Hynes at War Against ‘Renegade’ Crown Hts. Patrol

Brooklyn DA says chasidic members are ‘stonewalling’ assault investigation; some say case overshadows attacks on Jews.

BROOKLYN, NY — Likening a chasidic patrol group to the violent Crips and Bloods street gangs, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes has taken the rare step of ordering a grand jury to investigate the April 14 beating of an African-American man in Crown Heights, an incident in which he says members of the patrol group may be involved.

Calls for Marches in Crown Heights

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Just moments ago a press conference, which appeared to have been called by Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, in which there were calls of “No Justice, No Peace” and “We will tear down the white wall of silence” and even “we will march through these streets, even seven times until we break down that wall” these statements coming from Mr. Taharka Robinson, who is acting as spokesperson for the family and is the representative of Sharpton’s National Action Network.

This comes after the incident where Shmira beat up an black man on the corner of Albany and Carroll Street. A number of news stations attended the conference including CBS2, NBC4, FOX5 and NEWS12, which took place on Albany Avenue between President and Carroll where the beating took place.

Emotions Run High, Again, At Precinct Council Meeting

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — With much anticipation and a rather small turnout, this month’s Precinct Council Meeting opened up promptly at 7:30pm, Mr. C. Karl Cohen, president of the Precinct Council opened with a prayer, followed by the finance report by the treasurer, Mr. Errol Robinson.

As the meeting progressed, the auditorium of the Intermediate School filled with a significant crowd of Jewish residents, all of whom took the time to attend, out of concern for the neighborhoods safety and security. Some residents told CrownHeights.info that their attendance at the meeting tonight was out of support for Shomrim, Crown Heights’s neighborhood volunteer patrol.

Extensive report and more pictures in the Extended Article!

Councilwoman Letitia James visits Darchai Menachem

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Earlier this morning, Thursday, Councilwoman Letitia James (D, Brooklyn) visited Crown Heights’s Yeshivas Darchai Menachem. Ms. James first met with the school’s principal Rabbi Eyal Bension who discussed the schools needs and future plans.

More pictures in the Extended Article!

Two Years to the Murder of Reb Efraim Klein HY”D

It was two years ago, the 30th of Shvat, February 28th 2006, when R. Efraim Klein HY”D was murdered in cold blood on the streets of Crown Heights. He had gone out in order to move his minivan to avoid having to move it later for alternate side parking regulations the next day. He was 47 years old.

He was shot through the window of his car, and was later pronounced dead in Kings County Hospital. His son was set to have his wedding the following week. The investigation by the NYPD has ‘gone cold’ according to a source in Crown Heights’s 71st Pct.

Police marked the anniversary of his death by distributing posters and flyers around the neighborhood and the area of the crime, in hopes to get new leads on the case which has long gone cold.

Hashem Yikom Damo – May G-d Avenge His Blood

Purim Koton Prank Taken Out of Proportion?

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Girls from Beis Rivkah High School and Bnos Menachem High School, arranged in honor of Purim Koton that the grades switch schools for the morning.

According to the girls involved, the plan was that the girls attend Davening at each other’s schools then switch back before beginning the period of classes. What actually happened has parents up in arms.

Thank you Crown Heights!

The yungerleit in Kolel Menachem – Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY would like to thank the various vendors who have particitpated in The new Kollel Card, which affords discounts at their stores throughout Crown Heights.

May the zechus of supporting those who study Torah stand by with them and give them Gezunt, Parnasah b’harchavah, and lots of Yiddishe Chassidishe Nachas from their children and grandchildren.

The following is a list participating vendors:

Albany Bake Shop, Auction Ware, Bargain Center, Benz’s Fish, Boutique Annetelle, Café’ Rimon, Crown Cosmetics, Crown Heights Florist, Crown Heights Maternity, Crown Meats, D.C.T. Creations, E&I Treasure Shoes, Ebers Liquir Store , Emco Security (M Grossbaum)…

The list continued in the Extended Article!

Police and Hatzalah Meet Following Incident

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — After a number of incidents, where Hatzalah members were pulled over, responding to emergency medical calls, and the most recent incident this past Shabbos, where police were accused of pulling the Hatzalah member over maliciously. A group of Hatzalah representatives and brass from the 71st Precinct had a meeting.

More in the Extended Article!

History of violence follows Hasidic teen beaten in Brooklyn by thugs

The 16-year-old yeshiva student who told cops he was beaten by five black teens during an anti-Semitic rampage in Brooklyn has been involved in three other violent incidents in the past year.

Samuel Balkany reported being robbed at knifepoint, randomly pushed as he exited a car and having his nose broken in separate attacks since moving in with an aunt in Crown Heights last year, police sources said.

Police Meet with Community Personalities and Leaders

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Following what had taken place at this month’s precinct council meeting, police officials understood that there is unanswered questions and bad feelings within the Crown Heights Jewish community has, following some serious crime incidents which took place in the past year.

Wednesday afternoon a meeting took place between the police and influential people in the community along with some community leaders, and they discussed the contemporary issues as well as past incidents leading up to the walk out at the Precinct Council Meeting. Also attending the meeting were representatives from the Police Commissioner and the Chief of the Community Affairs Bureau.

More in the Extended Article!

The Largest Turnout Ever to a Precinct Council Meeting, Residents Leave Fuming…

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Precinct Council meetings are held once a month and serve as a forum where residents the of communities that reside within the confines of the 71st Precinct to gather and raise concerns regarding crimes and nuisances. The turnout to yesterdays meeting was described as the largest turnout ever, said one attendee, that in all his 20 years attending these meetings he has never seen the auditorium that full.

The meeting began 15 minutes late, due to the children’s holiday party that took place before the meeting, and opened as usual, with the precinct council president, Mr. C. Karl Cohen thanking everyone for coming and recognizing dignitaries and elected officials. He also made note of the obvious presence of over 200 Jewish residents, which included mothers, fathers and even some children.

More pictures in the Extended Article.