“Rabbi” As a Pejorative is Now Acceptable?

One of my staff members took a call this week from a student at Brooklyn College who was phoning to complain of an incident in class that left her and some of her fellow students shaken.

During a lecture by one of her professors, a classmate of this young woman’s asked the professor to clarify a point he had made.

“Stop being such a rabbi,” the professor replied, clearly annoyed.

“What does that mean?” asked the student.

“You’re being so technical about everything.”

What exactly is it that emboldens a professor to speak this way to a student in front of a class? Can it be that this negative attitude towards rabbis—and Orthodox Judaism in general—has become acceptable on this campus? Is this example being set by someone in power at Brooklyn College?

We All Need More Simcha

This picture is worth a thousand words, but let me add this:

On Tuesday, community-wide leaders across our entire community turned out to endorse and support NYC Deputy Comptroller Simcha Felder for the new State Senate "Super Jewish" District seat. This was truly a historical moment that can lead to a historical opportunity.

Simcha was my former Chief of Staff and went on to be enormously successful in serving the community as City Councilman. He is trustworthy, honorable, a man of his word. A life-long member of our community who has proven his dedication to community needs time and again.

We’ve already accomplished so much in Albany this year for the community—from CAP to transportation for our yeshiva students. But there’s still so much more to do, especially during these difficult times. We have to stay united as a community and we also need the government as our partner. Our job as elected officials is to see to it that our community gets its fair share. This is really starting to happen now and with myself in the Assembly, Councilman Greenfield on the City Council, and G-d willing Simcha Felder in the State Senate, we will bring home the Pastrami.

New York State Senator John Sampson

I had a good meeting with my friend and colleague, New York State Senator John Sampson this afternoon in Albany where we discussed the needs of our respective communities. I’m hoping Senator Sampson will appear soon on my radio show—my constituents would love to hear him.

ABANDONED SHAIMOS IS GIVEN PROPER BURIAL

The shaimos discovered in an abandoned truck in Borough Park has now been properly buried.

All shaimos found in and scattered around the vehicle were taken by Rabbi Yosef Schwartz, head of the Prag Yeshiva in Monroe and owner of Beth Genizah. Beth Genizah is located in Sullivan County, New York, and overseen by the Vaad L’mishmeres Hashaimos.

The shaimos has now been properly buried in a container in Monticello. I’m grateful to Rabbi Schwartz for volunteering to take the shaimos to his facilities. There was no end of members of the community eager to help. This story touched everyone—we all felt shocked and victimized. Now that we’ve rectified this particular incident, we must work together to make certain it doesn’t happen again.

Some Thoughts on Rory Lancman and Israel

Marc Tracy at Tablet Magazine interviewed me yesterday regarding, among other things, my friend and colleague Assemblyman Rory Lancman.  

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Power Broker Hikind Praises Rory Lancman

The Rep. Anthony Weiner bonanza; redistricting; and the impending retirement of Rep. Gary Ackerman have raised the possibility that New York City will go from having had four Jewish U.S. congressmen one year ago to only two (or, under a less likely scenario, one). Moreover, if Rory Lancman fails to defeat Grace Meng in the Democratic primary for Ackerman’s old seat, there will be no Jewish congressmen from Queens, and only Rep. Jerrold Nadler’s gerrymandered slice of Borough Park will maintain Jewish representation of Brooklyn in the House of Representatives.

Dov Hikind, a state assemblyman from Borough Park since 1982, seemed like a good person to speak with about this situation. A Democratic Orthodox Jew, he backed Rep. Bob Turner, the non-Jewish Republican, over Mark Weprin to replace Weiner in the soon-to-be-defunct Ninth District, for much the same reason as Hizzoner Ed Koch: to send a message to President Obama on Israel. Hikind sounded a similar note yesterday.

“It’s not just that we need a Moskowitz there,” he said—maybe or maybe not intentionally using the Jewish surname of the current Brooklyn borough president. “It’s having a real friend. And sometimes, not all people who happen to be Jewish, as far as I’m concerned, are real friends.” Of Lancman, he opined, “There’s no question on his record, his outspokenness, his willingness to stand up for relations between Israel and the United States. He is as solid as they come.”

As examples of Jews who were not necessarily “real friends,” Hikind cited several Jewish Democratic congresspersons (none from New York) who last week signed a J Street-backed letter calling on the administration to push for a two-state solution. “I want a person there who’s committed,” he continued, “who goes beyond the call of duty, who understands the significance of the relationship between the United States and Israel, who understands that Israel finds herself surrounded by neighbors who are enemies.” Hikind has not endorsed anybody in the primary to replace Ackerman, though his fellow assemblyman Lancman has asked for his backing.

“Lancman is fabulous when it comes to Israel,” Hikind said. “Nobody has to give him a crash course on what the situation is in the Middle East. He has a record of speaking out—not being afraid of being critical of even a Democratic president.” (Lancman said of Obama last month, “I haven’t been pleased or satisfied with his policies or views on Israel.”) Hikind added, “Lancman understands the Jewish community in his heart. From Israel to a lot of other issues, he’s a solid guy. He really understands.”

Does Meng, his Queens Democratic Party-backed opponent, share Lancman’s understanding? “You’d have to talk to her,” Hikind replied.

Charles Finkelstein, Esquire--Civil Court Judge candidate--On the Radio

We were delighted to have Charles Finkelstein, Esquire, as a guest on “The Dov Hikind Show” last Saturday evening. Charles is a candidate for Civil Court Judge in District 5. We look forward to hearing more good news from Charles.

