VIDEO LINK BELOW: The Vaad Harabbonim of Flatbush Political Action Committee announced that at their monthly meeting last night their board, consisting of 80 Rabbis, voted to endorse Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg for re-election.

Serving 250,000 Jews (including 75,000 in Synagogue congregations) and located in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn, the Vaad is one of the most influential Orthodox rabbinical boards in New York City, and is considered the largest local Orthodox rabbinic body in the world today.  The Vaad’s rabbis serve as the spiritual leaders and teachers in synagogues, yeshivas, and Jewish institutions throughout the Greater Flatbush area.

“To know what our future will be, we might take a look at our past.  In nearly eight years, we have experienced safer streets, more access to quality healthcare and other vital services for our elderly and children,” said Rabbi Herbert Bomzer, President of the Vaad, Chairman of the PAC and Rabbi Melvin Burg, Executive Vice President of the Vaad, in their endorsement statement.  “No one has been more dedicated to bridging communities, including the Jewish community, and understanding them then our current Mayor.  It is because of the strength and support that he has given the community that the Vaad Harabbonim of Flatbush is proud to endorse Mayor Mike Bloomberg for re –election.” 

“The Vaad Harabbonim of Flatbush is an organization that plays an important role in providing thousands of New Yorkers spiritual guidance and essential services.  It is because of this that I am honored today to receive their endorsement,” Mayor Bloomberg said.  “The Vaad has always shared my vision of lowering crime, growing the economy, and standing up for the tough issues.  They understand community cooperation is needed by government to keep our City moving forward especially now through tough fiscal times.  They appreciate the tremendous everyday work that the city and its agencies do in an effort to provide a good quality of life to the residents in their neighborhood.”

Since 2002, crime is down nearly 30% citywide, and in the local 70th Pct. Police district, overall crime is down nearly 36%.  Murder and rape incidence remain down nearly 50% in the High Impact Zone that was created within that district.  Committed to helping businesses start, operate, and expand in New York City, Mayor Bloomberg established new business solution centers in 2004 that have served approximately 7,000 businesses in Kings County.  Regardless of the size or stage of the business, the new business centers help provide access to services that help them continue to grow and expand.

VIDEO LINK: Click HERE for video.