Many YWN readers recall the many problems which occurred in the summer of 2007, at the Thursday night Mincha/Maariv gathering location at the Sloatsburg Rest Area (on the NY State Thruway). YWN had posted letters and warnings from the NYS DOT and the NY State Police pleading with everyone to cooperate – or the area would be shut down. Much hard work was put into keeping this area open to the thousands of folks travelling to the Catskills. Numerous meetings and planning went into it, and all that was needed was a bit of cooperation from the people who are using it. Boruch hashem, everyone cooperated in 2008, and now Askonim are asking for your cooperation in the the summer of 2009. YWN has spoken extensively with Mr. Richard Newhouse, who is the Assistant NY Division Director of Operations with the NYS Thruway Authority, and with Rabbi Bernard Freilich, special assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police regarding this issue. Due to the tremendous crowds and traffic caused by the Minyanim, the Thruway Authority will no longer allow the street level parking area for davening. All minyanim will now take place on the second level parking area which is level with the second floor restrooms. In the event of rain, minyanim will be allowed in the stairwell. Everyone who will be participating in the Minyanim is urged to drive directly to the second floor – and not park on any grassy area – or your cars will be towed immediately from the tow truck which will be stationed at the rest area specifically to deal with this problem. It is interesting to note, that the second floor is much better suited for the Heimish Oilam’s needs, as there is much more privacy, Tzinus, and easier access to the rest rooms (which are located on the same level). Additionally, there will be zero tolerance by the Thruway Authority and the NYSP regarding the selling of food. As YWN had reported last summer, Rabbi Freilich was working tirelessly to arrange for one vending machine to sell Kosher Le’Mehadrin products inside the building. This idea has finally come to fruition, with one machine selling Kosher products. There will also be zero tolerance with people collecting Tzedakah (AKA: panhandlers) – which is illegal. There was a recent meeting between the NYS Thruway Authority, Askonim, and New York State Police Officials – including NYSP Troop T Major Robert Meyers, & Captain Eveleyn Mallerd. Rabbi Morton Friedman (Chaplain for the State Troopers PBA) who gave his time each Thursday night during the summer of 2008 to ensure that things run smoothly at the area, will I”H once again be present at the Mincha Area, and will liaison with Thruway Inspectors and the community to ensure that everyone follows the simple instructions. Rabbi Freilich is asking everyone for their cooperation. “Please use the area which was so wonderfully given to us by the NYS DOT – for Davening ONLY. Do not make a Chillul Hashem by ignoring their complaints which will result in this Mincha / Maariv area being shut down,” Rabbi Freilich told YWN. Each Thursday night, there will be two inspectors from the Thruway Authority stationed at the Sloatsburg Rest Area – along with Rabbi Mordechai Friedman, to oversee the operation. Wishing you all a wonderful

[PHOTO LINK BELOW] Middletown, NY – The summer is quickly approaching, folks are getting ready to head to the Catskills, and various Askonim are hard at work to ensure a safe summer. To achieve that goal, the annual inter-agency meeting took place on Tuesday at the State Police Headquarters in Middletown, NY. A YWN reporter was privileged to attend the usually closed-doors meeting and reports the following: The annual meeting, is jointly arranged and coordinated by Rabbi Bernard Freilich, Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the NYSP, and NYSP Troop F Major Rasso. In attendance this year was special guest NYS Homeland Security Director Mr. Thomas Donlon, top brass from the NYSP, Sheriff’s, Under Sheriffs & local Police Chiefs from 5 Counties, the NYS DEC, and their respective Chaplains, Hatzolah and Misaskim. Each person at the meeting was given an opportunity to address the gathering about various issues of safety, tips, and other items which they would like to see in the summer of 2009. Below are some of their highlights mentioned at the meeting: A message was delivered on behalf of the NYSP Superintendent, Mr. Harry Corbitt, who was unable to attend as he did last year. The points in his message to the community were that there would be zero tolerance for speeders, aggressive drivers, people without seat-belts, and talking on cell phones. He wishes the entire community a safe and relaxing summer.  The State Police also warned people not to walk on the roadways, and wear reflectors when walking on the roads in the evenings. and discussed the new State Police patrol which has been placed in construction zones. “The troopers are sitting in the construction zones with their radar guns, and people better be following the reduced speed-limits in those zones, or they will be getting ticketed”, Troop F Major Rasso said. The NYSP urges all camp directors to report anything suspicious, and take down any license plate number which may assist them in apprehending a suspect. “You are our eyes and ears, and we rely on you for crucial and important information in solving many crimes”. Most important on the NYSP list was the alert regarding the construction which is ongoing on Route 17. There is a temporary traffic pattern which will cause serious delays while heading to and from the Catskills on the weekends. The construction is taking place between exits 118 and 122 in both directions. While traveling towards NYC, drivers will encounter a one-lane construction pattern for a few miles. The NYSP is urging everyone to leave plenty of extra time from Thursday afternoon through Monday while traveling to and from the Catskill Mountains. The Ulster County Sheriff Department mentioned their close working relationship with Rabbi Joel Gold – who is the Ulster County Sheriff Chaplain – stating that any issue which may arise is dealt with immediately by their Chaplain. Ulster County Sheriff along with the Sullivan County Commissioner of Public Safety Richard M. Martinkovic, reached out to the community to please educate children what 911 is supposed to be used for. “Last summer was better, but we still get dozens of kids calling 911 to wish a good day”, a 911 operator said. Another issue which was brought up by the 911 system, is that many camps only have their camp or colony name written in Yiddish or Hebrew

