to locate the Tefiin.

Photos of searching in the piles of garbage.

Right Left: Commends Mayor de Blasio's accommodations of religion, by turning back Bloomberg-era ban on renting out public school space - when school is off - to religious gatherings.
"It's a common-sense decision," said Rabbi David Niederman. "Mayor de Blasio was always fair and generous to our needs, and was recognizing the hard struggle of religious communities and schools systems having to finance on their own huge education institutions etc. We are satisfied that Mayor de Blasio continues with his fair approach, to extend to religious communities, including the Jewish community, the assistance that we are entitled to constitutionally, and we are very thankful to the Mayor."

Page 2 (19)

Top Item: Huge pre-Passover distribution by UJO and Met council
Describes phenomenal assembly-line like system to distribute tons of foods with record speed, so that recipients were served within minutes, ensuring their dignity and comfort.
Lists elected officials who attended and assisted with uploading cars: Public Advocate Letitia James, Borough President Eric Adams, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, State Senator Marty Melave Dilan, Assembly men Joe Lentol and Dov Hikind, Council Members Steve Levin, Laurie Cumbo and Refael Espinal, Governor Cuomo's community representative David Lobl, CB1 district manager Gerald Esposito, and District Leader candidate Nick Rizzo.
Shout out to David Frankel, CEO of Met Council, and Eric Munson, Chief of Staff, who attended, and their organization enabled this huge distribution and is always of assistance to needy families in Williamsburg and elsewhere. Also notes attendance of David Pollock, Associate Director of JCRCNY.
Special Thanks to NYPD, 90th Precinct and the CO DI Mark DiPaolo, and Community affairs detectives Juan Roman and Bruno Vidal.
Also Thanks Navy Yard Security and Shomrim for assisting with security and traffic control.
Special note of appreciation to Douglas Steiner, of Steiner's studio, for opening their building to ware house and sort the huge quantities that were distributed.

2nd item (was prominently featured on front page): Commends Borough President Eric Adams for forceful stand against section 8 "downsizing", by leading twenty borough representatives in signing a letter to HPD to stop this policy.
It notes that the UJO dealt with this issue in the past, when similar policy affected elderly residents in Williamsburg NYCHA projects, and witnessed how devastating it can be on them.
It notes a number of co-signers representing our areas, such as Congressmen Hakeem Jeffries and Jerrold Nadler, Assemblymen Joe Lentol and Walter Mosley, and Council members Steve Levin, Antonio Reynoso, Laurie Cumbo and Chaim Deutsch.
"We thank Borough President Eric Adams for building such a strong coalition for the needy families, and we express our appreciation for all officials who joined to advocate for such an important issue," Said Rabbi David Niederman.
"Borough President Adams took a strong stand to draw attention to that painful issue, and we hope that with his leadership and the joining of so much officials will lead to a positive change."

Bottom Item: Lauds NYCHA for responding to UJO's request to ensure that gas is restored for Passover cooking after gas leak before the holiday.