June 27, 2014, Column (2): Councilman Chaim Deutsch on the Priority 5 Achievement

(Item appeared in shaded box on page 18)

Last weeks column featured a special conversation with Councilman Chaim Deutsch on the successful campaign to ensure and expand the Priority 5 Child Care vouchers program, in which he played a leading role. 

"Chaim Deutsch emerged as an influential Councilman who is the leading advocate for private schools and Mosdos," the article states.

"I had a meeting with the Mayor, and had a meeting with the Speaker, where this (Priority 5 Child Care) was addressed," Councilman Deutsch said. "I sent a letter to the Mayor together with a number of Council Member."

"We worked intensively to ensure that Priority 5 vouchers are in the budget, and we succeeded, Burech Hashem (thanks Go-d)," Chaim says. "I'm happy that we succeeded, and this is thanks to the intensives work with my colleagues in City Council that brought upon this achievement."

"It is amazing how much he (Councilman Deutsch) already achieved during his short time in City Council," Rabbi Niederman said.  

UJO Column, June 27, 2014 by United Jewish Column

June 27, 2014, Column (1): City Budget Ensures all Existing Priority 5 Child Care Vouches and adds Ten MIllion Dollars for New Vouchers

Following Intensive Efforts by Councilman Levin, Chair of the General Welfare Committee

UJO Thanks:

Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Viverito for Expanding Assistance that Thousands of Families Rely On; 

Councilman Levin for Leading the Campaign for these Children and Families;

The Coalition of Council Members Brad Lander, David Greenfield, Chaim Deutsch - Chair of the Non-Public School Committee, Mark Levine - Chair of the Jewish Caucus, and Mark Treyger; Special Thanks for Mayor's Aides Jon Paul Lupo and Avi Fink

(This Item appeared on top of page 18)

Williamsburg - Parents and administrators greeted with happiness the news that the city's final budget - unveiled the past Thursday night by Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito - provides funding for all existing Priority 5 Vouchers and additional ten million dollars for new vouchers. It follows intensive interventions by the dedicated Williamsburg Councilman Steve Levin, Chair of the important General Welfare Committee that oversees the program, and a group of Councilmen representing the interests of the community. 

The article goes on to detail a series of talks and other measures that Councilman Levin spearheaded to ensure that this vital Child Care program is fully funded and is expanded to additional families waiting for these services. Even before the final budget was released, Councilman Levin was able to ensure that this program will be full funded, unlike the Bloomberg years when they were on the chopping table annually.

Levin was joined in his efforts by his colleagues: Brad Lander, of the Council leadership; David Greenfield, representing Borough Park; Chaim Deutsch, Chair of the non-Public School Committee who already achieved tremendous results for Mosdos and parents; Mark Levine, Chair of the Jewish Caucus; Mark Treyger and others.

“I am elated that New York City’s budget will restore $10 million for low-income child care vouchers. Thousands of children and families in New York City depend on these vouchers and today I am proud that we are making them a priority in our budget," Councilman Levin said in a statement.

"Throughout the budget negotiations I made the restorations of low-income vouchers my top priority. Not only will these vouchers help individual families, but they will help our communities as a whole. I want to express my gratitude to Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito, my colleagues on the Council, and advocates in the community who stood strong in advocating for low-income vouchers,” Councilman Levin concluded his statement.

Speaking on behalf of thousands of parents, Rabbi David Niederman Said: " We express our thanks to Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito. It's a refreshing change that the City budget ensures that the need and priorities of all communities are ensured, instead of cutting programs that we depend more on them due to the limited child care opportunities that we have. We are very grateful to the Mayor and Speaker for taking our needs into consideration."

"We want to send a special thank you to our dedicated Councilman Steve Levin. He spent tens of hours to talk to us, Yeshivos and Askunim (community activists) to ensure that the Priority 5 program continues to be funded and it is expanded to benefit additional families. He spent even more hours in talks with the administration and to build a strong coalition, and to work with the Speaker's office, leading to the tremendous achievement," Rabbi Niederman added. 

"We also want to deeply thank Council-members Brad Lander, David Greenfield, Chaim Deutsch - Chair of the non-Public School Committee representing the interests of Yeshivos and all private schools and parents, Mark Levine - Chair of the Jewish Caucus, Mark Treyger and others." 

