I fought for my family’s safety in a community under fire

Cowering in a tiny, windowless bathroom with my children, in a state of terror, I cried out to my dear, departed mother. “Sarah Basha bas Reb Shimon, save us!” I could hear the shouts of the mob outside…. How had an ordinary Monday evening in Brooklyn, New York in 1991, turned into Russia of the 1800s? There we were, a Jewish family fearing for our lives as the mobs outside our front door ran wildly through the streets, calling for our death.

I fought for my family’s safety in a community under fire

Cowering in a tiny, windowless bathroom with my children, in a state of terror, I cried out to my dear, departed mother. “Sarah Basha bas Reb Shimon, save us!” I could hear the shouts of the mob outside…. How had an ordinary Monday evening in Brooklyn, New York in 1991, turned into Russia of the 1800s? There we were, a Jewish family fearing for our lives as the mobs outside our front door ran wildly through the streets, calling for our death.

On Sunday, Rev. Al Sharpton gave his version of what happened 20 years ago in Crown Heights. But although he purports to have reflected on and learned from the riots, the truth is his recollection is egregiously distorted and sanitized.

Black and Jewish residents of Crown Heights joined Sunday in a rocking block party on the streetcorner that was the epicenter of the Brooklyn riots 20 years ago.

Black and Jewish residents of Crown Heights joined Sunday in a rocking block party on the streetcorner that was the epicenter of the Brooklyn riots 20 years ago.

BREAKING: Earthquake like tremors were felt in Crown Heights, and throughout Brooklyn just moments ago. The city’s 911 system was instantly flooded with calls for buildings and houses shaking. No official report yet on what exactly had taken place. UPDATES in the extended article.

New York City’s overall crime rate could increase for the first time in decades, driven by alarming spikes in murder, rapes and robberies in many neighborhoods.

Friday marked the 20th anniversary of the Crown Heights riots in Brooklyn, but residents of the neighborhood are coming together to celebrate how far they’ve come.

Friday marked the 20th anniversary of the Crown Heights riots in Brooklyn, but residents of the neighborhood are coming together to celebrate how far they’ve come.

Twenty years after the Crown Heights riots, the city has grown, and I believe I have grown. I'd like to share a few of my reflections about the choices I made, including the mistakes, with an eye toward advancing racial understanding and harmony.