Passaic Clifton Jewish Community News

Passaic to charge for handicapped parking

2012-02-10T06:52:00.001-05:00

Passaic to charge for handicapped parking

PASSAIC, N.J. (AP) - Disabled residents in a northern New Jersey town will have to start paying for handicapped parking.

Passaic has introduced an ordinance which would charge the city's 237 disabled residents $50 for a handicapped spot on their street. Those who already have spots can pay $50 to upgrade to a personalized sign.

The city used to install the signs for free and didn't charge residents to renew them. The city estimates it costs $650 to install one sign.

City Council President Gary Schaer tells The Record (http://bit.ly/wzML82 ) newspaper the city needs every penny to keep taxes from rising. Schaer says the price is less than $1 a week.

Mayor Alex Blanco says the city also wants to dissuade residents from applying for permits because parking is at a premium.

Clifton NJ police warn of impersonator canvassing homes

2012-02-08T14:29:00.001-05:00

Clifton NJ police warn of impersonator canvassing homes

Updated at 01:18 PM today

CLIFTON (WABC) -- Police in New Jersey are warning homeowners to be on the lookout for a man who poses as a cop to gain access to their homes.

According to authorities, the man struck at least three times in the area of Broad and Grove streets in Clifton on February 2.

During the late morning and early afternoon hours, the man reportedly rang door bells while dressed in dark blue clothing resembling that of a police uniform and displaying a star-shaped badge.

The suspect allegedly advised each resident that due to an influx of burglaries in the area, the Sheriff's Department was conducting a survey for the future installation of free surveillance cameras in homes located on main roads.

Two of the residents denied the suspect entry. However, one of the residents allowed the suspect inside her home, where he proceeded to survey the interior for approximately 45 minutes.

The suspect reportedly asked security-related questions while continuously writing in a notebook. At one point, police say the resident lost sight of the suspect and eventually realized that he had fled the home. It is unknown whether he stole anything during the incident.

The suspect was described as a white male in his 20s, with a medium build and straight, black hair. Anyone having experienced a similar incident, or with any information regarding these acts, is urged to contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau at 973-470-5908.

Increased Tolls To Stay In Place As Legal Battle Between AAA And Port Authority Continues

2012-02-07T16:37:00.001-05:00

Increased Tolls To Stay In Place As Legal Battle Between AAA And Port Authority Continues

By: Amanda Farinacci
NY1

Toll hikes that took effect on the Hudson River crossings last year will stay in place for now, meaning bad news for drivers hoping to keep a little more change in their pockets.

NY1's Amanda Farinacci filed the following report.
Commuters will have to keep paying more to drive into town from New Jersey, at least for now.

A federal judge said Monday that steep toll hikes implemented by the Port Authority can stay in place while a lawsuit against the increases works its way through the courts.

"This is killing me. I'm commuting every day to New Jersey to work, and it's a lot more money," said one resident.

"It's affecting me a lot because I go to New Jersey every day, so I hope they can reverse it if they can," said another.

Back in September, the Port Authority raised peak hour tolls from $8 to $9.50 for E-ZPass customers and $12 for cash customers on each of the four bridges and two tunnels that connect New York to New Jersey.

Within days, AAA went to court seeking to overturn the hike. The auto club claims it violates the federal highway act because the extra money would help pay for redeveloping the World Trade Center site, something the Port Authority itself admitted.

However, a federal judge ruled there was no evidence to support that.

"That makes me feel angry because those projects. They should get money from their own loans or whatever but not from the tolls," said one resident.

"I don't think we should pay for it, honestly. They're making so much money down there on other things, I think they got other income," said another.

The judge also ruled that AAA hasn't provided enough evidence to warrant a return to the old, lower rates, but he didn't throw the suit out entirely, giving the green light for a trial to move ahead.

"This fight is far from over," said Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis. "We are moving forward, AAA will move forward with the discovery now."

For its part, the Port Authority says it has stated all along that it believes the AAA lawsuit is without merit.

The agency says it's happy with the court's ruling.

Passaic looks to boost parking revenue, cut free parking

2012-02-07T12:25:00.001-05:00

Passaic looks to boost parking revenue, cut free parking

Date: 2/7/2012

Passaic looks to boost parking revenue, cut free parking

Hungry for money, the city is considering a plan to dramatically increase the number of parking meters and their hours of operation and to eliminate free parking on Sunday.

The cash-strapped Passaic Parking Authority has recommended installing parking meters outside the local campus of Passaic County Community College and a section of Third Ward Memorial Park on Benson Avenue two areas that draw hordes of daily commuters. The parking authority also wants to expand daily meter enforcement by two hours to 8 p.m. and eliminate traditionally free Sunday parking altogether.

The recommendations were forwarded last week to the City Council, which governs the parking authority and will decide what changes, if any, to make. A committee comprised of City Council members Terrence L. Love, Zaida Polanco and Hector C. Lora has been set up to consider the changes.

Everything is on the table and no decision has been made, Lora said. Before we do anything, we will listen to the residents because they are our first priority.

The parking authority, despite an aggressive ticket-writing campaign, is running in the red and expected to rack up a $130,000 deficit in its $1.1 million budget by the time the fiscal year ends on June 30.

The authority was supposed to operate on a break-even basis when it was created in 2006. If the recommendations become law, Passaic would become the first city in North Jersey to require commuters to plunk quarters into a meter on Sunday. Paterson, Jersey City, Hackensack and Hoboken all have free parking on Sunday.

Ted Evans, the executive director of the parking authority, said the shortfall is due mainly to a drop in the amount of money collected from parking fines. Passaic collected $569,600 in fines in the 2010 budget year, but only $469,000 last year. I guess people are paying more attention to the meter, Evans said. The trend is toward less revenue being generated through parking fines.

