Your Say • Readers Write

Burglary Prevention Tips

Dear Editor:

 It has come to our attention that in recent weeks, there have been numerous residential burglaries that have taken place between 188th Street and 199th Street, and between 67th Avenue and 81st Avenue. Burglaries have also taken place outside this zone, such as west of 188th Street. It appears that criminals are looking for jewelry, currency, small electronics, and luxury items like laptops, expensive bags, and clothing. It is important to note that criminals seek residences that are unoccupied, have easy access like an unsecured window, have glass doors, or no alarm systems or security surveillance systems in place.

Dear Editor:

 Although I’ve never written in before and I generally agree wholeheartedly with Rabbi Schonfeld’s takes, I want to take issue with Rabbi Schonfeld’s desire to criminalize those who choose not to vaccinate. Rabbi, before you brand those who disagree with you as criminals (with a recommendation of jail time?), have you considered perhaps we are being misled by the CDC, Dr. Fauci and all their supporters in the mainstream press? They’ve gotten so much wrong from the get-go and their track record hasn’t gotten much better since.

Dear Editor:

The inability of people to be persuaded by arguments of others with opposing views was a common theme found in the columns last week of both Rabbi Schonfeld and Warren Hecht. When I wrote my letter three weeks ago, opposing Rabbi Schonfeld’s proposal to criminalize those who refuse COVID vaccination, I, too, was a bit unsure of whether I could change any minds. While I personally have received many emails in support of my letter, I remain skeptical as to the overall impact a mere letter to the editor can have, given how strongly the current COVID vaccine narrative has been seared into most of us. The current narrative of our health officials, namely, “If we could only vaccinate everyone, we could end COVID,” is so pervasive, enjoying support from our lapdog press who willingly imbibe anything and everything our unelected health leaders pronounce, no matter how misleading, demonstrably false, or anti-science their pronouncements are.

My Thoughts On The Passing Of R' David Keehn

Dear Editor:

 As stated by others, he did go beyond the call of duty to help the community and his patients. But he went a lot further than that. He helped individuals, as well, when they were going through difficult times, no matter if they were relatives or not. I can attest to that fact, as over the last two years I have been going through a personal crisis, and he has been providing me with guidance and assistance that has been very helpful to me in dealing with this situation. And he never did so to score mitzvah points, although I am certain he raked up many for all the self-sacrifice and kindness he has shown. When my mother passed away, even though it was a work day and bad weather, he came to the funeral to provide me with great comfort. And he did many other things for me that are too numerous to put in writing.

Dear Editor:

 This letter is in response to the letter written by Doniel Behar in last week’s edition of the Queens Jewish Link. The letter struck a chord with me as it is illustrative of the internal struggle that exists for people such as me who consider themselves b’nei Torah who respect daas Torah yet are educated in secular matters, as well. (For purposes of this letter, I am excluding professional conspiracy theorists, as well as those who unfortunately do not respect rabbinic authority.)

Dear Editor:

 On this Shabbos Hatzolah of Queens, I felt that it is necessary to share a true story. I work in the main office of the Jewish Institute of Queens. This week, I received a call from a young man, identifying himself as a member of Hatzalah. He asked if we have a certain young lady in our employ. The name was vaguely familiar to me, since it was the maiden name of one of our wonderful teachers. He proceeded to tell me that she needs to be called to the phone immediately.