Posted to Chabad News on

Op-Ed: WHERE ARE YOU?? Jewish Crown Heights Is Under Attack — and Our Leaders Have Betrayed Us With Their Silence

by Chaim Gravitzer

I don’t want to turn this into a “bashing” session — that is not my intention.
But I feel this must be said, or at the very least seriously considered:
Our community is under siege, and the silence from our leaders is not just disappointing — it is a betrayal.

For the second time in one week, violent agitators are planning to march into Crown Heights, waving the flags of terror and intimidation, aiming to bring fear to a peaceful Jewish neighborhood.

And what do we get from Mayor Adams?
An attack on us, the victims — blaming the Jewish community for not allowing our homes, families, and children to be terrorized.

But even worse than the Mayor’s disgraceful betrayal is the deafening, shameful silence of the people who were elected to represent us.

Sen. Zellnor Myrie.
Asm. Brian A. Cunningham.
Council Member Crystal Hudson.

WHERE ARE YOU?
Why are you silent?
Where is your leadership when we need it most?

You were more than happy to show up for photo ops and election rallies.
You campaigned for our votes, promised to serve us — and now, when real danger comes to our doorsteps, you are nowhere to be found.

And to the best of my knowledge:
No official permit has even been issued for this so-called “protest.”
Why are they allowed to block streets, obstruct traffic, and disrupt pedestrian movement without any consequence?
Where are the arrests for illegal gatherings? For obstruction? (If I am wrong, I invite you to correct me in the comments — but I believe the facts speak for themselves.)

Meanwhile, our community — peaceful, law-abiding, and proud — is left wondering:

What are we supposed to do as Yidden?

The message from our Rebbe was clear:
The Rebbe quoted from Bereishis Rabbah (65:20):

“הַקֹּל קוֹל יַעֲקֹב וְהַיָּדַיִם יְדֵי עֵשָׂו”
“When the ‘voice of Yaakov’ — meaning Torah study and davening — is strong and present among the Jewish people, then the ‘hands of Esav’ — symbolizing violence and oppression — cannot overpower them.”

The Rebbe once told Israeli journalist Geulah Cohen that if the bochurim and yungeleit would do what they are supposed to do — in Torah and mitzvos — then he (the Rebbe) would not need to speak about Israeli issues or politics at farbrengens.

That message is just as urgent today:
We must strengthen ourselves in Torah, in davening, in achdus, and in visible pride in who we are.
We will not be intimidated.

And we will not accept betrayal in silence.

Call and email your so-called “representatives” NOW. Demand action. Demand that they stand up for the Jewish community they were elected to protect.

Flood their phones. Fill their inboxes. Demand leadership. Demand protection. Demand accountability.
Because if they won’t stand with us now — we will remember when it matters most.

Related Articles

21 Comments

    • AH

      Does it matter? קבל את האמת ממי שאמרו. And at least he, unlike you, is putting his name to what he says.

  • Yossi A.

    I have a better question.
    WHERE IS OUR VAAD HAKAKOL.
    COHEN & BEHRMAN ARE THROWING US UNDER THE BUS!!!!!

  • Anonymous

    They don’t care. Because you haven’t donated much to their election campaigns. Do you realize how much those various “community organizations” kick upstairs?

  • Anonymous

    As a pro Israel pro Jewish American I am ashamed at the behavior of the group of men who harassed that woman in Crown Heights. This sort of behavior cannot and should not be tolerated. If you want to be respected you must show respect. Issue an apology and condemn those involved.

    • meyer chein

      Nobody put a gun to her head, and forced to come to Crown Heights to insult Jews. If you ashemed to be Jewish join Hamas

    • I doubt

      If the KKK were marching through the black community telling them to leave, no one would be complaining that black people harassed the KKK.
      I really doubt you are who you say you are.

    • AH

      And as the Wueen of England, I disagree with what you said.

      (Psst… I’m not the Queen of England any more than you’re “a pro Israel pro Jewish American.”)

    • Chaim

      The AP has zero credibility so it makes no difference what the AP claims. The masked woman came to Crown Heights to harass Jews in support of Hamas. A group of terrorists that would have violated and paraded her the way they did to the other young woman on Oct 7. She should count her lucky stars.

    • Chaim Bochner

      Es macht nisht ois. THis behavior of Crown Heights chassidim isn’t justified. She came to protest. In America free speach is allowed and your action is Chillul Hashem. Attacking a woman that didn’t threaten you with violence and throwing things (I saw the clip) isn’t allowed. Tznios is an issue. The Rebbe I knew would be angry and talk about this No question. How do you allow this?

    • Chaim Bochner

      Rabbi Motti Seligson, a spokesperson for Chabad, said Ben Gvir was invited by some members of the community, but that the event was not officially sanctioned or organized by the synagogue’s leadership, according to the AP.

    • Chaim Bochner

      Agree 100%. This activity by the bochrim was never sanctioned. I condemn. Not in “our” name.

      Boro Park, Flatbush, Williamsburg, and the chareidi world isn’t with yiu

    • Chaim Bochner

      He responded by condemning our behaviour. I’m certain he would place more emphasis on the entrance blocking if the behaviour would be better.

    • Jay S

      To clarify, my comment was agreeing 1000% with Chaim Gravitzer (writer of OP-ED), regarding anti-Israel protestors illegally occupying more than 1/2 of the public sidewalk and Mayor Adams and the NYPD allowing protestors to take over public streets without a permit.

      I am not here to defend anti-Israeli protestors who find themselves on the receiving end of a counter protest.

  • "young Slate"

    What happened to our new Vaad?!? the young blood?!? we barley hear a word after they ran on and promised transparency! unless of course to criticize a community member who’s kids are constantly harassed by 2 dogs!

  • Chaim

    Reb Bochner, “free speech” is why you’re permitted to ployder on this website. Masked Hamas supporters, “free-speeching or not,” can expect their “free speech” to be opposed.

Add your comment

The comment must be no longer than 400 characters 0/400