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Deal, NJ - What The Media Did Not Report About The Sephardic Community |
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The Sephardic Community Center in Flatbush
The Sephardic community has a well deserved reputation for its outstanding levels of tzedaka and chesed. It serves as a model of generosity, dedication, and caring. Sephardic fundraising events are always filled with community members who are eager to help anyone in need in any way they can. The Sephardic Bikur Cholim, one of the flagship chesed organizations in the United States, has long been considered the envy of similar groups, known for its exceptional success in reaching out to those in need.
What is not so well known is this community's steadfast commitment to the rest of klal yisroel. Leaders of many nationally recognized community help organizations, from Chai Lifeline to Ohel to Yad Eliezer, know that they can count on the Sephardic community for its assistance.
According to Sam Sutton, a leading community askan and the former President of Sephardic Bikur Cholim, "Over the years, the Sephardic community has raised millions of dollars for many different and diverse tzedaka causes. Time and time again, our people have opened their homes and their hearts in order to help the destitute and the needy. This is a kehilla that understands its responsibility to acheinu bnei yisroel."
Among the organizations that the Sephardic community supports on a regular basis are Ohel, Bonei Olam, A Time, the Aleh Foundation, the Israel Cancer Research Fund, and many others. The community has been assisting the Pesach Tikvah school for Special Children in Williamsburg for over fifteen years. It has been at the forefront of facilitating the outstanding efforts of Yad Eliezer for more than twenty five years. The community also supports local Yeshivas, most notably the Mirrer Yeshiva in the United States and the Mirrer Yeshiva and Ponevitch Yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel and the Chinuch Atzmai & Lev Lachim school systems in Eretz Yisroel, as well.
Recently, the Sephardic community opened two schools for autistic children that serve as a lifeline to those struggling with autism and are open to all segments of the Jewish community. What’s more, the community founded a yeshiva for learning-challenged children – Gesher Yehuda – a highly-regarded school for frum children from every segment of the Jewish community.
Mr. Sutton explains that, "This is a community that is ingrained with a firm commitment to chesed. That is what we are made of." He points out that this is not just about writing out a check. Volunteering and coordinating events are part and parcel of the Sephardic culture. "We understand the importance of volunteering," he says. "We understand that it's an ongoing commitment. Those of us who serve on the board of tzedakah organizations often work twenty to thirty hours a week on behalf of a cause." Mr. Sutton himself has had the zechus of hosting an Ohel foster child in his home for eighteen months, no doubt one of the greatest mitzvos that a family can undertake. Even the famous Satmar Bikur Cholim soup thermoses, used for years to bring sustenance and comfort to hospitalized patients all over New York, were imported at a discount to the United States by wholesalers in the Sephardic community.
Klal yisroel is made up of many diverse communities and cultures. Yet while our backgrounds may be different and our accents may vary, the truth is that we are all one people. It is heartening to see that there are those among us who look beyond the surface and the ethnic differences in their efforts to help yidden all across the spectrum. That is, after all, what achdus is all about.
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Read Comments (36) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 29, 2009 at 02:58 PM Yossi Says:
Thank you for this enlightening article. It is a beacon of light in a world of negativity.
2
Jul 29, 2009 at 02:57 PM Aryeh Says:
Yesher Koach! We are united in our Tzedaka, let it be our merit in seeing the Final Redemption today!
3
Jul 29, 2009 at 03:10 PM Anonymous Says:
lets remember 1 thing. from the over 2 million people in jail 99.99999% aren't Jewish!
the only reason this is news, is because it happens so rarely- if its true?!?
4
Jul 29, 2009 at 03:09 PM Anonymous Says:
no one ever doubted that they did chasadim to the klal . fact is that theyt were involved in illegal activities . If you discovered a ganiv in town who also gave lots to tedaka would you ignore the fa ct that he is a ganiv? . madoff gave millions to charity . is he ok in your books?
5
Jul 29, 2009 at 03:07 PM jack ruby Says:
is this how you justify what so many of the community are guilty of??????
6
Jul 29, 2009 at 03:05 PM Anonymous Says:
Let the major jewish community organizations pay for a full page ad in all the major newspapers, Tv & Radio Ads detailing the Facts & Figures of all the charities that the jewish communities do...
