I read the article regarding the Indian cultural unit being implemented at Parker Jewish Institute (Parker Institute opens Indian Cultural Unit, Jan. 18). I find it interesting that in none of the articles I have read is there mention of how this is going to be accomplished.
My father is living on the unit they are transitioning to as Indian only. He will be 100 years old on Feb. 8. His roommate was moved out and now an Indian gentleman is his new roommate.
There are no acceptable beds on other units for my father at this time. He lives in daily fear and anxiety about where he is going to go.
He asks constantly, “Where will I live?”
No where is it mentioned the amount of stress and unhappiness this is causing the residents who already live on the unit. Parker has not managed the change or dissemination of information well at all. Families are upset, residents, like my father, distraught. It is very difficult for my family to see our dad in such a state of anxiety about where he is going to be moved. He is a lifelong New Yorker, World War II veteran who has worked hard to make a life for his family and he, along with many others, is being disrupted at this time to make room for the Indian cultural unit. It’s shameful. And none of this is in the news. All pomp and circumstance, though very disheartening, to say the least.
I am not saying that the idea of a cultural unit is a bad idea. I am saying that the way they are going about it, and the way it is being portrayed in the news does not tell the whole story.
Where is the story of how this is happening? Did wealthy Indian professionals make donations to Parker and use their power in the community to make this happen?
How is it OK for people like my father to be subjected to this level of change and stress at 100 years old?
A frustrated daughter
Little Neck
