Community Corner

In joint statement, leaders condemn recent antisemitic incidents and pledge to investigate hate-motivated acts or threats of violence On Tuesday, all 62 District Attorneys in the state of New York, and the New York State Attorney General, individually signed a joint statement reassuring their constituents of their public safety priorities while pledging to prosecute and investigate hate-motivated threats or violence in response to the recent string of antisemitic incidents in New York City.

This past week, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office seized an unlicensed mobile cannabis dispensary, known as “The Green Empress,” on the corner of 43^rd Street and Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside. The confiscated product from the truck was not only unlicensed and unregulated, but it was also heavily marketed toward children with names such as “Skittles” and “Gummy Sharks,” and packaging nearly identical to snacks popular with school children. The vehicle’s owner was charged with unlawful sale and unlawful possession of cannabis for allegedly operating the illegal business.

Orot, the ladies-empowered division of Ohr Natan, brought over 300 Jewish women together from all backgrounds – Ashkenazi and Sephardic, young and old – for a powerful pre-Shavuot celebration in Forest Hills on June 9.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has heard our concern of rampant illegal scooters borough-wide. Her office partnered with the NYPD on a four-day operation last week and successfully seized unregistered, uninsured, and illegally parked scooters in Queens. This operation resulted in more than 100 scooters being removed as part of the Queens DA’s efforts to enhance community safety. Illegal scooters are an affront to law-abiding New Yorkers who take the time to register, insure, and maintain their vehicles.

How do you explain the incredible impact one person can have on so many others? Mrs. Sarah Malkah Cohen, a”h, a resident of Kew Gardens Hills, was a magnet and an ima to so many. She was nifterah on Lag BaOmer, and so many people attended her l’vayah to pay tribute to someone so special. Rabbi Moshe Rosenberg, Rav of Congregation Etz Chaim, eulogized her and shared that many people sitting in this room would not be here except for Malkah (people called her Malkah). Perhaps he meant in a spiritual way, but maybe also physically and psychologically, as she encouraged and supported so many people going through all sorts of difficulties.

The Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills is pleased to announce the lineup of speakers for the 18^th annual Summer Shabbos Afternoon Lecture Series. All lectures are held in the Beis Midrash one hour before Minchah.