This Saturday Night: Bill Thompson

NYC Mayoral candidate Bill Thompson will join me this Saturday night on "The Dov Hikind Show." My other special guest is Effie Zuroff, Director of the Simon Weisenthal Center in Jerusalem. Don't miss it!

SANITY RULES: HIKIND DELIGHTED BY COURT’S DECISION TO ALLOW BIG GULPS

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

July 30, 2013

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                         For Immediate Release

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

SANITY RULES: HIKIND DELIGHTED BY COURT’S DECISION TO ALLOW BIG GULPS

ASKS BLOOMBERG NOT TO GO TO SUPREME COURT

“Sanity rules,” said Assemblyman Hikind (D-Brooklyn) reacting to an appeals court ruling today that New York City's Board of Health had exceeded its authority and acted unconstitutionally in trying to limit the size of soft drinks served in city restaurants. In a unanimous opinion, the four-judge panel of the State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division said the Board of Health acted too much like a legislature when it created the limit, which would have stopped sales of non-diet soda and other sugar-laden beverages in containers bigger than 16 ounces. The judges wrote that while the board had the power to ban "inherently harmful" foodstuffs from being served to the public, sweetened beverages didn't fall into that category.

“I’m very interested in health,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “I just don’t believe we need government regulating the size of the sodas people can purchase. That’s going a wee bit too far. I hope the mayor let’s this go now.”

ASSEMBLY MEMBER DOV HIKIND ENDORSES KEN THOMPSON FOR BROOKLYN DISTRICT ATTORNEY

I am proud to endorse Ken Thompson because he is the best choice for the Jewish community and all the people of Brooklyn to be our next District Attorney. It's time for a change. As a prosecutor and attorney in private practice, Ken has a proven track record of fighting for one standard of justice. Ken is a true friend to our community who honors the cultures that make Brooklyn great -- I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding District Attorney.

In recent days, Thompson has also won the support of former candidate Abe George and New York City's largest labor union, 1199/SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, which represents 220,000 members in New York City and over 100,000 members and retirees in Brooklyn alone.

The son of one of the first female NYPD officers to patrol the city, Ken Thompson has fought to ensure equal justice and equal protection for everyone throughout his career. As a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney's Office in Brooklyn, he investigated and prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases. He was part of the legal team that delivered justice for Abner Louima, who suffered some of the most horrific acts of police brutality ever committed in the history of New York City. In private practice, Ken has stood up for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and employment discrimination to ensure that their voices were not drowned out by the wealth or political connections of their abusers. 

For more information on Ken's campaign, visit: www.KenThompson4DA.com

HIKIND CHARGES CREDIT-CARD COMPANIES WITH AIDING AND ABETTING HATE GROUPS, HOLOCAUST DENIERS

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

July 30, 2013

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                         For Immediate Release

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

HIKIND CHARGES CREDIT-CARD COMPANIES WITH AIDING AND ABETTING HATE GROUPS, HOLOCAUST DENIERS

INSISTS AMEX/VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER/PAYPAL PULL SUPPORT FROM PROPAGANDISTS

HIKIND TO CREDIT CARD COMPANIES: “STOP PARTNERING WITH HATE GROUPS”

Assemblyman Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is calling on the major credit card companies to withdraw their support from numerous hate groups operating in the United States and abroad. It was discovered that eight Holocaust denial organizations are currently selling racist, anti-Semitic and Holocaust Denial products (books, videos) via websites through credit card sales.

“Unfortunately, it is no longer shocking in this day and age to find those who deny the Holocaust—those who espouse openly racist, hateful ideologies,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “What is shocking is to find prestigious credit card companies doing business with them and enabling these groups to raise money to spread their hateful messages.”

The Holocaust Denial organizations offering credit card sales are:

- Institute for Historical Review (Amex, Visa, MC, Discover)
- Noontide Press (Amex, Visa, MC, Discover)
- Inconvenient History (Visa, MC)
- Barnes Review/Foundation for Economic Liberty (Amex, Visa, MC, Discover)
- Irving Books/Focal Point Press (Amex, Visa, MC, Discover, Paypal)
- The International Conspiratological Association (Amex, Visa, MC, Discover, Paypal)
- Castle Hill Publishers and CODAH (Committee for Open Debate on the Holocaust) (Visa, MC)

Some of the many anti-Semitic and Holocaust-denial books sold by these organizations include Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion, The ‘Gas Chambers’ of Dachau, Mauthausen and Hartheim, which states that “none of these facilities were ever used, or could have been used, as lethal ‘gas chambers’” and The Rudolf Report which states, “The alleged gas chambers of Auschwitz could not have existed.”

