[PHOTO LINK BELOW] Boro Park – Approximately 40 administrators of Bais Yaakovs & Girls Schools convened at the Misaskim Headquarters in Boro Park today to meet with the NYPD to discuss an important issue which Askonim feel needs to be addressed.
As summer approaches, the community must be reminded of two unfortunate incidents which occurred over the 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 friends house and then abducted. Detectives working both cases have 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 and have him placed behind bars.
Now, as summer approaches, the weather gets warmer each day, and children are spending more & more time playing outdoors, there is concern that this predator may choose to strike once more.
Rabbi Yanky Meyer of Misaskim addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of this issue, and asked each school administrator to please 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 rescudled. All attending NYPD Brass rushed from the funeral straight to the meeting.
Inspector DeBlasio of the 66th Pct 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 about terrorism”, DeBlasio said.
DeBlasio also touched on another topic briefly. “People are saying that since the economy is bad, crime is on the rise. This is not true, and quite the contrary, DeBlasio said. “In the 1st quarter of this year, there has been a record low crime rate since 1969″
Inspector Ralph Monteforte of the 70th Pct spoke about the importance of being vigilant. If you see any suspicious vehicles parked near your school or homes, or if the 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 highlighted speaker, 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 & 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.
Also addressing the gathering was Inspector Theresa Shortell (NYPD Citywide Commanding Officer for Special Victim Bureau) importance of cooperation with NYPD detectives should Chas Veshalom something happen. Additionally, she mentioned the recent updated measures [such as sensitivity] that her department has implementsd in dealing with a crime of this nature involving the Orthodox Community.
While speaking with YWN, the Chief gave the following safety rules which parents should discuss with their children:
*Never accept any gifts or candies from any strangers.
*Never go anywhere with a stranger even if it sounds like fun.
*Run away or scream if someone follows or attempts to force you into a car.
*Never do something that you are told to keep a secret from your parents.
*Always ask parent permission to leave the yard, house or play area before going someplace else.
*Say no to anyone who tries to make you do something your parent said was wrong or in touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
*Avoid dressing your children with names on their clothing, since children trust strangers that call them by their names.
Also addressing the meeting was Dr. Biberfield of Maimonides Hospital, and Dr. Norman Blumenthal & Rabbi Yaakov Klar of the Misaskim/Chai Life Line Crisis Intervention Team.
Misaskim wishes everyone a safe & health summer.
YWN PHOTO LINK: Click HERE for photos.
(Dov Gordon – YWN)
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THESE SAFETY RULES SHOULD BE TAUGHT AND REVIEWED IN A SCHOOL SETTING ALSO:
*Never accept any gifts or candies from any strangers.
*Never go anywhere with a stranger even if it sounds like fun.
*Run away or scream if someone follows or attempts to force you into a car.
*Never do something that you are told to keep a secret from your parents.
*Always ask parent permission to leave the yard, house or play area before going someplace else.
*Say no to anyone who tries to make you do something your parent said was wrong or in touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
*Avoid dressing your children with names on their clothing, since children trust strangers that call them by their names.