ANTI HATE CRIME RALLY
On May 20, the Bronx DA’s Offi ce held an Anti Hate Crime Rally. There have been recent hate crimes against AAPI and Jewish communities. DA Clark declared that “hate against one of us
is hate against all of us.” Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson hit the nail on the head when she said,”No one should ever be attacked because of who they are and how they look.”
DA Clark (yellow) with speakers, leaders, and elected offi cias. Photo by Jewel Weber
HEIDI HYNES STREET RE-NAMING CEREMONY BRONX JEWISH CENTER Hosts Community Dinner
Join the Bronx Jewish Center for its next community Shabbat dinner on Friday June 4,
starting at 7 p.m. at the Bronx Jewish Center, located at 1969 Haight Avenue. Reconnect
with your friends and neighbors and meet new ones. All of the traditional style dishes will
take center stage. Enjoy a delicious 4-course dinner with your fellow neighbors. Turn your
Friday night Shabbat into an evening of spiritual awakening, inspiration, Jewish songs and
culinary delight. All are welcome. Social distancing will be strictly enforced .
RSVP to (718) 812-1701. Shabbat dinners are held the fi rst Friday of every month.
BRONX TIMES R 18 EPORTER, MAY 28-JUNE 3, 2021 BTR
On Saturday, May 1, Councilman Rafael Salamanca, the Mary Mitchell Family & Youth Center,
and members of the Crotona neighborhood honored Heidi Hynes, a staunch advocate in
the fi ght against inequity in the Bronx and New York City, with a street re-naming ceremony
at the intersection of East 178th Street and Mapes Avenue, steps away from the front
doors of the organization she ran for more than a decade. A native Kansan, Hynes moved
to the Bronx as a college student when she enrolled at Fordham University, before then
setting out on a career passionately serving and advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable
New Yorkers. Following a stint at Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition,
Hynes joined the Mary Mitchell Center, rising to serve as executive director from 1997 to
2018. During her time as executive director, Hynes worked closely with elected offi cials and
community members, alike, vociferously advocating for a more just borough and city. After
a long battle with cancer, Hynes passed away on November 24, 2019, at the young age of 51,
leaving behind her husband and daughter, and countless of New Yorkers who she touched
through her work.
Recently, the Albanian Open Hands Foundation held their annual Food Drive. Pictured at the
event (l-r) Major Miguel Kuilan, Voice of the Bronx Special Relation Local Law Enforcement;
Aleksander Nilaj – CEO of AA OPEN HANDS; Lieutenant First Class; Council Mark Gjonaj; Luis
Paniagua, president Chief Commander of the International Alliance of Chaplain and Law
Enforcement; and Juan M. Nova, director Pastor Colonel.
The presentation of the street sign, Heidi Hynes’ family members Brian (husband) and Freida
(daughter) with Mary Mitchell Family & Youth board members. Photo by Jewel Weber
Photo by Jewel Weber
OPEN HANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE