BOLIVIA DENIES BAIL TO JACOB OSTREICHER; HIKIND VOWS TO REDOUBLE HIS EFFORTS

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

August 30, 2012

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                       For Immediate Release

718-853-9616 (office)
973-945-4903 (cell)

BOLIVIA DENIES BAIL TO JACOB OSTREICHER; HIKIND VOWS TO REDOUBLE HIS EFFORTS

A Bolivian court denied bail this morning to Jacob Ostreicher, a Borough Park, Brooklyn resident who has been incarcerated without formal charges for more than a year. The bail hearing lasted nine grueling hours and was spread over two days while Jacob’s mother, a Holocaust survivor, sat through the entire process in the Bolivian courtroom along with her daughter, Jacob’s sister, both weeping uncontrollably.

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn), who continues to advocate for Ostreicher, promised to re-double his efforts to set Jaob Ostreicher free.

“It’s inhumane the way Jacob has been treated,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “His human rights have been continually denied, his health is failing, and his family is suffering from his absence and mistreatment. We have to continue to bring attention to this travesty of justice. We have to demonstrate that Jacob Ostreicher’s life and freedom matter.”

The Assemblyman is organizing thousands of synagogues into action on behalf of Jacob Ostreicher this Shabbos, September 1st (14 Elul), Shabbos Ki Teitzei. Hundreds of thousands of Jews across America are expected to join in prayer and follow-up with calls and letters to elected officials.

The National Council of Young Israel, The Orthodox Union (OU) and The Rabbinical Alliance of America have all agreed to publicize Shabbos Ki Teitzei for Jacob Ostreicher to their rabbis, congregations and affiliates. Rabbis across America will be speaking about Ostreicher in their Sabbath addresses and leading special prayers on his behalf. Following the Sabbath, congregational membership will be encouraged to urge their Congressman to adopt Ostreicher’s cause.

“I believe Jacob Ostreicher is fully innocent of all wrong doings,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “Numerous media reports from WABC’s ‘Nightline’ to The Wall Street Journal concur that Jacob is being used as a political football; his family, needlessly traumatized by this on-going nightmare. And now, as feared, Jacob’s very life may be in danger. I am proud that Jews from across the country and all stripes of orthodoxy will be demonstrating their complete solidarity in this urgent matter. We cannot rest while Jacob is imprisoned.”

Regarding Levi Aron’s Sentencing Today

The Kletzky family will be forever changed by the loss of their precious child Leiby. Indeed, our community was changed by our shared grief. But G-d willing, the sentencing of Levi Aron today will finally remove the spotlight from this tragedy and allow the Kletzys to raise their children in peace.

Several weeks ago at the hearing, Nachman Kletzy’s amazing message of gratitude to G-d and undiminished faith remains a message that everyone can learn from. Nothing can be said today that will eclipse those beautiful words. As we approach the High Holy Days, may we all be judged worthy of peace, health and long life.

HIKIND COMMENDS SHOMRIM FOR OUTSTANDING DETECTIVE WORK IN APPREHENDING BORO PARK BANDIT

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

August 28, 2012

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                       For Immediate Release

718-853-9616 (office)

HIKIND COMMENDS SHOMRIM FOR OUTSTANDING DETECTIVE WORK
IN APPREHENDING BORO PARK BANDIT

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) had nothing but the highest praise this morning for the Boro Park Shomrim and their dedication and diligence in apprehending the Brooklyn man who is alleged to have been behind a string of robberies in Boro Park and Flatbush. An expensive silver menorah, an esrog box and a megilla case were among the dozens of items recovered by police after the Shomrim led law enforcement officers from the 66th police precinct to the culprit’s trail.

Assemblyman Hikind had visited the home of Yehezkel Zion and his family last week when Mr. Zion notified the Assemblyman that he’d been burglarized. “This lovely family was terrified and rightly so,” said the Assemblyman. “It was more than just the articles missing from their home—it was the fact that someone had been there walking around while they and their children were sleeping. Sadly, even in the best neighborhoods, an unsecure door or window is an invitation to a thief.”

Hikind said neighborhood Shomrim went above and beyond in their search for the culprit. “The police made the arrest but it was the Shomrim’s detective work that brought the culprit to justice,” he explained. “Our community owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the hundreds of community volunteers who make up the Shomrim.”

