By COLlive reporter
The rise of attacks on Jews in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights area is “creating anxiety and fear in the community,” said Zaki Tamir, an attorney who is the chairman of the local Vaad Hakohol.
The latest assault occurred on Wednesday when 3 black men mercilessly beat 2 Jewish men and left without robbing them.
The NYPD arrested and identified 18-year-old Navar Walters and 20-year-old Teshon Bannister as the attackers. Both will be charged with assault as a hate crime. They are searching for a third unidentified man.
One victim was a 51-year-old man who was taken to NYU Langone Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries. The second was a 22-year-old yeshiva student from Australia identified as Mendel.
“It was just after 1 a.m.,” Mendel told the New York Post. “I was talking on the phone with my father in Australia on President Street — really in the heart of Crown Heights — when suddenly, from behind me out of nowhere, I just got punched in the face really, really hard.”
The bochur said the attack left him stunned. “They didn’t say anything at all,” Mendel remembered. “Next thing I know, I was on the floor — my yarmulke and glasses in the gutter somewhere.”
Mendel told The Post that the trio didn’t even try to take anything from him after the sucker-punch. “It was just an attack of hate and anti-Semitism,” he said. “I guess ’cause I look identifiably Jewish.”
In a video message to COLlive.com, Tamir announced the formation of a neighborhood watch comprised of unarmed volunteers. “If you are able to see, you are able to help; if you have a mouth and a cellphone, you are able to report,” he said.
“We are not here as a vigilante group and don’t want to risk any safety issues,” Tamir stressed. Volunteers of the watch will be asked to “observe and report – whether to Shmira, Shomrim or police, depending on the degree of the individual or circumstance,” he said.
Tamir says he divided the Jewish area of the neighborhood into 15 sectors and is asking for residents to volunteer their time to patrol their sector for specific hours at night by car or on foot.
VIDEO:
Here are the sectors planned:
Sector 1 East.
St Johns and Lincoln Place. From Albany to Rochester Ave.
Sector 1 West.
St Johns and Lincoln Place Nostrand to Albany Ave.
Sector 2 East.
Eastern Parkway (both sides) From Albany to Rochester Ave.
Sector 2 West.
Eastern Parkway (both sides) Nostrand to Albany Ave.
Sector 3 East.
Union and President Streets. From Albany to Rochester Ave.
Sector 3 West.
Union And President streets. From Nostrand to Albany Ave.
Sector 4 East.
Carroll and Crown Streets. From Albany to Rochester Ave.
Sector 4 West.
Carroll and Crown streets. From Nostrand to Albany Ave.
Sector 5 East.
Montgomery St and Empire Blvd. From Albany to Rochester Ave.
Sector 5 West.
Montgomery St and Empire Blvd. From Nostrand to Albany Ave.
Sector 6 Includes East/West.
All of Lefferts Ave and Sterling St. (includes Lamont Ct and Balfor Pl.)
Sector 7 East.
East New York Ave and Maple St. From Albany to Rochester Ave.
Sector 7 West.
East New York Ave and Maple St. From Nostrand to Albany Ave.
Sector 8 Includes East/West.
All of Midwood to Winthrop.
All Patrol emails will be forwarded straight to the coordinator for each sector.
Those wishing to participate should email [email protected]. “Write in the subject line which sector you are in. For example, if you live on President and Troy write in the subject “3 East Coordinator” or “3 East Patrol.” If you are willing to be the sector coordinator put the word coordinator in the subject line. Otherwise, write Patrol. In the body of the email write your full name and phone and what hours you are available,” he said.
Need female officers… it seems that the sobs prefer to attack woman.
Zaki has an idea that will bring immediate short term help.
WHILE they work with the cops, get the cameras funding (being worked on), etc.,etc.
If o go out at night to a class and know that there will be someone on each corner it is bderech hateva a protection.
Criminals do not like witnesses, and there are strength in numbers, the people on the opposite street corners (4 of them) is already a show of strength.
Let’s DO something! And then perfect the plan.
Can collive do a follow up on this article to let us know if, indeed, this project has taken off?
Also people need to get reminded of this in order to join. Posting about this project just once might not be enough.
Thank you
There once was a story of how a person with a bar of chocolate bumped into a bar of peanut butter, and POOF, you got Reeses Pieces Peanut butter cops. What if we took “Zaki Tamir’s Plan to Battle Crime”, mashed it up with the “ZackList” phone book and then used the various different Sectors for a VOTING DRIVE whereby CAPTAINS had the job to get out the vote, register people, and throw a party the day of the democratic primary to encourage Jewish voter participation. Since most Jews have been voting for City Councilperson Cuombo, if you get 2000… Read more »
.A human being has the power to influence all the people around him, even the entire country where he lives, and even the whole world. He can have an influence on everything that maintains the world as a livable place (the opposite of “chaos and emptiness”), and the way to accomplish this is by teaching people to act with justice and fairness. In a general sense this means that people should fulfill the 7 commandments of the sons of Noah (with all their details and ramifications), and first and foremost to believe in G-d, Who is the Creator and ruler… Read more »
Not complaining, merely mentioning for the safety of our children. Also I prefaced by saying “perhaps I missed this.”
If you get 4000 Jews to vote, ( like when Mendy Rapport ran for Assembly), and the Jews vote on ISSUES like MORE FUNDING FOR COPS AND CAMERAS, in the DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY, you will get the funding for your wants and needs. New ? Everyone knows that. But the million dollar question is why aren’t Jewish community leaders calling for a VOTING DRIVE while using the TZACH phone list to get people out ? Are there forces that are NOT INTERESTED in JEWISH EMPOWERMENT because then the Jewish community can’t be controlled ? VOTING DRIVE NOW = 10 min to… Read more »
Sheva Mitzvah Signs
I think that the one that should be contacted, and actually the only one that could pull this off is Visual-Torah.com, I bet they are working on something as we speak.
1. This plan worked in Baltimore for 30 years.
2. People, get a grip. It’s nice to see that some action is being taken. There may be some holes in it, but he’s doing something. You are useless if you write a dumb anonymous comment on COL but refuse to email him with a counter solution and willing to help in some way.
3. I’m not jumping to take action, but I’m happy that someone is taking responsibility.
When was the last time the CHJCC gave proper funding to the local patrols, that are already in the community???
Who pays for there Gas, insurance, maintenance???????
Make a meeting and fill all buildings with Jewish families again … so far it not happened… so far we will have parks only for dogs 🐕 not for kids and the doctor 🥼 position be Veterinar only not pediatric anymore , look on the construction of Lincoln terrace park – smallest kids zone then the original … Black leaders are not speaking about tolerance to their crowd , police released all guys that claimed mental health problems, and today these 3 young guys will claim robbery and not hate – where our own lawyers and leaders to press higher… Read more »
What makes you think that the Rabbanim have support?! For your information, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN PAID FOR OVER TEN YEARS!!!! What kind of vad hakohol does that?! That is a disgrace and shame for the crown heights community and the vad hakohol DOES NOTHING TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION!!!
זקי ישר כח כל הכבוד שיהיה לך הצלחה רבה בכל העניינים.מה שצריך לעשות לסייר שלוש שלוש עם מבוטים ומי שמתקיף לשבור לו את כל העצמות שיראו ויראו.לקחת כמה חברה יוצאי צבא.ש
To number 62, you say that the Rebbe’s mosdos have support because of zaki tamir? Why then does every mosad keep hocking with new charidy campaigns and new fundraisers and matching donors etc? They must be getting a lot of support… Frankly, Lubavitch is a joke these days. CH is a pathetic excuse for a community. It is fraught with corruption and crime. Lubavitch used to be about ahavas achim. Now it’s just about money and me, me, me. We really have lost our way and it’s just sad to see the degree of bilbullim. It’s quite sad, and the… Read more »
Its interesting when a community council leader that is supposed to represent our community at a city/police level is suggesting for taking our security matter in our own hand…is the community council leadership admitting that they are not able to get the city to ensure our safety anymore? This opens more questions then answers to our communal safety.
So excited that the head of the CH Vaad continues to support our community. Let’s work together to achieve common interests and goals. Also, let’s remember that the CH Vaad is a volunteer position that no one gets paid to do….. hmmmm. Only special people give blood, sweat, and tears with no pay. The least we can give is our appreciation and support. Let’s remember the age-old advice; if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Amazing work done by OUR CH Vaad Head. Let’s show some love and support for our own! We’re real good… Read more »
For the past few weeks oholei Torah mesivta on Troy almost always have a police car stationed outside almost at all times (morning til late night). Research before complaining…
Thank you for volunteering to help the shchuneh!
