Chabad tackles kid safety after incident in shul

Posted

Following an incident in the Chabad Center of the Five Towns during kiddush last Shabbos, which led to one man’s arrest, Rabbi Zalman Wolowik communicated with his congregants about its circumstances, and scheduled a meeting on child safety — “Staying Safe in an Unsafe World” — that will be open to the entire community on Monday evening.

“I want to make you aware of an incident that occurred this past Shabbos at our Chabad Center, which highlights the need for continuous discussion about child safety,” Rabbi Wolowik wrote.

“A seven-year old girl attending our weekly kiddush fell asleep in a chair at the kiddush. An acquaintance of the girl’s father asked the girl if she would like to nap in his car.

“He reportedly told the girl that her father had given permission for her to sleep in his car. The girl followed the man to the car where she fell asleep. The man locked the car doors with the girl inside and returned to the Chabad Center. 

“The father and I were notified of the matter, and, with great thanks to Hashem, the girl was found unharmed in the car. Upon hearing of the incident, Chabad called the police. When it was learned that the man did not in fact ask the girl’s father for permission to take the girl, the man was arrested by Nassau County police. 

“This incident reminds us of the need for discussion about our children’s safety.” 

Rabbi Wolowik said that “the entire community is invited and encouraged to attend” the meeting on Monday, June 29, 8:15 pm, at the Chabad Center, 74 Maple Ave., Cedarhurst. Mrs. Cheryl Friedman, LCSW, will lead the discussion.