News

Kew Gardens Hills and the surrounding neighborhoods have been the subject of shutdowns and restrictions over the last number of weeks. As has been well publicized, these “red zones” were in predominantly Orthodox Jewish areas in a target from the presiding New York governor against these communities. The mandate caused those business operations deemed nonessential to shut down, a major blow, especially to those unable to conduct online sales. The current trajectory predicts that the entire New York City will fall into an orange zone by the beginning of December. For the time being, much of the surrounding local areas fall into a yellow zone. Hence, many customers are often still reluctant to go out and shop.

Much is discussed and written about leadership. Historically, the Jewish people crave effective, responsible, and dignified leaders. This has been especially evident, again, during the current pandemic, when we hold our breath hoping that a reasonable and proper voice will emerge every time someone speaks on our behalf.

As Orthodox Jews, we are often filled with visions for hope and progress. The founders of COVID Plasma Initiative (CPI) and its team of partners work tirelessly to save lives worldwide.

The aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias was felt throughout New York City this past Tuesday afternoon. Twigs, branches, and other debris lay scattered across city streets. Larger tree limbs of decimated oaks, Norway maples, and catalpas were sheared off longstanding trees, landing atop parked cars and against homes from tree-toppling winds; over 2,000 trees fell throughout the city, and over 210,000 families were still without electricity as nightfall arrived.

Boom, pow, bang – these are just a few of the sounds that residents of New York City have come to terms with over the past three weeks. Many in “The City That Never Sleeps” indeed have not slept at all, as illegal fireworks are fired off nightly into the wee hours, without any law enforcement intervention whatsoever. The Black Lives Matter protests have evolved into what many believe to be a general sense of lawlessness and anarchy, as youths of various denominations have found joy in keeping tired New Yorkers on edge.

This past Monday afternoon, June 15, residents of Kew Gardens Hills gathered at the Queens Valley Playground at the corner of 76^th Avenue and 137^th Street, commonly referred to as the Shabbos Park, to rally for its overdue opening. Queens Borough President candidate Elizabeth Crowley organized the gathering, where she voiced her concerns about the city’s mismanagement, which is forcing children to continue suffering the effects of quarantine. At the park, residents were angered that their children were barred entry. “Rioters did not have to social distance and we are locked out of our own ball field?” questioned one neighborhood parent. Rachel and Yisroel Orenbuch brought their family along to show support for the movement underway to reopen our parks. “A ball field is meant to be played in; we have sidewalk chalk and the kids want to color,” explained Mrs. Orenbuch. “Most residents of Kew Gardens Hills live in 18-foot attached homes or apartments and have been cooped up for nearly three months and need to get out.” Others explained that the big open space of the park can be used by families at the discretion of their parents, not government officials. “It is contingent on mother and fathers to set boundaries, not our politicians,” explained one working mother from the area.