Search Results for “hikind” – Page 4

Hikind Asks NYC DOT Commissioner To Remove Nazi Collaborator From Canyon Of Heroes

May 5, 2017 12:15 pm No Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is calling upon New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg to remove a marker commemorating French Vichy Leader Marshal Philippe Pétain. The granite marker is located on Morris and Broadway in the Wall Street area’s “Canyon of Heroes.” “Pétain was no hero,” explained Assemblyman Hikind. “He willfully collaborated with Nazi Germany, conducting raids to capture Jews and other ‘undesirables’ even in France’s ‘free zone.’” Pétain was responsible for creating an anti-Semitic outlook and framework that, in 1940, was even harsher than what the Germans had adopted. His policies banned Jews from various professions and activities, which eventually led to the deportation and murder of nearly 100,000 Jews, as well as Gypsies, homosexuals, and left-wing activists. Pétain was convicted of treason in 1945. He was sentenced to death by firing squad but France’s President Charles de Gaulle commuted the sentence to life imprisonment. “Having a monument to Pétain anywhere in the United States is obscene,” said Hikind. (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

PHOTOS: Hikind Applauds Bobov Business Expo

May 2, 2017 5:15 pm 1 Comment

(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE) Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) was delighted to attend the Bobov Business Expo, which he called a spectacular event. The expo, which was put together by Amidei Zion of Bobov took place in Ateres Hall on Sunday and saw countless businesses represented. “This was a special opportunity to see everything that Bobover Chassidim are involved with,” said Hikind. “Extremely impressive businesses that employ so many individuals from our community.” Assemblyman Hikind thanked Chaskie Rosenberg, Chaim Fleischer and Yoili Rosenfeld for a thoroughly enjoyable and professional event. (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

Hikind Applauds Former ADL Chief for Standing Up To Politically Correct Anti-Semitism

May 1, 2017 4:00 pm No Comments

Abraham Foxman, the National Director Emeritus of the ADL, called Linda Sarsour a “bigot” who should not have received an invitation to speak at the commencement ceremony of CUNY’s Graduate School of Public Health. In an interview with The Algemeiner Journal, Foxman said, “She’s a champion of equal rights, except when it comes to Jewish rights. She plays that game, ‘I love Jews, I don’t like Zionists.’ Well, I’ve got news for her. Every Jew who’s a Jew prays to Jerusalem, says ‘If I forget you, Jerusalem.’ So this is a throwback to 1948… You can be an advocate of the Palestinian liberation movement without being an enemy of Jewish liberation,” Foxman stressed. But that, he continued, is not the case with Sarsour. “She is an enemy of Jewish sovereignty and Jewish liberation. She’s a bigot, and she shouldn’t have been invited [to CUNY].” Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) praised Foxman who served for nearly three decades as the ADL’s National Director. “Abe Foxman has the guts and the insight to say what the currently politicized ADL seems to be carefully avoiding. Not a peep out of them on Sarsour. Their silence is deafening and shameful… The normalization of terrorism should be unacceptable to everyone, especially our elected officials and community leaders. Speak up or accept that you are contributing to the problem!” This morning, Assemblyman Hikind released a the video “Questions for Linda Sarsour from Assemblyman Hikind” which can be seen HERE: “I hope everyone who admires Sarsour’s association with the Women’s movement—which I also support—will watch this brief but important video,” said Hikind. Sarsour has close ties with Rasmea Yousef Odeh, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine convicted by an Israeli court for her role in the murder of two students, Leon Kanner and Eddie Joffe, in a Jerusalem supermarket bombing. Odeh, who has spoken alongside Sarsour, is now being deported by the United States for falsifying information when she immigrated to the U.S. Sarsour also glorified rock throwing by Arab children at Israelis calling it “the definition of courage.” (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

Where’s The ADL, Hikind Asks As Racist Propagandist Preps For CUNY Commencement Speech

April 26, 2017 6:00 pm No Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) expressed concern this morning regarding the absence of the Anti-Defamation League on the matter of racist, propagandist Linda Sarsour’s planned commencement speech at CUNY. The ADL, whose mission is to “stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all” has been conspicuously silent on the matter since the announcement was made. “I hope everyone at the ADL is ok,” said Hikind. “I’m genuinely concerned. I know they’d never be silent about an issue as important as this if everything was normal. The ADL speaks out 24/7 on defamation of the Jewish people and nothing can be more defamatory than Linda Sarsour’s statements about Jews and her glorification of Arabs throwing rocks at Israelis. But following the invitation from CUNY for Sarsour to address their graduates, the ADL’s silence has been deafening and shameful.” Sarsour, a self-proclaimed activist who glorified and encouraged terrorist stone throwers as “courageous,” was invited by the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy to address this year’s graduating class. Hikind has called upon Governor Andrew Cuomo prevent this outrage from occurring. “Linda Sarsour’s record of advocating for terrorists speaks for itself,” says Hikind. “If she had only called Arabs who hurl rocks at moving cars ‘the definition of courage,’ that would have been enough. Stones killed Adva Bitton’s three-year-old daughter Adele and badly injured her other two small children in 2013 in Israel. But there’s so much more! Sarsour publicly called for violence against Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a feminist Muslim author who opposes violence… She recently shared a stage with and praised Rasmea Yousef Odeh, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine convicted by an Israeli court for her role in the murder of two students, Leon Kanner and Eddie Joffe, in a Jerusalem supermarket bombing. “The United States and the rest of the free world are locked in conflict with terrorists and rogue nations that employ the cruelest tactics against innocent victims. Those who applaud terrorists must be exposed for what they are. It would be bad enough if a private university were to offer Sarsour a platform, but a City university funded by our tax dollars? Sarsour is not the benevolent voice of peaceful Islam. She does not seek to build bridges. She is a propagandist and an apologist for terrorists. She is not someone CUNY should be inviting to speak to its graduates.” (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

Hikind Reports Dramatic Change At Newark Liberty Airport

April 25, 2017 5:15 pm 1 Comment

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) had high praise for Adele Fasano, Port Director at Newark Liberty Airport, who successfully implemented a number of important changes that Hikind requested. The requests followed horror stories from Hikind’s constituents regarding their treatment at the hands of customs and border patrol agents. Complaints included the refusal to allow an elderly Holocaust survivor to sit during questioning as well as callous disregard for religious items, which agents dumped on the floor despite protests. Assemblyman Hikind met with Fasano and her team to discuss the complaints. Following Fasano’s assurance that all of the complaints would be investigated, Fasano wrote, “We are pleased to report that with the additional information you provided, we have taken positive steps to ensure our officers treat the public with the utmost professionalism and respect with regard to their religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. CBP will also ensure that additional work surfaces and seating are available in the locations when we conduct these examinations.” “Constituents complained of being mistreated, I advocated for them, and Port Director Fasano took swift and effective action,” said Hikind. “That is what I call excellent leadership. Port Director Fasano has made certain that her officers and agents abide by their own rules regarding treating individuals with dignity and respect regardless of what they are being questioned for. “In evidence of Port Director Fasano’s leadership, my staff was advised by a constituent, who was recently on her way to Israel, of a questioning procedure she experienced. This traveler was escorted into a private room and asked to sit comfortably at a table while being questioned. Everyone was professional and the procedure took no longer than necessary.” Assemblyman Hikind has promised to continue monitoring the situation and asks New Yorkers to contact him if additional problems are encountered. (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

