Lviv, Ukraine - Death Threat Painted on Synagogue

Lviv, Ukraine - Someone painted the words "We will slaughter you like pigs" on the fence of a synagogue in Lviv, Ukraine.
The local Jewish community requested an investigation in an appeal to the city prosecutor's office. They also added that other antisemitic and racist slogans were painted on several walls and fences throughout the city.

Borough Park, Brooklyn - Breakfast To Endorse AG Eliot Spitzer By Dov Hikind

Boro Park, Brooklyn, NY - Assemblyman Dov Hikind, will endorse AG Eliot Spitzer. The endorsement will come after a breakfast in Borough Park, Brooklyn at which Hikind and other leaders from Jewish communities will pay tribute to Spitzer.
Hikind calls Spitzer “the great defender,” on issues like fraud and religious discrimination.

New York - Holocaust Survivors Decry Lawyer's $4.1 Million Fee

New York, NY - From 1996 to 1998, Burt Neuborne represented Holocaust survivors in a historic lawsuit that accused Swiss banks of helping the Nazis loot hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Jewish holdings. His labors helped win a $1.25 billion settlement.
A respected civil rights lawyer and law school professor, Mr. Neuborne did the work without asking a fee, and was widely praised for his central role in the case.
Then in 1999, Mr. Neuborne took on an expanded role - as lead lawyer for the thousands of Holocaust survivors worldwide. But over these seven years, as the complex settlement played out and the judge made the difficult decisions about which survivors would get how much money, bitterness grew and became anger.
Now the anger, within a small American group of Holocaust survivors, is seething. And it is directed at Mr. Neuborne. The 18 members of the group, who were already unhappy because they felt shortchanged by the settlement, are outraged that he filed a bill - for nearly $4.1 million - for his most recent work .
Several of the survivors said in interviews this week that they had thought Mr. Neuborne was still working pro bono. And now a lawyer for the group has filed a formal objection to Mr. Neuborne's fee.
For his part, Mr. Neuborne fiercely defended both his work and his bill, which he submitted in Federal District Court in Brooklyn in December. He said he had never promised that his most recent work - by his count, 8,000 hours over the seven years - would be free.
Mr. Neuborne filed court papers that seek to refute objections about his fee request from the group of American survivors. Mr. Neuborne also asked Judge Edward R. Korman, who is overseeing the case, to hold a hearing on his fee.

Borough Park +Person Under Train+

Borough Park +Person Under Train+ Person was struck and is under the "D" line train Cony Island bound, at 45th Street and Fort Hamilton Avenue, in Boro Park, Brooklyn, NY. NYPD of the 66th Pct are on the scene, ESU and FDNY are extricating, aided is still alive.

Brooklyn, NY - +FBI Involved Shooting+

Canarsie, Brooklyn, NY - +FBI Involved Shooting+ An FBI agent has shot a man in the leg Friday night.

The FBI was conducting surveillance along with the Toint Terrorism Task Force and the NYPD on East 95th Street and Avenue "D". In the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, when other three perps (not the ones sobjects of the surveillance) got into an argument with a man outside Ilayah's restaurant and pulled their guns and started shooting at each other, the FBI agent intervened yelling, "Drop your weapons," when the men resisted, he opened fire on one of the perps shooting him to the leg taking him down but not in likely condition, and the other one fled, also one vehicle fled the scene, the Duty Captain responded calling for a level one mobilization, and ESU for a ballistic search, and Avition for a backyard search for the 2nd perp. No shots were fired by the NYPD.

U/D:
At least three perps are in custody.

Rockland +Wal-Mart Roof Collapse+

Tallman, Rockland NY +Wal-Mart Roof Collapse+ At 250 Rt 59 a partial roof has collapsed at the wal-Mart, FD has been requested to the scene.

California - Shuls Gather Shalach Manos For Troops Stationed Overseas

California - Jewish troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq will not be forgotten at Purim next month, as local congregations and from around the nation are preparing to send them packages for the gift-giving holiday.

The Rabbi of Kehillas Torah in Rancho Penasquitos said the Shalach Manos packages for the troops will contain more than what usually is given for Purim.
"We usually give baskets of food and stuff to fellow Jews," he said. "But we're going to throw in personal items that they may need."

"Last year we sent more than 300 packages in 2005, its inaugural year. "This year we're well on our way to sending 500," he said.

"Letters from troops who received baskets last year showed they enjoyed "good old kosher nosh."

Stamford Hill, UK - Lofts Decision Sparks Race Row

Stamford Hill, UK - Plans to ban loft extensions are institutionally racist, according to Jewish community representatives, who are set to take their case to the top race relations watchdog.

Cllr Simon Tesler made the claim over guidelines currently being prepared that prohibit front dormer loft extensions to homes and place restrictions on rear dormer loft extensions.

He said that there up to eight weddings a week in the Jewish community in Stamford Hill and they had provided for an expanding population through loft extensions for 50 years.
"It's institutional racism," said Cllr Tesler. "The growing Jewish community here has special housing needs which the council is now ignoring.

The draft proposals are yet to go before Hackney Council's Cabinet ahead of public consultation.

However, more than 10,000 letters of objection have been delivered to homes in the borough on behalf of the Stamford Hill-based Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, urging householders in the largest Orthodox Jewish community in Europe to sign and return them to the council.

Americans Jews Sue French Bank In Terror Case

American victims of 13 terror attacks that took place in Israel have filed suit against a French bank, Credit Lyonnais, that was used to funnel money to Hamas, and they failed to quickly cut ties with a fundraising organization of Hamas.
The lawsuit was filed last week in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn. For the victims, the suit represents an effort to prevent terror organizations from using banking services with the same ease as other clients.
Sarri Singer, 32, of Lakewood, N.J. is one the people that joined the case. She was next to a Hamas suicide bomber disguised as an Orthodox Jew who murdered 16 passengers on a bus in Jerusalem in June 2003.
"If you don't sue them, you're allowing these people to get away with what they're doing. The only way to stop it is to not allow these banks to maintain these accounts for charities that are actually global fundraisers for designated terrorist groups.".
The plaintiffs come from over two dozen families which suffered in Hamas- spons

Flatbush +Large Power Outage+

Flatbush +Large Power Outage+ NYPD of the 67th Pct. are calling for a level one mobilization due to a major power outage in a part of Flatbush, Brooklyn, N.Y. in the areas of Rockaway Parkway and Ditmas Avenue.

