Friday, February 28, 2025

VCJC News & Notes 2/28/25

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Reminders

  1. Shabbos

    Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.
    Here are the times you need:  
    Shabbos Candles Friday 2/28/2025 @ 5:28 pm
    Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely. 
    Shabbos Ends Saturday 3/1/2025 @ 6:32 pm

    If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah please speak to one of the gabbaim.

  2. Purim Schedule of Services
    Thursday, March 13 – FAST OF ESTHER

    Fast begins 5:58 AM, Fast Ends 7: 45PM

    The evening of the 13th, EREV PURIM
    Mincha is 6:40 pm followed by Maariv 7:10 approx.
    Immediately followed by the Megillah reading 7:35
    We will have  a light meal afterward to help break the fast

    Friday Morning, March 14 – PURIM
    Morning services will be combined with KCR, Rabbi Lowenthal’s shul
    Address: 3220 Arlington Avenue
    If you need transportation please contact the office 718-884-6105
    Shacharit is 8:00 am followed immediately by Megillah reading

  3. Save the Date - Blood Drive
    The blood drive has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 23, 9:30 to 2:00PM


Our mailing address is:

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave
Bronx, NY 10463

Governor Hochul Announces New York City Winner of Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Program

Governor poses for group photo

Greater Morris Park in the Bronx Receives $20 Million from Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward

Localities Must Be Certified Under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program to Receive DRI or NY Forward Funding

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Bronx neighborhood of Greater Morris Park will receive $20 million in funding as the New York City winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and the third round of NY Forward. Recognizing the unique scale and density of New York City neighborhoods, New York City NY Forward and DRI funding are being combined into one $20 million award. For Round 8 of the DRI and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the state's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million from each program, to make for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.

“We are making an historic investment in Greater Morris Park with this $20 million combined award from our Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this investment, we’re giving local leaders the tools they need to enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers in their community, draw visitors, and spur economic opportunity in the Bronx for generations to come.”

To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities Program – an innovative policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourage others to follow suit. Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 277 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $100 million fund to assist certified Pro-Housing Communities with critical infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing as well as $10.5 million for technical assistance grants to help communities design and adopt policies that foster housing growth.

Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 4,400 units of housing – 1,823 of which are affordable or workforce. The programs committed over $8.5 million to 11 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art (such as murals and sculptures) and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.

$20 Million Combined Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Award for Greater Morris Park, Bronx
Greater Morris Park is largely composed of Bronx Community District 11, as well as part of Community District 10. The neighborhood is home to many medical facilities, comprising one of the largest employment centers in the Bronx, and a top ten job center in all of New York City. This includes the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Calvary Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, and the Bronx Behavioral Health Center. The Albert Einstein College of Medicine made headlines this year by announcing a generous billion-dollar endowment guaranteeing free tuition to all medical students in perpetuity. The area expects growth in population and economic activity from planned zoning and infrastructure changes, including two new Metro-North stations in the area.

Morris Park’s vision is to transform the area into a premier transit-oriented development hub leveraging the addition of expanded Metro-North commuter rail service and rezoning, which will allow additional commercial and residential growth to bolster existing economic activity and drive future economic and employment growth. The community’s plan will also support Morris Park’s status as the second largest job center in The Bronx while maximizing the transformative impact of the new commuter rail service. This vision will enable Greater Morris Park to become a complete community that would feature safe streets, green public spaces, and intermodal connections. The Metro-North expansion presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put in motion transformative changes that will allow both residents and local businesses of Morris Park to thrive.

NYC Comptroller, Islamic Relief USA, and Community-Based Orgs to Host “Iftar on the Go” Meal Distributions Throughout Ramadan

 

Over 12,000 halal meals available at grab-and-go sites across the five boroughs

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and Islamic Relief USA are once again partnering with five local organizations across the five boroughs to provide Iftar meals to families in need during the month of Ramadan. The weekly “Iftar on the Go” events will distribute over 12,000 boxed dinners on a first-come-first-serve basis as supplies last.

“I am honored, once again, to join Islamic Relief USA and Muslim community-based organizations to provide thousands of halal meals to families in need during the holy month of Ramadan,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “At a time when tensions with the Trump administration have many of us on edge, this partnership underscores my office’s commitment to standing in service with our fellow New Yorkers, especially when so many are already facing immense challenges. I am proud to be a small part of this necessary work to support our neighbors with dignity and grace, while also celebrating the rich tapestry of religious traditions within our city.”

