A Current View on Unemployment U nfortunately, we are all too well aware of the dire state of the economy which, consequently, has taken a firm toll on the employment rate. The number of unemployed Americans over the past year has risen by about 4.1 million, putting the latest national unemployment figure at 7.6 percent . In New York the rate is roughly at 7.4 percent. Sadly, the situation is also taking a grim toll on people’s level of confidence in the job market and their future prospects. Last month alone, a stunning 731,000 Americans stopped looking for work out of frustration. Although the Obama administration is calling for aggressive action to curb job losses and bolster the economy through both an economic stimulus package (a mix of tax cuts and new spending) and financial institution rescues, we are still faced with the current situation, which is predicted to get worse before better. There is no question that this financial crisis and its effects can be felt even within our own local communities. Many employees may have experienced layoffs and/ or major cuts in work hours. Individuals and families may find themselves struggling to make ends meet and anxious about their immediate and long term welfare. The pending question now is how we can best cope as individuals, families and as a community, at large to best overcome this challenging hurdle. However, perhaps adopting a different and more positive view on unemployment, might be a good start. Not always has unemployment yielded bad results. History and theorists have illustrated that sometimes unemployment acts as a ‘cleansing’ of unproductive forces and trends in the labor/market economy. Furthermore, employees may use this period to update, refine or learn new skills in accordance with the demands of the market. Continued on page 2 F or four decades the UJO and its affiliate organizations have engaged in active hands on work in services that deal with some the largest The UJO is proud to report that in addition to addressing the day to day needs of the community, organizing meetings and overseeing broad long term goals, our Board of Directors and staff are also ever ready to jump in and act immediately when crisis occurs. With foreclosures now at an all time high, we can assuredly say that this situation has risen to crisis level. Responding in a moment notice to a community exacerbated by the strain of foreclosure, the UJO demonstrated quick emergency action. On November 17th at a community based level, the UJO quickly organized an urgent meeting at Aishel Avram Nursing Home with national mortgage expert, Mr. Joel Gross. Through an effective Power Point presentation, Mr. Gross not only explained the roots of the housing crisis but also advised the community how to act in response. Furthermore, he clearly advised that those in threatened by or already undergoing of foreclosure should take extreme precaution in avoiding foreclosure scams. Continued on page 11 THE CURRENT Mailing Address: Christine Lawson Publications/Editor issues facing the community right down Continued on page 3 -1- P.O. Box 4062 Forest Hills, NY 11375 Tel: (718) 643-9700 Email: [email protected] O Osteoporosis steoporosis, meaning ‘porous bone’, is a bone thinning disease which causes bones to become brittle and weak and which leads to fragility fractures. Osteoporosis is a major public health threat affecting over 44 million Americans, eighty percent of which are women. It has been termed the ‘silent thief’ because it progresses without symptoms or pain until bones start to weaken and break. When this occurs, symptoms may include back pain, which may be severe if the vertebra is fractured or collapsed and loss of height over time with an accompanying stooped posture. In addition to the vertebra, other common fracture sites include the hip and wrist. Osteoporosis is a complex disease of which not all the causes are known. What is clear is that the strength of your bones depends on their size and density, and density depends, in part, on the amount of calcium, phosphorous and other minerals bones contain. When bones contain less than normal amounts of these minerals, they become weaker and eventually lose their internal supporting structure. So, what can be done to maintain healthy bone mass? There are three factors that we can influence to help bones remain healthy. They are: * Exercising regularly * Maintaining adequate amounts of calcium in the diet * Receiving adequate amounts of vitamin D, which is essential for absorbing calcium However, there are also many factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis which include: gender, age, race, family history, diseases, lifestyle and eating habits as well as use of medications such as corticosteroids or use of hormone therapy or exposure to estrogen. How doctors detect osteoporosis: Doctors can detect osteoporosis or the early signs of it using a variety of devices used to measure bone density. The best screening tool available today is a dual energy xray absorptiometry (DEXA). This procedure is quick, simple and gives accurate results. It measures the density of bones in your spine, hip and wrist, which are most likely to be affected by osteoporosis. Other tests used to measure bone density are ultrasound and quantitative computerized tomography (CT) scanning. If you are a woman, the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that you have a bone density test if you aren’t taking estrogen and: *You are older than 65 * You are post menopausal and have at least one risk factor, including having a fractured bone * You have vertebral abnormality * You use medications such as prednisone that can cause osteoporosis * You have type 1 diabetes, liver, kidney or thyroid disease or a family history of osteoporosis Treatments for Osteoporosis: Generally, the most widely used treatments for osteoporosis are estrogen hormonetherapy, lifestyle changes and prescription drugs such as bisphosphonates, which can help slow down bone loss and which may even increase bone density