(JNS) – Shahana Hanif, a New York City Council member and co-chair of its Taskforce to Combat Hate, is ignoring antisemitism and leaving her Jewish constituents in Brooklyn’s 39th district feeling unsafe, per an op-ed in the New York Daily News.

When Hanif was elected in 2021, “progressives throughout the district were excited and optimistic. A Kensington-born daughter of Bangladeshi immigrants, Hanif was the first Muslim woman elected to the City Council, with a promise and commitment to represent every resident of the district,” wrote Andres Spokoiny, Leonard Petlakh and Lisa Silverstein Nelson, each of whom runs a Jewish organization.

“Two-and-a-half years later, however, many of her Jewish constituents feel abandoned, betrayed and endangered,” the trio wrote.

Hanif, 33, was one of two council members to vote against a resolution to end Jew-hatred, offering a “weak excuse,” the three wrote. They noted that her first post on social media after Oct. 7 came days later, when she blamed Israel for being attacked.

“There is nowhere for the people of Gaza to go. The international community cannot stand by while the IDF indiscriminately attacks unarmed civilians and critical infrastructure. There must be a ceasefire to ensure that the already astronomical death toll does not rise,” Hanif wrote on Oct. 13.

“The root cause of this war is the illegal, immoral and unjust occupation of the Palestinian people. The occupation has brought violence toward Israelis and Palestinians for over 75 years. There will be no peace unless the rights of all people in this region are respected,” she wrote.

“We cannot be distracted in this call. The Palestinian people demand our solidarity, and we cannot let harmful rhetoric toward our Jewish neighbors, seen at the Times Square rally last week, obscure our calls for justice,” she added.

Hanif “has participated in demonstrations in which genocidal chants like ‘from the river to the sea’ were commonplace, not once disassociating herself from them,” the three heads of Jewish organizations wrote. “She hasn’t condemned the antisemitic graffiti or vandalization of property in her district, nor the ripping of hostage posters.”

“In a city in which antisemitic hate crimes increased 170% between the end of 2022 and the end of 2023, Hanif’s attitude is a blatant dereliction of duty,” they wrote. “To add to the harm, Hanif is given cover by fringe anti-Zionist Jewish groups, which do not represent the Jewish community, allowing her to ignore, if not condemn, the 95% of Jews who believe Israel has a right to exist.”

A group of 16 Jewish communal leaders from Hanif’s district met with her recently, but the council member’s “callous response” left the group “shocked, rattled and more afraid than before,” the trio wrote.

“During that meeting, the council member outright stated that she refused to condemn Hamas, she refused to say whether Israel had a right to exist and told us that she was generally fine with the anti-Israel graffiti,” they wrote.

“It is inconceivable that someone who refuses to condemn Hamas and denies Jews the right to decide what constitutes antisemitism, could be appointed co-chair of the council’s Task Force to Combat Hate,” they added. “It is time for people of goodwill in District 39, and across N.Y.C. to stand with their Jewish neighbors by demanding Hanif takes affirmative actions to protect her Jewish constituents, end her biased approach to constituent services and be removed as co-chair of the Task Force to Combat Hate.”

Edited by: Fern Sidman

The Jewish community in New York City was left shaken and deeply concerned following Iran’s missile attack on Israel over the weekend, igniting fears for the safety and well-being of loved ones in the besieged Jewish state.

Chaim Goldstein, like many others, expressed his fear and worry for his family’s safety as news of the attack spread. “Of course, I’m scared for my family and their well-being,” Goldstein shared with The New York Post as he left Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Crown Heights.

The shocking news of the invasion was broken to worshippers at the synagogue, many of whom had not been aware of the situation due to Sabbath restrictions. According to the report in the Post, the revelation prompted immediate reactions, with one man sprinting across Eastern Parkway to check on his family in Israel.

Amidst the heightened tension, a police presence was stationed outside the synagogue as a precautionary measure, calling attention to the gravity of the situation and the need for heightened security measures.

Rabbi David Sholom Pape, 79, expressed his concerns about Iran’s attack, describing it as a “suicide mission.” “I just pray that Hashem should take care of the Jewish people and that the hostages should be allowed to return to their home,” Rabbi Pape told the Post, as he reflected on the seriousness of the situation and the potential global implications.

