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.
“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.”
One 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.
CEC 22 did not respond to an inquiry.
Additional reporting by Susan Edelman