Lakewood, NJ - FBI Arrest Orthodox Jewish Real Estate Developer In Alleged Ponzi Scheme |
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News Source: Asbury Park Press By ZACK PATBERG
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Eliyahu Weinstein is led away by investigators Aug. 12, 2010. (Asbury Park Press STAFF PHOTO: THOMAS P. COSTELLO)Lakewood, NJ - Real estate developer Eliyahu Weinstein was arrested early this morning by federal agents on charges connected to a giant Ponzi scheme, just days after he and some business associates were hit with a $34 million civil judgment.
Weinstein, 34, was taken from his home on Seton Circle and is en route to Newark for a first appearance in U.S. District Court, according to sources.
About a dozen FBI and IRS agents also descended on a commercial building on Cross Street believed to be Weinstein’s place of business.
Weinstein has been charged in lawsuits with bilking investors on two continents out of nearly $300 million.
Just last week a U.S. District Court judge in Pennsylvania issued a $34 million judgment against Weinstein and some associates.
The schemes, the investors claim, involved a series of land deals, a charity for children and religious organizations.
One investor likened Weinstein to the next Bernie Madoff. Others say in court documents that Weinstein left them and their families broke.
Weinstein has claimed in court papers that he lost the investors’ money when the real estate market tumbled.
Federal agents outside the office of real estate developer Eliyahu Weinstein after his arrest early this morning on charges connected to a giant Ponzi scheme Thursday, August 12, 2010.Photo: Star LedgerNot so, say investors such as London, England-based Moshe Meisels. Meisels claims he lost tens of millions of dollars investing with Weinstein.
In a March 15, 2008, telephone call to attorney Howard Kleinhendler — which Meisels recorded — the rabbi claimed he lost “everything” to Weinstein.
Investors said they gave Weinstein their millions over the past five years after he promised to return huge profits to them through real estate sales. But the returns, investors say, never came. Some investors sued, saying that Weinstein never bought the properties in the first place.
One of the plaintiff’s attorneys, Hackensack lawyer Ari Weisbrot, has claimed that Weinstein used a network of 69 Jewish charities and several corporations to “filter” at least $140 million, much of which found its way back to Weinstein, entities he controls or his creditors, according to court papers.
Read more at Asbury Park Press 
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Read Comments (92) — Post Yours »
1
Aug 12, 2010 at 08:39 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I'm waiting for the comments to come how much charity the gave
3
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:07 AM Samuel_Light Says:Report as Inappropriate
How many institutions are going down with this one? what a chillel hashem this one might turn out to be.
4
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:13 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
A shanda and a booosha.
5
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:14 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Hashem yishmor nebach on his family
6
Aug 12, 2010 at 08:45 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I thought Weinstein was cooperating (dwek) style...
7
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:19 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I'm waiting for the comments to come how much charity the gave ”
Your right he should sit in jail for 100 years for what he has done and they shouldn't make asifas for him
8
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:22 AM bmg coffee room Says:Report as Inappropriate
i wonder if he will be zoiche to get a music album done in his name like they did for rubashkin
9
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:23 AM Nirah-Lee Says:Report as Inappropriate
Oy vey!! Hashem Yirachem!! And we want to understand why sooo many UNNATURAL tragedies are befalling our communities. Is it possible because instead of being an Ohr LaGoyim - we are behaving sooo UNNATURALLY? :*(
10
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:29 AM kollelfaker Says:Report as Inappropriate
#5 his family.... his wife and family lived high on the hog because of his actions please dont say his wife didnt know was she blind or was she happy being a princess
11
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:34 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I'm waiting for the comments to come how much charity the gave ”
Its about time they got him
12
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:51 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
What happened to dan lkaf zchus I'm writing anonymously because I don't want be judged by all of you let's all take a deep breath and see what unfolds before we jump to conclusions. Please post what you would want people to post about you if you were in a bad matzev
13
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:52 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Its so sad that every day another one fune unzere gets caught stealing millions. Mamesh a shanda!
