They added that they are “particularly troubled” to learn Schapiro’s conduct has apparently caused “difficulty and discomfort” to members of government.
Levi Shapiro (centre) in Stamford Hill (Photo: Piero Cruciatti)[Missing Credit]
The letter went on: “Please be assured that his conduct and communications do not reflect the values or practices of our community or its leadership.
“While he may act with good intentions, we must be clear: Mr Schapiro does not represent the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, nor does he hold any formal or informal mandate to speak on behalf of the Charedi or any other community. His actions reflect solely his own views.”
A major umbrella organisation in the Chasidic Jewish community, the UOHC was founded in 1926 and seeks to protect “traditional Judaism” by upholding strict Halachic standards.
Today, it supports and is affiliated with over 100 different shuls and educational institutions.
Responding to the JC’s request for comment on Schapiro’s behalf, a JCC spokesperson claimed that the letter contained “false and misleading” allegations and suggested there is a “strong possibility” the letter is fabricated.
But the JCC contended that, in the event that it was not fabricated, the letter was “yet another attempt in an ongoing smear campaign against Mr Schapiro orchestrated by Mr Sinitsky”.
Echoing the content of the letter, they said that “while Mr Sinitzky may have good intentions, he does not speak on behalf of all community members,” claiming that the JCC has the support of 3,000 families in the community.
“To suggest that Mr Sinitzky represents the broader community is both inaccurate and misleading,” they wrote. “It has become increasingly clear that Mr Sinitzky is not aligned with the evolving needs of the younger generation within the Charedi community.
"Rather than embracing the realities of a modern, engaged Charedi society, he continues to rely on outdated structures and regrettably uses his influence to obstruct the positive, community-driven work being led by the JCC.”
The JCC added: “Also a timely reminder. With the Tishah B’Av fast approaching — a day of mourning for the destruction caused by baseless hatred among our own people — we gently remind that now is not the time to deepen divisions or pit Jew against Jew.
“If there are concerns or disagreements within our community, they should be addressed privately and with dignity, not through public forums or the media.
"Let us use this moment to reflect, unite, and strengthen our shared commitment to peace, respect, and achdus [unity].”
