Isaac – The Community Stalwart

By Arna Lipkind for COLlive

As many of you know, our dear friend and advocate, Isaac Zellermaier OBM passed away this past Erev Purim. I say our friend, because he was a friend to all – from old to young and in between.

Isaac genuinely cared about everyone, whether it was an issue of someone needing medical help, children attending summer camp, helping a family with groceries, his work in Hatzala and Shomrim, and of course working with the NYPD Chiefs and Commissioner, and elected officials to make sure that things went smoothly in the community.

Thursday night, April 15, was an opportunity, initiated by Mr. Karl Cohen, President of the 71st Precinct Community Council and myself, a staff member of Council Member Darlene Mealy‘s office, to give appreciation and recognition to Isaac through a memorial and tribute for his family.

This was done with great respect, as Captain John Cappello, Captain of the 71st Precinct, opened up with words of praise for Isaac’s good deeds and dedication to the community, as well as how special it is that we can have such an event among the entire community of Crown Heights.

Other speakers that gave remarks were Rabbi Mendel Carlebach of South Brunswick, NJ, former Community Affairs officer of the 71st Precinct, Sergeant Steven Epstein, who spoke very poignantly about Isaac’s work and relationship with the NYPD and his open door relationship with various Borough Commanders throughout the last twenty years.

Director of Ahavas Chesed Rabbi Avrohom Lieder and Mr. Noochie Gross spoke about Isaac’s dedication and Ahavas Yisroel.

The family was then presented with beautiful plaques by the 71st Precinct Community Council’s Karl Cohen, his executive board, as well as Rabbi Eli Cohen, Executive Director of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council.

Citations and awards were received from New York Senator Eric Adams‘ office, Assemblyman Karim Camara ‘s office, New York City Council Member Darlene Mealy, Council Member Letitia James, Council Member Matthew Eugene and the Office of District Attorney Charles J. Hynes.

The event was also attended by Ira Jablonsky, from Chief Fox’s office and Adam Berrish of Commissioner Kelly’s office as well as District Leader Jesse Hamilton and a representative of Yvette Clarke‘s office.

In addition, there were representatives from Crown Heights Shomrim, the organization which Isaac, dedicated much of his time to as Coordinator.

In Council Member Mealy’s remarks, she noted how special it is to see all our community members gathered together for this special occasion and that we should all try to emulate Mr. Zellermaeir by following his example to helping others.

In hearing feedback from the event, it was most touching to hear an 11 year old, Shneur Zalman Israel say: “I want to be Isaac Zellermaier when I grow up.”

May the family find comfort in this tribute and know only simchas.