Police, FEMA and other government agencies warned people to stay indoors today, because the trees weakened by the storm may still come down in the high winds without notice, and power lines may come down with them or even on their own. But do hasidim listen to secular authorities?
Certainly some hasidim do listen to these warnings, but many others do not.
Indeed, a hasidic man was killed in Spring Valley today after he tried to rescue a child who was being electrocuted by a downed power line, and there are credible reports of hasidic schools holding classes today, even though police, fire, FEMA, and local government officials have all begged people to stay inside because of the danger.
VIN posted this picture today on its front page as the over the fold full page picture. It was taken in Borough Park earlier today.
To VIN's credit, the headline above the photo is "Stay Inside."
Too bad so many hasidim won't listen to reason but will listen to their rabbis who are endangering lives by ignoring police, and other governmental warnings.
Update 4:21 pm CDT – More of the same: Haredi kids riding bikes in floodwaters in a Passaic, New Jersey park today. [Hat Tip: Marisa]:
Update 6:05 pm CDT – Here's a video shot in Borough Park today. At about 6:25 you can see hasidic kids outside and power lines down 15 feet from them. You can also hear the wind gusting: