Thousands gathered Sunday afternoon in the batei medrash of Beth Medrash Govoha for a mass atzeres tefillah on behalf of R’ Binyomin Kubani, a BMG avreich who has been held in Ocean County Jail since Thursday following what supporters say is a grave misunderstanding.
Kubani was arrested by Lakewood police after a Hispanic teenager claimed he was being lured into Kubani’s vehicle. However, those close to the case insist Kubani, whose English skills are extremely limited, was simply attempting to hire a day laborer to clean his vehicle — a common practice in the area. Whether the accusation stemmed from a miscommunication or a deeper misunderstanding remains unclear, but the teen flagged down a police officer who then arrested Kubani on suspicion of luring.
Yosef Jacobovitch, Kubani’s attorney, slammed police handling of the matter. “I call on the authorities to thoroughly investigate this matter and take necessary steps to address any wrongdoing or systemic issues that may have contributed to this potential miscarriage of justice,” Jacobovitch said. He added that he had immediately contacted the Lakewood Police Department to request they take Kubani’s statement, but Detective Charles Messer allegedly refused, telling Jacobovitch, “I will not let him muddy the water with his lies.”
In response to Kubani’s detention, which is expected to last at least until a Tuesday hearing, hundreds of supporters, including the BMG roshei yeshiva, gathered Motzei Shabbos outside Lakewood Police Department headquarters on 3rd Street to protest his treatment.
A second protest had been planned for Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. by local askanim, though the BMG roshei yeshiva later urged the community to refrain from attending, reportedly after discussions with askanim.
However, the family of R’ Kubani still urged people to show up at the pre-planned demonstration – and they have, in the hundreds.
A smaller protest took place a short time later outside the home of Lakewood Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein.
Later in the day, Harav Malkiel Kotler and BMG CEO Yosef Heinemann visited R’ Kubani at the Ocean County Jail.
Meanwhile, the roshei yeshiva met with Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles, Assemblyman Avi Schnall, Committeemen Meir Lichtenstein and Albert Akerman, BMG CEO Yosef Heinemann, and Lakewood Police Captain Steve Allaire to discuss the matter. The outcome of that meeting was not immediately clear.
Notably absent from the developing crisis has been Lakewood Police Chief Greg Meyer, who has not made any public appearances or statements since the controversy began.
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9 Responses
Yidden need protection from these Nazis
Isn’t all of this bitul Torah the opposite of a zchus? Why not just dedicate a day of learning for the zechus of this person? Maybe they can also add a kapitle of tehillim after davening. If the learning of our bochrim in eretz Yisroel can save klal Yisroel from Iran and other enemies certainly our learning here can help this person.
Needless to say, this car wash place shall probably never again be patronized by any יהודי and shall loose business big way, like the barber in Fair Lawn which cut off a boy’s Payous, despite being told not to, probably also is never again being patronized by any יהודי.
No Yid should never be in such a Matzav RM’L . But 14yr old kids yelling …all they needed was al sharpton to join them . A disgrace .
Wake up yidden! Lakewood or Zimbabwe – we’re in galus!
Moshiach now!
There is no reporting of this on TLS.
SHAME.
I tried to contact TLS but he just blocks and refuses to post all messages that show any criticism.
Where is THE LAKEWOOD SCOOP? In light of the seriousness of the current situation surrounding R’ Binyomin Kubani, and the grave potential miscarriage of justice, and the tremendous public tefillah response involving thousands of Lakewood’s bnei Torah, it is perplexing that The Lakewood Scoop has remained completely silent – not a word on this matter?
When the Roshei Yeshiva of Beth Medrash Govoha personally take action , attending tefillos, visiting jail, it is not just a communal concern, it is daas torah- and it looks to be a defining moment for the entire city.
Given that TLS brands itself as Lakewood’s central source for news, this omission is glaring. Whatever the reason, it demands a clear explanation.
Here is the thing- this goes beyond simply reporting, because THE LAKEWOOD SCOOP can now actively help , by raising awareness and by amplifying the call for justice. Choosing silence in such a moment is not neutral.
The people are behind Reb Binyomin- fully and unconditionally and with all our abilities. We urge you all to step up.
What is this that there is zero reporting on this by TLS?? Seems shameful.
I presume that the avrech is from out of country, I hope this is not a local-raised avrech who can not speak English (or he speaks so that other s do not understand him). Maybe BMG should facilitate english classes so that avrechim could function confidently outside of beis midrash.