Yeshivaworld just hung up the phone with Mr. Richard Newhouse, who is the Assistant NY Division Director of Operations with the NYS Thruway Authority. The stern warning that was given to us to relay to our readership was short, and clear.
The Thruway Authority is fed-up with the complaints of people selling food, collecting Tzedakah, and leaving a mess at the Sloatsburg Rest-Area. They have told Yeshivaworld that this is their final warning. If this behavior continues, the Mincha Area will be shut down.
They are serious.
Yeshivaworld had posted a warning a few weeks ago (HERE) urging people to make a Kiddush Hashem, and not a Chillul Hashem. Unfortunately a few individuals have not listened, and by selling Cholent etc. they have placed the entire Mincha Area in jeopardy.
''The Mincha Area is for praying only, nothing else'', said Mr. Newhouse.
Rabbi Bernard Freilich, special assistant to the Superintendent of the New York State Police, is urging everyone once again to heed the warning of the Thruway Authority.
''They were nice enough to give us the Mincha Area, and because of a few people we are about to lose it'', Rabbi Freilich told Yeshivaworld. ''Please, just Daven - get back in your car and leave the area.''