Finally, someone presenting a plan of action and trying to help our community! Thank you Zaki! We need to have more conversation and action to help help keep our community safe.
Because of Rabbi Zaki Tamir Crown Heights is finally like most- other large Jewish Communities. Ever since Rabbi Zaki Tamir became the head of the Crown Heights Vaad Hakahal real change has occurred; The Rabbonim have support, the community gets Pesach supplies with dignity, a safe Crown Heights is a priority, The Rebbe’s Mosdos have support, student groups have support, and the list goes on…. Always with respect and dignity. Thank you Rabbi Zaki Tamir. May Hashem Bless you and the Crown Heights Community! Excellent effort and achievements!
The police is to blame for this entire hate crimes in crown heights.
Instead of cops giving out tickets . They should be patrolling the streets,and fight crime.
It’s time to bring in the media,and make demonstration about police doing their job
Trust in Hashem and Hashem will carry you. This is a great start!!!!! Let’s become Krav Maga, etc. this is at least a start.
Thank you for stepping up and trying to create a plan. It may not be perfect, but its a start. I think it would be good to work with some of the others, but something is better than nothing. Wishing much success for all of our sakes
I agree w/#3! Can the city please help fund the advertisement of Noahide Laws? The Rebbe specifically said more police & more jails is NOT the answer!
Shalom w/Sheva mitzvot!
in New Orleans La .the crime rate,is 75 % lower due to cameras. it prevents crimes,catches it in action and leads to quick arrests.
. in any crises no individual has a right to assert himself to call for,action.it separates a group power that is critical .
Cameras are the obvious solution, in time, perpetrators will come to see cause and effect, crime and do time. More cameras, and public awareness of them, the perp community should be further educated on the effects of having a criminal record. In other words, presentations in public schools, this would also be a form of the 7 noahide laws, as one is courts of justice,
I’m from Boro park. I have to wonder how cameras,mace and filling the streets with volunteer crowds will bring safety. You first need a secret meeting with every jewish landlord of a five mile radius to be directed how to fill their buildings from prospect park to outer williamsburg with white yuppied and Asians. Once that happens crime will fall drastically. You must get to the root of the problem. It’s simple. You don’t open cages in a zoo and put up cameras and stand around with mace as the lions and bears come charging out. You lock the cage… Read more »
Big article this week about a neighborhood in upper west side who had a building turned into a homeless shelter and now there is an endless crime wave. They hired two security guards to patrol a four block radius every evening and each apartment resident pays.
zakki you are an un-elected (since you like your predecessor refuse to hold timely elections) community leader. Who only shows up when things are so bad no one will even think to ask, where have you been the past year while we are under attack?
If the police have good enough acting talent on the force and after the perpetrators would experience this innovative operation just a few times, word would get out and the violence would slow down considerably.
It’s a nice step up but I don’t think this idea will work, untrained and unorganized. I don’t think shomrim and Shamira do this job full time it does not pay the bills. If every working Jew pays 100 a year, I’d ont know how many people live in ch lets say there’s 20,000 – you can come up with at least 2mill. With that money you can hire full time trained security intelligents and security cameras everywhere in crown heights under 1 control station. Maybe consult with Israeli intelligent for ideas and advise. Only large sums of money will… Read more »
Why does it seem that everyone in CH is TERRIFIED of both the mere mention of the word GUN and the entire concept of arming one’s self?!?!? Have the liberal politicians been so successful at indoctrinating and brainwashing everyone that firearms are the root of all evil and danger, that everyone flees in terror at the mere mention of the tool which one day might just save their lives?!?!? THIS IS THE VERY REASON THAT THE CRIMINALS WHOM FREELY ROAM YOUR STREETS CONSIDER YOU THE “LOW HANGING FRUIT”, GUTLESS WHIMPS AND DEFENCELESS “SHEEP”!!!!! All of my children were taught the… Read more »
Woot woot! Let’s hear for Sector 7 West baby! Woohoo
When are elections supposed to be for chicc?
Perhaps the new crown heights chavairim can incorporate this into their routine? They seem like a group of well rounded, fit individuals with extra time in their hands. I think they’re perfect for the job. And as an incentive perhaps Mr. Zaki can give them an instagram shoutout to boost their organization.
We hope he’ll participate too, not only give orders and take credit, while he continues to grow is clientele as a lawyer, thanks to the connection he made through the vaad. When we voted for him, many years ago, we thought he would be different, but, as the head of the vaad, the only thing he did, is getting connection for himself, like the others. Sad.
