Kalman Yeger has taken the oath of office and has officially been sworn in as the next NYC Councilman for the 44th Council District – representing parts of Boro Park, Midwood, Kensington, Bensonhurst and Gravesend.

The seat is being vacated by Councilman David Greenfield, who is taking over the leadership of the Met Council of Jewish Poverty.

The Met Council has a combined staff of nearly 200 and an annual budget of over $30 million. It is the only organization in New York City that is dedicated to serving the Jewish poor of all backgrounds from the chasidic communities of Williamsburg to the non-affiliated in the Bronx. The Met Council is perhaps best known for providing millions of pounds of food throughout the year but especially on Pesach and Rosh Hashanah to thousands of needy families. The network of nineteen Jewish Community Councils are located in all five boroughs of New York City and together with the Met Council’s central office service thousands of needy New Yorkers each week.

Upon Yeger taking office, Greenfield tweeted that “It’s been the privilege of my lifetime to represent you in the @NYCCouncil. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to fighting just as hard for the neediest New Yorkers @MetCouncil. #UntilWeMeetAgain”

It’s been the privilege of my lifetime to represent you in the @NYCCouncil. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to fighting just as hard for the neediest New Yorkers @MetCouncil. #UntilWeMeetAgain

— David G. Greenfield (@NYCGreenfield) January 1, 2018

On Friday, Greenfield tweeted “Hey @KalmanYeger! Cleaned up the office for you. Take good care of it. Remember, we’re just stewards for the people until the next Council Member arrives! #GoodShabbos”

Hey @KalmanYeger! Cleaned up the office for you. Take good care of it. Remember, we’re just stewards for the people until the next Council Member arrives! #GoodShabbos pic.twitter.com/AVHpijRtp5

— David G. Greenfield (@NYCGreenfield) December 29, 2017

For the last eight years, Greenfield has represented a district that has more Jews than any other local legislative district in America. He served not only on the Council’s leadership team but also on the budget negotiating team where he negotiated New York City’s $85 billion budget. Greenfield is the author of 27 laws and numerous initiatives including the $20 million law that provides security guards for yeshivas and non-public schools.

Greenfield is also the founder of the council’s top initiative – NYC Cleanup. This innovative program provides over $10 million in annual funding to hire the formerly homeless to clean the streets and consequently improve the economic development of New York’s neighborhoods.

Kalman Yeger began his career in public service at the age of 19 as a community liaison and assistant to Councilman Lloyd Henry. Since 2010, he has served as a Senior Advisor and is currently Counsel to New York City Councilman David Greenfield. He has advised countless public officials, including Councilman Alan Maisel, former Council Members Lew Fidler, David Yassky and Michael Nelson, Senator Simcha Felder, Borough Presidents Melinda Katz and Eric Adams, and former Borough President Fernando Ferrer.

“I do solemnly affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of NY, and the Charter of the City of NY; and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of City Council Member, according to the best of my ability.” pic.twitter.com/Qyy5J0oSHm

— Kalman Yeger (@KalmanYeger) January 1, 2018

Yeger is a graduate of Touro College and New York Law School, where he was accepted with the distinction of a Dean Scholar. Yeger was listed on the Dean’s List four times during his studies at New York Law School, and was awarded the Public Service Certificate “in recognition of work devoted to the public good while a student.”

A lifelong resident of Midwood, Kalman has been a member of Community Board 14 for the last 17 years, and has served on the Board of Directors of his local civic association.

(Yossi Taub – YWN)