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Houston, TX - School Rabbi Arrested after Interfering with Police at Traffic Incident |
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EWS newly installed road sign
The student had been pulled over, just inside the school entrance, allegedly for making an illegal turn. According to school officials, Rabbi Avishur came over to aid the student, who was scheduled to take end-of-the-year finals that morning. The Houston Police officer arrested the rabbi, charging him with interfering with a police investigation. He was taken downtown, and was released later. Details on the exchange that took place between Rabbi Avishur and the officer have not been released.
EWS head of school, Stuart Dow, who did not witness the incident, said he hopes that the charges against Rabbi Avishur will be dropped, and the matter quickly resolved. Wednesday’s incident was the first of its kind at the day school, and has no effect on the school’s longstanding, positive relationship with Houston Police, Dow noted.
EWS has requested an engineering study from the city of Houston to address the traffic issues near the school. “We think there’s legitimate confusion at the light [at the intersection of West Bellfort and Stella Link], and we have had traffic problems in the area, in general. A lot of parents, students and faculty, and people in the neighborhood, are frustrated,” Dow explained.
Rabbi Avishur, the day after the incident, briefly commented, “The outpouring of support from the kids and the community that awaited me when I arrived home really helped lift my spirits. We’ve got an amazing community here.”
Rabbi Avishur is very popular on campus with students and parents, and well respected by colleagues and the greater community.
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Read Comments (35) — Post Yours »
1
Jun 04, 2009 at 03:57 PM Anonymous Says:
A 10th grade student was driving? How old is she? What is the legal driving age in Texas?
Something similar to this happened to a friend of mine in NY. The police officers arrested him when he decided to interfere in a matter that didn't involve him. The police generally do not like this type of behavior, and can arrest you for obstructing justice. While in my friend's case(and imo will probably happen in this case as well) the charges were later dropped, this was a very unpleasant experience. The lesson here is that if you see police officers doing something that doesn't involve you, then stay out of it.
2
Jun 04, 2009 at 03:54 PM Jewish mother Says:
The Anti Semitism from law enforcement everywhere is increasing. What was to be gained by arresting the Rabbi? Were they trying to make an example of him?
3
Jun 04, 2009 at 03:50 PM Anonymous Says:
it happened in Lakewood too not too long ago. Rabbis are used to helping people in need and they don't realize that the police don't care if you are a rabbi. they are trained to protect themselves from someone interfering.
4
Jun 04, 2009 at 03:31 PM Mike Says:
The Rabbi was wrong in this case. He should have let the police write the girl a ticket and make his complaints later to the traffic judge or the town council. Boruch Hashem that he wasn't assaulted by the Gentile Police who are not our friends. Lets remember that these goyim don't give importance to Jewish Clergy and will treat them as common criminals if they interfere. TEXAS is not BORO PARK!!!!!
5
Jun 04, 2009 at 03:29 PM YAAKOV Says:
An interesting name, Maccabee. First time I've heard of it as a first name. But until I came accross both a Rashi and a Shamai, I hadn't heard those used as first names either.
6
Jun 04, 2009 at 03:18 PM Anonymous Says:
Now where are rabbonim of this calibre in NYC...only in Texas would the cavalry ride to the rescue like Rav Avishur..kol hakovod to him
P.S. this assumes that he did not actually do somthing silly and push the policeman or really interfere with the investigation...
7
Jun 04, 2009 at 05:07 PM Texas Says:
with driver education you can get a license at 15.
8
Jun 04, 2009 at 05:04 PM Milhouse Says:
“ A 10th grade student was driving? How old is she? What is the legal driving age in Texas?
Something similar to this happened to a friend of mine in NY. The police officers arrested him when he decided to interfere in a matter that didn't involve him. The police generally do not like this type of behavior, and can arrest you for obstructing justice. While in my friend's case(and imo will probably happen in this case as well) the charges were later dropped, this was a very unpleasant experience. The lesson here is that if you see police officers doing something that doesn't involve you, then stay out of it. ”
And what happened to arvus? What happened to lo saamod, and lo suchal lehis'alem? Not to mention the duty a teacher has to his students? How can he see a student in trouble, right outside the school, and stand aside as if it's nothing to him?
9
Jun 04, 2009 at 04:54 PM Anonymous Says:
“ The Rabbi was wrong in this case. He should have let the police write the girl a ticket and make his complaints later to the traffic judge or the town council. Boruch Hashem that he wasn't assaulted by the Gentile Police who are not our friends. Lets remember that these goyim don't give importance to Jewish Clergy and will treat them as common criminals if they interfere. TEXAS is not BORO PARK!!!!! ”
imagine if a black leader was arrested for attempting to help A YOUNG STUDENT of his school
10
Jun 04, 2009 at 04:51 PM Anonymous Says:
driving age is 16 in Texas. Perfectly reasonable for a 10th grader to have a license at the end of the year.
11
Jun 04, 2009 at 05:51 PM Anonymous Says:
“ And what happened to arvus? What happened to lo saamod, and lo suchal lehis'alem? Not to mention the duty a teacher has to his students? How can he see a student in trouble, right outside the school, and stand aside as if it's nothing to him? ”
While getting a ticket may be unpleasant it doesn't mean the student was "in trouble". She was not being arrested or beaten up.
12
Jun 04, 2009 at 05:44 PM awsome Says:
“ The Anti Semitism from law enforcement everywhere is increasing. What was to be gained by arresting the Rabbi? Were they trying to make an example of him? ”
your a moron, if a jew brakes the law and gets aressted every body screams the cop is an anti semite the cop was doing his job, and if you want to help the student walk over politly to the cop, dont brake the law and you wont get aressted!!!!!!!!!!
13
Jun 04, 2009 at 05:26 PM parent Says:
Even if a 16 year old can legally drive, most 16 year olds aren't responsible enough to be driving without a much older adult in the car.
14
Jun 04, 2009 at 05:20 PM Anonymous Says:
I still can't believe it was a 10th grader driving that's like 15 yrs old... as far as the rabbi good person getting in arrested
.. while most likely the cop could have been doing some real good somewhere else..
15
Jun 04, 2009 at 07:19 PM Anonymous Says:
MANY cops are anti semites... MANY cops are not honest.....
Maybe Satmar has it right in not letting the women drive
listen -- geniuses.... if you ever heard anyone talk about goyim in a bad way or blacks... .then just change the word to jew and you get an idea of what they are saying about you when you are not around
Cops flagrantly violate the law whlie driving (no seatbelts, talking on cell phones, changing lanes without signals, speeding, running lights)... have you ever seen a cop get a ticket? how about when not on duty? Never.
I have run thousands of MVRs in my work and many were for cops.. they NEVER have tickets.
16
Jun 04, 2009 at 06:52 PM Anonymous Says:
“ The Anti Semitism from law enforcement everywhere is increasing. What was to be gained by arresting the Rabbi? Were they trying to make an example of him? ”
There is no Anti Semitisim here. YOU NEVER INTERFERE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ARREST
17
Jun 04, 2009 at 06:26 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Now where are rabbonim of this calibre in NYC...only in Texas would the cavalry ride to the rescue like Rav Avishur..kol hakovod to him
P.S. this assumes that he did not actually do somthing silly and push the policeman or really interfere with the investigation... ”
I agree that the actions of this teacher were comendable, as a teacher should always be there for his students. I would not, however, call him Rav or begin ranking him wiht other rabbanim. Emery Wiener is a "culturally Jewish" school, not frum by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no telling what type of "Rabbi" he is.
18
Jun 04, 2009 at 08:04 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I agree that the actions of this teacher were comendable, as a teacher should always be there for his students. I would not, however, call him Rav or begin ranking him wiht other rabbanim. Emery Wiener is a "culturally Jewish" school, not frum by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no telling what type of "Rabbi" he is. ”
Who cares "what type of rabbi" he is. The Wiener day school has students who are stricly frume and others whose families are not frumme but want the daas torah that their yinglach get at this school. Why do you question whether to call him "rav" or "rebbe" or "rabbi". Have respect for him or your neshama is at risk.
19
Jun 04, 2009 at 08:00 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I agree that the actions of this teacher were comendable, as a teacher should always be there for his students. I would not, however, call him Rav or begin ranking him wiht other rabbanim. Emery Wiener is a "culturally Jewish" school, not frum by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no telling what type of "Rabbi" he is. ”
Happens to be as orthodox as me and you- just davened together with him this past Yom Tov in Houston- you are absolutely correct regarding the school- not much in Yiddiskeit goes on there-
20
Jun 04, 2009 at 07:59 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I agree that the actions of this teacher were comendable, as a teacher should always be there for his students. I would not, however, call him Rav or begin ranking him wiht other rabbanim. Emery Wiener is a "culturally Jewish" school, not frum by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no telling what type of "Rabbi" he is. ”
I don't know how observant this Rabbi is. I do know that his Yiddishe Neshama was shining through when he came to the aid of a fellow Yid.