Hikind Calls On Governor Cuomo To Intervene In Choice Of Commencement Speaker

April 24, 2017 6:15 pm 1 Comment

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) expressed outrage that radical Sharia advocate Linda Sarsour has been invited to give a CUNY commencement speech. Sarsour, a self-proclaimed activist who glorified and encouraged terrorist stone throwers as “courageous,” was invited by the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy to address this year’s graduating class. Having already called on Chancellor James Milliken to step in and rescind this invitation, Hikind is now calling upon Governor Andrew Cuomo to prevent this outrage from occurring. “Governor Cuomo has been a great supporter of Israel and the Israeli people,” said Hikind. “Our Governor has stood firm against the racist BDS movement. He recently visited Israel stating, ‘If you really care, you show up.’ Now I ask the Governor to intervene in this outrageous choice. “Linda Sarsour’s record of advocating for terrorists speaks for itself. If she had only called Arabs who hurl rocks at moving cars ‘the definition of courage,’ that would have been enough. Stones killed Adva Bitton’s three-year-old daughter Adele and badly injured her other two small children in 2013 in Israel. But there’s so much more! Sarsour publicly called for violence against Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a feminist Muslim author who opposes violence… She recently shared a stage with and praised Rasmea Yousef Odeh, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine convicted by an Israeli court for her role in the murder of two students, Leon Kanner and Eddie Joffe, in a Jerusalem supermarket bombing. “The United States and the rest of the free world are locked in conflict with terrorists and rogue nations that employ the cruelest tactics against innocent victims. Those who applaud terrorists must be exposed for what they are. It would be bad enough if a private university were to offer Sarsour a platform, but a City university funded by our tax dollars? Sarsour is not the benevolent voice of peaceful Islam. She does not seek to build bridges. She is a propagandist and an apologist for terrorists. She is not someone CUNY should be inviting to speak to its graduates.” (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

Op-Ed By NYS Assemblyman Dov Hikind: A Penny A Jew

April 24, 2017 9:30 am No Comments

Unfortunately, if we set aside a day for every tragedy in Jewish history, the calendar would be full. But the scope, circumstances and impact of the Holocaust are so immense that a special day of remembrance was deemed appropriate. I never discussed the day itself with my parents—both survivors, both in Heaven now—but I suspect they would have agreed. My mother, z”tl, warned against getting comfortable with the memory. As a child of survivors, and as a student of history, I have sought to understand as much as I can about what occurred during those tragic years. It’s not a morbid fascination; it’s a thirst for knowledge that might somehow be useful in dealing with today’s issues that endanger the Jewish people… and help prevent future tragedies. No one can deny that a generation has not passed where many people—not just an isolated madman—have expressed their eagerness to finish what Hitler started. Did my mother have these fears as a child in pre-war Czechoslovakia? I doubt it. Her memories of life before Germany invaded were happy ones; the Jewish community got along fine with their Czech neighbors, she recalled. Then the Nazis came and the town’s Jews were rounded up. My mother’s most vivid memory of that day was how the non-Jewish neighbors came out to watch. And no one said a word. “Do you know about anti-Semitism?” I asked my 14-year-old granddaughter. She was sitting with me as I prepared to speak on the subject over the holidays. “Yes,” she said. “We saw a video about it.” The video presented other young teens being asked about their perceptions of Jews. “They’re all rich,” said one. “They have all the power,” said another. Nearly a century later and nothing has changed. Except for one thing: Now, there is a State of Israel. So the chants of “Jews, go back to Palestine,” have ended, and the existence of a Jewish State has joined the list of “reasons” to call for Jewish extermination. I repeat: it’s not morbid fascination. It’s a matter of paying attention. A single day does not pass without an incident or a threat. If you follow international headlines, this is not news to you. There are a half million Jews in France who no longer feel safe looking like Jews. In France. While in the Middle East there are Muslim leaders who have openly stated their desire to see all Jews return to Israel as soon as possible, so they can kill them all at once. You would think that Muslim leaders in the Middle East would be most concerned with their people’s quality of life, but killing Jews is a higher priority. Despite all my years of reading, I never understood how the Germans could concentrate their efforts on anything but saving their own soldiers once the Allied invasion proved that their march to world domination had come to an end. But killing Jews was such a high priority to the Nazis that they studied its efficacy like a science. In The Holocaust, a new 500-page study by Laurence Rees, we learn how the Nazis were able to reduce the cost of murdering Jews to about two German pfennings a person. Less than one U.S. cent. Another new historical study by Peter Hayes entitled Why demonstrates how

Hikind Shocked By Pro-Nazi School Assignment Calls For Education Commissioner’s Immediate Resignation

April 4, 2017 12:15 pm 6 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is calling for the immediate resignation of New York Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia following a reprehensible assignment from a high school teacher in Oswego county that asked students to defend Hitler’s “Final Solution” to exterminate the Jewish people. To make matters worse, the Commissioner defended the assignment as “critical thinking.” “This is the Education Commissioner’s idea of critical thinking?” asked Hikind. “Had the assignment been to argue in favor of slavery or other human atrocities, would anyone dare to defend it? I honestly couldn’t believe this story when I heard it. I thought it was a sick joke.” A number of students were upset by the assignment, which they viewed as encouraging anti-Semitism. The abhorrent assignment follows a State Education department inclusion of an anti-Israeli cartoon in a Regents examination. Hikind objected strongly to that cartoon and the Department of Education later apologized. “This despicable assignment to these students demands far more than an apology,” said Hikind. “This is a stab in the back to Holocaust survivors. The Education Commissioner is condoning the wrong type of education and has no business overseeing the instruction of New York children.” (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

Hikind Says Lookout For Stolen, Antique Seforim

April 3, 2017 9:15 pm No Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) is encouraging people to share the story far and wide of recently stolen antique seforim (books) in an effort to help recover these irreplaceable artifacts. Announcing a $5,000 no-questions-asked reward for the books, the family of Rabbi Meir Rokeach, the Kozlover Rebbe, whose synagogue the books were stolen from, asked Assemblyman Hikind to please assist them in publicizing this despicable robbery, which has left the Rabbi, his family and their congregation reeling from the shocking incident. “Books like these are precious to the family and the community, not just because of their monetary value, which is estimated at nearly $400,000, but also because of their history,” explained Assemblyman Hikind. “They are essentially irreplaceable and both collectors and dealers of these types of items should be on the lookout for them if the thieves attempt to sell them. People typically desire to own such seforim because they are holy and they radiate blessings—but it is surely no blessing to own books that were stolen.” Hikind said that the police are investigating the theft of 60 antique books which were taken from Congregation Maase Rokeach, located on 12th Avenue in Boro Park. The items taken include three Shla Siddurim, one Rav Yaakov Emden Siddur, a Tanach, a Lublin Zohar, and two volumes of Slavita Zohar. Hikind added that people should be extra vigilant with regard to protecting valuable items. “Our communities are special but they are not immune to thieves,” he said. Anyone with information is urged to call the Boro Park Shomrim at 718-871-6666 and the NYPD 66th Precinct at 718-851-5611. In addition, two community rabbis have offered to accept the stolen books anonymously, no questions asked: HaRav Tzvi Halpern, the Viener Rav, 1346 45th Street, Brooklyn, and HaRav Yisroel Duvid Harfenes, Dkhal Yisroel Hazmanim, 244 Hewes Street, Brooklyn. (YWN headquarters – NYC)

Hikind Warns ‘Don’t Let Your Passover Trip Be Ruined’