The news of Iran deploying hundreds of suicide drones, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and rockets in the attack came as a shock to many, although some expressed a lack of surprise given Iran’s history of hostility towards Israel, according to the information provided in the Post report. The strike, which involved approximately 200 drones, marks Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel and comes in the wake of heightened hostilities between the two nations. As per the Post report, the attack follows Israel’s airstrike in Damascus, Lebanon on April 1, which resulted in the killing of top Iranian generals.

For many Jewish New Yorkers, the news of the attack hits close to home, as they have family and loved ones residing in Israel. Samson, a 26-year-old who declined to provide his last name to the Post, expressed concern for his family’s safety and emphasized the daily rituals of prayer and communication with relatives in Israel. “We call every day to find out how they’re doing. We pray every day for our brothers and sisters in their holy land,” Samson shared with the Post, highlighting the deep connection and sense of solidarity within the Jewish community.

However, amidst the concern, there is also condemnation for the scenes of celebration in Tehran following the destruction caused by the attack. As was reported by the Post, Samson chastised the Iranians who were seen celebrating, denouncing their actions as “horrible” and emphasizing the cruelty celebrating violence and destruction. “War is terrible. War is cruel. We want the war to stop. Anyone dancing anywhere for missiles dropping is cruel,” he asserted, during an interview with the Post. His remarks echoed sentiments shared by many within the community.

Moshe Frank, 38, told the Post that he attributed the celebrations to a culture of hatred towards Israel perpetuated by the Iranian government. “The Iranian people have been brainwashed to hate Israel,” Frank declared as he expressed hope for de-escalation and a return to peace in the region.

In the heart of Crown Heights, 18-year-old Goldstein finds himself caught in the midst of the turmoil, having moved from Israel to New York City just one month before the Hamas led October 7th surprise attack, as was indicated in the Post report. On that day, 1200 Israelis and others were brutally massacred and 250 were taken into Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Despite the physical distance separating him from his family back in Israel, Goldstein remains deeply connected to the ongoing conflict, pushing for peace and an end to the violence that has plagued the region. “We should live in peace together, just like the Arabs and Jews lived in peace,” he exclaimed to the Post.

Meanwhile, Rabbi Shimmy Weinbaum, a pillar of the Crown Heights community, draws strength from his faith amidst the chaos. Reflecting on past trials, Rabbi Weinbaum recalls Iraq’s missile campaign against Israel in 1991 and the divine protection that guided the nation through those dark times. “The same God who protected us then is still around. He didn’t go anywhere and he will protect us,” Rabbi Weinbaum affirmed when speaking to the Post.

In a poignant twist of fate, Rabbi Weinbaum’s 18-year-old daughter, having traveled from Israel to Crown Heights to celebrate Passover with her father, finds herself in the midst of uncertainty, the Post report added. Yet, Rabbi Weinbaum remains unwavering in his belief that she is safer in Israel than in New York City, a testament to the resilience and fortitude of the Israeli people amidst ongoing threats.

As tensions escalate, Mayor Eric Adams reassured New Yorkers of the city’s unwavering support for the State of Israel. “New York City unequivocally stands with the State of Israel,” Mayor Adams said, as was pointed out in the Post report.

Acknowledging the significance of the assault for Jewish New Yorkers, especially with Passover fast approaching, Mayor Adams emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its Jewish residents, the report in the Post noted. In response to the heightened tensions, additional NYPD resources have been deployed to Jewish communities and places of worship across the city as a precautionary measure.

Jewish leaders in New York City have joined Mayor Adams in condemning the attack, with Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reaffirming the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s defense against Iran. Also mentioned in the Post report was Mark Treyger, a former Democratic city councilmember representing south Brooklyn and a member of the Jewish caucus. He echoed these sentiments, describing the attack as a “sobering reminder” of Israel’s ongoing struggles since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7th. Treyger described the relentless nature of Iran’s aggression towards Israel, highlighting the regime’s support for Hamas terrorism and its direct assault on a key ally and democracy in the region.

