Ripple effects do exist. We don’t usually realize it, but we affect our own life and the lives of the people we encounter on a daily basis. There are many small things that we do or see, and they make a difference in our lives. Sometimes those things are in our control, and at other times they are not. Most of the time we cannot see the results, since it takes so long for the results to be yielded, but seldom are there times that do we see an outcome.
Op-Ed: Far Reaching Ripple Effects
Ripple effects do exist. We don’t usually realize it, but we affect our own life and the lives of the people we encounter on a daily basis. There are many small things that we do or see, and they make a difference in our lives. Sometimes those things are in our control, and at other times they are not. Most of the time we cannot see the results, since it takes so long for the results to be yielded, but seldom are there times that do we see an outcome.
I wrote an article on CrownHeights.info at the end of October speaking very optimistically about “Perhaps with my efforts now, there will be a small ripple effect.” Between me and you, I was not speaking realistically. Why would making a bit of noise about a bogus summons accomplish anything?
With the proper effort, the subsequent results are yielded. With some interest in justice, and advice from community leaders, one step did lead to the next. When I look back on the chain of events, it doesn’t really make sense how things happened so quickly. The connections made, and the success of everything is beyond me. What I did learn is that when there is a problem, it is not that far removed from a possible solution. It is not that difficult to transform a negative experience into something positive, and into a learning opportunity. Instead of just accepting the gloomy life of corruption in Crown Heights, now many people in the community are aware of how to avoid such an occurrence.
We recently witnessed the events that transpired in Egypt; it took 18 days for civilian protests to dismantle an evil regime. It is very easy to stand by idly and let things happen. That is the easy way to go about life. What I have come to realize is, that all it takes is for some people to unify and verbalize how they feel. If they are being treated unjustly, then do something about it. If there is money that is supposed to be given out to a community and it is not getting there, then say something about it. If there are bad people hanging around children, don’t let it go, say something and save countless children’s lives. If unfounded and bogus tickets are being written up, and people are being taken advantage of, make some noise, and demand that things should be done right.
There is no point in protesting violently or name bashing. At this point in time, for the most part life here in Crown Heights is peaceful, thank G-d. However, there are flaws, and we need to unify and tackle those issues. I have contacted the Chairman of the Vaad Hakohol, to try and arrange a monthly meeting with the Vaad and the community. Instead of it being a community run by a couple of people, and we have no idea what is going on behind the scenes, let’s be involved. Let’s create some transparency and accountability. They are here because of us, not the opposite way around. When there is a problem with a community member and the police, they should be here to help us, not to quell us. When there is money from government grants for the community, it is meant to actually reach the less fortunate, and assist them with their daily needs.
I must say that the chairman of the Vaad Hakohol was helpful throughout my incident with the summons. He answered the phone calls, directed me when needed, and tried to help. It is hard to walk on the proverbial tightrope and make everyone happy, but he is doing the best he can. There are many things that we don’t see that are going on behind the scenes. On the flipside, the executive director, initially was shocked to hear the story and sympathized with us, but gravitated towards quelling me. He didn’t want to ruin the “great” community relations with the police. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I together with the community leaders didn’t think that was the way to go. As the lawyer at the Know Your Rights event pointed out, it is a systematic issue. As State Senator Adams pointed out, anti-Semitism is still alive and well. The lack of sensitivity in a very colorful and diverse New York is very much alive. We look different, and no matter how much we try to convince ourselves otherwise we are treated differently.
I am thankful to have met Eli Federman a couple months ago, as he helped facilitate and expedite the pursuit of justice. We are working on another seminar to take place G-d willing in the near future. He quietly goes about his way helping innocent people in our community, and the community worldwide with legal help and advice. We need honest people running our community. We need G-d fearing people running our community. And we desperately need unified leadership here in Crown Heights. Again, I am going to say now what I said back in October: Perhaps with the small steps and efforts now, there will be a ripple effect in the future.
It will not take much, just a bit of interest and involvement. If there is an event for our collective best interest, show up, and show your support. Without each and every one of you, this cannot go forward. We are all one body, and therefore when any part of the body is in pain, the whole body feels that pain, consciously or subconsciously. Let’s make that small ripple into a big wave; a wave that will wash away all the dirt we have been sick of for all these years. It sounds far removed, but I witnessed a small example of that over the past three months, and I know it can happen.
This Op-Ed reflects the views of its author. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CrownHeights.info or its Editors.
Any reader that wishes to make his or her voice heard, on any topic of their desire, is welcome to submit his or her Op-Ed to News@CrownHeights.info.
possible
we need more minds like you!!! Thanks for this article in many ways. Excellent message. What a superior person this young man is to write such a great article. Alot we can benefit from to make much needed improvements.
What do you mean
What did you cause with all the noise you made, what kind of results did you see other then having your ticket removed?
antimesira
Don’t be fooled by the “connections”, the connections are there to neutralize you and get you to shut up.
I would wager that THEY got more from you then you got from them. Yes, they gave you the feeling that you are in control, but your not. Perhaps you will write another op-ed about this in the near future.
Notice: Every-time there is a challenge and/or opposition to the NYPD/City demanding justice etc… They (NYPD) will take you in, have meetings with you, make you feel important and in essence just plain and simply neutralize you.
A great example of this is what happened with Barry Suger. The moment he sat in a meeting with the Police, his cause and or mission was over, his organization feel apart.
When you meet with NYPD/City, it must be on your terms (in your house/office etc…), they must come to you, not you to them. You go to them, you lose.
Shimon Cohen
To effevt change you have to have integrity, common sense,be ready to fight whoever wants to stop you, and have good ideas and allies to help you implement them. Sounds like you’re on your way. Keep fighting, there’s a lot to be done in C>H> the police problem is only the first step.
To # 2
Here is something positive that happened from the situation… http://www.crownheights.inf…
There was a Know Your Rights Seminar in CH.
Thanks
Good for you. Thanks for this article. I will point out:
“For every complex problem there is a simple, fast solution, which is inevitably, wrong” (H.L. Menken)
So it’s not always easy, but to stand up and get things going, yes that is what needs to happen. Keep fighting the good fight, and then, keep fighting so things are solved correctly, not just covered up.
way to go
great. we need more screeming. you see if some 1 is being mis treeted a litle he will handle it but if it gets to much he will yell like whats going on in eagpt so it will happen here with the police. let them carry on untill they will see we had anough and screem untill they are removed. watch my words. its starting already. look at the artical. keep it up
BigBen
Very nice (and very long) article. Just not clear what positive ripples were observed as a result of your noise. Did the cops get a repremand, did they get a demotion, were they transferred to Harlem or to the Bronx (where they will have to watch their step and their back). You don’t say anything about that.
The Know Your Rights event was nice but it was nothing more than some PR for the politicians. We need a strong representative that will not shrink away from so called “authority figures”, but will press them to obtain the services that we need. The Vaad Hakohol is a joke. Zaki is nice but it’s time for him to resign. Hackner is nowhere to be found.
Keep up the fight till you get real tangible results.
Ur just glad to be busy!!
waste of time and energy!!!! stop being so self centered…..
to 10
Wow, what a great comment. HE’s done more than 99% of Crown Heights in the past several months