By COLlive reporter
US Representative Yvette Clarke, a New York Democrat of Jamaican origin, has urged the Lubavitch constituency to keep her in the loop and voice their opinions and concerns.
“I’m always thinking how to help you strengthen what you put in place,” Clarke told a group of key community members Sunday a few houses away from 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.
“I have much appreciation for the Lubavitch and Jewish culture,” she said, as participants eagerly eyed the sushi and the sweets table.
Growing up nearby and representing New York’s 11th congressional district, Clarke said, “I don’t want to guess (what the local issues are), I want to know first-hand.”
Eli Slavin, community liaison to Congresswomen Clarke and organizer of the meeting, said the office was open, and has assisted in the past, with issues like Section 8 and immigration.
Not interrupting her Mother’s Day, Clarke introduced her mother, Dr. Una Clarke. “An educator,” Rabbi Shea Hecht pointed out, and received a wide cheer.
Speaking to COLlive, the Congresswomen stressed the need for health care reform and said local organizations might be able to receive funding.
“We must evaluate our system,” she said in an interview. “We need to reassess the cost and the provider towards offering a public option for universal health care and community based health.”
Clarke seemed to be aligned with the notion that the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, had pressed over the years: preventive medicine.
“This was never funded, but it will help so much. People should be regularly having check-ups even if they are healthy. This should be stressed as a strategy,” she said.
Mental treatment should be included too, Clarke added. “We should worry for the mind and body and the spiritual leaders for the soul.”
section 8 is for people that need it – we should be happy that anash have been helped by this imp program.
i believe in the people of crown heights and doubt that anybody would abuse this program, its like foodstamps you only go on if you really need it
#15: why is he entitled? Because he is in kollel now, heeding what is appropriate for a serious young man–he isn’t talking about being on it for years, but only now, when he is meant to start his married life with kollel! Or were the rebbe’s instructions about kollel only for the wealthy?! As someone who is NOT on section 8 and is working, let me ask you: don’t you know people who ARE working hard, whether in chinuch, some other kli kodesh or maybe just can’t find a job in this difficult time that pays enough? Why is such… Read more »
Mr. Percia, your photos are great!
section 8 is a government owned building where the people living there only have to pay around $80 a month
What is section 8??
Sorry im a baal Tshuve.
But please tell me WHY someone in Kollel should get section 8? If he is not able to support himself maybe he needs to go out to work? Or his wife? Don’t take this as me undermining the importance of Kollel – certainly not. But in the wider society, one needs to go out to work to support themselves. Why should my taxes go to pay for your subsidized housing? You are correct in saying that the other communities have more success in getting these sort of services for their people – this is certainly due to the Achdus they… Read more »
Due to all the backlash from 8, and 9 i would like to clarify my statement.. I am a young married person who is looking for shlichus, currently i tutor and learn in kollel, yet this still doesn’t cover my living expenses in crown heights. What i am saying is that ch community council should have a system for young married couples were they could live in a section 8 apartment for the 1st year or so that way the burden of 1200 rent is not suddenly dropped on their shoulders. With all of the “wonderful” people in our community… Read more »
Firstly, i’m not convinced that is what poster #1 is referring to. Secondly – Those families who do indeed live in section 8 until their larger homes are being built/renovated should be ashamed of themselves. They are taking away from the people who are more needy. – I’m sure there are families who living in section 8 would be “extremely helpful”. If they qualify, they should go ahead and apply. Maybe if the people who don’t need it, move out, it may clear up some space for those who need. For those who are NOT eligible to receive government services,… Read more »
I think Kolel For Life is referring to the working families of section 8. who live in section 8 till their much larger homes are finished with the renevations. There are many families in ch that with the help of section 8 wouldnt be drowning in debt (and yes they do work for a living) and alleviating their rent would be extremely helpful.
young people getting involved from our mosdos
whose house was this in?
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COLlive response:
We were asked not to disclose.
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Your title itself represents exactly who you are.
“Kolel for life”
Kolel is a beautiful thing, but it’s not for life. Stop crying for yourself and asking for section 8.
How longs are you married? How many children do you have?
Did you even try to work a day in your life or are you always relying on others?
Can I ask why you should be entitled to get section 8, just because you are in Kollel? You are not “less fortunate”. You are B”H doing a great thing by sitting and learning, but if you cannot afford to live, either you or your wife (or both of you) have to go out and work. Why does an entire community think they are entitled to section 8? I work my backside off, and I pay taxes, rent, health insurance etc. I am proud and happy that Hashem has given me the Kochos and the blessings for this. But unless… Read more »
The visiting women appear to be modestly dressed, perhaps we can learn from them.Or would that be chukas hagoy?
Looks nicer on the inside than the outside
mendy coen … lookin good ole friend.
Yup. Community leaders alright. Exactly who are they leading, and where?
Rabbi Bension and Rabbi Pearl,
May you both continue in the great work you do for the children of our community.
You are both much appreciated.
Hatzlacha Rabba!
dose tali ban have to do with it
You write..”Eli Slavin, community liaison to Congresswomen Clarke and organizer of the meeting, said the office was open, and has assisted in the past, with issues like Section 8 and immigration.” Ok, now not to be subjective or anything but where exactly are all these section 8 buildings? why am I paying 1200 a month when I am receiving 300 from kollel? I am not from ch and I don’t want to know all the politics, yet what suprises me is that a community so big doesn’t have the nesscary funding and recourses to care for the less fortunate. If… Read more »