The residents of Carroll Street between Troy and Schenectady Avenues would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, and especially to Rabbi Zalman Friedman, for their outstanding responsiveness and dedication to our neighborhood.

Following the recent storm, a large tree branch came down and completely blocked our sidewalk, creating a serious inconvenience and safety hazard. After contacting the City, we were told it could take up to a year for the issue to be addressed—an astonishing response for something that clearly required immediate attention.

Hoping they might be able to help move the process along, we reached out to the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council. To our surprise, they didn’t just make a few phone calls or try to pressure the City. Instead, they immediately took responsibility for the situation themselves. Within a couple of hours, someone arrived with the necessary equipment, removed the fallen tree, and restored the sidewalk.

Their swift action transformed what could have been a long-standing problem into a same-day solution.

In a time when it is so important to demonstrate the values of Torah in our everyday lives, this was a beautiful Kiddush Hashem. The care shown for the entire neighborhood, the willingness to help without hesitation, and the quiet professionalism with which it was done reflected the very best of our community. It made a tremendous impression on everyone on the block—Jewish and non-Jewish alike.

On behalf of all the residents of Carroll Street between Troy and Schenectady Avenues, we extend our deepest thanks to the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council and especially to Rabbi Friedman. Your commitment to serving the community, your readiness to step in when help was needed, and your dedication to making Crown Heights a better place are truly appreciated.

Thank you for all that you do.

Shmuly Goldman