over time. (The use of estrogen therapy is, however, controversial and should be determined cautiously between a patient and healthcare provider.) Continued on page 4 -2- A Current View on Unemployment Continued from page 1 Employers now have the advantage of hiring top skill, increasing the potential of their businesses as well as finding creative ways to boost business, such as finding unsatisfied needs, producing newly and differently and perhaps [offering new consumer incentives]. Practical tactics to cope with the stress of recession and unemployment Although a great deal of the ‘salvaging’ money will come through the stimulus package, we as individual consumers can do our part in keeping the economy healthy. As debt begins to accumulate, many households are cutting back on spending in an effort to save. According to expert analysts, consumers should rather spend now and save later. Why? We must remember that our financial institutions are currently weakened. In order to keep money in the hands of consumers and stimulating demand, we must keep money flowing through the market at large. When our lenders are strong, demand for goods will increase and employees will stay employed. . Examples of good spending: If consumers invested in programmable thermostats, hired contractors to fix leaks and replace lightbulbs with more efficient ones, the immediate spending could pay itself off in just a year or two. . . . . Families with young children could become members at Costco saving hundreds in diaper purchases. Drivers could inflate their tires, change their air and fuel filters and start getting better mileage. Those who do a lot of printing could purchase a printer that uses only a cent or two of ink per page. These initial investments usually pay off within three months and are perfectly suited for the moment in the sense that our economy needs this jumpstart. It will keep people employed and create new jobs. Continued on page 3 Filing for Unemployment Benefits T he unemployment insurance program provides benefits to individuals who have sufficient employment to establish a claim, have lost employment through no fault of their own, are ready, willing and able to work and are actively seeking work. If you have worked in New York State within the last eighteen months, you have the right to file a claim for benefits. Note: Due to the high unemployment rate in New York State, an additional 13 weeks of emergency benefits will be available on February 22, 2009, for a total of 33 weeks of emergency benefits. What is Sufficient Employment? For employment to be considered sufficient an employee must have worked and been paid wages for employment in at least two calendar quarters in a base period. A calendar quarter is the three month period beginning with January, April, July, and October. In addition, you must have been paid at least $1600 in wages in one of the calendar quarters in your base period. A Current View on Unemployment Continued from page 1 Continued from page 2 to the most specific interests affecting Another tactic to cope with the crisis is to think practically. Employees should investigate the market and find out which industries are still afloat as well as those that will be prioritized through the stimulus plan. For instance, according to the plan, many jobs salvaged will probably be concentrated in the manufacturing industry. In addition, only healthcare and education defied the cutting trend adding, in December, 45,000 jobs combined, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. the welfare of even the fewest. The dai- Faced with a situation that, perhaps, has not seen its hardest day, we, as individuals and a community need to work positively and constructively to overcome this financial and unemployment crisis. Even the Great Depression of the 1930s was eventually overcome and with great results such as the WPA (Works Progress Administration) which not only put many back into the workforce but also created much of the infrastructure that our cities see today. The new administration is as determined as we are individually to see a brighter economic future. The key is to maximize our strengths and work collectively. Our age has the tools and intellect to do so. With unerring application and practical and creative thought, these days of crisis unemployment will see an end. ly efforts involved in producing fruitful outcomes are varied and many. We would like to take this opportunity to update and share with our communities some of the processes and engagements behind our efforts and achievements. In doing so, we also take this opportunity to acknowledge our political supporters and friends with whom our successes could not have been realized. The following is brief synopsis of some of our most current work and achievements: • We are extremely apprecia- tive to announce that Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, has funded 24 hour surveillance cameras for public housing in many of our buildings throughout Williamsburg which will greatly enhance the safety and security of so many tenants. Continued on page 4 Contined on page 4 -3- Contiued from page 3 • Special thanks also to Assemblyman Joseph Lentol for intervening with the state which resulted in the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) removal of electric boxes, specifically on the overpass on Bedford Avenue. • The revitalization of the Broadway Triangle spearheaded by the UJO and other community groups, and led by Steve Levin, Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Vito Lopez, is moving forward. The scoping session last November was a great success and the application for the rezoning of the Broadway Triangle is proceeding accordingly. Once the property is approved, the first 100 units at 100 Throop Avenue can start ‘putting the shovels to the ground’. Funding is secured. This will be a great asset to all residents living in Community Board 1, as they will have the first chance in obtaining an apartment, in accordance with and fulfilling the Department of Housing and Preservation’s (HPD) fifty percent community preference. At a time when rental units are particularly scarce, this is a great opportunity for the community. • A victory for UJO’s two year advocacy with the Department of Education (DOE) for the allowing of Third Party Vendors in non-public schools, specifically Yeshivas. Third Party Vendors will be instrumental in the facilitation of Title 1 (Special Education) services. Additionally, the DOE, under the leadership of Chancellor Klein, agreed upon the addition of a mentoring program for at risk students, a new facet of the Title 1 services that the UJO initially Continued on page 8 Osteoporosis Continued from page 2 The effects of osteoporosis may be preventable if bone loss is detected early enough. A healthcare provider may recommend appropriate and regular testing to predict your risk for future fractures, if one has already occurred. He or she may prescribe a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and a regular program of cardio and weight bearing exercises as well. Newer emerging therapies also include physical therapy programs that have been shown to significantly reduce back pain, improve posture and reduce the risk of falls. Filing for Unemployment Benefits Continued from page 3 in addition, the total wages paid to you in your base period must be one and onehalf times your high quarter wages. The amount of high quarter earnings used to determine if you meet this requirement will not be greater than $8,910. Earnings in the other base period quarters must total at least one-half of $8,910, or $4,455. If one meets the requirements of this Basic Base Period, this Base will be used to determine the claim. If not, an Alternate Base Period may be established to determine a claim. How to file a claim and what information is necessary: To file a claim, you must either complete an online application or call the Telephone Claims Center at 1-888209-8124 or 1-877-358-5306 for out of state residents. You should file your claim during your first week of total or partial unemployment - to delay may cost you benefits. If you have worked or will work four or more days or earn more than -4- $405 gross pay between Monday and Sunday of the current week, you must wait until next Monday to file, if you are still unemployed. To apply, you will need the following information: • Valid New York State driver’s license or Non-Driver Photo Identification Card number (if you have either one) • Your complete mailing address and zip code • Telephone number where you can be contacted between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday • Employer Registration number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer (FEIN may be found on your W-2 forms), if you have it • Complete name, address, zip code and phone number of your most recent employer • Alien Registration card number (if you are not a U.S. Citizen) • If you are unable to print, have a Continued on page 5 Filing for Unemployment Benefits Continued From Page 4 pen and paper available to write down important information • If you are choosing to have direct deposit of your weekly benefits, you must have a check handy in order to enter your bank routing and checking account numbers If you have not worked in New York State in the last 18 months, but worked in one or more states other than NYS, you may be able to establish a claim with one of the states where you worked. Circumstances for Filing Claims You cannot receive unemployment benefits if you have less than the required work and wages to establish a claim. • You were discharged or fired because you were unable to meet employer performance or production standards, or you were unable to meet employer’s qualifications for the job You may be denied benefits if: • You were fired because your employer alleged that you violated a company policy, rule or procedure, such as absenteeism or insubordination; • Because of a disagreement or dispute with a boss or co-worker; or you were fired for any other reason • You quit your job • You are unemployed because of a work stoppage and participation in a strike in the facility in which you worked Your original benefit rate is calculated on your actual high calendar quarter Eligibility for benefits can only be determined once a claim has been filed and all of the required information has been obtained. You may be eligible for benefits if: • You lost your job due to lack of work • The temporary or seasonal employment ended; • Your job was eliminated; • There was an involuntary reduction in the workforce; • The company downsized or shutdown; • The company restructured or reorganized • There was a lack of company operating funds/orders; • For any other business operating reason which resulted in your involuntary unemployment -5- wages. Your weekly benefit rate is one twenty-sixth (1/26) of the high quarter wages paid to you in your base period. The current maximum weekly benefit rate is $405. Part Time Employment If you work less than four days in a week and earn $405 or less, you may receive partial benefits. Each day or part of a day of work will result in your weekly benefit rate being reduced by one-quarter What is the maximum amount of benefits you can receive? Although a claim lasts one year, Continued on page 8 Free foreclosure prevention services are now just a phone call away! N ew Yorkers facing foreclosure have a new place to turn to for free foreclosure prevention help: the Center for New York City Neighborhoods (CNYCN). To reach CNYCN, dial 311 and ask for the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, or call the direct line at (646) 786-0888. Free help is also available through the web at www.cnycn.org. (Click on the resources tab for the short intake form.) CNYCN - was created to coordinate and expand services to New York City residents at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure. CNYCN partners with 30 nonprofit, community-based organizations to provide free housing counseling and legal assistance to