AG James on the Passing of Rabbi Lider
New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement on the death of Rabbi Avraham Lider, a longtime activist who dedicated his 61 years of life to assisting others with medical emergencies who passed away on Friday night, the first night of Rosh Hashanah.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Rabbi Avraham Lider and I extend my condolences to the Lider family and the entire Crown Heights community during this difficult time. Rabbi Lider was not only a great spiritual leader, but also a community leader who dedicated his life to helping those around him.
“Over the years, his organization provided critical health care and services to so many, and more recently, as our city was overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rabbi Lider worked tirelessly to provide care and support to families in need. In Jewish tradition, it is believed that the most righteous among us die on Rosh Hashanah because their contributions and guidance were needed until the very end. It is clear that Rabbi Lider gave so much to our communities and he will be dearly missed. May his memory be a blessing,” she said.
Adams on Renaming of Municipal Building after R.B.G.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams released a statement supporting the renaming of the Brooklyn Municipal Building after U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a legal giant, a staunch advocate for gender equality, a fierce believer in the promise of our country, and a proud daughter of Brooklyn. Two years ago, we launched a campaign to recognize her countless contributions to our country by re-naming the Brooklyn Municipal Building after her. Today, I am glad to hear that the Mayor has heeded our call.
“With Justice Ginsburg’s recent passing, this is a bittersweet moment. But I take heart in knowing that young girls and boys who pass by the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Brooklyn Municipal Building will know her name, learn from her example, and pick up the baton to run their own relay toward a more just, equitable, and fair America. All of us who looked up to her are grateful she is finally getting the posthumous recognition she deserves,” he said.
Parker Calls Internet Service Providers into Account
State Senator Kevin Parker (D-East Flatbush, Flatbush, Midwood, Kensington, Park Slope) has called on all major Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) operating in New York State to provide no-cost high-speed broadband internet service to students.
“No student can be expected to learn with a distance learning model without high-speed broadband or a working laptop or tablet,” said Senator Parker. “As such, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the ugly truth that our low-income students who are primarily Black and Latino are woefully lacking when it comes to high-speed internet service. This is particularly problematic as more and more students become dependent on IT services and tools such as tablets and laptops. This is exacerbated by the fact that many of these households are headed by parents who lost their primary source of income.”
Parker noted that New York City is home to the largest public school system of K-12 education in the country. So as the City and other school districts reopen, it is critical that students have the essential services to pursue their education. Especially considering that approximately 40% of students in New York City have elected to pursue a fully virtual learning model. And as the school year progresses, this number could potentially increase, he said
Williams Cleans up Jamaica Bay
Assemblywoman Jaime Williams (D-Canarsie, Georgetown, Mill Basin, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) and volunteers from the NYC H2O joined forces to help clean up the marsh and beach at Plumb Beach and to tidy up the Jamaica Bay Greenway.
Williams also expressed her thoughts that her district consists of a large portion of tidal wetlands after thousands of pounds of marine debris were removed from the wetlands in Plumb Beach.
“The efforts of so many especially those of NYCH2O are not only appreciated but also demonstrate the dedication of our community and as a resident I am grateful,” remarked Williams.
She added that it is her wish that everyone would get involved in the preservation of nature, specific species and natural resources along with the conservation of wildlife and the environment.