Mi Keamcha Yisroel.
21
Jun 04, 2009 at 07:50 PM sruli w Says:
Rabbi avishur is a very special yid who works in the school specially to try to be mekarev some of the students...he is frum and has a strong yeshiva background. He he is very soft spoken and I'm sure he was polite to the officer.
22
Jun 04, 2009 at 07:37 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I agree that the actions of this teacher were comendable, as a teacher should always be there for his students. I would not, however, call him Rav or begin ranking him wiht other rabbanim. Emery Wiener is a "culturally Jewish" school, not frum by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no telling what type of "Rabbi" he is. ”
He is a frum, Orthodox rabbi. Not rav of shul or anything, but a rabbi in a modern school.
23
Jun 04, 2009 at 07:26 PM Anonymous Says:
The Rabbi was just trying to explain to the cop because there has been lots of confusion at this intersection- namely the fact that until recently it was LEGAL to make the turn and there is still evidence of it, for example, the arrows on the ground. I know this for a FACT. The cop could've just said, "thanks for the tip (sarcasm) but she's getting a ticket- debate it at court" , instead he threw him into the car and was held in jail for a while.
This video shows the arrows and signs that indicate what was for a long time, a legal left- creating confusion., and local support of the Rabbi
http://www.click2houston.com/news/19650075/detail.html
24
Jun 04, 2009 at 06:48 PM Anonymous Says:
I know the Rabbi personally, he is a warm, bright guy who really cares about his students.
25
Jun 04, 2009 at 10:16 PM Anonymous Says:
“ MANY cops are anti semites... MANY cops are not honest.....
Maybe Satmar has it right in not letting the women drive
listen -- geniuses.... if you ever heard anyone talk about goyim in a bad way or blacks... .then just change the word to jew and you get an idea of what they are saying about you when you are not around
Cops flagrantly violate the law whlie driving (no seatbelts, talking on cell phones, changing lanes without signals, speeding, running lights)... have you ever seen a cop get a ticket? how about when not on duty? Never.
I have run thousands of MVRs in my work and many were for cops.. they NEVER have tickets.
”
"Maybe Satmar has it right in not letting the women drive"
What kind of an idiot are you? A 15-16 year old CHILD gets a ticket and you think all WOMEN shouldn't be allowed to drive? Why don't we compare the number of tickets men get compared to women and then decide that since more men get tickets that men shouldn't be allowed to drive. Idiot.
26
Jun 04, 2009 at 09:32 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I agree that the actions of this teacher were comendable, as a teacher should always be there for his students. I would not, however, call him Rav or begin ranking him wiht other rabbanim. Emery Wiener is a "culturally Jewish" school, not frum by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no telling what type of "Rabbi" he is. ”
have an open mind. close minded people like you are the reason there's so much hatred within the jewish community. if a married woman doesn't cover her hair in borough park, she's perceived as a non-jew. men who wear jeans are seen as not religious enough, if even at all.
your attitude is inappropriate. so are the attitudes i just illustrated above.
27
Jun 04, 2009 at 11:08 PM Yidishe Kup Says:
“ I agree that the actions of this teacher were comendable, as a teacher should always be there for his students. I would not, however, call him Rav or begin ranking him wiht other rabbanim. Emery Wiener is a "culturally Jewish" school, not frum by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no telling what type of "Rabbi" he is. ”
This is why he gets evereybodys sympathys would it have been a local chasidishe rabbi evereybody would scream that he does not have manners
28
Jun 05, 2009 at 02:34 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Even if a 16 year old can legally drive, most 16 year olds aren't responsible enough to be driving without a much older adult in the car. ”
In the South, a lot of states allow limited driving at 15-16. Things are spread out and there is little or no public transportation. Not every Jew in America lives as if it's Brooklyn. That's the reality of life outside the major cities. With Moms working, who can drive the kids? School buses sometimes have to pick kids up before it's light out because of the distances to get to a 7:30 class. That's not the safest scenario. Driving with driver's ed behind you is a bit safer but not much. Lot's of horrific accidents at the end of the school year. One more result of teh assimilation process where we chase the suburban goyish life style and then have to have two incomes to support it. Who suffers? The kids of course. Instead of holding them close until they're really ready we infantilize them and then kick them out at 18 with a lot of unrealistic rules. Terrible and those who do it will be held accountable on their last day.
