Community Magazine October 2012

COMMUNITY CATAPULTS CYMBROWITZ Congratulations to Steven Cymbrowitz on his hard won primary victory on September 13th for reelection to the New York State Assembly. There is no doubt that his 244 vote margin of victory can be attributed to the support he received from the Community. Now we need to show our hakarat hatov (gratitude) once more on Election day, November 6th. Ever since the stunning victory of David Greenfield in the 2010 City Council Special Election, our community has shown its political might. On a national stage, in a September 2011 special election, our community was credited with the upset victory of Congressman Bob Turner. Then, this past March, the community was behind the surprise win of New York State Senator David Storobin. The message to City Hall, Albany and Washington has become clear: The Sephardic Community votes in significant numbers and can make or break a candidate. If we can continue to rock the vote as we have done over the past two years, there is no question that our most pressing issues – including tuition, religious protection, and tax relief – will be at the top of the agenda for our elected officials going forward. D. Franco MYSTERIOUS RED 40 I really wish the author of the anti-Red 40 “shout out” ad which has appeared from time to time (August 2012) would identify him/herself and further explain in a rational way why the Red 40 dye and other artificial colors cause hyperactivity in children. Not only does this blatant “notice” – for lack of better term (it was headed as an advertisement, yet nothing was being advertised) – lack any source with medical or scientific backing, but it is offensive to all parents. Furthermore, the author states that parents who do, even unknowingly, give their children foods that contain the dye “are the ones who should be punished,” and then tells the reader to “Google it” for further information. Seriously, dear author, this is neither a constructive nor a mature approach to educating people. Joy P RED 40 ENLIGHTENMENT T hank you for bringing the dangers of Red 40 and other azo dyes to our attention with the recent bold red ads. We have all witnessed the scene described in the ad too many times and though parents usually have good intentions, their laziness in failing to read ingredients or their ignorance about the effects of these additives causes needless suffering in children. One need only do a minimum of research to learn of the scientifically proven ill effects of these chemicals (see The Lancet, Volume 370, Issue 9598, Pages 1560 - 1567, November 3, 2007 among many other studies). I know that some parents have taken offense to the harsh tone the ad takes towards parents who offer foods containing these chemicals to their children, but in truth, I think these parents should be more focused on how their children’s feelings are being neglected because of their ignorance and/or laziness. Renee Tawil. SIYUMHASHAS AROUND THEWORLD Wow is right! Between Dirshu’s triple event Siyum Hashas extravaganza and the gathering at Met Life Stadium, Torah Jewry took center stage and demonstrated to the world what a Jewish celebration looks like. The beautiful photos of people from all backgrounds coming together for the Torah were an inspirational reminder of how much we all have in common and how we can realize the goal of ahavat Yisrael (loving your fellow man) in our time. May the merit of these events help bring Mashiah speedily in our days. Esther Gindi LETTERS MOBILE: Scan the Quick Response (QR) code here with your tablet, smart phone or other mobile device. EMAIL: letters@Community M .com WEB: www. Community M .com FAX: 718-504-4246 POSTALMAIL: Community Magazine 1616 Ocean Pkwy Brooklyn, NY 11223 Letters submitted become the property of Community Magazine and will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Letters may be edited and revised for length, style and grammar before publication. All submissions are considered for publication unless otherwise requested. Preferential consideration is given to brief comments and insights that relate directly to published content. Anonymous letters are generally not reviewed or considered for publication. TELL US WHAT YOU REALLY THINK! WRITE US A LETTER 14 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE