HUNDREDS ATTEND THE BRIDGE ANNUAL UNITY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION HONORING HON LETTITA JAMES PUBLIC ADVOCATE , BOB KAPLAN JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL,CAPT TITO ROMERO 63 POLICE PCT,COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS CAROL ELIAS.AND MINA ASSERRARE

Jews, Muslims, Blacks, Whites, Hispanics Unite At Bridge MCP

ByKings County Politics

Posted on December 18, 2017

FROM LEFT ARE PUBLIC ADVOCATE LETITIA JAMES, BRIDGE MCP FOUNDER MARK MEYER APPEL, 63RD PRECINCT COMMANDING OFFICER CAPTAIN TITO ROMERO, BROOKLYN DISTRICT ATTORNEY ERIC GONZALEZ, ASSEMBLY MEMBER RODNEYSE BICHOTTE, RABBI MENDY MIROZZNIK AND ABU KHAZZUMANN. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO.

It’s not every day you see Jews, Muslims, Christians and blacks, whites and Hispanics in full holiday party mode – eating, dancing and enjoying each other’s company.

But that’s exactly what happened as more than 300 people packed into the Bridge Multicultural Advocacy Project (Bridge MCP) event space, 1894 Flatbush Avenue in Flatbush, to celebrate the organization’s fourth annual community holiday party, which celebrate’s the city’s diversity.

“This project is something that should be duplicated across the county. The high energy of Imams, Rabbis, Muslims, Jews, Blacks and Hispanics dancing and celebrating diversity is not beyond humanity to achieve,” said Bridge MCP Founder and President Mark Meyer Appel.

NYC Public Advocate Letitia James and Kings County District Attorney Eric Gonzalez light the Menorah. Contributed photo

“Last night’s holiday party proves that love wins over hate. Thanks to all my brothers and sisters for joining us in this great historic moment,” Appel added.

The honorees for the event were New York City Public Advocate Letitia James, 63rd Police Precinct Commanding Officer Captain Tito Romero, Community activist Carole Elias and Secretary General of the Moroccan American Council to Empower Women (MACEMW) Mina Asserrare.

Kings County District Attorney Eric Gonzalezintroduced James as someone who has always celebrated diversity, and was the first elected official to come out in support for him during the recent election when he was elected as the first Latino in the state to become a district attorney.

James thanked Gonzalez, and also Appel for putting on the annual celebration, which highlights how that despite our religious, ethnic and cultural differences, everybody can take a page from The Bridge’s book and learn we share much more in common than our differences.

Other elected officials that were on hand included Assembly Woman Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) and City Council Members, Jumaane Williams, Chaim Deutsch and Council Member-elect Kalman Yeger.

The space was included a Jewish Menorah to celebrate Chanukkah as well as a Christmas tree and included Muslim decorations.

Prior and following the speeches, those in attendance ate, some drank and everybody intermingled with each other.

Also highlighting the diversity were several excellent live bands that included Jews, Muslims, blacks and Hispanics.

Attendees danced to such Jewish classics as Hava Nagila as well as reggae and soca music, which included a steel pan, several percussionists, string players and keyboards.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

                         Thanksgiving 

                              is the 
appointed time
for focusing on the good in our lives.
In each of our days,
we can find small blessings,
but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time
paying attention to problems.
We give our energy
to those who cause us trouble
instead of those who bring peace.
Starting now,
let's be on the lookout
for the bits of pleasure in each hour,
and appreciate the people who
bring love and light to everyone
who is blessed to know them.                             
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving,
we are all thankful to you.

THE BRIDGE SALUTES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH Month 2017

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The “Day of Unity soon evolved into a week and in October of 1987 the first National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. In 1989 Congress passed Public Law 101-112, officially designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. such legislation has been passed each year since.