NYS Senator Eric Adams, who chairs the commission for Homeland Security, paid a visit to the Misaskim Headquarters on Sunday afternoon, to get a first hand look at Misaskim operations. Senator Adams was given a tour of Misaskim’s state of the art equipment, their fleet of emergency response vehicles, and Misaskim’s state of the art command center. The command center was used in many occasions – including the recent Mumbai terror attacks. The Senator was told Misaskim that he was pleased to see the high-tech equipment, and preparedness that Misaskim has available to the community in any case of any emergency. Various Askonim also met with Senator Adams including Rabbi Bernard Freilich who is the Special Assistant to the NY State Police Superintendent, Abe Friedman who is a liaison to Senator Adams, Yanky Itzkowitz (Williamsburg Shomrim Cooridinator). Click HERE for photos. (Dov Gordon – YWN)

Due to the current situation in Israel, and hate-crimes happening in cities across the globe, the New York State Police reached out to YWN to ensure us that they are keeping a watchful eye on “houses of worship”, and highly populated Jewish communities under their jurisdiction. Although there is absolutely no threat to be concerned about, the NYSP Superintendent Harry Corbitt is reaching out to the greater Jewish communities across New York State to inform them that the NYSP is stepping up patrols in areas “of interest”. Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police Rabbi Bernard Freilich told YWN that the message from Police Headquarters in Albany NY is the following: IF you see something, SAY SOMETHING! If you see a suspicious package, activity or a suspicious vehicle, don’t keep it to yourself. Immediately notify your local police department or call 1-866-SAFE NYS (1-866-723-3697). (Eli Gefen – YWN Queens Ops’ Desk)

11:00AM EST: (UPDATE BELOW) A fire on a tanker-truck hauling muriatic acid, has forced the closure of the NY Route 17, and evacuations of homes – and even Yeshivos in the area. Rabbi Bernard Freilich,Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the NYSP  tells YWN that the tanker caught fire on the west-bound Route 17 near Exit 127, causing a fire, and a large chemical spill on the highway. Both directions of the highway have been shut down, and will remain closed for at least 5 hours. Numerous Hazmat units from multiple fire departments, have been requested to the scene, and the NYSP and other rescue personnel are evacuating residents in the area. Additionally, the Nitra Yeshiva in Chester NY has been evacuated. There is no word on any injuries resulting from the chemical spill. UPDATE 5:00PM EST: The cleanup has been completed, and all lanes have been reopened on the highway. (Yehuda Drudgestein – / YWN-112 / YWN Sullivan County News Desk)

Two men who allegedly stole a $3,000 compactor from the Sunshine Estates bungalow colony in the Town of Thompson in late August, were caught as a result of the group’s surveillance cameras MidHudsonNews reports. Randall Brown, 39, and Daniel Popet, 25, both of Woodridge, were arrested by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office after they allegedly took the machine to a scrap metal dealer in Woodridge and sold it for $69. But, it was those computer-based surveillance cameras at Sunshine Estates that helped identify and catch the men. Colony Board President David Rosenberg told MidHudsonNews that the surveillance system provided the police with video information to identify their truck and other evidence that led to their arrests. And Rosenberg said the camera systems are invaluable. “I encourage very much people to put in cameras, especially bungalow colonies or camps where the presence is not always there like in the winter time,” he said. “There was a lot of breakings and pulling of copper pipes and metals when the price went up. So, this is a good deterrent.” He also credited Rabbi Bernard Freilich, liaison to the State Police, with assisting in the investigation that resulted in the arrests. (MidHudsonNews.com / YWN-112)

