Last week, Jewish community leaders joined Councilman Chaim Deutsch as he introduced newly elected New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. The meeting was hosted at the home of a close friend to Deutsch and Johnson, Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition Chairman Josh Mehlman. The visit took place during Johnson’s first week as Speaker.
Speaking to more than a dozen leaders including Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel of Agudath Israel and Malcolm Hoenlein of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Councilman Deutsch spoke about the long-standing friendship he has shared with Speaker Johnson, and the many opportunities they had to work together during the last four years. In his first term, Johnson served as Health Committee Chairman, a role that aided him in assisting private summer camps, food establishments, and other institutions in the Jewish community. Deutsch also referenced a 2017 trip they took to Israel as part of a JCRC-New York City Council delegation. A son of Holocaust survivors, Deutsch noted Johnson’s sensitive reaction when visiting Yad Vashem. Josh Mehlman also spoke to the gathered group about his experiences working with Deutsch and Johnson during the last several years, citing many examples of Johnson’s support and assistance in matters related to Jewish advocacy.
“I’ve been proud to call Speaker Corey Johnson a friend since our first day together in the City Council,” said Councilman Chaim Deutsch. “He has always demonstrated a deep respect for the Jewish community. I’m excited to continue to work closely with Speaker Johnson on behalf of the entire Jewish population of New York City.”
In addressing the group, Speaker Johnson thanked Deutsch and Mehlman for their support and friendship. He emphasized his commitment to continue to keep the lines of communication open about issues that are important to the community. Johnson emphasized his unwavering support for the State of Israel, where he has visited three times, including once before he was an elected official.
Speaker Johnson has a well-developed relationship with many facets of New York’s Jewish community, including Rabbi Niederman of UJO Williamsburg, Rabbi Chanina Sperlin of the Crown Heights JCC, and Rabbi Zweibel of Agudath Israel. Along with Councilman Deutsch, he plans to continue to meet with Jewish leadership across the five boroughs to better understand their priorities.
“I thank Council Member Deutsch and the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition for hosting me in Brooklyn to learn about the pressing needs facing the Jewish community,” said Council Speaker Johnson. “Council Member Deutsch is a staunch advocate for his community and a strong voice on the City Council and I look forward to our continued work together in the years ahead.”
John Mehlman, Chairman of the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition said, “It was an honor to host my friend, the new Speaker, just days after his taking office. The fact that he made it a priority to visit Orthodox Jewish leaders so early in his Speakership speaks volumes about his relationship with our community. Everyone in attendance was greatly impressed with his vast understanding of the issues and respect for our traditions.”
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a lot of chanifa going around. this man is a proud toeiva person, I guess he will fight for tuition relief I mean why else would Aguda be there, does the Moetzes Gedola approve this? Who is John Mehlman?