The Bridge Project Led By Mark Appel Aid Puerto Rico Hurricane Victims

Monday, October 2, 2017

Brooklyn’s Diversified Communities Unite to Help Victims of Maria’s Wrath in Puerto Rico

"EMERGENCY RELIEF DRIVE"            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community ASSEMBLYPERSON HELENE WEINSTEIN AND EVENT CO-CHAIR JOUSE PIERRE Brooklyn’s Diversified Communities Unite to Help Victims of Maria’s Wrath in Puerto Rico By Posted on October 2, 2017 In an unprecedented display of unity,  The Bridge Multi-Cultural Project,   1894 Flatbush Avenue, sponsored an emergency relief drive to assist the beleaguered victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Sunday, October 1, 2017.  Over 200 people donated an abundance of food, clothing, shoes, non-perishable items, first aid kits, medical supplies,  feminine hygiene products  and much more during the five-hour donation drive. The  Bridge MCP emergency drive was given an imprimatur by  City Public Advocate Letitia James, Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, NYS Assembly members Helene E. Weinstein & Rodneyse Bichotte  as well as  City Council members  Jumaane D. Williams & Matthieu Eugene . Diversity on display as the Flatbush community pitched in to lend a hand to Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico. Co-sponsors of the drive reflected the true diversity that illuminates the neighborhoods in Brooklyn’s Flatbush district. Such prominent religious organizations as the Rabbinical Council of America (RAA) – the Igud HaRabbonim, the Interfaith Dialogue Project, the Haitian American Caucus, the Yemeni  American Association , the American Council of Minority Women, the New York Rescue & Response Team were among those groups that lent their sponsorship to the hurricane drive. In a voice reverberating  with palpable emotion,  Mark Meyer Appel , the founder and CEO of The Bridge Multi-Cultural project introduced the co-chairs of the emergency hurricane drive;  Brooklyn district leader Josue Pierre  and Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik.  Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, the executive vice chairman of the Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim – an organization with well over 800 member rabbis representing communities all across the United States and Canada addressed the gathering. “The mission of all of us in our respective communities are to support each other in times of crisis. I am so proud that our community has unified and is working hard to support those victims who were adversely affected by this terrible tragedy,” declared Rabbi Mirocznik. Assemblymember Helene Weinstein, third from left, was among the many Flatbush lawmakers pitching in to help prepare care packages for the victims of Hurricane Maria. Contributed photo. Joining Rabbi Mirocznik was Rabbi Yaakov Klass , and other members of the presidium of Rabbinical Alliance of America. Speaking from a vantage point of his impressive experience as a community leader, Pierre told the assemblage how Brooklynites from all walks of life, always band together and unify in  times of desperate need. “Today, we join our Muslim, Jewish and Christian brothers and sisters in showing our love and deep concern for all those adversely affected by Maria’s unforgiving wrath by providing them with everything they will need to survive,” said Pierre. Mr. Abu Khaliquzzaman, an esteemed and highly respected leader of Brooklyn’s Muslim community, is the founder of the Interfaith Dialogue Project events. The humanitarian effort at The Bridge. Mr. Khaliquzzaman focused his remarks on the treasured legacy of Brooklynites always “stepping up to the plate” and showing compassion for the needy. “ Mr. Mark Appel offered plaudits to the  remarkable work done through the partnership with the  New York Rescue and Response Team to save lives in the aftermath of the string of hurricanes that wrought disaster to Florida and the Caribbean. Mr. Appel was quite generous with his words of high praise for  Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City’s  elected officials. He particularly took note of the fact with their rapid response to the devastation of these hurricanes

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The Bridge Multicultural & Advocacy Project | 1894 Flatbush Ave Brooklyn NY 11210 917.804.3942

WATCH YOU TUBE OF EVENT

HURRICANE RELIEF DRIVE SUNDAY OCTOBER 1 2917 1:00 TILL 6:PM

UNITY DIVERSITY PASSOVER SEDER 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHZjey7US-w

A number of elected officials and over 200 community residents came to Flatbush yesterday for a visionary peek into the multiculturalism, making the specter of identity politics look like something of a passing political trend.