As the world watches closely, the actions taken by New York City and its leaders send a clear message of support and solidarity to Israel during this challenging time. With Passover on the horizon, the Jewish community in New York City remains steadfast in its resolve to stand with Israel and ensure the safety and security of its people, both at home and abroad.

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a significant development highlighting the growing concerns over anti-Semitism on college campuses, Jewish students from Columbia University are set to confront President Minouche Shafik during a congressional hearing in Washington, D.C., as was reported by The New York Post on Sunday. The students’ testimonies come amidst mounting pressure on university leaders to address and combat anti-Semitism within academic institutions.

Scheduled for Wednesday, the hearing, titled “Columbia in Crisis: Columbia University’s Response to Anti-Semitism,” will provide a platform for students to voice their experiences of anti-Semitic incidents on campus and demand accountability from university administration, according to the information provided in the Post report. The students will also engage in personal meetings with members of the House of Representatives, including Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has been vocal in her advocacy against anti-Semitism in higher education.

Stefanik’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the issue, as her pointed questions in prior hearings have led to significant repercussions for university leaders. Notably, the Post report revealed that her interrogation contributed to the removal of presidents from prestigious institutions such as Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, who struggled to provide satisfactory responses regarding their handling of anti-Semitism.

In a statement to The Post, Stefanik condemned the pervasive anti-Semitism at Columbia University, characterizing it as symptomatic of a broader systemic problem within the higher education system. The Post report also said that from calls for the genocide of Jews to the presence of swastikas on campus property, anti-Semitic incidents have become distressingly common, creating an environment where Jewish students feel unsafe and marginalized.

The House Committee on Education and The Workforce’s decision to host a hearing specifically focused on Columbia University’s response to anti-Semitism signals a recognition of the severity of the issue and the importance of holding academic institutions accountable for fostering inclusive and respectful environments for all students.

The university expressed willingness to engage in discussions about its efforts to address these issues, emphasizing a proactive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community, as was explained in the Post report.

The timing of these discussions is significant, as they coincide with a wave of incidents on college campuses across the United States in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks against Israel. The escalating tensions in the Middle East have reverberated globally, leading to increased polarization and contentious debates within academic institutions.

One particular incident has drawn attention to Columbia University’s handling of anti-Semitism allegations within its academic ranks. A public health graduate student, Marc Nock, accused Professor Abdul Kayum Ahmed of making disparaging remarks about Jewish philanthropists Joseph Mailman and Armand Hammer. According to Nock, Ahmed suggested that the School of Public Health and its building in Washington Heights should not be named after Jews, insinuating that their contributions amounted to “blood money,” as was affirmed by the Post. Nock characterized Ahmed’s comments as perpetuating anti-Semitic tropes and fostering a hostile learning environment.

Ahmed reportedly received a letter from Columbia’s School of Public Health, indicating that his employment as a professor would not be renewed next year. The Post report revealed that while the letter did not explicitly cite criticism of Ahmed’s statements or advocacy as a reason, the decision has raised questions about the university’s response to allegations of anti-Semitism.

Several academic leaders have faced criticism for their anti-Israel commentary following the recent attacks, sparking debates about freedom of expression, academic freedom, and the boundaries of acceptable discourse on college campuses.

Nock expressed hopes that Columbia will take proactive measures to prevent the hiring of professors who propagate hate and discrimination. The report in the Post said that Nock’s sentiments reflect broader concerns among students about the need for decisive action to combat antisemitism and promote tolerance and respect on campus.

Yola Ashkenazie, a student at Columbia-affiliated Barnard College, shared her experiences of feeling targeted and threatened as a Jewish student on the Morningside campus. As was detailed in the Post report, Ashkenazie recounted incidents where Israeli students were spat on for speaking Hebrew and where she herself was subjected to online harassment for expressing pro-Israel views. The emergence of social media platforms such as “Barfnard,” which reposted a photo of Ashkenazie carrying an Israeli flag, calls attention to the challenges faced by Jewish students in navigating a campus environment fraught with tensions and hostility.

