Hillcrest, NY +House Fire from Candles+

Rockland County, Hillcrest, NY +House Fire from Candles+ A working fire Friday night in a 2 story 20x40 private dwelling at 25 Pleasant Ridge Drive, fire started from Shabbos candles in the rear of the house, Fire Department and Hatzolah were working the scene, no one injuried.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY +Basement Fire+

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY +Basement Fire+ A working fire Friday night in the basement of a 20x60 multiple dwelling at 22 Rutledge Street between Kent Avenue and Wythe Avenue, FD on the scene called all handes and had water problems due dead hydrants in the area. Hatzolah was also working and all searches were negative.

Brooklyn, NY +Fire In Basement Of Bnos Manachem+

Brooklyn, NY +Fire In Basement Of Bnos Manachem+ A fire in the basement of Bnos Manachem 2 story 200x200 at 739 East New York and Troy Avenue's has been knocked down and is P/W/H, extra truck special being requested for fans. Fire is a 10-41 Code-1.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY - Oorah Picture Defaced

Rockland County, NY +Palisades Parkway MVA With Bus+

Rockland County, NY +Palisades Parkway MVA With Bus+ A motor vehicle accident with an occupied school bus on the Palisades Interstate Parkway near exit 11 with wires down on the bus, Ramapo sending all services.

Washington, DC - United States Cut Financial Aid To Palestinian

Washington, DC - The United States will cut $240 million in financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority and shift some money to humanitarian projects.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY +MVA+

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY +MVA+ A motor vehicle accident on Wallabout Street and Wythe Avenue with several injured has Hatzolah responding.

Moscow - Russian Government Wonders Why Chief Rabbi Was Granted Citizenship

Moscow - The Russian State Duma wants law enforcement agencies to explain why Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, a U.S. citizen, was granted Russian citizenship in a simplified procedure.

The motion to seek an explanation was initiated by Boris Vinogradov, a Rodina faction member.

The State Duma instructed a relevant parliamentary committee to request information from the Interior Ministry and the Federal Migration Service on "legal grounds for granting Russian citizenship to U.S. citizen Berel Lazar in a simplified procedure."

Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY +Fire In Building, With People Overcome+

Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY +Fire In Building, With People Overcome+ A fire in a building in Flatbush with some people overcome by smoke on the 2nd floor of 514 East 2nd Street and Avenue "C" an occupied 20x60 multiple dwelling, has Hatzolah responding with ALS backing up. FD on the scene and fire is D/W/H.

New York - Troopers Issue 70 Speeding Tickets Daily

New York - State Police patrolling the Thruway between Suffern and Harriman have issued approximately 70 speeding tickets daily since they increased enforcement following three fatal accidents in that area in recent weeks.

A number of state officials gathered at the Thruway Travel Plaza in Sloatsburg to remind motorists to driver safely. “Simply leaving extra time for travel, changing lanes safely, not tailgating, and when approaching the exit, being aware of slow or stopped traffic are just a few examples of how drivers can reduce their chances of being in a crash,” said Major George Beach II, Troop T commander.
“The (Thruway) Authority prides itself on operating one of the safest highways in the nation,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleischer. “However, in light of a number of tragic accidents that have occurred recently, the Authority is committed to implementing several educational efforts to promote driver safety.”

Counsumer Alert +Plug-In Air-Freshener Are Unsafe.

A furious flash fire - caused by a plug-in air freshener - swept through a Staten Island home, gravely injuring a mother and her infant son, fire marshals said.

Antoinette Jones and her 1-year-old boy, Malachi, were fighting for their lives at Staten Island University Hospital after firefighters pulled the unconscious pair from a two-story brick home on Chestnut Avenue in Rosebank FDNY officials said.
Fire marshals determined the fire was caused by a "powered air-freshener plug-in," an FDNY spokesman said.

Baghdad, Iraq - Two Suicide Bombers At Mosque

Baghdad, Iraq - Two suicide bombers kill at least 40 at Shi'ite mosque in northern Baghdad.

U/D: 09:44
There were three suicide bombers, with 52 people killed and about 130 people were injured.

U/D: 13:12
Police have raised the casualty toll to 79 killed and 164 wounded.

New York, NY - NYPD Chief Meets His Critics And Apologizes For Comment

New York, NY - The police department's highest-ranking uniformed officer Joseph Esposito acknowledged using inappropriate language in trying to bring the situation under control.

"I don't want my words that night, or anything else for that matter, to come between the police and the Borough Park community after decades of excellent relations between both," Chief of Department Joseph Esposito wrote in a letter to state Assemblyman Dov Hikind and City Council member Simcha Felder.

The three met Thursday evening to discuss the week's events, Hikind said in an interview.

"I've known Esposito for 20 years," he said. "There was a bump in the road this week; that bump is no more there. We can go on having great relations like we've always had."

Jerusalem, Israel - Edison Theater Apartments For Satmar Chasidum, Under Construction

Jerusalem, Israel - The old downtown Edison theater, which has stood vacant and abandoned for many years, is now being renovated. The outside could not be touched, in accordance with the preservation of historic buildings. The inside, however, they will turn into an 8-floor building of 62 apartments for families of the Satmar Chasidum. Some will be purchased by wealthy families from abroad, and others will be acquired on a "key money" basis by families in Israel.

New York, NY - Councilman Says He Didn't See Slur Being Made, but Knew Voice

New York, NY - The city councilman who has accused the Police Department's top uniformed officer of making a derogatory comment about Jews during a clash between police officers and residents in Brooklyn said that while he did not see the official say the words, he is certain it was his voice he heard.

City Councilman Simcha Felder pressed for an apology from the official, Joseph J. Esposito, chief of department, a decorated police veteran, who has spent much of his career working in the Hasidic community. Mr. Felder said he hoped to meet with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to discuss the matter.
"I want him to put something in writing to the community to apologize for the anti-Semitic remarks that he made," Mr. Felder, a Democrat, said of the chief. He added: "I am asking for the Police Department to send a message to its officers, through its highest-ranking officer, that language like that is unacceptable."