The Super Jewish Press Conference...

Councilman Greenfield and I are looking forward to a Super Jewish Press Conference tomorrow for candidate Simcha Felder. We will be joined by Rabbinic leaders, Mosdos and Askonim in a show of genuine unity for Simcha. Stay tuned for details.

Dov Hikind and Simcha Felder discuss the past, present and--most importantly--the future on "The Dov Hikind Show".
 

As I've recently noted here, in addition to his success as a former City Councilman, Simcha Felder was my chief of my staff for many years. I am very excited that he is running for public office again. One of our recent goals has been to unite behind a single candidate who will most effectively represent our community. So I am delighted that Simcha is running for this important new seat. Simcha is sensitive, extremely intelligent, and both passionate and compassionate. We are fortunate to have him as our candidate.

THE PAIN--AND IMPORTANCE--OF REMEMBERING

Assemblymen Rory Lancman (left) with Assemblyman Dov Hikind.

Despite the rain, there was an impressive turn-out at the Yom Hashoah vigil yesterday in front of the Iranian Mission to the United Nations. I was delighted to be joined by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, and Congressman Bob Turner, as well as Assemblymen Rory Lancman and David Weprin.

The number of young people present was noticeably greater than last year. That’s very important because the essence of remembering the tragedy of the Shoah—and learning form it—now rests with the next generation. I’m grateful to the Yom Hashoah Mobilization Committee for putting this event together.

As we see from regular news reports, the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program and anti-Semitic rhetoric is very real and a day commemorating our international tragedy is an important reminder that we are never safe from those who would destroy us.

SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION: HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL VIGIL THIS SUNDAY

I will be speaking at the Yom Hashoah vigil which will take place this Sunday at noon in front of the Iranian Mission to the United Nations on Third Avenue and E. 40th Street (622 Third Ave., Manhattan). Members of the Jewish community and others, led by the Yom Hashoah Mobilization Committee will gather to commemorate the millions of innocent people who perished in the Holocaust. The public and our elected officials must be constantly reminded of the imminent danger posed by Iran’s nuclear program and anti-Semitic rhetoric.

LOCAL VETERANS AND POLICE JOIN FORCES TO SAVE 2-YEAR-OLD CANCER VICTIM

My friend Yehudah Meth is MC'ing this important local event, which I'm delighted to support.

The Sussex County Marine Corps. League (Detachment 747), the American Legion Post 278 of Stanhope, the VFW Post 2347 of Netcong, and the Stanhope Police Department have combined forces to assist Officer Joseph Johnson—a veteran and local policeman—with desperately needed medical funds. The combined efforts will culminate in BAND AID, an all-day musical festival and fund-raising effort on Sunday April 22 at the Stanhope House, 45 Main St., Stanhope, NJ. 100% of all proceeds will go to offset the rising medical needs of Joseph Johnson. Johnson, a Marine Corp. combat veteran who was honorably discharged after serving in Iraq, joined the Stanhope Police Dept. in 2008. This year, his 2-1/2 year old son Joey was diagnosed with Stage-4 Glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer that mostly strikes adult males over the age of 50.

“Times are tough for all of us, but few of us are facing anything as serious as this,” said David Vnenchak, Sr. Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps League Det. 747. “Everyone in our community is making an effort to help in at least some small way. By attending this event, you’re showing appreciation for someone who served our country and continues to serve our community. Let’s help him get his little boy better.”

The Stanhope House will open at noon for a full eight hours of music, food and beverages, with six different area bands filling the stage. Door prizes from theatre tickets to restaurant dinners have been provided by numerous local merchants. Jon Klein, owner of The Stanhope House, donated the use of the historic blue club for the occasion. Pre-sale BAND AID tickets are available for $25 per ticket ($40 at the door). Please make checks payable to THE JOEY FUND, 24 Main St., Stanhope, NJ 07874. For more information, email dave.mc3039@hotmail.com or phone 973-551-0192

TOMORROW NIGHT, MY SPECIAL GUEST: SIMCHA FELDER

State Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos and Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein will both be guests on "The Dov Hikind Show" this Saturday evening, motzei Shabbos, at 11 pm, where we will all discuss the many positive things achieved recently in Albany for the Jewish community.

In addition, my special guest will be NYC Deputy Comptroller Simcha Felder, who recently announced his intention to run for the new State Senate "Super Jewish" district seat. Simcha was my chief of my staff for many years and I was excited to hear that he is running for public office again. One of our recent goals has been to unite behind one candidate who will most effectively represent our community.  I am thrilled that Simcha is running for this seat.  He is sensitive, extremely intelligent, and both passionate and compassionate. I am personally very excited to have him in this race.”

Tune in at 11pm to WMCA 570 AM.

Why A Holocaust Remembrance Day?

As the son of a Holocaust survivor, I don’t need to be reminded about the Holocaust. My father was sent to a forced labor camp. My mother was in Auschwitz. She remembers. I remember.

But today, there are fewer and fewer elderly survivors of the Holocaust who remain to tell the story. And there are monsters like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the little Hitler, who would not only rewrite history but repeat that history.

Those who would destroy us have an agenda. Those who would survive have an obligation. As George Santayana warned us, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

So we have to remember the Shoah. It’s our obligation. There were too many “good people” who closed their eyes and turned their heads when it was occurring and we must learn our lessons from what is really very recent history.

May the memory of the six million martyrs always remind us that we need to be there for each other and to protect each other—now and always.