29
Jun 05, 2009 at 12:07 AM Anonymous Says:
“ I agree that the actions of this teacher were comendable, as a teacher should always be there for his students. I would not, however, call him Rav or begin ranking him wiht other rabbanim. Emery Wiener is a "culturally Jewish" school, not frum by any stretch of the imagination, and there is no telling what type of "Rabbi" he is. ”
Mac lives three houses down from me. I believe he received smicha from Rav Efraim Greenblatt, shlit"a.
30
Jun 05, 2009 at 08:10 AM Houstonian here Says:
Hi there yidden. Here in Houston Texas we have a very good relation with the Police and local goverment , the frum community is very well respected in red neck country. Its just the D"ont mess with texas mentality" like saying "let me do my job. this matter would have been best resolved in court it would gotten thrown out in second. anyways a gutten shaboss for all you yankees from down here in good'ole thriving frum community in Houston Texas. bythe way we have now over 10 daily morning minyanim everyday and the real estate is dirt cheap, Chow
31
Jun 05, 2009 at 07:59 AM Eliahu Says:
“ it happened in Lakewood too not too long ago. Rabbis are used to helping people in need and they don't realize that the police don't care if you are a rabbi. they are trained to protect themselves from someone interfering. ”
Rabbis help people from who?Listen to yourself ,from police?Come on.....get your facts straight ,cops do their job DO NOT INTERFERE .For all of you curious people out there don't put your five cents, you see something just walk away.Would you like to be corrected as a rabbi (as a teacher)in front of your student," NO" ,so let them do their job,otherwise they will take their revenge on innocent people.
32
Jun 05, 2009 at 09:00 AM Not an expert, but... Says:
“ The Rabbi was wrong in this case. He should have let the police write the girl a ticket and make his complaints later to the traffic judge or the town council. Boruch Hashem that he wasn't assaulted by the Gentile Police who are not our friends. Lets remember that these goyim don't give importance to Jewish Clergy and will treat them as common criminals if they interfere. TEXAS is not BORO PARK!!!!! ”
and the police outside of New York, especially in Texas, are not willing to put up with any shtus from anyone...the person they stopped & definitely not bystanders who are dumb enough to try to interfere with the procedure. The rabbi was absolutely wrong in this case.
BTW, the driving age in most areas outside NY is 16. And the age at which people enter first grade is 6, which means students graduate when they're 18.
33
Jun 05, 2009 at 12:09 PM Anonymous Says:
Brain on!!! When a cop is writing a ticket...SAY NOTHING!!! If you are not involved, do not EXPLAIN to the officer, just back away and watch to make sure the girl is safe from a reasonable distance, so the cop doesn't think you are trying to shoot.
Every summer, some organization sends out a booklet (unsolicited) reminding everyone in Bklyn about driving without a license, suspended license, assaulting an officer, etc. This is a problem folks. WAKE UP AND BE GLAD YOU HAVE IT SO GOOD IN THE USA. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, TRY IRAN, THEY ARE MUCH MORE TZNIUSDIK THERE, NO LADIES DRIVING AND NO SHMUTZ ADS O NTHE STREET...
34
Jun 14, 2009 at 09:24 AM Anonymous Says:
Geesh! Everyone gets tickets! So no implied anti- semitism there. As for the Rabbi...well my next door neighbor lady aged 55, white, not Jewish, from the south, high end neighborhood,etc, just spent the night in jail for talking back to a cop during a traffic incident...so maybe over vigilance is an issue for Houston PD, but not necessarily prejudice.
35
Jun 16, 2009 at 02:41 AM Anonymous Says:
I think this incident definitely involved anti-semitism. It's a travesty, and shows how little civil rights are valued in Texas. You know, 45 years ago we had segregation here. There's more than a few creepy white supremacists and KKK types in law enforcement. Police brutality is rampant.
Think what a creep the cop must have been to arrest a rabbi/teacher. I can't imagine anyone civilized doing such a thing.