De Blasio Gives Cameras for JCM

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Edwin J. Torres – Mayoral Photo Office

In light of the recent bomb threat, New York City is going to fund additional security cameras at the Jewish Children’s Museum in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights.

Following the bomb threat received by the Museum on March 9, which led to the building’s evacuation, Mayor Bill de Blasio visited the site, and met with Devorah Halberstam, Director of Foundations and Government Services for the Museum.

Halberstam requested cameras and additional security for the site, which is centrally located near the Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway.

“The Mayor immediately responded by sending the Cultural Affairs Commissioner to contact us and set up a meeting for a first-hand look at the area, along with Angela Blocker, our project manager,” Halberstam told COLlive.com.

Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl visited the neighborhood last week to survey the site.

“We are grateful for the Mayor’s response and hope to have the cameras soon,” Halberstam said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio hopes that the cameras will bring the museum and the community a greater sense of safety and security, his Deputy Press Secretary Austin Finan told COLlive.com.

Mayor de Blasio said in a statement:

“The recent spate of threats against our Jewish community are threats against all of us. Those directed at children are particularly disturbing. As New Yorkers, we stand united in the face of cowardly acts designed to frighten, disrupt and divide us.

“We must not be indifferent to the rising tide of hate crimes we’re seeing in New York City and nationwide. When you attack someone because of who they are, how they worship or who they love, you are attacking our democracy.

“We thank law enforcement for aggressively pursuing those perpetrating a disgusting series of threats against Jewish Community Centers and institutions. Our country was founded to shelter the oppressed and respect all faiths. It’s up to every generation to protect those American values.”