Mr. Felder said he was helping Assistant Chief Joseph Fox in trying to quiet the rowdy factions of the crowd, which he described as, "like a cyclone." At one point, Mr. Felder said Chief Fox asked him to go to the station house, which he did, driving there himself. He got out of his car, walked toward the station, "and I hear this man screaming," he said, adding that he heard the man utter "the Jew comment" about 9 p.m. "I heard his voice," said Mr. Felder. "I did not see him when he said it."
As he got closer, though, he said he saw the man who was screaming and recognized him as Chief Esposito, who was now yelling at people from the community and using profanities. At one point, Mr. Felder said the chief yelled at him.
Mr. Felder said he had "a dozen people" who could back up his account, but said it would not be very easy to get them to come forth, and by day's end, none had.

New York, NY - Colleagues of Police Chief Cite His Bond With Jews

New York, NY - Joseph J. Esposito enjoys, among the rank and file of the New York Police Department, a reputation as a "cop's cop," joining at age 18 in the bygone days of officer trainees. In the almost 38 years since he became a trainee, he has risen to be the highest-ranking member of the department, the only four-star chief on the force.

Friends of Chief Esposito described the strong relationship that he has worked to build with members of the Jewish community. He was the commanding officer from 1990 to 1993 of the very precinct where the events this week took place, a precinct that has often been a proving ground for commanders moving up. While there, he worked to make inroads among Hasidic leaders, said John F. Timoney, a former chief of the department, now the chief of police in Miami.
"He had a great relationship with the Hasidic community, they were huge supporters of him," Chief Timoney said. "And I always found him to be a consummate professional, and I don't think he would utter anti-Jewish remarks."
Chief Timoney did not put it past Chief Esposito, however, to use profanity. "Could he have used foul language in a tense situation? I would say yes; just like Timoney, he may have used vulgar language," Chief Timoney said. "I put myself in that category of cursing like a sailor. It is not the right thing, obviously."

"The chief has been one of the biggest friends to the Jewish community at large and Jewish police officers in this department," said Lt. Jason Margolis. "He's the last person in the world who would make an anti-Semitic statement, everyone so far universally agrees that this is nonsense."

Chief Timoney repeated his belief that Chief Esposito did not make an anti-Semitic remark. "Is it possible that he would lose his temper?" he said. "Absolutely. Like I do."

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY +Child Struck+

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY +Child Struck+ A serious motor vehicle accident between a truck and a vehicle on 15th Avenue and 48th Street with a 14-year-old that was struck, and has head injury and is unconscious unresponsive, NYPD of the 66th Pct and Hatzolah BLS units on the scene requesting ALS on a rush.

U/D: 00:28
Child alert now, in routet to Luthern Hospital.

U/D: 00:53
NYPD Highway A.I. Team requested.

U/D: 01:09
Child is now conscious and alert, cnncelling the A.I. Job.

New York, NY - Mayor Asks CCRB To Investigate The Chief of NYPD And Cops In Borough Park

New York, NY - New York City's mayor Bloomberg said that he asked the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) to look at allegations of what Chief Esposito said as well as if the arresting officer used inappropriate language during a riot tuesday night in Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY.
The 75-year-old Arthur Schick, whose arrest by police for using a cell phone while driving sparked the riot, says an officer used the N-word. In addition, Chief of Department Joseph Esposito, admits to using inappropriate language during the chaos, but says he never used derogatory terms singling out Jews.

Councilman Simcha Felder, who represents Boro Park and was there during the riot says Esposito did indeed use a vulgarity in describing Jews.

Brooklyn, NY +Motor Vehicle Accident+

Brooklyn, NY +Motor Vehicle Accident+ A MVA involving an Hatzolah member that is injured on Ocean Parkway and 18th Avenue has Hatzolah responding.

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY - Non Jews Helped Spark The Riots

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY - There are some photos floating around in the community where a guy wearing a varsity jacket with a letter on it, and has no yarmulke, and he's about to light a bunch of posters on fire, and all of these 13- and 14-year-old Orthodox kids are circled around him, eyes agog, looking pretty psyched.

In the neighborhood, the photo, and the amateur video from which it's taken, are in high demand. The idea is that opportunistic criminals who aren't orthodox Jews are responsible for much of the mayhem on Tuesday night.

Boro Park councilman Simcha Felder said "It is irrelevant to me." It was "inexcusable" that young people in his neighborhood watched and egged on the riot.
"I think there are a number of tapes floating around now," he said. But he also said he thought it unlikely they'd surface. Even if they do show non-Jews lighting fires at the riot, they also show large groups of young Orthodox men comporting themselves in a generally ungentlemanly manner.

New York, NY - More Bone Fragments Found At World Trade Center Site

New York, NY - A large number of human remains newly discovered near the World Trade Center site are being tested, to find possible matches to unidentified 9/11 victims.

Demolition workers found 74 new bone fragments on the roof of the Deutsche Bank building over the weekend. That's the most found since the end of major recovery operations at the site.

Karlsruhe, Germany - Court Bans Demo In Support Of Holocaust Deniers

Karlsruhe, Germany - The highest court outlawed a planned demonstration in support of far-right activists accused of denying the Holocaust, for a group that had applied for permission to demonstrate under the motto "Create Freedom of Opinion," calling for the release of holocaust deniers.

New York, NY - President Bush Supports Governor Pataki On Tuition Tax Credits

New York, NY - The Bush administration is throwing its support behind Governor Pataki's effort to create more charter schools and his tuition tax credit proposal, which would allow families to use public dollars to help defray the cost of private and parochial schools.

Brooklyn, NY - Assemblyman Wants To Take investigation Into Borough Park Riot, One Step Further

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY - In the wake of Tuesday night's riot, State Assemblyman Dov Hikind is looking to take the investigation a step further, so he is asking that all amateur video from the riot be handed over for investigation.

Hikind and other community leaders accuse Chief of Department Joseph Esposito of using racial slurs against the crowds of Jewish people who rallied behind a member of their community. Esposito acknowledges using swear words but insists no racial slurs were uttered and Commissioner Ray Kelly is defending him.