“As someone whose mother went to Auschwitz while her own mother went to the gas chambers, I find it immoral that respected banking institutions can partner with these hate groups,” said Assemblyman Hikind. Hikind has reached out to AmEx, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Financial Services and Paypal asking them to cease their business relationships with these and other hate groups, and to better monitor who they do business with.

In 2009, Assemblyman Hikind brought attention to the relationship between Holocaust denier David Irving and American Express when the Assemblyman discovered that Irving was accepting AmEx payments for tickets to his ongoing book tour. Assemblyman Hikind drafted a letter urging the company to “rescind Mr. Irving's merchant agreement” and one dozen of the Assemblyman’s fellow elected officials also signed the letter. American Express complied and Hikind applauded the company for “doing the right thing."

Anthony Weiner & Jeff Jacoby on The Dov Hikind Show

Join us this Saturday evening at 11:00 pm -- my special guests will be mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner and nationally acclaimed Boston Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby.

HIKIND DEMANDS LIBRARIES REMOVE CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

July 10, 2013

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                       For Immediate Release
718-853-9616 (office)
 

HIKIND DEMANDS LIBRARIES REMOVE CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is insisting that New York City Public Libraries take more responsibility in preventing children from accessing pornographic materials currently found throughout city branches. In a press conference this morning, the Assemblyman will be joined by concerned community parents who were shocked to learn that even the smallest children can easily obtain inappropriate materials that no retailer would ever allow a child to hold.

“I am not asking for censorship of any books for adults who want them,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “The issue is removing such books from the ready access of children. I am certain that the overwhelming majority—if not unanimity—of parents in our city would be appalled to find such books readily available to their children.”

Following complaints by constituents, Assemblyman Hikind’s staff surveyed numerous branches of the public library in Brooklyn where they found such inappropriate titles as Best Gay Erotica, Lux’s Practical Erotica Adventure, and Girls Who Score: Hot Lesbian Erotica, all clearly within reach of small children.

Under the library’s current system, children can check out any library book once they are 13 years of age—or even younger if parents did not realize such material was available when library cards were created for their children. Books can also be automatically checked out without the likelihood of any interaction with an adult librarian.

“Because of the way fiction books are placed on library shelves, inappropriate books often end up on the very bottom shelves, clearly within reach of the smallest children,” said Hikind. “This kind of content would never be allowed in schools nor placed within a child’s reach by retailers. Certainly our public libraries can do more to keep such books out of the reach of unsuspecting children.”

In a letter to the heads of New York City’s Public Libraries, the Assemblyman asked for immediate action to better protect the city’s children from inappropriate books their parents would never want them to see, let alone expect to find in the public library within easy reach of a child.

This Saturday Night on “The Dov Hikind Show”

NYC Council Members Peter Vallone and Jumaane Williams will discuss the recent City Council vote to establish oversight on the police department and powerfully curtail the rights of police to stop, question and frisk.

Public Advocate Bill de Blassio will discuss the recent revelation that the City’s Dept. of Consumer Affairs has all but admitted to a quota system, which has a huge impact on small business owners.

HIKIND JOINS de BLASIO IN CALLING FOR OUSTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

June 26, 2013

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                       For Immediate Release
718-853-9616 (office)
973-945-4903 (cell)

HIKIND JOINS de BLASIO IN CALLING FOR OUSTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) will join Public Advocate Bill de Blasio today in demanding the resignation of NYC Consumer Affairs Commissioner following DCA Commissioner Jonathan Mintz’s admission yesterday that inspectors are “flagged” for writing less than a certain number of tickets.

“Small businesses in our community have been reeling from petty tickets that are aimed at raising revenue for the city,” said Hikind. “The DCA should be helping educate businesses on what the laws are and aren’t—they should be there to support these businesses, which are the lifeblood of our community. Instead, these businesses are being shaken down.”

The number of tickets given out by Consumer Affairs has skyrocketed from 10.9 million in 2010 to nearly 24.2 million in 2012.