The City Council created the parking authority in 2006 as a way to close a $2 million budget gap. The parking authority floated $2.95 million in bonds to buy seven parking lots from the city. The debt isn't scheduled to be paid off until 2019.

For students, installing meters at Passaic County Community College was about as popular an idea as raising tuition.

Marco Cordova, 20, the vice president of the Student Government Association, said a lot of students already have trouble affording the $100-per-credit tuition cost, and he cringed at the thought of having to run out of class to feed the meter.

Were students and were part of the community, Cordova said. If anything, you would think the city would be a little flexible with us.

Passaic's downtown merchants have frequently complained that aggressive meter enforcement was hurting them as well as their businesses. Many merchants park downtown and have to pump quarters into the meter all day. In November, the parking authority began offering yearly parking permits for $2,400, but many merchants said that was too expensive.

Mohammed Hamed works at Magic Sneaker full time and spends nearly $50 a week feeding the meter. That means a lot when you're working at minimum wage, he said.

I have to pay just to come to work, Hamed said. A parking ticket costs $28 and when you make $7.50 an hour, that's a lot of money.

Down the street, Howard Kang said he was closing his shoe store located at 222 Main Ave. after being open for just one year. Kang, a native of South Korea, said business had always been slow. The economy, he said, is bad, but the parking situation downtown is real, real bad.

Business has not been good since I got here and changing the parking will not be good, he said.

City Council President Gary S. Schaer said he's heard the complaints coming from merchants and said the council is sensitive to them.

I know everyone is broke, Schaer said. But the parking authority is running a deficit. What were trying to do is put together a cohesive parking plan.

Source: Passaic Parking Authority
http://www.parking-net.com/Parking-News/parking-revenue-40985/Passaic-looks-to-boost-parking-revenue-cut-free-parking

Assemblyman Gary Schaer named Deputy Speaker of the Assembly

2012-02-07T10:57:00.001-05:00

Assemblyman Gary Schaer named Deputy Speaker of the Assembly

Assemblyman Schaer was recently named by Speaker Sheila Oliver as a Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

In this new role, the Assemblyman was honored yesterday to gavel in a quorum call of the General Assembly in order to proceed with routine business and the day's committee hearings.

Tomchei Shabbos of Passaic Video

2012-02-05T23:45:00.000-05:00

Ohel to honor Assemblyman Schaer

2012-02-03T00:48:00.000-05:00

Ohel to honor Assemblyman Schaer

Published: 20 January 2012

Schaer, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since January 2006, is chair of the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, vice-chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, and a member of the Committee on Women and Children. He has fought for religious rights in New Jersey by writing and passing into law six religious accommodation measures that aim to make life easier for those who observe their faith, including laws that require employers to provide time off for religious holidays, and alternative testing dates for students taking standardized tests and professionals taking tests for state licensure. He recently introduced legislation that would require the state’s Department of Children and Families to place foster and adopted children in homes that reflect a child’s religious heritage. Schaer is also known for advocacy on a number of issues including greater assistance for families, children and adults with Autism and developmental disabilities, property tax relief and reform, strengthening ethics laws, funding for New Jersey’s public colleges, and bringing increased fiscal responsibility to New Jersey’s budget.

Assemblyman Schaer is a former president of YBH-Hillel Academy of Passaic and a former member of the board of of the Jewish Federation of Clifton-Passaic. He lives in Passaic with his wife of 36 years, Donna, and they have three children, Jonathan, 34, a police officer, Jessica, 30, a nurse, and Emanuelle, 26, a certified Swiss watch maker.

Ohel’s Corporate Guests of Honor are Bollinger Insurance, Inc., Andrew Marks, senior executive vice president, and Bruce Tindal, executive vice president. The event pays tribute to the memory of Rita Baratz, mother of Philip and Lisa Baratz, David and Tzippora Baratz, Michael and Ellen Baratz, and Sammy and Rachellie Baratz. Rita and her husband Joe Baratz served as Ohel foster parents to many children in need of safe shelter and a loving home.

The Ohel Regional Family Center is located in Teaneck. The annual gala is Ohel’s most important fundraising event of the year. Gifts to the gala and journal will support Ohel’s Cherish the Children Campaign. For reservations, or to place a journal ad, call (718) 972-9338 or visit www.ohelfamily.org/dinner.

Big hospital merger plans part of dizzying day for N.J. medical industry

2012-02-02T22:02:00.000-05:00

Big hospital merger plans part of dizzying day for N.J. medical industry

Published: Thursday, February 02, 2012, 7:35 AM

By Star-Ledger Staff The Star-Ledger

It was a dizzying day for the hospital industry Wednesday, as executives from five North Jersey hospitals announced plans to sell, explore a merger, and seek a new buyer to shore up their stake in the state’s competitively "harsh" health care market.

Industry experts said even more sales and consolidations were looming as hospitals brace for the financial consequences of the federal health care reform law — insuring more people while cutting costs — which will take effect in two years.

Kerry McKean Kelly, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Hospitals Association, said health care reform was driving a lot of the discussions about consolidation and partnerships. "There might be a single payment for an ‘episode of care’ that would be divided between home health aides, physicians, nursing homes, hospitals," she said.

In addition, she said New Jersey’s "harsh marketplace," with high costs and limited reimbursements, was also forcing hospitals to rethink their business model.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services must approve any hospital sale or merger.

According to Wednesday's announcements:

• Hackensack University Medical Center and its investment partner, LHP Hospital Group, announced the purchase of Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge for $190 million — $160 million more than owners Merit Health Systems paid in 2007. Hackensack and LHP are already awaiting state approval to reopen Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood.