Mr.Tamir I’m from CH . I’m not 100% sure your idea will work, but I would like to thank you since time and effort clearly went into this plan. To be fair I’m skeptical , since ppl love to complain about the “lack of leadership” much Loren then they like to volunteer , but my point is a lot of the comments will be negative . Just wanted to know that some ppl, while a bit wary of the idea appreciate that your trying to do something to solve it . Keep on being creative , and hopefully we can… Read more »
At least now we know the email to the inactive chjcc! We should all send him emails and tell him to come up with better ideas!
All on watch need pepper spray and trust me it is not pleasant getting sprayed so once a few get sprayed they this will stop.
“Jewish Like Me” (I know, it’s already been done, somewhat differently, as “Gentleman’s Agreement.”)
Patrol we will good until attacks stop and then patrol will stop and then attacks will happen again. It’s one big cycle bc the root of the problem isnt being taken care of. Until you educate people to have respect for each other, it will need stop. Education, the most important tool a person will ever get.
Darkness you don’t chase away with a stick, let in the light and you’ll see the darkness go. This youngsters need to see light, be told how to behave. Having watchmen will do NOTHING NOTHING long term and it will just happen again
What happens if those people get attacked Chas vishalom
I can’t believe all the negative and nasty comments! You who say he’s jealous of the photo ops (#4, 8,9), are you the ones that cursed the chjcc members and politicians for having photo ops that accomplish nothing?! Can’t have it both ways. I think more people on the street at later hours is helpful. It can be a deterrent, and stop at least some incidents. It’s not the best solution, but what are you doing? Sitting at your computer and commenting on other people that are trying to help If every person does 1 shift a month, we can… Read more »
This latest sick attack made it to fox news (I’m sure non of the other mainstream media would publicize this truth) – it’s one of the fox videos right now- and many. many people are going to see it. The only problem is that people need to know it’s only one of a long history of disgusting crimes dating back decades, that it’s been a trend and that it’s been pretty much allowed to pass without consequence until now. So when we finally get our act together and RESPOND properly to the attacks, people will know why.
private armed security: 6 teams of two armed guards 24 hours a day on golf cart like vehicles.
Cost: 12 people at $25 per hour x 24 hours = $7,200 a day or $2,6 million a year. add vehicles, dispatch and communications and you get to $3 million a year.
Source of funds: High net worth CH residents: 4 people at 250k another 5 at 100k and 1,5 million to be raised with a Charidy Campaign.
Zalmi is in his 12th year of his 4 year term?!
HIRE PRIVATE SECURITY GUARDS THAT PATROL THE STREETS IN THEIR CAR WITH STROBE LIGHTS ALL NIGHT.
COMMON SENSE.
I hope they get many volunteers
Great idea… I for one will feel safer going out and agree also that police must know they are still responsible for our safety and it’s not an excuse to not put more cops out on our blocks.
Thank you for trying to help
Let’s hope it will work out in a civilized manner
Lol, but truly brilliant!
He’s just covering himself legally. He can advocate vigilantism.
Someone who witnessed the 3 mamzerim on Tuesday night would just STAND IDLELY BY THEIR BTOTHER’S BLOOD?!? what for?
Pepper spray, a karate chop, whack then with a stick.
Just stand there? Feh
That’s the best you can come up with?
Hope about hitting ARMED SECURITY GUARDS (ie off duty Jewish cops) to participate in the watching?
This is just a smoke screen for Vadd hakall to deflect the blame and responsibility they have.
After a year of Jews getting mugged harassed and abused this is all they can come up with?
Seriously??!
#17
These cameras are desperately needed. Surveillance cameras are needed on every street, installed by the city. Ican’t understand why it’s not done. We can not depend on these private cameras from buidling and stores. See where the thug came from, what he did and where he is going to. Great evidence for a trial. This will be a huge deterrent. Cameras are always on, watching, more dependable, and less expensive than cops. Like always the cops presence will be reduced once things calm down, until the next event.
http://Www.nwcp.info
The Jewish community has been doing this in Baltimore for over 30 years, successfully.
