By COLlive reporter
A friendly meeting last Thursday between Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson and leaders of local Jewish communities ended with an unresolved issue of importance to the Orthodox community.
The meeting, hosted by Mark Appel at The Bridge center in Brooklyn, gathered a powerful group of selected leaders to discuss issues and concerns facing the community.
In attendance were Councilman Chaim Deutsch, Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum, Executive Vice President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, Rabbi Shea Hecht of the NCFJE, Yeruchem Silver of the Boro Park JCC, Bobov activist Ben Barber, Boro Park activist Rabbi Shlomo Braun, businessman Meir Laufer, Ezra Friedlander, CEO of the Friedlander Group, Crown Heights activist Yaacov Behrman, Jacob Kornbluh, Jacob Eisdorfer and Rabbi Klass of the Jewish Press.
The DA spoke about his latest efforts to exonerate and free wrongfully convicted prisoners and also discussed his work to ensure that gun sellers would be accountable for the illegal sale of guns and any subsequent violent crimes committed.
One issue brought up by the group was the need for security at schools and synagogues, and suggestions were made by Councilman Deutsch on how to ensure this could be done in a cost efficient manner.
A question was raised by a member of the group about the lack of a liaison to the Jewish community in the District Attorney’s office. Currently, if any issues arise with a member of the Jewish community, there is no specific individual that can be turned to on his staff who understands the unique needs of the Orthodox community and lifestyle.
Thompson serves as the District Attorney for Brooklyn, home to the large Orthodox Jewish communities of Boro Park, Williamsburg, Crown Heights and Flatbush.
Crown Heights resident Henna White served as the liaison to the former DA Charles Hynes for nearly 30 years. DA Thompson briefly employed Wolf Sender of Boro Park as his Jewish liaison, however he is no longer a member of the staff.
Attendees at the meeting related that the DA responded that he has not found a suitable candidate for the position, but that he will take suggestions.
A request from COLlive for comment was not returned.
Was protecting our children from child abuse discussed at this meeting?
This story actually happnened to me. I was illegally fired by the City of New York…and..quite a story. This is further proof of the corrupt nature of this government. Like to read? Email bhoffinger @aol.com In His Hour of Need By Boruch V. Hoffinger This story, though unbelievable, is true. Firstly, however, one can see how the teaching in Pirke Avos (Chapters [Ethics] of the Fathers) Chapter II, Mishna 3, came true. The teaching is: “Raban Gamliel, the son of Rabbi Judah HaNassi, said: ‘Be wary of those in power, for they befriend a person only for their own benefit;… Read more »
The issue of a Jewish liaison is real. Imagine a shomer Shabbos being ‘arrested’ for not having paid a traffic summons late Friday afternoon. Ordinarily, that would mean being locked in jail until Monday morning. If the ‘criminal’ is lucky enough to be released Friday evening or anytime on Saturday, how would he get home? Reasonable intercession is absolutely necessary. The shomer Shabbos ‘criminal’ will not abscond or flee the jurisdiction. Hannah, we miss you !!
i would like to recognize the great work of mask and ruchama clapman
So nice to see real community leaders who do so much for the community.
Ruchama Clapman is an example of someone who gives herself over to the community day and night, many families have benefited from her crusading chessed and selflessness.
Glad to see so many leaders together helping out the community.
Thanks for that info. I find it embarrassing that always all men a these kind of functions.
His family has been involved in helping other Yidden since forever. They should be blessed for all of the good they do – sometimes very quietly .
Community leaders? What was the topic?
Turn off cell phones and put them away during meetings. Staring at a cell phone while someone else is speaking is terribly rude. Observe how many people are lost in their phones at this meeting. There was recently a meeting with the police and Jewish community representatives about safety in schools, and we saw the same thing happening there. People who want to be taken seriously need to show that they are serious, and being distracted with whatever is going on with the smart phone shows a total lack of interest. You don’t see the District Attorney staring at his… Read more »
It should be noted that Ruchama Clapman was there- her leadership is extremely important in our community.
Heard it was amazing!
why do some of these community activists have to sit with their hats on.
I am sure at home they sit comfortably while wearing their yarmulkas