Chaptzem Blog!      

I am a resident of Bedford Hills, NY and witnessed the influx and exodus of many Hasidim to Kasho recently for the funeral of their beloved rabbi. My condolences to the Hasidic community for their loss. However, I did not appreciate their behavior when coming into our community. While the police were trying to make the visitors' entry and exit easier on them as well as the many residents of this community, their task was made more difficult by the absolute disregard by Hasidim of simple right-of-way rules. Those driving cars would cut off other drivers to make their way to Kasho as if their journey were far more important than residents trying to make their way home to their familites after a long day of work. Those on foot would walk in the road slowing down traffic and jamming up our streets for hours. I also witnessed many leaving their cars along Rte. 117 (not pulling all the way off) and walking to Kasho when the drive proved longer than they wanted it to which added to the traffic problem. I saw many Hasidim roughly pushing each other out of the way to get on and off the many buses which brought them in which tells me they have as much disregard for each other as they do us. Lastly, many male Hasidim did not take full advantage of the "porta-potties" and other facilities made available and were trying to urinate behind and on my home and at the local business along Haines Road. My husband had to chase them off our property. It was disrespectful and we felt quite invaded by their presence. When you return for your Beloved Rabbi's headstone placement, please respect our community as you would want visitors to respect yours.