The Rise of Anti-Semitism in New York City

Currents News Staff

Cell-phone video shows a man hurling anti-Semitic insults at a group of Jewish men. Police say he punched a 67-year-old man in the face when he tried to enter a synagogue. The suspect was arrested and charged with assault, but the hate crimes task force is investigating. His arrest is the most recent in a string of assaults against Jewish people.

“That was probably the most pain I’ve been in quite a long time,” said assault victim Joseph Borgen.

Joseph Borgen recalled this terrifying assault in Times Square last Thursday. The 29-year-old, who was wearing a yarmulke, was on his way to a pro-Israel rally.

“Before I could even react, I was surrounded by a whole crowd of individuals who, yeah, as you mentioned, proceeded to kick me, punch me, hit me with flagpoles, crutches,” Joseph said.

He says the gang of attackers was yelling anti-Semitic slurs. The NYPD hate crimes task force is investigating and has made at least one arrest.

“There is increased anti-Semitism and we do need to be attentive to it,” said Rabbi Brad Hirschfield.

Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, with the National Jewish Center For Learning and Leadership, is right. This is just one of several anti-Semitic incidents that have occurred across the nation during and after the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Here in New York City, hate crimes reported to the NYPD stand at 202 so far this year, which is a 77-percent increase compared to the same point in 2020. Many of them were crimes against Jews.

Rabbi Hirschfield says anti-Israel and anti-Semitism are not the same – but that line has been crossed.

“We’re gonna really have to figure out what it means on all sides to support the causes we believe in, but not fuel them with historic hatreds and biases,” he said. “Simply because you believe your cause is good, it doesn’t mean everything you do in the name of that cause is good.”

When it comes to increased cop cars patrolling – the rabbi says he’s happy with the city’s response of adding more police patrols in Jewish neighborhoods. He also says the problem won’t be solved until people stop using politics to justify their hatred.

Fordham University Students Transform Minecraft into ‘Ramcraft’ and Build Virtual School

By Jessica Easthope

For the last year, streaming classes, virtual meetings and online campus events have become the norm, but one group of students at Fordham University is taking it a step further by building a virtual school on Minecraft.

Zoe Demacopoulos is a senior at Fordham. She’s been playing the video game Minecraft for 10 years.

“I’ve played on 100 different servers and I’ve been a moderator on three of them. I help make sure rules are being followed by everyone,” said Zoe.

When she heard the school was starting a project called “Ramcraft,” she teleported right in.

“In the game, you build with blocks,” said Chris Vicari, an educational technologist at Fordham. “It’s a virtual form of Legos and you basically build piece-by-piece whatever you wish to construct and in our case, it’s the buildings around here.”

Chris started the program. With blocks,or voxels as they’re called in the game, Chris and a group of student volunteers are building the school. In the virtual realm, the school is almost identical to the real thing.

“We’re looking at Google Maps. We’re working with facilities to get blueprints of the structure,” said Chris. “There are some math calculations going on behind-the-scenes to see how big scale-wise we will make these structures.”

But recreating the buildings isn’t all fun and games – it takes a ton of time.

“Some buildings take two weeks, three weeks, others may be done quicker,” Chris said. “We may have the structure built, but then we want to make the aesthetics represent what it is in real life.”

Many of the students participating have never even set foot on campus. The program has allowed them to build friendships as they build the school. Zoe says the brightness of her computer screen brought some light on the darkest days of the pandemic.

“It’s nice to be able to leave a mark at Fordham,” Zoe said. “We had to cancel so many things last year and this was one thing that never got canceled.”

For Zoe, the reality of the program is something Fordham prides itself on – and there’s nothing virtual about it.

“I really relate it to one of the Catholic pillars of this university, which is cura personalis,” she said. “In Latin, that means care for the entire person. This program is really about making connections, building community, social interaction and fun and entertainment in light of the pandemic.”

And what the students are really doing is designing their futures.

“I want the students to feel empowered, to feel like they can be a part of something they can put on their resume or portfolio,” Chris said. “It’s more than just playing games, it’s an opportunity.”

The pandemic was the catalyst, but the project will likely outlive it. The entire Fordham realm will take a few years to build and might even be the future of campus tours.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday, 5/26/21

Hate crimes against Jews taking off in Brooklyn. Patrols are stepping up their presence, but does it even help? A rabbi with what New York city really needs.

An inside look at the families at the heart of the crisis in the Holy Land — why they couldn’t escape Gaza even if they wanted to.

We are back at square one — Biden ordering U.S. intelligence to intensify investigations into COVID-19 origins.

Free college? How a shot in their arm could get your child’s head in the books.

Greenpoint Library Honors Lives Lost to COVID-19 With 1,000 Origami Cranes

By Emily Drooby

A small piece of paper, step-by-step, is transformed into a symbol of hope: a crane. It’s a task Rebecca Cowley had to do many times.

“In Japanese culture, there’s this tradition, if you fold a thousand paper cranes, you get a wish,” she explains, “and it’s often done to symbolize hope and love and peace.”

