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Brooklyn, NY - Syrian Rabbi's Lawyer: "He will be cleared" |
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Jul 23, 2009 at 07:00 PM
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Rabbi Saul Kassin leaving the courthouse with his lawyer Photo: ROBERT SCIARRINO/THE STAR-LEDGER
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Robert G. Stahl, representing Saul Kassin, 87, of Brooklyn, N.Y. said his client has been a rabbi for more than 60 years and is a well-respected member of the community.
Kassin, who officials called the leader of the Syrian Jewish community in the United States, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk this afternoon, along with others charged with money laundering. His bail was set at $200,000, which he plans to secure with his Brooklyn residence where he lives most of the year with his wife.
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Read Comments (72) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:20 PM Fortune Says:
Rabbi Kassin is our Rabbi and a most sincere and honest man of the Sephardic community.I know these checks were used to pay for Yeshivot for many families that were in need, including myself. To all my Ashkenazi friends, PLEASE do not judge the Syrian's for this unjustly story. Loshon Hara is very strong especially during these 9 days.
We need all the prayers by ALL JEWS to be United during these difficult charges. Everyone knows the Syrians are very well known for their Charity and Tzedaka for ALL JEWS of many communities.The truth will come out. Moshiach needs to ariive today.
2
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:32 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Rabbi Kassin is our Rabbi and a most sincere and honest man of the Sephardic community.I know these checks were used to pay for Yeshivot for many families that were in need, including myself. To all my Ashkenazi friends, PLEASE do not judge the Syrian's for this unjustly story. Loshon Hara is very strong especially during these 9 days.
We need all the prayers by ALL JEWS to be United during these difficult charges. Everyone knows the Syrians are very well known for their Charity and Tzedaka for ALL JEWS of many communities.The truth will come out. Moshiach needs to ariive today. ”
This is a test from Shamayim! Here, we have an opportunity to rectify the chet of the meraglim and Karbon bayit sheini!
3
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:29 PM Anonymous Says:
BE"H. The RBS"O protects his loved ones.
When Harav Amnon Yitzchok said that things will get very difficult for the American jews in the next years, I never fathomed how quickly things can take a turn for the worse.
Things may have been done wrong but nothing nearly as bad as the anti semitism were about to experience.
Step up and take responsibility for bringing moshiach. He is very close. Very very close.
Today was a tough day for us. But we are still the Am Hanivchar and that is somthing to be proud of.
There are good days up ahead.
4
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:28 PM Dont Get It Says:
How does someone ensnare an 87 year old man? Where is their conscience?
5
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:35 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Rabbi Kassin is our Rabbi and a most sincere and honest man of the Sephardic community.I know these checks were used to pay for Yeshivot for many families that were in need, including myself. To all my Ashkenazi friends, PLEASE do not judge the Syrian's for this unjustly story. Loshon Hara is very strong especially during these 9 days.
We need all the prayers by ALL JEWS to be United during these difficult charges. Everyone knows the Syrians are very well known for their Charity and Tzedaka for ALL JEWS of many communities.The truth will come out. Moshiach needs to ariive today. ”
If this rebbe came to these dollars illegally we shouldn't care whether he is a big baal tzedakah or not. He should go to jail like any other crook. If the lawyer is right and this is all a big mistake, the government owes him a big appology which I doubt he will ever get. But please, don't ever suggest that for yiddin, the ends justify the means. A ganef is a ganef even if he shares the proceeds of his money laundering with the poor.
6
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:34 PM the golem Says:
Rabbi Kassin is very well known, even in my chasidish community, as a real ehrliche yid. i am positively sure that he is completely innocent. the feds, together with this rasha dreck, just took advantage of that innocent unsuspecting old rabbi.
i have no words to describe the cruelty of the feds to actively try to entrap innocent people at all, especially such a great man.
may all these evildoers rot in hell
7
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:34 PM yenta Says:
“ Rabbi Kassin is our Rabbi and a most sincere and honest man of the Sephardic community.I know these checks were used to pay for Yeshivot for many families that were in need, including myself. To all my Ashkenazi friends, PLEASE do not judge the Syrian's for this unjustly story. Loshon Hara is very strong especially during these 9 days.
We need all the prayers by ALL JEWS to be United during these difficult charges. Everyone knows the Syrians are very well known for their Charity and Tzedaka for ALL JEWS of many communities.The truth will come out. Moshiach needs to ariive today. ”
Dear Fortune,
First let me tell you that this is not a Syrian issue, because almost as many Ashkenazi Jews are involved as well (unfortunately). Second of all, anyone who does not know Rabbi Kassin, has no right to judge him on the basis of what happened, and those who do know him, one of who I am priveleged to be, cannot imagine to find in this generation a more honorable and upstanding person than the Rabbi.
So, as far as that goes, please don't worry. Let's just worry that this blows away real quick, and that the truth will surface that these people were set up by the goverment with the help of their crooked CW
8
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:25 PM Anonymous Says:
So many comments about the moser on the other thread. Hardly one comment about the 40 Rabbis and choshiver menschen doing completely illegal things. Maybe someone should tell these Chachomim that even goyim do not behave this way and if they do want to make big money doing illegal things they should be prepared to do big time without complaining and accusing others and making excuses. There are no excuses for laundering millions, selling kidneys etc and living lavish lives.
