A historic Brooklyn congregation is facing possible demolition as part of a redevelopment plan, raising concern among congregants who say the building represents nearly a century of Jewish life.
According to reporting by Julia Burns of News 12, the Kingsbrook Shul in East Flatbush, located on the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center campus owned by One Brooklyn Health, may be replaced with affordable housing.
Rabbi Zalman Goldstein, a member of the congregation, said it was established in the 1920s in response to antisemitism that limited where Jews could worship.
“This was made in response to discrimination against Jewish people,” he told News 12, questioning what it would mean for the building to now be removed.
The congregation stopped meeting there during the COVID-19 pandemic and says it has not been allowed to return since.
Stuart A. Blander, an attorney representing the congregation, said earlier plans indicated affordable housing could be built while preserving the synagogue.
Speaking to News 12, he said the current position presented in court is that the synagogue building is incompatible with redevelopment. The congregation, he added, does not oppose affordable housing but believes both goals can be achieved.
As reported on COLlive.com, Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the historic shul is “a testament to the strength and resilience of the Jewish community” and encouraged both sides to find a path forward.
Rabbi Goldstein said his 12-year-old son hopes to celebrate his bar mitzvah in the same synagogue where he had his bris.
One Brooklyn Health declined to comment to News 12, citing ongoing litigation.
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It seems One Brooklyn Health does not want to compromise and wants the beautiful 100 year old Orthodox Synagogue destroyed along with the rest of the hospital grounds exclusively for ‘affordable housing’ purpose alone. Very upsetting!
so what is the status?
Affordable housing for who?
Is this an effort to help local residents, possibly the adult children of long time residents, or to bring in non neighborhood people who have no connection to the neighborhood, including the homeless and shelters for addicts and victims of various types of abuse c”v?
they hate the jews, that is EXACTLY why they are doing this!!!!!!!