Assemblyman Hikind called special attention to Shomrim leaders Yanky Daskal, Motti Katz and Simcha Bernath, whose dedication to our safety, he said, should bring everyone here a little more peace of mind.

Rabbi Yehezkel Zion (center) with BP Shomrim and Assemblyman Hikind.
photo courtesy of Gifter Photos

Belz's Rav Chesed: "Amazing Work"

"The Rav Chessed organization simply does amazing work," said Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who was recently honored for his own community service by Rav Chesed, the Belz organization that provides for needy families. Rav Chesed’s annual dinner was held at Anshei Sfard on August 22. "I am so very proud to be associated with the Belzer Rebbe's organization," said Dov.

HIKIND CRITICIZES MTA FOR HAZARDOUS SUBWAY CONDITIONS IN BORO PARK, MIDWOOD

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

August 21, 2012

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                       For Immediate Release

718-853-9616 (office)

REPORT SHOWS CRACKS ON LEDGES ENDANGER COMMUTERS

“IMPERIL RIDERS FOR THE WANT OF A NAIL? WHO IS MONITORING THESE CONDITIONS?”

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) today criticized the MTA for ignoring dangerous subway conditions in his district. The Assemblyman’s office recently concluded a new study of the conditions on the various subway lines that run through Boro Park and Midwood, where egregious conditions were documented on both the Manhattan- and Brooklyn-bound sides of the 18th Avenue, Bay Parkway, and Avenue N stations. Wooden ledges along the F line platforms were found to be completely run down in some areas, with multiple cracks and holes creating the potential for a serious calamity.

“This is outrageous,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “Will it take a tragedy for the MTA to get serious about monitoring the state of the system?”

The Assemblyman has maintained the issue of subway safety for years, since his constituent, a 14-year old boy, was nearly killed as he boarded a northbound Q train; the platform edge crumbled beneath the boy, plunging him onto the tracks.

Over the years, studies conducted by the Assemblyman’s office have revealed similar shoddy circumstances to that of the Kings Highway station throughout the transit system.

“If my staff can lead a discovery mission in our own district, I would certainly hope there are MTA employees directly responsible for fact-finding and fact-reporting with regard to hazardous conditions on transit lines,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “I would like to know who these transit employees report to and how frequently these procedures occur. More importantly, I demand that the hazardous conditions which we’ve discovered are immediately addressed. Endangering riders for the want of a nail is outrageous.”

Another Swastika

Sadly, my office received yet another call today from a Boro Park resident who saw a swastika in her elevator. We immediately alerted the police and they are investigating.

I am saddened by these incidents but appreciate being informed. We are staying involved and maintaining a file of these incidents as we continue to work with law enforcement to put an end to these attacks.

NATIONWIDE SOLIDARITY SHABBOS FOR JACOB OSTREICHER

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

August 14, 2012

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                       For Immediate Release

718-853-9616 (office)

973-945-4903 (cell)

1000+ SYNAGOGUES COMMIT TO PRAYER AND ACTION FOR BROOKLYNITE JAILED IN BOLIVIA

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUNG ISRAEL, ORTHODOX UNION AND RABBINICAL ALLIANCE OF AMERICA LEND VOICES TO OSTREICHER

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is organizing thousands of synagogues into action on behalf of Jacob Ostreicher, a Brooklyn resident who has been held without formal charges in a Bolivian prison for more than 14 months. On September 1st (14 Elul), Shabbos Ki Teitzei, hundreds of thousands of Jews across America are expected to join in prayer and follow-up with calls and letters to elected officials.

“Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have spoken out for Jacob and two Congressional hearings have addressed the violation of his human rights, but Jacob seems no closer to coming home than he did a year ago,” said the Assemblyman. “Now matters have worsened as Jacob, who has been on a hunger strike for months, was recently hospitalized in Bolivia. When he arrived at the hospital, he was too weak to stand on his own two feet.”

The National Council of Young Israel, The Orthodox Union (OU) and The Rabbinical Alliance of America have all agreed to publicize Shabbos Ki Teitzei for Jacob Ostreicher to their rabbis, congregations and affiliates. Rabbis across America will be speaking about Ostreicher in their Sabbath addresses and leading special prayers on behalf of Jacob Ostreicher (Yaakov Yuda ben Sheindel). Following the Sabbath, congregational membership will be encouraged to urge their Congressman to adopt Ostreicher’s cause.