(Click HERE for photos) New York State Senator Eric Adams, New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind, other elected officials, and leaders of the Boro Park Hasidic Community gathered at the home of Mr. And Mrs. Joel Eisdorfer on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, to recognize and honor the close working relationship, and deep commitment between the Senator and his constituents in the Boro Park Jewish community.   Assemblyman Hikind described a meeting two years ago when Eric Adams, at the time a private citizen, solicited the Assemblyman’s support in a State Senate primary election.  Assemblyman Hikind explained that he had already decided to support the bid for office, having followed the NYPD career of retired police officer Adams closely enough to know that this assistance was appropriate for an individual who had fought so assiduously and eloquently for the rights of others.  Assemblyman Hikind emphasized that the relationship has evolved into mutual esteem and brotherhood.   Speaking at the event Senator Adams said: “I am honored to be here today at the home of my community liaison, Joel Eisdorfer, along with my dear friend Assemblyman Dov Hikind and Joel’s father, Rabbi Abraham Eisdorfer. These men are more than colleagues to me. I have worked closely with them on important matters in my 20th Senatorial District and throughout Brooklyn, and our civic collaboration has been a tremendous success.  Perhaps even more important, however, is the indestructible bond of friendship we have developed, based upon reciprocal trust and affection.  It inspires the harmony of our partnership. “Joel’s hospitality this evening has enabled me to welcome and meet with some notable individuals in the Hasidic community. These leaders include the renowned Rabbi Leib Glanz, Rabbi Bernard Freilich Special Assistant to the NYS State Police Superintendent, Hon. Israel Goldberg, Yidel Perlstien, Rabbi Hershy Fischman, Rabbi Moshe Indig, Rabbi Shmuel Steinharter of Boro Park Bikur Cholim, Moshe Wieder of Ohel, David Greenfield of the Sephardic Community Federation and others.  I thank you all for your support.  I am proud to receive it. I also would like to thank NYC Councilman Matthew Eugene for joining our assemblage.” Senator Adams concluded: “The City of New York, the greatest city in the world, includes and embraces people of every race and every faith. The individuals present tonight stand united in the conviction that every moral and ethical human being champions the brotherhood of the one true race, the human race.” (Dov Gordon – YWN)

Monticello, NY: UPDATE IN EXTENDED ARTICLEYWN has learned that thanks to the outstanding detective work by the Sullivan County Sheriff Department, the people wanted in connection with the recent rash of car-break-ins have been arrested. As YWN had reported two weeks ago (HERE), more than one hundred vehicles in the Monticello area had been broken into, with the main target being GPS systems. Some of the bungalow colonies which had cars broken into were Freeds, Syms, Ichud, Alpine Estates, Beverly Hills The Sheriff Department had placed extra patrols, and assigned additional detectives to the case. Sources tell YWN, that four suspects (two males and two females) were arrested by the Sheriff Patrol on Motzei Shabbos at the former Gibbers Hotel – now the home of the year-round Viznits Community. Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the NYSP Rabbi Bernard Freilich spoke with YWN, and said that the Sheriff Department must be publicly credited for their hard work in this case. “Sheriff Mike Schiff and UnderSheriff Eric Chaboty personally spent countless hours meeting with concerned residents, and worked tirelessly to apprehend the suspects”, Freilich said. UPDATE 2:00PM EST: On Sunday August 31, 2008, at approximately 2:26 AM, Deputies from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call of two suspicious males, possibly breaking into vehicles at 14 Gafen Lane in Kiamesha Lake. The Sheriff’s Office, which had investigated a rash of thefts from vehicles in the Monticello area over the past 3 weeks, immediately flooded the area with patrols. A short time later at the scene, deputies noticed where grass had been trampled in a path leading to the woods and heard twigs snapping. Deputies pursued the perpetrators and eventually caught them near the basketball courts of the former Gibbers Hotel. One male subject was wearing a complete camouflage outfit and the other was dressed in dark clothes. Both were wearing plastic gloves when they were arrested. Two female accomplices, also wearing dark clothing, were discovered sitting in a car, just out of sight, at a nearby gravel bank. They were taken into custody and transported to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning. Later in the morning, Sheriff’s Detectives searched a residence located at 42 Champlin Avenue in the Village of Liberty where they recovered property including several Global Positioning Systems (GPS), cell phones and other electronics. Charged with larceny are: Raymond Castro, age 20 Monticello NY Pedro Agosto, age 18 Monticello NY Theresa Sarosy, age 19 White Lake NY Claribel Mojica, age 24 Liberty NY All four suspects where being held for arraignment at the time of this press release. The Sheriff’s Office expects additional charges to be filed as the investigation continues. If anyone has any information regarding these thefts, please call the Sheriff’s Confidential Tips Hotline at 845-807-0158. (Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN Sullivan County News Desk)

