Lakewood Briefs

Vaad Urges Reporting of Bias Incidents

After a serious of meetings with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office, the Lakewood Vaad issued a statement urging members of the community to step up their vigilance in reporting bias incidents. The Vaad said that the call was prompted by recent mass shootings targeting Jews as well as “the rise of organized local hate groups, and major increases in assaults on Jews.”

The Prosecutor’s office has stressed the importance of reporting all such incidents to the police in a timely manner so that they can be properly investigated.

Harassment, which is a criminal offence includes, racial slurs, anti-Semitic graffiti or fliers, being asked to leave a public place because you are Jewish, threats, throwing an object at someone, or being shoved while in line. If the offender is in an automobile, the public is urged to report their license plate number.

The authorities also urged the reporting of fliers with anti-Semitic messages and on-line speech.

Mr. Eli Tabak and Mr. Eli Liberman emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents in a joint statement.

“There are 30 law enforcement officials in Ocean County who specifically deal with bias crimes. Please keep in mind that not every incident may lead to a public result, but every report helps law enforcement build a case. Help them help us – keep reporting.”

Agudah Commends Bill to Lower Costs of Security Guards at Schools and Shuls

The Agudath Israel of America welcomed the introduction of a bill aimed at lowering the costs of hiring security guards for schools and houses of worship.

Sponsored by Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen/Passaic), the legislation permits partially retired law enforcement personnel, known as “class three” officers to be hired by private schools and religious institutions. The officers are paid privately by the institutions that contract their services, but equipment is paid for by the state, thereby making their hire more affordable.

“This bill will lessen the financial burden on synagogues and schools, allowing them to hire security personnel,” said Rabbi Avi Schnall, director of Agudah’s New Jersey division, who assisted in the drafting of the bill. “We are grateful to Senator Sarlo for taking the lead on this important initiative. At a time when acts of violence targeting houses of worship and schools have increased, the state, working together with faith communities, must do whatever it can to protect its citizens.”

13 Year Old Bicycler Hit By Car on Route 9

A 13-year-old boy was struck and dragged by a car while attempting to cross Route 9 on a bicycle. The bay suffered serious injuries but is reportedly in stable condition.

According to Lakewood Police, last Wednesday, the boy was crossing the busy road near Omni Court when he was hit by a Volkswagen.

Hatzolah and other first responders brought the boy to the Jersey Shore Medical Center.

The driver, a 20-year-old woman, was ticketed and the incident remains under investigation.

Holman Chosen to Lead County GOP

Frank B. Holman III was elected to serve as chairman of Ocean County’s Republican Party. A long-time party operative, his election was highly favored and strongly backed by all local elected GOP officials.

Mr. Holman, 65, who was a partner in a Toms River accounting firm, replaces long-time county party boss, George Gilmore, who resigned after being convicted of several tax related crimes. Despite his fall from grace, Mr. Gilmore leaves big shoes to fill. Under his term, which spanned decades, he grew and strengthened the party’s stronghold on the county and became an influential player in the state GOP. The position is a particularly influential one as Ocean County is one of the most solidly Republican areas in the state.

483 members of the county’s Republican Committee took part in the vote with Mr. Holman garnering 254. His closest competitor was Frank Sadeghi, who cast himself as an outsider candidate.

Mr. Holman has been involved in New Jersey Republican politics for over 30 years having served in the administration of former Gov. Tom Kean and advising on two successful campaigns by former Gov. Christine Whitman.

The Holman family have been leaders in the county for well over a century. Mr. Holman’s father, Frank Holman Jr. served as mayor of Jackson, and his grandfather and great-grandfather served as freeholders.

Brick Woman Arrested for Intimidation

A Brick resident was arrested for bias intimidation and harassment over online comments she made including statements that “KKK is alive and well in Brick.”

The woman, Denise Scaltrito, 48, also made references to Aryan brotherhood, made derogatory comments about the victim’s race, and said that he “should move.”

Prosecutor Billhimer stated that “individuals that exploit hatred, intolerance and prejudice with a purpose to intimidate will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”