Statement From Former Assembly Candidate Ahron Gluck To The Crown Heights Community

by Ahron Gluck

I want to thank Hashem for giving me the opportunity to run for office, I would like to thank the 2,245 members of the Shchunawho came out and placed their trust in me by casting their vote. While we did not achieve the outcome we had hoped for, together we sent a clear and powerful message to our elected officials in Albany: Crown Heights and East Flatbush cannot be treated as a dumping ground for homeless shelters, and the safety, security, quality of life, and concerns of all district residents deserve to be taken seriously.

I would like to congratulate our Assembly Member, Brian Cunningham, on his reelection victory. I have spoken on the phone with Assemblyman Cunningham moments after the race was called, he invited me to sit down together and discuss issues facing our district and to find common-ground on implementing solutions to address those concerns and help the community. I will IYH be taking the Assemblyman up on his offer and look forward to working with Assemblyman Cunningham for the neighborhood’s benefit.

To my incredible campaign team, staff, volunteers and loyal supporters, thank you for standing with me from the very beginning. Your countless hours of hard work, dedication, and belief in this campaign made everything we accomplished possible. I will always be grateful for your friendship and commitment.

I want to publicly thank and acknowledge the six elected members of our community, the Vaad Hakohol for their efforts involved with voter registration drives over the past several months. The Vaad Hakohol stood their ground and convictions by the voting initiative and now have emerged as the only CH Jewish community organization engaged with voter registration, The Vaad Hakohol’s courage and leadership will never be forgotten by the entire community that they are honored to represent.

A heartfelt thank you as well to all the community leaders of the Crown Heights Political Action Committee (CH PAC) for their endorsement and full support throughout this campaign. In addition to our community’s win for the District Leaders races, the fact that our community came out and followed CH PAC’s endorsements this was a strong statement by our members that the Vaad represents the voice and votes of Crown Heights.

I would like to congratulate CH PAC endorsed candidate for Brooklyn 6th Municipal Court District judge (which includes parts of the Shchuna), Janice Purvis on her win.

As well a huge Mazal Tov to my friend and CH PAC endorsed Democratic male District Leader / State Committee Member elect Akel Williams who bravely defeated the current Crown Heights openly anti-semitic incumbent because of the Jewish community votes which put him over the top, and to his running mate CH PAC endorsed female Democratic District Leader / State Committee Member elect Nakisha Evans on her win. They are both friends and supporters of the Jewish community and understand the issues facing the neighborhood, Askonim met with them and are looking forward to working with them for the betterment of all residents in our beautiful diverse and multicultural neighborhood.

I also want to recognize and thank the major Jewish news websites serving our community. Their commitment to accurate reporting and keeping our community informed is an important service to Crown Heights and Lubavitchers worldwide.

I would like to highlight that during the campaign, I have met with many of my neighbors and friends in the African American community. The same concerns we have regarding the homeless shelters, they have. The same concerns we have in regards to bike lanes and citibikes, they have as well.

In 1991, in the wake of the Crown Heights riots, NYC Mayor David Dinkins visited the Rebbe on Sunday afternoon to receive a dollar and a blessing. The Rebbe said, “[We are] one side, one people, united by the management of New York City.” Let’s thrive to continue working with our neighbors for the betterment of our district.

During my campaign some of the messaging highlighting certain neighborhood concerns have been voiced bluntly—to say the very least… I would like to fully apologize to Assemblyman Brian Cunningham and other elected officials that I have offended when voicing community concerns. My sincere hope is that we as a community can find common ground with our elected officials and work together with them to address these very important issues, many which both the Jewish community and our friends and neighbors in the African American community together are wholeheartedly against, like the mega homeless shelter, in a way that truly benefits our neighborhood instead of the current status quo.

As for me, I will be able to now spend more time with my dear family and return to work as a general contractor and DOB Consultant, where I will continue doing my part to help people with building their homes and navigate the Gov bureaucracy, and strengthen our neighborhood. Public office is only one way to serve a community, and I remain committed to making Crown Heights a better place in the private sector for all who call it home.

Most importantly, I hope this campaign inspires more members of our community to get involved in the democratic process. Whether it’s registering to vote, volunteering, attending community meetings, or even running for office if the need arises, our voices matter. A stronger community begins with engaged residents.

This campaign may be over, but my commitment to Crown Heights is not. I will continue advocating for our neighborhood on an individual level, standing up for our community, and working toward a safer, stronger, and brighter future for everyone.

Thank you, Crown Heights, East Flatbush and Prospect Lefferts Gardens, for your support, your encouragement, and your faith in me. It has been the honor of a lifetime to earn your trust.

May Hashem bless our community and all residents of the 43rd Assembly district.