"I want to give a special thanks to the Mayor's aides Avi Fink, Director for Intergovernmental Affairs, and Jon Paul Lupo, Director for Legislative Affairs, for delving into the. They ensured that the assistance is expanded to programs that will benefit our community among others," Rabbi Niederman concluded. 

UJO Column, June 27, 2014

Gottlieb Family and FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro Honors FDNY Members for Rescuing Mendy from Roll-up Gate

Arranged by the UJO of Williamsburg; Attended and Addressed by Elected Officials and Hatzalah

Williamsburg – A month and a half after he was strangled in a garage roll-up gate, 7 year old Mendy Gottlieb and his parents stood with the FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro in that garage to thank members of Engine 211, Ladder 119, and Rescue Company 2, for freeing him from the gate and for saving his life. The event was arranged by the UJO of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn to thank these brave members for their miraculous work.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro presenting the plaques with Rabbi David Niederman, the father and Mendy 

“I don’t want to think what it would be like if not for you,” the father, Abraham Gottlieb said in a moving voice. “Thanks to you, Mendy thrives and gives us joy, and we will always remember this.”

“It’s a great honor to represent the Department here today,” Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. “Our members don’t do their job for the recognition. Mendy’s life is reward enough.” The Commissioner presented a plaque – together with the father and Mendy - to each of the companies and the 16 members involved in the rescue effort. Commissioner Nigro was also accompanied by the Chief of Department, Edward Kilduff, Chief of Operations, James Esposito, and Executive Officer Captain Elizabeth Cascio.

“For fifteen minutes we were all waiting in agony, and offering prayers, hoping for a miracle to happen that Mendy would survive,” Rabbi David Niederman, President of the UJO, described this agonizing event. “At the conclusion of that endless quarter of an hour, G-d answered our prayers and New York City’s bravest, were the messengers and savior.” Rabbi Niederman also thanked the “dedicated Paramedics and EMTs from the Hatzolah Volunteer Ambulance Corp, who were the first on the scene and drove up under the gate, holding Mendy up, until the Fire Department arrived and freed him.”

“Unfortunately we know, there is not always a happy ending let us now remember and mourn Yakim McDaniels, another Brooklyn boy who tragically died after a similar incident in 2012. We pray for his soul and family, and may they experience no more sorrow,” Rabbi Niederman added.

The Commissioner and Rabbi Niederman especially thanked Borough Commander Chief James Leonard for the heroic response. “I want to correct you, I’m not the hero here, they (the honored firefighters) are the heroes,” the Commissioner told, after being titled by Rabbi Niederman as a “true New York Hero.”

“One of the best jobs I have being an Assemblyman is honoring heroes! More often than not – those heroes come from the same place -- our NYC Fire Department. The Department is filled with ordinary New Yorkers who have dedicated their lives to become heroes for other people. These fine men and women go into this job just to rescue people and to save personal property from destruction, MOST times putting their own lives in grave danger. It’s really remarkable. It is why New Yorkers absolutely love their fire fighters!,” said Assemblyman Joe Lentol, who attended the event.

Lentol Continued, “In this case, as we know too well, boys will be boys. Mendy Gottlieb and his friends meant no harm in their play – but they certainly will never do that again – because it ended up being extremely dangerous; even life threatening. Luckily in New York City we have the finest men and women who rush in; handle these frightening situations in ways that make it look really easy – even though it’s not -- and they saved the life of a young boy. Wonderful!”

"Today we celebrate the heroism of the members of Engine 211, Ladder 119 and Rescue Company 2 and the dedication of all of our heroes in the FDNY. We celebrate the community commitment of Rabbi David Neiderman and the UJO. Most importantly we celebrate the blessing that Mendy Gottlieb who is here with us today," said Assemblywoman Maritza Davilla in her remarks.

Rabbi Yidel Deutsch of Hatzolah said that the joint response that saved Mendy was an example of the “collaboration and partnership between Hatzalah and the FDNY. “All of us in Hatzolah have tremendous admiration of the job and sacrifices that your firefighters do every single day around the city on behalf of all New Yorkers. Thank you,” he concluded.

