With Jacob Ostreicher, Chizuk Goes Both Ways

I just hung up with Yanky Ostreicher. I get on the phone to give him chizuk, give him strength, but he ends up giving even more to me. Clearly, Yanky is a very strong man who has only grown wiser from his experience.

Expect several major media stories covering Yanky’s situation in the next few days. We're all working hard to keep this story alive until Yanky returns home to his family which, G-d willing, will be very soon.

Jacob Ostreicher on The Dov Hikind Show

Just days after being released to house arrest in Bolivia, Brooklyn businessman Jacob "Yanky" Ostreicher was the special, surprise guest on The Dov Hikind Show, which aired at 11 PM last night on WMCA. During the 30-minute phone interview, Yanky thanked not only the many people who worked tirelessly to secure his freedom, but also those whose support and encouragement gave him the strength to go on while in Bolivia’s brutal Palmalosa prison.

Yanky recognized Assemblyman Hikind as the first government official who did more than just "monitor" his case--he expressed his profound gratitude to Dov calling him “an incredible human being.” You can listen to the full interview here.

Dov Hikind leading the first rally at the Bolivian Mission to the UN to bring attention to Jacob Ostreicher's plight

Jacob Ostreicher’s Freedom: Facts vs. Rumors

It’s wonderful how excited everyone gets when there’s news about Jacob Ostreicher.  And the news lately has been very promising. But there’s also rumors flying regarding Jacob’s imminent release that are unnecessary, and which only make it harder for the Ostreicher family because they have to correct the mistruths.

The fact is we are very hopeful that there will be additional positive developments regarding Jacob’s situation soon.

My staff and I are in constant contact with Miriam Ostreicher and we promise to share the news as we receive it. In the meantime, I urge everyone to continue praying for Jacob’s immediate release from Bolivia; continue thinking positive thoughts for the family. Tracht gut vet zein gut.

Jacob Ostreicher: Update

We continue to receive constant inquiries regarding Jacob Ostreicher’s situation and welfare. Please know that we are in constant touch with Miriam Ostriecher, Jacob’s wife; that many efforts are being taken to bring Jacob home. We continue to work towards and pray for good news.

Tefilos for Yanky Ostreicher

אחינו בני ישראל רחמנים בני רחמנים:

יעקב יודא בן שיינדל (עסטרייכער) יושב ומתייסר בבית סוהר נורא במדינת באליוויע זה יותר משנה על לא עוול בכפו, כל גופו חולה וחלש, וכל כולו צועק לעזרה, נא ונא להתפלל בעבורו בימים הנוראים האלו!

טייערע אידן, רחמנים בני רחמנים:

ר' יעקב יודא בן שיינדל (עסטרייכער) שמאכטעט שוין אין א ביטערע טורמע אין באליוויע פאר מער ווי א יאר, אומשולדיג!ער איז קראנק און קען שוין מער נישט אויסהאלטן! לאמיר מתפלל זיין פאר אים אין די הייליגע טעג!

Urgent! The innocent Jacob Ostriecher is suffering terribly in a brutal prison in Bolivia. He`s already there for more than a year. He`s very ill and broken! Please pray for him in this holy days!   

רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם תִּתְמַלֵּא רַחֲמִים וְחֶמְלָה, עַל אַחֵינוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הַנְּתוּנִים בַּצָּרָה וַאֲסִירִים בְּבָתֵּי הָאֲסִירִים, וְעוֹבְרִים צָרוֹת וְיִסּוּרִים מִדֵּי יוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ.

וּבִּמְיוּחָד תִּתמַלֵא רַחמִים עַל יעקב יודא בן שיינדל, הַיוֹשֵב בּבֵּית סוֹהַר בּמַצָב נוֹרָא וְאָיוֹם, חָלָש וְנִפְחָד, מָלֵא צַעַר וְאֵימָה. עַל לאֹּ עָוֶל בְּכַּפּוֹ, מַחְמַת עַלִילָה שֶל שֶקֶר.

רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם חַזֵּק אֶת לְבָבָם וְתֵן לָהֶם כֹּחַ לַעֲבֹר אֶת הַזְּמַנִּים הַקָּשִׁים, תֵּן בְּלֵב הַשּׁוֹפְטִים לְשַֹחְרְרֵם; תֵּן בְּלֵב גוֹיֵי הָאֲרָצוֹת האסירים עִמָּם שֶׁלֹּא יַזִּיקוּם וְלֹא יַפְרִיעוּם, תֵּן בְּלֵב שׁוֹמְרֵי בָּתֵּי הַסֹּהַר לְהִתְמַלֵּא רַחֲמִים לְהַמְצִיא לָהֶם מָזוֹן כָּשֵׁר, וְלֹא לְהָצִיק לָהֶם, חַזֵּק וְאַמֵּץ אֶת הַמִּשְׁפָּחוֹת הַשְּׁבוּרוֹת שֶׁיַּמְשִׁיכוּ אֶת חַיֵּיהֶם בְּשִׂמְחָה וּבְטוּב לֵבָב. וְתִקְרָא לִשְׁבוּיִים דְּרוֹר וְלַאֲסִירִים פְּקַח קוֹחַ.

אַחֵינוּ כָל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל הַנְּתוּנִים בַּצָּרָה ובשביה, הַמָּקוֹם יְרַחֵם עֲלֵיהֶם ויוֹצִיאֵם מִצָּרָה לְרוָחָהּ וּמֵאֲפֵלָה לְאוֹרָה וּמִשִּׁעְבּוּד לִגְאֻלָּה הַֹשְתָא בַּעַגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב

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.”

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.”

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.

This Tisha B’Av, Remember Jacob Ostreicher

It has been 419 days—nearly 15 months—since Jacob Ostreicher was arrested and jailed in Bolivia. Our many efforts to help Jacob have resulted in letters to Bolivian officials, the U.S. State Department and the White House from numerous elected officials. There has been a Congressional Sub-Committee Hearing on the violation of Jacob’s human rights. But despite this, our brother Jacob Ostreicher seems no closer to coming home.

But we have not given up hope. And neither can you.

My office and I continue to meet regularly with Jacob’s family and to recruit new allies in the fight to save Jacob. We continue to pressure Bolivia and U.S. elected officials to treat this matter with the urgency that it deserves.

You can do the same.

As Tisha B’Av approaches, I urge everyone to not only daven for Jacob (Yaakov Yuda ben Shaindel) but also to call the offices of Senator Charles Schumer (phone 212-486-4430) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (212-688-6262) and express your growing alarm for Jacob Ostreicher, an innocent U.S. citizen who sits in prison praying for salvation and who needs the assistance of his elected officials. Demand that your elected representatives adopt Jacob’s cause and bring his plight to the White House and State Department.

In the merit of our efforts may we hear and share only good news.

Jacob Ostreicher Denied Justice. Again.

  Jacob Ostreicher was scheduled for another hearing in Bolivia yesterday at 5pm. Once again, Jacob appeared on time with his attorney, ready to plead his case. But we are told that a Bolivian government minister stood up and immediately asked the judge to recuse himself. This is precisely what happened last month.

On Tisha B'Av (this Sunday), I will be discussing Jacob's situation in a simul-cast with Aish HaTorah's Learning Centre in Canada. I can't think of a topic that's more appropriate for the day.

We Are With You, Miriam Ostreicher: Where Is Our State Department?

The Fight for Jacob Ostreicher Continues Today on The Governor David Paterson Show

Today at 4 pm on The Governor David Paterson Show, Miriam Ostreicher and I will update everyone on this horrendous situation. Sincere thanks to the former Governor for his appearance at our press conference yesterday and his continued support in this important fight.

Miriam Ostreicher, flanked by elected officials, speaks to the press about her husband's incarceration.

With U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (left) and former Governor David Paterson (right)

Senator Schumer Meets With Miriam Ostreicher

Yesterday morning I was privileged to introduce Miriam Ostreicher to Senator Charles Schumer, one of the most powerful members of the U.S. Senate. The three of  us were joined by Yidel Perlstein, Chairman of Brooklyn Community Board 12, and we spent the morning discussing the plight of Jacob Ostreicher, our Brooklyn resident who has now been incarcerated in Bolivia for more than a year without being charged with a crime.

Yidel Perlstein, Senator Schumer, Miriam Ostreicher and Dov Hikind

Senator Schumer is determined to do everything in his power to bring Jacob home and we discussed a number of approaches to secure his release. Jacob's condition continues to deteriorate, but we will not rest until he is returned to his family.

Jacob Ostreicher Update: Can Congress Get the State Department to Step Up?