“We have long suspected a quota system was in place and now it’s finally clear that this shake down of small businesses is being mandated from the top,” said Hikind.

A press conference is scheduled today at 12:30 at 1 Centre Street, 15th floor, Manhattan, at the Office of the Public Advocate.

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

June 26, 2013

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                       For Immediate Release

718-853-9616 (office)
 

HIKIND CAUTIONS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS NOT TO UNDERMINE POLICE

WILL CREATE A CHILLING EFFECT

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is urging members of the New York City Council to vote down a bill that would allow individuals to file claims of “profiling” against the police in state court. The bill, which looms before the council, would eliminate the effectiveness of the New York Police Department's stop-and-frisk tactic and result in increased crime and potential terrorism.

“We’ve had a remarkable, measurable downturn in crime,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “Stop-and-frisk is not a civil rights issue—it’s a proactive tactic used by police officers of all races to deter crime and save lives in high-crime neighborhoods. Do we want police officers who are assessing a potential danger to others to now factor in the fear of being sued because they frisked someone they considered dangerous? Officers need to think quickly and act quickly. It’s enough that they risk their lives in the performance of their duties—if we place obstacles in their way, then law-abiding residents will pay the ultimate price: Crime will increase and lives will be lost, all in the name of political correctness.”

In a letter to members of the City Council, Hikind urged the prevention of “a chilling effect” where cops become more concerned with keeping their jobs than doing their duties.  “Of course there are individual police officers—like politicians and business people—who abuse their powers,” he said. “When they are caught, they are disciplined or dismissed. But we can’t neutralize the ability to enforce the law and protect people because of the actions of a few bad apples.” Hikind asked the Council not to turn back the clock on crime prevention that Commissioner Raymond Kelly has put in place.

“And what of potential terrorists? This bill will certainly restrict law-enforcement’s intelligence efforts,” cautioned the Assemblyman, who explained that law-abiding citizens do not fear legitimate police work. “Citizens prefer the inconvenience of extra security at airports and public places to the potential tragedy of bombs and guns. We have seen firsthand the results of diligence in decreased crime. And, sadly, we bear witness to the tragedy of being unprepared when there are those who are determined to hurt us. The job of government is to protect its citizens. I urge the esteemed members of the City Council to put safety first. Your decisions on this issue may be the difference between life and death for innocent victims of crimes that can be prevented.”

HIKIND’S FREE HEALTH FAIR IS A HUGE SUCCESS

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

June 25, 2013

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                       For Immediate Release
718-853-9616 (office)
973-945-4903 (cell)

HIKIND’S FREE HEALTH FAIR IS A HUGE SUCCESS

HUNDREDS TEST FOR LIFE-THREATENING HEALTH-RELATED ISSUES

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) held a free Heath Screening Event in conjunction with Maimonides Medical Center on Sunday, June 16, at the Boro Park Y, allowing men and women from the community to have vital tests conducted all in one convenient location. Hundreds of community members attended the event.

Several community members were discovered to have dangerously blood pressure and were sent for immediate medical attention.

The vital health tests were conducted by Heart Scan Services. Men and women came to check their blood pressure, heart rate, thyroid, arteries, and body mass index. In addition to Assemblyman Hikind’s staff members, who were on hand to assist community members as needed, Nachas Health Organization attended the event to sign people up who need on-going support services.

“I was delighted to see so many members of community turn out for this event,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “Several people were advised to follow up on abnormalities that were spotted during the testing. It’s always better to be proactive when it comes to our health.”

Mrs. Frieda Hikind, A'H

With the passing of Mrs. Frieda Hikind, A'H (Frieda bas Yisocher Dov), The Dov Hikind Show will rebroadcast this motzei Shabbos (Saturday night), the show where she recalled her experiences during the Shoah. The original show aired on February 6, 2010.

The Dov Hikind Show can be heard Saturday nights on 570 AM at 11:00pm.

Frieda Hikind, Of Blessed Memory

With a heavy heart, we regret to announce the passing of Frieda Hikind (Frieda bas Yisocher Dov).

Frieda was born in Czechoslovakia in 1918 and came to the U.S. in 1947, having survived Auschwitz. She  raised three sons with her husband Mayer.

Frieda can be heard telling her experiences of the Shoah here.