K A S H R U T . C O M_©

NYU Hospital Will Accommodate Satmar Bikur Cholim

May 17, 2018 from the Matzav.com:

"After Satmar Bikur Cholim was suddenly barred from patients’ rooms at NYU, leaders of Williamsburg Hatzalah, “Chesed”, “Mekimi”, and representatives of Satmar kehillos met with NYU Hospital top officials.
NYU reassured their full commitment to serve the community and will continue to accommodate Bikur Cholim activities in accordance with the Hospital policies."

Hasidic volunteers, kicked out of a major NY hospital, blame a clash over medical ethics

May 6, 2018 from the Gifteringotham.com and May 22, 2018 from JTA:

"NYU MEDICAL CENTER located at 550 1st Ave, in Manhattan has stopped a decade’s old practice of letting Satmar Bikur Cholim visit by professional volunteers and their ability to serve and offer basic social services to patients and their families. In a sudden change of policy, the NYU Hospital administration didn’t notify any volunteer organization professionals that they will not be allowed to give food to patients or advocate on behalf of any patients. The new policies have seriously effected urgent services the organization provides."

"For years, volunteers from the Satmar hasidic movement have fanned out daily across the city, boarding private buses and carrying bags full of kosher food cooked each morning (except Saturday) at the organization’s commercial kitchen in Williamsburg, Brooklyn."
"Members of the Satmar Bikur Cholim go to a dozen hospital and rehabilitation centers, bringing food and paying a quick visit to any patient who requests it. The volunteers also provide specific recommendations for doctors and rehabilitation centers, when requested, and the organization can provide financial assistance to needy patients."
"'The Satmar Bikur Cholim director says that the policy change “had to do with our advocacy in the hospital. Because we’re very big in patient care management and advocacy, the hospital did not like that we’re watching them so closely. NYU Hospital’s policies have changed and have become more difficult for the Jewish community.'"