[PHOTOS AND VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Democratic candidate for NYC Comptroller, Scott Stringer celebrated his well-earned victory over Eliot Spitzer, Sunday evening, at a Sukkah celebration hosted by Ezra and Gabriella Friedlander, the CEO of the Friedlander group and a year-long supporter and adviser.

“They say nice people finish last; Scott Stringer has proven that not to be the case. Nice people finish first” said the host Ezra Freidlander in introducing the guest of honor.

“This was a long journey. Not always an easy one,” Mr. Stringer told the crowd assembled in the Sukkah located outside the Lisker shul on 50th street and 14th Ave. in Borough Park. “This was such an immense coalition – Both the Jewish community and our elected officials. We really brought together the best of New York.”

“I am very much honored to be part of this community. You supported me when you didn’t need to,” he added. “Once we get through November, I am going to keep my promise, work this job with great integrity, work to meet the challenges this neighborhood faces and our people face.”

“I am not going to let you down,” Mr. Stringer said as he turned to council members Brad Lander and David Greenfield. “Because you put your credibility and your beliefs on the line and you have to go back to your neighborhoods and say to the people you made the right choice.”

“I am optimistic about this celebration. I do believe change is coming. There’s a real opportunity to reshuffle the deck and get everybody to the place they have to be,” Mr. Stringer concluded his celebratory remarks.

Councilman David Greenfield, who was an early supporter of Mr. Stringer’s candidacy, joined fellow councilman Brad Lander in congratulating Mr. Stringer for a hard fought and well-earned victory. “Sukkoth is a time of celebration. This was a very significant race where the community came together and said clearly we support Scott Stringer, because he was not only the right guy but he was the good guy,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Senator Daniel Squadron, who’s in a runoff primary for Public Advocate, also address the assembled, urging those undecided to jump on the wagon in hope for victory on October 1st.

Also in attendance were: Assemblyman David Weprin; James Leonard Fire Chief of Brooklyn; Abe Eisner, adviser to Gov. Cuomo; Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, JCC of Boro Park; Dr. David Moskovits, Rosh Kehilas Skulen, president Endowment for Democracy in Eastern Europe; Rabbi Steven Burg, Director, Simon Wiesenthal Center on the Eastern Coast; Larry Spiewak, President Chai Lifeline, Chairman, Flatbush COJO; Stuart Appelbaum, President Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union ( UFCW) and Pinny Ringel, community liaison to Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)