Statement by Rabbi Niederman on City's Ending its Cosnent Form Requirement for Metzitzah B'peh

“I’m thankful to Mayor de Blasio and his entire administration, specifically Deputy Mayor Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, the Mayor’s senior aide Avi Fink and the Department of Health, for doing what it is right, eliminating this Consent Form, which was intrusive and violated our freedom of religion and speech,” said Rabbi David Niederman.

 

"From day one, Mayor de Blasio showed an eagerness to work with all communities towards fair policies that will deliver the best results for the entire city. Today’s action is a result of that noble vision and hard work. We are profoundly thankful to the mayor for that, and we are thanking Hashem that our religious freedom prevailed. Today's action rebuilds the trust necessary to work together for the safety of all. It's a victory for religious freedom and a victory for public policy."

At the meeting today with Deputy Mayor Lilliam Barrios-Paoli

December 19, 2014: Department of Health Alert Williamsburg Schools to Shigella Outbreak at Meeting Arranged by UJO and Councilman Levin

The December 19 Column reported on a meeting arranged by UJO and Councilman Levin with the Department of Health and Representatives of Williamsburg Schools to discuss a recent Shigella outbreak.

At the meeting, held at the conference room of Pesach Tikva, Department Officials reported on the newest outbreaks, and relayed important information how the schools, parents and the community can help stem it. The article had important information about the virus, recent outbreaks, and measure to stop it from spreading further. Participants also heard from Dr. Dick, one of the top physicians in the neighborhood. Mr. Pinny Ringel, of the Mayor's Community Assistance Unit, also participated and assisted in following up on combating the outbreak.

The Department officials distributed pamphlets encouraging proper hand-washing, and called schools to assure that children with symptoms are kept home until they symptoms pass. They also discouraged the use of antibiotics for the virus, except in extreme cases.

 

Dr. Balter of the Department of Health shares tips on combating the outbreak

 

Yiddish hand-washing flyers, produced by the Department in conjunction with the UJO during an outbreak over six years ago for the observant community, was distributed to the schools 

 

December 19, 2014, Column: Shigella Outbreak Meeting by United Jewish Column

December 12, 2014 (3): DOT Meeting Re Traffic Improvements on Wallabout Street

The third item of that week announced a DOT meeting regarding the traffic improvements on Wallabout Street to take place the following Tuesday at the Tezlim Yeshiva at  Middleton-Wallabout Street. intersection.

The meeting was arranged by the UJO, in conjunction with Assemblyman Lentol and Councilman Levin to give an opportunity for residents and business owners on Wallabout Street and Flushing Avenues to review and comment on proposed changes to their streets. DOT hopes to implement changes within four months.

For an earlier article on the issue, visit the following link: http://ujocolumn.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-13-2014-column-second-chance-for.html

 

December 12, 2014: TLC Waives Unjust Summons; Social Security Award Letters; DOT Wallabout Meeting by United Jewish Column

December 12, 2014 (2): Important to Keep Social Security and SSI Award Letters for Proof of Income

The second item in the December 12 column, (p.42 on the bottom) alerted Social Security and SSI recipients to store in a safe and easy to locate place their Award Letters mailed to them during the end of the year. One is required to Present these Letters when Applying for Various Government Assistance Programs, as it required for Holocaust Survivors applying for Claims Conference services.


The UJO encourages senior clients with active files at the UJO to bring in a copy of the Award Letter so it can be properly recorded.

December 12, 2014: TLC Waives Unjust Summons; Social Security Award Letters; DOT Wallabout Meeting by United Jewish Column

UJO Honored Today Public Advocate Tish James for being the “People’s Advocate”

Rabbi David Niederman and Mr. Paulino Rodriguez Thanked her Intervening When TLC Impounded a Vehicle and Ticketed Mr. Rodriguez Unjustly

 

Williamsburg – At a meeting today with Williamsburg Community leaders at the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn, Public Advocate Letitia James was hailed and recognized for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the city, and for each and every individual citizen.

Her role, as the people’s lawyer, was demonstrated publicly when an employee in the area, Mr. Paulino Rodriguez, had his vehicle unjustly impounded and was ticketed for $2,000 for erroneously being accused of driving an illegal taxi. After PA James promptly intervened, throughout a weekend, the ticket was immediately nullified and the vehicle was returned.

Today, the Public Advocate visited the Bais Rachel School in the area, and then met the UJO and community leadership. During that meeting, she was presented a plaque by Mr. Rodriguez and Rabbi David Niederman, UJO Executive Director, for her assistance in rectifying the injustice and assuring that Mr. Rodriguez, a hard-working individual, isn’t unjustly fined.

 

Rabbi David Niederman and Mr. Rodriguez presenting the plaque to Public Advocate James

 

The plaque states as follows:              

“On behalf of the Williamsburg Community, we present our recognition and appreciation to The Honorable Letitia “Tish” James, Public Advocate, City of New York, for her tireless advocacy for the residents of this city, our community and the neighborhood for decades.”

“We are especially heartened by her personal dedication to each and every individual, which was demonstrated in her successful advocacy for the dismissal of the unjust ticket and the seizure of the car of a neighborhood business vehicle on December 4, 2014.

“The citizens of the greatest city of the world are fortunate to have PA James as their advocate, and may she continue to succeed as the people’s advocate and in all her endeavors.

“Presented on February 18, 2015, by the, UJO of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn Board of Directors.”

Background: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/12/09/tlc-apologizes-for-seizing-brooklyn-fruit-store-workers-vehicle-calling-it-illegal-taxi/

http://ujocolumn.blogspot.com/2015/01/december-12-2014-tlc-cancels-unjust.html