14
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:53 AM Michel Says:Report as Inappropriate
Only 37 years old? must be a genius.
15
Aug 12, 2010 at 09:59 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ #5 his family.... his wife and family lived high on the hog because of his actions please dont say his wife didnt know was she blind or was she happy being a princess ”
#10-- it is still a nebach for his kids and wife regardless and I don't think they lived a high life at all they live in lakewood common
17
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:12 AM Bukharian Says:Report as Inappropriate
"$140 million to Kars 4 Kids," how many kids need this much cars? now its a domino affect will affect non-profit organization that were involved.
18
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:13 AM curious Says:Report as Inappropriate
I would love a full list of the charities complicit in this so that I can know who not to continue supporting.
19
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:17 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
B''H they got him, wat a dirty monster he was. he showed you legit figures but ran off with it ALL.
20
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:22 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Where is the Pidyon Shuvuyim fund?
21
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:30 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Even the Rubashkin supporters will be unable to find anything to cheer about in the arrest of this guy for swindling tens of millions of dollars from innocent yidden with tragic consequences (SMR is only alleged to have stolen from goiyeshe banks). This guy Weinstein, Madoff, and the Dwek Rabbonim and politicians in NJ, the jewish lawyer in Florida and so many others reported here on VIN assure that all the negative steretypes of yidden as being crooks and money manipulators is perpetuated.
22
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:36 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
This is just lashon harah. Its a mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim. We are planning an asifa tonight in lakewood to raise money for his defense fund. Rabbi Shloima Chaim Kanarig is heading the fund.
23
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:39 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
To number 12: Your type ALWAYS defends the lowest of crimminals and ALWAYS attacks honest people that want to warn others to beware of them.
24
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:41 AM people chill Says:Report as Inappropriate
I know Eli Weinstein. Yes he may have invested millions of other peoples money and lost it but no that is not a crime. its the risk that people take when investing . the people who lost that money are mad, so they made up this ponzi scheme. and the millions given to charity were just that, millions given to charity. he never got that money back .
25
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:43 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I have no feelings for people who leach off the jewish community for years acting like good jews themself while in reality grabbing every penny off every person they can get there hands on they are an ambarresment to all jews, i dont know about elis situation personally im just saying.....
26
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:45 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Pidyan shvuyim is still a mitzvah.
We still have the same torah even in 2010
27
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:48 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Your right he should sit in jail for 100 years for what he has done and they shouldn't make asifas for him ”
Today at 09:19 AM Says:
Reply to #1 Show Quote
Anonymous Says:
“ I'm waiting for the comments to come how much charity the gave ”
Your right he should sit in jail for 100 years for what he has done and they shouldn't make asifas for him
you are right lets make him a victim and a martyr and a holy man like SMR
28
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:49 AM Mrs_Boro_Parker Says:Report as Inappropriate
Moshe Meisels went through so much tzorus already and lost his house and livelihood to this ponzi guy.
29
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:54 AM LiberalismIsADisease Says:Report as Inappropriate
I cant believe I am actually reading what I am reading here?!??!? Have you people no shame in how you are vilifying him and claiming his guilt here. Whether or not he did it, you people have NO HALOCHIK RIGHT to do this to him in public ESPECIALLY in Ellul.
May HKBH have rachmonis on ALL of you!!
SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!
30
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:56 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Before u throw the book at him! Has anyone Been dan lekaf zechus? Maybe he has a borderline personality disorder? Give him help not more tzaros.
31
Aug 12, 2010 at 10:59 AM Joe-Shmoe Says:Report as Inappropriate
And maybe he's right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the only argument we hear is what the accusers think. perhaps there is another side to this story in which he did invest in properties, if he did it's definitely down the drain, no matter if this meisels put in alllll his money or only a fraction. that's meisels problem. Hevey dan es kol adam l'kaf zchus means even after being found guilty by secular law, and DEFINITELY when only hearing one side of the story!