• Ascension Health Care Network of St. Louis, Mo, the nation’s largest Catholic hospital system, confirmed that it is talking to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Passaic and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, for the "potential creation of a new Catholic health care system in New Jersey," a spokesman for Ascension, Joe Orlando, said.

• Prime Healthcare of California dropped its bid to buy Christ Hospital in Jersey City. "Christ Hospital must now work through very difficult financial challenges, and it remains to be seen if there is another viable way forward," said Peter Kelly, the hospital’s president and chief executive.

• St. Luke’s Hospital and Health Network announced it would add Warren Hospital in Phillipsburg to its roster of facilities in of Lehigh Valley, Pa., with plans of reviving maternity services and investing up to $6 million in its intensive care unit.

Industry insiders also expect an announcement soon regarding Barnabas Health, the state’s biggest hospital chain, which has held lengthy talks with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey over University Hospital.

The two said in a statement that they were pursuing an affiliation, but that any change would "preserve the clinical, academic and research alignment between The University Hospital and the UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School." Industry observers have said this simply means Barnabas Health would run University Hospital.

The new owners of Mountainside told employees there would be no layoffs, and that services would be expanded if the state Department of Health and Senior Services approved the sale.

"There will be no impact to staff at all — everyone will be hired for the same positions and same salary,’’ a spokeswoman for the hospital group, Pat Ball, said. "There are no plans to discontinue services."

The collapse of talks involving the purchase of Christ Hospital by Prime Healthcare — which is under investigation in California — was welcome news for the nurses’ union, which publicly fought the sale

"This welcome withdrawal of Prime Healthcare from its intended purchase of our community hospital represents a new opportunity to protect access to quality health care for our patients and residents," said Ann Twomey, president of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees.

Ascension’s arrival would preserve the dwindling prese3nce of Catholic hospitals in the state, said Donald Malafronte of the Urban Health Institute. "St. Mary’s has been marketed around for awhile," he said, while St. Joseph’s is carrying a lot of debt.
By Susan K. Livio and Seth Augenstein/The Star-Ledger
The Express-Times of Easton, Pa., contributed to this report.

N.J. man admits firebombing 2 Bergen County synagogues, prosecutor says

2012-02-02T07:39:00.001-05:00

N.J. man admits firebombing 2 Bergen County synagogues, prosecutor says

The Associated Press
Posted: 01/31/2012 11:54 AM

BERGEN COUNTY — Authorities say a New Jersey man admitted firebombing two New Jersey synagogues, telling investigators he continued to throw incendiary devices after he heard screams.

Anthony Graziano pleaded not guilty today to an additional charge that he planned to attack a Jewish center in Passaic. The attack was never carried out.

A judge reduced the 19-year-old's bail from $5 million to $2.5 million, saying he doesn't have the money to post bond.

Graziano had previously pleaded not guilty to nine counts of attempted murder as well as bias intimidation and arson charges for a Jan. 11 attack on a Rutherford synagogue and a Jan. 3 firebombing of a Paramus synagogue.

The Record of Woodland Park reports authorities in court also said the suspect researched how to construct and throw the devices.

Lakewood Parnassah Fair

2012-02-02T07:36:00.002-05:00

PCJCN was asked by the organizers of the Lakewood Parnassah Fair to alert our readers to the upcoming event.

Firebombing Material Found Near Other Synagogue; Police Search More Than 70 Sites

2012-01-27T06:43:00.001-05:00

Firebombing Material Found Near Other Synagogue; Police Search More Than 70 Sites

Cliffview Pilot

Bergen County, NJ - Store-bought materials similar to those used in both the firebombing of a Rutherford rabbi's home and an attempted arson at a Paramus synagogue were found outside another temple in Bergen County this week, raising the possibility that at least one other attack was planned.

Authorities found the materials left outside the synagogue after questioning Anthony M. Graziano—but before K9 sweeps for "accelerants and flammables" began Wednesday afternoon.

"He wasn't always riding the bike with these devices," one of them said. "He would hide [them] at the location and then go back later."

A squad of specially trained dogs was dispatched Wednesday afternoon to search for accelerants within a 10-mile radius of Graziano's home.

"It's more a matter of putting everybody at ease than anything else," although there remains an admittedly scant possibility that other "pre-deployed devices" might be found, one of the law enforcement sources told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

The radius was chosen because Graziano doesn't have a car. Authorities allege he made several trips to and from various targets on his bicycle.

Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli announced Wednesday afternoon that he requested the sweeps.

In turn, Bergen County Police Lt. James Giblin—who is heading the initiative—called on the sheriffs in Essex and Morris, as well as the state Fire Marshal, through the State Police "Detect and Render Safe Task Force," to boost the ranks of his specially trained unit and assure in-depth searches.

The team headed by Giblin covered nearly half of 70 listed sites on Wednesday. The investigators were to resume today.
Molinelli said he went public with the information so that if people see the dogs and uniformed officers around, they'll "be aware of [the] purpose and objective."

Graziano remains held on $5 million bail in the Bergen County Jail on charges that include several counts of attempted murder following a brief court hearing Wednesday in Hackensack.

Lodi Teen Accused in Rutherford, Paramus Arsons

2012-01-24T13:02:00.001-05:00

Lodi Teen Accused in Rutherford, Paramus Arsons

19-year-old charged with attempted murder

By Myles Ma | 12:17 pm

Police arrested a Lodi teen in the firebombing of a Rutherford synagogue and an arson at a Paramus temple, Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli announced Tuesday.

Anthony M. Graziano, 19, was charged with nine counts of attempted murder and one count each of bias intimidation and aggravated arson in connection with the Rutherford incident. He was also charged with aggravated arson, arson and bias intimidation in the Paramus incident, Molinelli said.

