NY - AG Launches Probe Into 20 Non-Profits Linked To Same Brooklyn Rabbi

NY - New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office has launched an investigation into the validity of 20 non-profit groups linked to one man Rabbi Yaakov Weingarten of Brooklyn.

In a June 7th subpoena issued against Weingarten, the AG demanded that Weingarten turn over documents providing proof of legal incorporation, the identities of all officers, bank records, details pertaining to donations, and expenditures since 2007.

The non-profits covered under the subpoena include:

Agudath Chesed Bikur Cholim Israel, Inc.

Bnei Torah, Inc.

Chesed L’Yisrael V’Chasdei Yosef, Inc.

Congregation Yad L’Shabbat, Inc.

Hatzalah Rescue of Israel, Inc.

Hatzalah Shomrom, Inc.

Hayad Victim Assistance Fund.

Hayom Victim Assistance Fund.

Israel Emergency Center.

Kupat Reb Meir Baal Haness Bnei Torah Eretz Yisrael, Inc.

Lmaan Hatorah.

Magen israel.

Our Children. 

Pulse Foundation, Inc.

Shearim, Inc.

Shearim Hayad L’Torah Center for Hatzalah L’Shabbat and Chesed L’Yisrael, Inc.

Yad L’Shabbat, Inc.

Yad Yisrael.

Yaldei Simcha Yisrael.

 Zaka Israel.

Weingarten has been operating from his Coney Island office in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, and it is believed he may have phony non-profits to solicit funds from donors.

On his website, Weingarten lays claim to having dozens of endorsements relating to his non-profits, including pictures of rabbis Weingarten claims as supporters.