COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Community Highlights

NYS Education Department Closes Two Williamsburg Yeshivos

The Jewish community of Williamsburg was shocked to discover that, in its campaign against yeshivos, the New York State Education Department has stripped public funding from two yeshivos – Yeshiva Bnei Yisroel of Shopron and Talmud Torah of Kasho – for failure to adhere to state educational standards. The Department has also ordered parents in these yeshivos to enroll their children in other schools. This action has effectively closed these two yeshivos. This occurred despite a New York court ruling in 2023 that declared the NYSED did not have the authority to force parents to switch their children from the schools of their choice. However, that decision was reversed on appeal, and the case is now headed to New York’s highest court for a final ruling.

Shomrim Helps NYPD Bust Counterfeit Ring

In response to reports from merchants in Flatbush and Boro Park about businesses being victimized by a counterfeit ring, Boro Park Shomrim volunteers analyzed surveillance footage to identify the culprits who were paying store owners with fake money in exchange for expensive merchandise. While tailing him, one of the Shomrim volunteers recognized a suspect and carefully alerted other Shomrim volunteers and the NYPD. After gathering enough evidence, the police quickly arrested four suspects at Kings Highway and East 14th Street, where they were found with counterfeit bills.

Mayor Adams’ Bold Vision for Coney Island

In his fourth State of the City Address, New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled the next stage of his ambitious vision for Coney Island, which, when completed, will result in the creation of 1,500 additional housing units, the start of a $42 million renovation of the Abe Stark Sports Center, and the reconstruction of the world-famous Riegelmann Boardwalk. The Mayor stated that this project for Coney Island West will go a long way in making New York City the best, most affordable place to raise a family. He said, “Coney Island is America’s playground — home to iconic venues and parks, countless small businesses, and a hard-working community. Our administration is advancing a vision to turn this waterfront district into a great place to live, work, and play, contributing to making New York City the best place to raise a family.”

Community Board 12 Push to Name Street for Misaskim Founder

Two years after the petirah of Yanky Meyer, founder of Misaskim, a campaign by Community Board 12 in Boro Park to have a one-block stretch of 16th Avenue (between 58th and 59th Streets, where Misaskim’s office is located) co-named Rabbi Jack Yanky Meyer Way is coming closer to reality. The effort has garnered the support of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Community Board 12 Chairman Yidel Perlstein declared that Meyer was “a true pillar of chessed… I cherished his friendship and am heartened to see his legacy live on.”

Rabbi Leib Kelman Honored for Half-Century of Service

The recent Bnos Leah Prospect Park Dinner paid special tribute to Rabbi and Rebbetzin Leib Kelman for 50 years of service to one of America’s premier girls’ schools, following in the footsteps of his father, Rabbi Avrohom Kelman, zt”l. The dinner, held at Kol Yaakov Hall, honored Rabbi Kelman for his dedication, inspiration, and vision, which have guided thousands of talmidos to become proud Jewish women in communities worldwide.

DOJ Drops Federal Probe of NYC Mayor Adams

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), under newly elected President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, has instructed the Southern District of New York to drop its charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The charges were dropped for several reasons, including the argument that the charges were retaliation for the Mayor’s strong criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis, which he claimed was harming New York City.

Governor Hochul Hints at Removal of Mayor Adams

The recent decision by the DOJ to drop federal charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams does not guarantee the mayor’s political future is secure. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has left open the possibility that she might use her power to remove Mayor Adams from office due to allegations that the Trump administration helped the mayor in exchange for a commitment to assist President Trump’s immigration policies in New York City, an official sanctuary city for illegal immigrants. Mayor Adams’ cooperation with the federal Department of Homeland Security is unpopular with most of the New York City Council and Governor Hochul.

State Senator Opposes Government Control of Maimonides Medical Center

Brooklyn State Senator Simcha Felder has publicly opposed Governor Kathy Hochul’s pressure to transform Maimonides Medical Center in Boro Park into a government-run facility. Senator Felder agrees that “Maimonides needs improvement, but becoming a city-run hospital is certainly not the answer. What would it mean for us? More bureaucracy, longer wait times, worse care. Our community deserves better.” Senator Felder urges Boro Park residents to do everything they can to resist what he calls a “terrible merger.”

Pupa Community’s Cheaper Wedding Options

For many parents, the joy of marrying off a child is challenged by the high costs of a wedding. The Pupa Chassidic community plans to offer its families more affordable wedding options in Boro Park and Williamsburg. This plan was recently announced at the Pupa annual melaveh malkah. Smaller weddings at affordable prices are available at the Kesser Tzvi Hall on Wilson Street. Once the Pupa Talmud Torah building is completed, more affordable Pupa weddings will be offered to families in Boro Park.