Thanks to colossal efforts by NYS Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) and NYS Senator Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn), legislation was passed that rescued Yeshiva Shaare Torah from crippling debt. Today, the Karlsburger Rav, Rabbi Yechezkel Roth, publicly thanked Hikind and Felder for their years of hard work on behalf of the yeshiva and the many families that it serves.

As soon as he became aware that Shaare Torah was facing insurmountable property tax issues, which he believed they should be exempt from, Assemblyman Hikind began seeking a solution for the yeshiva. After carefully analyzing the situation, Hikind sponsored a bill to authorize the yeshiva to file for an application for exemption from real property taxes for certain assessment rolls. Hikind’s bill essentially allowed New York City to accept a late application from the yeshiva for certain tax exemptions that dated as far back as 1992. This made it possible for New York City to forgive all outstanding back taxes, fines, penalties and interest which totaled more than $200K.

After Hikind and Felder pushed the bill through both the Assembly and the Senate, Governor Cuomo signed off on the legislation.

“This was more than two years of work but it was certainly worth it,” said Hikind. “Yeshiva Shaare Torah is a vital center of learning and a pillar of our community. With G-d’s help, I was gratified to resolve their problem and very pleased with this positive outcome. I want to thank my colleague Simcha Felder for sponsoring this bill in the Senate, as well the Governor for signing off on the legislation.”

“Our yeshiva and our community cannot thank Assemblyman Hikind enough for how hard he works for all of us,” said Rabbi Roth.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)