"I applaud the actions of Engine 211, Ladder 119, and Rescue Company 2 under the leadership of Commissioner Daniel Nigro for saving the life of Mendy Gottlieb," said Senator Daniel Squadron, who was represented at the event. "This is just another example of the vital services that the men and women of the FDNY provide everyday to New Yorkers in need."

“I am incredibly grateful for the FDNY’s quick response that saved Mendy’s life. The FDNY is helping people in distress each and every day and this is yet another example of the important work they do for New York City,” said Councilman Stephen Levin, who was represented at the event. “Thank you to Commissioner Daniel Nigro, the firefighters who saved Mendy’s life, and to Hatzalah for their quick response.”

FDNY's coverage: http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/events/2014/062614b.shtml

Other Coverage:

​

http://7online.com/news/williamsburg-family-thanks-rescuers-who-saved-son/143169/

http://brooklyn.news12.com/news/family-thanks-fdny-for-7-year-old-s-rescue-in-williamsburg-1.8582995

http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/243423/williamsburg-gotlieb-family-fdny-commissioner-daniel-nigro-honors-fdny-members-for-rescuing-mendy-from-roll-up-gate.html

http://www.vosizneias.com/169187/2014/06/26/brooklyn-ny-fdny-members-honored-by-parents-of-rescued-williamsburg-jewish-boy-video/

​http://jpupdates.com/2014/06/27/gottlieb-family-community-honors-fdny-heroes-rescue-child-trapped-roll-gate-photos/​

  

http://hamodia.com/2014/06/26/boy-saved-roll-gate-thanks-rescuers/

Background :
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/05/08/cbs-2-boy-gets-stuck-in-roll-down-gate-in-brooklyn-ends-up-hanging-in-air/

http://abclocal.go.com/story?section=news/local/new_york&id=9532189

http://brooklyn.ny1.com/content/news/208342/roll-up-gate-nearly-crushes-brooklyn-child

June 20, 2014 Column (3): Councilman Levin and Rabbi Niederman Discuss Incidents in the Wallabout-Throop Area With Deputy Inspector of the 90th Precinct

Two Arrested Last week in One of the Incidents

Inspector DiPaolo Speaks to Der Yid about the Incidents and How to Combat Them; Appeals for Assistance to Prevent these Crimes; Encourages Participation in the Bike and Scooter Registration by Police and Shomrim on Friday

The article is reporting on discussions that Councilman Levin and Rabbi Niderman had with the C.O. of the 90th precinct, Deputy Inspector Mark DiPaolo, following more incidents of bike robberies and attacks on children in the Wallabout-Throop area.

As decided at the meeting, the Inspector sat down with Der Yid to discuss these incidents, and how the community can assist in rooting them out. D.I. DiPaolo also shared important tips how to prevent crimes during the summer months, when many families are in the Catskills.

This item states on p.36, and the interview is in the shaded box on that page, and continued on p.100

Dr Yid, UJO Column, June 20, 2014 by United Jewish Column

June 20, 2014 Column (2): Councilman Levin Continues Campaign to Increase Priority 5 Child Care Vouchers

Ensures that Existing Vouchers Won't be Cut

This is the second item starting on p.34

Entering the final days of the budget negotiations (this article was published a day before the budget agreement was announced by Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito), Councilman Steve Levin continues the intensive campaign to restore Priority 5 child care vouchers cut by the Bloomberg administration. It follows assurance that the Councilman received from the administration that all existing priority 5 vouchers will be fully funded in the upcoming budget.

Contrary to past years, when the question was how deep the child care cuts will or won't be, the talks during this year are how much will be restored to the program to reverse cuts from prior years. 

Councilman Levin, who is chairing the General Welfare Committee with oversight over the ACS that is providing the child care voucher - made priority 5 vouchers as a top priority during this year's budget process. Reacting to fears that the priority 5 program may be totally eliminated, Councilman Levin wrote to Yeshiva leaders and others that: "UNLIKE IN PREVIOUS YEARS, PRIORITY 5 VOUCHERS WILL NOT BE CUT AT ALL FROM THE LEVELS THEY ARE AT CURRENTLY."