It's time for a serious PR campaign. We must try and counter all the terrible publicity we have been receiving lately with some positive facts.
And although it probably won’t help, we still gotta try... I think at the end of the day it will help somewhat.
7
Jul 29, 2009 at 03:23 PM Ah...Boruch Hashem! Says:
Be"H the Sephardic / Syrian community will over come this nisayon, in the zechus of all the wonderful work they do with charities within, but definately not limited to their own community(as the article shows us). They are known throughout the world for their generosity to all causes, no mater what.
Shkoyach to VIN for the very well written article; hopefully it will help put the special community back in a positive light.
May we all be zoicheh to see the binyon beis hamikdosh speedily in our days! Have an easy yet meaningful fast!
8
Jul 29, 2009 at 03:01 PM CB Says:
Why should the media report on these things when they are irrelevant to the story. The news is about these sfardi people doing crime and thats what should be reported on. Not on their community. When theres a report on Bin Laden, the news doesnt give a report on the history of his hometown. Face it, theses Jews made a huge chillel Hashem and theres no way to spin the story in our favor.
9
Jul 29, 2009 at 03:36 PM Baal Habos Says:
This post is a great idea. However, your complaint about the media, "There is however an entire dimension of that community that the media has refused to cover and needs to be the subject of greater discussion" is unwarranted. It is not the media's job. When a car crashes, the media reports it; it does not go on to say that 3 million other cars did not crash.
10
Jul 29, 2009 at 03:36 PM Anonymous Says:
There are much more chesed organizations at the sephardic and Syrian community, they have special volunteers helping people set up businesses on safe ground with all legal advice.
11
Jul 29, 2009 at 03:25 PM Anonymous Says:
Butiful article it would nice if we could get this article to the Press........
12
Jul 29, 2009 at 03:57 PM Anonymous Says:
Yes the opposite of chillul hashem is kidush Hashem. However an ostentatious depiction of our benevolence certainly doesn't remedy the situation.
The fact that our leaders engaged in such illicit behaviour says alot about us as a people. Is this how we avoid the ire of the ayin hara?
13
Jul 29, 2009 at 04:17 PM Come on... Says:
“ is this how you justify what so many of the community are guilty of?????? ”
Can you please explain how 4 or 5 people out of the whole Syrian community in NY and NJ equal to the "most" that you refer to? They don't even equal to a significant fraction of the community(if it's even true that they did it willingly...reports sound like they were cajoled into it)!
Please internalize the article above and see the greatness of the community as a whole, as opposed to taking on the views that the media wants to brainwash us with, so they can keep us tuned in and promote their anti-semetic views and beleifs.
All jews are brothers...we must feel for one another while we are hurting, and try to help heal the pain. Not rub it in...
14
Jul 29, 2009 at 04:12 PM Jack Setton Says:
Just a correction in the article.... The School Gesher Yehuda was actually founded by a guy named Abe Kiss, and was funded by the Sefardim. Must give credit where credit is due.
15
Jul 29, 2009 at 04:30 PM Anonymous Says:
Let's not re-write history, Gesher Yehuda was in fact founded by Rabbi Abraham Kiss who now lives in Monsey. Kiss actually funded the School himself for the first two years. and he was instrumental in buying the building on Avenue T. Yes, its true that after the initial two years, the School was funded by the Sephardic community, but on condition that the majority of the student population be from Sephardic background. Rabbi Kiss was forced out for political reasons and because the Sephardim insisted on controlling the School Population, namely who would be attending it. Subsequently the school merged with Magen David.
16
Jul 29, 2009 at 04:22 PM formally Says:
so what,
John Gotti gave tons charity, so do many of the drug loads in Columbia they even opened hospitals that are entirely free. Hamas Hezbollah also do great charity work beside their terrorist activities. Please this article is meaningless and would be fun of in you put it in the newspaper.
Do people think that other communities do not have charitable services. Most churches run soup kitchen, and has place for homeless people. And they up us, the services are for all, white black Asian, Jew whatever.
When is the last time a frum shul opened it doors to the homeless no matter who they are? I can name a few or many but this board would not consider them shuls.