The event was the The Bridge Multicultural & Advocacy Project’s (MCP)  Interfaith Unity Seder, where Jews, Muslims, Christians, blacks, whites, and Asians gathered to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover, commemorating the Biblical fact that Jews were once slaves until God freed them.

Held at the Bridge’s flagship location, 1894 Flatbush Avenue a block north of Kings Highway, the seder drew a number of elected officials including Public Advocate Letitia James, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene, Assemblyman Dov Hikind and Dr. Rudy Crew President of Medgar Evers College.

“The Bridge MCP has done an excellent job of standing by their mission of building bridges across the city rather than walls of divisiveness,” said Clarke in awarding The Bridge founder, Mark Meyer Appel with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his work in bringing all communities together.

Appel founded The Bridge 20 years ago as an avenue for social change within the nation. Its strong advocacy movement has been extremely successful in effecting the local community for change. It has supported more effective laws to protect children from sexual abuse as well as leading an aggressive push for expanding services for children of special needs. Its work in fighting serious health issues including; Diabetes, Asthma, and Obesity has led to changes and the expansion of city-wide programs in addressing these issues.

“We are blessed to live in a nation that not only celebrates, but guarantees us so many liberties,” said Appel. “I cannot think of a better theme [than Passover] for coming together as diverse communities during this moment in our nation’s history.”

Abu Khaliquzzaman, a prominent leader in the Muslim community and the President of The Interfaith Dialogue Project Peaceheals agreed. “We are brothers and sisters, who worship the same God,” he said.

JOIN US APRIL 2, 2017 5:PM FOR OUR INTERFAITH UNITY SEDER ,,, UNITY IN ACTION

Brooklyn, NY (March 28, 2017) - New York City's diverse communities will come together at  The Bridge Multicultural & Advocacy Project (MCP) for a mock Interfaith Unity Seder on Sunday April 2, 2017, at its flagship location: 1894 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn (near Kings HWY) from 5PM-9PM. The Seder Program starts promptly at 6PM. Guests will enjoy FREE hot international gourmet foods and live music featured by Zach Fredman and the Epichorus Band.

"The Interfaith Unity Seder will host diverse religious leaders, dignitaries and representatives of all faiths united at one table. The evening will include official greetings and teachings from the Passover Seder, focusing on the theme of PEACE", said Mark Meyer Appel, founder of The Bridge MCP.  For the past five years, The Bridge MCP has served as the epicenter for various communities of New York City to come together in the pursuit of a common ground and unity.  Honored guest include;  Public Advocate Letitia James, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Council Member Mathieu Eugene, Assemblyman Dov Hikind,  Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte, State Senator Jesse Hamilton and State Senator Kevin S. Parker.  The opening Seder will be presented by the Executive Vice President from the New York Board of Rabbis, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik.  Sharing the Passover tradition is an outstanding way to unify people of all beliefs.

"It is an honor to be part of this community Interfaith Seder. Our focus and passion is to bring people together, people of different faiths and cultures to share experiences and grow in friendship. We are delighted to partner with The Bridge MCP on this endeavor", states Abu Khaliquzzaman, a prominent leader in the Muslim community and the President of The Interfaith Dialogue Project Peaceheals.

"We are excited to united New Yorkers as we celebrate Passover, Easter, Ramadan and all faiths as we unite through hope. The Bridge MCP is founded on unity for all," said the Bridge founder Mark Meyer Appel. "We are blessed to live in a nation that not only celebrates but guarantees us so many liberties. I cannot think of a better theme for coming together as diverse communities during this moment in our nation's history," proclaims Appel.

ABOUT THE BRIDGE MCP For the past 20 years, the leadership of The Bridge Multicultural Advocacy Project has played a historic role advocating for social change in our nation. That impact has been most evident in its ability to petition and legislate social issues and health initiatives into laws. Its strong advocacy movement has been extremely successful in effecting the local community for change. It has supported more effective laws to protect children from sexual abuse as well as leading an aggressive push for expanding services for children of special needs. Its work in fighting serious health issues including; Diabetes, Asthma, and Obesity has lead to changes and the expansion of city-wide programs in addressing these issues.

