Out With the Old: Young CH’ers Meet Mayoral Candidate
Previously uninvolved in politics, a group of over 50 young Lubavitchers gathered in Basil for a meet and greet evening in support of mayoral candidate Bill Thompson. This was the first ever event of this kind and the organizers were impressed with its success.
The friendly and warm atmosphere allowed attendants to meet the seasoned politician and see him in a different context and raise issues in a comfortable and conversational manner.
This event marked the first time that young residents of Crown Heights have gotten involved in any form of city politics without any personal vested interests, aside from the good and betterment of our community.
Speaking to the crowd Mr. Thompson shared some of his special connection to Crown Heights. He shared memories of his first visit to the Rebbe together with his father, as well as his meeting Rabbi J.J. Hecht one of the first of the neighborhoods activists.
He told about how he grew up with his family not far from Crown Heights and added in jest, separating himself from Mr. Bloomberg, “I know how to get to Crown Heights in a car from the ivory towers myself without a driver, and even by subway.”
On the topic of Metzitza B’Peh Shmuel Kazen, Gabbi in the Oihel Nosson shul, challenged Mr. Thompson asking him if elected how he would handle the matter. Thompson responded that outgoing mayor Michael Bloomberg refused to listen proposals relating to health and religion from the Jewish community, only to turn around and proudly announce to the media that he will not be listening to anyone and will do it his own way.
Mr. Thompson said that should he be elected he would listen to any proposals and try to work out a plan that will both be sensitive with the health concerns and at the same time respect religion.
Also attending the event was Frank Seddio, the new chairman of the democratic party in Brooklyn and former Kings County surrogate court judge.
Mr. Seddio talked about how Crown Heights has changed from the 60’s and 70’s when he was a beat cop here. He spoke about how dangerous the neighborhood was back then and had words of praise for Shomrim, the group of volunteers who selflessly protect the neighborhood, which was formed to combat crime back then.
The event was organized by Yankel Behrman, a young political activist along with local businessmen and residents Mendel Pershin, Yossi Rapoport, Mendy Margolin .
Mr. Mendel Pershin
The greatest entrepreneur of all time! Keep it going
Anonymous
Mendy Persion
Mr enterpreneur of our time ,
crazy
you got to be crazy to vote for this guy
didnt we learn anything from dinkins?
i guess one guy who wants a connection to him convinced everyone else to support him so if he gets in he will have his connections… stop using us for your own pocket
Mottel
Your racism is appalling. Please return to the cave to spend more time with your Troglodyte brethren.
If You Want My Vote
Mr. Thompson, if you want my vote you’ll pledge to protect religious liberty and to repeal this new city law regulating bris milah.
mendel
maybe it’s time to rid the shechuna from the rats like chanina sperlin and kaky tamir and the entire vaad haklala and start over
jackie
Very nice but he is not even likely to be his party’s nominee. We should be courting Christene Quinn and Joe Lhota.