Williamsburg - Finger Bldg. Going Pinkie

Williamsburg, Brooklyn NY - Locked in a nasty legal dispute with a next-door neighbor, the developer Mendy Brach of Williamsburg's controversial "Finger Building" condo at 144 N. Eight Street, has submitted new plans that would make it six stories shorter than originally planned, it will be just 10 stories tall much smaller than the original 16-story.
But project foes didn't welcome the new plans - now being reviewed by the Buildings Department - because they fear it is just a way to revive the project, which was halted last November over demolition and zoning issues.
"It's simply a tactic for them to eventually build," said Stephanie Thayer, a Williamsburg critic of the plan.
Brach's condo, originally planned for 42 units, got the Finger Building nickname because some residents felt its height would represent a rude gesture to the community.
Opponents are pushing the Buildings Department to kill the project over several technical issues.

NYC - Mayor Bloomberg Promoting More Affordable Housing

New York City, NY - Mayor Bloomberg unveiled plans for the city's housing program that would provide more than 20,000 apartments for middle-income New Yorkers.
The first phase includes 435 units that would be targeted at households with annual incomes between $50,000 and $100,000.
Bloomberg made the announcement as he detailed how the city plans to meet his ambitious goal of building and preserving 165,000 units of affordable housing by 2013.

U/D: 03/01/06
Bloomberg in Washington DC, rips President Bush over cuts in housing aid.

Cairo, Egypt - +Oil Refinery Explosion+

Cairo, Egypt - +Oil Refinery Explosion+ A Saudi oil official says explosion heard in oil refinery in eastern Saudi Arabia, also reports of shots fired.

U/D: 08:49
Al-Arabiya is reporting that Saudi authorities foiled the attempt to bomb the oil refinery with two vehicles packed with explosives.

U/D: 09:09
One pieline was damaged in the attack, and oil was just briefly stopped from flowing through the refinery.

Flatbush +Pedestrian Struck+

Flatbush, Brooklyn +Pedestrian Struck+ A motor vehicle accident with a pedestrian that was struck on Avenue "M" and East 24th Street, Hatzolah on the scene.

Crown Heights - Anthrax Investigation Widens To Brooklyn

Crown Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y. - Authorities have widened their investigation into possible anthrax contamination and they have included and isolated an apartment in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on Dean Street, also did medical officials give antibiotics to seven people who could have been exposed to the spores.

Brooklyn +B.Q.E. 55th St. Shut Down+

Brooklyn, NY +B.Q.E. 55th St. Shut Down+ NYPD ESU are on the scene on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway at 55th. Street in Brooklyn, N.Y. with one vehicle wedged under another car some are injuried, EMS to respond from the wrong way on the Expressway which is completely shut down.

Tajikistan - Demolishing Synagogue

Tajikistan - Authorities have begun demolishing the country's only synagogue to make way for a new presidential residence.
The century-old synagogue on government land in the ex-Soviet republic's capital Dushanbe will be completely torn down by June.
Last month, the city finished demolishing the synagogue's ritual bathhouse, classroom's and kosher butchery.
Tajikistan's Jewish community is mostly elderly and poor and cannot afford to build a new synagogue. About 280 Jews live in Dushanbe, of about 480 across the country.

London - Mayor Found Guilty For Nazi Comment

London - Mayor Ken Livingstone was found guilty for bringing his office into disrepute for comparing a Jewish reporter to a concentration camp guard.
Adjudication Panel would decide what penalty to impose after a three-man panel ruled against Livingstone in a complaint brought by a Jewish group.
The mayor, one of Britain's most colorful and popular politicians, could theoretically be suspended from his job and barred from holding public office for five years, although a formal rebuke is seen as more likely.

Philippines - Emergency Declared

Manila, Philippine President Gloria Arroyo declares a state of emergency following allegations of a coup plot by army officers.

U/D: 02/24/06 06:43
Police in move in to end opposition protest led by former President Corazon Aquino.

Williamsburg +Child Struck+

Williamsburg, Brooklyn +Child Struck+ A MVA with two children that were struck by a vehicle in front of 25 Lorimer, Hatzolah on the scene requesting ALS and additional BLS units to respond on a rush.

U/D: 20:23
Aided is an 8-year-old girl and is now conscious, and her brother.
Hatzolah transferred to Bellevue Hospital. Vehicle left the scene of the accidednt (hit-and-run).

Brooklyn +Bank Robbery+

Brooklyn, NY +Bank Robbery+ The NYPD 61st Pct. are calling for a level one mobilization due to a bank robbery of the Commerce Bank at 2700 Coney Island Avenue, between Avenue "X" and Avenue "W", perp M/B passed a note fled the scene with unknown proceeds, has a white bag.

U/D: 19:34
ESU has been requested for an evidence search and Aviation to do a fly over.
Perp was given a dye pack and it has exploaded.

Senators Call On Lithuania To Halt The Desecration Of A Jewish Cemetery

Senators press Lithuania on cemetery desecration: U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) called on Lithuania to halt the desecration of a Jewish cemetery in Vilnius.

The senators, members of the Helsinki Commission, a congressional body monitoring European anti-Semitism, wrote a letter to Lithuania’s ambassador, Vygaudas Usackas, on the issue.

Which University Has The Most Jews?

If you had to guess which public or private University in America had the most Jews, you might be tempted to guess Yeshiva University but you'd be wrong. The real answer is NYU! it turns out that NYU has more Jews than any other school in the country, a study showed.

Homeowners Policy Covers Shootings by Son

The Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled that an insurance company might have to pay $1.8 million if the lone survivor and relatives of five other victims of a shooting spree win lawsuits against the attacker's parents.

