Governor Cuomo Announces New Initiative to Fight Hate Crimes to be Included in the Upcoming Budget

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January 24, 2020 edition

The new initiative includes a proposal to enact a Domestic Terror Act as announced during the Governor’s visit on January 1 to Williamsburg. 

Brooklyn, NY –Governor Cuomo announced his budget proposal for the coming year, which is to be passed in April. The Governor also announced several proposals to better fight hate crimes, including $20 million for a new round of grants for security funding as well as $25 million for the same in matching funds to protect institutions, schools, and community centers. Also included is $2 million earmarked for the Hate Crimes Task Force, which was established in 2018. The additional funding will help bolster the Hate Crimes Task Force activities so as to allow it to better monitor the threat of hate and violence, including that brought out through social media. 

Additionally, the Governor is working towards having the legislature enact the Domestic Act of Terror Act to turn a hate crime into a felony. This means that the punishment of someone convicted of a hate crime can be life in prison without parole. 

During his visit, the mayor also discussed his proposed legislation regarding domestic terrorists saying that terrorists shouldn’t have to arrive by airplane only to have to face these kinds of penalties. This type of punishment should also apply to domestic terrorists as well. 

“I thank Governor Cuomo for taking decisive action to stop the rise in hate crimes, which has already, unfortunately, claimed lives,” says Rabbi David Niederman, UJO executive director and president.

Nearly 50 Mosdos Representatives Participated in Security Grant Seminar Arranged by UJO and Assemblyman Lentol

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January 24, 2020 edition

UJO expresses thanks to Pupa for providing the space for this important and enlightening meeting, which was of great benefit to the community. Attendees heard informative presentations on how to successfully apply for the SCAHC Grants. Presenters included JCRC-NY representative, State Homeland Security Director, and a representative of the governor’s office. A program to help institutions get loans to enable them to cover the initial costs of the security equipment until the funding can be reimbursed was also presented by the Hebrew Free Loan Society. 

Brooklyn, NY –Around fifty yeshiva representatives participated last week, Thursday, January 16, in the informative seminar on how to apply for the newest security grants made available to religious institutions. The workshop was headed by the UJO together with Assemblyman Joe Lentol and took place at the main office of Pupa Yeshiva of Williamsburg. For close to two hours, participants received valuable insights on the process of how to successfully apply for the state security grant, which yeshivas are eligible for so as to protect their institutions from hate crimes. 

Governor Cuomo recently announced the release of $25 million in security funding for yeshivas, camps, museums, and community centers as well as an additional $25 million in matching funds also for security of the same. 

“I would like to express a heartfelt thank you for arranging this seminar to Assemblyman Lentol, who has served his constituents with exemplary devotion for decades,” says Rabbi David Niederman, UJO executive director and president. “He is especially devoted to fighting to protect our children and their yeshivas. I would also like to thank Mr. David Pollack from JCRC-NY for arranging this beneficial program and Mr. Michael Snow for his assistance in bringing these very important presentations to Williamsburg and for participating and always being here for the community. A special thank you is due as well to Mrs. Shelley Wahrlich, Director of Homeland Security Grants, and her staff for coming and providing important information. Thank you as well to Mr. Carson from Grants Gateway and Mr. Daren Scott from the Hebrew Free Loan Society for their presentations.”

US Jewish War Hero Who Helped a Group of Hungarian Jewish Survivors Following WWII Dies at the Age of 95

 Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January  24, 2020 edition

Four years ago, U.S. Pilot, Mr. Alan Golub, had a reunion in Pesach Tikvah in  Williamsburg with a number of the women he took heroic measures to help by providing them with food and clothing following the Holocaust.



A heroic Jewish American pilot has died at the age of 95. Mr. Alan Golub jeopardized his financial well-being while in a foreign county following World War II to help a group of young, frum Hungarian Jewish refugees at Eschwege Displaced Person’s Camp, a former German air force base in the Frankfurt district of the American-occupied zone. 

Four years ago, Pesach Tikvah arranged for the emotional reunion of Mr. Golub with a number of the women he had helped when they were young girls in Eschwege. Their extended families were on hand as well to thank Mr. Golub for his generous actions.

“The reunion in Williamsburg was really the highlight of Alan’s life,” a close family member told the UJO. “His feeling of happiness with being reunited with these women was something special. A big thank you is due to UJO for playing a role in bringing this story to light even though Alan never sought recognition for what he had done.”

Those who have now heard the story will always remember his great and heroic deeds.

Tehei Nishmasa Tzerura BeTzror HaChaim!