(PHOTO LINK AT END OF ARTICLE) A unique meeting took place last Wednesday afternoon following an unfortunate incident in Boro Park. As YWN had reported (HERE), a young girl was abducted on a Boro Park street two weeks ago. Following NYPD protocol, detectives from the NYPD Special Victims Unit were brought into the 66th Precinct  to interview the victim and conduct their investigation. Following the investigation (which is still ongoing), many community Askanim, along with Brooklyn South Chief Fox felt that the same way that local precinct officers know all about Shabbos, Yomim Tovim and other Jewish laws and customs – the Special Victims Unit should be given sensitivity training as well. Following the wishes of the concerned community leaders, Misaskim arranged a meeting at their state-of-the-art headquarters which was well attended by NYPD personnel including: Commanding Officer of the Special Victims Unit (Citywide) Tracy Shortell, Lieutenants of the same unit, Chief Banks (PBBS), Inspector Thursland (PBBS), 66th Precinct Commanding Officer Bill DeBlasio, Inspector the devoted men and woman of Brooklyn South’s Community Affairs Unit – including Lieutenant Jimmy Woods, Sergent Ira Jablonsky and members of the NYPD’s Commissioner Unit. Also in attendance were Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the NYSP Rabbi Bernard Freilich, Dr Marcel Biberfeld (Vice President at Mimonodies Hospital) Simcha Bernath Coordinator of Boro Park Shomrim, Bernie Gibs Coordinator of Boro Park Hatzolah, Raphael Treitel a liaison with the NYPD, Rabbi Osher Eirenreich Principle of Bais Yaakov, noted Askan Rabbi Aryeh Leib Glantz and volunteers from Misaskim. “There is nothing more important then being sensitive to the communities needs when god-forbid a tragic story like we just saw takes place”, Chief Fox said. “We will do everything to ensure that the highest level of sensitivity will be used in such a situation”. Many of the attendees had the opportunity to address the very important meeting, all expressing their concerns – and how they can very easily be corrected. A system was put into place where various professionals from various major community organizations will lecture the detectives of the Special Victims Unit on sensitivity to the Jewish Community. Additionally, should such a story Chas VeShalom take place, various professional community personnel will be contacted to respond to assist in the NYPD investigation – as sometimes victims will be reluctant to “open-up” to a strange detective. PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos. (Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN NYC Desk)

(PHOTO LINK AT END OF ARTICLE) Most people vacationing Upstate New York only think of Sullivan County when thinking of the Catskills, but not many folks are aware that there are many Jewish camps in Ulster County as well. In keeping with their constant “communication meetings”, to ensure a smooth summer of emergency operations, the Catskills Hatzolah Coordinators met with personnel from various agencies in Ulster County on Monday morning. As the Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police Rabbi Bernard Freilich put it at the opening of the meeting, “Hatzolah’s great relationships with law enforcement, local FD and EMS personnel, come from three things – communication, communication, and communication”. This summer has Boruch Hashem so far been uneventful, and the few incidents which Catskills Hatzolah did respond to in Ulster County, saw Hatzolah working hand-in-hand with the local authorities. Just last week a child fell off of a truck on Dairyland Road near Route 52, and a Medevac was needed. The Ellenville Fire Chief stressed his amazement at the speed of Hatzolah’s response in that particular incident. “Working hand in hand, we save lives together”, the Ellenville Fire Chief said. Ellenville Police Chief Philip S. Mattracion spoke about the importance of “education” and how imperative it is to work together. Also publicly noted by the Chief was the very useful Liaison Rabbi Joel Gold, who also serves as the Chaplain of the Ulster County Sheriff Department. “Thanks to the devotion and dedication of Joel Gold, any issues related to the Jewish Community in Ulster County which arise, are quickly dealt with,” the Chief said The Ellenville Hospital thanked Rabbi Yankel Richter, one of the Catskills Hatzolah Coordinators, for all his years of making sure that things run smoothly between the hospital staff and the Jewish Community. Also attending the meeting were representatives from the NYSP Ellenville Barracks, Ulster County Sheriff Department, Ellenville Rescue Squad and other officials. Catskills Hatzolah Coordinators Rabbi Yehuda Frankel, R’ Bernie Gibs, R’ Yidel Feig, and R’ Yom Tov Malek thanked the local authorities for their overwhelming cooperation during the summer, and wished them all a safe ‘rest-of-the-summer’, and a quiet and safe winter. PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos. (Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN Sullivan County News Desk)

(PHOTO LINK AT END OF ARTICLE) At approximately 7:00PM on Sunday afternoon, a search was launched for three children (aged 6,8,9) at Gur Camp on Whittaker Road in South Fallsburg, NY. Catskills Hatzolah responded to a call from the parents, and and dozens of members arrived to help. Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police Rabbi Bernard Freilich arrived on the scene just as Hatzolah was establishing a command post, and placed calls to Fallsburg Police Chief Simmy Williams, Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff, and State Police Captain Jimmy Boyland for their assistance with K9 and other resources. Misaskim dispatched two vehicles with light towers, and Bochrim from nearby camps arrived to offer their assistance as well. A trailer with ATV’s was dispatched from Freeds Bungalow Colony as well. All the resources quickly placed together were Boruch Hashem not needed, when word came that all three children were found in the forest at approximately 8:00PM by a Hatzolah member – in healthy condition. It took close to 20 minutes for the children to be brought back to the command post, where they were happily united with their parents. PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos. (Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN Sullivan County News Desk)