“The holy month of Ramadan is a time of increased worship and heightened compassion for Muslims around the world. In addition to daily fasting, charitable acts and ensuring that our neighbors do not struggle with food insecurity is central to our worship,” said Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Relief USA. “Islamic Relief USA is proud to once again be partnering with the NYC Comptroller Brad Lander on this rewarding program to help keep New Yorkers across all five boroughs healthy through these nutritious grab-and-go meals.”

Alongside Muslim Community Network, Sapna NYC, Muslim American Society of Brooklyn and Queens, and Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, the Comptroller’s Office and Islamic Relief USA will host one “Iftar on the Go” event per week in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, two per week in Queens, and three per week in Staten Island throughout the month of Ramadan. The full schedule with times and partner organizations can be found below.

Iftar on the Go in the Bronx: 


Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Sapna NYC, Inc.
Where: 2348 Waterbury Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462
When: 12 p.m. every Friday in Ramadan or until supplies run out

Iftar on the Go in Brooklyn:


Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Muslim American Society of New York Brooklyn Branch
Where: 1933 Bath Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11214
When: 4 p.m. every Sunday in Ramadan or until supplies run out

Iftar on the Go in Manhattan:


Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Muslim Community Network
Where: 222 East 97th Street, New York, NY 10029
When: 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Ramadan or until supplies run out

Iftar on the Go in Queens:


Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Muslim American Society of New York – Queens Branch
Where: 46-01 20th Avenue & 35-13 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105
When: 1 p.m. every Sunday in Ramadan or until supplies run out

Iftar on the Go in Staten Island:


Who: NYC Comptroller’s Office in conjunction with Islamic Relief USA and Muslim Sisters of Staten Island
Where: PS 18, 221 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310
When: 3:30 p.m. every Thursday and Friday in Ramadan or until supplies run out
Where: 104 Beach Street, Staten Island, NY 10304
When: 3:30 p.m. every Saturday in Ramadan or until supplies run out

“In this moment when we are being overwhelmed by rhetoric about division and austerity, the opportunity for Sapna NYC to once again partner with Islamic Relief USA and Comptroller Lander for the Ramadan ‘Iftar on the Go’ program is a much needed moment for all of us to come together in solidarity with our communities and a reminder that there is always abundance to be shared by all,” said Diya Basu-Sen, Executive Director of Sapna NYC.

“Iftar on the Go allows us to honor Ramadan’s spiritual significance while addressing food insecurity in our community. This initiative strengthens our bonds and celebrates the diversity that makes our city vibrant and resilient. At the Muslim Community Network, we are proud to support and contribute to this meaningful program year after year, embodying the spirit of compassion and community care,” said Husein Yatabarry, Executive Director of Muslim Community Network.

“The ‘Iftar on the go program’ will help foster social connections and interactions, that many are seeking and feeling a sense of belonging,” said Sadete Mujovic, Co-Executive Director for MAS Ibn Sina and Dar Al- Dawa in Queens. “This will provide companionship, offer support, and contribute to feelings of a collective community that takes the time to care for them during this blessed month of Ramadan.”


Sign up for BRAC's new DIGITAL VIDEOGRAPHY class!

 

BRONX RIVER ART CENTER

Celebrating 37 Years of Bringing Arts & Cultural Programs to the Bronx

NEW CLASS

DIGITAL VIDEOGRAPHY for Teens & Adults

Saturday 3pm to 5pm


Instructor: Gabriel Freire 

FIVE-WEEK CLASS starting March 1. If "a picture is worth a thousand words," then a video is priceless. Learn about the techniques and tools you can use to create strong and meaningful imagery for photography and film. We'll learn how to compose an image and then edit them using Photoshop and Lightroom/Camera Raw. Then, we'll explore film and editing vocabulary to see how we can create compelling, cinematic stories. 

Class runs 5 weeks:

Saturdays from 3-5pm: 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29


Sign Up for Digital Videography

PRICES:

Teen Classes (under 18): $70 for 5 sessions / $42 with discount

Adult Classes (age 18+): $88 for 5 sessions / $53 with discount


Bronx residents are eligible for a 40% discount! If you live in any of the following Zip Codes (10451-10460, 10462, 10467, 10472-10474), enter your Zip Code as a Promo Code when you buy your tickets on Eventbrite to get 40% off. Click here for further instructions. Discount applies for in-person sales as well.



