RSS Feed
Deal, NJ - Details: How Dwek The 'informer' Worked With The Feds |
|
| |
Text Size
|
Solomon Dwek
Dwek, named in criminal complaints as "the cooperating witness," was the hub who helped gather evidence against two assemblymen, three mayors and 39 others arrested in a sweeping FBI raid Thursday, according to sources.
Dwek, 36, of Ocean Township, formally became involved with the the FBI three years ago, on May 11, 2006. That is when he was arrested on charges of committing $50 million in bank fraud. He is free on bail.
He had deposited a phony $25.2 million check at a PNC Bank drive-thru branch in Eatontown, according to the FBI. He then wired most of the money away, leaving the bank without the funds to cover the check. He tried to cash another $25 million the next day, but it was refused by the PNC Bank, which sued Dwek on May 3, 2006. A real estate mogul who bought his first property at age 20, Dwek had been revered by many in the close-knit Sephardic Jewish community before his arrest for his frequent acts of philanthropy.
He often lent money to families as well as students at the Deal Yeshiva, a religious school founded by his parents that educates students in the Sephardic Jewish tradition, several community members said.
Dwek's father, Rabbi Isaac Dwek, and his mother, Raizel, founded the Yeshiva more than 20 years ago. Solomon Dwek served as vice president at the school before his arrest. Rabbi Dwek, the school's president, and Raizel, its treasurer, both resigned from their positions after Solomon Dwek's arrest.
Solomon Dwek's wife, Pearl, also worked as a secretary at the school.
More than 80 banks, companies, former business partners and others eventually claimed Dwek owed them in excess of $338 million. Dwek was forced into bankruptcy.
The bankruptcy proceedings are continuing and the criminal case against Dwek is still pending.
'Cooperating witness'
In Thursday's criminal complaints against the public officials and rabbis, Dwek is unnamed. But the FBI's "cooperating witness" is described as a person "who had been charged in a federal criminal complaint with bank fraud in or about May 2006." Sources have confirmed that the witness is Dwek.
According to acting U.S. Attorney Ralph J. Marra Jr., the cooperating witness assisted law enforcement personnel by helping them infiltrate a pre-existing international money laundering network.
The network, connected to Brooklyn, N.Y., Deal and Israel, laundered tens of millions of dollars through charitable, non-profit entities controlled by rabbis in New York and New Jersey.
Dwek told targets of the money-laundering investigation that he was involved in illegal businesses, including the sale of counterfeit Gucci and Prada bags, as well as insurance scams and bank frauds.
The witness also openly discussed his bankruptcy proceedings and said he was attempting to conceal cash and assets, Marra said.
According to court documents, one tape-recorded conversation with Eliahu Ben Haim, a 58-year-old Long Branch resident who is principal rabbi at the Ohel Yaacob Synagogue, the cooperating witness presented Ben Haim with a $50,000 check and described it as the proceeds from "that guy who was holding. . . my money for me on that Florida insurance, uh, scam that I did."
According to records and sources, the check, drawn upon an account for a fictitious company set up by the FBI, was made payable to a charitable foundation operated by Ben Haim, with the expectation that the proceeds would be returned to Dwek at a later date. Ben Haim was to take a 10 percent fee for his services, according to the FBI charges.
Ben Haim was charged Thursday with money laundering.
During a June 2008 conversation with Mordchai Fish, 56, of Brooklyn, Dwek provided Fish with an $80,000 check and said it came from the profits from a business that produced counterfeit Prada and Gucci merchandise, according to information from court records and sources.
"You know I invested four hundred thousand in that company where we switch the labels from the Prada, the Gucci, and stuff like that," Dwek told Fish. He assured Fish and Lavel Schwartz, 57, of Brooklyn, that the bankruptcy court was unaware of his investment. according to court documents and sources.
Both Fish and Schwartz were charged Thursday with money laundering.
More of today's headlines
“Brooklyn, NY - The lawyer for a prominent rabbi arrested today in a federal money laundering and corruption probe said he "remains confident that the truth will come out...”
Brooklyn, NY - Syrian Rabbi's Lawyer: "He will be cleared"
New York, NY - 59% Higher Electricity Bills for New Yorkers Than Other City
Total93
Read Comments (93) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 23, 2009 at 06:43 PM Anonymous Says:
Dont deal with people who have had run ins with the law
5
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:01 PM efry Says:
i know rabbi fish , he has done tremendous kiruv work for the community 'he is a real tzdik , he does not have a penny to his name and lives in poverty his whole life , this is a shame from a fat drek pig to trap him in this , shame on the feds , it is about time that the communities start supporting the rabbi's so they can put food on the table and don't have to scramble to this activity just to survive !!!!! yiden this is not a joke start to support your rabbis and leaders with at least a salary they can live on !!!! the community is at fault that this can happen!!!
6
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:00 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Dont deal with people who have had run ins with the law ”
These people were trapped in by this low life who tried to save his skin, when they're done with him they will hang him!
7
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:00 PM Anonymous Says:
what a shaigetz to shlep his own brothers in to trouble for hes own interest ...
8
Jul 23, 2009 at 06:59 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Dont deal with people who have had run ins with the law ”
These people were trapped in by this low life who tried to save his skin, when they're done with him they will hang him!
9
Jul 23, 2009 at 06:58 PM Anonymous Says:
send him to Japan
10
Jul 23, 2009 at 06:57 PM Yenty Says:
I see that this Dwek is a plain idiot, because he himself his in a deep cramped hole in which the charges on him were not dropped yet & becomes a witness on the assumption, that he will be freed . What an Idot. This is an Idot without ant sense . Like they say that an animal has no sense .
11
Jul 23, 2009 at 06:53 PM AuthenticSatmar Says:
Why would anyone even deal with him? Wasn't it obvious he was setting them up?