In Australia, it is the 3rd lead story in all the newspapers and on the web. I haven't seen a newspaper yet It is an unbelievalbe CHILLUL HASHEM and no-one, especially goyim, like people pretending to be so frum and involved in such slimy acts.
As someone said on the other thread, maybe these people should only invite 100 people to their weddings instead of 1,000 and try to spend less and earn less illegally .
9
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:24 PM flabberghasted Says:
he's 87-give him a break. besides its enough he has to live with the pain that one of his own people caused so many jews to suffer
10
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:44 PM Anonymous Says:
I look at the Rabbi's face and it exudes innocence, and to all our syrian an d sephardi friends, hashem will protect all of yisroel and will shomer and matzil us btov hanireh vhaniglah, amen
11
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:43 PM Anonymous Says:
Guess it was his final way of saying "kens mir kishen" to his own community leaders for the chinuch they oversaw, the values they emphasized, the midos and tzedakas they all supported.
Wanted to let them know he thought it was a sham, they were all really a sham, and he just continued the sham when he was running the Deal Yeshiva too.
Bottom line, that's what happens when the gashmi is emphasized as the ultimate.
12
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:40 PM an insider Says:
as a chabad student my self, (involved in outreach -ps children to yeshiva) i've learned of the tremendous ahavas yisroel and charity by Harav Kasin shlita!
he has personally helped out more than just moniterily!
any spare change in his pocket went straight for the needy who flocked to his door!
may g-d help him through this witch hunt
13
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:39 PM efry Says:
shame on the federal gov. shame on you !!!! we the Jewish people will god willing avenge his blood , feds. the day of atonement is near god saved us from all Jews haters in all forms in all of our history he will avenge you too in this democracy designed to hurt Jews by the law !!!!! gov. you started the fight and we will b'h reply the almighty god will bring justice to you all were ever you will run or hide justice will be brought to you trug's terrorists in suits and toxidos עם ישראל חי..... ' let's get ready for the largest protest of the Jewish people in American history after the nine days in Manhattan yes we will all unite , details to come ,,,,,,,,
14
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:39 PM Anonymous Says:
As an ashkenazi, I don't know much about the Syrian community since they are so tight lipped about everything but answer a question for me please. How are there so many extravagant to the extreme homes around Ave R and T not to mention Deal. Most of these people are not even college educated? How did they get there hands on so much money?
15
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:12 PM Loshon Hora Says:
A refined human being & religious leader, framed by a scumbag YM"SH SH R"Y.
Kamza Ubar kamtza ...aime bei kurtze lemalka.. Bniv Sfosayim Ci heiche ldidon hava muma uldidhu loi hava muma... [Talmud Gitin].
Even Kamtza was viled by the Audience including the prominent Rabbis & publically shamed & humiliated, when he thought he would be going to a party to make up with a freind.
This svcumbag robbed & hurt & damaged many including acheinu bnei yisroel, & to save his skin, he looks & frames in the same way Bar Kamza did.
So sad.
The Government should be going after real criminals & corrupt those who broke the Banking system & Wall street, not framing people to make criminals to indite arrest & Jail.
BTW through out te Golus the Pogroms started by a Yiddishe Moiser & went from there, & many started Bein Hametzorim or on Tisha B'av, this story is extremly troubling to me.
16
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:00 PM Anonymous Says:
How low can someone sink? Anyone that knows Rabbi in any way will tell you the same; he's the last canidate to be involved in these 'drek' scams..if anything 'drek' took total advantage to 'entrap' him!! just to save his own fat b**** while he used the scam money for all drek...
17
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:58 PM Anonymous Says:
as a גלות איד i will never go to protest the US government but we אידן should not blame each other before we hear ALL the details and ALL the facts. I believe that many people here are just victims and innocently got in to a mess that they didnt even know what they are doing.
18
Jul 23, 2009 at 07:57 PM MRS BORO PARKER Says:
“ If this rebbe came to these dollars illegally we shouldn't care whether he is a big baal tzedakah or not. He should go to jail like any other crook. If the lawyer is right and this is all a big mistake, the government owes him a big appology which I doubt he will ever get. But please, don't ever suggest that for yiddin, the ends justify the means. A ganef is a ganef even if he shares the proceeds of his money laundering with the poor. ”
FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!! IT's THE 9 days - have you heard of Pidyun Shevuim??? Are you religious at all that you can spew such venom - or are you a resentful depressed loser who looks out for such stories to take out your own anger and hurt?
19
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:33 PM THANKS Says:
“ I look at the Rabbi's face and it exudes innocence, and to all our syrian an d sephardi friends, hashem will protect all of yisroel and will shomer and matzil us btov hanireh vhaniglah, amen ”
i needed that on this horrible day
20
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:37 PM joe shmoe Says:
“ If this rebbe came to these dollars illegally we shouldn't care whether he is a big baal tzedakah or not. He should go to jail like any other crook. If the lawyer is right and this is all a big mistake, the government owes him a big appology which I doubt he will ever get. But please, don't ever suggest that for yiddin, the ends justify the means. A ganef is a ganef even if he shares the proceeds of his money laundering with the poor. ”
with your great judgment, know and beware, when they want to find something on you you'll be in the pekel just like this rabbi! innocent until proven guilty is the goyishe way to saying hevey dan l'kaf zchus. don't know if you are relieving your gas pains on us thereby attempting to gas the notion of innocent until proven guilty, or even the torah way of being dan l'kaf zchus.