Rabbi Neil Schuman woke up to find his bedroom on fire on Jan. 11, after someone through several incendiary devices through his window at Congregation Beth El in Rutherford. Schuman suffered minor burns while putting out the fire, but escaped the house safely with his family.

On Friday, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office released video and images of a man purchasing parts for the incendiary device used in the attack, Molinelli said. On Monday, authorities received a number of tips identifying the man as Graziano, Molinelli said.

Police went to Graziano's Lodi home and interviewed Graziano and several relatives and friends. They also gathered evidence at the home after executing a search warrant, Molinelli said.

Graziano was also charged in an arson at a Paramus synagogue. Police found two burn marks on the rear wall of Congregation K'Hal Adath Jeshurun on Jan. 3.

Police said the fire was caused by an an accelerant, but went out before doing damage.

Rutherford: Arrest in NJ Synagogue Firebomb

2012-01-24T11:54:00.001-05:00

Arrest in NJ Synagogue Firebomb

JONATHAN DIENST and SHIMON PROKUPECZ

Posted: 01/24/2012 11:45 AM

NBC New York has learned that authorities have arrested a suspect wanted in connection with an early-morning firebombing at a northern New Jersey synagogue where a rabbi and his family were sleeping.

No one was injured when someone threw several objects, including a rigged aerosol can and a Molotov cocktail, into the synagogue in Rutherford on Jan. 11, but the county prosecutor said the incident was being considered an attempted murder case.

The synagogue is one component of the building, which houses Congregation Beth El, a school and Rabbi Nosson Schuman and his family.

One of the firebomb devices crashed through Schuman's second-floor bedroom window at about 4:30 a.m., burning him on the hand. His wife, five children and mother- and father-in-law escaped unscathed.

Authorities released photos of a possible suspect last week. He was seen on surveillance video wearing a red and black track suit, black sneakers and a red wool skullcap. He was carrying a camouflage backpack.

Man Wanted for Questioning in NJ Firebomb

2012-01-20T15:58:00.001-05:00

Man Wanted for Questioning in NJ Firebomb

Posted: 01/20/2012 1:42 PM

Authorities have released photos of a person wanted for questioning in relation to a firebombing at a northern New Jersey synagogue, a building where a rabbi and his family were sleeping.

No one was injured when someone threw several objects, including a rigged aerosol can and a Molotov cocktail, into the synagogue in Rutherford on Jan. 11, but the county prosecutor said authorities are investigating the incident as an attempted murder case.

The synagogue is one component of the building, which also houses Congregation Beth El, a school and Rabbi Nosson Schuman and his family.

The suspect is described by Bergen County prosecutors as having brown to black hair and a beard, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall to 6 feet 1 inch tall, and is said to be between 18 and 30 years old with a thin to medium build.

He was seen on surveillance video wearing a red and black track suit, black sneakers and a red wool skullcap. He was carrying a camouflage backpack.

One of the firebomb devices crashed through Schuman's second-floor bedroom window at about 4:30 a.m., burning him on the hand. His wife, five children and mother- and father-in-law escaped unscathed.

While prosecutors are considering religious hatred a possible motive, Schuman says the modest congregation in the quiet residential Rutherford neighborhood has never before been threatened.

No Snow? Wait Until Tomorrow

2012-01-20T07:52:00.001-05:00

No Snow? Wait Until Tomorrow

Posted: 01/20/2012 7:38 AM
NBC New York

Some parts of the tri-state saw just a light dusting of snow when a clipper passed through the area Thursday, but a more complex winter storm system approaching the region is expected to pack a bigger punch this weekend.

Meteorologists say light snow is expected to develop across the tri-state after midnight, with the worst of the storm smacking the metropolitan area Saturday morning.

Forecasters expect the highest snow totals to accumulate north of the city, with less of the white stuff piling up along the coast. Still, the city could see up to 5 inches of snow with localized higher amounts by Saturday morning.

The storm is expected to move out by mid-afternoon Saturday, giving way to temperatures just above freezing. Lingering low clouds could contribute to a light freezing rain inland as mid-level moisture moves off to the east.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the five boroughs, Long Island and parts of Connecticut from 1 a.m. Saturday until 4 p.m. Saturday, though forecasters expect that advisory may escalate to a watch or warning as the storm approaches.

The National Weather Service has already issued a winter storm watch for Sussex, Warren, Morris, Passaic, Bergen and Essex counties in New Jersey. Forecasters say 4 to 8 inches of snow are possible in those areas.

Partly sunny skies return Sunday with highs in the high 30s. By Monday, meteorologists expect temperatures to turn mild again, with highs in the low 50s. The warm, albeit rainy, trend is expected to last the week.

PSE&G announces bill credit to be included in February bills

2012-01-19T10:28:00.001-05:00

(Press Release) PSE&G announces bill credit to be included in February bills

On top of 35 percent total savings since January 2009

(Newark, NJ – January 18, 2012) PSE&G announced today that it is providing a bill credit to be included in February residential gas bills. The bill credit will be 15 cents per therm on all February usage. That means that residential customers who use 200 therms in the month of February will see a reduction of $30 included in their bills. Depending on meter reading dates, many customers will see some of the reduction in February and the rest in March.

This latest action by the utility is in addition to the eight decreases in a row for residential customers, for a total of more than $614, or 35 percent, in savings since January, 2009.

Lower market prices for gas, which are partially due to the availability of abundant and lower cost shale gas, are making it possible for PSE&G to pass these cost savings along to customers.

"The bill credit, in addition to other recent gas cost decreases passed through to customers in recent years, will provide a much needed positive impact for our customers in these challenging times," said Joseph A. Forline, PSE&G vice president for customer operations.

This bill credit comes as temperatures are dropping and customers try to keep their winter heating bills affordable. In addition to the bill credit, the utility offers suggestions for steps customers can take to reduce their costs even further.

Visit PSE&G's Home Energy Toolkit at www.pseg.com/toolkit. You can calculate the energy efficiency of your home and find out how to save energy and money on appliances and heating systems.

Lower your thermostat by just one degree, which may reduce your heating bill by up to 3 percent. Save even more by lowering your thermostat 2 degrees during the day and 5 to 10 degrees at bedtime if health conditions permit. Clean or replace the furnace filter on hot air heating systems.

If your budget permits, install (or have installed) a programmable thermostat that you can set to automatically lower room temperatures when rooms are not in use and also at bedtime if health conditions permit.

Bergen County anti-Semitic arson, vandalism incidents spark solidarity among community

2012-01-17T11:01:00.001-05:00

Bergen County anti-Semitic arson, vandalism incidents spark solidarity among community

Dan Goldberg/The Star-Ledger
Posted: 01/17/2012 9:00 AM

BERGEN COUNTY — The firebombing that was meant to divide and terrorize has instead brought together a diverse coalition to renounce bigotry.

Following an interfaith service meant to show solidarity, clergy, elected officials and dozens of citizens signed letters calling last week's firebombing of a Rutherford synagogue a "terroristic act" and offering solace.

The support has touched Rabbi Nosson Schuman, who burned his hand when someone threw five Molotov cocktails through the second-floor window of Congregation Beth El in Rutherford, which doubles as his home.

"I thought it was a great gathering," Schuman said Monday. "We had all faiths, all cultures and everyone supporting each other. It was the greatness of humanity, almost a Messianic image."

MESSAGE RESONATES ON MLK DAY

Humanity's darker side has been on display in the last six weeks as a spate of anti-Semitic incidents has plagued Bergen County.

"We wish to express, in the clearest terms possible, that any attack on a house of worship in Bergen County is an attack on everyone in Bergen County," one statement reads, which was signed by legislators, law enforcement officials and clergy. "

Signers said they chose to release the letter on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday to echo King's famous saying: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

"You must stand up to acts of violence such as this," said Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-Passaic), one of more than two dozen lawmakers to sign. "You have to ensure that we put out the message that this is something we will not stand for, that we will unite against."

The FBI is investigating the incident as a federal bias crime and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office is pursuing an attempted murder investigation. The Anti-Defamation League raised to $7,500 its reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

Schuman said he is planning more interfaith events.

"You never know what gets the ball rolling," he said. "If this can be an impetus for something bigger, that would be great."

The increasingly violent anti-Semitic incidents began Dec. 10 when vandals spray-painted swastikas, "Jews did 9/11" and other graffiti at Reconstructionist Temple Beth Israel in Maywood. Less than two weeks later, similar graffiti was found at Temple Beth El, a conservative synagogue in Hackensack. Then, on Jan. 3, arsonists used an accelerant to start a fire in the rear of Congregation K'Hal Adath Jeshurun in Paramus. No one was injured.

The five Molotov cocktails thrown Wednesday led to a fire in the second-floor bedroom. Schuman suffered second-degree burns to his left hand; his family escaped safely.

Schuman said one of the Molotov cocktails landed on his bed, where he and his wife, Pessy, were sleeping. When their blanket was engulfed in flames, Pessy Schuman ran to the couple's five children while the rabbi extinguished flames, some of which had spread to the carpet and a window.

"Please know that your neighbors across New Jersey stand with you and are ready to help in any way possible," read a separate letter to the rabbi signed by more than 50 residents from Essex, Morris and Passaic counties. "There are residents from all walks of life in New Jersey who are committed to make sure that this will not happen again. We are among them."

New Jersey Assemblyman Gary Schaer To Receive the “Legislator of the Year” Award at the OHEL Annual Gala

2012-01-17T10:42:00.000-05:00

Moishe Hellman, President of OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services, announced that the agency’s Annual Gala will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at the New York Hilton Hotel, NYC. The gala event kicks off with a Reception at 5:00 pm, followed by Dinner at 6:00 pm. The focus of this year’s Dinner is OHEL’s Cherish the Children campaign.

OHEL is proud to share this special evening with a distinguished slate of individuals deserving recognition. Assemblyman Gary Schaer is slated to receive the “Legislator of the Year” Award. Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer has served in the NJ General Assembly since January 2006.

The Assemblyman currently serves as Chairman of the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee and as a member of the Committee on Women and Children.

Assemblyman Schaer has successfully championed several legislative accomplishments. He has fought to expand religious rights in New Jersey by writing and passing into law six religious accommodation measures that aim to make life easier for those that observe their particular faith. He has written laws that require employers to provide time off for religious holidays, and that require alternative testing dates for students taking standardized tests and professionals such as attorneys or doctors taking a test for state licensure, among other measures. He recently introduced legislation that would require the NJ Department of Children and Families to place foster and adopted children in homes that reflect a child’s religious heritage.

“A child’s religious and cultural backgrounds are significant aspects of determining the best interests of the child,” said Schaer. “That’s why it’s so important that the placement of a child into foster care or adoption should be consistent with their religious and cultural backgrounds, unless it’s proven by convincing evidence that such placement is not in the best interests of the child.”

“A child’s religion should not be changed because of the placement into foster care or into adoption,” Schaer said. “Reasonable effort should be to ensure the continuity of the child’s religious upbringing. It’s the right thing to do.”

"We thank Assemblyman Schaer for taking the lead in proposing legislation on maintaining a child's religious upbringing in adoption or foster care,” said David Mandel, the chief executive officer of OHEL Children's Home and Family Services, Inc. “This legislation will help ensure and provide continued stability on one of life's most important choices during a period of trauma and turmoil a young child may be experiencing as they enter foster care. We look forward to continuing to support this effort as part of the overall important work DYFS is working hard to achieve."