Monticello Police are looking for a teenager who attempted to burglarize a bungalow in Staubers Bungalow Colony on Carpenter Avenue this past Wednesday night. Sources tell YWN that the Frum resident awoke at approximately 2:00AM and found the suspect inside his bungalow about to steal his wife’s purse. Without hesitating, the man confronted the thief – who pulled a knife on the man. A scuffle broke out, but the man was Boruch Hashem able to wrestle the knife and purse away from the thief – who quickly fled on foot. Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police Rabbi Bernard Freilich tells YWN that Monticello Police Chief Doug Solomon is personally involved in the investigation, and ensured us that detectives are hard at work on the case. To make matters a bit easier for detectives, the knife – along with one of the mans shoes are in the hands of police. This is not the first burglary this summer at Staubers Bungalows, including incidents of stolen money, digital cameras, credit cards and cell phones. Anyone with any information is asked to please call the Monticello Police at 845-794-4422. (Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN)

PHOTO LINK AT END OF ARTICLE: On Monday morning, Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police Rabbi Bernard Freilich arranged to receive an update from the various policing authorities in Sullivan & Ulster Counties. Agencies represented were NYSP, Sullivan County Sheriffs Department, Chiefs of Liberty, Monticello and South Fallsburg police departments. Also in attendance were Rabbi Yidel Feig Catskill Hatzolah Coordinator, Rabbi Simcha Bernath Chaplain at the Sullivan County Sheriff Department, and Rabbi Joel Gold Chaplain at the Ulster County Sheriff Department. The meeting was held at the NYSP Liberty Barracks. A discussion ensued regarding some of the recent incidents that generated and required a 911 response. High on the list was an unfortunate incident which occurred this past Shabbos afternoon involving a teenager from Brooklyn that allegedly got drunk and got behind the wheel of someone’s car. Shortly thereafter he crashed, rolled over multiple times, and hit someone’s bungalow where a child was sleeping on the other side of the wall. Bichasdei Hashem nobody was hurt in the incident. The driver then fled the scene prompting the Fallsburg Police to give foot pursuit, and place the driver under arrest. Another problem discussed was that the police departments have been receiving a number of complaints regarding procurement of alcoholic beverages. It is alleged that some of our youth are asking adults to purchase alcohol for them. Last summer YWN reported an incident where a frum person was arrested for this offense and it would be a shame for this to happen again. Liberty Police Chief Robert J Mir told YWN that just last week he witnessed this offense take place at the Town of Liberty Shop-Rite. “Be responsible”, the Chief said. “Think before you buy a teen a drink, it’s against the law”. Rabbi Ezra Max founder Kosher Coaching who was called to the meeting explained to the various officials that the Frum community B”H has a phenomenal and positive track record with teens obeying the laws and behaving appropriately. “An incident like this is very unfortunate and must be addressed, but it is certainly an anomaly and not the norm”. “Most of the teens and young adults upstate are having a great summer and not doing anything wrong”, Rabbi Max told the gathered officials. “Thousands of dollars are being spent every motzei shabbos for Girls and Boys to have separate venues to have fun. Kiamesha lanes is rented out by Ohr Naava from 11:30pm – 3:00am for girls ONLY. This is for the average good kid to have a good time in an environment that will not challenge them.” The officials all agreed that considering the amount of people (250,000!) that are coming upstate for the summer months there is certainly not a significant increase in crimes being committed by this population. A “hats-off” to Sullivan County Sheriff, Michael Schiff who proposed a late night decal idea similar to the CAT program. One of the heimishe community organizations would coordinate a registration process for families to get a sticker/decal for their vehicle. If a police officer in Sullivan county witness any vehicle with said decal being driven past 1am, they would make a traffic stop and verify that they vehicle was being used with permission. This will be an anti theft device as well as an insurance policy

10:18PM EST: A search for two missing Bochurim in the Catskills, Boruch Hashem ended safely on Friday night. Sources tell YWN that Hatzolah was contacted on Friday night to respond to Camp Binyan Dovid in Mountaindale, after two campers who went hiking on Friday afternoon, did not return after Shabbos started. Catskills Hatzolah Coordinator Boruch Gibs, Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police Rabbi Bernard Freilich, and Misaskim Search & Rescue units gathered numerous resources to start a search for the missing boys. Fallsburg Police Chief Simmy Williams, NY State Forest Rangers, Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff, along with Captain Thomas Boylan from the State Police Liberty Barracks mobilized their officers, along with K9 dogs, and started searching. Many Hatzolah members assisted in the search as well, as more than 50 volunteers from the Mountaindale Fire Department. At approximately 10:30PM, the two boys were found as they were exiting the heavily wooded area onto a road – miles from where they started from. They were Boruch Hashem not injured, and were found to be in healthy condition. (Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN)

Various community leaders – representing the Chasidic community – joined together with NYS Senator Eric Adams and came out to support NYC Council member David Yassky, who is running for NYC Comptroller. Among those attending the fundraiser were Rabbi David Niederman head the UJO, Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police Rabbi Bernard Freilich, Rabbi Abe Friedman Satmar Community liaison to Government officials, Rabbi Joseph Mentzer, Shia Bernath Hatzalah Coordinator, and others. The event was held at the home of Rabbi Abe Friedman. [Click HERE for photos] Following the fundraiser, the group made a surprise visit to Yanky Itzkowitz, the head of Williamsburg Shomrim, who was involved in a serious accident on Monday night (photos taken by Hillel Engel of that incident can be viewed by clicking HERE).