Donegal Mutual Insurance Co. would have to pay the amount under a homeowners
policy held by Andrejs and Inese Baumhammers that covers the actions of
their son Richard, who fatally shot a jewish nebigher.

Richard Baumhammers, an unemployed attorney, was living with his parents when he reportedly walked out of his Mount Lebanon home on April 28, 2000, and shot his Jewish neighbor.

He was convicted and sentenced to death for targeting his victim because of their religious or ethnic background.

Kashras Problem On The Horizon, With The Vaccination Of Birds Against The Deadly Bird Flu Virus

Paris - A in Paris raised the question that the vaccination of birds against the deadly avian flu virus might not be kosher.
Rabbi Simon Dahan, a member of Paris’ Beth Din, said that the European Commission approval of French and Dutch plans to vaccinate millions of their poultry against bird flu, might cause a problem in regard to kashrus.

“If they conduct the vaccination on the lungs or the neck, the animal might not be kosher anymore,” Dahan said.

Dahan is a respected European authority in regard to kashrus and pointed out that if there was a problem in the vaccination, it would be extremely troubling for European Jews who eat kosher.

“Furthermore, vaccinating the poultry in the leg might also be a problem because the operation might alter some the animal fragile nerves, which are supposed to stay untouched,” the rabbi added.

New York - Mayor Bloomberg Visits Pataki In Hospital

New York, NY - Mayor Michael Bloomberg visited Governor George Pataki in the hospital as the state's top Republican continued to recover from his latest round of surgery.
The Mayor met with the governor at the hospital, Pataki spokesman David Catalfamo said. "The governor and mayor discussed a number of key state-city issues, such as Lower Manhattan development, port security, school funding and the MTA. "

Doctors have yet to set a date for the governor's release from New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center in Manhattan.

Williamsburg +MVA With Entrapment+

Williamsburg +MVA With Entrapment+ A motor vehicle accident with a confirmed entrapment Gerry Street and Flushing Avenue, FD on the scene putting the Hurst Tool to work, ESU also on the scene requesting EMS for the injuried.

Manhattan - Fire Burning At Plaza Hotel

Manhattan - A second-alarm fire is burning in construction material in the 20-story 200x200 Plaza Hotel in Midtown Manhattan at 768 5th Avenue. Central Park South is shutdown between 5th and 6th Avenue.

Orange County Sheriff's Web Site

Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, Undersheriff Kenneth T. Jones, Orange County Legislator Michael Amo, are proud with their accomplishments.

Rome - Italian President Visits Synagogue

Rome - Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi visited Rome's synagogue and Jewish museum, paying tribute to the contribution Jews have made to Italy.

"The Jewish community has given a lot to Rome and Italy over the centuries, in terms of ability, ingenuity and traditions," Ciampi said .
He urging younger generations to visit the newly expanded museum which recounts the history of the oldest community in the Jewish diaspora.

Staten Island - Deputy Police Chief Touts Promising Crime Stats

Staten Island - Crime on the Island plummeted 36 percent in the first seven weeks of the current year -- a development that the Island's top cop said stunned even him, as he trumpeted the statistic.

"Citywide crime numbers have flatlined," noted Deputy Chief Albert Girimonte. "But this is our ninth year of declines. I'm proud of that. ... History is still being made."

Albany - Jewish History On Display

Albany - The history of Schenectady's Jewish community is displayed across the walls of the Sage College Opalka Gallery off Albany's New Scotland Avenue.

The exhibit, "Jewish History & Community in Schenectady," is the ninth in a series of exhibits depicting the history of Jews in the Capital Region.

Schenectady had so many Jewish merchants in the first half of the 1900s that when the city's first Jewish millionaire, Jonathan Levy, who helped craft the financial package that brought General Electric to town, died, all the stores on State Street closed, said Harvey Strum, a Sage College professor.

Paris - Arrest In French 'Anti-Semitic' Killing

Abidjan, Ivory Coast - Police in Ivory Coast have arrested Youssef Fofana, the suspected leader of a gang accused of torturing and murdering a Jewish man in France.

Cholent A Tasty Shabbas Tradition

Brisket baked overnight in a low oven is simply a modern method of keeping the Shabbas for observant Jews. But there are endless ethnic variations of the dish, known as cholent.
Overnight baking is necessary because Orthodox Jews cannot light a fire or oven on Shabbas, which begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday.
"An overnight oven method has its roots in times when Jewish housewives would bring their cholent dishes to the baker's oven on the way to synagogue on Friday evening," Rosalyn Herman of Davie wrote. "Although the fires in the oven were banked, the cholent would stay hot till the dishes were picked up after services on Saturday."
"I've tried different recipes for cholent from every nation of the Jewish diaspora,'' wrote Esther Frank. In ancient times, cholent was made with grains such as barley, dried beans and little or no meat, Frank says. As Jews moved to different lands, they adapted the dish differently.

Borough Park - +Pedestrian Struck+

Borough Park - +Pedestrian Struck+ A motor vehicle accident with a pedestrian that was struck in Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY at 14th Avenue and 49th Street. Hatzolah on the scene.

Brooklyn, NY - Mayor Commits To Fix Bad Oder Smell In Brooklyn Before He Leave Office

Brooklyn, N.Y. - Mayor M. Bloomberg has promised to get the stench out of Brooklyn before his term expires.
Bloomberg told a Civic Association that his administration during the upcoming months would take steps to eliminate the putrid odors that regularly flow from the Owl's Head Wastewater Treatment Plant, by enclosing the site on Shore Road in Bay Ridge. "I'm making a commitment that it will be fixed before I leave office," he said. The smell of waste gas coming from the plant has been a sore spot for over 50 years in not just Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights, but other nearby communities in Brooklyn that are also affected on windy days.

Iraq - Blast at Shiite Mosque Pushes Iraq Toward Civil War

The blast ignited a nationwide outpouring of rage and panic that seemed to bring Iraq closer than ever to open civil conflict.

Three Iraqi journalists working for al-Arabiya TV were killed in the city of Samarra, and gunmen have stopped 3 buses carrying factory workers northeast of Baghdad and killed 47 people, dozens more in other parts of that country.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad blames Israel and the United States for the destruction of the golden dome mosque.

And the Sunni Arab political bloc is suspending negotiations with Shiites and Kurds over a new government unless the administration apologizes for attacks on Sunni mosques.

Florida - Rabbi Struck After Leaving Synagogue

Hollywood, FL - A Hollywood rabbi and his wife are in serious condition in the hospital after being struck by a car last night.
Rabbi Allen Saks and his wife Annette were struck crossing Sterling Road south by 44th Avenue while leaving Young Israel of Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale Synagogue.

A woman driving a blue Saturn eastbound ran a red light and hit them. The driver, Louise Cramer, was cited for running a red light.
The couple was transported by Hollywood Fire Rescue to Memorial Regional Hospital.

Brooklyn +Tunnel Shut Down+

Brooklyn +Tunnel Shut Down+ PD shut down the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel due to a pursuit on the Belt Parkway of a black Nissan Altima with NY Reg. S3J820, that was involved and is wanted for a string of robberies. level one mobilization has been called at the 68th Pct station house, vehicle has been lost on the Belt.

U/D: 21:22
Vehicle has been located at Ridge Avenue abd 65th Street, perp bailed out on foot active perp search by K-9, Aviation and ESU going on right now.
Tunnel has been reopened.

U/D: 23:04
Perp has been apprehended at Wakeman Place and is being brought into the 68th Pct Station House at 333 65th Street.

Ukraine - +Very Serious MVA+

Ukraine - +Very Serious MVA+ A resident from Spring Valley, N.Y. was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Kiev, when his vehicle was hit by a truck while driving in Ukraine from Uman to Kiev, he was pronounced D.O.A.

Brooklyn +Anthrax Found+

Brooklyn +Anthrax Found+ Fire Department on the scene at 2 Prince Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn, and reporting they have anthrax in the building where the 44-year-old man that got inhalation anthrax worked, requesting Decon Unit to respond, EMS and PD are also on the scene

Louisiana - Statewide Raids On Middle Eastern Owned Businesses

Louisiana - FBI and local law enforcement authorities are conducting a statewide raid of service stations and businesses owned by Middle Easterners.
Agents executed search warrants at businesses from Tallulah to Ruston and in Monroe. The FBI says the raids are part of "an ongoing criminal investigation." Police sources say, the raids target possible money laundering and counterfeiting in connection with suspected domestic terrorist activity and homeland security.

London, UK - +Large Robbery+

London, UK - +Large Robbery+ The Bank of England says armed robbers stole the equivalent of $43.5 million from a security company in southern England.

U/D: 02/23/06 14:17
A man and a woman have been arrested over the Kent depot heist.

Willliamsburg +Jumper on the Bridge+

Willliamsburg +Jumper on the Bridge+ A male Asian in a gray jacket threatened to jump from the Williamsburg Bridge Manhattan bound, NYPD from the 7th Pct and ESU are responding, Aviation-14 enroute, Harbor has been notified.

NYC - +Man Exposed To Anthrax+

NYC - +Man Exposed To Anthrax+ A Manhattan 44-year-old man a doctor from African descent has been hospitalized in PA after being exposed to inhalation anthrax from untreated cow and goat hides, the more serious than the more common skin anthrax, but officials stressed they do not believe it is in any way terror-related.

U/D: 14:49
NYC Mayor M. Bloomberg, Police Commissioner and assistant to the FBI said, that the public is in no danger.

U/D: 14:57
It reportedly happened while he was importing rawhide from the African Coast, and became ill shortly after his return, officials said.

U/D: 16:22
Area of 214 West 29th Street and 7th Avenue has been shut down.

Brooklyn +B.Q.E. Kasciusko Bridge Shut Down+

Brooklyn +B.Q.E. Kasciusko Bridge Shut Down+ A 5 car motor vehicle accident on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway Queens bound at the Kosciusko Bridge, FDNY are on the scene reporting five vehicles are involved with some minor injuries, roadway completely shut down and washdown will be needed, expect delays in the area.

Monroe +Large Brush Fire+

Kiryas Yoel, Monroe +Large Brush Fire+ A large brush fire in Kiryas Joel, Monroe, N.Y. in the woods near a boys school at Schunnemunk Road to Seven Springs Road and Mountain Road, with multiple M/A's Dept, also South Blooming Grove Engine and Brush Truck responding.

U/D: 12:20
Fire Department upgrading it right now to a 2nd alarm.

East Ramapo - Workshops For Private-School Teachers

Spring Valley - The East Ramapo school district hosted its first "In-Service Day" for nonpublic-school teachers.

About 470 teachers from more than 20 Jewish schools in the area participated in the daylong professional development program, which included workshops on everything from teaching reading to working with anxious students.

Nebraska - Record Powerball Jackpot Winners Revealed

Lincoln, Nebraska - The winners of the record $365 million Powerball jackpot have been revealed as eight workers at a meat processing plant in Nebraska.

Brooklyn - +Animal Condition+

Brooklyn - +Animal Condition+ NYPD on the 3rd floor of 67 Eldert Street between Bushwick and Evergreen Avenue's with a large snake in an apartment, requesting ESU to respond for the removal.

Canada - New Law Passed Bans Faith-Based Arbitration

Canada - A new provincial law, Bill 27, will ban religious family arbitration. The bill prohibits all forms of binding arbitration like Rabbinical Courts, or Beit Dins acting on family matters not conducted according to Canadian law.
Representatives of the Va’ad Harabonim of Toronto and several other Orthodox groups, say that they will take steps to challenge the measure under the religious freedom provisions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

U.N. Guard Reprimanded for Swastikas

The United Nations has reprimanded a security guard at its Manhattan headquarters for drawing swastikas on a log sheet later seen by a guard from Israel.

The guard who drew the swastikas was issued a letter of reprimand and was asked to attend sensitivity training for the September incident.

Williamsburg - Industry Zone On Preservationist Save List

Williamsburg - Some factory buildings of such as the Domino Sugar factory, will be named one of New York's most endangered historic treasures today by a state preservationist group, to prevent developers from building apartments in the former industrial district.