March 27, 2017 2:00 pm 2 Comments

Following numerous reports of unpleasant encounters with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D, Brooklyn) is working to help travelers avoid unnecessary hardship before the Passover holiday. “Many people fly to and from Israel and other locations prior to the holidays,” said the Assemblyman. “If they know what to expect and what’s required of them, they can avoid missing their flights or having their funds confiscated.” In a concerted effort to work with Customs and Border Patrol, Hikind has sent a letter to numerous travel agents in the Tri-state area urging them to advise clients of proper reporting procedures for international travelers. Recenty, Hikind met with Francis J. Russo, Port Director to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at JFK, as well as with Adele Fasano, Port Director at Newark Liberty Airport in Newark, New Jersey. The meetings were arranged to discuss complaints Hikind had received of less than respectful treatment by some agents of certain travelers. While conditions have improved, Hikind also looked to be proactive in an on-going effort to aid travelers. “I became aware that many travelers are ignorant of the regulations, so I’m trying to help educate everyone,” said Hikind. “Passover is fast approaching and many people will be traveling, so it’s important that they follow the rules so their holidays aren’t spoiled. “Travelers must declare whether they are carrying currency or other monetary instruments in an aggregate amount of over $10,000. There’s no limit to how much money they can carry provided that they are truthful and the entire amount is disclosed. If and when approached by Customs and Border Patrol agents, disclose to these agents the full amount that you are carrying.” Regulations state that if a person or family members traveling together have $10,000 or more, they cannot divide the currency between each other to avoid declaring the total. Any amounts exceeding $10,000 must be declared and filed on a report called FinCEN form 105. This form can be obtained at all U.S. ports of entry and departure, or via the internet at www.fincen.gov/fin105. Monetary instruments include U.S. or foreign coins and currency; travelers checks in any form; checks, promissory notes, and money orders; and securities or stocks in a form which ownership can be transferred to another. Monetary instruments do not include checks or money orders made payable to an individual or entity which have not been endorsed or which bear restrictive endorsements (such as “for deposit only”). “If money is not properly disclosed, it may be seized and you will have a very hard time getting it back,” warned Hikind. “I urge travelers to take these regulations seriously so that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable holiday without incident.” (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

Hikind Urges NYS DOT To Rethink Safety’ Changes On Ocean Parkway Following Numerous Accidents

March 21, 2017 12:00 pm 5 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D, Brooklyn) is taking the NYS Department of Transportation to task for failing to heed warnings regarding recent changes and restrictions on Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn. The Ocean Parkway Safety Improvement Project that the DOT implemented has resulted in far less safe conditions for drivers and pedestrians, says Hikind. “Despite my repeated warnings and request for a delay in the implementation of these changes, the New York State DOT’s plan, which it hastened to implement, eliminated right and left turns along the mainline at several avenues,” Hikind explained in a letter to NYS Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll. “As our community expected, some of these changes have snarled traffic and created far less safe conditions along the service roads, to say nothing of greater confusion to both motorists and pedestrians alike. The proof is in the increase in accidents in just the short time that these changes have gone into effect.” In the six weeks from January 1st through February 15th, there have already been three (3) accidents on Kings Highway, four (4) accidents at Avenue P, and nine (9) accidents on Avenue J. Assemblyman Hikind’s office is continuously besieged by irate residents who have told horror stories of being stuck in traffic along the service roads; of school buses trapped behind sanitation and delivery trucks; and of parents unable to get their children to school on time. What had once been a 10 minute ride to a school now takes 35 minutes. Because of the turn restrictions, trying to get onto the Ocean Parkway mainline is now a nightmare of navigating side streets and service roads, simultaneously endangering pedestrians and residents on these streets. “No matter where I go,” Hikind continued, “the overriding concern voiced to me is that of the additional traffic and changes along Ocean Parkway. In the 35 years that I have represented this district, I have never received as many complaints as I have regarding this issue. I have yet to meet a single resident who has felt that these changes have improved the community‘s safety. If anything, it has only served to reduce the quality of life, as it has forced more cars onto the surrounding side streets.” Assemblyman Hikind requested that the DOT review and reconsider the turn-restriction changes that have been implemented before a real tragedy occurs. (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

Hikind Condemns Public Funding For Hezbollah Defender / Holocaust Revisionist

March 19, 2017 5:00 pm No Comments

Dov Hikind (D, Brooklyn) was enraged to learn that the Brooklyn Public Library is hosting a lecture series by Norman Finkelstein, an anti-Semitic self-promoter who makes his living as a propagandist. Finkelstein’s “No Free Speech for Fascists” series at the library uses tax-supported resources to allow the radical publicist an opportunity to peddle hateful, harmful ideas, explains Assemblyman Hikind. “It’s no secret that Norman Finkelstein is a despicable, self-hating Jew who has made sickening, dangerous statements like ‘We are all Hezbollah,’” said Hikind. “The question is why would the Brooklyn Public Library allow this vile propagandist to use their facilities to spread his hate to the public? Is the Library also using New Yorker’s tax dollars to pay this individual? Are they allowing children to attend this hateful lecture series? Will they allow the heads of the KKK and Neo-Nazi party to lecture at the library next? “Hardly a day goes by without a bomb threat to a Jewish center filled with preschoolers and the elderly,” Hikind continued. “Every week, there’s a swastika painted, or a cemetery attacked in the middle of the night. That’s the current reality. And what is the Brooklyn Public Library’s response? To host a modern-day Goebbels who makes excuses for terrorism and denies the extent of the Holocaust. That’s shameful!” Finkelstein was denied tenure at DePaul University and placed on academic leave for a year because of the vile things he advocates. Hikind also pointed out that in 2008, Israel denied Finkelstein entry to their country due to security concerns. “DePaul University and Israeli authorities understood that espousing hatred leads to violence,” said Hikind. “The last thing we need in Brooklyn right now is someone who expresses solidarity with Hamas and Hezbollah under the guise of ‘academia’ stirring the pot of racial hatred.” (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

Hikind Offers Solution To Snarled Boro Park Traffic – Meets Brooklyn DOT To Explore Off-Hour Deliveries On Main Thoroughfares

March 16, 2017 5:15 pm 9 Comments

While everyone complains about the traffic in Boro Park, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D, Brooklyn) is doing something about it. Hikind believes one solution would be for stores along the main thoroughfares to begin accepting off-hour deliveries. Rather than having trucks adding to the congestion, this would go a long way to reducing the congestion along 13th, 16th and 18th Avenues during peak traffic hours. Today, Assemblyman Hikind met with Brooklyn Department of Transportation Commissioner Keith Bray to discuss his solution. The meeting was also attended by Stacey Hodge, DOT Director of Freight Mobility, Transportation and Planning Management, Asheque Rahman, DOT Program Manager, Claudette Workman, Assistant to the Commissioner, and Barry Spitzer, Manager of Community Board 12. “Everyone agrees that traffic in Boro Park, especially along the main streets, can become nightmarish,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “I had an excellent, productive meeting with Commissioner Bray and his team about possibly offering store owners financial incentives to accept off-hour deliveries. Implementing a program like this, which they currently have in Manhattan, would be a first for the outer boroughs. It would improve the standard of living for everyone in our community—not just the people who live here but also those who are making deliveries because the deliveries would also be faster. It’s a win-win and I look forward to reporting further about our progress. I look forward to working with all elected officials and the Community Board to make the necessary changes that will help alleviate the traffic congestion in the community.” (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