"I have total confidence in Chief Esposito. Those things, they initially start in a disorderly way,” said Kelly. “I thought it was brought under control fairly quickly and I thought the appropriate tactics were used and the appropriate number of arrests were made for the situation."

New York, NY - +Mafia Police Detectives, Convicted

New York, NY - Two former highly decorated ex-New York police detectives accused of being on the Mafia payroll, and being involved in the killing of a Jewish jeweler as reported by VOS IZ NEIAS, have been convicted of murder.

Washington, DC - +Bush Authorized Leak+

Washington, DC - +Bush Authorized Leak+ Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff Libby, told prosecutors in the CIA leak case that President Bush authorized disclosure of intelligence information on Iraq, according to a new court filing.

Kiryas Yoel, Monroe, NY +Sudden Release For Jailed Man+

Kiryas Yoel, Monroe, NY +Sudden Release For Jailed Man+ A man for Kiryas Joel, Monroe, NY. Nusen binyumin bondau was released from jail as a judge surprisingly ruled early noon today at the sentencing phase of the trial, that all the charges - except some minor charges, - are dropped.

New York, NY - When It Says Kosher, It Doesn't Mean It Is Kosher

A Staten Island rabbi has been granting his kosher certification to city Dunkin’ Donuts franchises that have served bacon, ham, and sausage.

“The meats all come prepackaged,” says the rabbi. “The employees have to wear gloves. I do not condone mixing kosher with nonkosher.”
In Manhattan, the same rabbi has also given his ner tamid K stamp to Pongal Vegetarian, an Indian restaurant that operates during the Shabbas, another no-no among Jews.

The rabbi was recently fired as the kosher supervisor at a Dunkin’ franchise on 34th Street after it received complaints from some Jewish community's about the rabbi and the pork.
A spokesmen for the four top kosher-certifying agencies said they would never approve a restaurant that served nonkosher meats or operated on the Shabbas.

But the rabbi insists his methods are 100 percent kosher. “I know a lot of people with beards who go into my stores,” he says.

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY - Cops And Hasidim Have A Checkered History

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY - The relationship between the Hasidim of Borough Park and the police who serve them at times seems bipolar.  

The 66th Precinct that serves the community is jokingly referred to as "Fort Surrender" among veteran cops, implying politically connected Chasidim can call in a favor anytime one of their own gets into trouble.  Residents, on the other hand, have occasionally accused the precinct of overly aggressive tactics.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg denied that Borough Park is given any special treatment by the NYPD.  "We're not insensitive to every community, not just this community," Bloomberg said. "We would do the same thing with every community.  "But we cannot tolerate what happened in the streets," the mayor said, referring to the fires set and police cars vandalized Tuesday night when officers issued a summons to an elderly driver for talking on his cell phone.

Actually, the street-level anger pales in comparison to the 1978 riot sparked by the pre-dawn robbery and stabbing death of Irving Sussman, 65, as he walked home from a synagogue. In that incident, an estimated 2,000 Hasidim, claiming police took almost an hour to respond to reports of the murder, raced to the 66th Precinct.  By the time the 30-minute battle had ended, 62 cops had been assaulted and some equipment was destroyed when some in the mob forced their way into the station house.  Six of the rioters suffered minor injuries and several were arrested.

Brooklyn, NY - Dip in Anti-Semitism Crimes

New York, NY - Anti-Semitism was down in the city and around the country, but was on the rise in the state as a whole.

219 incidents were reported - including threats, vandalism and harassment - in the city, eight fewer than 2004. The decline was led by Brooklyn, which saw 51 incidents, 20 fewer than the previous year. The other boroughs reported slight increases. There were 381 incidents across the state, up from 351 the prior year.
The most dramatic increase was found on Long Island - where the number of incidents rose to 107, up from 78 in 2004.
Nationally, 1,775 cases of anti-Semitism were reported, a 3 percent decline from 2004.

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY +Bomb Threat To Public School+

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY +Bomb Threat To Public School+ NYPD on the scene at IS-187 at 1171 65th Street between 11th and 12th Avenue's and in process of evacuating the public school due to a bomb threat to the school, ESU responding to do a sweep of the building.

Queens, NY +Transit Alert+

Queens, NY +Transit Alert+ Two trains of the Long Island Railroad at Sutphin Bl and Archer Avenue sideswiped each other going in opposite directions causing a partial derailment. Trains are being evacuated at this time, no injuries reported, power is off on the #7 and #8 tracks, expect major delays in both directions.

New York City, NY - Mayor Rips Mob Scene, Denies Racial Slur Claim

New York City, NY - Mayor Bloomberg blasted the mobs who taunted cops and ignited fires in Brooklyn - even as a councilman claimed the city's highest ranking uniformed cop slurred the Jewish crowd during the chaos.

"Running into the streets and throwing things, burning things and putting other people's life at risk is not an appropriate behavior," Bloomberg said of the throngs who ran wild in Borough Park on Tuesday night.
The crowd, mostly clad in traditional black Hasidic garb, set fires and shattered the windows of a police car as false rumors spread about the police treatment of 75-year-old Arthur Schick after a traffic stop arrest.

Cops in riot gear swarmed the area around 16th Ave. and 47th St. after 6:30 p.m., holding back demonstrators while arresting three people, including a man who allegedly kicked a cop.
"From what I can tell, the Police Department acted appropriately," Bloomberg said.
But City Councilman Simcha Felder charged that during the protests he heard Chief of the Department Joseph Esposito yell to other cops: "Get the .... Jews out of here! I want to see heads rolling!"
Felder called the chief a "bigot," saying he "should be fired."
Esposito admitted using "inappropriate language," according to Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Browne. But Browne said Esposito told cops simply "get these .... people out of here." Esposito, who is respected by many Jewish leaders, did not apologize and will not be disciplined, Browne said.
Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly stood behind Esposito. After Kelly consulted with several Jewish leaders, the group commended cops for their restraint and blamed the chaos on bands of youth, out of school for the coming Passover holiday.
Bloomberg and Kelly rejected critics' suggestions cops would have acted differently if similar unrest erupted in black or Hispanic neighborhoods.
But Councilman Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn), who is often critical of police, countered, "If that was in a black community there would have been mass arrests and there would have been mass butt-whipping."
Along with Schick, cops arrested Chaim Appel, 37, and Chaim Gillig, 18.Officials said Appel tried to trip a cop.
But Appel's attorney said his client accidentally got caught in the protest and was beaten by police. Appel said he suffered a black eye and part of his long beard was ripped from his chin.
"The cops were kind of brutal," Appel said after being released on $3,000 bail.
Several cops in the 66th Precinct said they were told to "show restraint" Tuesday - and not to issue traffic summonses in the area to avoid further problems.

