Both Yitzy and Phillip Goldfeder ‘s careers have travelled similar trajectories, both were born and raised in the communities they serve. Both grew up in households that embodied the ideals of community involvement and public service.

Phil’s career in public service began as a community liaison for the New York City Council. His passion for community service, along with his unique ability to understand the needs in the neighborhoods of Queens, earned him a position as the Queens Director for the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit under Michael Bloomberg. His relationships with neighborhood civic and community leaders flourished and his ability to bring people together caught the attention of New York Senator Charles E. Schumer, who hired him as his Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.

In September of 2011, Phil was elected to represent the 23rd District in the New York State Assembly, which encompasses Ozone Park, Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, Lindenwood, Broad Channel and Rockaway. Since assuming office, Phil has made tremendous improvements in the lives of his constituents by successfully fighting to improve transportation, increase healthcare and create countless good paying jobs. Nearly 85% of Phil's district was severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy including his own home and office. He was on the forefront of relief efforts following the storm and continues to be a champion of the recovery.

Phil has been hailed as the next generation of NYC political leaders in 2009. In 2012 was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 rising stars in New York State politics by City and State News.

Phil currently lives in Far Rockaway with his wife Esther and their two children Eliana and Asher.

We have already seen what a dedicated communal activist can do for our community. Just this past summer Yitzy Schleifer was successful for the first time in Baltimore City history, in providing thousands of kosher meals free of charge to our children as part of the City’s lunch program. http://www.baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=62358

One incident where the true character of Yitzy could clearly be seen, was when he assisted a family he doesn’t know, and will probably never meet, called for help. While volunteering as a dispatcher for a local community safety patrol the most unusual call was received. A Spanish speaking mother and her children called the hotline and in an extremely anxiety ridden voice explained that she and her children were locked in a storage facility that had closed and couldn’t get out. Her cell phone battery was dying and was in serious fear of being stuck for the night in a storage unit. What made this situation unique is that after some probing questions and the caller’s broken English, Yitzy realized the woman was calling from the San Francisco area, and somehow called the local patrol’s hotline. After some quick thinking and perseverance, Yitzy was able to get the San Francisco Police Department on the line, relay the information and ultimately have the SFPD find the woman and free her and her family from the unit. The SFPD was so impressed with this selfless act of kindness, they actually awarded him with a commendation for his life saving actions. If this is how Ytizy acts for someone he doesn’t know, can you imagine what he can accomplish for the community he lives in, is raising a family in, and loves dearly?  

The current race in our District has garnered attention of Askanim around the country. One of the most influential of which is Ezra Friedlander, CEO of the Friedlander Group, a renowned and prestigious public policy consultation firm. Mr, Friedlander is a staunch supporter of frum communities having competent and responsive representation on the national, state and local levels. “There is no question that someone who actually lives in the community, shops in the stores you do and sends their children daily to the same schools you do, are going to have an enhanced understanding of the quality of life issues that affect you daily. Having a mere “legal” residence in your District is not even close to the type of representation a thriving community deserves.” Mr. Friedlander reflected on the impact NY State Senator Simcha Felder had on the lives of his constituents. Senator Felder was successful in having school transportation available for Yeshiva students that finish their school day later than when the public schools finish classes. “Only by having someone who understood the ebb and flow of their community, could he take the appropriate actions to provide thousands of Yeshiva students the transportation required.” Another issue in NY that was a severe burden on the frum community were families that required services for special needs children. Before Senator Felder took office, “families would literally have to borrow thousands of dollars to sue the Board of Education to get reimbursed for the services they were to be afforded by the City”. Today by collaborating with Mayor’s office, administratively, families no longer have to burden that extreme stress and financial hardship. Mr. Friedlander further noted that when you do not have representation that mirrors your needs and issues “it is taxation without representation” our Country was founded on the principal that no one’s rights should be marginalized, “it is one of the basic tenants of our constitutional rights.” Mr. Friedlander is aware that the upcoming primary is scheduled to be held on Chol Hamoed Pesach and had the some very strong words in expressing how this should not be used as an excuse not to vote.” It’s an abomination for a member of our community not to participate in voting!” he exclaimed, “if you do not vote, you are out of the equation, you have abdicated your right to question anything the government does”. Mr. Friedlander had some very practical advice to families that may have Chol Hamoed trips planned that they may use as an excuse not to get to the polls, “this is a critical teachable moment, it is not a detriment that the election is scheduled for Chol Hamoed, it is a blessing, there is no excuse that each parent doesn’t take their children with to the polls, let them see the process, and what it means to be part of the process and being a US Citizen. A mere 70 years ago, our grandparents and great grandparents would be arrested for even thinking of participating in the political process.” We are blessed to live in a Country where every vote counts, we shouldn’t waste this gift we have!”