Making mistakes is human, denying your mistakes is claiming to be a malach
21
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:40 PM tired Says:
“ Dear Fortune,
First let me tell you that this is not a Syrian issue, because almost as many Ashkenazi Jews are involved as well (unfortunately). Second of all, anyone who does not know Rabbi Kassin, has no right to judge him on the basis of what happened, and those who do know him, one of who I am priveleged to be, cannot imagine to find in this generation a more honorable and upstanding person than the Rabbi.
So, as far as that goes, please don't worry. Let's just worry that this blows away real quick, and that the truth will surface that these people were set up by the goverment with the help of their crooked CW ”
the syrlan issue has nothing to with the ashkenazi problem the fbi made a big chullent out the whole thing to make it look like one huge problem and they are the heroes i met them before the arrests they are very deceptive and cunning the case oe the kid in lakewood is not even worth mentioning but every penny counts so they can go before the cameras the cw will have his punishment in gehinnom to trap 2 very prominent rabbis so deceptively is beyond cruelty for$1000 profit for the pushka i know them they are not money hungry and they dont need it i urge his father to get the hellout and leave the community alone the community and individuals have suffered ehough
22
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:22 PM Anonymous Says:
“ FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!! IT's THE 9 days - have you heard of Pidyun Shevuim??? Are you religious at all that you can spew such venom - or are you a resentful depressed loser who looks out for such stories to take out your own anger and hurt? ”
The 9 days should only make us more aware of the need for jews to be "a light to the world" by exhibiting only the highest level of ethics and midos. If these allegations are proven true, we have done exactly the opposite. What does pidyun shevuim have to do with ganovim who will only lead to more antisemitism and suffering for jews
23
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:20 PM rivkie Says:
Why is anybody making comments about the size or elegance of syrian homes??? BH that yidden have brachos from Hashem. May Hashem give more to all the yidden including the Syrian Jews. Why sound jealous?? We have to be happy for our fellow Jews and speak only good of everyone and judge everyone l'kav zechus!
24
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:47 PM Anonymous Says:
“ As an ashkenazi, I don't know much about the Syrian community since they are so tight lipped about everything but answer a question for me please. How are there so many extravagant to the extreme homes around Ave R and T not to mention Deal. Most of these people are not even college educated? How did they get there hands on so much money? ”
Syrians have a bracha in business, it's recounted in the book "Aromas of Aleppo" by Poopa Dweck on page 7 where it says, "Throughout their history, Aleppian Jews, whether originally from Spain or natives of Syria, have been masters of the marketplace. According to a Syrian adage, an Aleppian can even sell a dried donkey skin."
Let us hope and pray during these 9 Days that they are not "masters of the human organ market."
25
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:11 PM Elie Says:
“ As an ashkenazi, I don't know much about the Syrian community since they are so tight lipped about everything but answer a question for me please. How are there so many extravagant to the extreme homes around Ave R and T not to mention Deal. Most of these people are not even college educated? How did they get there hands on so much money? ”
Aren't there people who are educated and not wealthy?
Education has nothing to do with one's wealth that Hashem granted him.
26
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:04 PM Anonymous Says:
“ As an ashkenazi, I don't know much about the Syrian community since they are so tight lipped about everything but answer a question for me please. How are there so many extravagant to the extreme homes around Ave R and T not to mention Deal. Most of these people are not even college educated? How did they get there hands on so much money? ”
I am Ashkenazi yet I know the answer to the big house dillema...... They work hard.... really hard.... and they daven with minyan all the time even if they dont look like you and me.... majority of them are extremely erlich..... they are proud to be jews.....
27
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:02 PM Anonymous Says:
“ If this rebbe came to these dollars illegally we shouldn't care whether he is a big baal tzedakah or not. He should go to jail like any other crook. If the lawyer is right and this is all a big mistake, the government owes him a big appology which I doubt he will ever get. But please, don't ever suggest that for yiddin, the ends justify the means. A ganef is a ganef even if he shares the proceeds of his money laundering with the poor. ”
I refuse to believe that a man of that age would involve himself knowingly in such a scheme.... If any of the charges are found to be true he is probably an innocent victim..... No amount of money is worth sitting for and the rabbi was involved in community service and kindness.... Perhaps he was a recipient of money that was being written off as charity... I pray to hashem that this blows over and turns out to be entirely incorrect... This rabbi is no Robin Hood............
28
Jul 23, 2009 at 08:54 PM Anonymous Says:
“ As an ashkenazi, I don't know much about the Syrian community since they are so tight lipped about everything but answer a question for me please. How are there so many extravagant to the extreme homes around Ave R and T not to mention Deal. Most of these people are not even college educated? How did they get there hands on so much money? ”
What a low life you are !!! "these people" are our brothers and sisters - they are involved in more zedaka v'chesed than you will ever comprehend. Who says you need to be college educated - plumbers are not and are making much more money than accountants - so what ? every person and their mazel. this statement of your is sickening. You should be ashamed of yourself. putz !!
