[Photos below.] Over three dozen Boro Park girls school administrators and officials of the New York City Police Department met on Thursday at Misaskim Headquarters, located on 63rd Street in Boro Park. They discussed a number of key issues affecting the frum community. As summer approaches, the askanim were reminded of two unfortunate incidents which occurred over during last two summers. In two separate incidents, a four-year-old, and a twelve-year-old girl were abducted in the heart of Boro Park. In the summer of 2007, a four-year-old was abducted while playing in front of her own home. In the summer of 2008, a twelve-year-old was on her way to her friend’s house and then abducted. Detectives in both cases determined that both incidents were perpetrated by the same predator. Since this perpetrator has kept a low profile, detectives from the NYPD have been unable to track him down.
Now, with spring here, children are spending more and more time playing outdoors andthere is concern that this predator may choose to strike once more.
Reb Yanky Meyer of Misaskim addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of this issue, and asked each school administrator to make all parents aware of this danger. Stressing the importance of the issue, he pointed to the fact that there was a large funeral for a slain NYPD officer today, and the NYPD refused to cancel this meeting and have it rescheduled. All attending NYPD Brass rushed from the funeral straight to the meeting.
Inspector DeBlasio of the 66th precinct reassured everyone that the police are doing everything to ensure that the streets are safe, and also mentioned the recent busted terror plot in the Bronx. “Let me just reassure the community that there are no credible threats of terrorism,” DeBlasio said.
Inspector Ralph Monteforte of the 70th precinct spoke about the importance of being vigilant. If you see any suspicious vehicles parked near your school or homes, or if a vehicle is circling the block, call 911 right away with the vehicle description and plate number. “Even if you are not sure, you should do it. If there is ever a crime later on, it can very well be that the vehicle info you called into 911 will help solve a serious crime.”
Brooklyn South Chief Joseph Fox was the main speaker of the event and opened by thanking Misaskim for caring so deeply about the community issues and arranging and hosting the meeting. The Chief also thanked the great work of Boro Park and Flatbush Shomrim in assisting the NYPD in patrolling the streets. The Chief spoke then about the importance of people being vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times.
Inspector Theresa Shortell, NYPD Citywide Commanding Officer for Special Victim Bureau, also addressed the gathering, as did Dr. Marcel Biberfield of Maimonides Medical Center, and Dr. Norman Blumenthal and Rabbi Yaakov Klar of the Misaskim/Chai Lifeline Crisis Intervention Team.
To view photos of the meeting, click here.
{Matzav.com Newscenter}