Please join us!

A CALL FOR ACTION ... DEMAND MAYOR DE BLASIO HONOR HIS PROMISE TO OUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN PLEASE SIGN PETITON

DEMAND MAYOR de BlASIO

 HONOR HIS PROMISE TO OUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN

              

https://www.change.org/p/bill-de-blasio-demand-mayor-de-blasio-honor-his-promise-to-our-special-needs-children?recruiter=678210155&utm_source=petitions_show_components_action_panel_wrapper&utm_medium=copylink

PRESS  ABOVE LINK TO SIGN PETIION

In an emotion-filled 2014 City Hall press conference, Mayor Bill de Blasio flanked by ex Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver promised a major overhaul to help the special needs kids of the city. Mayor de Blasio said at the time, “Each and every child in this state is entitled to a sound, basic education. Unfortunately, our public school system is not always able to accommodate children with special education needs, and many parents must turn to non-public schools. Parents have had to sue the city for reimbursement of tuition, placing an undue financial burden on these families. Worse yet, parents have to fight this battle year after year...”

Two years have passed since the mayor ceremoniously made those lofty comments, however, unfortunately it turned out to be all talk- and little to nothing has been done in all this time to remedy any of the problems. In fact, the situation has gotten worse and the Mayor repeatedly ignores the calls and emails from other city politicians such as Senator Simcha Felder, which ask him to respond to this issue.

At a recent hearing in Albany with the mayor in attendance, Senator Felder did not waste any time by opening with a resolute reminder to the mayor of the previous de Blasio commitments that are on the record for two years now. Then he bluntly said to the mayor, “That never occurred.” Senator Felder then went on to scold the mayor by letting him know that, “Children and families are still suffering humiliation, and financial hardship.”

If a child has Autism or Downs Syndrome, “there’s no fix for that” said the Senator, so he asks the mayor why these children have to repeatedly apply for their aid year after year after year, costing their families exorbitant legal fees. Senator Felder also cited as an example at the hearing, how numerous calls and letters from the senator in an attempt to help the children habitually went unanswered by City Hall. Felder said that New Yorkers, and families with special needs children now “demand a response!” In his epic and indomitable speech, Senator Felder then told the mayor, “New Yorkers are tired of being insulted and lied to.”

“Why do New Yorkers have to be over-taxed, over-fined, over-ticketed, and can’t be treated like mature adults.. instead of like children who you decide you can’t discipline any other way- and smack them across the face over and over by charging them?! It doesn’t make sense! It doesn’t make sense!” Felder shouted as a sense of frustration echoed throughout the Albany chamber, while de Blasio sat quiet as if he was now a school child being scolded by the teacher for giving excuses about why he didn’t do his homework. When the mayor finally was permitted to speak, he gave a few fairly lame excuses, which were basically a poor attempt to run around Senator Felder’s initial inquiries- and the senator wasn't buying it. Felder, ever the warrior champoining this cause, then held the mayor’s feet to the fire and responded back by saying, “The mayor obviously didn’t hear anything I said.”

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION SO THE MAYOR WILL BE FORCED TO HEAR US ALL, LOUD AND CLEAR; AND THE SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN OF NEW YORK CITY WILL FINALLY GET THE ASSISTANCE THEY DESPERATELY NEED (AND WERE PUBLICLY PROMISED TWO YEARS AGO BY DE BLASIO).

Special needs children and their families are suffering humiliation, and financial hardship, being forced to pay exorbitant legal fees because of these broken promises, which are plunging these families into debt and bankruptcy.

Please help now! By signing the petition you are asking Mayor de Blasio to keep all of his promises to the children, so they don't wind up in financial ruin, without an education, or G-d forbid out on the streets (or in homeless shelters) with their families from the massive debt now being incurred through an unnecessary sea of endless red tape, lies, and inaction by City Hall.

These angelic, special needs souls deserve our support. They cannot fight for themselves.

This petition will be delivered to:

• Mayor of New York City
  Bill de Blasio

•