29
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:53 PM Anonymous Says:
Hi everyone its a known fact tha the sphardic jews don't talk in shul and during kaddish how many more problems or sick people do the ashkenazim need they should get the lesson
30
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:47 PM Anonymous Says:
“ As an ashkenazi, I don't know much about the Syrian community since they are so tight lipped about everything but answer a question for me please. How are there so many extravagant to the extreme homes around Ave R and T not to mention Deal. Most of these people are not even college educated? How did they get there hands on so much money? ”
There are other ways of making money even if you haven't gone to school. The richest people in the world are never profesionals. So don't be jealous of sephardic people because were geniouses! Enjoy that civic!
31
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:47 PM Ari Says:
From this story you should take one lesson, don't deal with a Crook, this informant/dweck was arrested how did you trust him????
32
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:21 PM power up Says:
I don't know him, but you can see on his face that he is innecent, a heavy price will be paid for this by the people who got him into it, and it hurts but we can't blame the goyem for this, we gave them the appertunity
33
Jul 23, 2009 at 09:10 PM Anonymous Says:
“ So many comments about the moser on the other thread. Hardly one comment about the 40 Rabbis and choshiver menschen doing completely illegal things. Maybe someone should tell these Chachomim that even goyim do not behave this way and if they do want to make big money doing illegal things they should be prepared to do big time without complaining and accusing others and making excuses. There are no excuses for laundering millions, selling kidneys etc and living lavish lives.
In Australia, it is the 3rd lead story in all the newspapers and on the web. I haven't seen a newspaper yet It is an unbelievalbe CHILLUL HASHEM and no-one, especially goyim, like people pretending to be so frum and involved in such slimy acts.
As someone said on the other thread, maybe these people should only invite 100 people to their weddings instead of 1,000 and try to spend less and earn less illegally . ”
You already branded them guilty ..... Dont you think that at least some of them are innocent??????? Yes its a tremendous chillul hashem but remember everything hashem does is for the best so lets give them the benefit of the doubt and lets support their wives and kids so they dont have to be ashamed to walk the streets..... easy to yell guilty but arent we all guilty of something????????? Do you always behave the way you should?
34
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:20 PM Anonymous Says:
For years I said, that the cavalier attitude to the law, which Chasidim in particular exhibit will come back and shame us all, it is high time that real Rabbis should come out with vigor and denounced any action by an orthodox Jew which could be a CHILLUL HASHEM let alone make a real CHILLUL HASHEM. What would it take us to figure out that we give ammo, to every Anti Semite out there? It is nobodies but our fault, we look the other way, when we know that someone is cheating the government, or outright collecting benefits when they are not entitled, with the excuse that EVERYBODY does it. Just go back and read all the posts related to this story. My God what excuses rational people could come up with? We as Jews are not everybody; we are the chosen ones who must be a beacon to the rest of the world. We might as well start fasting right now.
35
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:09 PM calm down Says:
calm down everyone!!!! wait until the wind is over the clouds will disappear and... the sun will shine again!!!!!!
check it out on most of them the evidence is pritty poor for such a storm.
36
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:46 PM me Says:
“ As an ashkenazi, I don't know much about the Syrian community since they are so tight lipped about everything but answer a question for me please. How are there so many extravagant to the extreme homes around Ave R and T not to mention Deal. Most of these people are not even college educated? How did they get there hands on so much money? ”
They're businessmen for generations. Do a web search. College grads usually make more than non college grads, but among the US richest, the dudes without college degrees made more.
37
Jul 23, 2009 at 10:05 PM Ploni-Almoni Says:
Enticement to commit an offense(or as Europeans prefer to call it by the French term, 'agent-provacateur') is a valid legal defense, especially in the case where the instigator (CW)pleads to the victim for sympathetic humane involvement, as appears to have been the case in this instance.
38
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:41 PM Anonymous Says:
“ If this rebbe came to these dollars illegally we shouldn't care whether he is a big baal tzedakah or not. He should go to jail like any other crook. If the lawyer is right and this is all a big mistake, the government owes him a big appology which I doubt he will ever get. But please, don't ever suggest that for yiddin, the ends justify the means. A ganef is a ganef even if he shares the proceeds of his money laundering with the poor. ”
milah bselah shetika bitry
39
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:40 PM Leave the Syrians out of it Says:
I am a legal layman and yet I see the entrapement - I could even see myself being "entrapped"
BUT the organ thing??? That was a business already going strong when the informer got the FBI agent to hear first hand of the successful scam. The Syrian community should NOT be linked to this in anyway - they are a good, kind, hard working people. This Rabbi will be OK - -I feel it in my heart and soul and am usually right about those feelings.
My beef with the Syrians is their hatred of converts - which is me and my family. It is hurtful (specifically mine and my family's feelings) Their convert ban promotes an anti-convert stigma especially pervasive in the shidduch world. Hopefully, my daughters beautiful middot and college educations will cancel out the convert stain on their pedigree.
40
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:32 PM Shua Says:
G-d willing, the geula is coming and our sojourn in America is going to end very soon. Unfortunately, too many Yidden are not yet ready...neither physically nor spiritually. But Hashem is now giving us a final wake up call...as powerful as blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah.
This past year, anti-Semitism has increased alarmingly in Europe. The Jews of England, France and Scandinavia have been given a clear message from the Ribbono Shel Olam: "it's time to leave the lands of your golus and go home."