In his email, the Councilman continued to detail ongoing negotiations to ensure that the new budget will include a meaningful restoration to enable more families to benefit from these vouchers. "Right now, we are working very closely with the DeBlasio administration, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and a large coalition of City Council-members to make this restoration a reality, and the next few days are crucial," the Councilman wrote. 

Among others dealing with the issue, are: Councilman David Greenfield, who hosted a meeting with Yeshiva leaders to report about the campaign to restore the vouchers in which Councilman Levin is having a leading role; Councilman Chaim Deutsch - Chair of the non-Public School Committee that is assisting Yeshivos and other private schools - who is very actively participating in the talks and intervenes on the issue, together with Councilman Brad Lander and Mark Treyger.

Dr Yid, UJO Column, June 20, 2014 by United Jewish Column

June 20, 2014 Column (1): State Legislature Passes New 'Expedited Missing Persons Act'

Law Introduced by Assemblyman Joe Lentol and State Senator Daniel Squadron of Williamsburg; On the Initiative of the UJO Following the Shocking Murder of the Philanthropic Man Menachem Stark OBM; State Senator Simcha Felder Played Major Role in Passing the Bill

Would Assist in Terrible Tragedies, Go-d Forbid, to Reduce Anguish, Expedite the Investigation, and to Ensure the Deceased Body is Respected.

The article commends the Assemblyman Lentol and State Senator for introducing the Expedited Missing Persons Act, after the UJO brought the issue to their attention (for more on the law, please click here), and lauds Senator Felder for his key role in passing it in the Senate. It also thanks public officials who joined the act's sponsors when they announced the bill at a press conference at the UJO: Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Assemblywoman Maritza Davilla, a co-sponsor, and Councilman Stephen Levin.

It thanks the Assembly co-sponsors: Buchwald, Davila, Goldfeder, Hevesi, Hikind, Jacobs, Rozic and Simanowitz; and the Senate co-sponsors DILAN, FELDER, LATIMER, MONTGOMERY, PARKER, PERKINS, SAVINO, STAVISKY

Currently, when a deceased body is discovered, it is reported to the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCSJ), where it is entered into a computer database. Police departments searching for a missing person are also required to share details of the wanted persons. If the computer system identifies a possible match, the police department searching for that person is notified about it.

It frequently takes hours between when a search begins until when the information is entered into the system. Likewise, hours may pass between when a body is found until when it enters the database. Furthermore, the system only searches for matches once in 24 hours. It may easily pass over a day before the information can me matched.

The new act - that is now heading to Governor Cuomo's desk - will "require DCJS to promptly make available personal descriptions and other identifying data of a found body to all law enforcement agencies in the state, and upon request, to agencies outside of the state."

"Excruciating hours passed between when Menachem Stark's body was located, until the authorities realized that the unidentified body in Nassau County was Mr. Stark. The family endured needless pain and anguish between when the body was found until they were notified it was Menachem. We hope that no one else experiences anything similar," said Rabbi Niederman. “This bill was introduced to ensure that in tragic events, the suffering is not increased unnecessarily. Additionally, it will ensure that the body is handled respectfully, according to the family's wishes.”

“I want to thank Rabbi David Niederman for bringing this issue to my attention. The lapse in time between finding an unidentified deceased person and matching them with an identity is crucial to an investigation. The new Lentol-Squadron-Felder law will take direct aim at efficiently streamlining this process for both the DCJS and local police precincts. This has been a great effort between myself, Senator Squadron and Senator Felder to improve this important section of criminal law. Our partnership will continue as we work to ensure that the Governor signs this legislation and implements it as the state policy," Said Assemblyman Joe Lentol.

“When a tragedy occurs, prompt notification makes a difference for families and law enforcement," said Senator Daniel Squadron. "Today’s passage of our Expedited Missing Persons Act is an important step toward making the system work better so we can all have more confidence everything possible is being done to quickly connect with loved ones, and to move forward investigations. I'm pleased to have worked with the community and Rabbi Niederman and thank Assemblymember Lentol for his leadership."

The article also relays a quote by Senator Felder, that: "While we know that this is important to use for religious reasons, so that we could do a chesed shel emes (a favor for the deceased, who can't return the favor), it is, of course, something that would benefit anyone who has a missing loved one G-d forbid.”

“We are grateful to the lead sponsors, Assemblyman Lentol and Senator Squadron, and for Senator Felder for getting the bill passed today. We thank all statewide and local elected officials voting and supporting, and especially those who joined us, at the UJO, many months ago when announcing the introduction of the bill," Rabbi Niederman concluded.

May hashem help that this law should never have to be used again, it concludes.

Dr Yid, UJO Column, June 20, 2014

UJO Announces $1,000 Reward for Information in Attack of Young Boy Last Thursday

Williamsburg – The UJO of Williamsburg is announcing a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual responsible for Thursday's suspected hate attack on a young, 14 year old boy, on Lee Avenue between Heyward and Lynch Streets at around 8:00PM. 

Please see the surveillance footage of a suspect below, that was distributed by the NYPD today.

“It’s high time to put an end to the tide of robberies and attacks on young children in the Flushing corridor,” said Rabbi David Niederman. “No child should live in fear, and no community can tolerate these attacks. These incidents are the results of a few, and we hope that they will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

"We are grateful that the NYPD has made strides in this case culminating in the release of a photo of a suspect, which will hopefully to the apprehension of the suspect. I also want to thank the community for working with the police in locating and handing over this video footage. We urge anyone with information to come forward and share it with the NYPD by calling crime stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.”

Do you know this white male?

     

Borough President Eric Adams Issues Statement on the Expedited Missing Persons Act

Borough President Eric Adams - who stood with the lead-sponsors of the 'Expedited Missing Persons Act' when it was announced at the UJO back in March - tonight released the following statement on the act and another public safety act:

BP ADAMS STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF PUBLIC SAFETY LEGISLATION IN THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE

“I have spent my career fighting for the safety of everyday New Yorkers, be it serving as an officer in the New York City Police Department, as a State Senator in Albany or now as the Borough President of Brooklyn. In that spirit, I am pleased to see the work of my former colleagues in the New York State Legislature in passing key legislation that will address longstanding and newly emerging challenges to our public safety.

“The Expedited Missing Persons Act, whose passage was led by Assembly Member Joe Lentol and State Senators Simcha Felder and Daniel Squadron, all Brooklyn representatives, was introduced in the wake of the tragic death of Williamsburg resident Menachem Stark. When enacted, it will improve the process of identifying unidentified victims, aiding law enforcement with their investigations and easing the pain of loved ones grieving for those they have lost.

“Additionally, I thank the New York State Legislature, particularly Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz, Chair of the Assembly Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee, and State Senator Diane Savino, both Brooklyn representatives, for their efforts on the package of legislation to combat the growing trend of heroin, opioid and prescription drug abuse. This epidemic has hit hard in southern Brooklyn, impacting the public health and basic safety of its victims, who are predominately young people. By cracking down on illegal drug distribution and improving our support services for those who need treatment, we can take an important step toward reversing this frightening trend."

Borough President Eric Adams, standing with Assemblyman Lentol, Senator Squadron, lead-sponsors of the act, together with Councilman Stephen Levin and Rabbi David Niederman when announcing the legislation on March 7th

At the time of the announcement, Borough President Adams said: "I thank my colleagues Assembly Member Lentol and State Senator Squadron for introducing the Expedited Missing Persons’ Identification Act. Our Brooklyn family is still mourning the loss of Menachem Stark, a husband, father and member of a proud community. In his memory, and with the hope that future tragedies may be prevented or mitigated, I support the Expedited Missing Persons’ Identification Act and its aim to make our criminal justice system work better for the people of our state.” 

The UJO thanks Borough President Adams for being among the first supporters of this vital legislation.