Hikind And Colleagues Demand Visa, Mastercard Cease Enriching Hate Sites

March 7, 2017 12:15 pm 2 Comments

New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D, Brooklyn) was joined today by nearly forty (40) Assembly Members on both sides of the isle in demanding that Visa and MasterCard cease allowing hate sites to sell products through their credit cards. In letters addressed to the chief executive officers of the two largest credit card companies, Hikind made it clear that both Visa and MasterCard were profiting from the sale of Nazi and KKK paraphernalia and various types of products meant to race-bait and intimidate various minorities. “Visa and MasterCard are contributing to the widespread wave of racism, bigotry, and unadulterated hatred that currently plague our society,” said Hikind. “Regardless of whether or not they have done so unwittingly, now that we’ve brought their attention to the matter, we expect them to cease immediately.” Hikind and his colleagues cited Tightrope.cc as one the appalling websites. “It’s bad enough to see such hate sites gaining popularity,” said Hikind, “but it is more disturbing to see Visa and MasterCard participating and profiting by doing business with these sites. In addition to allowing hate sites to use their credit cards to sell anti-Black, anti-Semitic, and other hate propaganda, these companies are also lending legitimacy to these websites. “Our communities are outraged to see prominent corporations like Visa and MasterCard involved with something that goes so strongly against the principles of decency,” Hikind continued. “We collectively demand that Visa and MasterCard immediately withdraw their partnership with Tightrope, as well as from dozens of other racist companies.” Hikind was joined by: Peter J Abbate, Jr.(D-Kings), Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Kings), Ron Castorina, Jr. (R-Staten Island), William Colton (D-Kings), Vivian E. Cook (D-Queens), Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Kings), Maritza Davila (D-Kings), Joseph A. Errigo (R-Pittsford), Michael Fitzpatrick (R -Suffolk), Pamela Harris (D-Kings), Andrew D. Hevesi (D-Queens), Earlene Hooper (D-Nassau), Pamela J. Hunter (D-Onondaga), Alicia L. Hyndman (D-Queens), Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Suffolk), Mark C. Johns (R-Monroe), Latoya Joyner (D-Bronx), Charles D. Lavine (D-Nassau), Peter D. Lopez (R-Albany), Chad A Lupinacci (R-Suffolk), William Magee (D-Madison), David G. McDonough (R-Nassau), Thomas McKevitt (R-Nassau), Steven F. McLaughlin (R-Columbia), Michael A. Montesano (R-Nassau), Walter T. Mosley (D-Kings), L. Dean Murray (R-Suffolk), Felix W. Ortiz (D-Kings), N. Nick Perry (D-Kings), Victor Pichardo (D- Bronx), Edward P. Ra (R-Nassau), Andrew P. Raia (R-Suffolk), José Rivera (D-Bronx), Luis Sepulveda (D-Bronx), Michael A. Simanowiz (D-Queens), Daniel G. Stec (R-Essex), Helend E. Weinstein (D-Kings), David I. Weprin (D-Queens).

NYPD: No Evidence Of Vandalism At Jewish Cemetery In Midwood; Hikind Says Something ‘Not Kosher’

March 5, 2017 4:18 pm 6 Comments

The New York Police Department says no evidence of vandalism has been found at a predominantly Jewish cemetery where more than 40 tombstones were toppled over. The NYPD says after consultation with the management of the Washington Cemetery in Brooklyn, it was determined the 42 tombstones came down as a result of a number of factors. Those include long-term neglect or lack of maintenance, as well as environmental factors such as soil erosion. There has been a rash of vandalism at Jewish cemeteries and 122 bomb threats against Jewish organizations in three dozen states since early January. Authorities said Friday that Juan Thompson, a former journalist fired for fabricating details in stories, made at least eight threats against Jewish institutions nationwide as part of a campaign against his ex-girlfriend. Following statements from Washington Cemetery personnel that the discovery of downed headstones last night was not an act of vandalism, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D, Brooklyn) issued the following statement: “When I received a call from the Boro Park Shomrim that something had occurred at Washington Cemetery, I immediately sent a staff member who met with the police. Then early this morning, I visited myself. I was joined by other elected officials, community leaders, NYPD investigators and numerous reporters. We all saw the same thing. “More than 40 headstones were overturned. These stones were all in the same section where barbed-wire had been cut. Despite the fact that there are thousands upon thousands of graves stretching over many blocks, this was the only section where gravestones had been turned over. This area is less than 5% of the total cemetery grounds. “So strong winds hit this section and left the other ones alone? I find that hard to believe. Something is definitely not kosher.” (AP / YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Statement By Assemblyman Hikind After 40 Headstones Overturned In Jewish Cemetery In Midwood Brooklyn

March 5, 2017 12:29 pm 4 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D, Brooklyn) led a press conference this morning to discuss the desecration of Washington Cemetery in Brooklyn, one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in the world. The Assemblyman was alerted last night about the vandalism and was immediately in touch with the police to make certain that the matter was being investigated. Members of Hikind’s staff immediately met with the police and the local Shomrim. “More than 40 headstones were overturned,” said Hikind. “It’s heartbreaking—not just to the loved ones of those who are buried here, but to all of us. Is there anything more cowardly than desecrating a cemetery in the middle of the night? “Anti-Semitism exists, but we don’t have to tolerate it, and we won’t. I can promise you that. I met with the police this morning at the cemetery, the top brass from Brooklyn South, and I see that this matter is being taken very seriously. When the criminals who did this are caught, we will demand and expect real justice.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Hikind: Stop Scapegoating Trump For Anti-Semitism

February 26, 2017 9:45 am 7 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) says that blaming President Donald Trump for the rise in anti-Semitic incidents is devious and politically misleading. Hikind asserted that crimes against Jews are a direct result of the negative attitude towards Israel—an attitude that has been embraced by too many members of the Democratic party and their leadership. “Where are the liberal leaders when Jewish cemeteries are desecrated and campuses are painted with swastikas and racial slurs?” asked Hikind. “How are the leaders of the Democrats communicating with and reigning in their followers when these crimes are committed? It’s simple. They’re not. Instead they’ve found an easy answer: Blame Trump. “Should the President of the United States do more to stop these crimes? Absolutely. But to blame all of these anti-Semitic incidents on the Trump presidency is absurd. Anti-Semitic crimes were up 9% from 2014 to 2015. Does former President Obama fully own that? “Suggesting someone as openly anti-Israel as Keith Ellison for the key leadership role in the Democratic Party speaks volumes about what some party leaders consider acceptable. Praising someone as vile as Linda Sarsour—a woman who spoke out in support of an Islamic Jihadist known for recruiting suicide bombers—is a chilling statement on where the Democratic Party has gone.” Pointing to numerous incidents of swastikas, cemetery desecrations, hate mail and other examples of hate crimes against Jews and Jewish institutions throughout the United States and abroad, Hikind—known for his outspokenness against such crimes—says that the majority of these incidents may be coming from the Left. It was only a week ago that a Texas preschool employee—by no means a Trump supporter—was caught Tweeting hateful messages about killing Jews. “There’s no question that incidents of anti-Semitism have tremendously increased,” said Hikind. “The real question is who are the people behind these crimes. We know for a fact that in Europe, it’s coming from the Left. We know for a fact that the Obama administration promoted an anti-Israel bias throughout the world. But anti-Israel sentiments have been used as the last half-century’s excuse to spew anti-Jewish rhetoric. Saying that you’re anti-Israel yet support the Jewish people is just a tactic that Jew haters have adopted.” Assemblyman Hikind noted that rising incidents of anti-Semitism are a national issue. “We can’t count the number of swastikas anymore—there’s too many,” said Hikind, noting that the loathsome Nazi symbol has been scrawled recently on campuses and in communities from California to New York, from Oregon to Mississippi. “But who are the people scrawling these swastikas? Who are the people desecrating cemeteries? At Northwestern University, it was anti-Trump students who were caught spray-painting a swastika and racial slurs. At the State University of New York, it was an anti-Trump message and swastika sprayed in a dorm. At the University of Vermont, a Trump campaign sign was found spray-painted with a swastika near the campus Hillel, and at the University of New Mexico, Nazi-themed graffiti was found denouncing the President. “These are not isolated incidents,” Hikind continued. “At universities, where anti-Israel rhetoric is regularly espoused by far-Left professors who embrace and promote the BDS movement, that is where you find the highest rate of anti-Semitic hate crimes. Drawing a parallel to those activities is more intellectually honest than blaming the rise of anti-Semitism on President Trump, who has condemned hate