low and moderate income people living in New York City. Call center specialists will ask callers about their financial situation and connect them to the appropriate free housing counseling or legal services in their communities. The CNYCN call center is an important A resource for New Yorkers at risk of losing their homes. Every day, homeowners facing foreclosure are inundated with ads from foreclosure rescue scam artists illegally promising to save their homes for a fee. In many cases, once desperate homeowners pay in cash or money orders, they never hear from the broker again. Other times homeowners are railroaded into refinancing or loan modifications that are just as bad as the ones that led them to be at risk of foreclosure in the first place. By calling the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, New Yorkers are assured that they will receive free help from a reputable, nonprofit, community-based organization experienced at analyzing a homeowner’s options and helping them realize the best outcome. Avoid mortgage scams! Anyone who seeks assistance with a troubled mortgage should call the Center for New York City Neighborhoods at 311 or (646) 786-0888, or visit us on the web at www.cnyc.org, for free help. Senior Assistance major part of the social services that the UJO is proud to offer is assistance for senior citizens. With an ever increasing life expectancy, our office and caseworkers assist hundreds of seniors each week. Although we are locally based and operated, it is quite common that we receive walk-in referral clients from all the tri-state area. In various cases, we have serviced seniors from as far away as Baltimore, MD. A typical senior who receives our services will receive a generous one-stop shop of assistance. Seniors are serviced in one of two ways: either as a walk-in or as a homebound client. In either case, a full and detailed needs assessment will be taken by a senior caseworker. Following the assessment the caseworker will assist, provide and refer a client with all his/her needs as determined. The following are the many types of senior assistance offered through our agency. Assistance in Applying for: • Medicaid, Recertification and assistance with Spousal Refusals • Medicare • Medicare Part D and EPIC • MSP Forms, a Medicare Savings program which if eligible will save a client $96.40 in their Social Security check each month • SSI and SSD benefits -6- • Access-A-Ride • Lifeline discount phone service • SCRIE, assistance in rent for seniors • PANIC, a Medic alert button for the homebound • NYSARC Pool Trust, a trust for seniors that are over income for Medicaid and need homecare yet cannot afford to give the city back the access money. • METROPAIR, a service of Met Council which provides minor home repairs for seniors Another large portion of our work is in the allotment of Holocaust Survivor Funds for needy and qualified seniors. Survivor funds are available largely for medical issues and associated needs which cover but are not limited to: transportation for medical appointments or therapy, dentures, hearing aides, appliances, food and services not covered by Medicaid, Medicare or other insurance. Ghetto Work Compensation In addition to Holocaust Funds, the UJO facilitates the Ghetto Work Compensation. This is a one time payment of 2000 EU. Application are still being accepted. Qualification requires that a person was in a Ghetto for any length of time during the war performing voluntary work. Homecare Services: UJO arranges the following homecare services for seniors: • Visits from UJO case handlers for assessments • Filing mail and providing other associated assistance • Out of hospital needs and medical supplies • Short term home care such as chores and other personal services for seniors homebound after surgery or other related times of need. For additional information regarding Senior Services please contact the UJO at 718-643-9700. Ask to speak with any caseworker dealing with senior issues. Women’s Workforce Development Program I n an ongoing effort to offer our communities educational classes and future opportunities in the workforce, the UJO has expanded its curriculum for women in the Workforce Development Program. The outlook of the workforce today is not only increasingly competitive, but also, unfortunately, limited in the current number of positions available. Today many households are finding it inevitable that both spouses must contribute financially to maintain a normal and healthy standard of living. One working spouse alone may not yield enough resources to offer the family what it needs. Yet, this demand for additional income may be the beginning for many newly acquired skills and future careers. people cherish the visual documentation and memories of such meaningful occasions. This is also a skill that is in high demand within the business world, ie. advertising and documentation of business events. The advantage of photography is that you may work from home and/or choose work events best suited to your schedule. In this class students will learn: • Digital camera functions • Lighting • How to use a tri-pod • Editing pictures on computers using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop software • How to make a professional portfolio, print and save on the computer The instructor for this class is a pro- Furthermore, many opportunities and possibilities for women in the workforce today offer flexibility and variety so that the role of mother and homemaker need not be negatively affected. In accordance to the needs and acknowledged interests of the women in our communities, the UJO has embarked upon implementing several new and engaging career minded classes. The following is a description of current ongoing and future classes to be offered in the program. All classes require registration and a deposit. Most classes offer certificates of completion. If interested in any class, or for additional information please call the UJO at 718-643-9700 and ask for Kjirsten Alexander at ext. 