UJO Commends the NYS Legislature for Passing the 'Expedited Missing Persons Act'

For immediate release:

June 17, 2014

Introduced By Assemblyman Lentol and State Senator Squadron on the Request of UJO Of Williamsburg, Following the Tragic Stark Murder; Law Passed Today in State Senate

Brooklyn, NY - The NY State Senate passed today a bill that will help ensure the speedy identification of a recovered body in case of a tragic event. The 'Expedited Missing Persons Act' was introduced after the brutal kidnapping and murder of Menachem Stark of blessed memory, where it took for law enforcement hours to piece together the recovered body in Nassau County with the ongoing search in Brooklyn. Afterwards, Rabbi David Niederman raised the issue with the state legislature representatives of Williamsburg, and Assemblyman Joe Lentol introduced a bill in the Assembly that will help prevent such critical delays. Senator Daniel Squadron sponsored the bill in the Senate, and Senator Felder played a key role in today’s passage.

"Excruciating hours passed between when Menachem Stark's body was located, until the authorities realized that the unidentified body in Nassau County was Mr. Stark. The family endured needless pain and anguish between when the body was found until they were notified it was Menachem. We hope that no one else experiences anything similar," said Rabbi Niederman. “This bill was introduced to ensure that in tragic events, the suffering is not increased unnecessarily. Additionally, it will ensure that the body is handled respectfully, according to the family's wishes.”

“I want to thank Rabbi David Niederman for bringing this issue to my attention. The lapse in time between finding an unidentified deceased person and matching them with an identity is crucial to an investigation. The new Lentol-Squadron-Felder law will take direct aim at efficiently streamlining this process for both the DCJS and local police precincts. This has been a great effort between myself, Senator Squadron and Senator Felder to improve this important section of criminal law. Our partnership will continue as we work to ensure that the Governor signs this legislation and implements it as the state policy," Said Assemblyman Joe Lentol.

“When a tragedy occurs, prompt notification makes a difference for families and law enforcement," said Senator Daniel Squadron. "Today’s passage of our Expedited Missing Persons Act is an important step toward making the system work better so we can all have more confidence everything possible is being done to quickly connect with loved ones, and to move forward investigations. I'm pleased to have worked with the community and Rabbi Niederman and thank Assemblymember Lentol for his leadership."

“We are grateful to the lead sponsors, Assemblyman Lentol and Senator Squadron, and for Senator Felder for getting the bill passed today. We thank all statewide and local elected officials voting and supporting, and especially those who joined us, at the UJO, many months ago when announcing the introduction of the bill," Rabbi Niederman concluded.

Assembly Bill A9006-2013: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/A9006-2013

Senate Bill: S6750-2013: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S6750-2013

Photo: Assemblyman Lentol Announcing the introduction of the bill at the UJO, in March, with Senator Squadron, Borough President Eric Adams, Councilman Stephen Levin, and Rabbi David Niederman

June 13, 2014 Column (3): Important Information on Upcoming Changes to Holocaust Compensation Funds

The 3rd item in last week's column, updates clients on upcoming changes to Holocaust Compensation funds, managed and negotiated by the Claims Conference. The UJO staff serves a large number of elderly survivors with these funds, and works to provide them accurate and easy to understand information. A large number of survivors have a hard time to understand English, and are depending on the UJO Yiddish literature (as in this article) and on its multilingual staff (in addition to Yiddish, they speak Hungarian and other languages) and the dedicated assistance to qualify and benefit from these funds.

The following are the upcoming changes

German Social Security (ZRBG), commonly known as “Ghetto Pensions"

The German Parliament approved to amend this program to allow recipients to receive payment retroactive to 1997 (instead of the prior policy that only paid back for up to 4 years prior to the approval of the application). Recipients will receive a letter from the German Social Security authorities, likely in July, giving them the option to receive the back payment in a lump sum and thus receive smaller monthly payments afterwards, or to continue receiving the current higher monthly amount but with no back payment. 

According to the UJO Holocaust Fund staff, heirs may also benefit from these change, but only if their parents already applied for the fund.

Article 2 Fund/CEEF

Negotiations in 2013 resulted in two changes to eligibility criteria to these programs: 

1) Eligibility for survivors of “open ghettos” - according to the UJO staff this will benefit survivors from Czech and similar countries, where Jews were deported directly from their homes to the camps, instead of being placed in Ghettos. They will now qualify the article 2 fund; 

2) The permitted income limit will be increased to USD $25,000 or the equivalent in local currency (which are listed at the end of the eligibility criteria on www.claimscon.org).