I am relieved that so many of our friends and other elected officials have gotten involved with Jacob Ostreicher's case. Congressman Chris Smith from New Jersey is currently in Bolivia advocating for Jacob and Congressman Bob Turner appeared with Miriam Ostreicher on Fox News this morning to discuss yesterday's hearing in Bolivia which was, unfortunately, postponed yet again. You can watch that Fox News report here.

Congressman Bob Turner and Congressman Chris Smith discussing Ostreicher situation before Congress

"Jacob Ostreicher, husband, father and grandfather has been unlawfully imprisoned in Bolivia for nearly a year, without being charged," Congressman Turner told Congress's Foreign Affairs Subcommittee last week. "He lives in a ‘prison town’ where the guards monitor the exterior but, internally there is no supervision – a condition which puts Jacob in fear for his life daily.  He needs medical attention, but has repeatedly been denied it."

My office is in constant contact with Miriam Ostreicher as we maintain our commitment to bringing Jacob home as soon as possible. Toward that end, we have arranged addition meetings with more elected officials for Mrs. Ostreicher over the next week, which will be announced as they occur. The point in all of these meetings is to have other elected officials adopt the Ostreicher's cause as their own--just as we have. And, sooner than later, see the State Department do the same.

The Orthodox Union Joins Fight for Jacob Ostreicher

Michael Cohen (NY State Political Director, OU), Rabbi Steven Burg (OU’s Managing Director and International Director of NCSY) and Assemblyman Dov Hikind

The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest and most important Jewish resources. Over the last few days, I've had exceptional meetings with Rabbi Steven Burg, the OU’s Managing Director and International Director of NCSY; Michael Cohen, the OU’s NY State Political Director; and Nathan J. Diament, Director of the OU's Institute for Public Affairs. The OU is fully committed to helping Jacob Ostreicher, adding the weight of the 800 synagogues and many affiliates that they represent across America to this vital issue of freeing an innocent man. Their voice will be an important addition to the choir crying for Jacob Ostreicher's release.

It has been one year and four days since Jacob was taken prisoner in Bolivia. A petition to the White House, demanding President Obama’s attention to the issue, has more than 35,000 signatures. In addition, a Congressional Sub-Committee to address Ostreicher’s Human Rights violations is scheduled for tomorrow at 10 a.m.

This is not a Jewish issue. This is an American issue. This is about a U.S. citizen that’s being held hostage and we cannot afford a message to the world that U.S. citizens have no value. Our government must step in.

Miriam Ostreicher & Special Agent Moore (and Bill de Blasio too) on "The Dov Hikind Show"

Miriam Ostreicher and Steve Moore (Special Agent FBI, retired) will be our special guests this Saturday evening, motzei Shabbos, on "The Dov Hikind Show" at 11pm - WMCA, 570AM.

Mrs. Ostreicher and Special Agent Moore will discuss intimate details of Jacob Ostreicher's situation and what's being done to free him.

We will also be joined by NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.

Jacob Ostreicher: One Year and Counting

It has been one year today since Jacob Ostreicher was put in a Bolivian prison. He has still not been charged with a crime.

We continue to gain allies in the fight for Jacob's freedom. My good friend Congressman Bob Turner is meeting with Miriam Ostreicher this Sunday.

Next week, there is a Congressional subcommittee hearing on the matter.

There are nearly 33,000 signatures on the petition asking the White House to intervene on Jacob's behalf. If you haven't signed the petition yet, we urge you to do so by clicking here.

I will continue to report on our progress until we are victorious.

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

 

SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING NOTICE

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515-0128

SUBCOMMITTEE ON AFRICA, GLOBAL HEALTH, AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), Chairman

May 30, 2012

You are respectfully requested to attend an OPEN hearing of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, to be held in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building (and available live via the Committee website at http://www.hcfa.house.gov):

DATE:                       Wednesday, June 6, 2012

TIME:                        10:00 a.m.

SUBJECT:  The U.S. State Department’s Inadequate Response to Human Rights Concerns in Bolivia: The Case of American Jacob Ostreicher

WITNESSES: Ms. Miriam Unger
Wife of Jacob Ostreicher

Ms. Chaya Gitty Weinberger

Daughter of Jacob Ostreicher

                                   

                                    Mr. Steve Moore, Special Agent - Federal Bureau of Investigations (Retired)