In closing Mr. Friedlander stated, “We as free citizens living in the greatest country in the world have a unique responsibility to vote for several reasons most notably that historically the Jewish people were persecuted and discriminated against in the countries were we resided and did not have equal rights. Additionally, because we are relatively few in numbers and in most cases cannot be the margin of victory; hence in neighborhoods where we geographically are able to determine the outcome of the election we have an absolute responsibility to do so with no excuses. I wonder the uproar if suddenly our voting rights were taken away; suddenly every person would want to vote. Only 50 years ago, Africa-Americans were denied their basic rights as citizens to vote in many parts of the South--let us remember: voting is both a sacred right and responsibility. 

The Assemblyman was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed as well, in advance of this meeting in our community:

Q:      Why is having a member of the frum community representing the frum community critical to obtaining the services the community deserves (i.e. safety, social programing, etc.) needed?   

A:        For every elected official, it's important to know and understand the concerns of your community. As a product of the local yeshivos and davening at shuls in the orthodox community of Far Rockaway, I certainly understand the issues that matter most to our families. I am not only fighting for the communities I represent, but also for issues affecting my own family. Many elected officials can try to understand the unique struggles of the frum community, but unless you are paying the tuition bills or in fear of your safety as you walk to shul, can you really maximize your advocacy.

Q:     What is an example where your leadership has made a difference for the frum community you serve?

A:        I have fought tirelessly to ensure that our community receives the resources in terms of funding and attention, it needs and deserves. This includes working to secure state grants for organizations like Achiezer, the Jewish Community Council and Kulanu, a school for children with special needs that provides help to families right here in Far Rockaway. I championed the first ever funding to yeshivas for security improvements and have ensured that our mosdos have received more state funding over the last 5 years, than they have ever received prior.

Most of all, I have made sure that our families have a voice in the state capital. The most recent example of this is the effort to pass the Education Investment Tax Credit (EITC) which would finally give private school parents relief from skyrocketing tuition costs. This new law would offset rising tuition costs and give our families the equal access to affordable, quality education they deserve in a yeshiva environment. I broke with most of my democratic colleagues in supporting EITC because it was the right thing to do for the yeshiva community and my own family. While it didn't pass in the last legislative session, I'm confident that by putting this issue front and center in the state budget, we can work towards passing it during this upcoming session. 

Finally, I have the opportunity on a daily basis to fight anti-Semitism and make a true Kiddush Hashem. I drafted and passed an anti BDS resolution in the Assembly and while the world is quick to point out the wrong doing in the Jewish community, I work daily to push back on the hatred and misinformation.

Q:     How do you find a balance in supporting the community you are from and the community at large?

A:        I work hard for every family I represent, but being from Far Rockaway gives me the additional perspective on the frum community. Like so many, we work to ensure that our children can have the kind of life we enjoyed. This is true regardless of whether you're taking about the frum community or any other neighborhood throughout southern Queens and Rockaway.

For example, the fight for EITC last year in the Assembly didn't just impact yeshivos, but also parochial schools in the many catholic neighborhoods across my district. This was an important issue across the board because at the end of the day, every family wants to ensure their children are receiving the best possible education.

Q:     If you could tell an apathetic voter one reason to participate in the election, what would you tell them?

A:        I would argue that it is more important to vote in local elections than it is to vote in presidential races. With every election, too many are quick to say that their vote doesn't count. But, the truth is that many elections, especially local ones, are often decided by very few votes. A few years ago, we had a city council election in Far Rockaway that ended in a recount and came down to just 79 votes.

Whether you're talking about your City Council or State Assembly, these are your representatives who decide on the taxes you pay, how many police officers are on the street, the amenities you'll have in your neighborhood park, and so much more. I represent some of the greatest communities in the biggest city in the country and I have proven over and over, with the right representative, we can make a real difference.

If people around the Country are this passionate about this race in our community, it goes without question that we need to sit up and take notice of what we have, what we need and how to obtain those needs. Having the correct elected official is what will deliver the services, safety and needs our community deserves. As has been demonstrated around the Country, it’s a game changer. 

Nathan Willner, is the President of the Cheswolde Neighborhood Association, and a renowned communal advocate. He is of counsel to the regional  Law Offices of Lyons, Doughty & Veldhuis, P.C. where he manages the firm’s legislative affairs.