Growing Flatbush Jewish Community Establishes Advocacy Coalition

The newly established Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition is being widely hailed by a cross-section of leading roshei yeshiva, rabbonim and community activists. The coalition was formed to coordinate efforts between disparate segments of the Jewish community in Flatbush and foster the growth and development of one of the fastest growing Jewish communities in the country.

The FJCC plans to address many of the civic and communal challenges that face the Jewish residents of Flatbush, including safety, zoning, quality-of-life concerns and emerging political issues.

The new coalition, representing a broad spectrum of the Flatbush, Midwood, Madison, and East 30s neighborhoods, will partner with other established groups for the benefit of a community that has more than doubled in size in the past decade. One of FJCC’s major activities will be to serve as an advocate for the local community to elected officials and government agencies on all levels. This effort unites shul and yeshiva leadership, as well as communal and chessed organizations.

“This effort comes at a crucial time for our community, as it seeks to protect its significant investment, lifestyle and future,” remarks Josh Mehlman, one of the organizers of the coalition. “Our goal is unity, because when we speak with one voice, it is a powerful and effective.”

Amongst many askonim who enthusiastically welcomed the formation of the FJCC was Peter Rebenwurzel, who said that Flatbush was “in desperate need of a unifying group that represents the needs of the local community.” He added: “Our klal organizations are doing tremendous work on the broader Jewish issues, but sometimes local issues require a strong voice because of the impact that these concerns have on every resident of Flatbush.”

“I welcome the creation of this new coalition to unify efforts to enhance the community, advance its interests and quality of life, foster cooperative efforts and build ties to elected and other governmental figures,” said Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and a longtime Flatbush resident. “Working with established organizations, the FJCC can augment their ongoing programs while mobilizing broad participation from the community for effective and impactful advocacy. Our voices need to be heard to assure the future of our growing community.”

The FJCC already has over 50 members from shuls and yeshivos, including a group of well-known community leaders. The committee, in formation, includes Avi Schron, Shimon Lefkowitz, Avi Schick, Menachem Lubinsky, Leon Goldenberg, Abish Brodt, Elly Kleinman, Peter Rebenwurzel, Chaskel Bennett, Yechiel Landau, Yussie Zalmanowitz, Yanky Arem, Pinny Rand, Aaron Tessler, Dr. Simon Friedman, Rafi Treitel, Shmuel Kairy, Mendy Pomerantz, Yitzchok Fuchs, Lenny Wassner, Avrohom Poznanski, Ephraim Fruchthandler, Dudi Spira, Sruli Berger, Dr. Seymour Edelstein, Victor Shine, Ephraim Nierenberg, Avrohom Tikotsky, Dr. Israel Zyskind and Josh Mehlman, among other community askonim who are expected to join.

According to the organizers, FJCC will pursue the important goal of registering new voters and encourage all to vote in both the primary and general elections.

“Due to the recent citywide redistricting, it is more important than ever that our community’s voice is heard through a strong voter turnout,” said Mr. Mehlman. “It is imperative that we register and vote in the upcoming elections, which will have a significant impact on our lives for years to come. Elected officials pay particular attention to communities with large voter turnouts; many of our concerns will be directly affected by our participation in the electoral process.”

{Matzav.com Newscenter}