AFTER THE RIOTS IN 1991, WE HAD AT FIRST NUMEROUS GROUPS PATROLLING THE AREA. OUR OWN SHMIRA, GUARDIAN ANGELS, AND VOLUNTEERS FROM BOTH BORO-PARK AND WILLIAMSBURG SHMIRA’S.ABOUT 2 WEEKS AFTER THE RIOTS WE HIRED THE SERVICES OF A SECURITY COMPANY RAN BY FORMER ISRAELI SECURITY PEOPLE FOR A PERIOD OF 2 -3 MONTHS. THESE PATROLS SERVED AS A GREAT DETERRENT FROM FURTHER VIOLENCE. EVERY SQUARE BLOCK IN THE AREA CONSISTS OF ABOUT 100 FAMILIES OR MORE. THE COST OF A PRIVATE PATROL CAR CIRCLING EACH BLOCK DURING NIGHTIME HOURS WOULD BE MINIMAL. THE COUNCIL HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO FUNDRAISE SIZABLE… Read more »
If I am not mistaken the Rebbe touched on this issue by a farbrangen about having armed patrols. And at that time the community hired DKD patrol police officers moonlighting on the side for this security firm DKD
Zaki’s idea is NOT going to work and last.
People are not going to volunteer there time to watch a street without any training.
However, the ideas in the comments are more helpful. The camera idea is great.
There is no such thing as an intersection of “East New York Avenue and Nostrand Avenue”: West of New York Avenue, East NY Ave. changes name to “Lincoln Road”
That’s a fantastic idea. Do you know where they be procured?
Look into self-defense insurance. I personally subscribe to Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network. They’re not an insurance company as much as they’re a network of members and attorneys. The network will help with legalities in the event you’re involved in a self defense encounter by paying fees and connecting you to legal counsel if you need. They cover all 50 states, and all legal self defense encounters (not just cases where a firearm is involved). Word to the wise however, if anyone does choose to become a member and c”v requires their service, make it clear that you were attacked… Read more »
LET THEM START UP WITH A COP
COPS DRESSED AS JEWS…
Every volunteer should have a florescent Paint gun so when they see something and the perp runs away, he’ll be all lit up when the police drive around looking for him
Get government funding to put cameras on every corner. It’s much easier to get people to watch the cameras, then the streets. This way if something happens you can see it in real time and follow them until you catch them. They have this in many other places. I wake up and something permanent
This is awesome but I’m so curious if people will be responding… life is just so hectic
Thank you, I don’t live in Crown Heights, but have been alarmed by the recent attacks, hope this works.
Perhaps I missed this, but there should definitely be patrol around Oheli Torah Mesivta on Troy. The bochurim are there till 9:00 PM every night.
Why unarmed??! Each group should carry a baseball or something of that kind, some pepper spray won’t hurt either.
The only way these animals will learn if they know that it’s not worth it for them
Kol hakavod
Sounds like it’s just putting more people in danger. Have people who are armed and ready to fight.
This Tamir guy does nothing
The arrest of a career criminal , “has prior arrests “ ask Tamir who is a criminal lawyer why is he again on the street
BS”D Another BS solution just like the restaurant meetings, give the police a good excuse to not do their job, the perps will be shivering in their gotgas when they see a car drive by, wait till it passes and then…. and furthermore what are they gonna see, something after the fact, this was tried 30 years ago in CH, we drove around drinking beer all night- it is the Cities OBLIGATION to protect its citizens
Yet another brilliant idea from our fearless vaad who just recently thanked the NYPD on the wonderful job they are doing
It would be quite helpful if all volunteers attended a basic self defense course. If they are not armed, at least they might learn how to stop and hold a perp till help arrives and safe the victim.
Only licensed gun owners apply . Jews the time had come true defend yourself and defend your fellow Jews from being beaten or maimed or even murdered by anti semites who hate Jews . Jewish blood is not for sale . Time to fight back .
why cant we get more cops on the street
He’s just jealous that he’s not in that many photo shoots, so he’s poping up to show his face.
Nothing will stop until a “community leader” gets beaten up.
Signs if Sheva Mitzvos across every street!
On all main streets
Utica
Schnechtady
Troy
Albany
Kingston
Brooklyn
Nostrand
…
Each cross street will have a different 1
Labeled!
We already have volunteer groups. And unarmed and without leave to counter an attack? What good would that do? A siren and 50 people converging on an attacker like Williamsburg is the only show of strength that would have any effect at all.
Zaki will take responsibility for the volunteers? What happens in case of a lawsuit or injury as a result of the patrols?