Marty purchases new ambulance for organization serving wheelchair-bound Holocaust Survivors

On October 22nd, Marty announced the purchase of a new ambulance for Rodeph Chesed, a not-for-profit organization that serves Brooklyn’s elderly wheelchair-bound individuals, especially Holocaust survivors (1/3 of all U.S. Holocaust survivors are in Brooklyn). Marty greeted 81-year-old Sara Eisner, who survived the horrors of the Holocaust, as she was dropped off at the New York Center for Pain Management & Physical Therapy in Borough Park for her regular treatment. “Rodeph Chesed is what Brooklyn is all about, and I’m proud to be able to support your worthwhile mission. Edward Berger and his entire organization are committed to making sure that thousands of vulnerable Brooklynites aren’t forgotten and are provided with free, safe and reliable transportation so they can receive critical medical care,” Marty said. “Rodeph Chesed means pursuit of goodness in Hebrew, and there is no more noble calling than helping those who’ve already suffered tremendous hardships during their time of need.” Rodeph Chesed, which was founded in 2000, makes more than a thousand free trips a month and about half of its clients are Holocaust survivors. Marty’s $70,000 allocation will be used to replace one of its five ambulances. Brooklyn businessman Edward Berger was inspired to start Rodeph Chesed after learning about a similar organization on a trip to Israel. The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), which also has provided funding for Rodeph Chesed, represents world Jewry in negotiating for compensation and restitution for victims of Nazi persecution and their heirs. The Claims Conference administers compensation funds, recovers unclaimed Jewish property, and allocates funds to institutions that provide social welfare services to Holocaust survivors and preserves the memory and lessons of the Shoah. Claims Conference Chief Operating Officer Greg Schneider was also on hand for the event

Brooklynites can help victims of Staten Island Ferry Crash

Marty is asking Brooklynites to come to the aid of surviving Staten Island ferry accident victims. Following the recent tragic events, Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro identified a fund that will assist with the medical expenses of uninsured Staten Island ferry accident victims. “All of us were horrified by the tragic Staten Island Ferry accident,” Marty said. “I know that Brooklyn is always there for a friend in need, so I urge Brooklynites to open their hearts and wallets to help the ferry victims. Let’s do what we can to ease the suffering of the survivors.” Donations can be sent to: Staten Island Family Events, Inc., 1010 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310.

Take Your Man to the Doctor each and every week!

Marty made a simple plea to the women in Brooklyn last week: get the men in their lives to go see a doctor. Take Your Man to the Doctor Week was a call to action for men of all ages, ethnicities, and social standing to regularly visit a doctor and for the women who love them to make it happen. There is a huge disparity in doctor visitation between men and women, and statistics show that men are more likely to visit with the encouragement of a loved one. Early reports indicate that the program was a tremendous success. Marty, along with many other Brooklyn men, took advantage of a week packed full of free screenings and consultations in almost 30 locations across Brooklyn. “Even though our campaign is over, Brooklyn women still have an important job to do,” Marty said. “Ladies, take your husband, father, brother, son, uncle, friend or significant other to the doctor any week. We don’t care how they do it. Trick him, bribe him or drag him to a doctor because he’ll live to love you longer!” Take Your Man to the Doctor was sponsored by Healthfirst, Pfizer, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Continuum Health Partners, Inc: Beth Israel Medical Center & Long Island College Hospital, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Lutheran Medical Center, American Cancer Society, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Coney Island Hospital Center, Courier-Life Publications, Interfaith Medical Center, Kings County Hospital Center, Maimonides Medical Center, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Woodhull Medical & Mental Health Center, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital.

Brooklyn Observes Ramadan

“The world’s religions all have a home in Brooklyn; our religious diversity is unmatched anywhere,” Marty said. “This Ramadan, as our Muslim Community celebrates a month long holiday of fasting, worship and contemplation, people of all faiths in Brooklyn extend their best wishes. Together, we in Brooklyn demonstrate to the world how people of all faiths can live together in peace.”

Kudos Brooklyn!

Everybody knows that the world’s best athletes are right here in Brooklyn and right here in Borough Hall! Director of Human Resources Melody Ruiz and her partner, Brooklynite Anna Calderon, captured the One-Wall Women’s Open Doubles World Championship last week in Dublin, Ireland.