An tragic unfortunate incident occurred this past Friday in the Town of Fallsburg, which many community organizations and local officials feel must be publicly addressed, so that such an incident can be avoided in the future. At approximetly 6:15AM on Friday morning, a person driving a bicycle along Route 42 came across a dead body lying on the side of the roadway. The person called 911, and the Fallsburg Police arrived on the scene. An intense investigation was launched by the Fallsburg PD, and detectives found evidence leading them to believe that the man was struck by a passing vehicle sometime between 1 and 2AM – with the driver along with the vehicle leaving the scene. It was a tragic accident indeed, but by the driver choosing to leave the scene, the incident turned into an unfortunate fiasco which could have been easily avoidable. Detectives working aggressively on the case, had sufficient evidence to make an arrest, and early Friday morning arrested a man whom they believe was the driver of the vehicle in question. During questioning, the driver of the vehicle told police he was unaware that he had struck a pedestrian, but rather thought he had struck a deer on the roadway. Due to the July 4th Weekend, a judge was unavailable to see the driver, and the dreaded thought of a Frum man spending Shabbos in the Sullivan County Jail set in. Numerous Askonim – including Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police Rabbi Bernard Freilich, representatives of Misaskim – along with the newly appointed Fallsburg Police Chief Simmie Williams – began diligently working to resolve the situation. After much hard work, and the personal involvement of Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff – along with Undersheriff Eric Chaboty –  they were able to secure his release on Friday afternoon in time for Shabbos. YWN spoke with the Fallsburg Police Chief Williams, who explained that although a tragic death occurred, people must be made aware of a few points which can save innocent people much hardship. #1- “If you are involved in an accident, you MUST stop and wait for the police. THIS INCLUDES HITTING A DEER! There are no exceptions to this law. This was nothing more than an accident”, the chief told YWN. “All that was needed was a police report, and questioning, and he would have been on his way. Accidents unfortunately happen, and that’s why they are called accidents. But leaving the scene is not an accident, and people must understand that if they are involved in an accident they MUST call and await the arrival of the police.” #2- “This tragic incident should be a wake-up call for the many folks who do their exercise, or take leisure-strolls along the country roads. This is not NYC, and there are no sidewalks,” Williams said. “People need to use extreme caution while walking on roads, and reflectors should be worn during early morning, and evening hours”. “Unfortunately, drivers are constantly swerving to avoid pedestrians walking carelessly on the roadways – and not on the shoulders where they belong”. #3- “Drivers should be extra cautious for pedestrians walking along the roadways, and should always maintain the posted speed limits.” “I’ve instructed my officers to enforce the speed limits, and ‘radar cars’ are out

Many YWN readers recall the many problems which occurred last summer, at the Thursday night Mincha/Maariv gathering location at the Sloatsburg Rest Area (on the NY State Thruway). Last summer YWN had posted letters and warnings from the NYS DOT and the NY State Police pleading with everyone to cooperate – or the area would be shut down. Much hard work was put into keeping this area open to the thousands of folks travelling to the Catskills. Numerous meetings and planning has gone into it, and all is needed is a bit of cooperation from the people who are using it. YWN has spoken extensively with Mr. Richard Newhouse, who is the Assistant NY Division Director of Operations with the NYS Thruway Authority, and with Rabbi Bernard Freilich, special assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police regarding this issue. Due to the tremendous crowds and traffic caused by the Minyanim, the Thruway Authority will no longer allow the street level parking area for davening. All minyanim will now take place on the second level parking area which is level with the second floor restrooms. In the event of rain, minyanim will be allowed in the stairwell. Everyone who will be participating in the Minyanim is urged to drive directly to the second floor – and not park on any grassy area – or your cars will towed immediately from the tow truck which will be stationed at the rest area specifically to deal with this problem. It is interesting to note, that the second floor is much better suited for the Heimish Oilam’s needs, as there is much more privacy, Tzinus, and easier access to the rest rooms (which are located on the same level). Additionally, there will be zero tolerance by the Thruway Authority and the NYSP regarding the selling of food. As YWN had reported last summer, Rabbi Freilich was working tirelessly to arrange for one vending machine to sell Kosher Le’Mehadrin products inside the building. This idea has finally come to fruition, with one machine selling Kosher products. There will also be zero tolerance with people collecting Tzedakah (AKA: panhandlers) – which is illegal. In closing, Rabbi Freilich is asking everyone for their cooperation. “Please use the area which was so wonderfully given to us by the NYS DOT – for Davening ONLY. Do not make a Chillul Hashem by ignoring their complaints which will result in this Mincha / Maariv area being shut down,” Rabbi Freilich told YWN. Each Thursday night, there will be two inspectors from the Thruway Authority stationed at the Sloatsburg Rest Area – along with Rabbi Mordechai Friedman (who is an Askan in Kiryas Joel) – to oversee the operation. (Rabbi Friedman can be reached at 917-578-1818.) YWN also spoke with the noted Askan Rabbi Edgar Gluck, who was the architect of this area many years ago. He too voiced his concerns – and urges the public to follow the simple rules and regulations posted above, to ensure that a true Kiddush Hashem is made. Wishing you all a wonderful summer! (Yehuda Drudgestein – YWN Desk) (Photo & image by YWN)