Several rowhouse blocks that once housed factory workers also might be landmarked.
Developers may be expected to fight landmark designation of their property, similar to when owners of the 184 Kent Ave. warehouse succeeded in preventing its landmarking last November, said Williamsburg lawyer Adam Perlmutter.
"They don't want to be constrained with what they can do with their buildings," Perlmutter said.

Brooklyn Businessman Admits Failing To Report Millions In Income

Newark, NJ - A Brooklyn businessman pleaded guilty to tax evasion and other charges, admitting he failed to report millions of income.   
The scheme centered on businessman Abie Moskowitz, 56, from Brooklyn, N.Y. who owned Sea Jet Trucking/APA Warehouse Inc., a shipping and storage business, and he was the "driving wheel" behind a conspiracy in which 11 others have already pleaded guilty.   In total, the participants failed to report $8.7 million of income on personal and business returns from 1998-2001.

Moskowitz pleaded guilty and he faces up to five years in prison and a $100,000 fine for tax evasion count; three years and $100,000 fine for each of count of aiding and assisting tax evasion; 20 years and a $500,000 fine, or up to twice the value of the funds involved, for money laundering; 30 years and a $1 million fine for bank fraud; and five years and a $250,000 fine for mail fraud.   He remans free on $500,000 bond pending May 23 sentencing.

Manhattan +Floater In The Hudson River+

Manhattan +Floater In The Hudson River+ NYPD of the 24th Pct on the scene at the Hudson River near West 97th Street where they have a DOA floating in the river, ESU on the scene, Harbor Units responding.

Orthodox Jews Greet Hamas And Their New Prime Minister

Following Hamas’ announcement of appointing Ismail Haniyeh as the new Prime Minister of its government. Rabbi Hirsch, of the Neturei Karta of the Orthodox Jewry, sent the new PM a greeting message expressing the Jews’ support of the newly democratically elected Palestinian government led by Hamas.

President Bush Threatening Veto On Arab Port Deal

Air Force One - President Bush says the deal allowing an Arab company to take over six major U.S. seaports should go forward and he will veto any bill that would stop it.

U/D: 02/22/06 10:29
The White House says President Bush did not know about the Arab-owned company taking over operations at major American seaports until the deal was completed.

Boro Park +Pedestrian Struck+

Boro Park +Pedestrian Struck+ A motor vehicle accident in Borough Park on 14th Avenue and 40th Street, Hatzolah on the scene, requesting Medics on a rush, patient is unconscious.

Israel - Suicide Bomber Near Karni Crossing

Israel - A suicide bomber exploded at the Karni crossing at the northern edge of the Gaza Strip so far no one else injured.

New York City - Try Not To Get Stopped At One Of The Bridges Or Tunnels

Arrests at the city's bridges and tunnels has jumped 700 percent since 9/11 because cops are stopping suspicious cars and trucks.

As a result, MTA Bridge and Tunnels plans to open two "arrest-processing centers" within weeks -- one on Randalls Island and the other at the Verrazano Bridge.

They will be equipped with high-tech computers capable of scanning fingerprints and running criminal background checks.

Albany - Pataki Transferred To Manhattan Hospital

Albany, NY - Governor George Pataki was transferred to New York Presbyterian Hospital earlier this morning, after no improvement in his condition five days after having surgery to remove a perforated appendix.
The transfer from the Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt Manor was under routine conditions, said the governors spokesman.

U/D: 16:59
Governor Pataki underwent a second surgery this afternoon because of a blockage in his digestive system, five days after he had his appendix removed.

More E-ZPass Lanes For NY Thruway

New York - The state plans to add more E-ZPass lanes on the Thruway -- including several high-speed lanes, by the end of this summer.

The Thruway Authority will add 36 new E-ZPass lanes to the highway system as part of a three-and-a-half million dollar improvement project expected to be completed in six months.

The plan includes increasing the number of lanes that will accommodate high-speed E-ZPass traffic. The speed limit for most regular E-ZPass lanes is five miles an hour, and High-speed E-ZPass lanes allow motorists to pass through at 20 miles an hour.

Ohio Men In Alleged Plot To Attack U.S. Troops

A federal grand jury has indicted three Ohio men on terrorism charges alleging they plotted to kill U.S. and coalition military personnel in Iraq and other countries.

Israel - Kosher Mobile Phones

Partner Communications an Israeli mobile phone manufacturer want's to accommodate the Orthodox Jewish community and make a Kosher phone.
Phones from Partner Communications will have text and Internet services deactivated, which is how the ultra-Orthodox wants them. Partner is falling into line with rival phone suppliers in an attempt to please the million-strong Orthodox Jewish communities.
Rabbis have previously warned that the Internet can expose the Orthodox to corrupting influences and no-doubt some text spam could also fall into this category.

Kiryas Yoel +MVA With Pedestrian Struck Seriously+

Kiryas Yoel +MVA With Pedestrian Struck Seriously+ A motor vehicle accident with a pedestrian that was struck in Kiryas Joe, Monroe at Mountaiview Road and Toby Lane, Hatzolah on the scene requesting ALS units with a rush.

MVA With Car Carrying Governor Of Connecticut

Brookefield, CT - A teenage driver hit Gov. M. Jodi Rell's car earlier this morning, but the governor was uninjured, a spokesman said.

The other car drifted over the center line and basically clipped the governor's vehicle, and struck the driver's side door of the governor's car.

The governor and the state trooper driving The governor's car all escaped injured. The other driver, a 17-year-old girl, was also uninjured. The governor was transferred to another car and continued on to a morning appointment.

Iran Is Back-Pedaling But Jewish Leaders Wants Iranian President Banned From Europe

Paris - Jewish community leaders from across Europe want Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad banned from setting foot on the continent.

But Iran's foreign minister insisted that his country's hard-line president really didn't mean it when he said he'd like to see Israel "wiped off the map."
"Nobody can remove a country from the map. This is a misunderstanding in Europe of what our president mentioned," Manouchehr Mottaki said.
Mottaki also countered President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's assertions that the Holocaust is nothing but a myth, saying Iran now has "no argument" that the genocide in fact occurred.
The foreign minister's major back-pedaling came as he also tried to assure European nations that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons.

