For Immediate Release
Statement by Rabbi Moshe Rottenberg, Administrator
March 27, 2019
The administration, staff and parent body of Central UTA of Monsey are outraged by the
slanderous and libelous comments made by Rockland County Executive Ed Day who has
made allegations that our school has been open during this health crisis. These blatant
falsehoods have been widely circulated in the news and on social media, disparaging both
our school and the Hasidic community. As required by Governor Cuomo's Executive
Order, our school has been closed since Wednesday, March 18th and we have not
reopened the school for classes.
Also, in compliance with the Executive Order, we have maintained the distribution of
food to our students, through a safe and orderly drive up process in our parking lot. Some
of our staff are also working to prepare photocopied written materials that are distributed
weekly to our students through the drive-up system. All of these activities are completely
legal and safe.
The violations that have been levied by the Rockland County Health Department are
baseless and completely without merit. The school has been closed and any small
gathering of parents and staff have been connected to our food and educational material
distribution. This activity is being carried out with safe distancing and other safety
measures and has even been witnessed by the Ramapo Police Department who have
supported our version of the events in their own social media posts. They have been
involved in this matter for several days and are now even reviewing our surveillance
footage that will further confirm the facts as we have presented.
We call upon County Executive Ed Day to cease in the harassment of our institution with
his false claims that are damaging to our reputation. Especially at this time of crisis, his
Facebook comments are creating an atmosphere of hatred and bigotry that are unjustified
in light of our completely lawful conduct.
We look forward to a full apology from Mr. Day and to the removal of all disparaging
remarks from all social media platforms.