Guardian Angels Step up to Patrol Crown Heights, Honored by Aliya Girls

By: Hellen Zaboulani

Crown Heights has been at the center of New York City’s disturbing and mounting anti-Semitic attacks. These frightful incidents have led to feelings of despair and uncertainty in the lives of many Crown Heights residents. Thankfully, all it takes is a small group of heroes to challenge the hate. Only a little light is needed to break through the darkness.

A small group known as the Guardian Angels, has risen to the spotlight in recent weeks to become that hero. As reported by Collive, the individuals in this group have undertaken to keep Crown Height’s community safe. Since the Monsey mass stabbing attack on Hanukkah, they have begun to physically patrol the neighborhood, not only thwarting attempts against the community but also bringing peace of mind and tranquility to those residents who cannot defend themselves. The volunteer group is also providing training in defense techniques to 40 to 50 mostly ultra-orthodox Jews teaching them to defend themselves and make citizens’ arrests, said Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa. By late summer or early fall, he says the trainees should be able to staff their own neighborhood patrols. Reuters reported, the instructions focus on “bring a person into submission without really hurting them,” said martial arts master Milton Oliver, 51, a construction supervisor and Guardian Angel since 1982.

The Guardian Angels were recently honored by Aliya Girls, who invited and honored them at a dinner. Aliya Girls is a local organization dedicated to creating a supportive space, encouraging the physical, emotional and spiritual growth of teenage girls. As per the organization’s website, it offers a full range of programs, one-on-one mentoring, therapy referrals and many other services, for high-school and post-high school girls in their turbulent teenage years. Aliya Girls aims to create relationships to lead the girls to a healthy path in life.

As part of the Aliya’s weekly activities, the girls discussed their growing concerns for safety with in-house therapist Chaya Kagan. In the talk, Chaya told them about the Guardian Angels and how they had stepped up to protect the community. The girls were able to achieve a sense of calm and were warmed at the thought of individuals who were taking matters in their own hands to protect the Jews of Crown Heights. The girls wished to convey their heartfelt thanks and pay the kindness forward. Aliya reached out to the Guardian Angels and invited them to a dinner in their honor.

Guardian Angels visited Aliya Girls on January 2nd, were the girls prepared a home-cooked meal for them. The girls also took the opportunity to personally thank the Angels in person for their selfless acts.

As per Collive, at the dinner, Dovid Margolin, Chabad.org journalist, gave a speech, based on the Rebbe’s message about how best to battle anti-Semitism. Chassidic singer Eli Marcus graced the event by singing three songs connected with the Angels’ mission and thanking them. To top off the night, each Guardian Angel received personal thank you letters from the Aliya Girls, as well as a small gift, chamsa keychains, courtesy of Judaica World.