NYU College To Accommodate Housing For Jewish Students

NYU College housing officials will work to house observant Jewish students closer to the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life in the upcoming spring, to accommodate their weekly trips to Shabbas services.
NYU housing options like Water Street and 26th Street residence halls are prohibitively far away from the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life, which is located on 10th Street between University Place and Fifth Avenue, as students must walk to and from the locations to attend Kosher meals and synagogue.
“We’re not looking for better housing, just closer housing,” he said.

Vienna - Historian Gets 3-Year Sentence For Denying Holocaust

Vienna, Austria - The controversial British historian David Irving was sentenced to three years in prison, just hours after pleading guilty to charges of denying the Holocaust of European Jews.

U/D: 02/21/06 23:54
Prosecution are seeking a longer prison term for Holocaust denier Irving.

Riverdale - Rabbi Opposes Plan Of Landmaking The Fieldston's Section

Riverdale - As the New York City Planning Commission prepares to consider a plan to create a historic district that would, in effect, make every house in Riverdale's Fieldston section a landmark, the neighborhood's most prominent religious leader has declared that he opposes the proposal.
The senior rabbi of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, declared that the net result of the proposed landmarking will be harmful to the area's Orthodox Jewish community. If the Planning Commission approves the project, it will then go before the City Council.
If the Fieldston Historic District is approved, homeowners will need to apply to the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission in order to make any changes to the exterior of their homes, major or minor.

Kiryas Joel - Getting Ready For New Workforce Development Center

Kiryas Joel - Village officials are vowing to roll out all they have to finish up the Kiryas Joel Workforce Development Center. Computer courses, English lessons, job placement, a chamber of commerce and more, all in this 5,000 square feet of space built with $400,000 in state money to put more Kiryas Joel citizens to work and help its businesses thrive, thousands of dollars' worth of furniture, including desks for 100 students, are on order.
"I want to have this building providing all sorts of training potential, whether it be community-related or business-related," Kiryas Joel Administrator said during a building tour.
The vocational needs in this Hasidic community of 18,000 in Kiryas Yoel are formidable. Men will have studied only religious texts and spoken only Yiddish or Hebrew in the classroom since the age of 12.
The result is Orange County's lowest median household income - just more than $15,000 when the 2000 census was taken - and heavy dependence on government assistance. Village leaders have responded in recent years with an economic development push, which includes the work-force center and a five-story office building now under construction.

Among the next steps in activating the work-force center, Village Administrator said, is hiring an economic development director or czar to run its programs.

Town of Mornoe - +Car Into Water+

Town of Mornoe - +Car Into Water+ At Route 208 and O&R Road at the Orange and Rockland Lake a motor vehicle accident, FD on the scene with one car into the O&R Lake, occupant is out of the vehicle.

Yonkers - Woman Slashed Possible Bias Crime

Yonkers - Police are searching for a man who slashed a woman in what authorities are treating as a bias crime.
The attacker made a disparaging comment before he cut her with a knife, on the 100 block of Bruce Avenue while walking home. The woman was treated at a hospital. The description of the attacker is sketchy.

Yonkers - Swastikas Painted On Cars

Yonkers - Police are trying to determine who spray-painted red swastikas on cars on Rosedale Road, a northeast Yonkers street.
And they are investigating the incident as a bias crime.

One of the cars a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder belongs to a 39-year-old woman, the other car a 1998 Ford Explorer belongs to a 29-year-old man

Manhattan +Mounted Officer Struck+

Manhattan +Mounted Officer Struk+ A Mounted NYPD Officer was struck by a taxi at West 24th Street and 9th Avenue, when the horse ran into traffic at a busy intersection.
The officer is alert and conscious. EMS is transporting the officer via NYPD escort to Bellview Hospital.

Borough Park +MVA Involving School Bus+

Borough Park +MVA Involving School Bus+ A motor vehicle accident involving a school bus in the Boro Park section of Brooklyn at 48th Street and 13th Avenue, Hatzolah on the scene.

New York City Is Discouraging Shimshoni's System

Yoni'' Shimshoni and his team came up with a potentially lifesaving solution, how to evacuate in case of an emergency from a tall structure, its a $1 million escape device with expandable cabins that could be lowered like lifeboats outside a high-rise in distress. A prototype was tested and won praise from politicians, public safety experts and the landlord of a midtown Manhattan skyscraper who offered his property for a pilot program.

But New York City's Office of Emergency Management has said that the project is unworthy of the necessary building permits.

The letter from OEM commissioner Joseph Bruno said the city is open to "exploring creative solutions'' for high-rise evacuations. But, he added, an analysis by fire, police and building officials raised too many concerns about Shimshoni's system. Among the city's concerns: that there would be confusion over who would operate the system during an emergency; that using windows as escape routes can help a fire spread; that passengers of the cabins risk passing floors immersed in flames; and that the system was prone to the Titanic effect - chaos over who would be first in line for a limited number of spots in each cabin.

The decision was a blow to Shimshoni's company, Escape Rescue Systems, but Shimshoni believes public opinion and political pull could change the city's position.

Bad Arolsen - U.S. Wants Holocaust Archives Opened

Bad Arolsen, Germany. - U.S. officials and Holocaust museum leaders want the historical archives of the Nazi genocide opened to the public despite German vows to keep it closed.

The International Tracing Service at Bad Arolsen, Germany was set up toward the end of the war as an International Committee of the Red Cross program to consolidate information and documents Allied forces recovered.

Information on 17.5 million people are stored in it, including details on which prisoners were experimented on and who, including Jews, collaborated with Nazis.

Recently the United States -- one of 11 countries on an advisory board for the archives -- has sought it opened to the public. But the director of the archives, and the German and Italian governments are against it. They cite privacy issues in their own country, possible further claims for reparation.

Newspaper Groups Admit They Failed The Jews Fleeing Hitler In The 1930's

New York - Several prominent journalists have signed a petition asking the Newspaper Association of America to acknowledge that its predecessor organizations in the 1930's "was wrong to turn its back on Jewish refugee journalists fleeing Hitler."