Assemblyman Schaer also has become known for advocacy on a number of issues including greater assistance for families, children and adults with Autism and developmental disabilities, property tax relief and reform, strengthening ethics laws, funding for New Jersey’s public colleges, and bringing increased fiscal responsibility to New Jersey’s budget.

Assemblyman Schaer is a past President of YBH-Hillel Academy of Passaic and past member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Clifton-Passaic.

Assemblyman Schaer resides in Passaic with his wife of 36 years, Donna. They have three children, Jonathan, age 34 and a police officer, Jessica, age 30 and a nurse, and Emanuelle, age 26 a certified Swiss watch maker.

Assemblyman Schaer is joined this year by honorees that also have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to cherishing and elevating the lives of people of all ages and are among OHEL’s most loyal friends and supporters. This year’s Corporate Guests of Honor are Bollinger Insurance, Inc., Andrew Marks, Senior Executive VP and Bruce Tindal, Executive VP.

The Gala pays tribute to the memory of Rita Baratz, A”H, proud mother of Philip and Lisa Baratz, David and Tzippora Baratz, Michael and Ellen Baratz, and Sammy and Rachellie Baratz. Rita and her husband Joe served as exemplary OHEL foster parents to many children in need of safe shelter and a loving home.

Patrick, I. Borgen, M.D. will be honored with OHEL’s Humanitarian Award at the Annual Gala. Dr. Patrick I. Borgen has cared with kindness for many people in our community and is highly respected and admired for his acts of charity. Dr. Borgen is Chair of the Department of Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York and heads the Brooklyn Breast Cancer Program at Maimonides Cancer Center.

The OHEL Regional Family Center is centrally located in Teaneck, NJ, at 696 Palisade Avenue just off Cedar Lane. Believing that proactive intervention yields the best success, some of the services that OHEL provides include: Teacher training sessions for local Yeshiva Day and High Schools, Sexual Abuse Training for guidance departments, Divorce workshops for parents and children and workshops dealing with loss of children. OHEL is proud to have a team of seasoned therapists who provide expert counseling in a plethora of family crisis management areas.

OHEL—and its many friends and supporters—are committed to the fundamental principle that every child deserves to be cherished. For more than forty-two years, OHEL has provided critical programs and services to help ensure that children are protected, well cared for, loved and encouraged to thrive. OHEL foster families, its domestic abuse shelters, summer camp, programs for the siblings of children with developmental disabilities, and its residential facilities are just some of the many ways in which OHEL has cherished our community’s children for more than four decades.

Support for the Annual Gala will give children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to attend summer camp alongside their typically developing peers; respite and support to the parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders; access to the best medical care for children living with OHEL foster families; among many other important programs and services.

OHEL Bais Ezra, the Lifetime Care Foundation and Camp Kaylie have served thousands in communities throughout the New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas, as well as in South Florida for more than four decades. While, the needs of the Jewish community have continued to grow and change since OHEL’s founding in 1969, it continues to meet the community’s evolving needs with the highest quality programs and services. The Annual Gala is OHEL’s most important fundraising event of the year. Many of its programs receive little or no government funding, and OHEL relies on the participation of its generous friends and supporters to ensure that OHEL can continue to elevate the lives of thousands of individuals and families every day. Gifts to the 2012 Annual Gala and Journal will support OHEL’s Cherish the Children Campaign.

Please join us! For Annual Dinner Gala reservations, to place a Journal ad, or to learn more about the event, please visit www.OHELfamily.org/dinner or call 718.972.9338.

Former Secaucus, Passaic official ordered to pre-trial intervention program after Hoboken drug arrest

2012-01-15T03:14:00.001-05:00

Former Secaucus, Passaic official ordered to pre-trial intervention program after Hoboken drug arrest

Stephanie Musat/ For The Jersey Journal
Posted: 01/14/2012 11:15 AM

Former Secaucus town administrator Anthony Iacono, who was arrested last February for cocaine possession in Hoboken, has entered a pre-trial intervention program as part of his plea agreement with Hudson County Superior Court.

Iacono, who was employed as business administrator of Passaic at the time of his arrest,was admitted to the program after he pleaded guilty to the DWI arrest in Hoboken, and successful completion of the program could lead for the charges being dropped against him.

Guy Gregory, first assistant for the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, said if he keeps out of trouble for a year, the charges will be dropped against him. He also told The Record that Iacono will be subject to random drug testing while in the program.

Iacono was charged with cocaine possession, tampering with physical evidence, driving while intoxicated and lesser motor vehicle violations. Police told The Jersey Journal in February that he was driving a city-issued car.

Police said he was pulled over for driving the wrong way down a one-way street. When police approached the car, they saw Iacono push something into the snow. It was later determined to be cocaine, according to police.

Iacono lost his license for three months and was ordered to pay a $250 fine. He was immediately removed from his position in Passaic after his arrest.

Iacono accepted the terms of the plea bargain rather than standing trial with possible jail sentencing.

Bergen County Authorities Launch 24-hour Joint Patrols of Religious Sites After Bias Attacks

2012-01-14T18:20:00.001-05:00

Bergen County Authorities Launch 24-hour Joint Patrols of Religious Sites After Bias Attacks

County patrols will support local police efforts.

By Noah Cohen | 12:02 am

County police and sheriff's officers have begun 24-hour joint patrols of religious sites across Bergen County in the wake of a string of bias attacks targeting the Jewish community, authorities said Friday.

Marked units from the two departments are working in cooperation with local police to check ethnic community centers and religious sites from a range of faiths, Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli said in a statement.

"All community and religious centers will benefit from the strategy, including synagogues, mosques, churches and other houses of worship," Molinelli said.

