Agudath Israel Honors Longtime Queens Community Leader

At an October 19 event in Queens, Agudath Israel of America honored Shimi Pelman for his longtime involvement in Jewish causes.

“I’ve been involved in many different causes. It was the inspiration of my parents, my wife, my children, my family, because I’m just one person. And if we want to do something strong, we need to do it together,” Pelman, 78, said as he accepted his Community Service Award from Agudah at a reception at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills attended by about 75 people.

Pelman began his communal work as a volunteer for Tomchei Shabbos of Queens and is now the president of the chapter. He recalled, “My start with the Agudah goes back to 1952, when I prayed in a synagogue in Harlem with a gentleman named Reb Yosef Friedenson, who was the longtime editor of Dos Yiddishe Vort, which was the Agudath Israel of America’s Yiddish-language monthly.”

Pelman serves as vice president of the Queens Jewish Community Council and the Jewish Community Relations Council, is the elected district leader for this community, and was formerly a member of Community Board 8. “Many of the elected officials owe their entire career to that man,” Agudath Israel Board member Chaskel Bennett said of Pelman.

The plaque he received reads in part: “Agudath Israel of America proudly honors Mr. Shimi Pelman in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the community, his unwavering commitment to helping others, and his tireless efforts to strengthen and uplift the Queens Jewish community. With heartfelt appreciation for his leadership, generosity, and lasting contributions to the community.”

Pelman also received accolades from state and local elected officials. An Assembly Proclamation was signed by 12 Assembly members, mostly from Queens. Some attended the reception, including Nily Rozic (D - Fresh Meadows), Sam Berger (D - Kew Gardens Hills) and Kalman Yeger, also a Democrat, who was the only member from Brooklyn to attend. Pelman received a Citation from Assemblyman David Weprin (D - Hollis, Queens). The New York City Council also presented Pelman with a Proclamation, and two state senators from Queens, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D - Whitestone) and Leroy Comrie (D - St. Albans), also brought Proclamations with them. Senators John Liu (D - Flushing) and Joe Addabbo (D - Howard Beach) were also in attendance.

The most poignant remarks were delivered by Bennett, who wanted the audience to know how important it is to vote.

“Despite what some people might say, no, Donald Trump is not on the ballot. You know who is? America. America is on the ballot. What does that mean to us? Our values, our literal safety, our ability to live as Jews, Orthodox Jewry, in this country is at stake. Can we no longer wear a yarmulke? Can we no longer wear a Star of David? Can we no longer go on the subway? Can we no longer be safe in our communities? We sincerely appreciate every elected official, from federal all the way on down to staffer. We appreciate you. We need you. We need your voice, especially if you’re not Jewish. We thank you. We need you. We need your voice,” Bennett advocated as Election Day and early voting approaches.

Bennett focused on three important words: “Not my problem.”

“...At this critical moment in history, for the nation, for the world, for our community – this attitude [of “not my problem”] is simply unacceptable. The greatest mistake we can make is convincing ourselves that we are powerless to change our circumstances,” Bennett passionately told the audience. “We will never burn down cities, we will not create mayhem, we will not attack people with whom we disagree, but we have a voice and our voice is our vote. We have a responsibility to use both.”

Referring to Pelman, Bennett said, “Every community needs a champion, someone with a seat at the table, someone who builds relationships, protects our interests, and ensures that our community receives its fair share.”

One item notable for its absence from the remarks was any mention of Pelman’s professional career. According to public records, since 1997 Pelman and his wife Adina have owned two health care facilities. Both facilities are licensed by the state Health Department to hold 280 beds. They are the Meadowbrook Care Center in Freeport, Nassau County, and Union Plaza Care Center in Flushing, where Pelman’s role is listed as operational/managerial control. He also is listed as having a partnership interest in a skilled nursing facility, North Westchester Restorative Therapy and Nursing Center, licensed as a 120-bed facility in Mohegan Lake, Westchester County.

Sometimes Pelman visits lawmakers at the capital on behalf of Jewish causes and also to advocate for his health care facility. When asked about these lobbying visits, Pelman consistently avoids talking about his business ventures.