The New York Times has assigned two reporters to dig up dirt on chasidic yeshivas across New York State. They’ve been at it for months and are poised to release their innuendo-ridden piece any day — timed, it seems, to coincide with the Board of Regents’ consideration of intrusive new regulations of yeshivas.

I am a New York State assemblyman, whose district encompasses the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Borough Park and Midwood. Chasidic myself, I am proud of the communities I represent and invite you to walk down the streets of Borough Park’s main business strip on 13th Avenue. You will see bustling shops, small businesses, and eateries.