Washington, DC - Still Celebrate Birthdays Regardless Of Current Status

Washington, DC - The United States Senate in Washington, D.C. will be opened with a prayer in honor of the 104th birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson.

The opening of the United States Senate will take place on Thursday, April 6, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. United States Senator Charles Schumer of New York is the sponsoring Senator. "It is my pleasure and privilege to sponsor this prayer three days before the Rebbe's birthday," Senator Schumer said.

New York, NY - Satmar Grand Rebbe Shows Improvement

New York, NY - Aides sitting vigil with Satmar grand rebbe Moses Teitelbaum at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan say he's still gravely ill but has improved since yesterday.

"His blood pressure is holding up. All other tests are improving," Joseph Deutsch, the rebbe's personal paramedic, said outside the intensive-care unit where the 91-year-old spiritual leader lies unconscious. "So there is hope."

"He's only on the respirator 35 percent today," he said. "He's breathing 65 percent on his own."

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY +Fire at Multiple Dwelling+

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY +Fire at Multiple Dwelling+ A fire on the first floor rear kitchen of a 6 story 100x60 brick occupied multiple dwelling at 5701 15th Avenue and 57th Street, FD on the scene fire is D/W/H.

U/D: 15:01
All visible fire has been extinguished and primary searches are negative.

New York, NY - NYPD Chief of Department Joseph Esposito Admits Making Inappropriate Comments

New York, NY - Quiet has returned but tensions remain high following a massive protest in Borough Park where the actions of the police, and the words of the highest ranking NYPD official are being called into question.

Hundreds of Borough Park residents rushed the 66th precinct station house chanting "No justice, no peace" to protest what witnesses say was the rough treatment of a 75-year-old Hasidic business-owner by police.

Chief of Department Joseph Esposito now admits he made inappropriate comments during the chaos. He does not however admit to singling out Jews in his words as some city council members say he did.

The Police department released a statement saying Esposito "acknowledged that in attempting to bring under control a chaotic situation in front of the 66th Precinct stationhouse last night he used inappropriate language in instructing police officers."

Brooklyn City Councilor Simcha Felder accused the chief of saying, "get the .... Jews out of here. Get the .... Jews out of here. That is something that is inexcusable, intolerable," Felder says.

U/D: 22:39
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly insisted he had "total confidence" in the chief.
"Sometimes in a chaotic situation things may be said that people might regret in the future," Kelly said. "But he's an outstanding commander, and I think overall the situation was handled well."

When he was responding to a reporter's question about whether his officers had trod too lightly, Mr. Kelly said that the response had been appropriate.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, said that, although officials would review the entire episode, "from what I can see the police department acted appropriately."

Dov Hikind blamed the police, and of Esposito, he said: "We don't want his head. We want an apology." "The behavior of the young people in the street was unfortunate, but it escalated because of the police," he said.

Airmont, NY - Opponents Concern, Wal-Mart Would Create Traffic Nightmare

Airmont, NY - The traffic impact of a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter on an already congested portion of Route 59 was the chief concern of residents and officials during a Ramapo Planning Board meeting.
The public session held at Town Hall was attended by more than 50 people seeking to identify which issues needed to be studied and addressed in the proposal's draft environmental impact statement.

Hershel Klara of Monsey said it takes him 20 minutes to drive 6,500 feet from Kennedy Drive to Remsen Avenue along Route 59, a commute he does multiple times a day.

"And that's without a Wal-Mart," he said. "I don't know how I'd do it with a Wal-Mart."

Monsey, NY - Family Panics After 2-Year-Old Turns On Stove

Monsey, NY - A 2-year-old who turned on a stove yesterday morning caused panic in the family and Monsey firefighters to respond to the Joshua Court home on reports of people trapped in a burning kitchen.
Monsey Fire said firefighters were sent to the residence at 10:38 a.m. yesterday originally on reports of an oven fire that was upgraded shortly afterward. When firefighters arrived, they found a home full of smoke and odor, but damage confined to the stove.

He said the toddler apparently turned on the burners of a stovetop grill while there was a plastic plate on it. The plate melted and began to burn, setting the stovetop on fire and sending smoke throughout the home.

The adults in the home originally feared they could not get out of the kitchen because of the smoke and fire, but did escape unharmed by the time firefighters arrived. No one was hurt.

Liberty, NY - Five Arrested For Breaking Into Camp

Liberty, NY - State Police have charged five persons in connection with a burglary to Camp Chaye Sara in the Town of Lumberland that was initially thought to have been a bias crime.

An investigation determined, though, that the perpetrators entered the gymnasium at the camp to skateboard. While inside, they allegedly defaced walls and furniture with graffiti and committed other criminal mischief to the building.
The defendants were processed and released to the custody of their parents.

Brooklyn, NY - Businessman Pleads Guilty For Stealing Diamonds

Brooklyn, NY - A businessman has pleaded guilty to stealing about $1.4 million in diamonds from 43 dealers around the country.

He was charged with grand larceny in the second degree and scheming to defraud in the first degree. He faces up to 15 years in state prison.

The man operated a wholesale diamond business between Aug. 11, 2004, and Dec. 31, 2004, in White Plains, Westchester County.
He took diamonds on consignment from the dealers and paid them with bad checks, didn't pay them or never returned the gems, prosecutors said.

He'll be sentenced June 1, 2006.

Borough Park, Brooklyn +Traffic Alert Due To Fatal Pedestrian Accident+

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY +Traffic Alert Due To Fatal Pedestrian Accident+ Fatal motor vehicle accident earlier this morning on Fort Hamilton Parkway and 51st Street with 79-year-old female Karla Weber that was struck by an auto and was pinned under the vehicle after she walked between two vehicles and into the path of oncoming traffic, with ESU extricating her and EMS transporting her to Maimondes Hospital where she was pronounced, NYPD Highway on the scene for the A.I. Job.
NJ Transit Northeast Corrider Line has a 30 Min delays on the entire lenght due to the accident investigation.

Monsey, NY - Second Pedestrian Struck Crossing Road 306

Monsey, NY - A 37-year-old Monsey woman pedestrian was hit by a vehicle last night while crossing Route 306 and First Street, the second such incident in three days.

The impact injured the woman's leg and damaged the vehicle. The woman was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital by Hatzoloh Ambulance Corps.
No charges had been filed against the driver of the vehicle, and police said the accident appeared to be a result of pedestrian error.

Police said that the spots of the accidents were problem areas, which they hoped would be addressed as the town implemented the master plan adopted in 2004. The plan calls for revitalization of the Route 306 and Route 59 corridor in Monsey.
"They're heavily congested areas," police said, "with both vehicular and pedestrian traffic."

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY +Large Crowd+

Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY +Large Crowd+ PD on the scene in Boro Park with a large crowd forming and a large fight at 45th Street and 16th Avenue, Additional NYPD units requested and Hatzolah also on the scene requesting additional units.

U/D: 18:59
NYPD calling for a level one mobilization, and have arrested an 80-year-old man.

U/D: 19:14
PD calling for additional units to respond, to 16th Avenue, garbage cans burning, people getting maced, some of the crowd moved to the front of the 66th Pct, 2 more people in custody.

U/D: 21:46
Large crowd of about 200 heading now to the 66th Pct.

U/D: 22:29
NYPD bringing in additional units.

U/D: 23:01
RMP set on fire at 47th Street and 17th Avenue.

U/D: 04/05/06 05:37
Police denied mistreating the man, Arthur Schick, and say that calm is restored.

U/D: 04/05/06 12:14
Simcha Felder & Dov Hikind just held the press conf. They said "Joseph Esposito the chief of the Department said GET THE F... JEWS OUT OF HERE...I WANT SOME HEADS ROLLING"....they also condemmed all the fires and violence....said that Joseph Esposito must be removed since there is no confidence left in him anymore...

Brooklyn, NY - Grande Rebbe Of Satmar's Condition Deteriorating

Brooklyn, NY - The Satmar Grand Rebbe is said to be in deteriorating condition at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, setting off calls for prayers.

Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum’s health worsened in recent weeks after a stroke and when doctors found a tumor in his spine, as well as he got an infection apparently caused by radiation treatment, and failure of his one remaining kidney. According to sources, the 91-year-old spiritual leader has lost and regained consciousness and been placed on a ventilator to assist his breathing.

The Rabbis family has rushed to the Upper East Side Hospital, including his feuding sons, Aaron and Zalmen Teitelbaum, who are both at their father's bedside, facing each other for the first time in several years. The Israeli National News service has reported that the rebbe’s aides have asked Jews worldwide to recite psalms from the bible on behalf of The Rabbi.

Kiryas Joel, Monroe, NY, leaders met with state police and spoke with Monroe-Woodbury school officials, Orange & Rockland Utilities Inc. and other entities that might be affected in the event of a funeral.

Ohio - First Kosher Subway Chain Food Store Opening In The US

Ohio - Beginning in early May, the first ever kosher Subway chain food store is opening up. This flagship fast food restaurant, the first and only kosher Subway restaurant in North America, will be located in the Jewish Community Center.

The meat and pareve menu will feature the traditional Subway fare, but every item served will be strictly kosher and under the supervision of Cleveland Kosher.

Pareve cheese will be used, and beef fry will be substituted for pork products. The mashgiach, partner, and co-operator is Avi Cohen, former owner of Brooklyn Bagels. All bread baked on the premises is kosher.

Plenty Of Options For Passover Wines

Not too many years ago, it was nearly impossible for American Jews to find kosher fine wine to accompany the Seder.

In the last third of the 19th century, serious wine-grape-growing and winemaking were just emerging in California's fertile soil and climate, and the choice of varieties and the volume of production did not yet reflect the possibilities. Devout Jews on the East Coast were lucky to find retail wines at all, and dry wines were not popular.
Kosher wines, made exclusively from vine to table by observant Jews, were imports that were scarce and costly.
As more Jews came to the country, it was inevitable that a more refined taste would be reflected in the choice of wines, gradually replacing the heavy, sickly sweet concords with excellent chardonnays, cabernets, merlots, and semillions.
With that in mind, here are some suggestions for finding kosher wines.

Oxnard, Calif., is home to Herzog Wine Cellars, a central coast winery in the Santa Barbara area. Priced a bit high at $30 to $70, it is definitely a special-occasion wine.

Royal Wine Corp. of Bayonne, N.J., is an importer and distributor of several kosher wines. Prices from Royal range from $10 bottles to $100 for such Bordeaux imports as Chateau Giscours and Leoville Poyferre.

The Carmel Winery's imports, all of them guaranteed kosher, are made in Israel, in vineyards near Tel Aviv. Carmel's products include all the varieties you might want. Samples are a $10 riesling-chenin blanc blend and a premium merlot ($20).

The Golan Heights Winery, founded in 1983 in the city of Katzrin, also produces kosher wines. Its flagship brand is Yarden. Under the Yarden label, the winery markets a premium prize-winning chardonnay, Katzrin, which sells for $30.

Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY +MVA+

Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY +MVA+ A motor vehicle accident on Avenue "M" and East 7th Street Hatzolah responding.

