BROOKLYN (VINnews) – Nine years after making waves in the Charedi Jewish community by publicly sharing his daughter’s battle with addiction and criticizing schools that he said failed to embrace her, Borough Park resident Avrami Klein is once again telling Malki’s story.

Klein appeared on the Meaningful People Podcast to mark the ninth yahrzeit of his daughter, Malki Klein. Speaking with host Nachi Gordon, he reflected on her learning challenges, school rejections, addiction and the pain she carried throughout her life.

Malki died from a heroin overdose in 2017 at age 20. In the aftermath of her death, Klein publicly challenged the community to confront addiction, mental health struggles and the treatment of students who do not fit traditional educational frameworks.

Klein argued that drugs were not the root of his daughter’s struggles but rather a symptom of deeper emotional pain. He said repeated school rejections and a lack of understanding for her learning difficulties left lasting scars and contributed to her feelings of isolation.

His emotional interviews and speeches sparked widespread discussion throughout the Orthodox community, with educators, parents and community leaders debating how schools and organizations should support struggling youth. The conversation also drew attention to broader concerns about students with learning disabilities and those who fall outside conventional academic expectations.

In the years that followed, Klein became a prominent advocate for addiction awareness and early intervention. Through public appearances and community programs, he urged parents to recognize that troubled behavior is often a sign of underlying pain rather than simply misconduct.

He also helped promote Yad Malky Legacy, an initiative established in his daughter’s memory to encourage greater acceptance, understanding and support for vulnerable young people.

Last week, Klein released an emotional video featuring photos of Malki and a song created in her memory. In a message accompanying the video, Klein said his goal was not to launch an awareness campaign but simply to commemorate his daughter and tell her story.

He said he was surprised by the response, with many viewers telling him the video changed how they think about children who struggle, feel unseen or are quietly waiting for someone to notice them. Some wrote that they had committed to “see them,” while others said the message inspired them to pay greater attention to children who are often overlooked.

“If Malky’s story can inspire even one more person to notice a child who is hurting, to reach out, to include, to embrace, or simply to see someone who feels invisible, then perhaps her message can continue to make a difference,” Klein wrote.

He urged supporters to share the video on social media and messaging platforms, saying the effort was “not for the song itself, but for the children who are still waiting to be seen.”

Now, nearly a decade later, Klein says the lessons remain as relevant as ever. The podcast episode focused on the importance of acceptance, belonging and recognizing the often-hidden struggles facing young people.

More than a reflection on loss, the conversation served as a message to parents, educators and community leaders that a single act of compassion can change the course of someone’s life. Klein said communities must ensure that struggling individuals feel seen, accepted and valued before it is too late.