Photos: Shimi Kutner/COLlive
Leaders from the Crown Heights community united at a rally behind Lev Scheiber (aka Leviticus), owner of an iconic Mitzvah Bus torched Sunday night in Crown Heights.
The bus is a well known sight in the Jewish community, regularly seen at local festivals, and was featured in singer Benny Friedman’s music video “Ivri Anochi,” which garnered over two million views.
The event, organized by community activist Yaakov Behrman along with Jewish music producers Sruly Meyer and Avram Zamist, was MC’d by Jewish radio host Nachum Segal.
Officials in attendance were ADL Assistant Regional Director Michael Snow, District leader Jeffrey Davis, District Leader Cory Provost, Community Board 9 Chairman Musa More, Representatives from State Senator Jesse Hamilton, and Council Member Darlene Mealy.
Local officials spoke out against the act which was “an attack on our way of life,” and which was determined to be intentional and is being investigating as a hate crime by the NYPD.
“I found the bus Monday morning completely charred. I used the bus as an art studio for Jewish themed paintings, and to transport my kids to school. We are all devastated,” Leviticus said.
“This affects all of us, not one group in particular,” Leviticus said. “It’s a crime against humanity any time somebody does something like this…it makes everybody feel threatened. In times like these we should all come together and become stronger.”
Video: Leviticus speaks at Rally
Singer Benny Friedman called on the community to show support for Lev, “who has dedicated his life to spreading the a message that hate and darkness don’t have a chance,” he said.
Friedman sang his hit song Ivri Anochi, which features the Mitzvah bus prominently in the music video.
Video: Benny sings Ivri Anochi
“I stand against this hateful act of arson against the Mitzvah Bus,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton. “Lev ‘Leviticus’ Scheiber is an artist whose creativity and passion brings a sense of community spirit to our neighborhood. Anyone who would set fire to the Mitzvah Bus, an artwork itself, commits a hateful act against our entire community.
“While the police continue their inquiries, we must be sure to speak out for the inspiring message of love and kindness the Mitzvah Bus and Leviticus’ works represent. Collectively, even in the face of this awful crime, we will uphold the welcoming, inclusive values that make our neighborhood the diverse, dynamic community we all call home, Hamilton said.”
The Rebbiem taught us to be positive. Think positive, say positive results = positive outcome
Why do you consider the bus to be a disgrace to the “grim” community and you feel sad that it represents “Jewish?” To me the bus represented a Kiddush Hashem, using art, color and self-expressed to do Jewish outreach and to beautify the mitzvos, by capturing the imagination. Perhaps it is your negative outlook that is “grim.”
Why is the bus a disgrace? Chassidim use all sorts of ways to spread the Rebbe’s message & this is one of them. When I was in CH I didn’t see it but I wish I had. I hope Mr. Scheiber will be able to decorate another one, & to find a safe place to secure it.
This is horrible
This was definitely a hate crime
thank you to all the non-jews in supporting us thru this hard time. Hashem, please end this golus!!
BS”D The perps need to be caught and prosecuted and given a real and meaningful sentence, what if Chas v Sholem someone had been sleeping in the bus
i’m glad they were able to find out it was a hit crime. I’m sad for the community that this bus is representing Jewish. I would never allow my child to board the bus it’s a disgrace for the grim community
i’m glad they were able to find out it was a hit crime. I’m sad for the community that this bus is representing Jewish. I would never allow my child to board the bus it’s a disgrace for the grim community
B’H it was a hate crime. Would have hated it to go unreported.
The New York Police Department determined that the fire was intentionally set and is investigating it as a hate crime.
So they are investtigating! Also nice to have a rally there.
Can i donate in cash right there?