Gubernatorial Candidate Courts the Crown Heights Vote

Congressman Tom Suozzi, a Long Island Democrat who is running for the Governor of New York, visited Crown Heights on Thursday to meet with local community leaders and activists.

By Anash.org reporter

Congressman Tom Suozzi, a Long Island Democrat who is running for the Governor of New York, visited Crown Heights on Thursday to meet with local community leaders and activists.

At a meeting held at the offices of the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE), Suozzi heard about the concerns of the Crown Heights Jewish community particularly in the area of Yeshiva education and public safety.

The gubernatorial candidate expressed his support for the Yeshiva education system, and shared how as a private school graduate himself, he can personally attest to the superior quality education provided by private schools.

Joining the meeting was Rabbi Shea Hecht, Crown Heights community activists Yaacov Berman, Avi Lesches, Shaya Gordon, Gadi Hershkop from Crown Heights Shomrim, Rabbi Laizer Avtzon from the Association of Crown Heights Shuls. 

After the meeting, Suozzi visited the Rebbe’s Libary near 770 Eastern Parkway where he was given a tour from Rabbi Sholom Ber Levin and shown some of the priceless possessions of the Chabad Rabbei’im.

As a congressman, Suozzi styles himself a moderate and aims to foster cooperation between Republicans and Democrats on key policy matters.

The visit is notable as Crown Heights was the first Chassidic community to endorse Eric Adams for mayor garnering for Adams some 4500 votes.

Crown Heights United released a statement following the meeting:

“Tom was impressive, and has a serious track record of leadership and experience in government.

Crown Heights United has not yet endorsed a candidate in the race for Governor. We will continue to meet with candidates as we get closer to election day, and are committed to consulting and working with local Mosdos and Askonim before making an endorsement. Our hope is that we can all come to an agreement as a community and throw our support behind one candidate”