[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Promising to visit every neighborhood and ethnic voting bloc in New York City, Republican mayoral candidate Joe Lhota took note of the Holiday of Sukkot to reach out to Jewish voters in Brooklyn. Accompanied by his Jewish Liaison Michael Fragin, Mr. Lhota paid a visit at the home of Rabbi Moshe Shmuel Zupnick, a philanthropist and influential leader within the Satmar Community (Zalis sect) in South Williamsburg.

Speaking of a fast and growing community, the issue that most came up during the lengthy conversation with the host was – housing. “Get a plan for affordable housing,” Rabbi Zupnick said. “The biggest need for this community is housing.”

“We will come forward with a plan,” Mr. Lhota pledged.

With the primaries now over, the host indicated there’s an opening for Mr. Lhota among orthodox Jewish voters, since the majority of the Satmar Community in Williamsburg (mainly the zalis) voted for Bill Thompson as their choice for mayor. “De Blasio has no plan for affordable housing. He has no plan. We need housing.” the host said. “He just wants to raise your taxes,” Michael Fragin chimed in.

“Our people (Zalis sect of Satmar) didn’t vote for de Blasio,” Mr. Zupnick added. “Understood,” Mr. Lhota nodded in response.

Another issue that came up during the conversation was Metzitzah B’peh, with the host offering another opening for Mr. Lhota in seeking the Orthodox community’s vote. “If you want to convince the Hasidim in Williamsburg and Borough Park, as well as the Orthodox community in Flatbush, the biggest issues at great concern are affordable housing and Metiztzah B’peh,” he said. Adding, “De Blasio is against it.”

“Hmm… That’s good to know,” Mr. Lhota mumbled.

Mr. Lhota also briefly met with some of the community leaders assembled outside the home of Mr. Zupnick, introducing himself and discussing public safety and education.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)