241. . Digital Photography Digital photography is a highly useful and sought after skill these days. The demand for photography is high in our communities due to the great number of social and familial functions such as weddings, bar mitzvahs etc. in which -7- fessional photographer from the (JCC) Jewish Community Council, and may be a good referral for future work. The class is a five week course which meets twice a week. The hours are from 10-1pm and totals 30hrs. The cost is $300. . Computer Graphics This is another useful, creative and flexible job skill that can be done from the home. Computer graphics is also a specialized skill much in demand to Continued from Page 7 Continued from page 4 and ensure appropriate attendance of students in classes. Continued from page 5 and specifically advocated for. during that time you can only receive 26 times your full weekly rate (or the same amount of money for weeks of partial unemployment). • The UJO has been working with David Greenfeld, VP of the Sephardic Federation, in appealing to Governor Patterson for the restoration and funding of the Comprehensive Attendance Program (CAP). This program is a security measure to monitor Does receiving Social Security affect benefits? Women’s Workforce . day with the vast amount of printed and computerized material in circulation. This is a good choice for those interested in starting their own business. In this course students will learn: • Basics in graphic design • Adobe Photoshop, In Design and Illustrator The current cost of a graphic computer course anywhere is roughly $1500. The UJO is happy to be able to offer this course for $750. (the deposit to register is $400.). The course is 90 hours and will begin in May and run through June, meeting three times per week during the middle of the day. Evening graphics classes may also soon be available for women. . Medical Billing Another class of specific and specialized skill is medical billing. Although this class has not yet been scheduled, the UJO is in the process of gathering enough students to implement it. Here again is yet another opportunity to embark on a job that can be done from home or office. The medical industry is one of the least affected industries in today’s recession and is in constant need of medical billing professionals. For further information regarding this upcoming class please call the contact numbers provided in this article. Filing for Unemployment Benefits Computer Basics For those who are not yet familiar or sufficiently comfortable with computers, the UJO offers Computer Basics as a regular and ongoing course. We believe that everyone today should have access and familiarity with this basic and important skill. Students will learn: •How to turn on a computer •Mouse and keyboard basics •Microsoft Word •Microsoft Excel •Resume workshop •How to burn information onto a CD This is a 52 hr. course lasting 61/2 weeks. It meets twice a week from 102pm. Attention: •ESL and Quickbooks classes will also resume after Passover. •A new course to obtain a license to run an official Family Day Care Center is also being considered. Please call to help us gauge interest level. •The possibility of Sunday classes is also being considered. The Workforce Development Program is always open to ideas for new classes from our students and the community at large. *** -8- There is no reduction of unemployment benefits because you collect Social Security. You must be available for and looking for work with no restrictions when you receive Social Security, just as all other claimants. May a non US citizen still file a claim? If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may receive unemployment insurance if: • You were working legally when you lost your job • You are legally allowed to take a new job • You meet the other requirements for UI Benefits and starting a business Notify the Telephone Claims Center before taking any steps to start a business. You must report all of the work you perform, whether it is for yourself, a friend, a relative or an employer. Any activity which brings in or may bring in income at any time must be reported. If you are involved in free-lance work, self-employment, starting a business or doing «favors» for another business, you should call the Telephone Claims Center and give all the details before claiming weekly benefits. Helping a friend or relative You may be considered employed on any day or any part of a day when performing even minor duties or «favors» for a friend’s or relative’s business, whether you get paid or not. Call the Telephone Claims Center and give all the details before claiming benefits. Honest Business Dealings O ur Sages of blessed memory consider honest business dealings as one of the fundamental rules a man must follow. The great weight our Sages of blessed memory assign to this matter is especially important now, when the financial situation all over the world, and especially among our Jewish brethren, is dire. would discourage others from violating the law. It is all too well known that people who until recently were wealthy and gave a great deal to charity are now struggling to maintain their households, which are often blessed with many children. A great many average wageearners, as well as many earning large incomes, have lost some or all of their income and are unable to cover the expenses of feeding their children. This situation may, unfortunately, drive some people to try and make money through dubious means, even more so than in better times. Current: What caused you to share your story with the public? It is, however, important to remember that following the law is both a social duty and a commandment of the Torah. Our Sages of blessed memory tell us that one must adhere to the secular law of the land. We must also consider what consequences may, God forbid, ensue if one conducts business in an unlawful manner. We must be especially wary now as we approach the tax-filing season. We must make certain that we report all our earnings appropriately, claiming