The Post also reported that Ashkenazie recounted instances of anti-Jewish rhetoric, including chants of “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free” and slogans such as “We Don’t Want Zionism here.” Ashkenazie expressed the distressing sentiment that such rhetoric implies that Jewish students such as herself do not belong on campus.

Ashkenazie also welcomed the upcoming congressional hearing, which will scrutinize Columbia University’s response to anti-Semitism. As per the Post report, she hopes that the hearing will compel the administration to develop a concrete plan to address the fears and concerns of students who feel unsafe on campus.

Yaffa Mashkabov, a graduate student at Columbia’s School of Social Work, shared her own troubling encounter with anti-Semitism in the classroom. As explained in the Post report, Mashkabov recalled a fellow student justifying the rape and kidnapping of Israelis, leaving her stunned and disheartened. As an observant Jew, Mashkabov spoke of the lawsuit filed against the School of Social Work for its treatment of an orthodox Jewish student.

Moreover, the information in the Post report noted that Mashkabov referenced an anti-Semitic flier depicting a skunk in the colors of the Israeli flag and a Star of David, which surfaced on Columbia’s Morningside campus. She offered her view that anti-Semitism is not merely a feeling but a tangible reality faced by Jewish students, and expressed hope that the attention garnered by Congress will lead to positive change.

The incidents described by Ashkenazie and Mashkabov reflect a disturbing trend of anti-Semitism that has permeated Columbia University’s campus, prompting urgent calls for action. The upcoming congressional hearing represents a pivotal moment for the university to address these concerns and implement measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

By: Tom Ozimek

New York City has seen a record jump in the number of human leptospirosis, a disease caused by rat urine that can cause kidney damage, liver failure, and even death.

The city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued an advisory on April 12, warning that the number of human leptospirosis cases continues to trend upward.

The agency said that 24 cases were reported in New York City in 2023, the highest number in a single year on record.

New York City has seen a record jump in the number of human leptospirosis, a disease caused by rat urine that can cause kidney damage, liver failure, and even death.

The city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued an advisory on April 12, warning that the number of human leptospirosis cases continues to trend upward.

The agency said that 24 cases were reported in New York City in 2023, the highest number in a single year on record.

In fact, 6 cases have been reported so far in 2024, twice as high as the average annual number of cases between 2001 and 2020.

While human leptospirosis infections can be caused by contaminated soil and water during natural disasters like floods and hurricanes, in New York they’re mostly caused by rat urine.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by several species of bacteria. In New York, it’s mostly associated with the Norway rat.

“Infected animals excrete the bacteria in their urine, and bacteria can persist in warm, moist environments for weeks,” the advisory states.

“Transmission occurs through direct contact with infectious urine or urine contaminated water, soil, or food, entering the body through open wounds or mucous membranes.”

In New York, the average number of locally acquired cases of the disease was 15 per year during 2021–23. That number was just 3 per year on average between 2001 and 2020.

There have been six deaths associated with the disease in New York between 2001 and 2023, with cases of acute renal and hepatic failure, and occasionally severe pulmonary distress.

While it’s unclear what accounts for the rise in infections, the city’s health department suggested excessive rain and unseasonably warm temperatures may have something to do with it.

The alarming advisory comes exactly a year after New York City Mayor Eric Adams appointed Kathleen Corradi as the city’s first-ever citywide director of rodent mitigation, which his office dubbed the “rat czar.”

“New York City has done a lot recently when it comes to fighting public enemy number one: rats,” Mr. Adams said in a statement on April 12, 2023. “But it was clear we needed someone solely focused on leading our rat reduction efforts across all five boroughs.”

The appointment of Ms. Corradi as “rat czar” came as Mr. Adams’s office announced a $3.5 million investment in an accelerated rat reduction plan.

Earlier in 2022, Mr. Adams signed four pieces of legislation to fight rats.

“Today, we’re making clear that rats don’t run our city. New Yorkers do,” Mr. Adams said at a press conference on Nov. 18, 2022.

“The four bills I sign today will help create a cleaner city for New Yorkers,” he said. “The legislation will create rat mitigation zones, codify garbage set out times, and reduce rats in construction areas and other buildings with large rodent infestations.”