Hikind To Schumer: Keith Ellison Is A Toxic Choice For DNC Chair

February 14, 2017 5:15 pm 3 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) launched an online petition addressed to Senator Charles E. Schumer today, calling on him to rescind his support for Congressman Keith Ellison to be the next Chair of the Democratic National Committee. “Keith Ellison has disqualified himself from becoming the next chair of the DNC,” said Hikind. “Ellison is the most polarizing choice. Not only are his views radical, but they are divisive. Whether his embracing of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan or his support of the one-sided Goldstone Report, Ellison is clearly not the leader anyone should embrace.” Ellison has a long history of being a controversial figure. Conveniently after getting elected to Congress in 2006, he then apologized for his involvement in the Nation of Islam. “Why was his apology only issued after getting elected?” asked Hikind. “Ellison’s record clearly reflects he is no friend and is certainly dangerous to the State of Israel. In 2014, he voted against funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. In 2010, at a fundraiser, he said that American foreign policy is governed by Israeli interests. Is this the future leader of the Democratic Party?” “Senator Schumer, are there no mainstream candidates to lead us?” asked Hikind. “Instead of bringing Democrats together, Ellison will further divide the Party. Senator Schumer, pull the plug on your support for Ellison. He will be a disaster for the Democratic Party,” said Hikind. To join Assemblyman Hikind and sign the petition to Senator Schumer, click here and make your voice heard! Below is a copy of the petition at change.org: Senator Schumer: We urge you to withdraw your support for Keith Ellison to be the next Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Keith Ellison is a most polarizing choice. Not only are his views radical, but they are divisive. Whether his embracing of Louis Farrakhan or his support of the one-sided Goldstone Report, he is not the right choice. o Ellison voted against funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system in 2014. o In December 2010, Ellison said that American foreign policy is governed by Israeli interests. o His antipathy towards Israel and Jews is crystal clear. Senator Schumer, pull the plug on your support for Ellison. He will be a disaster for the Democratic Party. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

Hikind Joins Assemblyman Cusick and Others to Stop The Bag Tax

February 3, 2017 2:00 pm No Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) will join Assemblyman Michael Cusick and others in the Assembly to stop the NYC Council’s five-cent bag tax slated to go into effect February 15. “It is a great honor to co-sponsor legislation with Assemblyman Cusick to stop the bag tax,” Hikind said. “This is just another burden on hard-working taxpayers, and we cannot allow New Yorkers to be nickeled and dimed.” Hikind and others in the Assembly are set to propose a moratorium, which will postpone NYC Council’s plastic bag tax bill for another year. The moratorium will allow lawmakers to review the legislation further. “Grocery shopping, in New York City, can be extremely hectic, and this tax will add to the chaos,” Hikind said. “As consumers, we will now have to worry about having our reusable bags handy every time we go to the supermarkets. What about the elderly and low-income New Yorkers, who live on fixed incomes? What about the thousands of larger households in the Jewish community? How will they be affected?” Added Hikind: “Hopefully Governor Cuomo will sign the Assembly’s legislation to stop the madness, and suspend this ridiculous tax from going into effect.” (YWN Desk – NYC)

Hikind Addresses Issuance of NYC Sanitation Tickets For Putting Out Garbage Prematurely Erev Shabbos

February 2, 2017 10:00 pm 7 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) addressed the community Thursday morning after an influx of NYC Sanitation summonses have been handed out to residents for putting their garbage out prematurely Erev Shabbos. Since garbage pick-up is on Wednesdays and Saturdays in certain parts of Boro Park, NYC Sanitation has accommodated the Jewish community, allowing residents to put out their garbage as close to sundown as possible on Friday afternoon. Several residents have contacted Assemblyman Hikind’s office with complaints, claiming they were ticketed for putting their garbage out “too early” for Saturday’s pick-up. “We greatly appreciate and understand the accommodation that the NYC Sanitation has made for us in allowing garbage to be put out before candle lighting,” Hikind said. Added Hikind: “Every resident should be aware that they will receive a NYC Sanitation summons should they put their garbage out hours before Shabbos. To avoid being ticketed, wait until just before candle lighting to put your garbage out. I encourage everyone to help your fellow neighbor in adhering to this accommodation the City has generously made for us.” (YWN Desk – NYC)

Hikind Slams NYS Board of Regents For Featuring Prejudiced Political Cartoon Against Jews in Global Regents Exam

February 1, 2017 4:30 pm 10 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) slammed the NYS Board of Regents Wednesday morning after this year’s Global Studies Regents examination featured a prejudiced political cartoon portraying Jewish soldiers in a disgusting and demeaning fashion. The political cartoon, which was part of last Tuesday’s examination, illustrated three soldiers in the midst of fire hiding behind a table with the caption reading, “I knew this peace table would come in handy someday,” with one of the soldiers identified with a Star of David on their back. “Who is responsible for allowing this incredibly biased, anti-Israel propaganda be part of a Global Studies Regents exam,” Hikind said. “I want to know who at the Board of Regents thought it was appropriate to incorporate such prejudice into their examination. This is beyond comprehension and is the epitome of disrespect to those who care deeply about Israel’s survival.” Added Hikind: “I call on the Board of Regents to apologize for their insensitivity and irresponsible decision to include such material in their curriculum. We send a very dangerous message when we elect to use propaganda like this in our examinations. What exactly are we testing our students on when we present them with biased cartoons? Rather than educating our children on issues in the Middle East, we’re presenting them with horrible, slanted images that will only jade their point of view moving forward.” (YWN Desk – NYC)

Hikind Shocked And Appalled At White House’s Omission of Jews on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 30, 2017 11:00 am 18 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) was shocked and utterly appalled after the White House released a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, omitting Jews from the text of the statement Friday afternoon. “It is utterly horrendous and unconscionable for President Trump and his administration to omit Jews from the text of his statement when talking about International Holocaust Remembrance Day,” Assemblyman Hikind said. “The Holocaust was undoubtedly a systematic attempt to annihilate the Jewish people, and the failure to acknowledge that is a desecration of their memory.” Hikind added: “As a child of Holocaust survivors whose parents and grandparents went to Auschwitz, and as a representative of the largest population of Holocaust survivors in the U.S., it is egregious and a slap in the face to the millions of Jews whose lives were forever changed as a result of the Holocaust.” Assemblyman Hikind suggested that while President Trump and his administration has been a good friend to Israel, the White House should issue a formal apology for excluding Jews when talking about Holocaust Remembrance Day. “This sets a terrible precedent and is so utterly disrespectful to the millions affected. It is my hope that President Trump acknowledges this horrible mistake and issues an apology to the Jewish community.” (YWN Desk – NYC)

Hikind Slams NYS DOT As Chaos Ensues On Ocean Parkway

January 15, 2017 10:00 pm 10 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) slammed the NYS Department of Transportation and its implementation of chaotic traffic changes Friday morning after a car collision occurred on January 11 at Avenue P and Ocean Parkway just days after the changes took effect. One motorist was driving southbound toward Belt Parkway as the other driver was attempting to cross Avenue P eastbound toward Coney Island Avenue when the two cars collided. According to the motorists, each claimed to have a green light and the right of way. “What a nightmare; this is a catastrophe waiting to happen,” Assemblyman Hikind said. “The NYS DOT told us that they would monitor these changes carefully, so we should hold them to their commitment. They promised us safety, but these changes have created a more dangerous Ocean Parkway.” Hikind’s office has been inundated with complaints from other motorists, who noted the chaos and the dangers that coincide with the implemented changes. One concerned driver, in particular, described her recent experience on Avenue P and Ocean Parkway facing Coney Island Avenue, saying, “the light turned green for me to proceed at the same time the arrows in the turning lanes on Ocean Parkway were green and there were cars in both directions making the left turn. I realized what was happening and I did not move my vehicle until it was clear and safe to do so.” Hikind added: “This is a disaster, one that has already caused an accident and more confusion than ever. Where is the State DOT in ensuring us a safer Ocean Parkway? They agreed to monitor these changes! I have been trying to explain the chaos that would ensue should these changes take effect and this is exactly what is happening. It is my hope that the State DOT will correct and reverse these disastrous changes immediately.”