Photo: Rabbi David Niederman with representatives from Pesach Tikvah

Link to UJO article written in 2015 about the heartwarming reunion Mr. Golub had with the survivors he had helped in WWII https://ujocolumn.blogspot.com/search?q=Golub

A publication for Holocaust survivors with an article about Mr. Golub and his heroic efforts

http://unitedjewish.org/assets/pdf/holocaust-survior-newsletter-1.pdf

NY Times article about the 2015 reunion

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/09/nyregion/a-pilot-and-holocaust-survivors-bound-by-the-fabric-of-war-are-reunited-in-brooklyn.html

UJO Holds Way to Succeed Event to Assist Those Looking to Take Steps Towards a Successful Career

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January 24, 2020 edition


The event will take place on Thursday evening, January 23, in the Pardes Faiga Hall.

Renowned experts and speakers in the business and job finding field will provide valuable information for those looking to grow a business or find a job. Booths designated to job openings and for acquiring business loans will be available on-site to attendees.  


Williamsburg will be hosting the Way to Succeed job initiative event on Thursday evening, January 23. Participants will hear from renowned job and business experts who will give informative directions to assist attendees who are seeking a job, trying to find a better position,   or looking to start their own business.   

The UJO arranged the evening to serve as a major opportunity for those looking for new job opportunities after many job seekers expressed an interest in such a forum. The seminar will help them acquire the necessary information regarding the best way to go about looking for the right job or what one needs to know before starting one’s own business, among other illuminating pieces of information.  

UJO has held workforce development initiatives for more than twenty years, helping countless individuals to find and obtain new job opportunities successfully.

New York Police Department Chief of Patrol Meets with UJO, Shomrim and Community Leaders in Williamsburg

The Chief of Patrol assured attendees that police will remain on high alert throughout Williamsburg to protect against anti-Semitic attacks.

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January 17, 2020 edition

Brooklyn, NY – On Monday, January 13, the Chief of Patrol of the New York Police Department came down to Williamsburg for a meeting with UJO, Shomrim, and a number of neighborhood community leaders. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the ongoing fight against anti-Semitism and security in the neighborhood. Chief of Brooklyn North Chief, Jeffrey Maddrey, and Chief Fausto Pichardo, who recently started in his new post as Assistant Chief and executive officer of the Patrol Services Bureau, wanted to meet with local community leaders. They came together with Pinny Ringel, community liaison from the Mayor’s office.

Rabbi David Niederman, UJO executive director and president, welcomed the police chief and thanked him for the increased security. Rabbi Niederman asked specifically that the police man a dedicated police booth on Shabbos so residents can go over to report incidents and suspicious activity. 

The Williamsburg community is suffering from a spike in anti-Semitic attacks. Often, hate crimes go unreported. Residents should make sure to report any incidents without delay. For instance, there was an incident that took place on Shabbos, January 11, where a stone was thrown into a Jewish owned home went unreported until after Shabbos. Unfortunately, at that late time, the police were no longer able to investigate and follow through on the report.

Anyone who suffers harassment or an attack must report it by calling 911. Victims can also call Shomrim at (718) 237-0202 or the UJO at (718) 643-9700 both organizations work closely with the police to help make sure the reports are treated with the seriousness deserved.

UJO Held a Security Workshop to Assist Religious Institutions in Applications for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January 17, 2020 edition

Brooklyn, NY –The UJO held a seminar on Thursday, January 16, for religious institutions such as yeshivas, camps​,​ and community centers to apply for the newly released Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant. In order to assist these institutions in the complicated application procedure, UJO and JCRC held the workshop at the Puppa offices together with a representative from the governor's office.

The newly released grant announced by the governor will allow religious institutions to enhance their security through measures such as improved doors, exit controls alarms, cameras improved exterior lighting, gates and fences, and security training along with other allowable measures.

Arranged through a joint effort of UJO and Assemblyman Joe Lentol, the seminar included presentations and step-by-step directions. Representatives were on hand to provide information for religious institutions on how to apply for the state grant to protect their building’s occupants from hate crimes.

 

Police Will Start Reporting Hate Crimes in CompStat System

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January 10, 2020 edition

The police department will now list hate crimes in the CompStat crime tracking system.

The push for the initiative to start tracking hate crimes in the CompStat crime tracking system came through City Council. The campaign was organized by Councilman Mark Treyger following the huge uptick in anti-Semitic attacks which NYC has been suffering from.  Councilmen Chaim Deutsch and Kalman Yeger also worked on legislation to request this change from the police department.

UJO has also appealed to the police department to provide information to the public on those arrested and their subsequent prosecution for these crimes.

UJO thanks Councilman Chaim Deutsch, the Chair of the Jewish Caucus and Councilman  KalmanYeger, Councilman Mark Treygor, and their colleagues for working on this bill.

Perpetrator of Anti-Semitic Attack Held On Bail

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January 10, 2020 edition

UJO thanks Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez for requesting a $50,000 bail. 


An anti-Semitic assault and robbery took place on Wednesday, January 1. The victim was beaten and robbed of his phone on Broadway and Gerry Street. The 22-year-old said the attackers made anti-Semitic remarks and threatened to kill him before he was punched in the throat. The two suspects, a 34-year-old woman and a 24-year-old woman, were taken into custody on Broadway and Rutledge Street shortly after the attack thanks to the quick action of Shomrim and the police.

The 34-year-old has been charged with robbery, aggravated harassment/hate crime, assault and criminal mischief and was ordered held on $10,000 bail. The other suspect was taken into custody but not charged.

“Thanks are due to  Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez for for requesting a $50,000 bail on this case to further ensure that there are consequences for those who perpetrate anti-Semitic attacks and hate crimes against whichever community such attacks take place” said UJO in a statement.

The Williamsburg community is suffering from a spike in anti-Semitic attacks recently. It is important that anyone who suffers harassment or an attack should report it by calling 911. Victims can also call Shomrim at (718) 237-0202 or the UJO at  (718) 643-9700 both organizations work closely with the police in order to help make sure the reports are treated with the seriousness deserved.

Mayor de Blasio and Police Chief Monahan Meet With Jewish Leaders in a Closed Door Meeting in Boro Park

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January 10, 2020 edition



A meeting took place the day after the New Year to discuss better protection within the Orthodox communities. Community leaders had the opportunity for frank discussion with Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Police Chief Terence A. Monahan regarding what other measures are needed to fight hate crimes. UJO participated in the conference as well which took place at Hatzoloh’s headquarters in Boro Park

 “ By the mayor adding more police to the places under attack,” Rabbi David Niederman, UJO executive director and president, was quoted in the press after the gathering. “He is demonstrating his understanding that it is different than it was before. It used to be safe for us in our communities, but unfortunately, that is no longer the case.”  

Governor Cuomo Makes Impromptu Visit to Williamsburg

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid's January 10, 2020 edition

In the wake of the stabbing in Monsey and the rise of other recent anti-Semitic attacks, Governor Andrew Cuomo paid a visit to Williamsburg as an expression of support for the Orthodox community. The governor addressed a crowd in front of the Satmar synagogue before touring the streets accompanied by Rabbi David Niederman, UJO executive director, and president. Cuomo spoke to residents and announced that he had directed State Police to increase patrols to assure further security in Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods. He also announced the release of additional State security funding to protect yeshivas and other institutions. The visit took place on New Year's day, on the fifth anniversary of the passing of Governor Mario Cuomo, the governor's father. 

"The Jewish Community is very important to me personally," Governor Cuomo said. "Everybody feels very upset and disturbed about what happened, and everybody stands in solidarity with you. So I'm here today, not just for me, I'm here representing all the people of the State of New York who want to say they're sorry about the tragedy and they stand with you in total solidarity and love, because that's what we are."

"We thank the governor for coming to express solidarity and support for the community," Rabbi David Niederman said, "especially on such an auspicious day, the first day of the decade and on the fifth anniversary of his father's passing. This demonstrates how strongly the governor is committed to fighting against hate crimes.

"We are thankful for the State funding to help yeshivas and other religious institutions, and we look forward to stricter laws to be able to bring violent criminals to justice." 

Pictured 
-Governor Cuomo  speaking outside of the Satmar shul

-Governor Cuomo touring the streets with Rabbi Neiderman

Heads Up on Census 2020

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January 10, 2020 edition

Census 2020 will begin in less than 3 months. We need to make sure that our community counts!

UJO Works with Police and Elected Officials to Strengthen Security in the Neighborhood, to Provide Protection for Schools and Public Places

Excerpt from Yiddish article in Der Yid’s January 3, 2020 edition





In the aftermath of the horrifying stabbing in Monsey UJO works to strengthen the overall  security of Williamsburg

Brooklyn, NY – United Jewish Organization of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn has been in discussions with police since the terrible attack in Monsey at a Rabbi’s home on Saturday night, December 28. The discussions have been ongoing regarding bringing maximum protection to the Williamsburg area. UJO stood with Mayor de Blasio as he announced that he will be taking more measures to fight hate crimes. Subsequently, Senator Chuck Schumer announced a significant increase in funding to protect yeshivas, shuls, etc. and is calling for a quadrupling of this funding. Additionally, Attorney General Tish James announced the formation of a special hotline and division to further combat hate in NYC.



