With three helicopters hovering over Boro Park and scores of police squad cars and ambulances racing to the scene, the makings of a surefire spectacle were in play for hundreds of bored teens who don’t have enough excitement in their lives and are looking for an excuse to cause mayhem. If the purpose was to neutralize the situation, it wasn’t going to happen in a carnival-like atmosphere that could only ensure an escalation.
It was a tragic night for Boro Park and the NYPD, but we have moved toward closure and resolution of the anger and tension. Chief of the Department Joseph Esposito has always been a star, beginning his meteoric rise through the ranks at the 66th Precinct, as commander. I have always held him in the highest regard. He has been a friend and continues to be a friend to me personally and to our community.
Whatever happened this week was out of character, and now we are moving on. We look forward to working with Chief Esposito, clearly stated his position in his letter to Simcha and me:
In directing police officers to disperse a crowd that formed in front of the 66th precinct stationhouse Tuesday night, I used language that was inappropriate. However, I can assure that nothing I said reflects any personal bias against you or the community. The Police Department’s and my own principal concern Tuesday was the preservation of public safety as events unfolded in Borough Park. I don’t want my words that night, or anything else for that matter, to come between the police and the Borough Park community after decades of excellent relations between both. Towards that end, I am happy to meet with you at your convenience to discuss further this matter or any of the concerns you may have.
What we lost Tuesday night, April 4, was immeasurable: self-respect and the respect of other communities throughout New York City. The images of rampaging youths with sidelocks, black coats and beaver hats are burned onto the consciousness of New Yorkers. We cannot erase that, and we cannot yet know the repercussions for our community in Heaven and here on earth.
Perhaps with our extended families around the seder table and at other Pesach meals, we can devote some time to our children and grandchildren and reiterate what constitutes conduct becoming a religious individual.
On Pesach we recount how we merited the redemption from Egypt because we did not alter our names, our manner of dress, or our language and speech. Three thousand years later, the speech on the streets of Boro Park that day fell very short of those standards.
Analogies to the Holocaust and proclamations of “No Justice No Peace” were a disgraceful desecration of God’s name. And it led directly to bystanders being Maced, a 90-year-old man on his way to his evening shiur being forcibly shoved to the ground and having to be hospitalized, and a four-hour spree of firestarting.
Yes, this has been a very painful week for our community. And while it may be over on the streets of Boro Park, it should not be over in our hearts. We have some serious introspection to do, for ourselves and for our children.