Questions we’ve been asked...

Is there a fee charged for making funeral pre-arrangements?

There is absolutely no fee or other charge in New York State when you make “pre-arrangements”. Moreover when you pre-fund those arrangements through the Pre-Plan Trust there is no additional expense in establishing the trust account. A trust account that remains under your control and your funds are FDIC insured.

No commission, no set-up fees, no extra expenses. Just accurate, helpful information, and a plan that conforms to all New York State Regulations and SSI-Medicaid regulations as well. An enhanced rate of interest on the Pre-Plan Trust enables us to guarantee the funeral home costs when a complete funeral is arranged and paid for.

If you would like to discuss these issues, call us and we’ll arrange to have one of our licensed funeral director professionals meet with you and answer your questions.

You’ll receive clear answers, an itemized list of the costs, and some peace of mind.

“I intend to collaborate with our partners in state government to take a renewed look at our hate crime laws and evaluate the classification of these hate crimes,” Drucker said. That way, “they can be prosecuted as a standalone offense, and have them automatically charged as a felony — rather than a misdemeanor — to ensure that these individuals get more than a slap on the wrist.”

Putting a complete end to antisemitic acts is not an easy task at all, according to Rabbi Ira Ebbin.

“If you look at any Jewish history book — or any history book — you’ll know that it’s impossible,” the spiritual leader of Congregation Ohav Sholom in Merrick, told reporters last week. “Since Jews have existed, there has been antisemitism. Since humans have existed, there has been hatred. Those who want to hate will always find ways to hate, and they do it in the most invasive way.”

Technology such as the hotline, Ebbin said, is incredibly important.

“It opens the opportunity and the portals of entry for people who see something, then they need to say something,” the rabbi said. “Our legislators, our leaders respond to data, and unless its reported, the reality is silence is compared to complicity. If you don’t say anything, nothing gets done.”

Education is key, according to County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, a Republican who represents Merrick and surrounding communities. Children, for instance, may not understand the seriousness of their actions when they commit acts of hate.

“I would like to use this latest example as a teaching moment, especially for our children, to better educate them on the dangers of these type of behaviors, and to re-emphasize that hate speech or any actions in that regard are not tolerated or accepted,” he said, in a statement. “Together, as a community, we must do what we can to stand together against this growing scourge.”