A rabbi was hit by a vehicle in front of his synagogue on the night of Monday, December 12^th. The accident took place outside Young Israel of West Hempstead at approximately 7:30 p.m. According to police, a white Dodge Ram pick-up truck was headed south on Hempstead Avenue when it hit Rabbi Jordan Kelemer as he was crossing from west to east in front of the synagogue.
The vehicle, which could be a model built in early 2000, had damage to the driver-side front end. The driver did not stop. A passerby discovered the injured rabbi.
Rabbi Kelemer suffered a head injury, and was transported to Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, where he was said to be in serious, though stable, condition. A friend of the rabbi, Jay Kaplowitz, said that the members of the synagogue are extremely upset by the accident, and that Rabbi Kelemer was loved by many. He had committed 30 years of service to the synagogue, and the members of the synagogue went to a special service to say prayers for him. Police are requesting anyone with information regarding the case to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
In accordance with NY VTL §600 (2) (c), Leaving scene of an incident without reporting, a motorist who has failed to report such an incident to the nearest police officer, has committed a class E felony, which is punishable by a fine ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, in addition to any other penalties under the law.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligent behavior of another person, contact the personal injury attorneys at Proner and Proner.