While it’s unclear how many rats there are in New York City, research in mid-2023 from MMPC Pest Control suggests the city’s rat population has grown to around 3 million.

                (TheEpochTimes.com)

By: Thomas Beaumont & Amelia Thomson-Deveaux

The first criminal trial facing former President Donald Trump is also the one in which Americans are least convinced he committed a crime, a new AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll finds.

Only about one-third of U.S. adults say Trump did something illegal in the hush money case for which jury selection began Monday, while close to half think he did something illegal in the other three criminal cases pending against him. And they’re fairly skeptical that Trump is getting a fair shake from the prosecutors in the case — or that the judge and jurors can be impartial in cases involving him.

Still, half of Americans would consider Trump unfit to serve as president if he is convicted of falsifying business documents to cover up hush money payments to a woman who said he had an affair with her.

While a New York jury will decide whether to convict Trump of felony charges, public opinion of the trial proceedings could hurt him politically. The poll suggests a conviction could hurt Trump’s campaign. Trump enters a rematch with President Joe Biden as the first presumptive nominee of a major party — and the first former president — to be under indictment. A verdict is expected in roughly six weeks, well before the Republican National Convention where he will accept the GOP nomination.

Trump has made the prosecutions against him a centerpiece of his campaign and argued without evidence that Biden engineered the cases. That argument helped him consolidate GOP support during the Republican primary, but a conviction might influence how many Americans — including independent voters and people long skeptical of Trump — perceive his candidacy.

“Any conviction should disqualify him,” said Callum Schlumpf, a 31-year-old engineering student and political independent from Clifton, Texas. “It sets a bad example to the rest of the world. I think it misrepresents us, as a country, as to what we believe is important and virtuous.”

Yet, a cloud of doubt hangs over all the proceedings. Only about 3 in 10 Americans feel that any of the prosecutors who have brought charges against Trump are treating the former president fairly. And only about 2 in 10 Americans are extremely or very confident that the judges and jurors in the cases against him can be fair and impartial.

“It’s very obvious political persecution,” said Christopher Ruff, a 46-year-old political independent and museum curator from Sanford, North Carolina. “I’m no fan of Trump in any way, shape or form. Didn’t vote for him, never will. But it’s obviously all political.”

Consistent with AP-NORC polls conducted over the past year, the new poll found that about half of Americans say Trump did something illegal regarding the classified documents found at his Florida home, and a similar share think he did something illegal regarding his alleged attempt to interfere in Georgia’s vote count in the 2020 presidential election. The poll also found that nearly half of Americans believe he did something illegal related to his effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Prosecutors in New York will argue that Trump falsified his company’s internal records to hide the true nature of a payment to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen. Cohen alleges he was directed by Trump to pay adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 one month before the 2016 election to silence her claims about an extramarital affair with Trump.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment and denied any affair with Daniels.

The poll found that 35% of Americans say Trump has done something illegal with regard to the hush money allegations. Slightly fewer, about 3 in 10, think he did something unethical without breaking the law. Fourteen percent think he did nothing wrong at all. Those numbers haven’t shifted meaningfully in the year since he was first charged in the case.

  (AP)

Edited by: Jane Zakharova

In the heart of New York City, a legal drama is unfolding that has the real estate industry on the edge of its seats. The dispute involves two of the city’s most prominent figures: Eliot Spitzer, the former Governor of New York, and Adam Leitman Bailey, a well-known attorney.

The epicenter of this dispute is a prime piece of real estate located at 985 Fifth Avenue, which is currently owned by Spitzer. The former governor has grand plans for this property, intending to demolish the existing structure and replace it with a 19-story, 26-unit condominium.

However, Bailey, who represents the co-op next door, has challenged Spitzer’s plans. He argues that Spitzer has effectively relinquished ownership of a 350-square-foot parcel of land by allowing the co-op at 980 Fifth Avenue to use it. This argument is based on a legal principle known as adverse possession, which allows a person to gain ownership of a property if they have occupied it without the owner’s permission for a certain period.

