[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

He may be considered a long-shot, but Sal Albanese doesn’t take any vote for granted. It’s Rick Santorum’s strategy that bought him place in the national field of presidential candidates, by winning Iowa. If that means putting on a yarmulke greeting voters and listening to their concerns and issues at stake during the Erev Shabbos shopping spree rush, let it be.

YWN’s photo journalist contributor, Shimon Gifter, accompanied Democratic mayoral hopeful Sal Albanese during his meet and greet down 13th avenue, in the heart of Borough Park, last Friday afternoon. In a recent conversation with NYC Elects, Mr. Albanese vowed “to compete heavily in the Jewish community too.” Adding, “The things we are saying will resonate well among Jewish voters.”

“I’m gonna do it. I am going to campaign in Borough Park aggressively “he said.

At least on that campaign promise, Mr. Albanese delivered. Voters, not community leaders who pop up at every single meeting, who are not used seeing citywide elected officials or candidates running for office since the Giuliani and Pataki days, warmly greeted Mr. Albanese, if not for his policies at least for the effort and for the willingness to listen.

Below is the 26 minute-long video of Mr. Albanese’s Borough Park campaign tour:

Photo and Video by: Shimon Gifter

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)