Law enforcement officials and Jewish community leaders met Thursday in Paramus to discuss the rash of hate crimes. The attacks began in December when synagogues in Maywood and Hackensack were defaced with anti-Semitic graffiti, including swastikas. The crimes escalated this month when a small fire was set at Congregation K'Hal Adath Jeshuran in Paramus, and Congregation Beth El in Rutherford was firebombed, injuring Rabbi Nosson Schuman.

Molinelli said the attack Wednesday in Rutherford was being treated as an attempted murder. The Anti-Defamation League announced Friday it was tripling its reward to $7,500 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the hate crime spree.

The patrols would continue until authorities "are satisfied that the Rutherford incident was isolated and will not repeat," Molinelli said in an email. Overtime costs from the joint effort will be covered by the prosecutor's office.

Swastikas were also discovered Friday in Fair Lawn, but police said the vandalism could be tied to a rash of other anti-Semitic graffiti found in Fair Lawn and at Van Saun County Park in Paramus over the past couple weeks.

Anyone with information can call the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office at 201-226-5651.

Myles Ma and Zak Koeske contributed to this report

My Decision to Go to Washington as the Representative of the 9th District of New Jersey

2012-01-13T14:57:00.001-05:00

(Reposted from passaicjews.com)

BS"D

Dear Friends,

Many years ago my wife and I put a menorah in our front lawn. When asked why we left it up all year, we explained, "although the miracle of Chanukah occurred on a specific date, we must always keep before us its message of universal freedom, of acknowledging G-d's presence, and of 'a little light pushes away great darkness.' It is a permanent part of our house because it serves as a landmark, so that all of you will know that here is a place of Torah and a place that welcomes all. But it is also a permanent part of our house because it reminds us of our responsibilities, not just as a rabbi and rebbitzin, not even just as Jews, but as human beings."

I was reminded of this a few months ago, during Sukkos. My children and I were discussing the current state of affairs in this country, and indeed around the world. It was the kind of discussion I'm sure we've all had with friends and family. But this one was different. My children challenged me. They said, "Tati, you have to go to Washington and change things. If not, it's all just idle talk."

I put that challenge aside. Or tried to. Because every day I saw the menorah in my front yard and I was reminded of the battle the Maccabees fought so long ago - a battle for religious freedom, for tolerance, for the dignity of all mankind, for the morality of the Torah. I was reminded, every time I saw the menorah, of the verse in Psalms, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have founded strength…" I was reminded of the Talmudic sage who stated that he learned most from his students. And I was reminded of the declaration in Ethics of our Fathers: "In a place where there is no man, strive to be a man."

I realized that if I was to be the father my children thought I was, if I was to justify their trust and their upbringing, if I was to be honest, the man of integrity who put a menorah on his front lawn because he fervently believed that "a little light can indeed push away great darkness" - then I would have to accept their challenge. I would have to go to Washington.

Those of you who know me know that I do not have a "still small voice." But you know that in all I do I try to make my voice the voice of Jacob.

I am writing to tell you I have decided to run for Congress. I am running as an independent for the House of Representatives. On Sunday, my wife and I are hosting a meeting. I invite you to come, to ask questions, to get to know my positions, to get involved, to offer your support.

Please act now to make this a reality:
(1) Join us this Sunday, January 15, at 7:30 pm, at our home 104 Howard Avenue, Passaic, to hear more, identify what you can do to make this a reality and get to work.
(2) Sign up to get involved and receive campaign updates.
(3) Volunteer to become a leader in the campaign for freedom.
(4) Educate yourself and your family about what's at stake. We will soon add a "what's at stake" section to the website that will discuss the issues at hand and the positions and actions necessary to remain free.
(5) Educate yourself and your family about the heroic examples of people who stood strong for freedom and refused to bow to the dictates of those who seek to control others, so you can also learn to lead.
(6) Donate to the campaign so the campaign can reach every resident of this district.
(7) Vote and persuade all your neighbors and fellow residents to vote.
(8) Tell your family, friends and relatives in other districts around the country so that others are inspired to lead.

There are 297 days left to our post-election celebration. Please join us today.

With blessings for success in all endeavors,

Gut Shabbos,

Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Smith
rabbi@lgeulah.org

Officials pledge federal resources for investigation into temple firebombing, bias crimes

2012-01-13T12:08:00.001-05:00

Officials pledge federal resources for investigation into temple firebombing, bias crimes

S.P. Sullivan, NJ.com
Posted: 01/12/2012 10:39 PM

PARAMUS — Federal elected officials from North Jersey and across the state pledged resources in the investigation into the firebombing of a Rutherford synagogue at a meeting convened to discuss safety at Jewish temples Thursday night.

Rabbi Nosson Schuman joined members of New Jersey's Congressional delegation and local officials as he recounted the early-morning attack on his synagogue and home early Wednesday.

Jewish leaders had already been planning a summit to discuss increased security measures after a series of anti-Semitic crimes committed at Bergen County synagogues when Shuman's Congregation Beth-El temple, where he also lived with his family, was attacked by one or more arsonists wielding Molotov cocktails.

The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey hosted the summit at their Paramus headquarters, which was filled to capacity with leaders from the Jewish community and other faiths. The meeting was called prior to the firebombing, after a series of vandalism cases and another arson attempt at Bergen County temples.

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, Rep. Scott Garrett, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Rep. Steve Rothman and Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan joined Schuman in a press conference following the meeting to discuss the incident and what was being done to root out the alleged arsonists and prevent further attacks.

"There is no earthly reason why this kind of hatred at this point in time should be allowed to exist," Lautenberg said.

The meeting itself was kept private for security reasons, organizers said, and the media was not invited to attend. At the briefing following the session, however, Donovan outlined some of the particulars that were discussed.

