Queens Jewish Leaders Speak Out After Menorahs Toppled

January 8, 2004

Source: Times Ledger

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10772173&BRD=1079&PAG=461&dept _id=506462&rfi=6

On January 8, 2004 the Times Ledger reported, "The toppling of a 16-foot menorah in Rego Park and a 12-foot menorah in Forest Hills prompted local rabbis, leaders of the Queens Jewish Community Council and elected officials to hold a protest condemning the anti-Semitic acts last week. 'My reaction is why? It was unobtrusive and it stands for religious freedom,' said Manny Behar, the executive director of the Queens Jewish Community Council, standing in front of a large menorah that was re-erected after being knocked down in Federoff Square at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 67th Road during the early hours of Dec. 29. The 16-foot tall menorah in Federoff Square belongs to the Chabad of Rego Park, a Hasidic synagogue at 62-38 99th St. with about 30 members. The other menorah, which was placed in MacDonald Park, close to 70th Avenue, belongs to the Chabad of Flushing, another Hassidic synagogue located at 77-03 Main St. The anti-Semitic acts are being investigated as possible bias crimes, police said."