Mount Vernon Native Sentenced To 11 Years In Prison For Orchestrating $7.6 Million COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

 

Jacob Carter Personally Received Over $1.7 Million in Kickbacks for Obtaining U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Over 1,000 Applicants

Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JACOB CARTER, who led a scheme to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) of more than $7.6 million, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román to 11 years in prison.  CARTER and co-defendants Quadri Salahuddin and Anwar Salahuddin were convicted at trial on February 9, 2024, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Jacob Carter took advantage of a taxpayer-funded program intended to help small businesses in desperate need during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Some small businesses that were eligible for and deserving of this money did not get it because funds ran out.  Carter used his ill-gotten gains for far more selfish pursuits, including expensive jewelry and a Lamborghini.  Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners at the FBI and the career prosecutors of this Office, Carter has now received just punishment.” 

According to the Indictment, publics filings, public court proceedings and filings, and the evidence presented at trial and in connection with sentencing:

The SBA is a federal agency of the Executive Branch that administers assistance to American small businesses. This assistance includes making direct loans to applicants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) Program.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress expanded SBA’s EIDL Program to provide small businesses with low-interest loans of up to $2 million prior to in or about May 2020 and up to $150,000 beginning in or about May 2020, in order to provide vital economic support to help overcome the loss of revenue small businesses are experiencing due to COVID-19.  Applicants seeking a loan under the EIDL program were also now permitted to request and receive an advance of approximately $1,000 per employee, for an amount up to $10,000, which the SBA has generally provided while the loan application was pending.

From March through July 2020, CARTER and co-defendants Quadri Salahuddin, Anwar Salahuddin, and Crystal Ransom, used the identities of more than 1,000 other individuals (the “Applicants”) to submit more than 1,000 online applications to the SBA, seeking over $10 million of funds through the SBA’s EIDL Program (the “EIDL Applications”). In connection with the EIDL Applications, CARTER, Quadri Salahuddin, Anwar Salahuddin, and Ransom falsely represented to the SBA that the Applicants were the owners of businesses with 10 or more employees.  However, that was a lie – the individuals did not own businesses or employ people.  Based on the fraudulent EIDL Applications, the SBA made advance payments of more than $7.6 million to the Applicants, who then kicked back a portion of the advance payments to CARTER, Quadri Salahuddin, Anwar Salahuddin, and Ransom.  After the defendants collected millions of dollars in kickback payments, CARTER took photographs of his stacks of cash, purchased expensive jewelry, and leased a Lamborghini.

In addition to the prison term, CARTER, 39, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.  CARTER was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $7,737,000 to the SBA and forfeiture in the amount of $1,720,950.

Ransom pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced on April 24, 2024, to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release with the first six months under home confinement. The Court also ordered that Ransom pay restitution in the amount of $7,577,000 to the SBA and forfeiture in the amount of $99,000. Quadri Salahuddin and Anwar Salahuddin are scheduled to be sentenced on March 26, 2025.

Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES KEY MUSLIM APPOINTMENTS

 

Mohamed Amen Appointed Muslim Senior Advisor 

Mahedi Hasan Appointed Muslim Liaison

Famod Konneh Promoted to Deputy Commissioner/Ethnic Outreach

Atia Shahnaz to Continue Serving as Muslim Women Liaison

New Appointments and Promotions Further Strengthen Mayor Adams’ Commitment to the Muslim Community

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced new appointments within the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU), elevating current members of the City Hall team as well as bringing in new talent to further strengthen the administration’s engagement with the Muslim community. New York City Police Department (NYPD) Detective Mohamed Amen has been appointed Muslim senior advisor, Mahedi Hasan has been appointed Muslim liaison, Famod Konneh has been elevated to deputy commissioner/ethnic outreach, and Atia Shahnaz will continue to serve in her role as Muslim women liaison.

“These vital roles in our city government will be well served by the dedication and experience of our current and new appointees. I have always said that our government must reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, and that’s exactly what these key appointments and promotions in will do for the Muslim community,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City’s strength lies in our communities, and the individuals we’re announcing today will well represent our Muslim brothers and sisters across New York City, as well as all New Yorkers. Their work will support our focus on making our city safer, more affordable, and the best place to raise a family.”

“I am proud of the four exceptional individuals dedicated to enhancing our engagement with New York City's Muslim community,” said CAU Commissioner Fred Kreizman. “Their insights and leadership will strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every New Yorker feels valued and heard.”