32
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:00 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
to #6:
Maybe he cooperated, maybe not. Either way both he and Dwek will still have to spend a few decades in Federal prision. Then somehow pay back their debts and a heavy fine. A life and family ruined over greed!
33
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:03 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Only 37 years old? must be a genius. ”
You seem to have reading comprehension problems read the article! It says he was 34 years old!
34
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:03 AM clear-thinker Says:Report as Inappropriate
#14. Did you read the article? 34 not 37. Yet it is wonderful that the frum community can shep nachas at this young frum man. Who says Lakewood yeshivas are not up to giving a first rate secular education. Lets all get ready to cry anti-semitism.
35
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:09 AM the torah Says:Report as Inappropriate
Call him to den torah! y arrest him?
36
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:10 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
It is about time to stop blaming others. Blame yourself for trying to make a fast buck. When you make the big money you don't share it with me, so when you lose it wipe your own tears. This is business. You invest, you most have the heart to lose. If not, keep your money in your pillow and play it safe. We all lost money. You most have money to lose it. Play smart, never invest unless you have money saved up for rainy day. We do not learn our lessons. things will get better and we will do it again.Better luck next time.
37
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:11 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
The money given to the charities found its way back to him? How? If legally, as in if he employed friends and relatives, then what's wrong with that? And if these low qualified employees were earning $125,000 annualy well, so does the average federal worker that are mostly low qualified and did not really earn their jobs either. Who do you want him to hire? Your relatives instead? If the investors say that real estate didn't collapse then they are blatantly lying. If they claimed the investments were guaranteed - how FDIC? What nonsense. If they claim it was a Ponzi scheme - what organization isn't ? Based on credit card statistics - every American is running his own ponzi scheme! The government for sure is a Ponzi. Social Security is a Ponzi. If you had a hundred million invested with a man that lost most of the investment, don't you want him to get more investors in to leverage your losses? Any get rich quick scheme in real estate lost 90% of its capital because they bought ten times their capital so a small depreciation in the building wipes out all the investment. Instead of wasting millions investigating and prosecuting the FBI should set up an organization that will act as a supervisory board who for a small fee will guarantee the investors that this fund did everything legitimately. They will still lose their money but they won't have the satisfaction of lynching someone.
38
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:16 AM Tachlis Says:Report as Inappropriate
Good for him! He found away to pay for his kids tuition and kosher food. Instead of letting the yeshivos and Bais yaakov steal his money, he beat them to the punch. everyone talks about chillul Hashem, but where the screaming when the Schools dont pay the teachers on time? where is the screaming when the yeshivas say " you dont have money so were gonna treat your kid different"! were is all the screaming when people have to choose between a luluv and food for yom tov?! we are so eager to scream bloody murder when someone gets a few illegal dollars, but what have we done to prevent such things??
39
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:23 AM Tachlis Says:Report as Inappropriate
Good for him! Instead of him waiting for the Yeshivos and Bais Yaakovs to steal his money he beat them to the punch! People like to scream Chillul Hashem, But where is all the screaming when the schools don’t pay their teachers on time? Where is the screaming when Yeshivos say “you don’t have money so we are going to treat your kid differently?” Where is the screaming when people have to chose between a Luluv and food for yom tov? Judaism became a booming business. He did what he had to do, What have WE done to change the situation?
40
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:32 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Oy vey!! Hashem Yirachem!! And we want to understand why sooo many UNNATURAL tragedies are befalling our communities. Is it possible because instead of being an Ohr LaGoyim - we are behaving sooo UNNATURALLY? :*( ”
You probably don't have any avyress
41
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:40 AM DavidMoshe Says:Report as Inappropriate
So, will we all be treated to the spectacle of a bunch of protestors demanding that he not go to prison because he's such a frum guy who has done so much? Will he get the Rubashkin treatment? The whole thing is a disgrace-- yet another guy in a kippah being led off in handcuffs. It's time that our rabbonim focused more on ethical behavior and less on rituals, because this past year has not been a positive one for Klal Yisroel, and we have nobody to blame but ourselves.