For more information about these funds and their changes, and for assistance with the various holocaust funds, please contact Mrs. Sofer at the UJO, om 718.643.9700 extension 224.

UJO Column, Der Yid June 13 by United Jewish Column

June 13, 2014 Column (2): Stronger Controls Needed on Construction Permits Taking Away Parking

Community Board to Call Agency for Stronger Controls; DOT to Survey Area on Request of UJO

Williamsburg - Residents in the Kent-South 8 vicinity are complaining that the ongoing construction of the Oosten development closed off all four side of the entire block, eliminating numerous parking spots. This exacerbates the parking shortage in the area. The UJO is calling the city to better control such construction permits, to determine for how long they are needed and to limit them to affect the least parking space possible.

In some cases, the UJO pointed out, it seems that developers receive blanket permits to cordon of from parking wide swats adjacent to their property, although they don't need the whole area. Also, developers who may have plenty of room on their site for their construction machinery, seem to place them on the street - creating hardships for the surrounding area. In addition, in case of the Oosten, the parking land is closed for a very long time.

The UJO is calling upon the city to enact stiffer controls on the issuance, extend and duration of such permits, and that they should be reviewed be periodically to ensure that they are limited to only when and where it is absolutely necessary. Additionally, it is important to afford neighbors an opportunity to comment on such permits.

CB1 plans to reach out the city agencies about this issue, and the UJO arranged with the DOT Borough Commissioner to personally survey the above-mentioned area this week to determine if these permits are warranted and to what extent.

"Parking limitations as a result of construction developments are often important, indeed, and they should be issued when it is the only option. On the other hand, it has to be done under a responsible system that takes into account the neighbors, ensuring that the resulting hardship is kept to a minimum and only when their are no alternatives," said Rabbi Niederman. 

"Our neighborhood is experiencing a chronic parking shortage, and it is regularly worsened by the closing (of streets) for movie filming, construction permits etc. We work to mitigate these hardship for residents. Better control of parking limitations associated with construction developments is one step in that direction, and we are thankful to the DOT Commissioner and the Community Board 1 for their assistance."

UJO Column, Der Yid June 13 by United Jewish Column

June 13, 2014 Column: Second Chance for Residents and Business Owners to Review DOT Proposed Changes for Wallabout/Flushing

DOT To Hold Another Presentation On their Proposed Changes for Wallabout Flushing, As per Request by Rabbi Niederman Adopted by Community Board 1

Residents and Business Owners Encouraged to Share their Opinion at the July Hearing (Date Rescheduled After Publication of Article)

Last week UJO column's top item reported in detail on the plans to turn Wallabout St. - starting from Heyward St. - into a one-way street towards Lee Ave. It follows a number of accidents in recent years on that stretch. The plan is in conjunction with requests of Community Board 1, Councilman Stephen Levin, and Rabbi Niederman, as per recommendations by Hatzalah members and others concerned by the heavy traffic and hazards on Wallabout St, a major residential and shopping corridor.

Last Tuesday, the DOT presented its plans in front of the Community Board. Several aspects of the plan drew complaints, including the fact that the rerouting the traffic towards Kent Ave. to Flushing Avenue will translate into a the elimination of parking during the day on Flushing Avenue between Bedford and Lee Avenue, that will be converted into a "no standing from 7 AM to 7 PM" zone. That raises concerns among store owners, especially new businesses on that street, that the lack of parking will turn away customers. As per Rabbi Niederman's suggestion, adopted by the board, DOT will review these issues and will hold another presentation where it will have more information on various questions raised.

The upcoming presentation will take place in July (at the time of the publication of Der Yid it was set to take place June 23, but it was postponed). The UJO will announce the date of the presentation, and encourages all who will be affected by the changes to attend the hearing to share their opinion on the plan. The UJO is also publishing the plan - presented last week - below, so those who are unable to attend can review the current plan and submit comments, so the UJO can take them into the account during the upcoming discussion and to share them with the DOT. The comments - for those who are unable to attend - may be emailed to june23@unitedjewish.org.

UJO Column, Der Yid June 13

Wallabout St - Presentation for CB1 Transpo Committee by United Jewish Column