As a general rule Chabad.info tries to be a site which stays clear of Loshon Hara, and internal politics, however due to certain articles which were published on various "Chabad" websites portraying certain events in an absolutely false light, we feel it is our responsibility to continuously clarify these matters. 

 
Dear community members:

Last week by mail and websites an appeal to raise money for “Pidyon  Shevuyim” for the 6 Shomrim members standing trial was publicized. We the Bochurim of 770 Eastern Parkway feel at this point we have no choice but to let you know the true facts of the gang assault as it occurred on Moitzei Shabbos, December 29th 2007 - 20th of Teves.  

A few days prior to the assault, a Bochur, S.G., was asked to make room for a mattress to be placed on the floor for a Chosson who was going to have his Ufruf in 770.

However, his roommate, Chaim didn’t want a choson bochur sleeping in his room. Uncompromisingly he called Sholom Wilhelm, who brought the Shomrim to "take care" of the situation.
  
That Moitzei Shabbos the Hershkop brothers and their Shomrim gang arrived in large numbers, with gloves containing lead shot sewn into them (“Sap Gloves” a dangerous street weapon). They were beseeched by the Bochurim to leave and informed that the “Shomrim” were not needed. However, instead the “Shomrim” began violently forcing their way into the room, beating any Bochur who stood in their way. Other Bochurim from around the dormitory came to assist their friends and pleaded with the Shomrim to cease the beating and to leave the scene, but their words fell on deaf ears and they also were attacked.
  
A Bochur, standing near the scene of the beatings, is the ex- brother-in-law of one of the Hershkops. Upon seeing him, Gadi Hershkop yelled “we will kill you tonight”!  One of the Shomrim members using a fire extinguisher attempted to smash the head of the Bochur, while other Shomrim members were beating and kicking him. The NYPD was called by the Bochurim who desperately wanted to put an end to the violence. Upon their arrival the police then ordered everyone to leave the room! (This is documented by the 911 calls.) 

As the police were leaving the scene several Shomrim re-entered the dorm, and continued their attacks by beating and kicking a Bochur. The Bochur, was on the floor, barely conscious and he suffered fractures and bloody wounds. 

Most of the violence was recorded on video by one of the residents of the dormitory, despite the repeated attempts of Gadi Herskop and “Shomrim” to break the video camera and stop him from recording the attack.
       
Bochurim immediately told the police that the Hershkops and their gang re-entered the dormitory. The Shomrim members immediately took advantage of the language barrier, proceeded to tell the police a fabricated story of how the Bochurim supposedly had assaulted them! Two Bochurim, M. C. and J. G. were arrested and booked on the false charges. A copy of the complaint signed by Benyomin Lifshitz (the owner and editor of crownheights.info) appear below. Note: The District Attorney finding no evidence to support the false charges of Binyamin Lipshitz had the case against the two Bochurim completely dismissed. 

The Shomrim who are crying “Mosser” were the first to make an arrest and press charges. The Shomrim had the audacity to beat the Bochurim and have innocent bystanders arrested. 

Hatzolah was called and transported the more seriously injured Bochurim to Kings County Hospital. The injuries included two broken bones, one fractured skull, and other serious injuries. Others Bochurim with 'minor injuries' such as bruises, bloody noses, and swollen faces were treated at the scene.  

After the brutal assault, and in fear for their lives, the Bochurim approached Rabbi Avrohom Osdoba, the Mara Deasra of Crown Heights for guidance on what to do about this horrific event. Additionally, several of the Bochurim who had been released from the hospital approached the other Rov of Crown Heights, Rabbi Ahron Yaakov Schwei for guidance.  With a full directive of both Rabbonim of Crown Heights (Rabbi Osdoba and Rabbi Schwei) the Bochurim were instructed that they MUST file a criminal complaint against the Hershkops and the Shomrim gang. The Hershkop brothers and the Shomrim gang were arrested for their vicious attack and were ordered by the court to stay away from the Bochurim and not communicate with them at all. 

In their arrogance, the Hershkops and gang believe they are above the law, they continued to threaten and intimidate the Bochurim and their families, in defiance of the court’s order, in a calculated attempt to have the charges dropped. Additionally, Binyamin Lifshitz was arrested for blatantly violating the Court Order of Protection.

Despite the intimidation, the Hershkops and Shomrim gang were given many opportunities by lawyers, community activists, including Dov Hikind, directors of Hatzolah, the Vaad Hakohol, business people and professionals from our community, and even members of their own families, pleading with them to settle. The offer to resolve this matter out of court as follows:
 
1. A written apology to each of the Victims.

2. Remove their hate filled websites from the internet.
 
3.  Issue a letter to the community in which they promise to cease from any further fighting, refrain from contact with any of the Bochurim and to abide by the above mentioned conditions. 

By committing to these simple steps the Bochurim believed that the “Shomrim” would cease in attacking or harassing them or dispensing any further vile and hate on the internet.
 
This offer was flatly turned down by the Coordinators of Shomrim. As quoted by the gang leader of Shomrim, Aron “Leli” Hershkop “we will never apologize they must apologize”.

Even after these offers, the intimidation by the Hershkops and gang continued. “I’m gonna kill you” a Shomrim gang member threatened one of the Bochurim. Emails were sent to parents of the Bochurim, telling them how they will never see their sons alive again. 

The District Attorney offered to settle the case by having the Shomrim gang accept a violation, which would leave them with absolutely no criminal record, and no jail time, with the sole obligation to attend and complete an anger management course. The Hershkops and their Shomrim gang arrogantly refused this offer, forcing the Brooklyn District Attorney to prosecute the case in court. 

On November 1st 2009 the Bochurim were informed that they were being summoned to a Din Torah. This was incomprehensible as the Bochurim had clearly followed the instructions of the Rabbonim. They arrived at Beis Din at nine in the evening as the summons had instructed. However, at the Beis Din, the Bochurim found the doors locked and lights off, and after some quick phone calls they were informed that the Din Torah had been cancelled. They were told "After examining the situation, the Rabbonim decided there is no case for a Din Torah and that the Shomrim members who requested the Beis Din had no intention of proceeding to Beis Din".

Contrary to Hershkops claims, this is not a political fight, nor a Shmira – Shomrim showdown, This is a case of gang assault. The charges are being brought against the Shomrim members by the District Attorney.

This letter was written by friends and fellow students of the victims.


Related Articles:

» Shomrim Members Face Jail Time

» Mesirah or self defense!?

» Hooligans Assualt Bochurim in 749

» Who’s behind the Attempted Murder in 770?

» Shocking vandalism of 770