“I believe Jacob Ostreicher is fully innocent of all wrong doings,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “Media reports from WABC’s ‘Nightline’ to The Wall Street Journal concur that Jacob is being used as a political football; his family, needlessly traumatized by this on-going nightmare. And now, as feared, Jacob’s very life is in danger. I am proud that Jews from across the country and all stripes of orthodoxy will be demonstrating their complete solidarity in this urgent matter. We cannot rest while Jacob is imprisoned.”

Charles Finkelstein Approved by NYC and Brooklyn Bar Associations for Civil Court Judge

Charles Finkelstein Approved by NYC and Brooklyn Bar Associations
for Civil Court Judge

The judicial screening panels of both the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and the Brooklyn Bar Association have approved Charles Finkelstein for Civil Court Judge. The announcement came from both associations today.

The Bar Associations were established for the purposes of, among other things, elevating the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession. Both the NYC and Brooklyn associations spoke with Finkelstein’s colleagues and adversaries, as well as judges he’s appeared before, in their screening; all parties found Finkelstein the Civil Judge candidate to have not only the appropriate knowledge of the law and appropriate demeanor, but also the right judicial temperament, integrity, candor and absence of political and other influences.

Finkelstein was a felony prosecutor in the Brooklyn D.A.’s office and an assistant special narcotics prosecutor in Manhattan. He is currently in private practice as a civil and criminal attorney. Finkelstein has been enthusiastically endorsed by Assemblyman Dov Hikind as well as the New York State Court Officers Association.

The primary election for Civil Court Judge will be held Thursday, September 13, 2012.

Statement by Nachman & Esther Kletzky

The following statement from Nachman Kletzky was read by Assemblyman Dov Hikind this afternoon immediately following the hearing today, where Levi Aron pleaded guilty to the murder of Leiby Kletzky.

Everything in the world is from G-d. Everything that happens is His will. We all have challenges, but G-d gives us the strength to overcome these challenges. My wife Esther, our children and I all understand that our role in this life is to do good and to continue on with even greater strength. We have made it until now only with G-d’s help — for that I thank G-d with all my heart.

         

There is no way one can comprehend or understand the pain of losing a child. Esther and I faced this unspeakable tragedy last year when our little boy Leiby was ruthlessly taken from us. Today my family has finally received some partial closure on one aspect of this nightmare. Closure does not mean we don’t continue to feel the pain. A day doesn’t pass without our thinking of Leiby — but today we close the door on this one aspect of our tragedy and seek to remember only the gifts that G-d has bestowed, including the nine years Leiby was with us. May our son’s soul rest in peace and continue to advocate in Heaven for all mankind.

           

We want to thank first and foremost our community, and more specifically our special congregation and friends for being there for us in trying times. We thank Rabbi Eisenberger for his continual wisdom and self-sacrifice on our behalf, which has made such a difference to our family.

We want to thank D.A. Hynes and his team for bringing this to a quick resolution, as we requested — for not forcing us to relive the terror that began when Leiby went missing. The three days of uncertainty were unbearable, but our community led a tireless search and allowed us the comfort of at least knowing the truth of our child’s fate. We were permitted to lay our son to rest.

          

We are thankful to the many who shared our pain. We heard from people from across the world and from all walks of life, and we took comfort from your sincere care and support.

Most of all, we are grateful to G-d for giving us Leiby and our other children.

We want to stress this one point because it is so vital that everyone understands:  G-d did not abandon our son nor our family for even one second. He was with Leiby; He is with us. This is what we believe with all our hearts.

May G-d bring the final Redemption soon, when all suffering will be removed from mankind and we will be reunited with Leiby and with all our loved ones.

Nachman and Esther Kletzky

------------------------------

The Assemblyman added: "THE FAMILY ASKS THAT THEY NOT BE DISTURBED BY THE MEDIA. THEY WILL NOT BE GIVING INTERVIEWS. PLEASE RESPECT THEIR PRIVACY."

Leiby is my son, your son, everyone's son

LEVI ARON TO PLEAD GUILTY IN MURDER CASE

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

For Immediate Release

August 9, 2012

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                      

718-853-9616 (office)

LEVI ARON TO PLEAD GUILTY IN MURDER CASE;
HIKIND TO SPEAK FOR KLETZKY FAMILY

Levi Aron is expected to plead guilty today to the murder of Leiby Kletzky before Supreme Court Justice Neil Jon Firetog (320 Jay St., Brooklyn, 21^st floor, 7^th part, 2:15 pm). Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn), who was asked by the Kletzky family to appear and speak on their behalf, will read a statement from Nachman and Esther Kletzky, Leiby’s parents.