Thinking, I think that article about being a insular community is beginning to make much more sense. You do not realize or think that nonJews have all these type of charitable services. You think what you is somehow so different than others, sorry to bust your bubble but it is not.
Who fed the workers that lost their job at the meat packing factory a church, and they where looking for money to help feed them. I wonder if any frum organization help them, they did produce food that you ate, any rocmunus on them, no.
Thurthfully I think the non frum Jeish groups and many goyish group do more than the frum since they will help all not only their own kind.
For example it is great that their is Bikir chulum in hospital, but is it so harh for them to say hello to a patient in the next bed if he is not a yid, or bring them some food something if it is know he has no visitors?
Until you treat others as equals do not expect others to treat you as equals
17
Jul 29, 2009 at 04:48 PM Anonymous Says:
"There is however an entire dimension of that community that the media has refused to cover"- the media did not "refuse" to cover anything; journalism 101 is that dog bites man is not news, but man bites dog is news. Generosity and chessed usually don't make the news, unless it's Warren Buffet giving away all his money. When Rabbis get arrested for something so antithetical to the values they're supposed to be preaching, that is news and that is what gets reported.
18
Jul 29, 2009 at 04:56 PM Anonymous Says:
“ no one ever doubted that they did chasadim to the klal . fact is that theyt were involved in illegal activities . If you discovered a ganiv in town who also gave lots to tedaka would you ignore the fa ct that he is a ganiv? . madoff gave millions to charity . is he ok in your books? ”
Tax evasion is not Geneva, not according to Torah and not according to secular law.
A Ganev in English is a Thief, i.e. someone who steals, someone guilty of theft.
Tax evasion, even according to secular law is not classified as Grand Larceny, is not theft and is legally, not considered stealing.
Taxes is a only a legal obligation to pay.
For example if you owe $1,000 in taxes, this $1,000 is your very own personal money, and even if you never pay that to the tax man, you have not stolen this $1,000. You own that $1,000 and it's your own money. The obligation to pay is just like an obligation to stop at a red light. If you run a red light you are not a Ganev.
This secualr_law "Obligation" (is it really even an obligation Al Pi Torah?) is in dispute.
According to secular law, they claim that Yidden owe taxes.
According to many Torah authorities there is no Torah obligation to fulfill this obligation, if the taxation system discriminates against Yidden, because Yidden have to pay for Schar Limud while Goyim don't.
19
Jul 29, 2009 at 05:39 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Tax evasion is not Geneva, not according to Torah and not according to secular law.
A Ganev in English is a Thief, i.e. someone who steals, someone guilty of theft.
Tax evasion, even according to secular law is not classified as Grand Larceny, is not theft and is legally, not considered stealing.
Taxes is a only a legal obligation to pay.
For example if you owe $1,000 in taxes, this $1,000 is your very own personal money, and even if you never pay that to the tax man, you have not stolen this $1,000. You own that $1,000 and it's your own money. The obligation to pay is just like an obligation to stop at a red light. If you run a red light you are not a Ganev.
This secualr_law "Obligation" (is it really even an obligation Al Pi Torah?) is in dispute.
According to secular law, they claim that Yidden owe taxes.
According to many Torah authorities there is no Torah obligation to fulfill this obligation, if the taxation system discriminates against Yidden, because Yidden have to pay for Schar Limud while Goyim don't. ”
But usa's tax system does not discriminate against jews, and dina dimalchusa din. Why does the frum community have a persecution complex?
20
Jul 29, 2009 at 05:33 PM Anonymous Says:
“ so what,
John Gotti gave tons charity, so do many of the drug loads in Columbia they even opened hospitals that are entirely free. Hamas Hezbollah also do great charity work beside their terrorist activities. Please this article is meaningless and would be fun of in you put it in the newspaper.
Do people think that other communities do not have charitable services. Most churches run soup kitchen, and has place for homeless people. And they up us, the services are for all, white black Asian, Jew whatever.
When is the last time a frum shul opened it doors to the homeless no matter who they are? I can name a few or many but this board would not consider them shuls.
Thinking, I think that article about being a insular community is beginning to make much more sense. You do not realize or think that nonJews have all these type of charitable services. You think what you is somehow so different than others, sorry to bust your bubble but it is not.
