Video: MBD Gives Tour of Decimated Sea Gate

No words can properly describe the destruction in Sea Gate caused by Hurricane Sandy. No home was spared. Everyone suffered some type of damage, with many homes totally destroyed.

Mordechai Ben David, who is known as the “king of Jewish music,” is a long-time resident of Sea Gate.

In this video, MBD takes the viewer on a tour of destroyed Sea Gate, starting from his own home, where his entire music-studio, along with many valuable and irreplaceable recordings were lost, to the Shomrim command center, to homes which have been completely destroyed.

12 Comments

  • M bas S

    all that destruction is very sad. just one question: wasn’t there enough warning to get Sifrei Torah, and seforim to higher ground?!

  • Michel

    So we are supposed to feel bad for, and donate to, millionaire doctors and other 1%ers whose oceanfront mansions were destroyed??? I’m sure they’ll be getting a nice insurance check for compensation (MBD claim that ins. companies don’t pay for basement damage is not true).

  • Confusing

    I’d like to help, but part of me says this is only damaged property, not pikuach nefesh, and that many of those who unfortunately lost their homes are probably still less needy than many poor families in Crown Heights.

  • suffering

    Many anash are displaced with their families. If you have some space and know anyone from the effected areas show you care!

  • Katz from new haven

    That’s my first cousn, Pinny Dembitzer! Yasher Koach, always around to help people out! Very proud!

  • Let us use our rachmonis with sechel

    I have to agree with #3 and $. I’m glad you said it so clearly. Even though formerly rich people are entitled to tzedakah according to their former standard of living, they are not required to ask for it or accept it.

    Good luck to all who suffered from Sandy. Let us all use our money wisely – both before and after we are tested c”v.

  • CR

    Unfortunately, when the flood danger became clear there was insufficient time to move around thousands of pounds of books, etc. and get out of Dodge before the storm arrived. Given the choice between saving books and saving lives I think the answer should be obvious.

    The final scene at KI is heartbreaking. I have davened there many times when visiting family friends in Sea Gate and hope to do so again soon!

  • Chicken

    Many people of limited means lived in Sea Gate in the old houses. While no one obligates you to give you are forbidden to denigrate and insult people. Any, even if they are rich. And it is not anyone’s fault that you did not decide to go to medical school and become a doctor. It is not an easy way to get rich scheme.
    Every time (very rarely) I read comments here I remember why I left CH. Mean-spirited and small-minded does not even begin to describe some posters. Thanks for helping me remember why I have crossed the road.

  • Anonim

    1) Not everyone in Sea Gate is as rich as you think. Some people (including MBD himself) bought homes there back in the 70s when NYC was a mess and only the frum wanted to stay in Brooklyn. Those homes may have 2nd and 3rd mortgages on them as their owners needed cash to support large families.

    2) The insurance you have in CH and that which is offered to people in places like Sea Gate is not the same. I doubt MBD is asking for money for himself as his situation is far from dire even if he never rebuilds his studio, but there are others who needed basement space for family or even rental use.

    3) Does anyone know if R’ Avrohom Lipskier’s yeshiva is OK?

  • Chai

    I gave $18 and feel good that I did. I’m sure Mordechai Ben David would not be asking for assistance for anyone who did not sincerely need. It was easy for me to make an excuse for not giving, but it feels better now that I gave something, even if it was only a token donation. If enough people give token donations they add up.

    To: Number 10 – I heard from Rabbi Avrohom Lipskier that the yeshiva is ok, but the basement flooded like all the other buildings, and no electricity.

  • mom

    Most flood insurance does not cover below sea level and fema only gives loans so #3 please don’t sound like such a selfish person. Most people work hard to get to where they are.Pick your self up and go to Seagate Staten Island or Brighton Beach and lets see what you have to say when you get back.