(Photos Click HERE) Middletown, NY – The summer is quickly approaching. Folks are getting ready to head to the Catskills, and the New York State Police, Sheriff’s Departments, local Police Departments, Catskills Hatzolah, Misaskim, and various Askonim are hard at work to ensure a safe summer. To achieve that goal, the annual inter-agency meeting took place on Tuesday at the State Police Barracks in Middletown. A YWN reporter was privileged to attend the usually closed-doors meeting and reports the following: The newly-appointed NYSP Superintendent Harry Corbitt opened the meeting by saying that he made the trip to attend the meeting – solely to “listen-in”, and to get to know what happens “in the community”. He added that he has full confidence in the Majors, Captains, and Lieutenants of the NYSP to make sure that the summer runs smoothly. Each person at the meeting was then given an opportunity to address the gathering about various issues of safety, tips, and other items which they would like to see in the summer of 2008. Catskills Hatzolah Coordinator Boruch Gibs publicly thanked the law enforcement personal from all agencies – that thanks to these inter-agency meetings, the relationship between Hatzolah and the police is close to perfect. Recalling the summer of 2007, Mr. Gibs said Hatzolah in the Catskills responded to 500 more calls than past years – and even with that extra call volume, the cooperation from the police and local 911 was close to perfect. Some of the items mentioned by the State Police to be publicized were that there would be zero tolerance for speeders, aggressive drivers, people without seat-belts, and talking on cell phones. They also warned people not to walk on the roadways. Also publicized was the new State Police patrol which has placed in construction zones. “The troopers are sitting in the construction zones with their radar guns, and people better be following the reduced speed-limits in those zones, or they will be getting ticketed”, Troop F Major Rasso said. Ulster County Sheriff Paul J. Van Blarcum, along with the Sullivan county 911 operators, reached out to the community to please educate children what 911 is supposed to be used for. “Last summer was better, but we still get dozens of kids calling 911 to wishes a good day”, a 911 operator said. While speaking to YWN, Sullivan County Sheriff Michael Schiff told YWN that he is anticipating a safe summer, and is looking forward to a “safe-ride” for the summer months. Along with Undersheriff Eric Schebody, their main concerns are with kids-at-risk attending “floating parties” which involve drugs, drinking, and other serious, dangerous activities. “I understated that there are organizations aggressively working to establish alternative recreational activities for these kids, the Sheriff told YWN. “I am doing whatever I can on our end to prevent a repeat of some of the unfortunate incidents which took place last summer, but my message today is directed towards the parents, and camp directors: KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE AT ALL TIMES.” As Captain James J. Boylan of Troop F Liberty put it “we have 230,000 people coming up to the area for the summer, and I’m convinced that together we can make this the safest summer ever.” Over and over, the assembled publicly thanked Rabbi Bernard Freilich, special assistant to the Superintendent for his devotion,

(UPDATE IN EXTENDED ARTICLE) 8:53AM EST: Sullivan County: Emergency services personnel are searching the area near the Swinging Bridge Campground in Mongaup Valley, and looking for a three-year-old boy who was reported missing on Saturday. The child, Daniel Niktalova, was last seen at the campground at approximately 11:00AM. Sheriff’s deputies who responded immediately called in the Monticello Fire Department, New York State Police, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police and State Forest Rangers to help in the search. The Sullivan County Wild Land Search and Rescue Team also responded. Patrol boats from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, DEC police, and Alliance Energy, the owners of the Swinging Bridge Reservoir, responded to the scene and patrolled the shore line adjacent to the campground. The New York State Police Aviation Unit and local resident Mike Croissant responded with their helicopters to aid in the search. The terrain around the campground is bordered by the Swinging Bridge Reservoir on one side and thick woods on the other. Searchers had covered the entire camp ground and a substantial area surrounding it by early evening. The search was scaled back as night fell, but Sheriff’s Detectives and State Police Investigators continued to question guests of the campground. State Police Aviation plans to fly a helicopter mission Saturday night using FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared). The full scale search is resuming at 8:00AM Sunday. As of this point, Hatzolah or other community resources had not been contacted for their assistance. Daniel Niktalov is one of three children who belong to Eduard Katanov and Svetlana Niktalov. The Family resides in the Forest Hills section of Queens, NY. UPDATE 11:40AM EST: Rabbi Bernard Freilich, special assistant to the Superintendent of the NY State Police tells YWN – that Sullivan County Sheriff Michael A. Schiff says the child has just been found. Although the child’s condition is not 100% confirmed, we can confirm that the child is dehydrated. (Source: MidHudsonNews.com)