Who fed the workers that lost their job at the meat packing factory a church, and they where looking for money to help feed them. I wonder if any frum organization help them, they did produce food that you ate, any rocmunus on them, no.
Thurthfully I think the non frum Jeish groups and many goyish group do more than the frum since they will help all not only their own kind.
For example it is great that their is Bikir chulum in hospital, but is it so harh for them to say hello to a patient in the next bed if he is not a yid, or bring them some food something if it is know he has no visitors?
Until you treat others as equals do not expect others to treat you as equals
”
So you want to compare people caught, actually accused with a one time white collar offense to drug lords and mafia heads or mobsters? you're totally off it.
21
Jul 29, 2009 at 05:31 PM Anonymous Says:
“ so what,
John Gotti gave tons charity, so do many of the drug loads in Columbia they even opened hospitals that are entirely free. Hamas Hezbollah also do great charity work beside their terrorist activities. Please this article is meaningless and would be fun of in you put it in the newspaper.
Do people think that other communities do not have charitable services. Most churches run soup kitchen, and has place for homeless people. And they up us, the services are for all, white black Asian, Jew whatever.
When is the last time a frum shul opened it doors to the homeless no matter who they are? I can name a few or many but this board would not consider them shuls.
Thinking, I think that article about being a insular community is beginning to make much more sense. You do not realize or think that nonJews have all these type of charitable services. You think what you is somehow so different than others, sorry to bust your bubble but it is not.
Who fed the workers that lost their job at the meat packing factory a church, and they where looking for money to help feed them. I wonder if any frum organization help them, they did produce food that you ate, any rocmunus on them, no.
Thurthfully I think the non frum Jeish groups and many goyish group do more than the frum since they will help all not only their own kind.
For example it is great that their is Bikir chulum in hospital, but is it so harh for them to say hello to a patient in the next bed if he is not a yid, or bring them some food something if it is know he has no visitors?
Until you treat others as equals do not expect others to treat you as equals
”
Something must really bother you, your comment makes no sense at all, is untrue and misinforming.
Bikur cholim brings food in hospitals because the hospitals don't have strict kosher kitchens, so if not for the bikur cholim they would just starve.
Same goes with all other "facts" you wrote. check your facts before bashing.
22
Jul 29, 2009 at 06:06 PM formally Says:
your are wrong
the hospital served glatt kosher food, and that still does not answer the question why they do not say hello to the non-jew. I know the frun community very very well.
I check my facts and do not deny thing or justify actions simply because it has to do with frum yiddin
that it makes no sense to you only proves my point how limited minded some frum people are.
So you want to compare people caught, actually accused with a one time white collar offense to drug lords and mafia heads or mobsters? you're totally off it.
the comparison was not the crimes one did or not do. The point was that even if someone or group of people gives charity, does not mean they are good people. I just showed an extrema example
23
Jul 29, 2009 at 05:22 PM Anonymous Says:
“ so what,
John Gotti gave tons charity, so do many of the drug loads in Columbia they even opened hospitals that are entirely free. Hamas Hezbollah also do great charity work beside their terrorist activities. Please this article is meaningless and would be fun of in you put it in the newspaper.
Do people think that other communities do not have charitable services. Most churches run soup kitchen, and has place for homeless people. And they up us, the services are for all, white black Asian, Jew whatever.
When is the last time a frum shul opened it doors to the homeless no matter who they are? I can name a few or many but this board would not consider them shuls.
Thinking, I think that article about being a insular community is beginning to make much more sense. You do not realize or think that nonJews have all these type of charitable services. You think what you is somehow so different than others, sorry to bust your bubble but it is not.
Who fed the workers that lost their job at the meat packing factory a church, and they where looking for money to help feed them. I wonder if any frum organization help them, they did produce food that you ate, any rocmunus on them, no.
Thurthfully I think the non frum Jeish groups and many goyish group do more than the frum since they will help all not only their own kind.
For example it is great that their is Bikir chulum in hospital, but is it so harh for them to say hello to a patient in the next bed if he is not a yid, or bring them some food something if it is know he has no visitors?
Until you treat others as equals do not expect others to treat you as equals
”
Wow. Powerful remarks. Although charity may be begin at home, it doesn't and shouldn't end there. Helping people who don't look or talk like you is very important. Articles about how we help our own probably aren't going to impress anyone. How we help others, might.
