Assemblyman Lentol Applauds The United Jewish Organizations Of Williamsburg, American Red Cross, Williamsburg Shomrim & Hatzolah of Williamsburg for Fire Prevention Work

Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol (D-North Brooklyn) applauded the exemplary community work of  The United Jewish Organizations Of Williamsburg (UJO), American Red Cross, Williamsburg Shomrim, and Hatzolah of Williamsburg in working to prevent fires. On Sunday, February 28^th, these three organizations held a smoke detector drive, where they installed 250 smoke detectors in homes throughout Williamsburg. The UJO was instrumental in establishing the partnership between the various organizations.

Fire prevention is one of the most important safety concerns in New York City. Not only did the groups install smoke detectors but they also educated residents on how to prevent fires, and reduce fire deaths and injuries.

“With over eight million people in such a small place, fires are bound to happen. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to prevent fires. The smoke detectors that the UJO, American Red Cross, Williamsburg Shomrim, and Hatzolah of Williamsburg provided these families are essential to reducing fire related deaths and injuries. We also can’t forget about the devastating effect fire has on families even when people are not injured. Losing one’s belongings can be overwhelming,” Lentol said.

Over the past few months a number of fires in North Brooklyn have displaced families and caused deaths and injuries. To address the problem, Assemblyman Lentol will co-host a fire safety presentation on Thursday, March 10^th at 6:30pm at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy at 12 Newell Street, Brooklyn, along with the FDNY, the Mayor’s Office and local elected officials. 

“With the rash of fires in the neighborhood, I thought it would be appropriate to educate my constituents on the importance of fire prevention measures. I am hopeful that this fire safety presentation will save lives. Luckily, we have the best first-responders in the nation. When one of the most recent fires occurred, Hatzolah of Williamsburg came all the way to Greenpoint to help. This speaks to the unwavering support that our first-responders provide to those in need,” Lentol concluded.


Assemblyman Lentol joining Rabbi David Niederman, and leaders and members of Red Cross, Hatzolah and Shomrim during the Fire Alarm Installation Drive 

Source: Press Release by office of Assemblyman Joe Lentol.

March 4, 2016 Column: Hundreds of Fire Alarms Installed in Williamsburg Drive by the Red Cross, UJO, Hatzolah and Shomrim

The March 4th column, also reported on the very-successful Smoke Alarm Drive, last Sunday, conducted by the Red Cross, the UJO, Williamsburg Hatzolah and Shomrim. Hundreds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were installed in Williamburg.

The free smoke alarms were enabled thanks to the #GetAlarmedNYC initiative by the NYC Council announced by Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Councilman Chaim Deutsch, after the terrible tragedy that took lives of the Sasoon family almost a year ago in Flatbush, jointly with Mayor de Blasio, the FDNY Foundation and the Red Cross of NY. Assemblyman Lentol was present at the kickoff of the drive, Sunday morning, expressing his strong support for the life-saving effort.

At a meeting arranged by Senator Daniel Squadron about two years ago, the UJO of Williamsbnurg formed a strong partnership with the Red Cross of NY, together with the Williamsburg Hatzolah and Shomrim, under which the volunteers are training with the Red Cross and are joining the Red Cross Volunteer network to respond to disasters. This partnership let to this very successful fire alarm drive, to make Williamsburg homes safer.

"I'm thankful to the Red Cross for undertaking this drive, working closely with us to protect hundreds of families. A special thanks for the devoted volunteers, and the volunteers of Shomrim headed by Coordinator Yanki Itzkowitz, for devoting so much time and efforts for this drive; and for the Hatzolah headed by Coordinator Yom Tov Malik, for opening their garage for the drive," said Rabbi Niederman, UJO President.

"A special thanks to Captain Garfield Richards of the Red Cross and Kelly McKinney, Red Cross Emergency Manager, for leading the drive, and all their co-volunteers," Rabbi Niederman added.

"I also want to thank Senator Squadron for forming the close collaboration of the UJO with the Red Cross, together with Hatzolah and Shomrim. It was very helpful during fires and it led to this successful drive. I also want to thank Assembklyman Lentol for participating at the event to give his support for it."

"I thank Speaker Viverito, Councilman Chaim Deutsch and the entire City Council for passing the initiative to provide free fire alarms to save lives, and Mayor de Balsio and the Fire Department for joining this initiative," Rabbi Niederman concluded.

Due to the demand of hundreds of families who pre-registered, a number of additional drives are planned to install alarms in those apartments who pre-registered but the teams didn't get to them yet.

 

March 4, 2016 Column: Meeting with HRA Commissioner and Councilman Levin to Discuss Career Training for the... by United Jewish Column

UJO Thanks DEP for Completing Sewer Main Replacement Work on Rodney Street in Two weeks; UJO Holds Holocaust Survivors Women's Luncheon

 In another item of March 4's column (p. 30, middle of page), the UJO thanked the New York City DEP for completing the sewer main replacement work on Rodney Street in two weeks, as promised during a meeting with Councilman Levin, UJO, and Associate Commissioner Eric Landau, in the offices of the main Satmar shul on that street.

Last year, a DEP project affected adversely the traffic on this busy street during the Purim and Passover season. At the meeting, Mr. Landau promised that the project will only take a couple of weeks and it will be completed way before the Purim holiday.

"On behalf of the residents of Rodney Street, the Satmar Congregation and numerous shul-goers there, we thank the DEP for completing the important reconstruction of the sewer infrastructure so rapidly, minimizing the affects and inconveniences on the street. We express a special thanks to Associate Commissioner Mr. Eric Landau for assuring that the impacts of the project are kept to minimal, and to Councilman Levin for his intervention on this mater," said Rabbi David Niederman, UJO President. 

*

Another item on that page (bottom left shaded box) reported on the Seniors and Holocaust Survivors Women's Luncheon that UJO will hold on Monday, March 7, 2016.

The program will include a Historic Presentation via the Kleinman Holocaust Education Center, a Slide Presentation from the Past, Musical Entertainment, Scrumptious Meal, and more. 

March 4, 2016 Column: Meeting with HRA Commissioner and Councilman Levin to Discuss Career Training for the... by United Jewish Column

March 4, 2016 Column: Meeting with HRA Commissioner and Councilman Levin to Discuss Career Training for the Community

UJO's column in Der Yid's March 4th, 2016 issue (p. 28), reported on a meeting arranged by Councilman Stephen Levin, with HRA Commissioner Steve Banks, to discuss better workforce opportunities for the Haredi Community in the city.

The effort to bring better training programs is led by Rabbi Moshe Wiener of JCC of Greater Coney Island, together with the UJO, Borough Park JCC led by Rabbi Yeruchem Silber, and Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush, which was represented by Rabbi Leon Weltz and Rabbi Leon Goldenberg. In addition to the above, the meeting was attended by Rabbi Dovid Yoseph Tahler of Agudas Israel Community Services, and Ms. Roth-Kohn of the UJA. Mr. Avi Fink, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Mayor de Blasio, and Mr. Simcha Eichenstein.

"I'm utmost thankful to Councilman Levin for arranging the meeting, and for Commissioner Bank's understanding of the importance of these classes, and for committing to continue this discussion how to bring better training programs to the community. I also express my appreciation to Avi Fink of the Mayor's office and Simcha Eichenstein - who is working with devotion for the community - for making the meeting a success, and for Rabbi Wiener and all JCCs and organizations who worked with us to study and present the issue and need for additional training classes," Said Rabbi David Niederman, UJO President.

"I feel that this is an important step to be able to bring additional training for decent jobs for the community, Go-d willing."

 

March 4, 2016 Column: Meeting with HRA Commissioner and Councilman Levin to Discuss Career Training for the...

Williamsburg Jewish Community - Built on the Holocaust Ashes - Remembers U.S. Service-Members' Assistance During and After Holocaust

New York Times Covers Recent Reunion of Williamsburg Survivors with Service Member who Fed and Dressed them Immediately after the War

Williamsburg - Veterans Day - when we all reflect on the heroic, selfless service of our service-members to our country - has a special meaning to the Jewish community in Williamsburg, built on the ashes of the Holocaust by a small number of Holocaust survivors. The community remembers the key role that the US Military played ending the holocaust, ending the annihilation of the Jewish People in Europe, and the tremendous help and care that US Service Members extended to the survivors immediately after their liberation.

Two weeks ago, an emotional reunion took place in Williamsburg between survivors, many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a U.S. Pilot, Mr. Alan Golub, whom they thanked for providing them food and clothing after the holocaust. On his own initiative, Mr. Golub saved them from hunger and returned their dignity. The reunion was covered in Sunday's NY Times.

 Alan Golub and his P-51 Mustang fighter plane

The UJO’s President Rabbi David Niederman said: ”Lt. Golub is just one of our country’s incredible members of the military. He went unrecognized for 70 years, until he was reunited with the survivors thanks to the interest of a family member. There are many more service-members with similar stories that we don't even know. They didn't do it for fame, but to make the world a better place. As we mark Veteran’s Day, we recognize Lt. Golub’s and all his fellow WWII vets, many of whom are still with us, for their selfless service. We owe all U.S. veterans our deep gratitude and appreciation for enabling us to enjoy the freedoms we all hold so dear. We continue to pray for all service members in the line of duty to continue spread freedom successfully, and return home to their families safely and healthy."

The survivors with the dresses secured by Mr. Golub - in the photo presented to him as a token of appreciation

1)    The back of the photo with the survivors’ names, according to the numbers on the photos, and their thank you note presented at the time to Mr. Golub

Mr. Golub, surrounded by survivors he helped, and their families

L. to R. Dr. Iriving Shindler, Executive Director of Pesach Tikva, Mr. Alan Golub, Rabbi David Niederman, Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Zalmen Kotzen Director of Geriatric Services

 

Assemblyman Lentol and Community Board 1 Members Do Site Visit with Brooklyn Borough DOT Commissioner to Discuss Traffic Concerns at Wythe Avenue, Flushing Avenue Intersections.

Assemblyman Joe Lentol (D – North Brooklyn) met with Rabbi Abe Perlstein, First Vice Chair of Community Board 1, Simon Weiser, Co-Chair of the Community Board’s Transportation Committee, Gerry Esposito, the Community Board’s District Manager, and Brooklyn Borough Department of Transportation Commissioner Keith Bray last week for a site visit to review the traffic congestion and safety problems at the intersection of Wythe Avenue and Williamsburg Street West and at the Flushing Avenue exit on the eastbound side of the BQE.

“The problem is that you have traffic exiting the BQE and merging with traffic from Williamsburg Street West,” said Lentol.  “Half the people want to turn on Wythe Avenue and half want to go straight through, but the merge is what makes it difficult.  As for Flushing Avenue, the backup during peak hours is tremendous and a huge inconvenience for people who get stuck there.  We’re trying to find creative solutions to these problems.”

(left to right) Rabbi Abe Perlstein, Samuel Stern, Simon Weiser, DOT Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Keith Bray, Assemblyman Joe Lentol, and CB 1 District Manager Gerry Esposito

The community Board members agreed that it was a productive meeting.

“I'm thankful to Brooklyn CB1 Chair Dealice Fuller and Manager Gerry Esposito for arranging for the on-site visit.  A special thanks to Borough Commissioner Keith Bray for making the time for the visit, and thoroughly analyzing the problem and possible solutions,” said Rabbi Abraham Perlstein, First Vice Chair of Community Board.  “We were pleasantly surprised that on a quiet August Friday, Assemblyman Lentol was on call and hard at work, showing up to assisting in improving the traffic and safety in the area.”

“The bottleneck at the BQE Flushing Avenue exit is unbearable to the neighborhood, and it often backs up the BQE.  The Wythe Avenue exit also needs improvements.  I'm thankful to DOT Borough Commissioner Bray for taking his time to review the problems, and for working on improvement to mitigate the traffic nightmare on Flushing Avenue,” said Rabbi David Niederman, President of the UJO of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn.  “A special shout out to Assemblyman Joe Lentol, for his personal devotion to improve the traffic movement in the area, by securing funding for the South Williamsburg Transportation Study, working on trouble-blocks in the area, and for joining us now to review and seek solutions for the traffic issues at the BQE exits.  I'm also very thankful to the Community Board Chair Fuller, Manager Esposito, and the members who are working tirelessly on these issues.”

Source: Press Release by Assemblyman Lentol's office.

Assemblyman Lentol Meets with Community Leaders, NYPD’s Top Brass, and Other Elected Officials to Discuss the Recent Spate of Hate Crimes Against the Hasidic Jewish Community in South Williamsburg

Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol (D-North Brooklyn) met last week with Rabbi David Niederman, Director of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn; Williamsburg Shomrim; New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) 90^th Precinct Commanding Officer Mark DiPaolo and Patrol Borough Brooklyn North Commanding Officer Assistant Chief Jeffrey Maddrey; Senator Daniel Squadron; Senator Martin Dilan; Assemblywoman Maritza Davila; and representatives from Council Member Steve Levin’s Office, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Office and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams’ Office to discuss the recent spate of hate crimes on members of the Hasidic Jewish community within South Williamsburg.

There have been several incidents over the last few months in which Hasidic Jewish community members have been paintballed, attacked with bottles, and otherwise physically assaulted. The meeting was called at the request of Rabbi Niederman to discuss how the community could become more involved in preventing these heinous crimes.

NYPD top brass stressed the importance of using video cameras in the apprehension of perpetrators and also voiced how important it is for private security cameras to be in working order, as many times crimes are solved using their footage. While the group determined that video cameras act not only as a great tool for finding perpetrators, they are also a valuable deterrent and create a greater sense of safety in any community. The elected officials pledged to work together on an education campaign to inform residents of the value of having working security cameras and are in the process of securing additional funding to purchase more cameras for the area.

“We all came together because there is no better way to solve problems than with a broad coalition. No person should be subject to an assault – no matter their religion or the color of their skin. I know these perpetrators will be caught and I know that the NYPD and the Williamsburg Shomrim are hard at work to prevent any future attacks,” Lentol said.

Source: Press Release by Assemblyman Lentol's office

For additional coverage of the meeting see: http://jpupdates.com/2015/07/14/city-officials-meet-with-williamsburg-jewish-community-leaders-to-discuss-recent-hate-crimes/


R to L: Assemblyman Joel Lentol, Piny Ringel of Mayor de Blasio's CAU, Councilman Levin's Deputy Chief of Staff Casey Adams, Senator Marty Dilan and his Legislative Director Charvey Gonzalez, Inspector Patrick Keane of Special Victims Unit, CO of 90th Precinct Deputy Inspector Mark DiPaolo, Patrol Borough Brooklyn North Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, Rabbi Abe Friedman of Borough President Eric Adams' office



From center clock wise: Assemblyman Lentol's Communication Directory Edward Baker, State Senator Squadron's Communications Director Dan Weisfeld, UJO President Rabbi David Niederman, Williamsburg Shomrim Coordinator Mr. Yanky Itzkowitz, Rabbi Friedman, Chief Maddrey, Deputy Inspector DiPaolo, Inspector Keane, Rabbi Fisher, Mr. Gonzalez, Senator Dilan, Mr. Adams, Mr. Ringel, Assemblyman Lentol, State Senator Daniel Squadron, Councilman Marc Levine, Assemblywoman Maritza Davilla, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito's Jewish Liaison Jennie Berger