Hasidic Influence, Judicial Recusal, and a Stroke Survivor’s Fight Against Real Estate Fraud

Hasidic Power and Real Estate Deception: A Stroke Survivor’s Legal Fight

Dmitri Bediner—a 60-year-old Jewish refugee, stroke survivor, and recent brain surgery patient—is locked in a desperate legal battle to save the Sullivan County bungalow colony he maintained for over 25 years. The threat? A coordinated takeover by Hasidic-affiliated actors, allegedly involving a fraudulent mortgage and judicial familiarity that forced a recusal.

The Property and the Trap

Dmitri, who bought into the bungalow colony at 446 Whitaker Road in the late 1990s, was the last active co-owner after his partners exited. In 2023, while recovering from a stroke and awaiting major brain surgery, he was approached by Rabbi Joshua Glassman. The rabbi offered to help Dmitri exercise his right of first refusal to buy out a co-owner—but that help came with strings attached.

The loan terms? A staggering 15% interest mortgage from Glassman’s company, Preferred Real Estate Management, backed by the shell entity Dacha Luxe LLC. The property’s income couldn’t support the debt, essentially forcing Dmitri into default from the start.

Questionable Claims and Legal Maneuvering

Dacha Luxe now claims it owns the entire property, asserting that Dmitri transferred his share for $275,000—an amount for which no documentation, check, or wire has been produced. Dmitri’s legal filings and reply affirmations cite manipulation, cognitive vulnerability, and the absence of independent legal counsel during the mortgage signing.

Judicial Recusal: A Red Flag

The original judge in the ongoing title dispute—Hon. Meagan K. Galligan—was forced to recuse herself on March 31, 2025 due to “familiarity with a witness.” This raises serious concerns about local influence, insider networks, and the impartiality of the legal process.

Not an Isolated Incident

This case is part of a broader pattern. For example, religiously aligned patrol groups like Shomrim have been documented wielding undue political influence in Brooklyn. The overlap between spiritual authority and civic power often goes unchecked, creating a breeding ground for judicial overreach and economic coercion.

A Call to Action

Dmitri urgently needs to raise legal funds. A qualified attorney is prepared to fight the case, but a $15,000 retainer is due. The full campaign goal—covering litigation and medical recovery—is $40,000.

Donate and share: https://gofund.me/783d038a

Let’s make it clear that exploitation under the guise of religion and influence will not stand unchallenged. Share this case. Speak out. And if you can, contribute.

#HasidicRealEstateFraud #JudicialCorruption #ElderExploitation #CorruptionByCops