only allowable deductions. I am moved to write about this important subject because of Rabbi Moshe Eliezer Zigelman, who is now in trouble with the law. He states that he is very sorry that he was not careful to obey various tax laws. Rabbi Moshe Eliezer asked me to alert the community not to get involved in any action that is ultimately harmful to everyone and may also have dire consequences to the person committing them, to his family and all the people around him. Although it is very difficult for a person, especially a head of a household, to talk about his problems, Rabbi Moshe Eliezer agreed to sit down for an interview with “Current” and share some of his experiences in the hope that this Read on and draw your conclusions: By: Moshe David Niederman *** Rabbi Moshe Eliezer: As you know, my case is a serious one because I helped people commit tax evasion. As a result I became more knowledgeable of the law and have come to realize that I did the wrong thing. I think it is extremely important to caution people that they must discuss all business matters with their accountants in order to make sure that all laws are followed! Even when dealing with charitable activities, we must not ignore the laws and all the regulations. Helping the poor or supporting Torah institutions is not an excuse for disobeying the laws that our Sages of blessed memory instructed us to follow. Current: Is it possible to get implicated in such things unknowingly? Rabbi Moshe Eliezer: I’ll tell you my story, just so that you will understand how a Hassidic Jew can lose his way, and not grasp the seriousness of these matters. I came here from Israel after the Yom Kippur War in 5734 / (1973) with many children to feed. I wandered from one job to another, trying to make a living as best as I could and did not have any stable form of employment. In 5744/ (1984), I happened to visit an institution in which two of my friends were teachers. Also, when my father would visit the United States for lengthy periods of time, he would be employed by that institution. Because of my ties there, I became friendly with the staff and also with the Rebbe, may he rest in peace, who was the president of the institution. Since I had no regular job and wanted to support my family somehow, I helped -9- the institution in any way I could, even working in the kitchen. The Rebbe was already advanced in years and very frail. With God’s graces my manner of speaking pleased the Rebbe and I won his trust. I would always have encouraging words for him and they would revive him. I would take the Rebbe out for walks in the fresh air. It would raise his spirits and imbue him with fresh energy. The Rebbe was grateful to me for it, as he told me countless times. When the Rebbe departed from this world in 5748 / (1988) and his son was appointed his successor as the Rebbe and leader of the institution, he asked me to continue helping him in whatever I could, since I had been so close to his father. Naturally, I accepted and I became the personal assistant and almost the official Gabbai (assistant). I would travel with the Rebbe all over the world, from Australia to California and various other cities, to raise money for the institution. Of course, I did everything possible to help the institution including with the finances of the institution, and I accepted donations from people on behalf of the institution. I got to know people and they gave me money. I became close with the generous people, who would urge me to come back again and again. It was thus that I, an ignorant man, who couldn’t even read and write English, became a fund-raiser and bookkeeper of the donations. And this is how I got into trouble. Thus, based on my experience, I’m warning young people and even established businessmen, who come out of the Kollel (seminary for married men), or work place with minimal professional education. Before you start dealing with Continued on page 10 anything relating to legal issues, discuss it with experts in the field, such as accountants, lawyers and so on, in order to make sure that you are doing it properly. This is also true when it comes to giving charity. Not every charitable donation is a deductible expense. Current: What happened the day you were arrested? Rabbi Moshe Eliezer: It’s very hard to relive those difficult days when my world collapsed around me. After being a Torah scholar and a man involved in charitable work, I was now likened to a criminal. My family suffers because of me and I became a broken man, shaken to my core. To make the public aware of what is at stake, I will provide you with some details. At six in the morning there was a knock on the door where we were staying in Los Angeles, and we then underwent a very harsh and frightening arrest. The officers came armed with guns as if we were the biggest criminals and it was very tumultuous. Being led in handcuffs was horribly humiliating for us. those difficult days that we had undergone, we had to be strong. It was only by virtue of the prayers of the community that I made it home in time. During the day I was interrogated in order to extract information from me. Afterwards we were led to a jail where foreign criminals were awaiting depor- Current: How did the arrest affect your family? tation. We were kept together with wild criminals as if we were murderers or robbers. It was a terrible humiliation. During my whole life my desire has been to study Torah and perform deeds of charity. I never earned much money from my work and whatever money I saved I sent to the needy in Israel. That morning I and the Jews who found out about my arrest were shocked to learn that instead of being known as a man who does good, I now had a reputation for being the lowest of the low. It is impossible to describe the physical and spiritual pain I experienced. It took two days before I was brought before a judge for a bail hearing. My bail was set very high, $1.5 million, but thanks God, in spite of my disgrace, many kindhearted Jews put up their houses for my bail. In California the bail law is especially tough; you must put up the house you live in and there are many other requirements. This delayed the process even more. I missed by a hair staying in jail over the Sabbath. After - 10 - Rabbi Moshe Eliezer: I have no words to describe it. They underwent a trauma because of me. At the same time that I was arrested in Los Angeles, agents stormed my apartment in Brooklyn, where my wife and children were staying, and they searched the whole apartment. It is impossible to describe how hysterical my family was, not knowing what was going on. The agents turned everything upside down and left the entire apartment in great disarray. But much worse is the inner turmoil my family went through. They didn’t know what it was all about and they suffered a terrible disgrace from the whole neighborhood that witnessed the invasion. My poor innocent family suffered greatly. Even my little grandchildren were victims too. Even they heard that their grandfather had been caught by the police like a common thief in the street. Current: How did the authorities find out about the case? Rabbi Moshe Eliezer: I learned that I had been on their radar screen for as long as four years and my conversations had been wiretapped. A man, who is himself in trouble with the government, cooperated with the government. What I would like to say is that people should not think that they can protect themselves from being found out. You can never know what your partner is doing against you and who is listening to your conversations. My message to the public is that I suffered terribly and am still suffering and I wish this would at least serve as a lesson to others to not do what I had done. If you want to be charitable, more power to you, it’s a great mitzvah (good deed), but make sure it’s done in accordance with the law. If you don’t know what to do, talk to your accountant and make sure you obey the law of the land. I will be grateful to you for alerting the public about this matter. ַן ,פיל ּלא א נייעם פ ַ ָל צוליב לעגיטי מא ָבער עס קען מע סיבות ,א ַז זייער ַכן א זיך אויך מא ּגע אפ ַנספער ווערט ָ טרא ַרע ָרפן צוליב אומבא ווא ַכן .ווען די כטיגטע אורזא ַר ָנגעגעבענע סיבה פא א ַנספער ווע ָס די טרא ווא רט צוריקגעוויזן איז נישט גערעכט ,וועט די יו.דזשעי. ַר'ן קליענט ָ .שתדל'ען פא א און מ'וועט העלפן יענעם ַנספער. א טרא ַקומען ַ בא ָב ּרא א צווייטער פ ַ ָפט ַסירט א ּא ָס פ לעם ווא איז אונטער די "גוטע א ָוס) טר ַ סיבה" (גוד קא ָס ַציע .דא נספער רעגולא א קליענט איז גילט ווען ַ א ַרט אין ַ ּא ַריינגעשפ א ָך ניינציג טעג ַן (נא ּלא פ פון זיך איינשרייבן ביז'ן צוועלפטן חודש) און וויל ַנ ַן א ַנספערירן צו א טרא ַן .מעדיקעיד ּלא דערן פ א גוטע ַן ַ ַנגט דא ַרלא פא ָס די טויש ַרווא סיבה פא ָל ערלויבט ווערן .די זא ַנספערס ווערן ָרט טרא סא ַשטעטיגט נישט לייכט בא דורך מעדיקעיד טשויס .די ָר ָ .קעיס ווא יו.דזשעי.א קערס ווייסן אויף וועלכע ַציע זיי קוקן אין ָרמא אינפא ַזוי און ַל ,און ווי א א פא ַזַ א ַרבעטן דורך וועמען צו א ַז די נויטיגעענדערונגען א ַשטעטיגט ווערן. ָלן בא זא ַרבע זיי קענען אויך א ָר ָקטא טן מיט אייער דא אויסצופולן די נויטיגע ַר פא ַציע ָרמא אינפא ַציענטן וועלכע ּא זייערע פ ַנס ָרט טרא ַרפן די סא דא פערס. ָרט א דריטע סא ַ ַנספער וועלכע קען טרא זיין שווער צו ערלעדיגן, איז צו טוישן פון מעיד קעיד צו די טשיילד העלט ַם .עס קען ָגרא ּרא ָס פ ּלא פ ַז ווען מען ַכן א זיך מא ַנספערירט צווישן די טרא ַר ָל מען פא ַמען זא ָגרא ּרא פ א שטיק צייט נישט ווע ַ רן געדעקט דורך קיין איין ַכט ַם .אויב עס מא ָגרא ּרא פ ַן עמוירדזשענסי, זיך א ָט ריכטיג גע און מ'הא ַנספער, ַכט דעם טרא מא ָ .סטעף קען די יו.דזשעי.א ַלטן ַן העלפן צו ערהא דא עמוירדזשענסי דעקונג. ָן רעסערטיפיקעישא קליענטן קענען און ַליין ַרעכטיגט א זענען בא אויסצופולן זייערע רע ָרע ָן פא סערטיפיקעישא ַליין מס און זיי אויך עס א ַכט זיך צוריקשיקן .עס מא ַז די אויסג ָפט א ָבער א א ָקומענטן ווערן עפולטע דא נישט צייטליך ערלעדי גט .עס קען זיין ווייל די ָנג ָרעם איז נישט א פא עקומען אינעם ריכטיגן ָט מען עס ָדער הא ַץ ,א ּלא פ ַרזען און נישט פשוט פא ָמ ַריינגעלייגט אין קא א ַזעלע פע ּיוטער .אין א פ ָ. לער קען די יו.דזשעי.א מעדיקעיד סטעף העלפן ַלטן זייער קליעננטן ערהא ריכטיגן רעסערטיפיקעי ַטוס ,געווענליך ָן שטא שא ּגיין צום מע אפ ַרָ דורך א ָפיס. דיקעיד א מעדיקעיד מיט אינשורענס ָפט ַכן זיך א עס מא ָט – ָבלעמען ווען מ'הא ּרא פ א ַט – ַ ָט געהא ָדער מ'הא א העלט אינשורענס אויס ָס קען ער מעדיקעיד ,ווא ַפעקטירן די מעדיקעיד א דעקונג. ַז ָל קען זיין א צומא ּ אפ ַרָ א קליענט איז שוין א ַ פון די אינשורענס ,און ַר מע ּלייען פא אפ וויל ַ ָבער עס וועט דיקעיד ,א ַרבעטן ווייל די נישט א ַז ּיוטער וועט צייגן א ָמפ קא זיי זענען געדעקט אונט ַן. ּלא ַטער פ ּריווא א פ ער ַ ָבל ּרא ָל קען דער פ ַמא א עם אויפקומען ווען מ'וויל ָבער נוצן די מעדיקעיד ,א ָזט עס די סיסטעם לא ַנגט ַרלא נישט דורך און פא ָל נוצן די אינשורענס. מ'זא ָט ָ .סטעף הא די יו.דזשעי.א ָל ָליגע מא זיך שוין פילצא ַזעל ַוועט מיט א ּרא געספ ָפט כע פעלער ,און זייער א ַוויזן אויס ָבן זיי בא הא ַררעכטן ַרבעטן און פא צוא ָכן די סיסטעם'ס גרייזן נא רעדן צו מעדיקעיד ,די ָדער אינשורענס פירמע ,א ביידע. א ּרָ פ ּיוטער ָמפ קא בלעמען קענען זיך אויך ַכן ווען איינער איז מא ַריינגעשריבן געהעריג א ַן ָדער א אין מעדיקעיד א ַכט ָ .עס מא עיטש.עם.א ַז קליענטן הערן ָפט א זיך א ַז זייער ַסי א ַרמא אין פא ַרבעט נישט; עס ַרטל א קא דעקט נישט זייער מעדיצין. ָלן ַן צא ַרפן דא קליענטן דא ַש, די מעדיצין פון זייער טא ָבן ָדער ערגער ,זיי הא א ָלן און ַצא עס נישט צו בא דעריבער נעמען זיי נישט די וויכטיגע מעדיצין .די ָ .סטעף שטייט יו.דזשעי.א ָבער גרייט און איז גע א ַרבעטן און לערנט אויסצוא ָבלעמען ּרא ַררעכטן די פ פא אינעם סיסטעם ,און זיי ָרן ּא ָפט העלפן שפ וועלן א א קליענט ,צייט ,כח ַר ַ פא און עגמת נפש ,דורך עס ַררעכטן. שנעל פא ַל איז פרויען א פא ָך ַ נא ַנדערע אומשטענדן. אין א ָס ָפט ווא ַכט זיך א עס מא ָבן אינשורענס צו זיי הא א ָקטוירים קָ דעקן די דא ָך ַרפן נא ָבער זיי דא סטן ,א ּעימענטס .אויב ָ-פ ָלן קא צא ַלס ָבן מעדיקעיד א זיי הא אינשורע ָנדערי סעקא נס ,קען מעדיקעיד דעקן ּעימענטס .עס איז ָ-פ די קא ַן ָגן א ָבער שווער צו זא א ַקט, פא איינהייטליכער ַרף ַל דא ָר יעדער פא נא ַנדעלט ַהא בא ַזונדער בא ָ. ווערן ,און די יו.דזשעי.א ָרן די ּא ָפט העלפן שפ קען א ּעיס. ָ-פ קא ַזוי ָרשריפטן ווי א א פא דָ ַנגן, ַרלא ַרף עס פא מ'דא אפילו ווען מ'ליידט פון ַגרעני ּערליכע בא קערפ ָל פעלט אויך צונגען .