Now it's our turn in the good ole' USA -- the "goldena medina" -- a TOO comfortable golus to which we have tenaciously clung. Forgetting that we are merely temporary guests in this land, we have steadily increased our stake here. The Ribbono Shel Olam is now slamming us for decades of reciting "next year in Jerusalem" but never really meaning it. Instead, too many of us have chosen to order our lives -- sacrificing our neshamas on the alter of gashmius -- as if we will be here forever. For those who still actually YEARN FOR the geula, our bags are at the ready...and eastward to Eretz Yisrael we desperately long to go.
41
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:25 PM anon Says:
I think that with everythiing that is going on, we should all cry out to Hashem to send the geula for His name's sake
42
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:52 PM Ayin Tova Says:
“ There are other ways of making money even if you haven't gone to school. The richest people in the world are never profesionals. So don't be jealous of sephardic people because were geniouses! Enjoy that civic! ”
I recently encountered a wonderful Syrian Jew, an alumnus of Achi Ezer who is trying to make it in business. He had started an online business, and was not making profit.
He was told that the only way to really make it was to scam the customers. So he walked away from his investment, and was buying a new business. The business he was buying required a tremendous amount of work, but he could remain honest.
I asked him what the Sefardi Mesorah is on preventing Ayin Horah.
He said, that when someone sees what you have, you should always say "Boruch HaShem", to clarify that Hashem is unlimited, and all parnassa comes from his UNLIMITED resources.
Jealousy is assur in the aseres hadibros.
It is often a result of someone's lack of Emuna & Bitachon that Hashem is the Master.
Stating the belief that it all comes from HaShem is an exercise in humility.
Hatznea Leches es HaShem Elokeichem is not primarily a directive toward women's clothing.
It's a way of life.
43
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:22 PM Anonymous Says:
“ What a low life you are !!! "these people" are our brothers and sisters - they are involved in more zedaka v'chesed than you will ever comprehend. Who says you need to be college educated - plumbers are not and are making much more money than accountants - so what ? every person and their mazel. this statement of your is sickening. You should be ashamed of yourself. putz !! ”
Where did these houses come from? Out of thin air? Out of the sky. By showing off, the goyim who see these fancy pillared houses think the jews are materialistic phonies. It is you who should be ashamed of yourself for encouraging them. And I won't call you putz even though you deserve it.
44
Jul 24, 2009 at 04:46 AM Anonymous Says:
I am not part of the Syrian community, but I do remember Rabbi Kassin as a younger man, and I remember his father, Z'L. There is no way that I can believe he is guilty of criminal activity. I know that in the end the truth will prevail.
45
Jul 24, 2009 at 02:04 AM Anonymous Says:
“ How does someone ensnare an 87 year old man? Where is their conscience? ”
i agree,but i hope you are not necessarily taking him off the hook just bc is old! we have to have the benefit of the doubt but not to the point of being stupid if all plays out that he is guilty of this
46
Jul 24, 2009 at 08:44 AM Anonymous Says:
Let's hope he won't be cleared. Let's hope he and his conspirators bear the full weight of the damage they've committed and spare the Jewish people another holocaust for our sins.
47
Jul 24, 2009 at 08:53 AM Ashkenaziah Says:
I usually I don't post comments defending alleged (NOT indicted) people from our world. I don't defend or criticize, because I don't know the full story. However, this case is different. I am not Syrian or Sephardic, I live close by and even within the Brooklyn Syrian community. Rabbi Kassan is revered by everyone and it crosses communities. When he issues an edict, the Syrian community accepts his mussar without question. I simply cannot believe for a minute that HaRav Kassan is involved in this. In addition, they have to mitche an 87-year-old rabbi?
48
Jul 24, 2009 at 09:00 AM Anonymous Says:
“ As an ashkenazi, I don't know much about the Syrian community since they are so tight lipped about everything but answer a question for me please. How are there so many extravagant to the extreme homes around Ave R and T not to mention Deal. Most of these people are not even college educated? How did they get there hands on so much money? ”
The Sephardic community is extremely close. When a person needs to start a business but does not have the capital, everyone in the community helps out financially to get them on their feet. They give them their expert advice and helps him until he can run the business himself. That is true ahavas chesed. They always rally around people in need.
49
Jul 24, 2009 at 11:23 AM Yanky Says:
This is a terrible lie!!!!!!!! How could a very well respected Sephardi Rov and head of Syrian American Jewry have done this. Know one should believe for a second that it's true. (This moiser did this to save his own skin.) The same with the Rebe of Spinka- Boro Park, shlita. People believe lies about him too. Klal Yisrael should be mechazek in Torah and zug Tehillim for their release and for the bochrim in Japan and for all of the tzaros of Klal Yisrael to end with the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu Bimheira Vyomeinu. AMEN!!!!!!!!!!
50
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:03 PM IK Says:
I'M a Syrian Jew who is disgusted and ashamed to be Jewish and Syrian. Shame Shame on everyone who makes CHilul Hashem..Especially people who are "Rabbis".
51
Jul 24, 2009 at 11:11 AM Anonymous Says:
“ As an ashkenazi, I don't know much about the Syrian community since they are so tight lipped about everything but answer a question for me please. How are there so many extravagant to the extreme homes around Ave R and T not to mention Deal. Most of these people are not even college educated? How did they get there hands on so much money? ”
they do good business, you idiot! also, hashem gives people money! why are there wealthy people? why are their poor people? u think a college eductaion makes a person rich? are you that stupid?
you know how many college educated people dont have jobs today, and how many people who cant read english are LEGITIMATE multi millionaires? how can you be so shameless and stupid to write sucha thing?
shame on you and everything you stand for!
52
Jul 24, 2009 at 10:24 AM MIESQ Says:
Firstly, we should not rush to judgment about this sorry situation no of us knew for sure what we would do in similar circumstances. Further innocence or guilt is all but irrelevant as the message from Hashem is clear concerning our interaction with the broader society. Additionally maybe there is a lesson for those who organize our communities and set what being on the "Derech" means. Maybe those who are at the helm of Klal Yisrael set a vigorous agenda for put honesty and ingerity and a life of Kiddush Hashem as the priority in chinuch and institutional lifewithout comprimise.
To simply blame all this on Antisemitism or on an individual trying to save his own skin is just to easy and simplistic. Worse yet accepting the easy answer avoids dealing with the real issues this and othe recent incidents give rise to,
Instead of wringing our hands let us use this as an opportunity to grow and overcome this gezara.
53
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:14 PM Fedman Says:
“ How does someone ensnare an 87 year old man? Where is their conscience? ”
how does a 87 year old man allow himself to get snared? How stupid! How greedy?
54
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:40 PM Anonymous Says:
A very sad day for the orthodox community.
We need to clean up our act, big time.
55
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:39 PM Anonymous Says:
Jews commit crimes and should be punished. Rabbis commit crimes and should be punished. Whether or not those indicted committed the crimes and are held culpable for those crimes will await a trial or their individual pleas/deals. The facts are yet to be established beyond a reasonable doubt. Nonetheless, the Federal Government does not indict individuals for no reason whatsoever and wiothout any corroborating evidence. Whether the accused are innocent; all will have to wait. At the same time, the crimes these individuals are accused of, are very serious and constitute a complete embaressment (and incalculable Chillul Hashem) to the Jewish community at large. Even the appearance of impropiety and a remote connection to any of the events alleged, is still a complete and unfettered shame on all Jews.
Finally, our Rabbis teach: "Rebbe Yossi said: whoever honors the Torah, will himself be honored by others. But, anyone who disgraces the Torah, will himself be disgraced before others." [Avos 4:8]
56
Jul 24, 2009 at 01:07 PM Anonymous Says:
“ G-d willing, the geula is coming and our sojourn in America is going to end very soon. Unfortunately, too many Yidden are not yet ready...neither physically nor spiritually. But Hashem is now giving us a final wake up call...as powerful as blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah.
This past year, anti-Semitism has increased alarmingly in Europe. The Jews of England, France and Scandinavia have been given a clear message from the Ribbono Shel Olam: "it's time to leave the lands of your golus and go home."
Now it's our turn in the good ole' USA -- the "goldena medina" -- a TOO comfortable golus to which we have tenaciously clung. Forgetting that we are merely temporary guests in this land, we have steadily increased our stake here. The Ribbono Shel Olam is now slamming us for decades of reciting "next year in Jerusalem" but never really meaning it. Instead, too many of us have chosen to order our lives -- sacrificing our neshamas on the alter of gashmius -- as if we will be here forever. For those who still actually YEARN FOR the geula, our bags are at the ready...and eastward to Eretz Yisrael we desperately long to go. ”
So, who's stopping you?, call up ELAL and buy a ticket and go!
57
Jul 24, 2009 at 01:05 PM Sinas Chinum or true "Ahavas Chessed" Says:
“ The Sephardic community is extremely close. When a person needs to start a business but does not have the capital, everyone in the community helps out financially to get them on their feet. They give them their expert advice and helps him until he can run the business himself. That is true ahavas chesed. They always rally around people in need. ”
Syrians are 100% true RACISTS.
The help only their own kind and would let anyone else starve.
This is not "Ahavas Chessed", but rather true Sinas Chinum by the Syrians.
In the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, he had hosted a very lavish party yet denied it to someone he could care less about.
So I ask you is the perpetrator in the Kamtza and Bar Kamtza LAVISH PARTY to be praised because "he did so much chessed" to "feed so many people" - is this his praise or did he cause the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash because it was his SELFISH_Chessed, to deny it to someone, whom he did not care about.
Everyone knows, that the Syrians "Tightly Knit community", means they help only their own kind and DON'T GIVE A DAM about anyone else in need, who is not Syrian.
If you don't believe me, go ahead and TRY TO APPLY for help from Syrians_chessed" - if you are not Syrian you will get only "empty promises" and be pushed off and pushed around.
ONLY if you are a real Syrian, you will get true and substantial help.
That is PLAIN AND SIMPLE "SINAS CHINUM" - 100% exactly the same as Kamtza UbarKamtza story.