This seemingly minor disagreement over a small piece of land has escalated into a full-blown war between two of New York’s most aggressive lawyers. Bailey has even sought an order of protection against Spitzer, alleging that the former governor has engaged in harassment and attempted to intimidate a key witness in the case.

In response, Spitzer has accused Bailey of dishonesty and has requested the court to discipline him. He has referred to Bailey’s law firm as a “perjury factory” and has expressed his disbelief at the disregard for ethics and truth by practicing lawyers.

Bailey, on the other hand, has retorted that Spitzer is attempting to divert attention from the merits of the case. He maintains that Spitzer cannot refute the co-op’s claim of adverse possession over the disputed land.

The outcome of this legal tussle will have far-reaching implications for property rights and future building projects in New York City. As the drama unfolds, the city watches with bated breath, awaiting the verdict that could reshape its skyline.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the intensity and importance of real estate disputes in New York City. It underscores the lengths to which parties will go to protect their interests and the impact such disputes can have on the city’s landscape. As the city waits for the outcome, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the battle is far from over.

The legal battle between Spitzer and Bailey is more than just a dispute over a small piece of land. It is a clash of titans, a showdown between two of the city’s most formidable legal minds. Both men are known for their aggressive tactics and their refusal to back down, making this a battle worth watching.

Spitzer, once known as “The Sheriff of Wall Street” during his tenure as New York’s Attorney General, is no stranger to controversy. His plans to redevelop 985 Fifth Avenue have been met with resistance, not just from Bailey, but also from residents of the co-op next door. They fear that the new condominium will block their views and decrease the value of their properties.

On the other side of the battle line is Bailey, a lawyer known for his tenacity and his willingness to fight for his clients. He has represented the co-op at 980 Fifth Avenue with vigor, challenging Spitzer’s plans at every turn.

By: Jane Zakharova

In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves through the real estate community, an arrest warrant has been issued for Daniel Ohebshalom, a landlord who has been dubbed the city’s “worst landlord” due to his egregious neglect of tenant rights and property maintenance. Ohebshalom, who is based in Los Angeles, made it to the Public Advocate’s Worst Landlords Watchlist in 2022 for his management of two Washington Heights buildings located at 705 and 709 West 170th Street. He is now facing the legal consequences of nearly 700 violations that have been reported against him.

Ohebshalom, who also goes by the name Shalom, has repeatedly missed deadlines and extensions that were offered by the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development to correct these violations. His failure to address these issues in a timely manner demonstrates a complete lack of responsibility and respect for his tenants. The tenants of his buildings have been forced to endure unacceptable living conditions, including an interior entryway door made of plywood, unreliable heat and hot water, and exterior doors that do not latch shut. These conditions have reportedly invited homeless individuals to use the building for drug use. In response to these complaints, the city eventually replaced the plywood with a metal door. However, the fact that the city had to step in to address the issue speaks volumes about Ohebshalom’s negligence.

The landlord was held in contempt of court in February 2023, and again last summer for failing to remedy hazardous violations. These violations included infestations of roaches and mice, other rodent problems, and numerous counts of lead paint. Despite being given one more month to follow court orders in January of this year, Ohebshalom failed to make the necessary fixes.

Now, Ohebshalom faces up to 60 days in Rikers Island. However, he has the opportunity to shorten his stay if he manages to cure the violations while behind bars. This case underscores the serious consequences that landlords can face for neglecting their properties and failing to address violations. It’s a stark reminder that landlords like Ohebshalom, who show a complete disregard for their responsibilities, will eventually have to face the consequences of their actions.

This lawsuit is a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with being a landlord. It highlights the importance of maintaining properties to a high standard and addressing any issues promptly and effectively. Failure to do so can result in severe legal consequences, as demonstrated by Ohebshalom’s case. It serves as a warning to other landlords about the importance of adhering to regulations and ensuring the well-being of their tenants.

This case should serve as a wake-up call to all landlords about the importance of maintaining their properties and respecting the rights of their tenants. It’s a clear demonstration of the serious consequences that can result from neglect and disregard for tenant rights. It’s a sobering reminder that being a landlord is not just about collecting rent.