Brooklyn Borough President

BOROUGH PRESIDENT PURCHASES NEW AMBULANCE FOR ORGANIZATION SERVING WHEELCHAIR-BOUND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS

Photograph by Kathryn Kirk
	In photo: left to right - Claims Conference Chief Operating Officer Greg Schneider (2nd from left), Rodeph Chesed founder Edward Berger, Sara Eisner (sitting), Borough President Markowitz and Claims Conference Director Gideon Taylor.

Borough President Marty Markowitz announced today 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. Borough President Markowitz greeted 81-year-old Holocaust survivor Sara Eisner, 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,” Borough President Markowitz 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. Borough President Markowitz’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.