58
Jul 24, 2009 at 02:29 PM We feel your pain Says:
To all the families of the accused, I just wanted to say that I feel your pain, I know how it feels, please stay strong, "Yeshias Hashem Ke'heref Eyin". Please know that there are a lot of Jewish people all over the world who share your pain and we pray for you, we are all brothers and sisters, we love you! Even though I never met any of you. Shabbat Shalom
59
Jul 24, 2009 at 02:22 PM avf Says:
KAL YISROEL ARAVIM ZU LIZU
If all these stories are coming out now it means we all need to look into ourselves well, for not caring about profaning Hashems name and for all this rotten caring about more money and gashmius. NOW!!!
60
Jul 24, 2009 at 10:21 AM Anonymous Says:
“ The Sephardic community is extremely close. When a person needs to start a business but does not have the capital, everyone in the community helps out financially to get them on their feet. They give them their expert advice and helps him until he can run the business himself. That is true ahavas chesed. They always rally around people in need. ”
Everybody says Rabbi Kassin is a great man and I don't dispute that. However, when virtually a whole community lives such an extravagant life in these mansions with fancy pillars and 6 maids, it sends the wrong message. Maybe that is why this whole thing started as a warning to the Syrians to clean up their act and get their priorities straight.
61
Jul 24, 2009 at 09:43 AM Toras Emes Says:
Rabbi Kassin is innocent !!!!! Read the indictment. I do not see that he is culpable. There is nothing charged that was illegal. He received a check for $25,000 for his shul and wrote a check for $22,500 to another shul. I do not see that he took one cent and I don't see that he paid the cooperating witness even one cent. As sure as the sun goes up, we will see the charges against Rabbi Kassin dismissed. Period. B'ezer haShem !!!!!
62
Jul 24, 2009 at 12:26 PM Anonymous Says:
“ This is a terrible lie!!!!!!!! How could a very well respected Sephardi Rov and head of Syrian American Jewry have done this. Know one should believe for a second that it's true. (This moiser did this to save his own skin.) The same with the Rebe of Spinka- Boro Park, shlita. People believe lies about him too. Klal Yisrael should be mechazek in Torah and zug Tehillim for their release and for the bochrim in Japan and for all of the tzaros of Klal Yisrael to end with the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu Bimheira Vyomeinu. AMEN!!!!!!!!!! ”
You need your head examined. The ayatollah would love if all persians were as dumb and blindly committed to him as you are to your criminal rabbis.
63
Jul 24, 2009 at 04:07 PM Anonymous Says:
Who made the greater Chillul Hashem?
1. Those who were entrapped by their love of money, or
2. The many miscreants here who defend the indefensible?
64
Jul 24, 2009 at 05:09 PM Abisel Sechel, PLEASE: Says:
“ Who made the greater Chillul Hashem?
1. Those who were entrapped by their love of money, or
2. The many miscreants here who defend the indefensible? ”
to # 63
It is no Avera to "Love Money".
There are things (in the Aseres Hadibros) which one may not "love" and money is not one of them.
Loving money to be used for good things is actually praiseworthy, (Mi Sh'Yesh Loy Mane Roze Maasayim, can be used in a good way, to give twice as much tzedaka) so you are wrong on count 1.
It IS wrong to entrap anyone!
that is, it's wrong al pi Torah!
(not wrong according to goyim).
So you are wrong on count 1 again.
As for count 2:
Torah not only permits but REQUIRES to be Dan Lekaf Zchus everyone "(Havey Dan) Es KOL Haadom (lekaf zchus) - regardless if you think it is "defensible" or not.
And Torah requires that if you hear Loshin Hora that you should NOT BELIEVE IT.
So you are wrong on count two also.
+ YOU are guilty of believing Loshin Hara.
If Rabbi Kasan is guilty or not could be question,
but as for you, accepting Loshin Hara, you have admitted yourself, that you are indeed a RASHA for going AGAINST TORAH which forbids YOU from accepting Loshon Hara!
Finally Mr. Self Righteous # 63,
As far as Torah is concerned there is nothing wrong with cashing someones check, which could result (in a round about way) in Taus Akum (lower tax assumption by the goyim)
and Taus Akum is Mutar ! ! ! ! !
65
Jul 24, 2009 at 04:37 PM oyy Says:
My father knows him very well and he said that he is innocent. He's a big tzadik.
66
Jul 24, 2009 at 05:32 PM Ploni ben Ploni Says:
For those babbling on what a mensch "Rabbi" Kassin is...what part of money laundering and tax fraud do you not understand?
What "Rabbi" Kassin did is commit 3 crimes. (1) Receiving stolen property.If someone comes to a Yeshiva and says I just stole $10,000.00 from the bank and I want to give it all to the Yeshiva, with nothing coming back, it is a crime.The Yeshiva cannot take the money. (2) If the Rabbi gives money back he has committed tax fraud, by setting up a fraudulent charitable tax deduction.(3) and if the Rabbi takes money from someone in bankruptcy, he has committed bankruptcy fraud, by hiding assets from the bankruptcy trustee. All these crimes are serious felonies.The Rabbi knew what he was doing and it was all on tape.
Personally i have more than a bit of schadenfreude involved here. Here's a rabbinical shmuck who's spent his entire life telling others to be a holy nation who has written books on halaha and yet breaks it daily with his fatwa on accepting gerei tzedek and seemingly placing himself above the law of the land. It makes me happy to see what goes around comes around.
i hope he spends what little is left of his miserable life rotting in prison.
67
Jul 24, 2009 at 05:32 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Syrians are 100% true RACISTS.