42
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:46 AM Helen Thomas Says:Report as Inappropriate
You people are all sick. Why the public simcha at the downfall of a jewish family. There is always another side of the story. The FBI is working full time trying to find anything on anyone. First of all the kars 4 kids is not like the article stated. Eli gave those millions to charity. many charities not just kars 4 kids. one time someone needed a loan and oorah helped them out m that person happened to be investing with eli. no scandel there. And yes Eli did invest other peoples money and lose it, but u have to be an idiot to trust 30 million dollars on one deal just like that to anyone. I don't believe any crime was committed here and this is just part of the witch hunt. but the glee and satisfaction of the posters here before all the facts are out makes my stomach sick .
43
Aug 12, 2010 at 11:55 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
everyone must take a step back & think what would they write in the comments if this was a friend/realitive of the person. You probably would want to wait till you know 100% that he did this all . Even the goyim understand INNOCENT till proven GUILTY !!!
44
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:02 PM Barry521 Says:Report as Inappropriate
What a sad state of affairs. If all these Chochems would only conduct business in a morally, decent way obeying the law, they in all probability would make the same amount of moeny they try doing business as crooks.
A day doesn't pass that some crooked scheme is attributed to another Jew. Is this the Torah that our Yeshivas are teaching. Where are the moral compasses of these so called Rabbaim? The leaders of our communities?
45
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:10 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Next time pay the tax on your income, so u won't have to invest it in unknown places & u don't have to lose it. sorry next go legally! & now don't blame the people u invest it by. hamkom ymallaya csroncha
46
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:12 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Before u throw the book at him! Has anyone Been dan lekaf zechus? Maybe he has a borderline personality disorder? Give him help not more tzaros. ”
i didnt see you claming this borderline twist when it came to madoff dwek and all the other low lives
47
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:18 PM straightmind Says:Report as Inappropriate
All I want to say is,please don't rush to judge,I'm not saying he's not guilty,we've seen more times then not of how our Malchis she'll chesed like to blowup charges on people,(rubashkin yochiach)again I'm not saying he's innocent just let the facts come out....his wife and kids and family should be respected they for sure didn't do anything wrong,they are the biggest rachmonos of all...let's hope for the best.
48
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:23 PM shtusim Says:Report as Inappropriate
What i don't understand is the lack of seichel on the part of the investors.
Who give millions of dollars to a shnook from kollel? If the "deal" was so good, why did he have to go to England to get money? BUT, THEY WERE GREEDY. As it says in the gemara " YESH LO MONA, ROTZEH MASSAIM"
if they have more money to throw out, i am sure i can find very good uses for it.
IF THEY WOULD HAVE GIVEN THE MONEY TO TZEDAKAH, THEY WOULDN'T BE IN THIS POSITION!!
49
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:27 PM j unger Says:Report as Inappropriate
It was proven that he never bought the properties he claimed he did
Sometimes he gave a deposit and let the sellers even keep the 10 percent deposit as long as he kept the rest 90 percent
This was proven in court so many times
50
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:41 PM kollelfaker Says:Report as Inappropriate
wrong there areany wealthy people in lakewood today and if he and hisifew are living the high life so are his kids. the only nebach might be for the people that trusted him with there money because they and there families lost it not him
and to the one thast says its the investers fault sorry but it getting old hast frummer yiddin stealing from others and the right wing jmerks defending them
51
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:51 PM dmb120 Says:Report as Inappropriate
all you idiots have your priorities wrong all he may have done was possibly taking money from people. i dont see anybody talking against all the molestors and all the people who are ruining kids and adults lives SPIRITUALLY im just asking that first judge him favorably(youl never know the real story no matter how many articles you read) and secondly please get your priorities straight another thing unless you were involved(obviously not you otherwise you wont be posting your stupid comments)it is none of your buisness
52
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:54 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Until the cost of being a frum Yid comes down, these types of things will go on.
