A group associated with Kars4Kids is trying to take over a Staten Island synagogue to hide some of the charity’s cash, court papers say.
Congregation Oorah told the IRS that it was operating a synagogue in a building where the Young Israel of Eltingville congregation is currently housed.
But it’s a smoke screen, say members of Young Israel.
In court papers filed last week in Staten Island Supreme Court, Young Israel argues that the charity, which rakes in tens of millions a year in car and real-estate donations, is using the synagogue as a shield “to put their more questionable financial dealings through an entity that would not be subject to the same public scrutiny.”
Under IRS rules, a religious charity is not subject to the same rules of public disclosure as other nonprofits.
Oorah and Young Israel have been feuding since 2007 when Oorah offered to help Young Israel with much-needed renovations in exchange for operating a school on the premises, and taking over the deed to the Ridgewood Avenue building.
In a separate court filing, Oorah Inc., another nonprofit associated with Kars4Kids, claims that Young Israel owes $1 million for the upgrades.