Hikind Joins Hundreds Of New Yorkers At ‘We Stand United With Israel’ Demonstration To Rally Against Paris Peace Conference

January 12, 2017 6:00 pm 1 Comment

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) joined hundreds of New Yorkers at the “We Stand with Israel” demonstration in Manhattan on 47th Street Thursday afternoon to rally against the upcoming Paris global peace conference slated for Jan. 15. More than 70 countries will meet to discuss promoting peace in the Middle East through a two-state solution. “This conference is fraudulent with a sole purpose of undermining and harming the security of Israel,” Assemblyman Hikind said at Thursday’s rally in front of a crowd of hundreds. “Look at what’s happening in other countries in the Middle East, with our fight against ISIS. You would think that with ISIS killing thousands of men, women and children all over the world, that 70 nations would be meeting to discuss a plan to deal with ISIS, but of course not. They don’t think that’s of importance. “How many civilians have been killed in Syria? Is there a conference in Paris to discuss this situation? No! What hypocrisy and dishonesty. No discussion about Yemen, no conference about the situation in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya. Where are all of the conferences? There are none,” Hikind continued. “Make no mistake about it; President Obama and Secretary John Kerry are behind this spectacle in France, which is a continuation of the U.N. resolution that attempts to stab Israel in the back.” On a positive note, Hikind felt relieved that a new shift in power could be the start to much better treatment toward Israel, saying, “Thank G-d we have a fresh wind blowing in and new leadership in the White House.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

PHOTOS: Hikind Presents Muslim Teen Hero With Citation, Reward For Aiding In Apprehension of Man Who Assaulted Orthodox Jewish Woman

January 5, 2017 3:31 pm 2 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) presented Midwood High School hero Ahmed Khalifa with a citation and laptop Thursday for his aid in the apprehension of the assailant who assaulted an Orthodox Jewish woman on a Coney-Island bound Q train December 28. 17-year-old Khalifa, who is Muslim, chased down Rayvon Jones, 31, after he smacked a Jewish woman and fled the train near the NewKirk Avenue station around 8 p.m. that night. Khalifa flagged down a member of the Shomrim, who aided him in the search for Jones, who was found onboard a local bus nearby. Khalifa then called the police to notify them of the buses whereabouts, eventually evacuating the bus and apprehending Jones. The victim suffered lacerations to her lip and bruising, and was taken to Methodist Hospital in stable condition. “In a time of such divisiveness, it’s refreshing to see a story like this resonate within our communities,” said Hikind, who was joined by NYC Council member Mathieu Eugene, and local community and religious leaders in honoring Khalifa. “It is my privilege to honor Ahmed Khalifa for his noble act and exemplary leadership, and through this behavior, Ahmed sets the tone for how we should treat one another regardless of one’s race or religion.” Khalifa has reiterated on multiple occasions that he doesn’t consider himself to be a hero, saying, “I’m not a hero; I’m just a guy. I think everyone should be doing this because we are all one people; I would help anyone out no matter who they are, I’m just happy people are learning that this is the right thing to do.” This isn’t the first time Khalifa has come to the aid of another. Several months ago, he prevented a suicidal homeless person from jumping down onto the train tracks. In addition to the citation, Hikind presented Khalifa, a senior, with a Hewlett-Packard laptop for when he goes off to college in the fall. “I want to thank local businesses Focus Camera and Artistic Gallery for collaborating with us on this gesture,” Hikind said. “Ahmed Khalifa has a bright future ahead of him and is undoubtedly a future leader of this generation. At 17, he truly embodies what it means to be a caring, loving decent human being, which is exemplified through his brave actions. I don’t doubt that Ahmed will continue to do great things after high school and beyond.” Joining Assemblyman Hikind in honoring Khalifa for his heroism was Councilman Eugene; Rabbi Moshe Shmiel Rottenberg; Imam Awad ElSayed; Baruch Moskowitz from Flatbush Shomrim; Jodie Millman from Midwood High School; Flatbush Community Leader Josh Mehlman; Community Board 12 representative Peter Rabenwurzel; District Leader David Schwartz; Community Activist Chaskel Bennett; Community Liaison Chesky Klein; Yoely Rosenfeld, Pesach Greenberg; Yechiel Landau; Naftali Reiner and Mr. and Mrs. Khalifa. “I’m so proud of Ahmed and the heroism he exhibited in chasing down the criminal. He’s a model citizen and we’re very fortunate to have him as part of our community,” Councilman Mathieu Eugene said. “Ahmed brought our community together, we are together. I’m not talking about religion. We are human beings here together as one community right now. No matter what, Ahmed is the hero and is the reason for us coming together. I thank him and his parents for allowing us to come together today,” said

PHOTOS: Hikind Praises NYC DOT Plan to Install New Speed Bumps, Enhanced Crosswalks Along 21st Avenue

January 4, 2017 5:45 pm 2 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) praised Mayor de Blasio and the NYC DOT on Tuesday for its plan to install new speed bumps and enhanced crosswalks along 21st Avenue. NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg joined Hikind to tour 21st Avenue last year to evaluate what safety improvements could be made. Hikind praised Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Trottenberg for their “incredible response” to the safety concerns of the community. “We are thrilled that Mayor de Blasio and the NYC DOT have addressed the safety concerns we raised on our walk-through of 21st Avenue,” Hikind said. “I am proud that our mayor and NYC DOT have been so incredibly responsive throughout this entire process. The installment of these speed bumps and enhanced crosswalks demonstrate NYC’s full commitment to improving safety for pedestrians and motorists alike. I look forward to working with the City DOT to promote safety in our neighborhoods.” In addition to the changes slated for 21st Avenue, the NYC DOT is also planning to install enhanced crosswalks at 57th St. and 17th Ave., providing “yield to pedestrian” traffic signage at the intersection. “I want to thank Borough Commissioner Keith Bray, Councilman David Greenfield, Community Board 12 Chairman Yidel Perlstein and District Manager Barry Spitzer, as well as Avrumi Tabak and Chesky Klein for their efforts in improving safety in our community.” (YWN Desk – NYC)

Hikind: Governor Cuomo’s Office, NYS DOT Like Deep In Headlights; NY Post Duped Into Hatchet Job On Ocean Parkway

December 19, 2016 4:00 pm 3 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) slammed the “unnamed source” quoted in the NY Post article Monday regarding Ocean Parkway. The article insists that Hikind only had selfish motives in taking on the NYS DOT and Governor Cuomo’s office regarding the hazardous and dangerous traffic changes being implemented on Ocean Parkway. “According to the NY Post, my motives behind fighting these disastrous changes are because they will affect my block, which couldn’t be further from the truth; these claims are preposterous,” Hikind said. “These traffic changes have nothing to do with Avenue L, and I’m sorely disappointed that the NY Post allowed themselves to be used by the Governor’s office and an unnamed source. The idea of taking a second look before changes were implemented was supported by all local elected officials, as well as a unanimous resolution passed by Community Board 12 to postpone the changes until further review.” “I have countless letters, emails and copious notes detailing the entire timeline of my objections to this project, which date back a year ago,” Hikind said. “Instead of arguing these changes on its merits, the unnamed source and the NY Post have decided to malign my name and ignore the thousands of residents and all the other elected officials who have spoken out against these dangerous traffic changes.” Last week, Assemblyman Hikind met with NYS DOT Deputy Commissioner Phil Eng, NYC DOT officials and several elected officials including, Council members Chaim Deutsch and Mark Treyger, Assemblyman Steve Cymbrowitz, representatives from Public Advocate Tish James’ office, Comptroller Scott Stringer’s office, Senator Simcha Felder’s office, Councilman David Greenfield’s office and representatives of the Governor’s office to discuss postponing the changes until further review. In presenting NYS DOT’s own accident statistics along Avenues J, P and Kings Highway, Hikind refuted the state’s justification for moving forward with eliminating right turns. “Governor Cuomo’s office and the NYS DOT were like deer in headlights,” Hikind said. “Instead of having the courage to take a second look at these changes, this became an ego trip. The silence on the part of the NYS DOT and Governor’s office is deafening. What a slap in the face to the thousands of people you supposedly represent.” After careful review of NYS DOT’s statistics, Mayor de Blasio and the NYC DOT requested Governor Cuomo suspend the traffic changes slated for Ocean Parkway until further review, but were completely ignored. “Thank you Mayor de Blasio and NYC DOT for listening to the concerns of our community,” Hikind said. “Unfortunately, Governor Cuomo failed to do so. What a complete and utter embarrassment. Government is supposed to work for the people, not against them. Apparently, the NYS DOT and Governor Cuomo know what’s best for Ocean Parkway and its residents more than the lifelong Ocean Parkway residents. (YWN Desk – NYC)

