Community Magazine April 2019

94 Community Magazine March 4, 10:00am – After observing a suspicious male entering multiple driveways in the area of Ave. Z and East 14th, FSSP members alerted the 61 pct., which then arrested the individual and charged him with criminal trespass and resisting arrest. March 6, 1:45am – Our night crime team observed a suspicious male trying to gain entry to numerous vehicles. After said individual broke into a car and removed property, he attempted to flee by entering a building on Ocean Ave. and Quentin Road. Our members followed him and activated the system, and 61 pct. made the arrest. After running his name, he was found to have an open warrant for a past GLA as well. March 9, 11:30pm – Members out on night patrol caught an individual breaking into a vehicle in the area of East 2 and Avenue O. After being arrested, this recidivist was found to have more than a dozen priors, including burglaries and possession of narcotics. A high-profile delegation visited Egypt as part of a mission to meet with Egyptian President el-Sisi. The delegation compromised of two dozen prominent American Jews, members of the Anwar Sadat Congressional Gold Medal Commission. The mission was coordinated by New York City based political firm the Friedlander Group. As a result of this historic meeting with President Sisi, various historic initiatives are being implemented. The mission's highlight was the historic meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fatteh el-Sisi that took place in the Presidential Palace in Heliopolis. The delegation had an open discussion with President Sisi on variety of topics including Middle East stability, terrorism, and other issues of mutual interest. "President Sisi is a leader in the Arab World who courageously advocates moderation and inclusion, reminding us of the pivotal role that he plays in the Middle East. President Sisi’s participation will further reinforce the message of belief and hope that the vision of a Middle East where tolerance, not terror, can flourish. This message is both possible and urgently needed,” said Ezra Friedlander, leader of the delegation. A direct plea from Joseph Douek, NYC Planning Commissioner, to President Sisi regarding the sad state of Cairo’s Bassatine Cemetery saw immediate results. The cleanup process of the second oldest cemetery in the world started literally within 24 hours. Agudath Israel of America notes with appreciation the recent zoning law change in the Village of Chestnut Ridge. This new set of zoning laws, passed by the Village last month, makes it possible for local faith communities, including Orthodox Jews, to establish houses of worship in residential areas, subject to meeting Village requirements. This matter has been contentious in Chestnut Ridge, as it has been in a number of municipalities over the last 25 years. Agudath Israel notes that the model employed by the Chestnut Ridge officials is one that recognizes that communities have differing needs, that even within communities there may be different ways of fulfilling the same objective, and that working together with the local community in a collaborative effort has been the only way to come to amicable solutions and avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. Under the leadership of Mayor Rosario “Sam” Presti, the Village of Chestnut Ridge adopteda three-tier zoning systemfor housesofworship, inwhich thezoning requirements increase correspondingly to the use-capacity of the planned house of worship. “Mayor Presti and the Chestnut Ridge Board of Trustees did the right thing,” said Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Washington Director. “By taking a controversial issue and coming up with a solution that can work, they showed that they care for the rights of each individual in their community.” Agudath Israel’s Washington Office played a key role in crafting and promoting the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, legislation that protects against undue discrimination against houses of worship and other religious entities in local zoning laws. Flatbush Shomrim March News American Jewish Delegation Meets with Egyptian President El-Sisi in Historic Visit Agudath Israel of America Applauds the Chestnut Ridge Board of Trustees Various members of the delegation shared their perspective with President Sisi: Eli Epstein underscored the great importance that the American Jewish community places on enhancing ties between the United States and Egypt. Leon Goldenberg highlighted the participants’ relationships with members of Congress. Isaac Dabah boosted the importance of economic developments, and Rabbi Elie Abadie delivered the benediction in Arabic. Yoel Lefkowitz, Jonathan Rubin, Maurice Bortz, Mordechai Rothman, Gabriella Friedlander, Dr. Marc Berger, Stanley Treitel, Shafik Gabr, William Nussen, Chesky Blau, Ezra Friedlander, Valon Pilku, H.E. Thomas H. Goldberger, Henry Manoucheri, Rabbi Elie Abadie, Joseph B. Stamm, Joseph Douek, Sol Goldner, Leon Goldenberg, Harley Lippman, and Mordechai Chopp at the reception of Shafik Gabr Foundation. co mm unity HIGHL IGHTS