The help only their own kind and would let anyone else starve.
This is not "Ahavas Chessed", but rather true Sinas Chinum by the Syrians.
In the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, he had hosted a very lavish party yet denied it to someone he could care less about.
So I ask you is the perpetrator in the Kamtza and Bar Kamtza LAVISH PARTY to be praised because "he did so much chessed" to "feed so many people" - is this his praise or did he cause the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash because it was his SELFISH_Chessed, to deny it to someone, whom he did not care about.
Everyone knows, that the Syrians "Tightly Knit community", means they help only their own kind and DON'T GIVE A DAM about anyone else in need, who is not Syrian.
If you don't believe me, go ahead and TRY TO APPLY for help from Syrians_chessed" - if you are not Syrian you will get only "empty promises" and be pushed off and pushed around.
ONLY if you are a real Syrian, you will get true and substantial help.
That is PLAIN AND SIMPLE "SINAS CHINUM" - 100% exactly the same as Kamtza UbarKamtza story. ”
"If you don't believe me, go ahead and TRY TO APPLY for help from Syrians_chessed" - if you are not Syrian you will get only "empty promises" and be pushed off and pushed around."
Well I am not Syrian and I called SBC and they did help me. On a Sunday. So I am not sure where you are getting your information from.
68
Jul 24, 2009 at 05:29 PM Robert W. Hirsh, Esq. Says:
1. As an attorney, let me clearly state that no one can or should comment upon the guilt of those arrested until he or she reviews all of the evidence. Allegations are easy to make. Evidentiary proof is another thing.
2. In the spirit of Ahavas Yisrael, we are obligated to davan for the well being of those arrested. Further, no one should be speaking Loshon Hora about about this situation.
3. I am very disappointed to be reading disparaging comments about "Syrian Jews". Such comments are antithetical to Yiddishkeit. Even if Syrian Jews are tight knit, all Jews are responsible for the well being of their fellow Jews. This is "TORAH 101". Perhaps the finest man I ever had the privilege of knowing was Jack Gindi, z't'l, a Syrian Jew who lived in Beverly Hills.
69
Jul 25, 2009 at 09:27 PM anonymous Says:
“ The 9 days should only make us more aware of the need for jews to be "a light to the world" by exhibiting only the highest level of ethics and midos. If these allegations are proven true, we have done exactly the opposite. What does pidyun shevuim have to do with ganovim who will only lead to more antisemitism and suffering for jews ”
you arre absolutely right , pidyun shevuim has not relation with this issue
70
Jul 28, 2009 at 10:22 AM Wannabee Says:
“ I am a legal layman and yet I see the entrapement - I could even see myself being "entrapped"
BUT the organ thing??? That was a business already going strong when the informer got the FBI agent to hear first hand of the successful scam. The Syrian community should NOT be linked to this in anyway - they are a good, kind, hard working people. This Rabbi will be OK - -I feel it in my heart and soul and am usually right about those feelings.
My beef with the Syrians is their hatred of converts - which is me and my family. It is hurtful (specifically mine and my family's feelings) Their convert ban promotes an anti-convert stigma especially pervasive in the shidduch world. Hopefully, my daughters beautiful middot and college educations will cancel out the convert stain on their pedigree. ”
Please know that not all Syrian stand behind this ban. My Rav for example, a Syrian, does not. Apart from the small Syrian population in the U.S. the vast majority of the Jewish people have tremendous respect and admiration for your decision. Has v'shalom a stain, rather a stamp of truth on our Torah.
As for entrapment, as an attorney I can tell you that it is a sinking defense because it is the defense that must prove that if not but for the law enforcement's activity, the perpertrator would not have likely committed the illegal act.
Having skimmed the DOJ's Complaint against R. Kassin, pratically speaking it looks like he was "entrapped". Nevertheless, a Hilul Hashem. Your decision to join us as a convert can hopefully re-balance those scales, especially during these trying times, my friend.
71
Aug 01, 2009 at 11:19 PM a chinaman Says:
“ Please know that not all Syrian stand behind this ban. My Rav for example, a Syrian, does not. Apart from the small Syrian population in the U.S. the vast majority of the Jewish people have tremendous respect and admiration for your decision. Has v'shalom a stain, rather a stamp of truth on our Torah.
As for entrapment, as an attorney I can tell you that it is a sinking defense because it is the defense that must prove that if not but for the law enforcement's activity, the perpertrator would not have likely committed the illegal act.
Having skimmed the DOJ's Complaint against R. Kassin, pratically speaking it looks like he was "entrapped". Nevertheless, a Hilul Hashem. Your decision to join us as a convert can hopefully re-balance those scales, especially during these trying times, my friend. ”
It’s remarkable how everyone is so quick to presume the guilt
The most sacred thing about the law system in America is
"You’re innocent until proven guilty”
If we presume their guilt what do you think everyone else thinks
We should give the rabbis the benefit and assume they are innocent
Until we see the verdict and with hashems help
The light will be strong and clear, that they are not guilty
The FBI set the whole sting in order to make a big stink out of this
It’s not a coincidence the press was present when they came to arrest the rabbis
And for those of you who didn’t hear it the message
The FBI wanted to make sure they arrested the politicians, the kidney salesman
And the rabbis, so they all look as if they are together and guilty