Two of our Brooklyn Jewish Hall of Fame recipients are even more famous these days and add even more luster to the Brooklyn Jewish community.
Senator Chuck Schumer, a born and bred Brooklynite, has served in government, starting in the State Assembly, the House of Representatives and of course, minority leader of the US Senate.
Chuck, as he is known, now the Majority leader of the US Senate, but can still be seen when he gets a moment, riding his bike in Prospect Park and beyond. He was selected in the first class of 2015, represented by his wife, former NYC Transportation Commissioner Iris Wienshall, as Chuck, who spoke to us on video, was unable to leave Washington at that time.
Henry Gutman-the class of 2018–Brooklyn is really a small town. Hank as he is known, has been active in NYC government and political life, including the development and construction of the Brooklyn Bridge Park and serving on the mayoral board for the discussions around the BQE. He has been th4e Chair of the Brooklyn navy yard, responsible for much of the amazing redevelopment of that facility.
And now, he has been appointed by the Mayor, as the NYC Dept of Transportation Commissioner-with a commitment to help create more bike lanes and safe streets.