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.
- Sen. Zellnor Myrie
Phone: (718) 284-4700
Email: myrie@nysenate.gov - Assemblymember Brian A. Cunningham
Phone: (718) 287-4436
Email: cunninghamb@nyassembly.gov - Council Member Crystal Hudson
Phone: (718) 260-9191
Email: district35@council.nyc.gov
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.
Moshich
Who is this chayim the kratzer
Yossi A.
I have a better question.
WHERE IS OUR VAAD HAKAKOL.
COHEN & BEHRMAN ARE THROWING US UNDER THE BUS!!!!!
Anonymous
No that is where he is hiding Under a parked 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.
Jay S
Chaim, you are 1000% correct about protestors illegally blocking the road and more than 1/2 of sidewalk. Mayor Adams has been soft on protestors.
“You cannot block building entrances or prevent pedestrians from passing on a sidewalk. You should leave at least one-half of the sidewalk free.” – NYCLU ’24
https://www.nyclu.org/resources/know-your-rights/your-rights-demonstrating-new-york-city
"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!