PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Abdul Jamila, US Army Veteran
2:07:01
·
177 sec
Abdul Jamila, a US Army veteran and disabled street vendor, addresses issues faced by veteran vendors in New York City. He emphasizes the need for better enforcement policies, mental health support, and understanding of veterans' unique challenges in street vending.
- Highlights the high rate of homelessness among veterans in New York state
- Discusses the difficulties veterans face in traditional employment due to service-related injuries
- Expresses concern about confrontations with other vendors, police, and enforcement agencies, particularly for veterans with PTSD
Abdul Jamila
2:07:01
Thank you.
2:07:03
Good afternoon.
2:07:04
My name is Abdul Jamila.
2:07:06
US Army retired and a combat vet with a distinguishing device valor.
2:07:12
As a service connected disabled veteran who operates as a street vendor, I have chosen to participate in today's meeting to address issues that have long been overlooked or neglected by city agencies and its lack of sufficient vendor enforcement policies.
2:07:31
Police and age and Asians acknowledgeable in the law concerning a 35 article 35.
2:07:39
Today presents a rare and unique opportunity for us to voice our concern and assert our right.
2:07:49
Our primary focus is on the well-being of veterans of the city of New York, particularly mental health and other challenges we face.
2:08:00
We believe that pre progressive measures can help prevent the alarming rates of suicide among veterans and disabled veterans in particular.
2:08:11
And we are a group that has self served and sacrificed our bodies and mind for the country that we all love.
2:08:19
Unfortunately, in New York state alone, a disheartening onethree of the homeless population consist of veterans.
2:08:27
Many of these veterans could make 11 and become a more productive citizens if the city made it easier for these veterans to work the streets without being in constant fear.
2:08:40
Many of us have PTSD and cannot tolerate confrontation and intimidation by other types of vendors.
2:08:48
Police, and other enforcement agencies.
2:08:51
Some of us cannot respond in socially acceptable ways, so we avoid working in con contested areas to avoid troubles.
2:09:02
As a war veteran street vendor, our work on the streets of New York is driven by necessity rather than choice.
2:09:12
We find ourselves in this line of work as it is often the only means to support our families.
2:09:19
In previous hearing at the city hall, we, as a group of disabled veterans, emphasized the difficulty of securing traditional employment due to frequent hospital visits to address injuries sustained during a military service.
2:09:35
I just feel like the city of New York is I I just feel like we are under assault by the city of New York and the city council some of the city council members.
2:09:50
By being discredited and discredited than us for as a as a as a as a veterans.
2:09:57
Thank you very much.
