Crown Heights Should Follow Meron

After years of frustration, I write this article with thought and hope — not only to express aggravation, but to suggest a solution.

Year after year our community faces a situation at Simchas Beis Hashoeva which troubles us deeply. We get through it, try to forget, and then the following year it hits us even harder. (Below is footage as a reminder.)

And yes, we are 50 days away, but we need to act now if we want real change.

I am referring to our Crown Heights streets during Simchas Beis Hashoeva night. In recent years they have become a dangerous, disgustingly dirty, terribly immodest center for teen violence, a chillul shem Lubavitch, and a danger for our youth that continues long after the dancing ends.

This is a disgrace to the Rebbe’s shchuna and to our community.

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Just a little flashback:

Outside agitators and gangs of teens caused chaos and fights. Last year NYPD, Shmira, and Shomrim were overwhelmed; 20+ arrests were made and multiple people injured.

Teenagers from outside (and sadly, some from within) harassed our daughters, demanding their numbers, following them down side streets — leaving emotional, physical, and spiritual damage that continues all year.

Crowds of teens treated our streets like a nightclub — lying on sidewalks, intoxicated, distributing drugs, dressed immodestly, and openly approaching girls.

Mini fights broke out on Kingston Avenue — mobs of teens running wild, looking to fight, pushing, knocking over strollers, trampling property, while families stood terrified.

Climbing and vandalism everywhere: teens climbing poles, rooftops, and sukkahs, breaking fences, damaging cars and property. Music had to stop again and again until they were pulled down.

Real danger of tragedy: two years ago, a teenager fell from a pole and nearly lost his life — it was only a miracle that prevented mass casualties.

The list can go on, but my purpose is not to complain — it is to remind us of the seriousness and to push for solutions.

To be fair, there has been progress. The stage and program have been beautifully upgraded — thank you to those responsible, the community appreciates it! Last year the Vaad Hakohol even tried to direct vending a block away, though sadly it was not enforced and the problem only grew worse.

Inside the official dancing zone, things were beautifully organized and clean. The problems happened on the side streets, outside the organizers’ perimeter.

So let’s be clear: we encourage people to join!

There is a very positive and holy side to Simchas Beis Hashoeva, and guests are welcome and encouraged. But we must also take responsibility to ensure that what happened in past years does not happen again.

For those who remember Meron before the tragedy — it was once chaotic and unsafe, but with proper planning it was transformed into something beautiful and organized for millions. If Meron can handle that, surely Crown Heights can handle a fraction of that number.

It is possible. It is practical. It is necessary.

The Goal: Restore Safety, Modesty, and Respect

To achieve this, we need to take a few clear steps together:

Restore Respect & Safety: Keep the event holy, organized, and secure.

Community Awareness: Parents, leaders, and media setting the tone that inappropriate behavior has no place here.

Better Organization: Clear walkways, safer crowds, no dangerous climbing.

Tone Down Street Distractions: Work with stores and vendors so the simcha is the focus, not the street scene.

Protect Trouble Spots: Close off areas that attract fights and misconduct.

Community leaders — the time has come. Enough is enough. Let’s make this happen.

For my full solution breakdown, community activists can reach out to [email protected].