Hikind Meets With NYS DOT Executive Dep.Commish And Elected Officials to Voice Concerns About Ocean Parkway Traffic Changes

December 13, 2016 7:15 am 6 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) met with NYS DOT Executive Deputy Commissioner Phil Eng, NYC DOT officials, representatives from Governor Cuomo’s office and several elected officials on Monday to voice his concerns with traffic changes coming to Ocean Parkway, specifically eliminating right turns from the mainline heading north and south onto Avenues C, J, P and Kings Highway. Joining Hikind in expressing frustration over the changes were NYC Council members Chaim Deutsch and Mark Treyger, Assemblyman Steve Cymbrowitz, as well as representatives from Senator Simcha Felder’s office and Councilman David Greenfield’s office. During Monday’s meeting at the Governor’s office, Assemblyman Hikind pleaded with Commissioner Eng and DOT officials to postpone eliminating right turns until further review, refuting accident statistics they claim justified their wanting to make these changes. According to DOT statistics, there were 10 accidents over a two-year period along Avenue J and Ocean Parkway, none of which were a result of making right turns. Over that same two-year period, there were only 2 accidents from right turns along Avenues P and Ocean Parkway, as well as Kings Highway and Ocean Parkway. “The whole premise of the Ocean Parkway Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety project is to improve safety, and it’s very hard to imagine a safer Ocean Parkway with these changes being implemented,” Hikind said. “There is no justification based on the statistics provided by the NYS DOT that warrant the elimination of right turns onto Avenues C, J, P and Kings Highway,” Hikind added. “Eliminating these turns will only divert traffic onto service roads and further congest these narrow streets. By sending even more traffic down these service roads, which already sees its fair share of school buses, emergency vehicles and sanitation trucks, traffic will undoubtedly bottleneck and these roads will become impassable, creating more havoc than intended.” Hikind left Monday’s meeting hopeful that the NYS DOT will take a step back and revisit the proposed changes before moving forward. “For the sake of our community and the safety of our children, senior citizens and all parties affected, I pray that Deputy Commissioner Eng and his officials revisit the plans and reconsider suspending these changes until further review,” Hikind said. “We have fought very hard, and I’m proud to stand with my fellow elected officials in continuing to fight these changes from being implemented.” In addition, Assemblyman Hikind requested the community continue calling the Governor’s office @ 212-681-4580 to voice their concerns. (YWN Desk – NYC)

Hikind Gains More Traction on Ocean Parkway with Support of 35 Synagogue Rabbis, Principals, School Administrators

December 9, 2016 9:30 am 1 Comment

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) garnered the support of 35 major rabbis, principals and school administrators on Friday, who sent a letter to Governor Cuomo in an effort to prevent traffic changes from going into effect on Ocean Parkway. “We are writing to express our deep concern over proposed changes that will eliminate certain right turns along Ocean Parkway, and that we feel will be detrimental to the safety of our community residents, particularly the elderly and children,” the letter read. “As local rabbis, school principals and administrators, we, more than anyone else, know how densely populated the community is.” The letter went on to describe Ocean Parkway as a major thoroughfare that is utilized by tens of thousands of motorists at any given time. “Forcing more traffic onto surrounding streets will pose a tremendous risk to the safety of the residents. By diverting traffic onto the service roads and nearby streets, the likelihood of an accident, G-d forbid, will increase dramatically.” As a result of a communitywide uproar over the impending traffic changes, Assemblyman Hikind scheduled a meeting with NYS DOT Deputy Commissioner Phil Eng, elected officials and community leaders on Monday to discuss safety concerns. The meeting was scheduled shortly after Assemblyman Hikind’s petition to stop the madness and postpone the traffic changes went viral, receiving over 1,000 signatures in just one day. “We must continue to express our frustration and do all we can to prevent these dangerous traffic changes from going into effect,” Hikind said. “I want to thank all of the wonderful community leaders and outraged residents who have fought to suspend these changes, and I look forward to meeting with NYS DOT officials to resolve this issue.” While optimistic about Monday’s meeting with NYS DOT officials, Assemblyman Hikind requests that the community continue calling Governor Cuomo’s office at 212-681-4580 and ask him to immediately suspend the traffic changes until further review. (YWN Desk – NYC)

VIDEO AND PHOTOS: Hikind Joined by Hundreds of Outraged Community Members at ‘Save Ocean Parkway’ Rally

December 4, 2016 6:00 pm 2 Comments

[VIDEO & PHOTOS BY AARON BERGER IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) was joined by hundreds of outraged residents from the community at Sunday’s “Save Ocean Parkway” rally held on the corner of Avenue J and Ocean Parkway. NYC Public Advocate Tish James, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Councilmembers Chaim Deutsch and Mark Treyger, CB12 Chairman Yidel Perlstein, and other community leaders joined Assemblyman Hikind in an effort to prevent the NYS DOT from eliminating right turns from the mainline heading north and south onto Avenues J, P and Kings Highway, as well as left turns onto other avenues. “Eliminating right turns will only endanger the safety of motorists, children and their families who live adjacent to Ocean Parkway, and will undoubtedly create havoc for all,” Hikind said. “Let your voice be heard! No more no turns!” The two-year, $15 million NYS DOT Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety project, which is set to implement these traffic changes as early as February 2017, will also force motorists to turn one block earlier onto the service roads in order to make the right turn. “This would cause major aggravation and chaos like no one has ever seen before on Ocean Parkway. It would be an accident waiting to happen,” Hikind said. Back in 2015, NYS DOT presented the traffic changes to community boards through PowerPoint slides, but failed to include any information on eliminating right turns along Ocean Parkway. “Nearly 100,000 people who use Ocean Parkway on a regular basis would be forced down these service roads and narrow avenues where children play and go to school,” Hikind said. “It’s unbelievable that officials somewhere in Albany agreed to this — people who don’t even know of Ocean Parkway let alone the community. Do they think they know Ocean Parkway better than we do? “There are hundreds of children and senior citizens that live along these service road, who would be put in grave danger should these changes go into effect,” Hikind continued. “I call on Governor Cuomo to make this right, stop the insanity and save Ocean Parkway.” “We should not direct traffic onto service roads; we need to stop this madness. I stand with Assemblyman Hikind and I stand with this community which knows what’s best for its residents. I urge Governor Cuomo to listen to the concerns of the community and to stop this initiative. Government operates best when it listens to the community,” said Public Advocate Tish James. “When you talk about traffic accidents and traffic fatalities, you have to think about the dangers our children face. When traffic changes happen, it’s backed up by data and by the community and therefore, members of community should have a seat at the planning table where you can properly debate and discuss these changes,” said Comptroller Scott Stringer. “It’s evident that residents in my District are confused and angry about a decision by the Department of Transportation to prohibit right turns on certain parts of Ocean Parkway. We were unaware of these changes until very recently. Consequently, I have asked Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll, and New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg to put these no-right-turn changes on hold until the local elected officials and community board chairs can

Hikind to Be Joined by Public Advocate Tih James, Comptroller Stringer and Brooklyn BP Adams at Save Ocean Parkway Rally