Newly-appointed New York State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt visited Williamsburg last night, where he first met with the Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg, Rav Zalman Leib Teitelbaum Shlita, and then visited the home of the son of the Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Yoel, Rav Mendel Teitelbaum Shlita – Rov of Satmar Williamsburg. The Superintendent had flown by chopper from Albany to Brooklyn – as he was honored by State Senator Eric Adams, at a gathering of many politicians and community leaders (Click HERE for photos) – just prior to visiting Williamsburg. Senator Adams then accompanied the Superintendent on his visit to Williamsburg. Upon his arrival at the home of the Satmar Rebbe (Click HERE for photos), Superintendent Corbitt was greeted by the Rebbe and other community leaders, including Rabbi Sol Perelstein, vice-president of the Satmar congregation. Rabbi Bernard Freilich, special assistant to the Superintendent of the NY State Police, Rabbi Abe Friedman, Community Liaison to the NYPD, Rabbi Simcha Bernath, Rabbi Joel Gold Chaplain of Ulster County Sheriff’s Department, and others, who congratulated Superintendent Corbitt on his appointment by Governor David Paterson and welcomed him to his new position as head of the New York State Police and its more than 7,000 sworn members and 1,000 civilian staff. Superintendent Corbitt received a Bracha from the Rebbe, who wished him the best of luck and success in all future endeavors. The Superintendent then went to the home of Rav Mendle Teitelbaum Shlita, who is the son of the Satmar Rebbe from Kiryas Yoel. (Click HERE for photos) There he was warmly greeted by the Rov, along with various member of the Kehilla, most notably Rabbi Leib Glanz, community leader and Executive Vice President of UJCARE. First, Rabbi Glantz spoke of the importance of community relations, and how the community of Kiryas Yoel works hand-in-hand with the NYSP. The Superintendent then took the floor, and spoke of the importance of raising children in the proper way, and that children should be taught to respect one another. This deeply impressed the Rov, who explained the Superintendent that in fact the term “Derech Eretz Kodma L’Torah” – how one must have respect prior to learning – is the driving force behind the spending of $120 million just to build Yeshivos in Williamsburg in the past few years. He then wished him well, and gave him a Bracha that anytime the Jewish communities need assistance from the NYSP it should be for happy occasions, and not Chas VeShalom for anything bad. (Dov Gordon – YWN)

(Click HERE for photos) This year a few days before Pesach, YWN posted a lengthy list of locations for people to burn their Chometz. Most important, were the locations in Williamsburg and Boro Park – which unfortunately have R”L seen many serious injuries [such as burns] in previous years. This year, the locations in Williamsburg and Boro Park were manned by the dedicated volunteers of Shomrim and Chaveirim, and Boruch Hashem, there was not one incident reported by Hatzolah or the FDNY. This concept – which has been in operation in Williamsburg for the past four years without any injuries – was originally founded by Harry Kahan, a Williamsburg Hatzolah Paramedic. His cause for starting this concept, was after 20+ families spent their Pesach Seder (five years ago) in a NYC Burn Center R”L. The communities owe a dept of Hakoras Hatov (gratitude) to FDNY Assistant Chief Edward Kilduff, Deputy Commissioner Community Affairs of Mayor Bloomberg Jarrod N. Bernstein, Assistant Commissioner of Community Affairs of Mayor Bloomberg Fred Kreizman, the NYPD Precinct Commanders, the Community Affairs Officers of the 66, 70, 79, 88, and 90 precincts, and the NYC Sanitation Department. A special Hakoras Hatov must be publicly given to the Williamsburg Shomrim Patrol, most notably Yanky Itzkowitz (Shomrim Coordinator), noted Askan Avrumi Rosenberg, the Boro Park Shomrim Patrol, most notably Simcha Bernad (Shomrim Coordinator), and Chaveirim Volunteers, most notably Chaim Fleischer. Additionally, a special note of thanks must be given to Rabbi Bernard Freilich, special assistant to the Superintendent of the NY State Police, the Misaskim Organization, the local NYC Councilman, and Rabbi Edgar Gluck for arranging extra sanitation pick-up on Erev Pesach in Boro Park. (Yehuda Drudgestein)