By COLlive reporter
A protest is planned to gather at 3:00 pm at Eastern Parkway and Bedford Avenue in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn on Wednesday.
Protests have erupted across the United States over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
Protests have been moved to earlier in the day as at least 40 cities, including New York City, imposed curfews. The National Guard members have been activated in at least 23 states and Washington, DC.
The Crown Heights Shmira patrol is advising community members to remain vigilant at all times if going out during that time.
“We are hoping that it will be a peaceful demonstration, but we want people to be vigilant,” a Shmira volunteer told COLlive.
Shmira has advised residents that due to the recent days of violence in the city, not to go out unnecessarily and if you have to go out please try and be in groups.
“Use common sense to keep safe and be vigilant to avoid contact with rowdy groups,” they said.
“If you plan on leaving the Crown Heights area be aware that there are ongoing violent demonstrations all over the five Boroughs, you should follow traffic advisories as there are some very violent demonstrations taking place now and stay away from those areas.
“Please understand that the NYPD is under extreme pressure and stretched thin, and response may be slow due to the situation, so please avoid going to any hot areas.
Update 3:40 pm EST:
The Crown Heights Shomrim patrol is reported that at this time, approximately 1000 orderly protesters left Crown Heights and are headed north on Bedford towards Domino Park, Williamsburg.
Update 4:32 pm EST:
Due to protest activity, expect traffic delays, road closures, delays and a heavy presence of emergency personnel in the area of Bedford Avenue and Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn and Washington Square Park in Manhattan. Consider alternate routes and allow for additional travel time.
Stores should be on high Alert & if approaching to be able to quickly Close & Lock their Store Gates.
We are living in so difficult times
we should join! It’s a good and just cause, one that we often dismiss. It would be a very correct thing to do for Jews to visibly join in this protest
The first time the protesters passed by and all the bochurim were standing to protect 770 – i thought i could even hear them protest ” we want ….. MOSHIACH NOW!”
And it would mean a lot to jews of color. It would be a beautiful kiddush Hashem to show that jews don’t support racism. It would be the perfect opportunity to make a change in our relationship with our black neighbors! Yes !
Can you imagine protesters being told: “If you’re planning to march through Crown Heights be careful. We can’t vouch for your safety”….
Or to Close and Lock the Gates for all CH Stores by 3pm regardless, Better to be safe than sorry,
As well the Stores that don’t have gates, and only have Glass (which those stores are a much easier target) should definitely have people standing guard outside etc
We can also go and show support?! Imagine how that would be accepted? We all want racism to end. And hello there will be no violence.
It is so refreshing to read this.
Crown Heights is already known as a sensitive place since
the riots.
Is there really that many people that are educated on the circumstance and are protesting because of their ideals they are so upset was abused?
Do they even know his name?
Thank God it’s Raining…
enough is enough. black lives matter well all lives matter in my book….and there is nothing that justifies what has been going on…nothing at all
How about protecting store instead of running? Owners have the right to be armed on their business premises.
we need to have them to protect ourselves
Shmira for the rescue
Last night the protests were not violent, they were peaceful as were the protest that marched down Eastern Parkway 2 nights ago. It would be wonderful to see some support from the Chabad community at the protest. The violence is coming from rogue groups that have nothing to do with the murder of George Floyd. Remain cautious but please do not spread fear. Show love and support instead. Thank you.
This is scary to a lot of people here. And worst of all it’s being done by progressives who claim to be sympathetic to minorities. Obviously frum Jews and all the anti-Semitism we’ve experienced here in Crown Heights don’t matter to them at all.
Thanks for not forgetting the pain we endured this year
You speak only negatively about the protests instead of understanding and communicating why these protests have come about. As a jewish person living here, this is very disappointing, The vast majority have been peaceful and the cause is incredibly justified. The Chabad community always has incredible police protection which is justified. This man was did not only not have protection he was callously murdered by a system that is supposed to protect citizens not murder them for the suspicion of a 20.00 counterfeit bill. Should you not be standing up for the commandment DO NOT MURDER. Please open your minds… Read more »
I truly thank you for that beautiful comment. I wish more people would agree with you. As a black Jewish woman, your comment really warms my heart. I totally agree that it’s time for a change in our neighborhood, and now is the perfect opportunity. I hope as many people as possible will take that opportunity and open their minds and hearts.
CLOSE THE STORES NOW IMMEDIATELY!
How is blocking off traffic considered peaceful. Ohh because they didn’t loot or destroy property? BLM so need for a permit.
That’s what protesting is. It is supposed to disturb people so they can pay attention to the cause. Every protest consists of blocking traffic or a building..
A Chabad Rav known for answering complicated shilahs of shluchim said:
1. It is completely halachically forbidden for a from Jew to participate in such public protests
2. It is Biblically forbidden for a Jew kneel in connection with any of the public demonstrations
3. All things considered, a Jews response to the events and protests should be only to be on guard for ones safety, the safety of his family and the safety of his property
Black lives: In a nutshell, he was pointing out that when you say “black lives” matter, this insinuates that there is a segment of society that feel that black lives don’t matter; that blacks are expendable. So, right or wrong, this is the impression they get of how the police, whites, and capitalists feel about them. Therefore they feel outraged. But, no way was Ben supporting violence. In fact, the communities that had riots suffered in the aftermath. Victims: If you are successful, have a decent living, live in a thriving, safe community, etc., then you are not a victim.… Read more »