CALA NY Channel 12 News - Passover seder in Brooklyn honors abuse victims

First Annual Freedom Seder With Survivors of Abuse Unites a Newly Formed Community With a Message of Unity and Tears Of Joy

An emotional seder was held this Passover for hundreds of survivors of abuse in Brooklyn, New York. Participants consisted of newly united survivors, all gathered in strength and love in a historic first annual freedom seder. The seder was preempted by prayer services in the landmark Bnei Israel of Lynden Heights shul, led by Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum and the great Cantor Lederman. Rabbi Tannenbaum generously extended full access to the synagogue hall and kitchen for this event with an open heart and wide acceptance. The Rabbi's commitment provided much needed support and empowered survivors to rise above their suffering. The ballroom was packed with congregants, victims, survivors and a cross-section of the Jewish communities of the tri-state area.

The grateful energy in the room was tangible as Rabbi Yitchok Rubin began the seder with the singing of leman achi verea. Tears of relief flowed as all the attendees held hands and recognized the pureness of being extracted from the oppressed lowliness of being ostracized. A round table of sharing expressed similar sentiments of participants. "Tonight, I feel like I belong -- over here, I am family", said Malick, a senior resident of the neighborhood. Freedom from pain has dissolved, and acceptance has arrived. In a declaration of hope, all attendees pledged that as a united community we will do more to help all those who are suffering, and engage in new life goals aimed for happiness and success, and finally be free.

Dozens of volunteers from across the community came in droves to help prepare, serve, and clean up after the mountains of food. Organizing these seders could not have been possible without Izzy Appel, Yanki Lieder, NYC Police Department, and Maimonides Hospital. A special thanks to the sponsors the Voice of Justice, founder Mark Meyer Appel and his generous support for all last minute contributions to ensure that this event was a perfect success. Sacred Lives, Jewish Board of Advocates, Rabbinical Alliance, Bikur Cholim contributed in therapeutic guidance and additional support. CALA NY's Annie Kay helped cook and prepare all the food with the generous and overflowing donations of provisions from the Metropolitan Council of Jewish Poverty, and Rosenbaum's Grocery.

The Voices of Justice pledged to continue and expand these services all year round, uplifting this underserved population. A commitment to a year-round support network with weekly Shabbos and all-holiday extravaganzas won a wide applause from the seder crowds. "We look forward to a new era where those who are in need will never be abandoned and will freely become part of the extended Jewish Community worldwide", said Mark Meyer Appel at the closing remarks of the seder.