24
Jul 29, 2009 at 06:32 PM ProudToBeAJew Says:
I am proud to be a frum Yid and read these stories. Thank you VIN for posting positive stories, as well. It gives us all chizuk in these difficult times.
25
Jul 29, 2009 at 06:41 PM Satmar 101 Says:
“ your are wrong
the hospital served glatt kosher food, and that still does not answer the question why they do not say hello to the non-jew. I know the frun community very very well.
I check my facts and do not deny thing or justify actions simply because it has to do with frum yiddin
that it makes no sense to you only proves my point how limited minded some frum people are.
So you want to compare people caught, actually accused with a one time white collar offense to drug lords and mafia heads or mobsters? you're totally off it.
the comparison was not the crimes one did or not do. The point was that even if someone or group of people gives charity, does not mean they are good people. I just showed an extrema example
”
Face it, maybe we are not so friendly to non-jews, but we didn't kill 6 million of them, and we didn't sic the inquisition on them, nor did we kill them during the crusades, or have pogroms against them. We also didn't have any blood libels against them or kill them for believing that a human being is a god. Lastly, we never strapped our children with bombs and we never flew airplanes in any of their buildings....
It's true, maybe we ignored them in the hospital!
26
Jul 29, 2009 at 07:26 PM joe shmoe Says:
“ no one ever doubted that they did chasadim to the klal . fact is that theyt were involved in illegal activities . If you discovered a ganiv in town who also gave lots to tedaka would you ignore the fa ct that he is a ganiv? . madoff gave millions to charity . is he ok in your books? ”
Please provide your name and number and well have somebody try getting you involved too. hevei dan es KOL ADAM lkaf zchus. (many of the above were innocent till this story, setup and framed just that some fbi bum could have a sting on his medal)
27
Jul 29, 2009 at 08:15 PM Anonymous Says:
“ no one ever doubted that they did chasadim to the klal . fact is that theyt were involved in illegal activities . If you discovered a ganiv in town who also gave lots to tedaka would you ignore the fa ct that he is a ganiv? . madoff gave millions to charity . is he ok in your books? ”
Can you try to read #3 with your eyes and heart , it's erev t' baav try to find some goodness in your brothers ......
28
Jul 29, 2009 at 08:06 PM Anonymous Says:
"According to many Torah authorities there is no Torah obligation to fulfill this obligation, if the taxation system discriminates against Yidden, because Yidden have to pay for Schar Limud while Goyim don't."
First, there are NO legitimate "torah authorities" who have said there is no obligation for yidden to pay taxes whatever the rationale for evasion might be. Any such "authority" is really in the same class of crooks and cheats as the rabbonim arrested last week. Second, there are millions of goyim who send their children to private schools (for religious or other reasons) and also pay taxes, so your absurd rationale also is untrue and nareshkeit.
29
Jul 29, 2009 at 11:01 PM iluvHashem Says:
I just want to say one thing-not about this article in particular but in many posts in general: My dear brothers and sisters, WAKE UP!!!! Its Tisha Bav-the night not one, but both of our Bati Mikdashim were destroyed. Do you know why? Because of sinas chinum-hatred brothers and sisters showed to ea h other. Please everyone, we cant live in this Galus anymore. Please my dear siblings, show Hashem that we truly are ready for the Geula.
Stop writing rude things to each other. Please.
Thank you,
your fellow Jew (and family member).
30
Jul 30, 2009 at 09:15 AM Anonymous Says:
The syrian comunity helpped many peaple from around the world the reason we have to help our own (jews) and we don't step out of our circles is because if we won't help each other nobody will help us I want all of the negetive commenters to find another such organization as Bonei Olem or a Time to help couples in need find something like Habds on etc. Yes there are many organiations outside of our comunity but you can't find the compasion the chesed is done with the willingness to help that you find in our community.
31
Jul 30, 2009 at 11:02 AM Mortychai Says:
Just a note on the origins of Gesher Yehuda...this school was actually called Bais Binyomin by Abie Kiss, in memeory of his late father Binyomin Zev, a"h.