12
Jul 23, 2009 at 06:52 PM שונא של המוסרים Says:
מחכים לך בגהנים ביחד עם היטלר
13
Jul 23, 2009 at 06:51 PM Anonymous Says:
sounds like a setup to me.
14
Jul 23, 2009 at 06:51 PM iamastounded Says:
All should realize that no matter who you are, what position you hold, or how much respect you obtain within the community; your day will come. How greedy can people get to go ahead and deal with a ganev!!?? What is wrong with people. Oh by the way, for every 20 guys they arrest, there are hundreds more out there getting alleyos, kibudim, and front seats at the rebbes tisch. This is a sad sad day in our modern day history. Hopefully only good things will come about from this groundbreaking eye opener into what really goes on with your local gmach and the wealthy "gvirim in the area lo aleynu.
15
Jul 23, 2009 at 06:49 PM esther Says:
in a way you have to feel sorry for this guy who's destroyed many lives including his own family's.how will he ever be able to live with himself?
16
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:20 PM kartufel Says:
In the good 'ole USA you're innocent until proven guilty. So far everything is an allegation. Let's keep the commandment to judge everyone favorably. But it looks terrible, all the same.
17
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:27 PM cher Says:
Mesira is a terrible thing. How many yidden in history gave up their lives rather than be moiser another yid? Hopefully, we should never find ourselves in such situations. It's terrible what we have come to in our quest for money. The Jewish community has to stop having such high standards and living like they are wealthy upper class, when the majority are not. Our tuitions are sky high, the majority of stores on coney island, lee avenue, kingston avenue and thirteenth avenue are high end, expensive stores selling expensive stuff. Why? if the majority cannot afford it, why are we living above our means?
18
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:36 PM Anonymous Says:
“ i know rabbi fish , he has done tremendous kiruv work for the community 'he is a real tzdik , he does not have a penny to his name and lives in poverty his whole life , this is a shame from a fat drek pig to trap him in this , shame on the feds , it is about time that the communities start supporting the rabbi's so they can put food on the table and don't have to scramble to this activity just to survive !!!!! yiden this is not a joke start to support your rabbis and leaders with at least a salary they can live on !!!! the community is at fault that this can happen!!! ”
oh for all those who claim that it is somewhat the communities fauld blah blah blah ......
........................................ when are you going to learn that stealing from the rich to give to the poor is still STEALING!!!!!! it does not and never will be justified ...... EVER!! let our yeshivos give our sons and daughters (but especially our sons) a proper education so that they can go out and earn an honest living that way they wont need gemachim and tzedaka for everyday living
19
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:43 PM Yenty Says:
“ in a way you have to feel sorry for this guy who's destroyed many lives including his own family's.how will he ever be able to live with himself? ”
Ms.Esther, There's nothing to feel sorry for this Fat Dwek" BAHIMA" Because he was doing this to save his life. So you tell me Ms. Esther when this whole garbage is over , How will Mr Dwek feel when he's in his parents house? Do not forget his mother is a secretary in this school that a ccouple of people were arrested .Maybe he did not think, that Mommy can get indicted likewise . I know one thing , that i would not be comfortable in such a situation.
20
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:38 PM Anonymous Says:
I feel bad for everyone involved. Dwek made some bad criminal choices and then the Feds put his balls in a vice grip and started squeezing. That does not make it right to trap your friends but you get the idea. I also feel bad for the administrators of all these moisdes that are strapped for cash and they can't pay there bills. A guy like dwek makes them such a juicy offer it ain't easy to refuse. That doesn't make it right, but you are allowed to feel bad.
21
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:38 PM tootired Says:
Time to revert back to the pre-kollel days of going to college (gasp!) and earning a living without having to pull shtick.
22
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:11 PM Dvak is a ugly Mosir Says:
שלחן ערוך חושן משפט (סימן שפ"ח ס"ט) שהמוסר ישראל ביד עובד כוכבים בין בגופו בין בממונו ואפילו היה רשע ובעל עבירות ואפילו היה מיצר לו ומצערו אין לו חלק לעולם הבא. ובגמרא (פרק קמא דראש השנה ועבודה זרה כו, ב) עוד דהמוסרין יורדין לגיהנם ונידונין לדורי דורות וגופן ונשמתן כלה.
23
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:51 PM efry Says:
“ oh for all those who claim that it is somewhat the communities fauld blah blah blah ......
........................................ when are you going to learn that stealing from the rich to give to the poor is still STEALING!!!!!! it does not and never will be justified ...... EVER!! let our yeshivos give our sons and daughters (but especially our sons) a proper education so that they can go out and earn an honest living that way they wont need gemachim and tzedaka for everyday living ”
shout up idiot !!!! are you from mars !!!!! the cost of rent ,schooling only for 5-10 children , nothing more needs 2 people to go to work , and our mothers and fathers are working hard and still can't make ends meet.......
24
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:51 PM Shlomo Says:
HOW DARE YOU!
VIN should immediately remove this comment. This is over the line.
168 people died in the Murrah Building bombing.
Promoting terrorism is not the answer.
25
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:49 PM yidden will suffer Says:
Because of this selfish animal, yes animal - yidden who rely on gemachim to live, won't be able to anymore! Because of this animal, yidden will not be trusted, yidden will suffer all over the world because of this animal!! This animal needs a shcita. Thays the only way!
Sol dreck should be hung in the mikvah! Setting up his own rabbis, "freinds" and even relitives, I have no words!! Hashem yazor!!
26
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:46 PM the govt at fault Says:
to me it seems like outright entrapment. these guys werent involved in these things until this animal came and ensnared them into this. its not like they went looking for this until the animal dwek came along.
27
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:06 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Because of this selfish animal, yes animal - yidden who rely on gemachim to live, won't be able to anymore! Because of this animal, yidden will not be trusted, yidden will suffer all over the world because of this animal!! This animal needs a shcita. Thays the only way!
Sol dreck should be hung in the mikvah! Setting up his own rabbis, "freinds" and even relitives, I have no words!! Hashem yazor!! ”
You don't "entrap" people if they are moral and ethical yiddin like you suggest. If they have no midos, they will participate in these crimes. If the have midos, there is no liklihood of "entrapment".
28
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:05 PM Anonymous Says:
entrapment. in addition, cw1 (and there appears to be onl one) can easily be discredited in front of a grand jury.
29
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:03 PM Anonymous Says:
Dosen't the federal Gov't have anything better to do than ti entrap and entice otherwise law abiding citizens to do illegal acts? Aren't there enough boafide criminals to bring aprehend and bring to justice that they have to resort such practices and go to such lengths wasting our precious tax money at the same time?They are preparing a place in sheoil tachtis for this guy dwek guy right next to the Kassirer guy from LA.
30
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:58 PM Rambam Says:
The Rambam Nizakin 8:10 states: “It is permissible to murder one who is deemed an informant anywhere even today that we don’t judge capital cases, and it is even permitted to murder him before he informs by just hearing him say, “I will inform on said individual with regard to his physical body or his money”. This even applies for an insignificant amount of money. He thereby has doomed himself to be killed, and we warn him and we tell him “do not inform”, if he is defiant and he says,”No, I will still inform” it is a Mitzvah to kill him and whoever seizes the opportunity first to kill him will be rewarded.”
The Rambam Tshuva 3:12, and chovil U’mazik 8:9 writes: “there are two kinds of informers, one who delivers his friend to gentiles to kill or injure him, or one who conveys his friend’s money to the gentiles… neither of these (informers), have a portion in the world to come”.
31
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:33 PM Anonymous Says:
his parents rabbi and rebitzen dwek are very special people they helped my family out over the year they do not deserve to go threw this gehinam from there son
32
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:33 PM A Pushita Yid Says:
“ i know rabbi fish , he has done tremendous kiruv work for the community 'he is a real tzdik , he does not have a penny to his name and lives in poverty his whole life , this is a shame from a fat drek pig to trap him in this , shame on the feds , it is about time that the communities start supporting the rabbi's so they can put food on the table and don't have to scramble to this activity just to survive !!!!! yiden this is not a joke start to support your rabbis and leaders with at least a salary they can live on !!!! the community is at fault that this can happen!!! ”
Your words: "...about time the communities start supporting the rabbis..." We ARE supporting them! They have the most real estate and they are the ones responsible for the outrageous rent prices! Trust me, if they weren't making money from this line they would've long done something about it. R' Teitelbaum, Skvere Rebbe and others are working on affordabe chasunahs (and they're not doing a bad job) because it doesn't affect them (they and their children aren't in the furniture line, or the jewelry line and they certainly aren't musicians up until the wee hours of the night making a buck so he can pay them his rent or their supportive chosid builder/developer what he's asking for the "cheapest" selling flat available.) I'm not saying they all have money but to say they have a right to do such things is rediculous. It only gives the hamon am the idea that they can do the same. And continue to make the chilul Hashem bigger.
33
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:26 PM YDF Says:
To all you people who think you have the right to say what you want about the dwecks;
What would you do if you were in his position.
The halachah by someone who was threatened to be killed unless he desecrated one of the big three, and he gives in to the pressure, is that we do not call him a rashah, we do not put him in cheirim and we certainly don't slander him.
The reason, the man was threatened with a humanly unthinkable prospect that one can not put himself in a position to view it and no one can say about themselves what they would do in his position.
I think the same applies here, look up his family history and who his parents are and you'll understand what I'm saying.
34
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:14 PM Anonymous Says:
The system is messed up.
Kids should be sent to college and get a profession so that they could attempt to support themselves.
With the tremendous financial pressures in the community, it is unfair that people dont even have a chance to make it and they try to get involved in quick illegal money.
35
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:10 PM Anonymous Says:
“ shout up idiot !!!! are you from mars !!!!! the cost of rent ,schooling only for 5-10 children , nothing more needs 2 people to go to work , and our mothers and fathers are working hard and still can't make ends meet....... ”
These frumme yidden must understand that if you cannot afford 5-10 children, keep your pants on and don't try to live a lifestyle you cannot afford. On the one hand we hear constantly that "hashem will provide" and then we hear that in order to support large families, yidden must engage in theft and fraud. What hypocrites.
36
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:09 PM A Pushita Yid Says:
You sound like a kid in Pre 1-A. The biggest criminal is Dwek. The rest are also criminals, but not "the biggest".
37
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:09 PM natan Says:
It sounds like some of the victims tried to help dwek. He likely played the 'rachmones' card to get these fine hearted people to 'help' him. (Of course, the FBI just releases little soundbytes.)
38
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:56 PM japan Says:
he does'nt have to go to japan, i know people that are going thru much much more in the medina shel chesed then in japan!! the box in usa jails are much worse then japan! got it?
39
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:02 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Dosen't the federal Gov't have anything better to do than ti entrap and entice otherwise law abiding citizens to do illegal acts? Aren't there enough boafide criminals to bring aprehend and bring to justice that they have to resort such practices and go to such lengths wasting our precious tax money at the same time?They are preparing a place in sheoil tachtis for this guy dwek guy right next to the Kassirer guy from LA. ”
The operative word here is "otherwise" law abiding citizens. Remember, Capone was sent to prison for tax evasion, not the dozens of murders he was linked to.
40
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:59 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Time to revert back to the pre-kollel days of going to college (gasp!) and earning a living without having to pull shtick. ”
I agree with the principle but I'd also point out that the politicians involved are well educated successful individuals.
41
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:30 PM Anonymous Says:
“ These frumme yidden must understand that if you cannot afford 5-10 children, keep your pants on and don't try to live a lifestyle you cannot afford. On the one hand we hear constantly that "hashem will provide" and then we hear that in order to support large families, yidden must engage in theft and fraud. What hypocrites. ”
What do you mean "keep thier pants on". These families have many children because they have no choice in the matter. The torah requires it. Thus, their poverty and need to find easy ways to make money are driven by their frumkeit, not by any desire to be criminals.
42
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:03 PM Use Your Head Says:
“ What do you mean "keep thier pants on". These families have many children because they have no choice in the matter. The torah requires it. Thus, their poverty and need to find easy ways to make money are driven by their frumkeit, not by any desire to be criminals. ”
Even if you will argue that there is no Torah-approved form of birth control (natural or otherwise), which is definitely NOT the view of most poskim once one has a few children, that does NOT make it okay to steal! A mitzvah aseh is not docheh a lo sa'aseh - this is elementary school knowledge. So the mitzvah of p'ru u'rvu - particularly when one has already fulfilled the minimum requirement - does not negate the many commandments that can be transgressed when one gets money in fraudulent means. This is not "frumkeit", it is ignorance.
And if you want to have a bigger family, go ahead! But make sure that you have a reasonable plan for how to support them first! Such as getting educated and finding a profession, or starting a viable business. Hashem provides but there is a chiyuv to make normal efforts!
43
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:47 PM the govt at fault Says:
“ You don't "entrap" people if they are moral and ethical yiddin like you suggest. If they have no midos, they will participate in these crimes. If the have midos, there is no liklihood of "entrapment". ”
you are also a behaima.. these kind people who dedicate their lives only to kindness and goodness tried to do this animal a favor thinking it would help him. The kind Rabbi never thought of this as breaking the law. no question about this. This animal twisted an old kind heart to save his skin. what a terrible human being.
44
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:47 PM Anonymous Says:
“ The system is messed up.
Kids should be sent to college and get a profession so that they could attempt to support themselves.
With the tremendous financial pressures in the community, it is unfair that people dont even have a chance to make it and they try to get involved in quick illegal money. ”
These people were entraped framed and lured into crimes they did not seek. This was indeed a Jew hunt along with a few other non Jews.
45
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:47 PM marko Says:
dweck probably set the rabbis up so that he can look like a hero and get out of jail time. this whole story is so sad. what a terrible bunch of lies...
46
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:46 PM Anonymous Says:
In law there is a concept of 'agent-provacateur' (French term).Theoretically, at least, he was the instigator of any violation of law(s)by the individual(s) who should be exonderated-in theory, at least.
47
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:18 PM Anonymous Says:
This is what the FBI does they show you an offer you cant refuse.... total setup........
48
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:17 PM Anonymous Says:
“ i know rabbi fish , he has done tremendous kiruv work for the community 'he is a real tzdik , he does not have a penny to his name and lives in poverty his whole life , this is a shame from a fat drek pig to trap him in this , shame on the feds , it is about time that the communities start supporting the rabbi's so they can put food on the table and don't have to scramble to this activity just to survive !!!!! yiden this is not a joke start to support your rabbis and leaders with at least a salary they can live on !!!! the community is at fault that this can happen!!! ”
I know Rabbi Fish as well amd Efri is 100 % right
49
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:10 PM Anonymous Says:
someone should do s/t that he will learn his lesson!!! chutzpah like this makes me want to puke. i hope e/o in their community will stay away from his family including is children. Maybe he will then learn a lesson. besides he will still end up sitting. Unbelievable story!!!!!!
50
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:09 PM Anonymous Says:
The tactics that the FBI used in this case reminds me how the KGB used to operate.
51
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:05 PM jt Says:
“ he does'nt have to go to japan, i know people that are going thru much much more in the medina shel chesed then in japan!! the box in usa jails are much worse then japan! got it? ”
it aint bad in japan either..thay r big humanitarians..we just say so to play up the rachmonos card
52
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:53 PM Anonymous Says:
Reply to #33
And that condones entraping an 87 year old rabbi, the leader of a congregation? Ashkenaz or Sephard irrelevant of the matter, what was done is pure rishus, and entrapment. You have a person who went and initiated a bank fraud, and when he got caught, to get out of the mess he created, he goes and entraps people? They didnt go to him, he went to them looking to ensnare and entrap them, how terrible. may hasem yisborach deal with the perpetrator appropriately.
53
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:46 PM Milhouse Says:
“ HOW DARE YOU!
VIN should immediately remove this comment. This is over the line.
168 people died in the Murrah Building bombing.
Promoting terrorism is not the answer.
”
And how many were murdered in cold blood in Waco?
54
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:44 PM Milhouse Says:
“ oh for all those who claim that it is somewhat the communities fauld blah blah blah ......
........................................ when are you going to learn that stealing from the rich to give to the poor is still STEALING!!!!!! it does not and never will be justified ...... EVER!! let our yeshivos give our sons and daughters (but especially our sons) a proper education so that they can go out and earn an honest living that way they wont need gemachim and tzedaka for everyday living ”
"Stealing from the rich"? What rich person did they steal from ? What made all that money the government's in the first place? Because it said so? So what is the shiur to the government's greed? If you think it's entitled to take 50% of someone's income, what is it not entitled to? 70%? 90%? 99%? Or do you think the government has the right to take every penny we earn, and it's only with great chesed that it permits us to keep so much of our earnings? What are we? Slaves?