The petition notes that, just as other organizations have publicly apologized, paid reparations or taken other steps to "face up to their past," the newspaper association should "squarely face up to the mistakes made by the journalistic community during those terrible years."

The petition was signed by more than 70 people.

U/D: 03/10/06 08:12
In response to a petition by more than 80 leading journalists and journalism professors, the Newspaper Association of America (NAA) has publicly expressed regret at the failure of U.S. newspaper publishers to aid Jewish refugee journalists fleeing Nazi Germany.

Flatbush +Fire In A Occupied Multiple Dwelling+

Flatbush +Fire In A Occupied Multiple Dwelling+ A fire on the 3rd floor of a 4 story 60x60 occupied multiple dwelling at 848 East 28th Street and Avenue "I", Hatzolah working the scene, FD are requesting additional E&T's above all hands, fire is DWH. Primary searches are in progress by the FD.

U/D: 11:01
CMD reports that all visible fire hase been K/D. Secondary searches are negative and fire is placed under control.

Orthodox Jewish Modesty Between Couples, Is Truly Amazing

Orthodox Jewish husbands avert women who aren't family members.

And ultra-Orthodox mothers of eight children are also businesswomen and teachers, involved in raising money for orphans.

Newburgh, NY +Overturned T/T With Debris Spill+

Newburgh, NY +Overturned T/T With Debris Spill+ On the northbound of the New York State Thruway at the Newburgh Toll Plaza a tractor trailer overturned NY State Police are on the scene, requesting EMS for the driver who climbed out and has minor injuries, also requesting heavy wrecker.
Its a Home Depot Tractor trailer carrying Home Depot supplies that are now all over the roadway.

El Al With First In The World Defense System

El Al Airlines company has just taken security to a higher level.

Security sources said that the airline completed the installation of an anti-missile system on each of its 29 passenger aircraft. The “Flight Guard” system is carrying a $1 million price tag per unit.

The installation of the system is the final touch on a security overhaul that began in 2002 after an al-Qaida terrorist in Kenya fired a shoulder-held missiles at an Israeli charter flight.

El Al officials declined to comment on the move and said it does not discuss security issues.

Paris - 1,000 Jews Demand Justice For Man Who Was Killed

Paris - More than 1,000 Jews marched in the streets, demanding justice for Ilan Halimi, the 23-year-old Jewish man who was abducted, tortured and killed near Paris by an organised and dangerous gang last week.

Information on the demonstration circulated within the Jewish community through mobile phone and e-mail messages, although the spontaneous gathering failed to get support from any Jewish organizations.

Jews from every age and background participated in the walk under heavy rain.

A few incidents occurred at the end of the gathering. One of them was when a driver forced his way through the demonstrators and was chased down by dozens of young men who damaged the vehicle, and police got blamed because they didn’t prevent cars from circulating down the Boulevard.

The crowd ended its tribute to Ilan Halimi by observing a minute of silence in front of the mobile phone store where he used to work.

While until now three of the 13 people arrested have been indicted, French police were still hunting for Youssef Fofana, a 26-yar-old black African man, considered as the mastermind of the kidnapping ring.

Halimi’s abduction has sent a shockwave through France’s Jewish community, since Halimi and several other targets were Jewish, leading France’s Jewish community group, to issue an appeal for calm and caution.

But uneasiness was perceptible in the Paris synagogues over Shabbas, according to informed sources.

Jewish organizations have called for another demonstration next Sunday in the Paris suburb city of Bagneux where Ilan Halimi was detained and tortured by his kidnappers.

U/D: 02/21/06
The suspects "made it clear that he had attacked Halimi 'because he was Jewish, and Jews are rich'," Justice Minister Pascal Clement has said.

Little Rock - Police Get First Rabbi Chaplain

Little Rock, Arkansas - Famous Rabbi is the first orthodox rabbi to become Chaplin for the little rock police department.

Rabbi Martin Appelbaum of Agudath Achim Synagogue in Little Rock Arkansas is an observing orthodox Jew, born and raised in Brooklyn and went to yeshiva of Chaim Berlin in Flatbush.

In March 1991, he was honored by the Vice President of the United States, Honorable Dan Quayle, for his Religious and Military service. In February 1992, he was the first Rabbi to open a session of the United States Senate.

Manhattan +F.D.R. Drive Traffic Alert+

Manhattan +F.D.R. Drive Traffic Alert+ Taffic Alert on the F.D.R. Drive northbond and southbound between 125th Street and the Brooklyn Bridge, due to icicle removal closing alternate lanes, expect delays.

Brooklyn - Alarming Racket

Brooklyn - More people complain about car alarms than in any other borough despite the fact it has only half as many cars as Queens.
Last year, there are 638,948 registered cars in Queens - and just 363,340 in Brooklyn.
"Brooklynites are never shy, care deeply about their communities and largely live in densely populated areas, so it's no surprise that we speak up about car-alarm problems," said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.
Paul White, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, agrees.
"There is growing public awareness that car alarms don't work People hear them blaring and they just walk on by. They're not effective and they're irksome."
And no borough knows that more than Brooklyn. Last year, 5,849 cars were stolen in Brooklyn, more than in any other borough.

Bronx +Bronx River Pkwy Shut Down+

Bronx +Bronx River Pkwy Shut Down+ A second serious motor vehicle accident involving a NY State Tropper at the southbound Bronx River Parkway and 233rd Street with all 3 lanes shut, Aviation overhead searching for a possible ejected aided from another MVA in the area.

Williamsburg - The Passing Of A Legend

Williamsburg - With profound sadness we annouce the passing of Hachusid Rabbi Moshe Hoffman (93) Z''L
Founder of the very well known Chevrah Shomrim Safety Patrol of Willamsburg (1979) may his soul rest in peace. The funeral will be in front fo Pupa shul tomorow morning 08:30. Bedford Avenue and Penn Street. May he rest in peace.

