Senator Klein, Council Member Andrew Cohen, Rabbi Avi Weiss, and the Fieldston Property Homeowners Association host an Anti-Hate Forum

  Local school, religious and community leaders also join to discuss religious tolerance and acceptance in the wake of a recent hate-crime in Fieldston

Senator Jeff Klein, Council Member Andrew Cohen, and the Fieldston Property Homeowners Association hosted an Anti-Hate Forum Monday night at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School.

An eight-member panel comprised of the elected officials, educational, religious and community leaders led a discussion on religious tolerance and acceptance to our youth in light of a recent anti-Semitic hate crime in Fieldston where a teen was arrested for the incident.

“Any act of anti-Semitism is appalling and inexcusable, but when perpetrated by minors it is our duty to educate our youth on religious acceptance and tolerance. What happened in Fieldston last month is heartbreaking on many fronts. On Monday night we sent a message that hate will not be tolerated, and it’s my hope this educational forum will help deter any future hate crimes against this community,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“We cannot tolerate any act of hatred in our community,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “It is important that we come together to take a strong stand against hatred, especially in light of the act of anti-Semitism that occurred last month in Fieldston. I thank all the community leaders who participated to educate our youth on kindness and tolerance.”

Rabbi Avi Weiss spoke of his past experiences with the subject, and he said that an Anti-Semite is also a Racist, while a Racist is also an also an Anti-Semite. Dr. Mehnaz Afridi who is a Muslim spoke of directing a Holocaust Museum at a Christian College Christian College. Father Tom Franks, also of Manhattan College said that while he was new to the area he was watching the events as they happen. Other members of the panel included the principals of RKA, and PS 24. Deputy Inspector Terrance O'Toole of the 50th Precinct also gave some information about the incident which happened in the Fieldston area, and what was happening now since the youngster who was arrested was getting counseling

Above - Rabbi Avi Weiss tells of his experience with incidents such as the one that happened in Fieldston.

Below - Deputy Inspector O'Toole of the 50th Precinct explains what happened, and how the youngster who was taken in is now getting counseling.

In addition to stressing the importance of religious acceptance, Senator Klein on Monday night highlighted legislation aimed at combatting hate crimes. Following the chilling rash of bomb threats to Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) last winter, Senator Klein and the Independent Democratic Conference introduced the Religious Freedom Package. One of the pieces of IDC legislation in the package addresses the Fieldston hate crime. The bill would create a specified offense for graffiti making as a hate crime. Currently graffiti vandalism is a misdemeanor, but the bill would elevate it to a felony if it’s made to target a person’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation.

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDREW COHEN, NYC PARKS DEPARTMENT, & COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO BREAK GROUND AT VAN CORTLANDT PARK SKATE PARK

 Yesterday Council Member Andrew Cohen, Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris-Rodriguez, Rosa, and members of the community broke ground at the Van Cortlandt Park Skate Park.  The skate park is part of the Master Plan for Van Cortlandt Park and funds were allocated to the project by the Mayor’s office and the New York City Council. Current Councilman Andrew Cohen said that this skate park project was started by former Councilman Oliver Koppell, his predecessor. Photos of the event are below 

Above - The original concept drawing which was brought to Community Board 8 for approval.

Below - A slightly different concept which I was told 'Has Evolved' by Parks Department officials. Certain items in the skate park were redesigned for safety reasons, and as more skate parks have been built, better qualities have been incorporated. 

Above - Councilman Cohen tells of the start of the skate park beginning under his predecessor Councilman Koppell. Note Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz with the VCP hat speaking to CB 8 Chair Dan Padernacht in the background.

Below - CB 8 Chair Dan Padernacht thanks the Parks Department and elected officials for the soon to be built skate park.

Above - Everyone grabs a shovel to throw out a ceremonial pile of dirt to start the construction of the new skate park at VCP, including future skaters.

Below - With shovels down all pose for the photo below.

Statement from Council Member Andrew Cohen On Committee Assignments

 

Named Chair of Mental Health Committee, Appointed to Parks, Land Use and Veterans Affairs Committees

“I am delighted to be named the Chair of the Mental Health Committee and appointed to seats on the Parks, Land Use and Veterans Affairs Committees.  There is a lot that we can do to improve mental health and support the developmentally disabled population throughout New York City and I am looking forward to getting to work.

“Additionally, I am pleased to be a member of the Parks, Land Use and Veterans Affairs Committees.  The 11^th Council district has the most parkland of any district in the City.  I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to oversee Parks projects and ensure they are completed within their budget and in a timely manner.

“The jurisdiction that the Land Use committee has in regards to zoning and planning is extremely important.  We must ensure that developers comply with the zoning law and work with them to ensure responsible development is occurring throughout the City.

“We also must do more to support our veterans who sacrifice their lives to protect our freedoms.  I believe my work on the Mental Health committee can intertwine with my work on the Veterans Affairs committee as many veterans unfortunately return home with mental health issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.