A parent board that serves a large Jewish community in Brooklyn is charged with “censorship” and scheduling a meeting that conflicted with the Sabbath.
Arthur Kleynerman, a Jewish member of Community Education Council 22, read a statement Tuesday on behalf of the board that stopped short of apologizing for holding a “special meeting” on Jan. 19, a Friday night after sunset, despite pleas from the community to reschedule.
“We’re sensitive to our community’s needs and will mindfully consider the broader community calendar, and religious observances in the future,” said Kleynerman, the treasurer for the council for District 22, which covers Flatbush, Marine Park, Sheepshead Bay, and Manhattan Beach.
“I appreciate the statement made here but it’s a little too late,” said City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, who bashed the move as discriminatory and unacceptable.
“Our schools are infested with antisemitism right now,” she added.
Vernikov called on CEC president Tracy Jordan-Bates to sit down with the community to discuss the issue.
A parent board that serves a large Jewish community in Brooklyn is charged with “censorship” and scheduling a meeting that conflicted with the Sabbath. Stefano Giovannini
“We’re sensitive to our community’s needs and will mindfully consider the broader community calendar, and religious observances in the future,” said Arthur Kleynerman, the treasurer for the council for District 22. Stefano Giovannini
“I appreciate the statement made here but it’s a little too late,” said City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, who viewed the move as discriminatory and unacceptable. Stefano Giovannini“And if you can’t do that, I’m sorry to say that you’re not fit to be a president of a board of a diverse community,” she charged.
Jordan Bates did not address the controversy at the Tuesday meeting.
Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse also said she wants to see everyone able to “participate and engage in the process.”
Vernikov called on CEC president Tracy Jordan-Bates to sit down with the community to discuss the issue. Stefano Giovannini
Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse also said she wants to see everyone able to “participate and engage in the process.” Stefano GiovanniniOne board member said she wasn’t listened to when she expressed concerns about the Sabbath meeting.
“My voice was not taken into consideration,” said board member Vanessa Cannistraci.
“The council may have presented a statement as a unified group but it did not take all the feelings of the board members into consideration,” Cannistraci added.
CEC 22 did not respond to an inquiry.
Additional reporting by Susan Edelman