New York, NY - City Has The Best Paramedics In The Country

New York, NY - The city's paramedics won an international lifesaving competition.

A three-man team representing the FDNY's EMS unit won top honors at the international 2006 Journal of Emergency Medical Services held in Baltimore on March 24.
The EMS academy at Fort Totten in Queens, beat out medics from 12 other municipalities, including teams from London and Reno, Nev. The winning team arrived in Baltimore and learned that it was in the top five - a huge leap for a squad that placed 37th in last year's preliminary contests.

The boys from New York blew away the competition during Friday's final challenge - a mock helicopter crash.

Among the prizes was a $1,000 check that the team is donating to the family of fallen colleague, a paramedic who recently died of possible 9/11-related mesothelioma.

Dept. of Defense Says Yes to Labriute's Kosher for Passover Meals

New Jersey-based Labriute Meals announced the release of two new self-heating meal products which are kosher for Passover.

The US Department of Defense recognized the need for kosher for Passover MREs (meals ready to eat) for Jewish troops and turned to Labriute to supply and assemble Passover meal kits, which include Labriute entrees with matzos, coffee, tea, dried fruits, nuts, canned salmon, and macaroons. Labriute's two new kosher for Passover meals, which consist of Bone-In Chicken with Diced Potatoes and Beef Stew with Vegetables, employ the same patented self-heating technology as their regular kosher meals and are based on the same field technology used by the Armed Services.

Labriute's Director of Sales, said, "The kosher buying public benefits from this order as well. We planned a limited overrun of the two entrees to accommodate retail consumers. They'll really appreciate the ease and convenience of the products. This is especially true when families are traveling or on outings during the Passover season."

Monsey, NY +Working Structure Fire+

Monsey, NY +Working Structure Fire+ A structure fire at 4 Josha Ct. PD on the scene and reporting that possibly some people are trapped inside the structure.

U/D: 10:51
Hatzolah, FD are on the scene, fire was an oven fire and is under control now.

New York, NY - Mayor To Celberate The Seder, But Needs Stronger Horseredish

New York, NY - Mayor Bloomberg who is Jewish, at a news briefing on police security for the upcoming holiday, said he plans to celebrate Passover with his sister and mother.
The mayor, however, says he doesn't care for his younger sister's taste in horseradish, or bitter herbs, which is ceremonially eaten at the seder to symbolize the bitterness of slavery in Egypt.
"I can report that when she does the seder the food is reasonably good. My criticism has always been that the horseradish is not strong enough," he told reporters.

"Maybe if she reads that in the brilliant article that I'm sure you will write about this, that may influence where she gets the horseradish," the mayor quipped.

Senator John Kerry Urging Approval For Yarmulkes In The Coast Guard

Senator John Kerry urged the U.S. Coast Guard to allow a Chasidic Jew to wear a yarmulke while on duty.

The Massachusetts senator wrote a letter to the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard in defense of Jack Rosenberg of Spring Valley, N.Y.
After being sworn into the Coast Guard Auxiliary last year, Rosenberg was told by his commander that he was not permitted to wear a yarmulke while on duty.
According to current Coast Guard regulations, “religious items” must be “concealed or worn only during religious services.”

Kerry is the principal sponsor of the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, which would require employers to make a reasonable accommodation for an employee’s religious practice or observance.

Van Nuys, CA - Body Found After Man Admits Killing To Rabbi

Van Nuys, CA - Police have found the body of a woman in Van Nuys after a man Jonathan Arthur Hendler told his rabbi that he killed her.

An L-A-P-D spokesman says the body was found in the 16-thousand block of Sherman Way after the rabbi reported the alleged killing.
Officers are seeking the Hendler. He remains at large even though he reportedly told his rabbi that he would turn himself in.

U/D: 04/05/06
Authorities say Jonathan Arthur Hendler surrendered to police last night in West Los Angeles.

Ashkenazi Genotype Linked To Longevity

A genetic profile in 214 Ashkenazi Jewish centenarians and nonagenarians linked to longevity and discovered by two researchers at New York's Albert Einstein College of Medicine lends clues to healthy aging in non-Ashkenazi and non-Jewish populations around the world.

The researchers looked for genetic clues to longevity in the Ashkenazim. They chose this group because - as shown by historical records and modern genetic evidence - Ashkenazim are descended from a founder group of just 30,000 people and thus are more genetically uniform than other demographic groups. This, they explained, simplified the challenge of associating a genotype with its phenotype.

The researchers have for the first time found that people carry alleles that confer a sort of longevity advantage.
Not only was the genotype connected with longevity, but it was also linked with cardiovascular health, a lower incidence of hypertension and proper insulin metabolism.

The Einstein researchers hope to uncover more clues to the genetic influences on aging - and then begin to develop strategies to ease the inevitable slide into one's twilight years.

Ventnor, NJ - Swastikas Painted On Kosher Restaurant

Ventnor, NJ - Symbols of hate were spray painted on the side of a kosher restaurant in South Jersey and the restaurant's owner said, and it is not the first time he has been the target of anti-Semitism.

"I saw this. I'm shocked," said Jacob Ben-Shitrit, the owner of the Glatt-Kosher Restaurant on Ventnor Avenue in Ventnor, after finding swastikas scrawled on a wall outside his restaurant.
Ben said that he has become the target of anti-Semitism a number of times in the last three months. Another swastika, which has since been painted over, was found outside the restaurant, as well. He said several offensive messages have also been left on the restaurant's answering machine.
"All kind of things about Germans kill a Jew and all kind of nasty things that it's not proper even to repeat it," Ben said.

They have left him shaken, but he said he would not close his business.
"I'm not leaving. I'm not scared and I'm not leaving," he said.
Ventnor police are investigating the incidents, they currently have no suspects.

New York, NY - City Beefs Up Security For Passover

New York, NY - Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and community leaders met to discuss the possible threat to Jewish neighborhoods.