They now have 1,000 cranes proudly displayed in their windows and they’re wishing for healing. It’s an idea hatched by Rebecca and the staff at the newly opened Greenpoint Library in Brooklyn. The idea became a COVID-19 remembrance project that honors those who were taken too soon.

“We were just brainstorming ideas to memorialize the past year of collective grief that the culture and the nation has been experiencing,” Rebecca says.

Over 580,000 American lives were lost and 33,000 of those lives originate from just New York City alone. In the nearly 3 miles of Greenpoint, where the library is, 52 were taken by the disease.

Grief – it’s a pain that’s known intimately here at the Brooklyn library.

“We’ve had some co-workers who work at this branch who have lost family members,” Rebecca says.

Now, these cranes are flying in exchange. As Fritzi Bodenheimer of Brooklyn Public Library explains, they provide hope and a place to reflect.

“Even today as I was approaching, I saw people stopping, taking pictures, taking a minute to take it in,” Fritzi says. “I think it’s been very positive and it’s been really positive and its sort of both things. It’s commemorative, but it’s so bright and beautiful. It gives you help.”

The idea took flight and members of the community began making the cranes too.

“Sometimes you’ll get a story from someone giving you the crane,” Rebecca says. “‘Oh, someone close to me has passed.’”

The beautiful additions made by the community is where about a third of the cranes come from. The rest were made by the employees here like Rebecca. Lifetimes of grief became a labor of love and hope for the growing members.

St. John’s University Celebrates 150 Years of Vincentian Education in New York City

Currents News Staff

“Faithful to the mission.” It’s the Vincentian’s motto that dates back a century and a half. Its roots first take hold in a one-room farmhouse in Brooklyn.

Now, 150 years later, St. John’s is a thriving university with seven campuses around the world, 21,000 students and almost 200,000 alumni.

“The story of St. John’s University is the story of New York City. Indeed, it’s the story of America. It’s about immigrant’s dreams coming true,” says Brian Browne.

Dreams that were nurtured right here in the Diocese of Immigrants with Brooklyn’s first bishop, John Loughlin, who invited the Vincentians to establish the school in 1870. As a center for education and compassion for the city’s youth, its guiding principles are inspired by St. Vincent de Paul.

St. John’s spokesman, Brian Browne, says the Big Apple’s urban appeal is still alive today.

“Whether you’re descendants of indigenous peoples, whether your family came over on the Mayflower or landed just yesterday at international arrivals at JFK,” says Brian, “there’s a home for you here in New York City.”

A home that St. John’s newest leader, Father Brian Shanley, is getting used to as the schools 18th president and first Dominican priest to hold the position. He started in his new role at the height of the pandemic…

“It does feel strange to be on a college campus and not see kids everywhere,” Father Shanley says. “Some of our kids are coming in for class, some are doing it remotely. So there’s a sense of life on campus, but it’s not normal.”

Father Shanley hopes the fall will look more like a traditional college campus as they continue to help students through the tough times with the Catholic faith as the backbone of its curriculum.

“Catholic education has always been important to the church,” the university president says. “We’re interested not just in their heads, but their hearts…their faith, their sense of right and wrong, their sense of social justice and commitment to particularly the poor.”

Father Bernard Tracey is part of that mission too. He’s tasked with expanding the university’s reach and he’s a 1970’s grad, so he’s been with St. John’s for decades.

“St. Vincent de Paul founded us to serve the needs of the poor, but also we were found for the formation of clergy and laity in the service of the poor,” Father Tracey says. “With the same spirit of wanting to make sure that our students have a clear understanding about the education they are receiving and with an understanding that they have an obligation to help those less fortunate.”

Students understand that mission. Many of them are the first in their family to attend college.

“It’s that commitment to being a place where first-generation students get the break that really changes their lives,” Father Shanley says. “I mean college education then 150 years ago and now is the kind of thing that can change your whole life and change your whole family’s life.”

Changing lives and futures,150 years later: St. John’s University is still faithful to its mission.

Pro-Life Chairman Archbishop Joseph Naumann Asks Catholics to Sign Petition to Save Hyde Amendment

Currents News Staff

The Hyde Amendment has saved millions of lives over the past four and a half decades, but now, it’s at risk of being repealed. Without it, abortions across the country could significantly increase and American taxpayers would be footing the bill.

U.S. bishops are trying to prevent that from happening. Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, is the Chairman of the USCCB’s Pro Life Committee. He joined Currents News to discuss the petition that the USCCB is urging Catholics to sign and the significance of the Hyde Amendment.

If you would like to sign the petition to save the Hyde Amendment, go to notaxpayerabortion.com .

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday, 5/25/21

It’s been one year since the murder of George Floyd — a look at where police reform now stands.

A second arrest is made in the brutal assault of a Jewish man in Times Square — what the victim is saying about the attack.

A DACA recipient is stuck in Mexico after going there to work on her visa application.

A new beginning for one Brooklyn Catholic college.