Police Commissioner Makes Impromptu Visit to Williamsburg to Observe Security

On the request of UJO that more police protection is needed, Police Commissioner Dermoth Shea made an impromptu visit to Williamsburg on Tuesday, December 31, to observe security. UJO plans to work in coordination with Shomrim and JCRC-NY in the upcoming weeks to provide information and advice to yeshivas and schools on how to improve security measures.

Subsequent to the terrible stabbing terrorist attack which took place at the house of a Monsey rabbi on December 28, UJO has stepped up discussions with the police and elected officials. The ongoing dialogue is in regards to the measure needed to strengthen the security in Williamsburg in order to better protect yeshivas, shuls, and public areas. These are part of the ongoing efforts being discussed to combat the increase in anti-Semitism that already has, unfortunately, claimed lives and injured many.

Williamsburg’s local police chief reiterated the importance of being constantly aware and reporting if one sees something unusual. It was through just such an action that the perpetrator of last week’s heinous terrorist attack was caught after his license plate was reported and subsequently caught on camera when he crossed a bridge into New York City.



Mayor de Blasio Announces Increased Police Presence in Williamsburg



On Sunday afternoon, December 29, an announcement was made by Mayor de Blasio regarding an increased police presence for Williamsburg and Boro Park. Additionally, it was announced that there will more light towers and security cameras provided for the precincts in these areas.



UJO Attends Meeting with Senator Schumer

On Monday afternoon, December 30, Rabbi David Niederman, UJO Executive Director, and President attended a meeting with Senator Chuck Schumer. Senator Schumer announced a recently passed NPSG grant increase to $90 million to protect houses of worships, schools and community centers and also called for a further quadrupling of funding to prevent hate attacks in the wake of the Monsey stabbing and hate attacks to better protect yeshivas and schools.

Pictured:  Rabbi David Niederman, UJO Executive Director and President speaking at the press conference with Senator Chuck Schumer

JCRC-NY announced this week that they hired Mitchell D. Silber – former Director of Intelligence Analysis at the New York City Police Department as executive director of the Community Security Initiative, a new position created as part of JCRC-NY’s $4 million plan to help secure Jewish institutions in the New York region.

 In the coming weeks, UJO plans to work with local police, Shomrim, and JCRC-NY to provide continued information and advice on how to better protect yeshivas and shuls.

“I want to thank the Mayor, Police Commissioner, and the top city leaders who were personally involved in finding the meant to strengthen the security in our neighborhoods and other Jewish neighborhoods,” says Rabbi David Niederman, UJO Executive Director and President. “I also want to thank Senator Schumer for his strong initiative to help in protecting our area as well as Attorney General Tish James for establishing the hate crime hotline.We are thankful for their leadership, and we continue to be in touch with City Hall, Assistant Chief Jeffrey Maddrey of Brooklyn North, 90 precinct Commander  Captain Mark Vaszuez and 79th precinct  Captain Timothy J. Skretch to ensure the maximum protection in the neighborhood.

“I also want to thank Councilman Stephen Levin for being on top of the issue since Saturday night, December 28, in ensuring maximum security for the neighborhood. I want to especially thank Lincoln Restler, the Mayor’s Chief-of-staff for his work together with the Police Commissioner in ensuring that our neighborhood receives the necessary resources for protection.

“At the same time, we call upon yeshivas and shuls to take the issue of security seriously. In the meantime, UJO will work to bring more assistance and advice on how to increase security measures. All yeshivas and shuls are obligated to take additional security measures upon themselves even though we know that ultimately ‘The Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps’ (Psalms 121:4) and that is where our true protection is. Nonetheless, we are required to make our best effort to protect our children and the community. Unfortunately, we are seeing what can happen, G-d forbid. In both recent incidences, in Jersey City and in Monsey, much more horrible outcomes were prevented, thank G-d, as a result of locked doors. It is the responsibility of leaders and activists in public areas to take steps for all to be better protected.”

Reporting any type of attack is important for many reasons. A recent example took place last week when a group attacked two young children in the elevator in their own building. Police and Shomrim took the report, and then UJO spoke to the commanders and demanded a quick resolution. The police immediately went down to review the cameras in the building. UJO thanks the 90th precinct and PSA3 commanders for ensuring that the report was thoroughly investigated and dealt with, relieving the residents from their fears.

The motto that we should be aware of and practice is If you see something, say something.  It is important to make sure to report each and every incident. During speech after speech of our elected officials, they bring up the constant themes of how important it is to report anything suspicious. By reporting even something minor, one may very well be stopping a crime before it happens and becomes something much more dangerous. UJO works together with Shomrim and offers assistant to anyone who feels they can benefit from their presence so as to make sure reports are given the appropriate credence and filed appropriately. To report anything suspicious or any type of attack, call the Shomrim hotline (718) 871-6666 or UJO at (718) 643-9700.