"There were two different levels," she said. "One was, you can put in security cameras, you can put in low level lighting and different kinds of windows and doors, you can do keycards. But some of it was very basic, like, if you have a lock, make sure the door is locked when you leave. Make sure you know who is at your house of worship so that if a stranger comes, they may be welcome, but you know why they're there."

The FBI is now involved in the investigation, which is being treated as an attempted homicide, and if caught the person or persons responsible could face more than 50 years in prison, officials said. Lautenberg and the North Jersey congressmen in attendance took turns pledging their help to allocate necessary federal funds to the investigation and increased security measures as well.

Rep. Rothman said he had been told by Bergen County law enforcement that the region's Jewish temples and other houses of worship would be under random, passive surveillance following the attacks. Schuman and his family are also under the protection of the Rutherford police.

"I think there's going to be much more awareness of what's going on, and I think it's going to be much more difficult for the next attacks to take place," he said.

Schuman said he hopes that something good will come of the increased attention on issues of anti-Semitism and religious intolerance in the wake of the firebombing, and that he'd been heartened by the reaction from the community and elected officials.

"We've had an outpouring of support, from my own community in Rutherford and from all over the state — nationwide, as well," Schuman said. "And what I've seen is the beauty of the American people."

Governor Christie Condemns Bias Attacks on Bergen County Synagogues

2012-01-12T20:54:00.002-05:00

Passaic: Cops On High Alert After Fire Bomb Attack

2012-01-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

Cops On High Alert After Fire Bomb Attack

By MARIO DIAZ

pix11.com
@mariopix11

9:46 p.m. EST, January 11, 2012

video: http://www.wpix.com/news/wpix-passaic-on-alert-hate-crimes,0,710877.story

PASSAIC, NJ (PIX11)— While Passaic detectives assisted police in Rutherford with their investigation following Wednesday morning's sinister pyro attack, authorities back at headquarters along Passaic St. were already on high alert. The goal? To catch the fire-bomber before he lights up in their backyard.

PIX 11 took a ride with Detective Captain Ross Capuana a lifer of the force and of Passaic, "I'm 44-years-old. I was born in 1967. I became a police officer 22-years-ago. Captain about six to seven years ago. I love working in this town. I was born and raised here. My dad still lives in this town," Capuana said during a ride along.

After the firebombing at the Congregation Beth El, a short drive from his hometown, Capuana knew this would be a different day, "My reaction was that we were going to have a very busy day. We know that when you deal with a bias incident like the one that occurred last night in Rutherford, that the awareness of the Jewish Community was going to be lifted ten-fold."

When asked if he ever recalled a Molotov cocktail cocktail hate crime in Passaic, Capuana said, "No, it hasn't happened in this town since I've been involved in this police department."

In a town like Passaic, which houses one of the largest Jewish communities in the nation, with approximately 1500 Orthodox families, news of a firebomber means the force has to be even more proactive. "We are a soft target without a doubt," said Capuana. When asked to provide further insight to his answer, "A soft target into regards that it's not an industrial building like the World Trade Center or Empire State Building, but one that's not known to the outside, but we know that in this town that it makes up a large part of our community.

PIX 11 did speak with Rabbi Ron Eisenman from Temple Ahavas Israel in Passiac. Rabbi Eisenman indicated he was tempering his concern to avoid overreacting and creating a frenzy. Seconds later, he also added we want to be secure and cautious.

Snow, ice, rain and wind forecast to hit N.J. in wild end to week's weather

2012-01-11T22:20:00.000-05:00

Snow, ice, rain and wind forecast to hit N.J. in wild end to week's weather

Published: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 3:34 PM Updated: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 6:59 PM

By Stephen Stirling/The Star-Ledger The Star-Ledger

A one-two punch of storms is expected to wreak havoc in New Jersey through the end of the week, potentially bringing heavy rain, snow, freezing rain and 40 mph winds to the Garden State over the next 48 hours.

The pair of storms is expected to move in later today and could make many of the next several commutes miserable, and at times, potentially dangerous.

A winter weather advisory was issued by the National Weather Service this morning for Sussex County, where a quick burst of snow could turn to freezing rain after 8 p.m. tonight, creating hazardous travel conditions overnight before the precipitation changes over to a steady rain.

Snow accumulations are expected to amount to just an inch, while up to a tenth of an inch of ice could accumulate, according to the weather service.

The National Weather Service at Mount Holly cautions that travel could become hazardous at times, especially on secondary roads, where conditions could become slick quickly. Freezing rain is especially dangerous because it freezes on contact with the surface, and turning what looks like a wet roadway into an icy mess.

For the rest of the state, a steady, soaking rain is expected, which could be heavy at times. Minor flooding is not out of the question where heavier rain falls, according to forecasters.

The forecast gets even more complex Thursday night into Friday morning, when a strong cold front diving in from Canada sweeps across the northeast. The National Weather Service said temperatures should fall fast tomorrow night, and rain could quickly change to snow across northern New Jersey.

Enough energy may be present in the atmosphere to create lines of snow squalls, or brief and often extremely intense bursts of snow typically accompanied by heavy winds, the weather service said. Snow squalls can be dangerous and downright frightening to drive through, as snowfall rates can easily exceed 1 inch per hour and visibilities can be reduced to almost nothing in moments.
Snow squalls are similar to thunderstorms in their brief, dramatic intensity and how they form. A rumble of thunder is not out of the question as the atmosphere becomes unstable with the passage of the cold front, according to AccuWeather meteorologist Henry Margusity. This should primarily affect northern and central New Jersey, the weather service said.
Things should quiet down by Friday, but gusty winds of up to 40 mph and temperatures in the 30s and low 40s are expected throughout the day.