December 2, 2016 1:00 pm 4 Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) announced Friday morning that NYC Public Advocate Tish James, Comptroller Scott Stringer and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will be joining hundreds of outraged community members at the “Save Ocean Parkway” rally this Sunday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m. on the corner of Avenue J and Ocean Parkway. Local elected officials and community leaders will also attend in an effort to prevent these dangerous traffic changes from going into effect. “I applaud Comptroller Stringer, Public Advocate Tish James, our borough president Eric Adams and all of the elected officials and community leaders in their efforts to fight these disastrous changes,” Hikind said. “Residents are concerned that these changes will undoubtedly create havoc, frustration and will only endanger motorists and pedestrians. It’s a real problem, and we are calling on Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio to revisit these proposed plans.” These changes, if implemented, would eliminate right turns from the mainline heading north and south onto Avenues J, P and Kings Highway, as well as left turns down other avenues. Instead, motorists will be forced to turn one block earlier onto the service road so they can make the right at the intersection. “Please call the Governor at 212-681-4580 and the Mayor at 212-788-3000 and ask them to save Ocean Parkway from this insanity,” Hikind said. “This will cause major aggravation and confusion for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians alike. By allowing these plans to go into effect, the safety of hundreds of children and their families will be in jeopardy. We must continue to work together if we want to save Ocean Parkway from this insanity.” (YWN Desk – NYC)

Greenfield Joins Hikind’s Call to DOT to Reconsider Turn Restrictions on Ocean Parkway

December 1, 2016 9:00 pm 1 Comment

Councilman David G. Greenfield is joining Assemblyman Dov Hikind in calling on the New York State Department of Transportation to delay the implementation of planned right-turn prohibitions at multiple intersections on Ocean Parkway. The new right-turn restrictions, which are set to be imposed at the intersections of Avenue C, Avenue J, Avenue P and King Highway, are being presented by the New York State DOT as a part of long-planned safety improvement measures taking place along Ocean Parkway. Unlike the other measures included in the DOT’s plan, however, these restrictions were never presented to the community for review or feedback. “When the DOT informed us that they wanted to make improvements to safety on Ocean Parkway, we were delighted,” Greenfield said. “I have always been a strong supporter of doing everything we can to promote safety for New York City drivers and pedestrians, which is why I was proud to be the sponsor in the City Council of the Mayor’s Vision Zero plan. Unfortunately, the DOT did not inform us of any plans to impose restrictions on right-hand turns at these intersections, nor did they inform Community Board 12.” Greenfield said that the planned restrictions will not have the desired effect. “If the DOT had consulted the community on these changes, they would have learned that these are some of the busiest intersections on Ocean Parkway, and that they consistently have some of the worst traffic congestion. Prohibiting turns at these intersections will make traffic worse without making drivers or pedestrians any safer. I am proud to stand with Assemblyman Hikind in support of our community on this important issue.” Greenfield is calling on the Department of Transportation to delay implementation of the proposed changes until the community has had a chance to offer input on the plan. “The DOT should not be making such major changes in our communities without giving the people who live there a chance to voice their own opinions,” Greenfield said. “At the very least, the people who live in the neighborhoods that will be affected by these needless changes should have the opportunity to weigh in.” (YWN Desk – NYC)

VIDEO: Assemblyman Hikind Asks Outraged Community Members How They Feel About Dangerous Traffic Changes Coming to Ocean Parkway

November 30, 2016 6:00 pm 2 Comments

[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) was joined by residents from the community Tuesday afternoon to express their outrage over the traffic changes coming to Ocean Parkway. Hikind explained how eliminating right turns from the mainline heading North and South onto Avenues J, P and Kings Highway would endanger the safety of children and families that live adjacent to Ocean Parkway, as well as bog down traffic along the service roads. “Eliminating right turns will pose a dangerous threat to the safety of both pedestrians and motorists alike, and will undoubtedly create havoc for everyone who commutes and lives along Ocean Parkway,” Hikind said. “I encourage everyone to join me at the rally this Sunday, Dec. 4th, at 11 a.m. on the corner of Avenue J and Ocean Parkway and encourage friends and family who oppose these disastrous changes to come voice their concern,” Hikind added. “I implore you to call Governor Cuomo at 518-474-8390 and the Mayor at 212-788-3000 and ask them and ask them to save Ocean Parkway.” (YWN Desk – NYC)

Hikind Praises CB12 And Greenfield For Unanimously Passing Resolution Opposing Traffic Changes Along Ocean Parkway

November 29, 2016 6:45 pm No Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) praised Community Board 12 and Councilman David Greenfield for unanimously passing a resolution opposing dangerous traffic changes along Ocean Parkway. The resolution comes hours following Assemblyman Hikind announcement of a rally denouncing the traffic changes, inviting the public to voice their concerns and frustration over these unsafe changes. “I applaud Community Board 12 Chairman Yidel Perlstein and District Manager Barry Spitzer, as well as Councilman Greenfield, for their initiative and efforts to prevent these changes from being implemented,” Assemblyman Hikind said. “We must collectively work to stop this insanity from going into effect.” As part of the two-year Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety project along Ocean Parkway, the NYS DOT elected to eliminate right turns onto Avenues J, P, Kings Highway and other avenues from Ocean Parkway heading North and South. Instead, motorists will be forced onto the service roads one block earlier. “Eliminating right turns will pose a dangerous threat to the safety of both pedestrians and motorists alike, and will undoubtedly create havoc, confusion and frustration for all parties involved,” Hikind said. “By diverting cars onto the service road, which would otherwise not be there, it could potentially lead to an increase in accidents and, god forbid, fatalities.” “I encourage everyone to join me at the rally this Sunday, Dec. 4th, at 11 a.m. on the corner of Avenue J and Ocean Parkway and encourage friends and family who oppose these disastrous changes to come voice their concern,” Hikind added. “I implore you to call Governor Cuomo at 212-681-4580 and the Mayor at 212-788-3000 and ask them to save Ocean Parkway from this insanity.” (YWN Desk – NYC)

Hikind To Host Major Rally to ‘Stop The Madness’ on Ocean Parkway This Sunday

November 28, 2016 6:00 pm No Comments

Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) will host a rally with the community this Sunday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m. on the corner of Ocean Parkway and Avenue J in an effort to fight traffic changes coming to Ocean Parkway, calling it “Stop the Madness on Ocean Parkway.” The changes, which will be implemented in the coming weeks by NYS DOT, include eliminating right turns onto Avenues J, P, Kings Highway and other avenues heading North and South along Ocean Parkway, forcing motorists to turn one block earlier onto the service road to make the right at the intersection. “Eliminating the right turn on these avenues will pose a dangerous threat to the safety of both pedestrians and motorists alike, ultimately creating havoc, confusion and frustration for all parties involved,” Assemblyman Hikind said of the NYS DOT’s two-year Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety project that will cost over $15 million in taxpayer dollars. “Ocean Parkway is a major thoroughfare that over 100,000 people use on a daily basis. I agree that safety is a top priority, and while I believe the project has good intentions, I’m not the only one who believes these changes will create havoc and frustration.” Last week, Assemblyman Hikind penned a letter to Gov. Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio, fellow elected officials and residents within the 48th District to notify them of the changes being made, asking for their cooperation in rectifying the plans. “Never before has my office been inundated with complaints of this magnitude,” Hikind said. “The community is in an uproar over these changes! Hundreds of people who live adjacent to Ocean Parkway are so frustrated with these proposed plans, with many acknowledging they weren’t aware of the changes taking place. Countless motorists who commute along Ocean Parkway described the changes as ‘stupid’ and ‘ridiculous,’ and called on my office to help them scrap these changes. As someone who has lived adjacent to Ocean Parkway for over 25 years, I concur with their objections.” In addition, Hikind published a video that garnered 20,000 views in days, urging members of the community to contact the offices of Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio to express their frustration with the traffic changes. “Please call the Governor at 518-474-8390 and the Mayor at 212-788-3000 and ask them to save Ocean Parkway from this insanity,” Hikind said. “It is unconscionable that people gathered in an office somewhere in Albany and agreed these changes would be a good idea. This will undoubtedly cause major aggravation and confusion for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians alike. Forcing motorists to turn one block earlier onto the service road will only direct traffic down these narrow, congested avenues, creating a hazardous safety risk for hundreds of children and their families. It must be stopped, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure the plans are corrected.” (YWN Desk – NYC)

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