Op-ed by Chaim Gravitzer: "For the second time in one week, violent agitators are planning to march into Crown Heights, aiming to bring fear to a Jewish neighborhood. And what do we get from Mayor Eric Adams? An attack on us, the victims." Full Story
April 28, 2025 – 30 Nisan 5785
Op-ed by Chaim Gravitzer: "For the second time in one week, violent agitators are planning to march into Crown Heights, aiming to bring fear to a Jewish neighborhood. And what do we get from Mayor Eric Adams? An attack on us, the victims." Full Story
by Chaim Gravitzer
I don’t want to turn this into a “bashing” session — that is not my intention. But I feel this must be said, or at the very least seriously considered: Our community is under siege, and the silence from our elected officials is not just disappointing — it is a betrayal.
For the second time in one week, violent agitators are planning to march into Crown Heights, waving the flags of terror and intimidation, aiming to bring fear to a peaceful Jewish neighborhood.
And what do we get from Mayor Eric Adams?
An attack on us, the victims — blaming the Jewish community for not allowing our homes, families, and children to be terrorized.
Hate has no place in New York City. pic.twitter.com/8wlliBFjMx
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) April 27, 2025
But even worse than the Mayor’s disgraceful betrayal is the deafening, shameful silence of the people who were elected to represent us:
State Senator Zellnor Myrie
Assemblyman Brian A. Cunningham
Council Member Crystal Hudson
Why are you silent? Where is your leadership when we need it most?
You were more than happy to show up for photo ops and election rallies. You campaigned for our votes, promised to serve us — and now, when real danger comes to our doorsteps, you are nowhere to be found.
And to the best of my knowledge:
No official permit has even been issued for this so-called “protest.”
Why are they allowed to block streets, obstruct traffic, and disrupt pedestrian movement without any consequence?
Where are the arrests for illegal gatherings? For obstruction? (If I am wrong, I invite you to correct me in the comments — but I believe the facts speak for themselves.)
Meanwhile, our community — peaceful, law-abiding, and proud — is left wondering: What are we supposed to do as Yidden?
The message from our Rebbe was clear: The Rebbe quoted from Bereishis Rabbah (65:20):“הַקֹּל קוֹל יַעֲקֹב וְהַיָּדַיִם יְדֵי עֵשָׂו.” When the ‘voice of Yaakov’ — meaning Torah study and davening — is strong and present among the Jewish people, then the ‘hands of Esav’ — symbolizing violence and oppression — cannot overpower them.”
The Rebbe once told Israeli journalist Geulah Cohen that if the bochurim and yungeleit would do what they are supposed to do — in Torah and mitzvos — then he (the Rebbe) would not need to speak about Israeli issues or politics at farbrengens.
That message is just as urgent today: We must strengthen ourselves in Torah, in davening, in achdus, and in visible pride in who we are.
We will not be intimidated. And we will not accept betrayal in silence.
Call and email your so-called “representatives” now. Demand action. Demand that they stand up for the Jewish community they were elected to protect.
Sen. Zellnor Myrie
Phone: (718) 284-4700
Email: [emailprotected]
Assemblymember Brian A. Cunningham
Phone: (718) 287-4436
Email: [emailprotected]
Council Member Crystal Hudson
Phone: (718) 260-9191
Email: [emailprotected]
Flood their phones. Fill their inboxes. Demand leadership. Demand protection. Demand accountability. Because if they won’t stand with us now — we will remember when it matters most.
