New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has expressed regret over his heavily criticised response to a large Chasidic funeral procession dispersed by police in April in the city’s Williamsburg area.
 
“Something absolutely unacceptable happened in Williamsburg,” de Blasio said at the time about the large gathering, which drew hundreds of mourners, according to reports.
 
“My message to the Jewish community, and all communities, is this simple: the time for warnings has passed,” he said in another tweet, sparking fierce criticism. 
 
In an apparent effort to mend relations, de Blasio met Orthodox leaders from Brooklyn and Queens this week and described the talks as “very moving” and productive.
 
“We really took our time to talk through everything that happened from the beginning of the pandemic and how painful it's been for everyone and how confusing it's been,” he told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday. 
 
“That one night in Williamsburg I let my frustration and concern get away with me and I should have been more careful in my language and I’ve expressed my apology for that before,” he said. 
 
“The number one takeaway from the meeting was more dialogue, more communication is the way forward.”
 
De Blasio's comments came as the community continued to grapple with tensions over the pandemic and rising cases in Orthodox neighbourhoods.
 
New restrictions announced earlier this month in parts of the city, including areas home to large Orthodox populations, sparked fierce criticism and demonstrations.