By COLlive reporter
Reflecting the uniqueness of the borough, the inauguration ceremony of Brooklyn’s new District Attorney Kenneth Thompson this past Sunday was a celebration.
Political leaders, members of the legal community and Jewish activists in full religious uniform were on hand as the first African-American was sworn in as Brooklyn’s top prosecutor.
Thompson took the oath of office, administered by federal judge Hon. Sterling Johnson Jr., at the Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
“It’s a historic moment in terms of our values being expressed and acted on differently, our values as New Yorkers, our compassionate values, our progressive values,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This all comes together in the moment of Ken Thompson becoming our district attorney.”
Thompson laid out his plan for Brooklyn, including dealing with the “epidemic of gun violence” and the need to “resolve ourselves of these illegal guns.” Thompson emphasized the importance to prevent crime while simultaneously protecting citizens’ rights and prosecuting crimes, according to the Brooklyn Eagle.
“We must create new crime strategies…to work with the NYPD to focus on individuals,” said Thompson. Included in these strategies is “building a relationship between the Police Department and the community … getting rid of stop-and-frisk when there is no reasonable suspicion … and removing the [stigma] of snitching.”
Among those who spoke during the 3-hour program were Senator Chuck Schumer, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Public Advocate Letitia James, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congressman Jerrold Nadler and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez.
In a nod to the many religious groups that call Brooklyn home, invocations were offered by Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, Iman Shabhaz Ahmad Chisty, Pandit Keshav Jee and Bhai Bhupinder Singhji.
Showcasing sensitivity to the Brooklyn Jewish community, Cantor Yaakov Stark, the younger brother of slain Satmar businessman Menachem Stark, was invited to sing Yossele Rosenblatt‘s “Vehu Rachum.”
Newsday reported that detectives have compiled circumstantial evidence against at least one person, but are waiting for more information before making an arrest.
Without elaborating on the progress on the investigation, in a press news conference this week, NYPD commissioner William Bratton told reporters, that the case is moving forward very actively, and that he is very comfortable that it will be resolved.
From all the cantors today I like him the most!!!!! No need to explain!!! Just listen to this beautiful voice and prayer, you have it all!!!!
How is your comment (true as it is), SHA-YACH (connected) to this event ???
what a kiddush hashem he made with that beautifully sung rendition
If I had a dollar for every time DeBlasio said the word “progressive” I’d be rich. He is so enamored with himself and his political philosophy, doesn’t he realize that he was elected mayor because of a fortunate (for him) set of circumstances including a 3-term mayor the city had become weary of, a poor election turn out and and a weak opposing candidate? Most people do not share his far-left views and agenda. The honeymoon will soon be over and his approval ratings will plummet., just wait and see. Hopefully he will not do too much damage to the… Read more »
(From one that was there).
Those who we expected to stand up and be counted stood up and were counted.
And those who we knew that they are “dead wood” proved us right.
THE REBBE PUT IN MUCH WORK IN DEVELOPING A STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH CITY OFFICIALS.
PS We are still in galus.
i’ts nice & important for community leaders to attend these events, and build the personal networks needed.
But politicians are self serving people, and the mishna warns us about getting too close.
unfortunately, CH saw this physically during the riots, when our so-called friends conveniently disappeared when we needed them
Let’s not forget the Rebbes caring and concern and brochos he showed and bestowed on us, Crown Heights residents.
Thank you askonim, for taking your time and being involved.
You can see the look on the faces; they were moved very much by Chazan Stark.
The DA ran a very respectful and meaningful inauguration.
OUR community was well represented and were seated up front and center.
What a voice! where does he daven? its really beautiful
Looking good and doing good.
The event was with class……
He is one of my favorite cantors-great chazzan
and never did I realize it was his brother-
how sad and how horrid