NYC Cops On Their Lunch Break

NYC Police officers sat down to eat lunch in a Restaurant in Times Square, for two grilled chicken salads, one sandwich special and a roast-chicken platter, when they spotted a 29 year-old Russian immigrant from Bensonhust, withdrawing loads and loads of money from an ATM machine. After inserting ATM card after ATM card with stolen account numbers and withdrawing handfuls after handfuls of cash, the cops arrested him when he tried to exit the restaurant. He was found with $7,504 and 52 blank ATM cards.
After the arrest, the Secret Service took the case over as they have been investigating this person with the FBI. After initially saying that he found the cards, he later said that he bought the cards from someone in Canada. The story just gets better. In his Porsche parked in a lot nearby, he had another $497. And at home, he had 105 more ATM cards and nearly $70,000 in cash and goods.

NYC - NYPD Officers Disciplined For Taking Gifts

Two New York City police officers have been disciplined for accepting gifts from former students at the police academy.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly docked Sgt. Rosalind Newkirk for accepting a digital camera valued at $246.94 and Officer Jerry Diaz for accepting a New York Yankees jersey that cost $200 from students who graduated in July.
They also have been transferred to a less prestigious patrol assignments.

Edolphus Towns A 12-Term Brooklyn Congressman, in a Fight for No. 13

Brooklyn - He has been in the House of Representatives for nearly a quarter-century and is known for his folksy ways and his common touch with the residents of Brooklyn. But as he runs for a 13th term, Edolphus Towns finds himself the target of determined efforts to end his career in Congress.

So far, three people either have declared plans to challenge Mr. Towns, 71, or are close to doing so. But perhaps more worrisome for the representative, major labor unions have pledged to do everything in their power to ensure his defeat.

Last week, City Councilman Charles Barron announced his candidacy. And before that, Assemblyman Roger L. Green said he was considering running, as did Kevin Powell, a writer and the founder of a nonprofit public affairs group.

Monticello - Construction Begins At The Concord Resort

Monticello - The Concord Resort announced that the hotel has been closed and will be demolished.

Reservations are being transferred to The Lodge at Rock Hill, three miles east of Monticello on Route 17 -- The Quickway. A brand new hotel with 125 rooms and a new restaurant will open at the Concord Resort for the 2007 season. This is the start of an extensive development that will result in the availability of thousands of world-class hotel rooms in Monticello, NY.

Sharon Springs - To Be Rejuvenated

Sharon Springs - After World War II, Hasidim, many of them recent immigrants from Europe, made Sharon Springs' grand old hotels their own retreat. Through the years, their numbers dwindled, and tourism declined.
Yet the 550 year-round villagers remain optimistic that Sharon Springs, just like the many generations of visitors who came to be healed, will be rejuvenated.
During the past 10 years, local business people have put their and money into restaurants and shops and the renovation of two grand old hotels on Main Street and the most promising economic jolt came last summer when five investors from New York City's Korean community purchased prime village real estate -- three hotels and the Imperial Baths.
Their plans might well turn the village into a year-round health and wellness spa resort.

The Korean-American investors purchased the Adler, Columbia and Washington hotels and adjoining lots for parking for $750,000. Extensive renovations are planned, estimated to cost $20 million. They envision a three-year project that will generate 220 to 250 new jobs.

Plans for the resort include Asian and non-Asian menu offerings, acupuncture, a beauty salon, a gym, yoga classes, traditional and holistic medicine, nurses, doctors and massage therapists.
"There's so much demand already," they said, noting that the project has been featured in a Korean-language newspaper in New York City. "People are waiting for it to open."

Ramapo - Residents Plan Lawsuit Against Construction Of Yeshiva

Ramapo - Neighbors work to raise money for a lawsuit against a controversial construction plan of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim Radin and housing complex on 4.7 acres.

They say that "Contrary to how it was portrayed by some people at public meetings, a large percentage of the neighborhood is opposed to it, but they don't want to go on the record. In fact, a majority is opposed to it." Because of population density and increased traffic.

The lawsuit fundraising plan was hatched at an evening meeting, about 30 people attended the meeting at Wesley Hills Village Hall. The oft-repeated theme was that the town had given so little weight to environmental concerns - a charge repeatedly denied by town officials and representatives of the yeshiva - that there was a good chance for the lawsuit to succeed.
The chairman of Preserve Ramapo, a group formed in opposition to Ramapo's master plan for development, said about $7,000 was still needed to see the lawsuit through a trial.
"Go back to your neighbors and talk to them as quickly as you can," he told the audience.

Being a judge over the two rival factions of Satmar Hasidim has probably never felt more like contemplating for a new career.

Being a judge for anyone unlucky enough to have presided over the recent court wrangles between two rival factions of Satmar Hasidim has probably never felt more like contemplating a new career.
What's a judge to do, for example, when opposing lawyers show up in court claiming to represent the same organizations?
Or when a directive meant to clarify a critical issue instantly appears on the Internet and kicks off a synagogue riot a few days later?
Or when partisans feverishly tracking the case with the speed of a cell-phone call scrutinize a judge's personal relationships and campaign contributions and fling accusations of bias, or worse, bribery?
Any judge plunged into the claustrophobic Satmar world and its high-stakes power struggle can expect this and more. Just ask Stewart Rosenwasser, an acting state Supreme Court justice in Orange County, who last week rendered the most recent decision in a seemingly endless cycle of litigation between the warring factions.
Insinuations of bias got so strong in his case that he summoned the attorneys to his chambers in October to insist he was neutral and let them ask for his recusal if they felt otherwise. He had just discovered that someone dug up his personal cell phone records, presumably to determine which lawyers and involved parties he had spoken to.
One year earlier, a Supreme Court justice handling a separate but related Satmar case in Brooklyn, let loose with a long, angry epilogue to his decision that cataloged the unusual shenanigans that accompanied his case.
"Chambers have been daily inundated by calls from individuals using pseudonyms and falsely claiming to be reporters or attorneys," Justice Melvin Barasch complained in his litany.

Satmar has been fighting for five years over which faction controls the property and other assets of the sect's main congregation in Brooklyn.