A not-for-profit organization at Kiryas Joel has filed a lawsuit in federal court in White Plains alleging that because its leaders are associated with B’Nai Joel, the long-time dissident group, the village has over-charged it significantly for sanitation services, which it has not received and resulted in the loss of over $20,000.

Representatives of Keren Chasanim, Corp. also charge in their lawsuit that despite 1997 orders requiring the village to designate representatives to a community board, established to mediate differences between dissidents and the village, the village has refused to cooperate and has rendered the board totally ineffectual.

“I had hoped the peace and good will would prevail in Kiryas Joel and all sides could participate in the broader life of our community,” said Keren Chasanim’s attorney, Michael Sussman. “I am deeply distressed that the village leadership appears to be up to its old tricks – discriminating against those they associate with B’Nai Joel.”

MHN