Dear Editor:
Join us to show deep Jewish communal concern in Queens Supreme Criminal Court on Tuesday, September 8, at 9:30 a.m., as Judge Michael Hartofilis hears two cases against antisemite Dawood Faisal. The court is at 125-01 Queens Boulevard. Go to courtroom K25, room 640.
In May, Faisal twice vandalized the well-known Bagels & Co. on Union Turnpike, which proudly flies American and Israeli flags. A couple of days later, he recklessly raced down Francis Lewis Boulevard at 75 mph in a 35 mph zone, blew through two red lights, and smashed into two cars, the second of which careened forward, killing pedestrian Cara Trager, a beloved member of the Jewish community, and injuring her husband. Faisal is charged with 10 counts of manslaughter and will be brought to court from jail.
Though we sit respectfully in court, our presence will clearly show our concern and outrage. Whether you can join us or not, please contact Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at (718) 286-6000 to ask her to urge Judge Hartofilis to impose the maximum penalty on Dawood Faisal.
Sincerely,
Glenn Richter
Lynne and Nessim Tammam
Dear Editor:
I empathized with Mr. Hecht while reading his column last week. Those of us in the Five Towns suffered our own tragedy when we heard the news of the sudden passing of Ally Rahmani. She was a wife and mother of four young children and a beloved teacher at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway. Every news outlet picked up the aerial image of the car in the pool. The story went viral. The community is rallying around the family. Hundreds showed up to the funeral and paid a shiva call. Meals have been arranged through November.
For us, as we recite Unesaneh Tokef this year on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, “mi yichyeh umi yamus,” who will live and who will die, will have a completely different feeling. As we enter the Selichos period, we all do some introspection. Rosh HaShanah is nearby. I’d like to publicly apologize to Mr. Hecht if I’ve personally offended him in any of my letters. My intention is only to have a civil and honest debate about the political issues. May we all merit being inscribed in the Book of Life. A k’siva vachasima tova to all QJL readers.
Shalom Markowitz
Mechilah
Dear Editor:
It’s almost Rosh HaShanah, and it’s time for me to ask for mechilah. I’m sorry for speaking lashon hara about some people. (You might know who you are.) However, no mechilah for the guy who sideswiped my car or the three guys who made it their business to bully me for three straight years when I was a student in HANC.
Yes, I even ask mechilah from my children. I’m not always the best mother in the world, but I try. I also ask mechilah from my readers. I’m sure at some point you’ve asked yourselves, “Is she crazy, or does she simply invite her readers to call her crazy?”
I have to stop asking for mechilah because I have to finish packing my suitcases. I am the world’s worst packer. What goes on the bottom? What goes on the top? Can I crush these dresses any more? After all, I have to keep count of all the Yamim Tovim in September. Of course, I kept some clothes at my daughter’s house, but since I didn’t take any pictures, I can’t recall which ones I left in Israel.
In plain English, I wish everyone a K’sivah V’Chasimah Tovah, and don’t forget to ask for mechilah.
Debbie Horowitz