53
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:56 PM dovrakower Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ You people are all sick. Why the public simcha at the downfall of a jewish family. There is always another side of the story. The FBI is working full time trying to find anything on anyone. First of all the kars 4 kids is not like the article stated. Eli gave those millions to charity. many charities not just kars 4 kids. one time someone needed a loan and oorah helped them out m that person happened to be investing with eli. no scandel there. And yes Eli did invest other peoples money and lose it, but u have to be an idiot to trust 30 million dollars on one deal just like that to anyone. I don't believe any crime was committed here and this is just part of the witch hunt. but the glee and satisfaction of the posters here before all the facts are out makes my stomach sick . ”
This guy is a first class crook and they should also arrest his attorney who was dis-barred already who helped him swindle all this money. It was known in most of his dealings he would buy a property which did go up a lot or double in value over a few years but the problem is he would refinance the property and pull out double the money that was put in and not give back to his investors because he took in multiple different investors for the same 25% over the 75% mortgage so instead of having one partner there was multiple partners all fighting for the same share. That's called a Ponzi scheme when you take from 20 people but don't return them their money because you keep it for yourself or have enough for only one investor but not the others. This has been going on for years and he attacked different neighborhoods in the States, England and Israel stealing from people who gave him millions because he showed them great properties but never even purchased them with the money that he was given to buy them.
54
Aug 12, 2010 at 12:59 PM Mendel Says:Report as Inappropriate
I know this man well and like everyone else knew not to invest with him. We all waited for this day to happen. It is so sad to read how much money was lost by him. I just don't understand the constant Lakewood bashing? He happenned to live there. He was NOT a KOLLEL YUNGERMAN ever!!! And he didnt grow up in Lakewood. He moved here long after he began conducting his buosness. When the APP will call him a Rabbi I won't be shocked. Amongst us let us remember not to shame a makom kadosh in Elul based on a person who has nothing and had nothing to do with Lakewood Kollel.
May we all hear the ultimate Simcha bkarov
55
Aug 12, 2010 at 01:03 PM arthurbader Says:Report as Inappropriate
By the way, I didn;t see anywhere in the APP that "one lawyer claimed in federal court that Weinstein funneled about $140 million to Kars 4 Kids — a national organization that accepts used cars as donations — and other Jewish charities and unrelated corporations."
What it does say is taht he funneled money to charities, and he questioned a check from Kars 4 Kids. Not only did Kars 4 Kids lawyer respond in th article, that whole thing was from an old Star-Ledger story that the newspaper retracted!
56
Aug 12, 2010 at 01:10 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is just lashon harah. Its a mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim. We are planning an asifa tonight in lakewood to raise money for his defense fund. Rabbi Shloima Chaim Kanarig is heading the fund. ”
The mitzvah of Pidyan shvuyim is ONLY if he is innocent NOT if he is guilty. He is a ganiff . And the money he gave to tzadaka was stolen money. and this is NOT anti-semitism. Its good that it happed to show that we Yidden CANT do what we want and get away with it with political pull.
57
Aug 12, 2010 at 01:10 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Which shul does he daven in?
58
Aug 12, 2010 at 01:11 PM CF700 Says:Report as Inappropriate
I don't get their point at all. Investing by definition is a risk, and the ones taking the rest are the ones that are guilty. Period. You want your money to be safe keep it in your bank account or in life insurance.
Of course, if money is entrusted to you, you gotta invest it legitimately. People losing their invested money doesn't automatically equal ponzi scheme. Don't rush to judge, and yes, if you have a Jewish heart, you should give him the benefit of the doubt first.
59
Aug 12, 2010 at 01:32 PM BPHocker Says:Report as Inappropriate
OK, so he stole some money. Big deal. Its not like he wore a blue shirt on shabbos or something really sick like that.
60
Aug 12, 2010 at 01:33 PM bigwheeel Says:Report as Inappropriate
Poster # 36; According to your venomous posts, you are pretty much set against religious Jews. (You might not be Jewish yourself.) But your English Spelling and Grammar leave a lot to be desired. (That's understating the case.) If you were a "Chassidic Zhlob", (one of the people you love to hate) I could understand your excuse for not speaking / writing proper English. (Not always the rule. I'm a "Chassidic Zhlob".) Your hate goes to such an extent that you're predictable.
p.s.: The past demonstration of your proficiency in the vernacular leaves me doubting you got the gist of my musings.
61
Aug 12, 2010 at 01:36 PM Not So Fast, Boys !! Says:Report as Inappropriate
I know Eli, as many of do, as well. This was NOT a ponzi scheme, as this article states. Eli is a very smart guy & invested in Real - Estate. He then made a lot of money, very fast, very easy. He then started taking OPM for investments. At first he was making $$ for his investors, but then, when the market collapsed, so did his returns. He tried to do more risky things and then, well, u know the rest. Some of his investors sued and now, we have an indictment. But it was never meant to be a ponzi.
62
Aug 12, 2010 at 01:49 PM clear-thinker Says:Report as Inappropriate
#52 Until some frum Jews learn that secular law, even white collar crimes. apply to them this type of thing will go on.
63
Aug 12, 2010 at 01:57 PM KevinTheMevin Says:Report as Inappropriate
Let it be a warning to all those who are doing similar.
64
Aug 12, 2010 at 02:01 PM mendel Says:Report as Inappropriate
whoever thinks weinstein is legit belongs in jail with him , this guy was born a thief ,
he didnt do 1 think straight and legal in his all life besides tht he is a big shaigets also he just protected himself by giving money to all the rebbes and moisdes in lakewood
65
Aug 12, 2010 at 02:03 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Today's Yungerliet like Rubashkin and Weinstein grew up in an era where most people thought of crimminals as being a hoodlum in an alley. Yidden better wake up and realize the government and general population think of white collar crimminals on the same level as the street thug and are punished accordingly. No exemptions!
66
Aug 12, 2010 at 02:07 PM bubii Says:Report as Inappropriate
#47 youre straight mind: youre mind is bent crookedly, and wickedly you fool
67
Aug 12, 2010 at 02:23 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ OK, so he stole some money. Big deal. Its not like he wore a blue shirt on shabbos or something really sick like that. ”
As long that it is not yours
68
Aug 12, 2010 at 02:34 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
#40
Today at 11:32 AM Anonymous Says:
Reply to #9 Show Quote
Nirah-Lee Says:
“ Oy vey!! Hashem Yirachem!! And we want to understand why sooo many UNNATURAL tragedies are befalling our communities. Is it possible because instead of being an Ohr LaGoyim - we are behaving sooo UNNATURALLY? :*( ”
You probably don't have any avyress
yes I did so that means no one can ever get arrested or imprisoned
I do not see that excuse ever being used in the Torah
as far as losing money in investment that is not what happened he took money for investment and did not invest it and that is a crime
to those again he gave charity, big deal I can be a big shot too with other peoples money, it is easy.
the lakewood rebbies won't say anything since they have no problem with fruad. They held a dinner for a convicted fraudster the day he got out of prison
69
Aug 12, 2010 at 02:39 PM EyeOpener Says:Report as Inappropriate
L'toeles harabim: this man is a liar and a thief. Stay away. I speak from personal experience and from the experience of people who dealt with him. Not isolated cases, but over and over again the same pattern. Beware!
70
Aug 12, 2010 at 02:42 PM EyeOpener Says:Report as Inappropriate
PS. The people defending him as a legitimate businessman who's investments just went bad are probably relatives or people on his payroll. That is the only way someone could say such ridiculous things about Weinstein. Do not believe a word they say. He has been sued over these same patterns of activity and I speak from personal knowledge, not relating to the charges in this case, that this is the way he operates: smooth talk, phony documents, he lies like you breath: as natural as can be.
71
Aug 12, 2010 at 02:43 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
let be real. most frum yiddin are honest as is the same with people in general.
the real problem in the orthodox community is the sound of silence by the rebbonum and the community (or silly excuses) when these type of things happen. And even if they do speak up, they will say it happens because of what ever is bugging them at that time. the internet, TV, modesty and other issues. But they never condemn fraud and stealing. Until that happens, these things will be going on, since the silence from the powers to be in akin to acceptance why? because they have no problem speaking up for every other stupid issue.
72
Aug 12, 2010 at 03:00 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
how many read the whole article
The complaint also stated that Weinstein used some of his victims' money to buy a large collection of jewelry, art and Judaica, including a manuscripts and antiques worth more than $6 million. Weinstein also had a jewelry and clock collections worth $7.6 million and more jewelry and watches — from jewelers such as Breguet, Bulgari and Cartier — worth $6.2 million.
While my client was bugging him to get his money back, he got a wire transfer one day from Kars 4 Kids for $320,000," Weisbrot said. "That was very strange. Why are they giving $320,000 at the direction of Eli Weinstein, who should have no control over their bank accounts?"
The criminal complaint closes by saying that Weinstein maintained multiple passports. Weinstein, the complaint concludes, showed a passport to one of his "victim-investors" and said, "if I want to run away, I can."
73
Aug 12, 2010 at 03:05 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Anonymous Says:
Next time pay the tax on your income, so u won't have to invest it in unknown places & u don't have to lose it. sorry next go legally! & now don't blame the people u invest it by. hamkom ymallaya csroncha
hello did you read the whole article HE NEVER INVESTED THE MONEY YOU FOOL
74
Aug 12, 2010 at 03:56 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Hashem Yerachem on the family! Hashem Yerachim on all his partners in Lakewood!
We have to stop making such Chilul Hasehem. Read the comments in the APP.
75
Aug 12, 2010 at 03:59 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Number 71 is right on the money. This is largely the fault of "Rabbonim" who will accuse the sincere and honest Yid of being the sinner labeling him a "Loshon Harah" mouth, if he dares bring to the attention of other Yidden the rapists and white collar crimminals in our midst. The Yidden are getting what they deserve by having "Rabbonim" like these lead us.
76
Aug 12, 2010 at 04:11 PM CountryYossi Says:Report as Inappropriate
Mr. Berger fom London was the largest victim of Weinstein Ganef and he won a court last Friday that found weinstein guilty of defrauding him for 35 million dollars.
Weinstein should ROT in jail with Madoff and all other Ganuvim and let this be a lesson for anyone who feels like living a lavish life style on the expense of some innocent investors...My question is to all those Rabunin who accepted weinsteins donations which were stolen if they will return it to the original people who lost that money.?We all know that a Yeshiveh can not instill Torah into erliche bucherim for geganvete gelt....
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Aug 12, 2010 at 04:23 PM 5TResident Says:Report as Inappropriate
This is going to play right into the stereotype of Jews being money-hungry crooks. And how are we going to answer the accusers if this keeps happening?
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Aug 12, 2010 at 04:23 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Enough Chilul Hashem Please do not knock our gedolim and manhigim
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Aug 12, 2010 at 04:29 PM yankel unger Says:Report as Inappropriate
While its hard to understand why such successful businessman gave tens of millions in his hand
He had very dirty tricks to get to his victims
He used to find out when they take an international flight and got himself a ticket on that flight selling the victims stories about himself
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Aug 12, 2010 at 04:52 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
There are people who interest money with him that trusted him because he was a big baal tzedakah. It seems like it was a sham. Give money to get the community to vouch for him and than get money and play games. I wish him no harm; however he has harmed the community and the people who invested with him Where is the money. Yes the market fall but he was living high on the hog and unfortunate the phrase on the hog seems to fit him. He is not a frum man JUST DRESSES AS SUCH
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Aug 12, 2010 at 04:59 PM katz Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I know Eli Weinstein. Yes he may have invested millions of other peoples money and lost it but no that is not a crime. its the risk that people take when investing . the people who lost that money are mad, so they made up this ponzi scheme. and the millions given to charity were just that, millions given to charity. he never got that money back . ”
No true .. he not only to money for investments.. he promised money took money .. stole money. He's a crook and he should sit big time.. maybe others will see and learn ... and stop being mevazeh shaim shamyim. Don't feel bad for wife.. if everyone in the street knew what he was doing .. so did she .. he should rot in prison !!!!
