Full Breakdown
Brooklyn Hospital's Affordable Housing Project Threatens Historic Synagogue
2/14/2026, 5:58:30 AM
Conflict Over Historic Preservation and Housing Development
The Kingsbrook Shul, a nearly 100-year-old synagogue located in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, is facing demolition as part of a $400 million affordable housing project proposed by One Brooklyn Health, the nonprofit that operates the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center. The synagogue, built in 1927 in response to rising antisemitism, has been a significant community center for local Orthodox Jews until its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The hospital's plan includes the construction of a 266-unit housing complex on its campus, which has sparked significant opposition from the local Jewish community.
Legal Battle and Community Response
Local congregants have initiated legal action to prevent the demolition, arguing that the synagogue's historical and cultural significance should be preserved. Stuart Blader, the attorney representing the synagogue, emphasized that the notion of choosing between affordable housing and preserving the shul is misleading. He pointed out that earlier agreements indicated the synagogue would remain intact during the construction process. Despite this, One Brooklyn Health's attorney, Jason Hsi, contended that retaining the synagogue as a "zombie structure" would be impractical once the campus is transformed.
Community Sentiment and Criticism
Community members have expressed deep concern over the potential loss of the synagogue, describing the hospital's actions as a "greedy" money grab aimed at maximizing profits from the housing development. Zelman Goldstein, a congregant, highlighted the emotional stakes, noting that families are eager for the center to reopen, particularly for significant life events such as bar mitzvahs. Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, a community leader, criticized the hospital's approach, suggesting that it is leveraging the synagogue's fate to secure more favorable funding from the state, which he deemed unconscionable.
Official Statements and Responses
Governor Kathy Hochul has previously expressed support for the synagogue, advocating for a collaborative solution that allows both the housing project and the synagogue to coexist. She called for leadership from both One Brooklyn Health and the synagogue to find a path forward that benefits the community. However, despite her intervention, the legal disputes continue, with One Brooklyn Health persisting in its plans.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the hospital maintains that the demolition is necessary for the housing project, community advocates argue that alternative solutions exist that would allow for both the preservation of the synagogue and the development of affordable housing. The ongoing litigation has yet to resolve these conflicting perspectives, leaving the future of the Kingsbrook Shul uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That continuation is now in question because of greedy developers that want to take this and of course, maximize the money when they build …” — Zelman Goldstein, Congregant
- “It’s just completely unconscionable that they should attempt to use government funding to displace and erase 100 years of Jewish history,” — Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, Community Leader
- “leadership from the hospital and synagogue to find a path forward where both sites can prosper and serve the community.” — Governor Kathy Hochul