“New York City’s greatest strength is its incredible diversity, and our government must reflect that diversity to serve all communities effectively. With one in nine New Yorkers identifying as Muslim, it is essential to have Muslim voices represented in city leadership. As a proud Muslim and immigrant from Egypt, I am honored to serve as the Muslim senior advisor in the Mayor’s Office Community Affairs Unit,” said Muslim Senior Advisor Detective Amen. “This appointment reflects Mayor Adams’ and Commissioner Kreizman’s commitment to building an administration that truly represents the rich tapestry of our city. I am deeply grateful for their trust and leadership, and I remain dedicated to serving all New Yorkers and our diverse communities.”

“New York City is often referred to as a microcosm of the world, offering a glimpse of global diversity all within one vibrant city. As one of the most diverse communities in the world, it’s essential that our government reflects this richness to effectively meet the needs of all New Yorkers,” said Muslim Liaison Hasan. “As a Muslim Bangladeshi American, I am proud to serve as the Muslim liaison within the Mayor’s Office Community Affairs Unit under the leadership of Commissioner Kreizman. The Adams administration is deeply committed to fostering representation for our city’s diverse communities, and I am truly honored to contribute to this important work. Together, we are building a more inclusive and equitable future for New York City.”

“New York City is the most diverse city in the world. To communicate and best meet the needs of our diverse communities, we must have diverse representation in government,” said Deputy Commissioner Konneh. “As an African Muslim, serving as deputy commissioner at the Mayor’s Office Community Affairs Unit is a testament to the Adams’ administration commitment to making this administration reflective of the city it serves. I am grateful for Commissioner Kreizman's trust and leadership, and I thank Mayor Adams for allowing me to serve New York City and the entire ethnic community.” 

“As a proud Muslim Pakistani woman serving as the Muslim women liaison within the Mayor’s Office Community Affairs Unit, I am dedicated to empowering my community, fostering inclusion, and amplifying the voices of Muslim women,” said Muslim Women Liaison Shahnaz. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Adams and Commissioner Kreizman for entrusting me with this opportunity to serve and make a meaningful impact. My work is a testament to the strength, resilience, and leadership of Muslim women in shaping a more inclusive and just society.”

Biographies and details about appointments are included below:  

About NYPD Detective Mohamed Amen

A highly respected NYPD officer with 18 years of distinguished service, Detective Mohamed Amen has been a driving force in strengthening relationships between law enforcement and diverse communities. His expertise in cultural engagement and interfaith relations has been instrumental in promoting trust, open dialogue, and equitable policies that benefit all residents. Detective Amen has a Juris Doctorate from Cairo University Law School, a fellowship at the Interfaith Center of New York, and completed leadership training at John Jay College

Amen will report to Commissioner Kreizman.

About Famod Konneh

Famod Konneh is an experienced and dedicated public servant who brings over a decade of city government experience to the Mayor’s Office. In 2024, Konneh joined CAU as associate commissioner, having previously served as associate director of outreach in the Mayor's Office of Ethnic and Community Media, leading and coordinating City Hall’s communication strategy for local ethnic and community media. He also served in different capacities in the previous administration as director of community partnership at NYC Health + Hospital Test/Trace Corps, as deputy director of strategic partnerships at NYC Census 2020, and as Bronx borough director/African liaison at CAU. Konneh is also responsible for the office's outreach to the city's African community. Konneh graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Liberia and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College.   

Konneh will report to Commissioner Kreizman.

About Mahedi Hasan

Mahedi Hasan is an experienced professional in community outreach, business engagement, and public service. In his previous role as assistant director of community outreach at the New York City Department of Small Business Services, Hasan spearheaded initiatives that strengthened small businesses and fostered key partnerships across the city. Previously, as senior community liaison and business outreach specialist, he successfully connected thousands of New Yorkers to vital resources. His leadership also extends to public health, having managed large-scale school meal programs as a school food service manager for the New York City Department of Education. Hasan holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from City University of New York, York College.

Hasan will report to Deputy Commissioner Konneh.

About Atia Shahnaz

Atia Shahnaz is a dedicated Muslim women liaison in CAU, advocating for the rights and representation of Muslim women and diverse communities. A passionate community activist for over 15 years, she has led a nonprofit women’s organization focused on empowerment, support, and social justice. Before joining City Hall, she worked as a health care manager. Her unique blend of scientific expertise, grassroots activism, and public service enables her to drive meaningful change and uplift underrepresented communities in New York City. By profession, Shahnaz is an organic chemist. She has a master’s degree in organic chemistry and is a PhD scholar who completed her thesis on the isolation of organic compounds at Arizona University.

Shahnaz will report to Deputy Commissioner Konneh.