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Aug 12, 2010 at 05:02 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Enough Chilul Hashem Please do not knock our gedolim and manhigim ”
shabtai tzvi was considered a gadol and manhig in his days before he was caught with his pants down.stick to the subject and dont hide behind your farfrumpte cheshbonos
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Aug 12, 2010 at 06:07 PM too 81 Says:Report as Inappropriate
You would be suprised how ignorent the wives are you should feel bad for her they have six children who are gonna go threw hell and back bc of this
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Aug 12, 2010 at 06:58 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Weinsteins fate has just come maybe his innocent victims will now see there money back and justice will prevail
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Aug 12, 2010 at 07:13 PM anon Says:Report as Inappropriate
Even if he did something like thi 4 wharever reason,a jew can always do teshuvah and come back,noone has the right to sign him off!he's a yid and we must daven for him!ppl. Still haven't learned leep ur moneyin banks,in a safe place who the heck invests all their money? What about his kids will they grow up having a father ?if hes34 they must b pretty young !h-shem yerachem!!
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Aug 12, 2010 at 07:36 PM ------ Says:Report as Inappropriate
I'm not in his shoes, but this my opinion but what i read it seems that this Weinstein dosen't have any feelings, it looks like that his money was more worth then his wife and kids, becaue if he would have feeling he would not do it, having a wife and kids and family is more worth that anything in the world, and if he thought they would not catch him look what our sage tell us that every guy that steals in the end he gets caught.
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Aug 12, 2010 at 08:01 PM disgusted Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ This is just lashon harah. Its a mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim. We are planning an asifa tonight in lakewood to raise money for his defense fund. Rabbi Shloima Chaim Kanarig is heading the fund. ”
Why does he need a fund to setup his defense? He already has the money to pay with all the millions he stole.
The guy stole millions of dollars but o garentee he demands kosher food and a chavruse in jail because he is soooo frufrumt.
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Aug 12, 2010 at 10:10 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
dear BPHocker,thank you! that was a good one. esther
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Aug 13, 2010 at 01:11 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
To all that say that he should sit in jail long, who are you to judge? I know the crime is a bad one but I mean weres your feelings? Are you so confident in the actions you do ?
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Aug 13, 2010 at 04:29 AM Greener Says:Report as Inappropriate
To BPHocker, #59,
You said it all - made my day.
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Aug 13, 2010 at 07:29 AM anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Why is it that all these criminal sociopaths, like the villain from vienna, weinstein, etc are drawn to Lakewood? Is it because they know they can buy legitimacy cheaply? Avoid jail longer? Dance with the leadership upon release?
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Aug 13, 2010 at 03:37 PM michaltastik_dot_com Says:Report as Inappropriate
Should anyone really be commenting if they don't know him personally? Commenting EITHER WAY? That is, in his defense or against him.
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Aug 15, 2010 at 06:46 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Plenty of londoners lost millions to this thief. He deserves to lose it all
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Aug 15, 2010 at 07:03 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Suddenly he becomes a tzaddik, talk to t housands of yidden who lost their businesses and money to him, if he's so righteous why has he not paid anyone back, he still lived on a high lifestyle whilst depriving others of theirs, eg moshe miesels0lost 100s of properties in london because weinstien stole his monet and btw he went to din torah and fat lot it helped