After Over 50 Years, St. Francis College is Moving to New and Modern Location

By Emily Drooby

When it comes to what’s going on at St. Francis College (SFC), right now, it’s a blank canvas. But in the future, it’s painting its latest masterpiece: the new school.

“We’re really taking this to the next level,” said the college’s president, Miguel Martinez-Saenz.

He took Currents News on a tour of the new space.

“We are going to be the only college, I’ll say this, in NYC, with brand new everything,” Miguel said.

Everything is brand new, from a 38-seat chapel, an auditorium, 6,600 square foot library to art galleries and an outdoor terrace.

“When you walk into our library, the latest technology is going to be available to our students,” Miguel said. “When you walk into the classroom, the faculty are going to have the latest technology to use.”

It’s still a bitter sweet moment as the school is leaving Remsen Street, their home for over 50 years. Their new school will be located just half a mile away on Livingston Street. Miguel says the move is necessary for modernization.

“These old buildings, if they’re not open floor plans, there’s a lot of work that needs to go into them,” he explained. “Students would be in a construction zone for 20 years.”

Their student population is also growing, adding 400 students in the past four years. They expect to add another 800 by 2026.

It’s no surprise about the growing student population considering the amount of aid the school provides. Ninety-eight percent of their students get some type of institutional tuition aid.

The aid even continued through the pandemic. Through their Terrier for Terrier Relief Fund, they gave out over $150,000 in grants. SFC also gave out over 2,000 emergency student financial aid awards that totaled over $2.6 million. The money for that student aid came from the federal COVID-relief legislation.

Generous financial aid options and a new, modern building, are what St. Francis students can look forward to. Students said they’ll miss the old building, but they’re also very excited about the new possibilities.

“Oh, I love the new building,” said student Gabrielle Lora. “Honestly, I feel like this new building brings new opportunities. Although this wonderful building feels like home already, I feel like sometimes, you just need a new change.”

Fall of 2022 – that’s just 15 months away. The new space will be fully redone and ready to welcome students.

“The building is nice here, but I do like the layout of the new building,” said student Mccoy Frederick. “It looks really amazing to be honest.”

Push for Police Reform Continues One Year After George Floyd’s Murder

By Jessica Easthope

George Floyd’s death sparked protests with calls for change and a push to create new national policing standards.

But that’s not going to happen in time for President Biden’s deadline, May 25, which is the first anniversary of Floyd’s death.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act passed the House last year but it’s still being negotiated in the Senate.

“We’re making good progress, hopeful progress. But we still have some work, a lot of work to do,” said Senator Cory Booker.

Key negotiators Senator Cory Booker, Senator Tim Scott, and Rep. Karen Bass released a rare, joint statement.

“We are still working through our differences on key issues.”

Those key issues include determining the standard for charging police officers with crimes and changing the policy of “qualified immunity” so police officers can be sued in civil court. One senator has floated the idea of making departments rather than individual officers liable in civil cases.

Democrats say it’s about accountability but Republicans worry eliminating protections could disincentivize police. Still, both sides say they’re optimistic and closer to a deal, with Floyd’s family praying that his death will bring lasting change and reform.

“We’ve certainly come a long way and I’m optimistic we’ll get there,” said Floyd’s cousin ShareeduhTate. “But we’re more interested in having a bill that has some meat and potatoes to it versus just a symbolic bill.”

Talks for a bipartisan deal are expected to move forward this week, but Catholic leaders say the church must do more.

Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice, Florida serves as a member of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishophs’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism.

“It’s too easy to flip right over and look at the police,” Bishop Dewane said. “OK do that, I’m not arguing that changes need to be made. But I think long term, if we’re going to address this problem, it has to be looked inside.”

Queens Street Co-Named After Msgr. John C. Tosi, The ‘Larger Than Life’ Pastor of St. Luke’s Church

Currents News Staff

Cheers as Clintonville street in Whitestone, Queens is co-named Monsignor John C. Tosi Way.

“As pastor, I know at the very bottom of his heart, Monsignor John Tosi’s way was the way of Jesus,” said Father John Costello.

Father John Costello took over as pastor at St. Luke’s Church after Monsignor Tosi passed away last May.

Last Friday, May 21, parishioners gathered to honor the late priest.

“We are at the legendary St. Luke’s for a man who was just as powerful and wonderful as this parish,” said Councilmember Paul Vallone.

Vallone helped to get the street in front of St. Luke’s named after Monsignor Tosi, whom he remembers fondly.

“Larger than life, Monsignor Tosi was larger than life in all ways: physically, passionately, mentally,” said Vallone. “He was there for all of us. He had a say in everything that happened here and he loved St. Luke’s.”

Monsignor Tosi was a lifelong Queens resident and a priest for over 45 years. The last 25 of his priest assignment was spent at St. Luke’s, leading this church community.

“To symbolize him today on a beautiful day with spring birthing and coming to the end of this deadly pandemic, it’s a beautiful way to celebrate spring and his legacy,” Vallone said.

Monsignor Tosi re-built St. Luke’s church and made many renovations to the Queens parish.