“The Kletzkys are eager to see this concluded and grateful to D.A. Hynes,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “They are hopeful that a deal for 40-years-to-life will be accepted because the last thing they want is to relive the horror of losing their child.

“Nachman and Esther are remarkable individuals whose strength and faith remain undiminished, despite their profound loss. Following Leiby’s shiva—the first week of week of mourning—the family released a statement thanking G-d for the nearly nine beautiful years that He entrusted them with Leiby’s pure soul. The statement I’ve been asked to deliver today, one year later, is a profound message of faith in G-d and faith in humanity.

“In the years that I’ve had the honor of representing this community, I’ve never been prouder of the people that I represent,” the Assemblyman continued. “While what happened to Leiby was certainly the worst tragedy that’s ever happened to us, the unity we saw here—and from people everywhere on behalf of this child—was almost beyond belief. Leiby was everyone’s child; everyone felt this pain and wanted to help. Today, we all remain a little more united.”

ANOTHER SWASTIKA FOUND. WHAT'S GOING ON?

A distraught Boro Park resident walked into my office this morning to complain that a swastika and the word “Hitler” had been scrawled on the elevator door of her apartment in the heart of Boro Park. We immediately contacted the police then accompanied the resident back to her building. Within moments, the police arrived and began to investigate.  

What’s going on? Why are we being targeted now? And most importantly, when is this going to stop? Over the last few months, there have been far too many of these incidents. The police are doing everything they can but arrests have to be made!

REGARDING A DEAL BEING OFFERED TO LEVI ARON

Ever since a story broke this afternoon, our office has been inundated with calls. It is our understanding that a deal has been reached but things can change. Until this is officially announced, it’s premature to say that this matter is concluded.

The Kletzky family has been through more than any of us can or should imagine. They want to bring this to a conclusion without the additional pain of a lengthy trial.

I will be at the court next week to address the public and press on behalf of the Kletzky family, at their request. The family asks that their privacy is respected. They have been through quite enough.

HIKIND CALLS FOR ‘VIRTUAL RALLY’ AT STATE DEPARTMENT TO FREE OSTREICHER

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

For Release on August 1, 2012

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                      

718-853-9616 (office)

973-945-4903 (cell)

HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS TO AIR TODAY AT CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is urging everyone concerned with human rights violations to stage a “virtual rally” today with calls to the State Department demanding freedom for Jacob Ostreicher, a Brooklyn resident who has been held without formal charges in a Bolivian prison for 15 months. Assemblyman Hikind hopes the 35,000+ people who signed a petition to the White House on behalf of Ostreicher will pick up the phone to demand that the State Department intervene on Ostreicher’s behalf. The Assemblyman suggested that calls coincide with a meeting by the Subcommittee on Human Rights, which is scheduled for today at 2:00 p.m. The committee is meeting specifically to “Seek Freedom for American Trapped in Bolivian Prison.”

Assemblyman Hikind had high praise for Congressman Chris Smith (R- New Jersey), chairman of the Subcommittee. “Congressman Smith has given Jacob Ostreicher’s inhuman treatment at the hands of the Bolivian government more than lip service,” said the Assemblyman. “Not only has Congressman Smith visited Jacob in Bolivia, but he also continues to urge the State Department not to forget that a U.S. citizen has been all but abandoned to injustice in Bolivia. I urge everyone to call the State Department today, and to continue to urge elected officials to adopt Jacob’s cause as their own. We cannot rest while this man languishes in prison; we cannot let Jacob Ostreicher be forgotten.”

In December 2010, Jacob Ostreicher traveled to Bolivia to oversee an agricultural enterprise and was arrested on June 4, 2011 for suspicion of money laundering and criminal organization. Ostreicher was brought before a judge who after several hearings ordered Ostreicher’s release on September 23, 2011, however the judge reversed his decision a week later. Since that time, numerous judges have been asked by the Bolivian government to recuse themselves from the case and multiple hearings have been adjourned.

A rally led by Assemblyman Hikind was held for Ostreicher in front of the Bolivian Mission in New York City on May 3, 2012. Since that time, more than 35,000 people signed an online petition on the White House We the People website requesting the Obama

Administration to assist in the effort to free Jacob Ostreicher.

The State Department can be reached at 202-647-4000.