While police say there is no reason for a state of alert, the NYPD will increase its patrols in-and-around those areas.
"We will deploy our Hercules teams to major temples and synagogues in Manhattan and other boroughs as well. Our critical response units will make frequent stops in neighborhoods and synagogues around the city," said Commissioner Kelly.
"In addition to devoting extra attention to police patrols protecting the city's synagogues and yeshivas and other Jewish institutions, the NYPD Unequal Intelligence and Counter Terrorism divisions will be on the alert," added the mayor.

Bloomberg also says the Department of Consumer affairs will monitor price gouging and the Sanitation Department will increase its weekly collection in certain areas around the city.

Kiryas Joel, Monroe, NY +MVA With Pin+

Kiryas Joel, Monroe, NY +MVA With Pin+ A motor vehicle accident in Kiryas Yoel on Israel Zupnick and Acres Road, Hatzolah on the scene, Public Safety units also on location reporting one aided is trapped in the vehicle.

U/D: 21:19
Aided has no serious injurie.

Willamsburg, Brooklyn, NY +Pedestrian Struck+

Willamsburg, Brooklyn, NY +Pedestrian Struck+ A motor vehicle accident with a pedestrian child that ran into the and was struck by a school bus on Marcy Avenue and Middelton Street, Hatzolah BLS and ALS units responding.

U/D: 18:25
Child has a serious leg injury, but is conscious and alert, being transported to Bellevue Hospital by W-01.

Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY +MVA+

Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY +MVA+ A motor vehicle accident in Flatbush section of Brooklyn on Avenue "K" and East 8th Street, Hatzolah responding.

Ramapo - State Tells Yeshiva To Shut Down Preschool Program

Ramapo - The state has issued a cease and desist order for a preschool program operating out a trailer at a yeshiva construction site on Grandview Avenue.
The letter was sent to Mosdos Chofetz Chaim following an investigation by the state's Office of Children and Family Services.

The agency was conducting an investigation to see whether the preschool program was operating without a child-care license or registration, required by state law.
The letter ordered that the developer, who is building a school and apartments for adult students and their children, immediately stop operating the school until it obtained the necessary and proper license, notified parents or guardians of the schoolchildren that the program was operating in violation of licensing requirements and provided the office proof within 10 days that it has done so.

"If the Office finds at any time that your program has continued or resumed the operation of the program after the receipt of this letter, or that you have failed to notify the parents of guardians of your status ... the Office will assess a fine of $500 per day against your program for each and every day that it continues to operate," the letter stated.

Moscow, Russia - Synagogue Attacker's Victims Appeal Sentence

Moscow, Russia - The victims of a Russian man sentenced to 13 years in prison for a knife-wielding rampage through a Moscow synagogue that left eight people hurt have appealed against the verdict.

Brooklyn, NY +Pedestrian Struck+

Brooklyn, NY +Pedestrian Struck+ Hatzolah on the scene requesting Medics to respond for a motor vehicle accident with a pedestriat that was struck on East 9th Street and Kings Highway.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY +B.Q.E. Car On Fire+

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY +B.Q.E. Car On Fire+ A fire on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway westbound between Lee Avenue and Marcy Avenue with a 15 passenger van is sending smoke through the area, traffic very heavy, FD, EMS and NYPD are all on the scene.

Washington, DC - +Capitol Evacuated+

Washington, DC - +Capitol Evacuated+ The United States Capitol has been evacuated due to power failure.

Moscow - Synagogue Attacker's Father Charged With Possessing Ammo

Moscow - Illegal possession of ammunition charges have been brought against Alexander Koptsev, the father of 21- year-old Alexander Koptsev, who was convicted of attacking visitors in a Moscow synagogue.

Hearings of the case of Koptsev, senior, are to begin in Nagatino court in Moscow on Monday.

Monsey, NY - Ramapo Planners To Discuss Wal-Mart Proposal

Monsey, NY - Despite opponents' claims that a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter would have negative economic and environmental impacts, the developer says the 215,000-square-foot Wal-Mart on the 22-acre former Rockland Drive-In Theater site, would add 500 jobs to the area and could revitalize the shopping district.

"This is a fantastic site. It truly hits the mark," said Jerrold Birmingham, managing director of the 45-year-old family-owned development company. "The area is custom-made for retail. People want businesses on Route 59," and its expected the project to cost more than $20 million and open by spring 2007.

But some local officials and residents say the store is wrong for the area because it would negatively affect traffic, the environment and the economy.
"You may gain 500 jobs, but you're going to lose 1,500," said Spring Valley Mayor George Darden, one of the project's most vocal critics. He said the Wal-Mart would put smaller stores out of business along Route 59.

The town's Planning Board, which voted last month to have the developer provide a more in-depth environmental study, will hold a public session tomorrow to determine what issues need to be addressed in the draft environmental impact statement.

Dover, DE +Plane Crashes On Airforce Base+

Dover, DE +Plane Crashes On Airforce Base+ A large C-5 transport plane with 17 on board has crashed just off the Dover Airforce Base in a field, 2 Medevac Helos from Delaware State Police are requested to the scene, triage and command center set up.

U/D: 1344
All aboard plane survive crash.

Manhattan, NY +Ambulance Stolen+

Manhattan, NY +Ambulance Stolen+ A private ambulance has been stolen from the Metropolitan Hospital Emergency Room on 1st Avenue and 97th Street, NYPD asking to be on the look out for the ambulance.

Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY +Pedestrian Struck+

Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY +Pedestrian Struck+ A serious motor vehicle accident witha pedestrian that was struck on Avenue "M" and East 7th Street, Hatzolah on location requesting ALS and additional BLS units to respond forthwith, aided is in serious condition.

U/D: 16:57
Aided is a female 60-years-old has facial trauma, was transported to Lutheran Hospital

Woodbury, NY +Major Brush Fire+

Woodbury, NY +Major Brush Fire+ A general alarm has been called for a large brush fire that is spreading very rapidly out of control very close to Route 6 at Lakes Drive and Silver Mine Tr. numerous ATV's, brush trucks and humvees are Forestry Units are all heavily engaged, and now also requesting additional M/A Rockland County with brush trucks and man power 30 firefighters all to the scene.

