The New York City Council voted on December 19, 2024, to rename President Street as ‘Laer Reby Way,’ honoring Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who played a pivotal role in expanding the Habad-Lubavitch movement. The measure passed unanimously during the council’s stated meeting, which included an invocation delivered by Rabbi Yakov Bierman to commemorate the occasion.
Rabbi Schneerson was a transformative figure in modern Jewish history, especially after arriving in the U.S. in 1941 following the Holocaust. He focused on spreading messages of kindness and goodness while establishing various institutions, including schools, care homes, and drug rehabilitation centers (Source: https://youtu.be/znM5sCs51y0&t=409). His leadership was noted for its warmth and compassion towards people from all backgrounds.
Council members praised the street renaming as a reminder of the Rabbi’s enduring legacy in promoting community service and civic responsibility. Council Member Shaker Krishnan highlighted that the new street name would galvanize efforts to foster community ties and inspire acts of goodness (Source: https://youtu.be/znM5sCs51y0&t=506).
Additionally, the meeting included discussions on other street renamings that reflected contributions to community service and support for the arts. However, the dedication to Rabbi Schneerson stood out for its representation of values that resonate deeply in Brooklyn (Source: https://youtu.be/znM5sCs51y0&t=1821). By renaming President Street, the city not only honors a significant Jewish leader but also reaffirms its commitment to fostering kindness and justice within the community.
Leave a comment