Rambam students demand: Throw Nazi out!

Rambam Mesivta students rallied on Nov. 10 — the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht — outside the Jackson Heights home of Jakiw Palij, the last-known Nazi war criminal living in the metropolitan area.

The protest took place as Jews around the world commemorated Kristallnacht, known as “The Night of Broken Glass” on Nov. 9–10, 1938, in Germany and portions of Austria, where Jewish businesses, homes and people were damaged and attacked. It is considered the day the Holocaust began.

“We will not be silent,” Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, Rosh HaMesivta at the Lawrence school, told the rally. “It is outrageous that the killers of our people are able to live freely within a 30-minute drive or less of the Jewish community.”

Rambam students, who joined those from other schools as well as political and religious leaders in the protest, also wrote letters to elected officials stating their opposition to Palij’s residency.

According to U.S. Justice Department records, Palij served as a Nazi Trawniki camp guard and was involved in the murder of more than 6,000 prisoners — men, women and children — in a 24-hour period on Nov. 3, 1943.

Letters from members of Congress supporting Palij’s ouster were read at the rally.

Rambam senior Shai Yastrab read a letter from Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola). “We must remember these painful events in order to prevent another Holocaust ever occurring again,” McCarthy wrote in part.

Rambam sophomore Even Edelstein read from Rep. Gregory Meeks’ (D-St. Albans) letter. “I commend those who continue to shine the light of public awareness on Kristallnacht, on how the Holocaust was set in motion, and for their continuing commitment to never forget.”

Palij, 91, has lived in New York for more than 50 years. Since his past was uncovered in 2003, efforts have been made to deport him.

A version of this story appeared in the Nassau Herald.