32
Jul 30, 2009 at 09:46 AM formally Says:
“ Face it, maybe we are not so friendly to non-jews, but we didn't kill 6 million of them, and we didn't sic the inquisition on them, nor did we kill them during the crusades, or have pogroms against them. We also didn't have any blood libels against them or kill them for believing that a human being is a god. Lastly, we never strapped our children with bombs and we never flew airplanes in any of their buildings....
It's true, maybe we ignored them in the hospital! ”
ok at least you realize it.
When my father was in the hospital, for a long time before he died he had a person next to him who had visitors from his church equivalent to Bikir chollem,
they always said hello to my father and asked him how he is doing.
And when sometimes they brought some food , cookies cake whatever, to the person in the bed next to my father they always showed to my father and said it kosher you can eat it too. It had a K or ou
No cracks if it was a hemishie heshkucha that is not the point. The point is they tried. It only was a little effort on their part but means a lot for the person in the hospital.
I really think if yiddin would do that it really would go a long way.
33
Jul 30, 2009 at 09:40 AM Anonymous Says:
“ no one ever doubted that they did chasadim to the klal . fact is that theyt were involved in illegal activities . If you discovered a ganiv in town who also gave lots to tedaka would you ignore the fa ct that he is a ganiv? . madoff gave millions to charity . is he ok in your books? ”
This article is not hear to say that whatever they did is right because they gave tzedakah. All the writer says is that the sfardic kehilah is doing great tzedakahs for klal yisroel, and now that the media and e verybody is talking about the siryan jews as if they are all a bunch of thieves the article b rings out the good that this kehilah has done for klal yisroel. And no this does not answer on what these certain people have done, but toi stamp a whole kehilah for the deads of a few is wrong.
34
Jul 30, 2009 at 03:06 PM formally Says:
“ This article is not hear to say that whatever they did is right because they gave tzedakah. All the writer says is that the sfardic kehilah is doing great tzedakahs for klal yisroel, and now that the media and e verybody is talking about the siryan jews as if they are all a bunch of thieves the article b rings out the good that this kehilah has done for klal yisroel. And no this does not answer on what these certain people have done, but toi stamp a whole kehilah for the deads of a few is wrong. ”
then every time a priest get arrested or a Haitian or an Italian or any other group the media should say while these people who got arrested where bad let me tell you about the good in the community.
Stop being a baby when the priests where arrested the media did go on and on about the charity work the church does. When mafia people get arrested in Brooklyn there is no article saying well lets talk about all the good the other Italians do.
When the media makes fun of Micheal Jackson I just pick him since he was odd and in the news lately, very few mention that he gave over 200+ million dollars to charity. How many people know, that when he got his hair burnt doing a Pepsi commercial and sued and won over 1.4 million dollars he donated to whole amount to a children burn unit. When on tv they talked about orphans in Romaina he gave millions to built better housing for the babies without and coved/honor. Yes there is a small plaque in an out of the way area that say thanks Micheal Jackson.
Get over it you are being treated just like any other community that had some members within it arrested bad news sells more papers.
35
Jul 30, 2009 at 10:44 PM Anonymous Says:
Why does everyone make it sound like only sephardim were "caught"? There were many ashkenazim too. Also, the goyim do not care where our ancestors are from. We are all one and all part of klal yisroel.
36
Jul 31, 2009 at 06:54 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Face it, maybe we are not so friendly to non-jews, but we didn't kill 6 million of them, and we didn't sic the inquisition on them, nor did we kill them during the crusades, or have pogroms against them. We also didn't have any blood libels against them or kill them for believing that a human being is a god. Lastly, we never strapped our children with bombs and we never flew airplanes in any of their buildings....
It's true, maybe we ignored them in the hospital! ”
Maybe we need to stop pretending that we are *still* being persecuted? A victim mentality doesn't do anyone any good. Pretending non-Jews and Frei Jews are less than people isn't a great way to behave, either. The non-Jew (or for all you know, a not-obviously-frum Jew) in the bed next to the person you visit did not do those things you mention above.
I am secular, but I was raised MO. I live in a fairly yeshivish neighborhood, and most of my neighbors won't return my "Good Shabbos" and " Good Yom Tov", many of whom have known me most of my life. Is *that* Achdus?
I am just glad my mother feels differently, and is glad to have my daughter and I over every Shabbos for dinner.