55
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:24 PM Anonymous Says:
“ What do you mean "keep thier pants on". These families have many children because they have no choice in the matter. The torah requires it. Thus, their poverty and need to find easy ways to make money are driven by their frumkeit, not by any desire to be criminals. ”
So you are articulating the "god made me do it defense" for some of these yidden. Hashem told me schtup a lot and have many kids. now I have to steal to support them in a nice lifestyle so my wife won't leve me. Thus, you shoud have indicted hashem rather tham oor me.
56
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:18 PM Anonymous Says:
Does this mean we're about to get another series of Hiss-oi-r'ruus gatherings for women to dress more modestly ? When will our Roshei Yeshivot & our Rabbis speak out against THESE fiscal shenanigans, against the lack of ethics in business dealings & stop laying everything on how our woman dress ? Unfortunately, many of our woman do need to be more Tzniut in their dress but it is high time that our leaders address the other social ills of our society.
57
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:58 PM Anonymous Says:
“ The system is messed up.
Kids should be sent to college and get a profession so that they could attempt to support themselves.
With the tremendous financial pressures in the community, it is unfair that people dont even have a chance to make it and they try to get involved in quick illegal money. ”
Hear, hear. Wouldn't it be easier to learn a trade, go to work, and be mistapik b'miyut? The problem is, this generation is already so twisted, their morals so confused, that they don't know their right hand from their left. They are busy more with dwek's misdeeds than the the actual crimes committed. Especially one where some were preying on unfortunate and desperate people in need of a kidney. I don't see a fraction of the anger that was spent on the unscrupolous sub-prime lenders.
58
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:32 PM Trying to stay real Says:
If in fact these people were running schemes of corruption perhaps they were in the category of rodfim?
Compromising the integrity of Tzedakos, Gemachs & Mosdos Hatorah, puts everyone in jeopardy with the government, and jeopardy with HKB"H.
I'm just struggling for a limud z'chus here.
Hashem please help us return the true glory of Torah to its rightful place in the world.
59
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:31 PM Anonymous Says:
“ "Stealing from the rich"? What rich person did they steal from ? What made all that money the government's in the first place? Because it said so? So what is the shiur to the government's greed? If you think it's entitled to take 50% of someone's income, what is it not entitled to? 70%? 90%? 99%? Or do you think the government has the right to take every penny we earn, and it's only with great chesed that it permits us to keep so much of our earnings? What are we? Slaves? ”
They are entitled to what was legislated, not what you surmise in you fanatical brain.
60
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:28 PM Charlie Hall Says:
“ "Stealing from the rich"? What rich person did they steal from ? What made all that money the government's in the first place? Because it said so? So what is the shiur to the government's greed? If you think it's entitled to take 50% of someone's income, what is it not entitled to? 70%? 90%? 99%? Or do you think the government has the right to take every penny we earn, and it's only with great chesed that it permits us to keep so much of our earnings? What are we? Slaves? ”
The government has the right to take whatever taxes it enacts, and Jews are required to pay them as long as they are levied lawfully and Jews are not treated differently from others and the tax collectors aren't skimming. See Bava Kamma 113.
61
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:26 PM Charlie Hall Says:
“ Reply to #33
And that condones entraping an 87 year old rabbi, the leader of a congregation? Ashkenaz or Sephard irrelevant of the matter, what was done is pure rishus, and entrapment. You have a person who went and initiated a bank fraud, and when he got caught, to get out of the mess he created, he goes and entraps people? They didnt go to him, he went to them looking to ensnare and entrap them, how terrible. may hasem yisborach deal with the perpetrator appropriately.
”
Under civil law it is entrapment only when the person who commits the offense has no desire to commit it but is essentially forced into it.
Under halachah if X convinces Y to commit an aveirah, it is Y, not X, who is liable.
62
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:22 PM Charlie Hall Says:
“ And how many were murdered in cold blood in Waco? ”
Four federal agents -- by followers of David Koresh.
63
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:18 PM Anonymous Says:
A MESSAGE FOR DWEK;
You have never had respect in this town. No one has ever been "afraid" of your so called "status" here. You are just a lying, thieving, snitching, low life. You are only looked upon as a morbidly obese slug.
Signed,
A large group in Lakewood who has seen first hand the horrors you have committed in this town.
64
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:24 PM Anonymous Says:
“ "Stealing from the rich"? What rich person did they steal from ? What made all that money the government's in the first place? Because it said so? So what is the shiur to the government's greed? If you think it's entitled to take 50% of someone's income, what is it not entitled to? 70%? 90%? 99%? Or do you think the government has the right to take every penny we earn, and it's only with great chesed that it permits us to keep so much of our earnings? What are we? Slaves? ”
As long as we're living here, we are subject to their tax laws. We are not slaves. We can always move to another country.
65
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:20 PM Charlie Hall Says:
“ The operative word here is "otherwise" law abiding citizens. Remember, Capone was sent to prison for tax evasion, not the dozens of murders he was linked to. ”
And Lucky Luciano for prostitution!
Did Jews say tehillim for Lepke Buchalter before he was executed?
66
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:16 PM me Says:
“ These frumme yidden must understand that if you cannot afford 5-10 children, keep your pants on and don't try to live a lifestyle you cannot afford. On the one hand we hear constantly that "hashem will provide" and then we hear that in order to support large families, yidden must engage in theft and fraud. What hypocrites. ”
Right, and one MUST get a college degree (at university that teaches kfira bitaruvos, both yaharag vi'al yaver) because they think "the Ribono shel Oilam is simply not capable of being mashpia parnassah without that piece of paper hanging on the wall." (Reb Moshe's words, not mine, in a tshuva to someone asking for a heter to go college.)
67
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:09 PM Use Your Head Says:
“ "Stealing from the rich"? What rich person did they steal from ? What made all that money the government's in the first place? Because it said so? So what is the shiur to the government's greed? If you think it's entitled to take 50% of someone's income, what is it not entitled to? 70%? 90%? 99%? Or do you think the government has the right to take every penny we earn, and it's only with great chesed that it permits us to keep so much of our earnings? What are we? Slaves? ”
If you live in this country, you have an obligation to respect and observe the law. It happens to be a democratic country, unlike many others; so our governing entities are generally selected by us through a democratic election process.
And here's a bit of a news flash. The "government" is nothing more than the representative agency of the people of this country. So if you don't pay your full legal taxes, you are defrauding EVERY PERSON IN THE COUNTRY. When you pay even $1 too little on your taxes, that burden falls upon the shoulders of all other taxpayers. So by keeping money from "the evil, greedy government" - whether you like the government or not (and if you don't like it, please vote for different politicians or move to a different country) - you are stealing from everyone else.
So to answer your question: No, you are not a slave. You are an ignoramus.
68
Jul 24, 2009 at 04:25 AM Anonymous Says:
I wonder sometimes how people justify actions that they know are wrong? Wait, I do every time I drive over the speed limit. You say to yourself, who am I hurting? I am not going to get into an accident. You refuse to understand that you put others in harms way by speeding. You are busy and what is an extra 5-10 MPH going to matter. This is exactly how good people lose their moral compass.
It is also how some justify software piracy. Who does it hurt. They have already paid for the cost of development and the cost of duplication is next to nothing, so my taking it and not paying for it is not theft!
Some people justify predatory behaviour as doing business. For instance the government programs meant to equip children with computers and telecommunications equipment. Somehow some individuals say its ok to sell second generation and bill for first. This is a crime against the entire community! The individuals involved will justify themselves by saying that because of their actions they are getting something.
Insurance scams, death bonds, nursing home fraud, the list goes on.
Too many people have the attitude its us versus them. We are the world we make with one another.
We can learn something from what some would call savages. The San Bushmen of Africa live in a society of no money. Then again, they are hunter gatherers, and nature provides for them. They give each other gifts that they collect in their daily routine. They have no concept of ownership of land, or political leadership.
Reading about them made me think, that maybe we have all lost something in our modern world. Everything seems to revolve around position and money, and surviving this world we live in. Maybe we all need to move to the country and live a more simple life, perhaps farming communally.
Their are places in this country where land can be had as low as $500 an acre.
Why not build out community land where the poor do not need hand outs but can survive on their own, by their own honest hard work?
I am a secular Jew, whom some would look down upon. I look up to some of you, and feel sad that the events have hurt both the perpetrators of the crimes, their families, and the victims. I feel compassion for the perpetrators because I can understand how easy it can be to lose your way. I only hope that I may help some as they have helped me.
I'm sorry if I have been a bit incoherent, drifting from thought to thought.
69
Jul 24, 2009 at 02:58 AM Anonymous Says:
to number 66 if college is so bad how come many yeshiva guys will not go out with a girl unless she has some kind of degree so she can support him?
70
Jul 24, 2009 at 02:07 AM platzing Says:
It happened once again the good being blamed. The rest do not care for others so WHAT'S there to blame. Shame on the non-doers
71
Jul 24, 2009 at 01:18 AM Feivel ben Mishael Says:
"This is what the FBI does they show you an offer you cant refuse"
An offer you can't refuse? Yidden arent given koichos for bechira anymore?
Please. See all of sefer likkutei amarim if you believe it is impossible to refuse an offer.
As to the person who says this reminds them of the KGB. You have no hassaga whatsoever of how the KGB and the communist government operated.
The KGB hunted down and schemed against yidden envolved in harbatzas torah not yidden envolved in stealing and bribery etc.
I am not coming to do anything other than respond to the ridiculous comments made here.
The emes is that we should learn something very important from this while simultaneously refraining from passing judgement or slandering the accused.
(Doing so would surely not be good in any way)
72
Jul 24, 2009 at 01:10 AM NY Says:
What makes so many people think that college is the answer to the $$$ problem in our communities? Just look at the statistics of college grads who are unemployed. In these hard economic times, a college degree is almost worthless. You are just left paying the student loans.
Oh, and if you can't afford tuition, how can you afford college?
73
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:49 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Dosen't the federal Gov't have anything better to do than ti entrap and entice otherwise law abiding citizens to do illegal acts? Aren't there enough boafide criminals to bring aprehend and bring to justice that they have to resort such practices and go to such lengths wasting our precious tax money at the same time?They are preparing a place in sheoil tachtis for this guy dwek guy right next to the Kassirer guy from LA. ”
The goverment keeps on doing this there was a heimishe company in the navy yard that the goverment set them up and offerd them stolen goods and in one conversation they mentioned something like you what kind of merchandise we are talking here and the next day they raided them
74
Jul 24, 2009 at 07:45 AM Anonymous Says:
“ The tactics that the FBI used in this case reminds me how the KGB used to operate. ”
Excuse me, this is NOT Communist Russia! The Defendents could have said "No, I will NOT launder your dirty money." and walked away from the whole thing. No one forced them to engage in criminal activities. That was their proclivity.
75
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:20 AM Anonymous Says:
That is how the holocaust has started. When the jewish communties started taking advantage. Madoff is also jewish we are being looked after all the time. It is are job in golus to lay low. What are we waiting for???????
76
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:15 AM Anonymous Says:
“ To all you people who think you have the right to say what you want about the dwecks;
What would you do if you were in his position.
The halachah by someone who was threatened to be killed unless he desecrated one of the big three, and he gives in to the pressure, is that we do not call him a rashah, we do not put him in cheirim and we certainly don't slander him.
The reason, the man was threatened with a humanly unthinkable prospect that one can not put himself in a position to view it and no one can say about themselves what they would do in his position.
I think the same applies here, look up his family history and who his parents are and you'll understand what I'm saying. ”
to ydf : it is not that someone worked with him on his old cases and was a partner with him on all his previous shtick and he felt he will gain something by giving out information which is also user to do , no no he just took a job for his benefit to be a mooser to give away his neshome to the soton ! vlamalshinim "al thi tikvoh" his parents are chosiveh people ,he is a mooser laider laider
77
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:00 AM me Says:
“ Does this mean we're about to get another series of Hiss-oi-r'ruus gatherings for women to dress more modestly ? When will our Roshei Yeshivot & our Rabbis speak out against THESE fiscal shenanigans, against the lack of ethics in business dealings & stop laying everything on how our woman dress ? Unfortunately, many of our woman do need to be more Tzniut in their dress but it is high time that our leaders address the other social ills of our society. ”
I personally think they should address the sinas chinom oozing from the keypads of people that do not knoe the defendants, have no first hand knowledge of the alleged crimes but have no problem uttering the most dire condemnation of their fellow Jews, BEFORE any trial takes place. Thanks for keeping us golus which was NOT caused by tax evasion or money laundering.
78
Jul 24, 2009 at 08:22 AM Anonymous Says:
“ oh for all those who claim that it is somewhat the communities fauld blah blah blah ......
........................................ when are you going to learn that stealing from the rich to give to the poor is still STEALING!!!!!! it does not and never will be justified ...... EVER!! let our yeshivos give our sons and daughters (but especially our sons) a proper education so that they can go out and earn an honest living that way they wont need gemachim and tzedaka for everyday living ”
What do you think our country does - steal from the rich to give to the poor, that's what all the welfare, foodstamp, medicaid etc. programs are all about, taxation without representation is genaivah. These people did nothing wrong , they were trying to keep their money for themselves and not have it taxed by our greedy government.
79
Jul 24, 2009 at 08:20 AM Yossi Says:
We all know what Dweck did and why he did it..Please remember do NOT do anything stupid to bring him down because you are Tampering with a Federal witness who is fully protected by the FEDS..They will follow your trace and next thing you will hear is that Vos is Neis has beed supbenaed for your information..
80
Jul 24, 2009 at 08:50 AM Anonymous Says:
“ i know rabbi fish , he has done tremendous kiruv work for the community 'he is a real tzdik , he does not have a penny to his name and lives in poverty his whole life , this is a shame from a fat drek pig to trap him in this , shame on the feds , it is about time that the communities start supporting the rabbi's so they can put food on the table and don't have to scramble to this activity just to survive !!!!! yiden this is not a joke start to support your rabbis and leaders with at least a salary they can live on !!!! the community is at fault that this can happen!!! ”
If he is so holy - why did he refer to money as "gemorahs" in the scam? Look at the criminal complaint.
81
Jul 24, 2009 at 08:32 AM Anonymous Says:
“ in a way you have to feel sorry for this guy who's destroyed many lives including his own family's.how will he ever be able to live with himself? ”
Your right, we should feel bad for him. After all, the families he sucked in are doing just dandy...
82
Jul 24, 2009 at 11:30 AM DuBois Says:
I heard that he was wearing a wire, so discrediting him as a witness won't work. That takes a lot of guts, to wear a wire talking to Rabbi Kassin. Sort of reminds me of Big P Bompansero on the Sopranos. Wait - on second thought, there wasn't really much risk that Rabbi Kassin and Pauly Walnuts would take him for a cruise if he was caught at it. What an unbelievable coward. And why did he have to keep saying that the money was from a fraudulent business? Just to be mevayesh Rabbi Kassin even more? It seems to me that Dwek became very enthusiastic in his role as the Defender of Justice.
Where can a guy like this hide? The frum community worldwide is so small, everyone will know who he is as soon as he pops out of whatever hole they're hiding him in. Witness protection? No way. I assume he's eventually going to go to shul somewhere, or that his kids will go to school... Who will be meshadech with his kids? Seems to me that he made a very bad cheshbon. This sort of makes you admire Madoff - he took his licks and didn't roll over on anyone.
Now the feds just need a weak link to turn on others who were doing the same shtick. I'll bet there are some folks who aren't sleeping well these days.
83
Jul 24, 2009 at 11:58 AM Earner/Learner Says:
“ i know rabbi fish , he has done tremendous kiruv work for the community 'he is a real tzdik , he does not have a penny to his name and lives in poverty his whole life , this is a shame from a fat drek pig to trap him in this , shame on the feds , it is about time that the communities start supporting the rabbi's so they can put food on the table and don't have to scramble to this activity just to survive !!!!! yiden this is not a joke start to support your rabbis and leaders with at least a salary they can live on !!!! the community is at fault that this can happen!!! ”
I did not read all the other posts in this thread and maybe someone mentioned it and I do not know the particular rabbi accused , but the Gemorra in Kiddushin clearly states "teach your children a trade because if you don't it is as if you taught them to steal." and the Gemora asks how can that be and answers because if they don't have a trade they will have to steal (which seems to be proved by yout point). Maybe it is time for more people to start working.
84
Jul 24, 2009 at 11:37 AM Joseph Says:
“ The system is messed up.
Kids should be sent to college and get a profession so that they could attempt to support themselves.
With the tremendous financial pressures in the community, it is unfair that people dont even have a chance to make it and they try to get involved in quick illegal money. ”
Such crazy talk! Let's not get carried away...
85
Jul 24, 2009 at 10:19 AM Anonymous Says:
“ What do you think our country does - steal from the rich to give to the poor, that's what all the welfare, foodstamp, medicaid etc. programs are all about, taxation without representation is genaivah. These people did nothing wrong , they were trying to keep their money for themselves and not have it taxed by our greedy government. ”
I was looking for your ranting against giving money to poor in the thread were the money rolls into Aishes Chayil in KJ, funny I couldn’t find any outrage there.
86
Jul 24, 2009 at 10:19 AM Anonymous Says:
“ That is how the holocaust has started. When the jewish communties started taking advantage. Madoff is also jewish we are being looked after all the time. It is are job in golus to lay low. What are we waiting for??????? ”
Exactly - I'm no expert, but I think each of these people has the status of a rodef.
87
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:35 PM lkwd jew Says:
i have always been in awe of the syrain community & thier level of bitachon & emunat chochomin, I am certain they will unite & get thru this respectfully!
88
Jul 24, 2009 at 01:26 PM Anonymous Says:
“ oh for all those who claim that it is somewhat the communities fauld blah blah blah ......
........................................ when are you going to learn that stealing from the rich to give to the poor is still STEALING!!!!!! it does not and never will be justified ...... EVER!! let our yeshivos give our sons and daughters (but especially our sons) a proper education so that they can go out and earn an honest living that way they wont need gemachim and tzedaka for everyday living ”
let our YESHIVAS not charge upwards of $10,000 and up for tuition and force people to do anything to cover those exorbatant tuition bills an average family with 6 or more children must earn at least 130,000 to be able to get by that means 160k before taxes how many people do you know who earn that salary or how many people do you know earning a 3 figure salary???
we are forced to do things illegal just to live as frum jews our tuition/food/yom tov religious articles camp etc it just isnt possible we didnt even mention marrying off and supporting our children
just explain to me how one or you are able to do this w/o money????
89
Jul 24, 2009 at 01:45 PM Emunah in Money Says:
“ i have always been in awe of the syrain community & thier level of bitachon & emunat chochomin, I am certain they will unite & get thru this respectfully! ”
On the US dollar it says "In G-d we Trust".
but
Some people but their trust in the "Almighty Dollar".
Dewc certainly had a lot of "trust" in the dollar and would sell out his own mother for a dollar, which he did.
Dwec did worse than that, he sold out all his brothers and sisters and sold out his very NESHAMA and SOLD OUT G-D, himself, (by making the biggest chilul hashem) all just to save his won dollar and save his own skin at everyone else expense.
There is nothing lower that that and he will be membered in hell for all future generations to come that this is the infamous "S-- Bag" who sold his own family for just one buck.
90
Jul 24, 2009 at 02:06 PM The Zonah (with a Yarmulke!) Says:
Dwec worked, exactly like a prostitute (Like Bnos Midyan) to tease and subdue his pray.
The FBI uses such Zonahs, Like Dwec all the time.
So we can call the FBI a house of prostitution, where they reward the Zonah's (like Dwec) for their filthy work in order to capture their pray.
Our Tax dollars are used to support the FBI prostitution-house.
91
Jul 24, 2009 at 05:00 PM Anonymous Says:
“ As long as we're living here, we are subject to their tax laws. We are not slaves. We can always move to another country. ”
The rabbi's stole DONATIONS. They didnt steal income! It was all someone elses money. SHUT UP AND GET THE FACTS, and then go back to your own country? If your government was so great........why are you here????
92
Jul 24, 2009 at 04:37 PM Anonymous Says:
“ i know rabbi fish , he has done tremendous kiruv work for the community 'he is a real tzdik , he does not have a penny to his name and lives in poverty his whole life , this is a shame from a fat drek pig to trap him in this , shame on the feds , it is about time that the communities start supporting the rabbi's so they can put food on the table and don't have to scramble to this activity just to survive !!!!! yiden this is not a joke start to support your rabbis and leaders with at least a salary they can live on !!!! the community is at fault that this can happen!!! ”
Oh my God you have so much wool over your eyes how can you type?? He was forced into this because he doesnt have a salary? There were more people that turned dweck down than that accepted, like your precious rabbi. He is a crook, a common theif, and a criminal who not only schemed and stole, he accepted dirty money, to boot. You are in America. We have laws. You dont like it........LEAVE. All these posts saying these poor Jews were coorced......What a bunch of pathetic, powerless men you are making your leaders out to be. They yell the loudest and march the harrdest when one of their own is shunned, but couldnt know say no to a crime? Why would your community even deal with Dweck after what he had done? So your leaders are feeble AND dumb? I hope your rabbi is a people person, as now even his showers will be with many, many men. I hope they have your pity for him as well.
93
Jul 24, 2009 at 06:02 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I did not read all the other posts in this thread and maybe someone mentioned it and I do not know the particular rabbi accused , but the Gemorra in Kiddushin clearly states "teach your children a trade because if you don't it is as if you taught them to steal." and the Gemora asks how can that be and answers because if they don't have a trade they will have to steal (which seems to be proved by yout point). Maybe it is time for more people to start working. ”
Although I agree people have to work, these people do work, (the congressmen, etc) They have money and want more.
94
Jul 24, 2009 at 06:30 PM Anonymous Says:
Rabbosai: We live with such corruption, as quote in the news a "non-ethics zone"... and so many heimishe people are caught.. bec. they don't learn anything besides gemara.. and dont understand the law at all! They think breaking the law is like doing an aveira.. for the law there is no yom kippur to "klap al cheit".. if youre caught, there are consequences.
For those that say that college is the answer, we know that that will never happen.. But, how about starting with teaching our young children to read and write english normally.. I'm referring to chassidish yeshivas (some more than others).. but there are lots of illiterate young men out there, who can't read an english document, but know exactly how to launder money...
95
Jul 25, 2009 at 07:49 PM Anonymous Says:
we need to daven and have emunah in these hard times
96
Jul 26, 2009 at 12:21 AM Anonymous Says:
>we need to daven and have emunah in these hard times<
We need to start following the laws of the country and also using our G-d-given common sense!