GAW: Yes, we have some hard earned institutional political clout, but on an individual basis the average Joe begrudges us the bare minimum IF THEY SEE US GETTING IT. So when I see pools, gyms, beaches, lots of sports facilities and Easter egg hunts sponsored by the city with nary a Chasid in sight, that’s okay. But G-D forbid we get some separate swimming hours at no extra cost to the city.
Do you realize that the number of kids attending Jewish schools in Brooklyn is close to a third of the total public school enrollment? For better or worse, these kids are not getting their fair share and are not welcomed.
Now if you believe Jews shouldn’t be seen or demand anything because of jealousy I can hear your point, but it’s definitely not a chillul Hashem if others feel differently AND IT DOESN’T CHANGE THE FACT THAT FOR THE MOST PART WE’RE BEING UNDERSERVED, vouchers and all.
AND WE ARE NOT BREAKING THE LAW BY HAVING SEPARATE SWIM HOURS. The city is currently reviewing their policy. Even if they decide against it, it’s not a clear-cut violation at all, but will basically depend on which constituency they feel more beholden to…