The Queens Jewish community held a successful fundraiser lending support to the Honorable David J. Kirschner, a candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York. Held on Wednesday evening, October 6, at the home of David and Paula Berger in Kew Gardens Hills, elected officials, community leaders, and old and new friends gathered to wish Kirschner a special happy birthday. With barely two weeks until early voting opens statewide on October 23, and absentee voting already underway, Kirschner has shown that one can serve with distinction.
“It is so humbling to see my friends helping me out,” remarked an overwhelmed Kirschner, who was emotionally taken by the outpouring of communal support for his campaign. “I cannot really describe how wonderful it is to see the community come out on my behalf. I thank you all for your friendship.”
Kirschner urged the community with a “Get the vote out!” message, explaining the importance for us all to show up at the polls and cast a ballot to get representation. “If we as a community don’t vote, they notice that, and take it seriously.” Adding, “Vote, and get everyone else to vote, even with me being on the third page of the ballot.”
“Besides his being a well-respected judge, David is someone who has been involved in the community for many years,” said Assembly Member Daniel Rosenthal. “From being the president of his synagogue, to the civic association and being a little league coach, David has been a vital part of our community. He will be a wonderful addition to the Supreme Court.”
In addition to his judicial career, Kirschner is the president of Congregation Ahavas Yisrael in Kew Gardens Hills. In a show of support from the shul, members of Rabbi Welcher’s family attended the fundraiser.
“I have known David to be a phenomenal community activist,” stated Rabbi Daniel Pollack, the Jewish liaison to Rep. Grace Meng’s office and a friend of Kirschner’s. “David will make a great addition to the Supreme Court in New York, and I look forward to seeing him being elected.”
“I got to know David when he was teaching in MAY [Mesivta Ateres Yaakov], said Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, rav of the local Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim. “I found him to be a straight, sincere person. His voice will bring sophistication, essence, and vitality to the Supreme Court.”
“David’s election to the Supreme Court in the State of New York will make him the only Orthodox Supreme Court justice,” observed local District Leader Shimi Pelman, a longtime advocate for Kirschner and the Get the Vote Out movement. “It is important for us to show up and vote. We need everyone at the polls and telling their friends to vote, too. David will be an outstanding jurist representing us and all of Queens.”
Kirschner had many friends come out, including Rabbi Hayim Schwartz (executive vice president of RSA), longtime friend Yoni Katz, and City Council candidate Linda Lee, amongst others. “Come out and vote to support a great friend of the community,” was the reaction of Alan Hochster, and a similar notion was felt by all.
“It is of utmost importance for our community to stand behind our own,” said host David Berger, beside his wife Paula. “We opened our home to help him along his path and are proud to support a great man like David Kirschner to represent us.”
Martha Taylor, the chairperson for Community Board 8, echoed the sentiments spoken by Council Member Barry Grodenchik. “David is esteemed by all the lawyers in Queens, and everyone is certain he will make a perfect justice. Judges like David should be proud to wear their honor merit badge.”
Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, CEO of the Chazaq Organization, was privileged to serve with David when he was a board member at the Queens Jewish Community Council. “David was a wonderful asset to the QJCC and will continue to do great things as a justice.”
Sorelle Idels, chairperson of the Queens Jewish Alliance, noted, “Living on the same block as David for over ten years was eye-opening. He showed me that you could be in the legal system and still be a mentch. I have no doubt that he will serve all Queens constituents well once elected to the Supreme Court.”
Jonathan Zalisky, a coordinator of the event, added, “I have known David for 30 years. He is a good friend and a great legal scholar. I was very happy to assist him once the nomination was publicized.” His partner in organizing the function was campaign consultant Anne Strahle. “We are so happy to see the support for David coming out from all corners and all ages.”
Meshulam Lisker saw David’s work firsthand. “I witnessed David work with distinction as a co-president of the Kew Gardens Hills Civic Association, serving alongside Jennifer Martin.” At the time, Lisker held the Chairman of the Board role.
“David is like a breath of fresh air. When I talk to him, I find a down-to-earth individual that I have faith in being fair to all,” related community activist Alan Sherman.
Kirschner has been endorsed by Congress Members Gregory Meeks and Grace Meng; State Senators Joe Addabbo and John Liu; Assembly Members Daniel Rosenthal and David Weprin; Council Members Jim Gennaro, Barry Grodenchik, and Karen Koslowitz; and District Leaders Facia Class, Shimi Pelman, and Martha Taylor.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
Queens Community Lends Overwhelming Support For Kirschner Supreme Court Campaign
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