צומא ָך הילף צו קענען אויס נא ַר די עקזעמ ּלייען פא אפ ַ ָנס. ּשא פ די סטעף אין די ָ .זענען זייער יו.דזשעי.א ַרן מיט ַנט און ערפא ַקא בא ַז ָצעדורן אין א ּרא די פ עלכע פעלער .זיי קענען שנעל אינדעטיפיצירן און ַסיפיצירן די עקז קלא ָס מ'איז ָן צו ווא ּשא עמפ ַרעכטיגט ,און מיט די בא ַקטן קענען ָנטא נויטיגע קא זיי עס שנעל ערלעדיגן. סטרעיט מעדיקעיד ָס ווע ַר די ווא פא רן געדעקט דירעקט פון צוליב מעדיקעיד, ּעציעלע זייערע ספ ָבלעמען וועלכע ּרא פ ַנגן מער מע ַרלא פא דיצינישע הילף ,שט עלט צו די יו.דזשעי. ָרטיגע ָפא ָ .זא א שנע און לע הילף ,צו ַרזי פא כערן ַז זיי א א בַ קו מען די נויטיגע דעקונג: ּדעיטס צו אפ • ַ די נעמען ,געבורט- ַטומס און זייער דא ַטוס ָט שטא היירא • עפענען און ַכן מעדיקעיד צומא ַר • דעקונג פא סט די אויסער סערוויסעס, עיט ָנ ַריינגערעכנט קא א ּי ָנס ,שפ סולטעישא א ּערַ אפ טעלער און ָ ציעס ָפט • מ'קען א ַקומען העלפן צו בא ַשטעטיגונג שנעלע בא ַר אינדיווידועלע פא ָל פעלער און צומא אפילו צו טרעפן פי ַנציעלע הילף צו נא דעקן אומגעדעקטע ָסטן קא ווען אונטער די גע ָצעדורן ,וויל ּרא ווענליכע פ מעדיקעיד נישט דעקן סערוויסעס, קיין קען די יו.דזשעי. ָ .סטעף אויך א ַריינגעבן העלפן א 'גריעווענסעס', ּלעי ָמפ קא נטס ,און זיי קענען העלפן דורכגיין די פעיר ּ הירינג פ ָצעדור. רא ּעציעלע ספ ָנס ּשא עקזעמפ ָבן זייערע ּלענער הא פ ַכן ַגרעניצונגען און זא בא ָבער ָס זיי דעקן נישט ,א ווא אין פילע פעלער קענען ּע ַקומען ספ קליענטן בא ָלן ַמען זיי זא ציעלע אויסנא א געדעקט ווערן .אין די יָ ַרף מען אויפ פעלער ,דא ַרעכטיגט ַז מ'איז בא ווייזן א ַמען – זייער ַר די אויסנא פא ַמ ָפט זענען די אויסנא א ַר מענטשן וועלכע ען פא ָבן 'דיסעביליטיס ',און הא ַר ַרף זיין לייכט פא עס דא ַר ַליפיצירן פא זיי צו קווא ָך זענען ַמען .דא די אויסנא - 11 - Continued from page 1 As a result of this event, the UJO immediately created a division within our agency to deal intensively with the issue of foreclosure. This month marks our second seminar educating and assisting community members with the facts and intricacies of this crippling crisis. Seminars will be conducted monthly at venues to be announced within Brooklyn. For further information about our Foreclosure Division and future seminars, please contact Mr. Felix Gottdiener at 718-643-9700 ext. 243. לכבוד די חשובע איינוואוינער, ג עניסער פון מעדיק ָדער טשיילד און עיד ,א ַס, ּלא פעמילי העלט פ ַנען זיך איינ ּלא ָס פ ָדער די ווא א ַם ,קענען ָגרא ּרא שרייבן אין די פ ּעציעלע און אייג געניסן פון ספ ָס די יו.דזשעי. ַרטיגע הילף ווא נא ַמען ָגרא ּרא ָ .שטעלט צו מיט די פ א ַרטיקל צו וויסן ווי – לייענט דעם א ַזוי מיר קענען אייך העלפן: א ָרן ַנגע יא עס איז שוין לא ָפי ָ .איז א זינט די יו.דזשעי.א ַלס סערוויס ציעל דעזיגינירט א ָפיצי ַן א ַלס א ָוויידער ,און א ּרא פ ָרט וואו מ'קען זיך איינ עלער א שרייבן אין מעדיקעיד און טשיילד ָס רעגירונג אינשור ּלא העלפט פ ָט די ָרן הא ענסעס .במשך די יא ָלפן ָ .שוין ב"ה געהא יו.דזשעי.א ַלטן טויזנטער קליענטן צו ערהא ָט ַמען ,און ווען ס'הא ָגרא ּרא די פ ָבלעמען ווען ּרא ַכט פ זיך געמא מ'איז נישט געהעריג געדעקט ָלפן ָט מען זיי געהא ָרן ,הא געווא עס איבערצוקומען כדי די געזו ָלן געהעריג ַדינונגען זא נטהייט בא געדעקט ווערן. ַרונג מיט ַנק די ערפא ַדא א ַליזירט ּעציא טויזנטער קעיסעס ,ספ ָ .סטעף און זיך די יו.דזשעי.א ַנד צו העלפן ַרשטא ָט דעם פא הא ַלג ַנדלען פון די א קליענטן הא א ָצעדורן ,ביז די קָ ּרא עמיינע פ ּליצירסטע אישוס וועגן זייער מפ ָווערדזש .די היינטיגע העלט קא קעיר סיסטעם קען זיין זייער ַרשידע ּליצירט ,מיט פא ָמפ קא ַצי ָרשריפטן און רעגולא נע פא ַפעקטירן די עס וועלכע קענען א ּצי אפ ַל און ָ קליענטן'ס אויסווא ַנדעלט, ַהא עס וואו צו ווערן בא ַפעקטירן די און עס קען אפילו א א קלי ָס ַ ַנדלונגען פון ווא ַהא בא ּליצירטע ָמפ ענט קען געניסן .די קא ַפ ָרשריפטן קענען שלעכט א פא עקטירן דעם געזונט. ּרובירן מענטשן וועלכע פ ַנדלען און זיך דו ַליין צו הא א רכקומען מיט די מעדיקעיד און ָ .סיסטעמס ,ווערן עיטש.עם.א ַנטוישט און געבן אויף ,און ָפט א א א ַט קענען זיי פ ַ ַלס רעזולטא א ַר וויכטיגע ַסן די דעקונג פא ּא רפ ַנדלונגען. ַהא א א עטליכע ָלגענד זענען דָ פא ָבלעמען ,מיט ווע ּרא ָפטע פ א די לכע יו.דזשעי. ָט ָ .הא א ַך ַסא א א ערפ ַ רונג און ָט ב"ה הא ַרק שטא מצליח געווען צו העל פן אין די הינזיכטן. אויב מו ווי איר ווייסט ַאוודאי איז דער גלָאבַאלער פינַאנציעלער מצב זייער שווער און ווַאקעלדיג .דער קריטישסטער טייל פונעם קריזיס איז הייזער פָארקלָאזשורס ,אונטער ווָאס משפחות וועלכע הָאבן זיך געמוטשעט ,געשּפָארט ,געבָארגט ,און געַארבעט שווער צו קענען קויפן ַא דירה ,קענען זיך חלילה טרעפן ָאן קיין דַאך איבער’ן קָאּפ צוליב זייער אוממעגליכקייט ווייטער צו צָאלן די מָארגעטזשעס. עס איז שוין יָארן ווָאס די יו.דזשעיָ.א .שתדל’ט און לייגט ַאריין ַאסַאך ַארבעט צו צושטעלן בַאקוועמע דירות פַארן גַאנצן ציבור – סיי פַאר רענטערס און סיי פַאר קויפערס -ווָאס זיי זָאלן זיך עס קענען ערלויבן .אויך אין די איצטיגע שווערע צייטןַ ,ארבעטן מיר אינטענסיוו צו צושטעלן אונזערע בעסטע סערוויסעס ווָאס נָאר מעגליך פַאר איינוואוינער צו קענען עררייכן און בלייבן אין געהעריגע דירות. אויב חלילה די בַאנק הָאט שוין ָאנגעהויבן קעגן אייך די פָארקלָאזשור ּפרָאצעדורָ ,אדער איר זענט בַאזָארגט ַאז עס קען ּפַאסירן אין די צוקונפט ,הָאבן מיר סטעף און אינפָארמַאציע וועלכע קענען אייך העלפן ,ווי מיט די סטעיט און לָאקַאלע הילף אין ַאזעלכע פעלער ,ווי ַאזוי אויסצומיידן פָארקלָאזשורס ,און אויך איר זָאלט וויסן ווען די פָארקלָאזשור פַארזוכן קעגן אייך זענען שווינדלערייען ווָאס נוצן אויס די שווערע צייט. פַאר סיי וועלכע פרַאגעס דערוועגן קענט איר רעדן צו ַא הַאוזינג קַאונסלער אין די יו.דזשעיָ.א .דורך רופן אויף 718.643.9700 עקסטענשָאן ָ 209אדער .243 בברכת חג כשר ושמח, הק’ משה דוד ניעדערמַאן טשעט איר אייך מיט איינע פון די ַציעס ,קענט איר רופן ּליקא ָמפ קא ָ'.ס מעדיקעיד און די יו.דזשעי.א ָס סטעף אויף ּלא טשיילד העלט פ ָן ,207 ,718.649.9700עקסטענשא ,213 ,208און .214 ָ. ָרקערס אין די יו.דזשעי.א ווא ַרשיד ַליזירן זיך אין פא ּעציא ספ ַנספערס וועלכען ָרטן טרא ענע סא ָדער או קענען זיין שווער א ַליין ַר די קליענטן א ממעגליך פא עס דורכצופירן. ָ. טוישן עיטש.עם.א ָבל ּרא ָרט פ די ערשטע סא ַכן זיך מיט געווענליכע עמען מא ָפט ַנספערס .קליענטן ווערן א טרא ַנספערירן צו צוריקגעוויזן צו טרא ַנספערירן ווען מען וויל טרא ַנדערע מענעדזשד קעיר ַן א צו א ָנ ָל זיך א ַן ,קען מען צומא ּלא פ ָבלעמען .די קעיס ּרא שטויסן אין פ ווייטער אויף זייט 11
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