August 31, 2008: Vol. 31, No. 35
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Hasidim: This ad is anti-sign-metic?
The Brooklyn Paper
Some Hasidic residents of Williamsburg are complaining about this sign off the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway that they say is offensive.
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del.icio.usA billboard hyping the sexy teen drama “90210” has some members of Williamsburg’s Hasidic Jews all worked up.
The ad, which is visible from the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, depicts a handful of swimsuit-clad actors and actresses lounging in a pool — starkly violating the Hasidic interpretation of at least two Jewish laws, neighborhood leaders say.
“In Jewish law, it is forbidden to see any part of a lady that is not dressed — and having men and women swimming together is also not permissible, even if they are fully clothed,” said Rabbi David Niederman, president of the United Jewish Organization, who last month protested against a risqué ad by the clothing retailer H&M on the same roadway.
But another problem with the sign is the location itself.
“People from our community pass by this daily,” said Niederman, who noted that the BQE is the primary route for Hasidic Jews who shuttle between communities in Williamsburg and Borough Park. “They are bringing Times Square to our home. What’s OK over there is not OK over here.”
Hasidim say their complaints to the company that owns the billboard — much like the careers of the original “90210” stars Luke Perry and Jason Priestley — have been ignored.
“We have called them and I’m very surprised that they are turning a deaf ear,” said Williamsburg resident Simon Weiser. “It’s real racy and it doesn’t belong in our community where you have children who aren’t used to seeing these images.”
The owner of the billboard at the corner of Clermont and Park avenues, a company called Fuel Outdoor, declined to comment.
A local rep for the CW network, which will air the “90210” redux, had no comment.
Not everyone found the image of bikini-clad women and semi naked men distasteful.
“I don’t think they’re offensive,” said Canarsie resident James Dean. “And I’ve seen a lot of women.”
— with Allison Bosworth
©2008 The Brooklyn Paper
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