Numerous local, state and federal elected officials descended on Flatbush this past Sunday morning to address the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition (FJCC ) leadership forum. With an ever-changing political landscape in NYC, the politicians addressed a large group of dedicated activists and community leaders on a variety of local and citywide issues.
For well over two hours, a constant flow of legislators addressed the influential group with each speaker acknowledging the growing influence and electoral power of the Flatbush Jewish community. Many singled out the FJCC and it’s dedicated leadership for putting Flatbush back on the political map.
“This was an opportunity for Flatbush Jewish community leaders to interact with decision makers and elected officials that have an impact on our community, and to interact with them on the issues that are of concern locally and citywide,” said FJCC Chairman Josh Mehlman.
The audience included yeshiva and shul representatives and executives of some of the foremost Jewish social service and communal organizations in New York City including Hatzoloh, Shomrim, Agudath Israel of America, OHEL, and Chai Lifeline.
Political participants included: Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, NY City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, DA Bureau Chief David Klestzick, State Senator Martin J. Golden, Assembly Members; Dov Hikind,Helene Weinstein, Rodneyse Bichotte &Robert Carroll, Councilmembers; Mark Levine, Chaim Deutsch Jumaane Williams,David Greenfield, Alan Maisel, and Mark Treyger. Additionally Candidates for the 44th City Council seat Kalman Yeger and Yoni Hikind addressed the crowd with Judicial candidate Elana Baron and NYPD Chief Charles Scholl warmly acknowledged.
The event was a prime opportunity for Flatbush community leaders to interact directly with some of the political decision makers who affect community institutions, yeshivas, shuls, homes, and businesses. In particular, religious freedoms and the alarming rise of anti-Semitism and hate crimes citywide was a focus of serious discussion.
Founded in 2013, the FJCC’s founding members include several heavyweight Jewish activists in government and political circles including Honorary Chairman and Flatbush resident Malcolm Hoenlein, who as executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations meets regularly with U.S. Presidents and other world leaders.
Other founding members include former president of the Empire State Development Corporation and Deputy State New York Attorney General Avi Schick and real estate mogul and media personality Leon Goldenberg.
Since its inception the FJCC has grown to include under its umbrella organization 270 synagogues, yeshivas and major cultural, non-profit and educational institutions.
While nonpartisan, the FJCC is increasingly taking an active role in local elections, including endorsing Elana Baron, who recently won convincingly in the 6th Municipal District Civil Court judge race.
However, Mehlman said the FJCC is not endorsing anybody in the 44th District City Council race between Yoni Hikind and Kalman Yeger.
