Agudath Israel Advocacy Continues To Ease WayÂ
for Arba’ah Minim
As in past years, Agudath Israel of America’s Washington office has worked closely with agencies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help avoid potential problems for travelers carrying arba’ahminim. The Transportation Security Administration notice makes clear that the arba’ah minim carried in airports, through security checkpoints, or on aircraft are not on the “prohibited items list” and provides instructions for travelers needing “special accommodations” in regard to checkpoint screening. The Customs and Border Protection guidance sets forth detailed information regarding the inspection process for arba’ah minim entering the United States from foreign countries and points out that the agency is “committed to treating all travelers, including travelers who may be observing Sukkot, with respect and dignity at all U.S. ports of entry.”
Security Cameras
At Lawrence,
Cedarhurst LIRR Stations
Security cameras have been installed and are fully operational at both the Cedarhurst and Lawrence Long Island Railroad stations. Following multiple incidents of hate graffiti at both LIRR stations, Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky advocated strongly for these security cameras.
Days after Assemblyman Kaminsky took office in January, a swastika was found etched into a pane of glass at the Cedarhurst LIRR station. Kaminsky alerted the LIRR, who immediately removed the offending graffiti. The assemblyman then requested that the LIRR install security cameras at the Cedarhurst station to prevent future incidents. Just days later, on January 12, hate graffiti was again found at the same station. Assemblyman Kaminsky repeated his calls for security cameras and in February 2015 his request was heeded–the LIRR agreed to install cameras.
Later, an additional incident of hate graffiti was discovered on August 10 at the Lawrence LIRR station. Kaminsky again repeated his calls to the LIRR for security cameras, stating that clearly they are necessary in order to deter future hate crimes and to assist law enforcement in prosecuting the responsible individuals. “I commend the LIRR for installing these security cameras and for standing with me to eradicate hate graffiti,” said Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky. “The most effective way to prevent hate speech from spreading is to stop it from happening in the first place. Cameras provide a great measure of deterrence and send a message that hate speech will not be tolerated.”
In a January letter, Senior Councilman Anthony Santino and Councilman Bruce Blakeman also called for Mr. Thomas F. Prendergast, chairman and CEO of the MTA, to ensure “a rapid resolution to this open threat. The immediate installation of surveillance cameras on the Cedarhurst LIRR station platform will deprive a depraved individual of the freedom to indulge in wanton destruction of public property and unchecked aggression against Jewish residents and the sensibilities of all who detest the ugliness of hatred, and demand our able assistance to remove it from our midst.”
The councilman also recounted that after the incident was reported, a member of his staff “reached out to Mr. Robert Brennan, director of Government Affairs for the LIRR . . . who directed MTA personnel to once again remove these vile anti-Semitic symbols. Thanks to Mr. Brennan’s expeditious response, the swastika was removed within an hour of our call.”
The advocacy on the part of the assemblyman and councilmen finally came to fruition with security cameras in full operation at both the Cedarhurst and Lawrence LIRR stations.
American Jewish Organizations Join
In Declaration of Unity
“On the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, 53 national Jewish organizations joined in a recommitment to common principles and objectives, as well as to maintaining high standards of civil discourse in addressing those issues,” said Stephen Greenberg, chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman/CEO, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.
Coming in the aftermath of the intense discussions and debate over the JCPOA, the statement highlights that despite any differences, the organizations are united by the common objective of assuring that Iran not acquire or produce nuclear weapons. They called on the president and Congress to work together to ensure that U.S. policy achieves this end.
Greenberg and Hoenlein noted, “What unites us far outweighs any differences.” The Member Organization Signatories were Alpha Epsilon Pi, Ameinu, American Friends of Likud, American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors, America—Israel Friendship League, AIPAC, American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, American Sephardi Federation, American Zionist Movement, AMIT, ADL, ARZA, B’nai B’rith, Bnai Zion, CAMERA, Central Conference of American Rabbis, Emunah of America, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Hadassah, WZO, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Hillel International, Jewish Community Centers Association, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Jewish Federations of North America, JINSA, Jewish Labor Committee, JNF, Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, Jewish Women International, Mercaz USA, Zionist Organization of the Conservative Movement, NA’AMAT USA, NCSEJ-National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry, National Council of Jewish Women, National Council of Young Israel, ORT America, Inc., Rabbinical Assembly, RCA, RZA, UJA-Federation of New York, Union for Reform Judaism, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, WIZO, Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, Women of Reform Judaism, Workmen’s Circle, World ORT USA, World Zionist Executive, USA, and ZOA. Adjuncts are Maccabi USA and Cantors Assembly.
Hikind Congratulates Dear On Judicial Nomination
Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) congratulated Noach Dear on his nomination to become Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, 2nd Judicial District. Dear, who was first elected to the bench as a judge in the Civil Court of Kings County in 2008, was appointed Acting Justice in the Supreme Court of Kings County in 2010. Dear received the endorsement for his nomination in a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Brooklyn.
“I am thrilled to congratulate Noach Dear on his nomination to Supreme Court Justice in Kings County. I have known Noach for decades and he is a longtime friend. He is a devoted public servant and a tireless community advocate, from his time as district manager for Brooklyn Community Board #12 to his service in public office as a member of the New York City Council. For the past few years, Noach has been a highly respected judge in the lower court, gaining a well-deserved reputation for protecting consumer rights. The New York Times, in an editorial in 2012, hailed Noach’s courtroom as one that has helped restore due process to hundreds of consumers too poor or intimidated to seek justice.”
“Noach Dear has distinguished himself with his no-nonsense approach. I was proud to endorse him when he first ran for judge and tonight as well. His nomination is a victory for our community and all New Yorkers. I extend a hearty mazaltov to Noach and his family and wish him continued success in enhancing our system of justice for all New Yorkers, especially the little guy.”
Reactions To Proposed
5T Casino
Newsday reported last week that the Nassau Off-Track Betting Corporation (OTB) is considering several sites for a casino, and that “sources” had mentioned Inwood as a possible Casino location. So far, OTB has refused to disclose the sites under consideration. The new casino will house 1,000 slot machines and plans to be operating in a short period of time. Tova Plaut, who is seeking to become the County Legislator for District 7, reacted strongly to the recent revelation that Inwood is being considered as the site of a Casino to open early in 2016: “I will fight a casino in our community,” she declared emphatically.
Plaut believes that the OTB should let the public know the areas it is considering and the impact it will have on the community and surrounding areas. Rockaway Turnpike, the main route in and out of the Five Towns is already overburdened with the traffic it must handle and as a designated emergency evacuation route the effects of a casino must be considered in emergency evacuation plans.
The public should decide whether or not to accept a casino in their community. “It is clear that the community does not want a casino, and I will fight for the community.” Plaut said. Plaut is running against Howard Kopel to represent Legislative District 7. Legislative District 7 includes Cedarhurst, Woodmere, Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, East Rockaway, Oceanside, and Rockville Centre.
Noting that the Inwood site is “right next door” to the communities she seeks to represent, Plaut said she will oppose it with every tool at her disposal, and will work with area residents to come together to have their voices heard. “No casino should be placed anywhere in this county without community approval,” Plaut stated. “Every elected official should understand that.”