In a visit described by many as both significant and surprising, Mayor Zohran Mamdani spent several hours touring the Jewish Children's Museum, located directly across from the iconic Chabad World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway.
The Mayor was hosted by Devorah Halberstam, a prominent activist against antisemitism. Joining the delegation were NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who represents the Crown Heights district.
Building Bridges After Crisis
The relationship between the new Mayor and the Chabad community has strengthened since a harrowing ramming attack occurred near 770 in January. Halberstam noted that Mamdani contacted her personally that night and arrived at the scene within hours.
During the tour, Halberstam shared that the Mayor has shown great respect for the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s legacy, even learning to properly pronounce the term "Yahrtzeit" during official press conferences.
Bamba and Shabbat Traditions
The tour took a personal turn as the Mayor navigated the museum’s interactive exhibits:
- The Kosher Supermarket: Upon seeing the Israeli peanut snack Bamba, Mamdani smiled and shared that he grew up eating it at the home of a Jewish friend.
- The Shabbat Table: The Mayor received detailed explanations on the laws of Kashrut and the significance of Shabbat candle lighting, specifically the Rebbe's campaign to encourage women and girls to participate in the mitzvah.
From Personal Tragedy to Public Policy
A poignant part of the visit took place on the museum's upper floors, where Halberstam recounted the tragic impetus for the museum’s creation, the 1994 murder of her son, Ari Halberstam, in a terrorist attack on the Brooklyn Bridge.
The timing was particularly emotional, occurring just days before Ari’s birthday on May 6. Halberstam detailed her long struggle to have the FBI recognize the shooting as a terrorist act rather than "road rage," and her subsequent role in drafting New York’s first anti-terrorism laws under Governor Pataki.
A Future of Collaboration
The visit concluded with a private meeting focused on two key goals:
- Security: Strengthening the protection of the Chabad 770 center.
- Education: A proposal to bring New York City public school students to the museum to combat antisemitism through heritage education.
Following the visit, Mayor Mamdani took to social media to praise Halberstam's lifelong dedication, tweeting:
"This morning, she welcomed me... to discuss the importance of ensuring this city is a place where Jewish history can be celebrated and shared with everyone, including New York’s youth. In this Jewish American Heritage Month, we honor the rich culture and history that Jewish New Yorkers contribute to our city every day."
Halberstam expressed optimism following the meeting, describing the Mayor as attentive and respectful, signaling a potential long-term partnership for the safety of the community.