U/D: 17:36
Smoke could be seen all over Rockland County, Aviation requested to perform water drops.

Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY +MVA+

Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY +MVA+ A motor vehicle accident on Coney Island Avenue and Avenue "I", Hatzolah on the scene requesting two ambulances and multiple units to respond in.

New Square, NY - State of NY Concerned Over Illegal Conversion Of Houses, Can Pose Fire Risks

Commentary in The Journal News

New Square, NY - The New York State is concerned that houses are so close together, with so many questionable additions and appendages, that a fire under the wrong conditions could sweep through an entire block — or worse — an entire neighborhood.

There are frequent examples where safety and compliance with the law are an afterthought.

Like the operation of a preschool in a trailer at the construction site of a yeshiva on Grandview Avenue in Ramapo. The town has already issued a citation for operating the program without a site plan or certificate of occupancy. The state is investigating whether the facility has the required child-care license.

Then there's the case of a child falling through a hole during a party at a synagogue under construction in Monsey. There were 300 people there for a wedding ceremony even though the building didn't have a certificate of occupancy.

Or the night in 2003 when former Hillburn Mayor James Brown found 350 people associated with a religious study center operated in a former motel in the village holding a party in the mostly vacant Titan Trucking Co. building across the road. A temporary certificate of occupancy, which permitted only storage, had expired, according to village officials who feared a high death toll in the event of a fire.

Over the past 30 years or so, there are countless such episodes of oversight, ignorance of the law or failure to enforce safety codes where loss of life could have been quick and great.

In the Bronx, in the aftermath of a fatal apartment fire, prosecutors last week charged three people with two counts each of second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment for making the illegal changes.

Brooklyn, NY - Coney Island Rides Ready For Passover Holiday

Brooklyn, NY - Department of Buildings inspectors are at the Coney Island Amusement Park making their final safety checks.
"This wonder wheel here, that takes three days. The cyclone across the street in Astroland, that takes three days just to inspect those single rides alone," says a Department of Buildings Supervising Inspector.

The inspectors check everything from nuts and bolts to safety belts and shoulder harnesses.
"Amusement ride inspectors take their jobs very seriously, and they go through days and days of training to understand what to look for," says Department of Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster.
Once they give the rides the okay, the Department of Consumer Affairs can license them. "The rides are thrilling. But, particularly for parents and caregivers, you want to make sure that you are putting your kids on a ride that is going to be safe," says Consumer Affairs Director Jonathan Mintz.

Starting next weekend, the amusement parks at Coney Island will open for Chol Hamoed
Passover and for the entire summer season.

Baghdad, Iraq - +Helicopter That Crashed Was Shot Down+

Baghdad, Iraq - +Helicopter That Crashed Was Shot Down+ An Apache helicopter that crashed yesterday was believed to have been shot down and two crew members are presumed dead.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY +Attempted Bank Robbery+

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY +Attempted Bank Robbery+ A female black just attempted to rob the Apple Bank on 414 Flushing Avenue and Franklin Avenue, perp sprayed an unknown flammable type chemical at the teller, NYPD of the 79th Pct are calling for a level one mobilization, FD also on the scene requesting Hazmat Team-1 to the scene to identify the substance.

U/D: 11:40
NYPD Sgt from the 79th Pct, are terminating the level one.
Hazmat-1 investigated the substance and determined that it was a highly flammable substance.

Spring Valley, NY +MVA Traffic Alert+

Spring Valley, NY +MVA Traffic Alert+ A truck from Paper Goods Distributor Co. overturned on Route 45 and Route 59, EMS and FD are on the scene advising one occupant a 17-year-old heimisher bucher is still trapped, traffic blocked off.

U/D: 11:04
Boy is in good condition and was transported to Good Sam Hospital.

Monticello, NY - Fighting Hate With Learning

Monticello, NY - On Oct. 11, police showed up at Daniel Price's home, saying they wanted to ask some questions about other kids crims, as soon as Price stepped outside, police after arresting three of his friends.

Not far away, on Southwoods Drive, the White Rock Bungalow Colony had been vandalized.
In September, swastikas and Hitler's name had been spray-painted in the synagogue at the Orthodox Jewish colony. Spray paint obscured the faces of revered rabbis in old photographs and marred the spines of the Talmud and the Bible. In June, vandals had sprayed fire extinguishers all over the grounds. Firecrackers were flung at frightened residents.
For the past few years, White Rock owner Shoshana Mermelstein has given police lists of problem kids.

Price says they didn't fully understand what swastikas and Hitler mean to the Jewish people.
But they knew the words and the acts and that name were hurtful. They knew it was wrong.
So in a grand new experiment, Judge Frank LaBuda, worked out a seminar with Anthony "Frank" Conneely, Sullivan County Community College professor emeritus, and Rabbi Shlomo Rothenberg of Mountaindale.

The teenagers will still be convicted of felonies, and they'll still get jail time. This class isn't meant to absolve them of guilt.
The purpose is to teach, to enlighten, to try something novel and constructive, have the boys meet with rabbis and really learn something. "And maybe - maybe - we'll give them some sort of a break."
Did they truly not understand that swastikas and Hitler's name and birthday represent 6 million horrible deaths?

"It was a real eye-opener," Daniel Price says soberly, quietly. "This class is something that should be taught in high school.
"I realized that no matter what, we're all human beings. We all live on the same planet, all breathe the same air. No matter what race or religion, we're all human beings."

Monsey, NY +Buses Getting Help From Homeland Security+

Rockland County, NY - Monsey Trails, which operates 30 buses daily between Rockland, Manhattan and Brooklyn, said the company will be putting in a GPS system on their busses, and expected to do so in the next year or two.
A Department of Homeland Security grant is helping to pay for the new system. The federal funds were offered to all bus companies in the nation so they would be able to track their buses if they were hijacked by terrorists.

With this new GPS system, a driver can send 10 pre-programmed messages, letting dispatchers know that the bus has been in an accident, a passenger needs medical help, or that the bus was hijacked by terrorists.

Four of the five major bus companies serving Rockland are already equipped with GPS technology.