Donald Trump’s campaign visit to Gottlieb’s Deli in Brooklyn was abruptly canceled following the unexpected death of the beloved owner, leaving the tight-knit Hasidic community in mourning.
At a Glance
- Shulem Yosef Gottlieb, 75, owner of Gottlieb’s Deli, died of a heart attack hours before Trump’s scheduled visit
- Gottlieb’s Deli, a landmark in Hasidic Williamsburg, was founded by Gottlieb’s father, a Holocaust survivor
- The deli is renowned for its kosher cuisine and Gottlieb’s generosity towards those in need
- Trump’s visit was highly anticipated by the Hasidic community, which largely supports him
- The deli will remain closed for a week as the family observes shiva, the traditional Jewish mourning period
A Community Icon Remembered
The sudden passing of Shulem Yosef Gottlieb, the 75-year-old proprietor of Gottlieb’s Deli in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has sent shockwaves through the close-knit Hasidic community. Gottlieb, known for his generosity and dedication to preserving Jewish culinary traditions, died of a heart attack after being hospitalized with pneumonia, just hours before a scheduled visit by former President Donald Trump. – Source
Gottlieb’s Deli, established in 1962 by Gottlieb’s father, Shlomo Zelka, a Holocaust survivor, has long been a cornerstone of the community. The establishment is one of the few “Glatt kosher” delis in the United States, adhering to strict Jewish dietary laws and famous for its traditional Jewish fare such as matzo balls, knishes, and gefilte fish.
“Everybody’s in shock. He was a good person, and he was an icon because of the iconic restaurant he ran for a very long time,” said Rabbi Abe Friedman, a friend of Gottlieb. “Going from welcoming Trump to a funeral is quite shocking.”
A Legacy of Kindness
Gottlieb was widely recognized for his charitable nature and commitment to helping those in need. Rabbi Moshe Indig, a community leader, shared touching anecdotes about Gottlieb’s generosity, highlighting how he would freely provide meals to those facing hardships.
“Let’s say someone came and told him their mother was sick, had to go to the hospital. He’d say, ‘How many portions do you need? Take it,'” Indig said. “Every Friday before closing he’d take all the leftovers and pack them up and send them to families.”
This legacy of kindness has deeply resonated with the community, making Gottlieb’s loss all the more profound. The deli will remain closed for a week as the family observes shiva, the traditional Jewish mourning period.
Trump’s Visit and Community Reaction
The cancellation of Trump’s visit to Gottlieb’s Deli has stirred mixed emotions in the Hasidic community, which largely supports the former president. Many had eagerly anticipated the visit, viewing it as a significant moment for a community that often feels underrepresented in mainstream media.
Shabsy Parnes, a Trump supporter who had traveled from Monsey to witness the event, expressed the community’s enthusiasm: “Everyone was excited that a big person like that is coming down here so I came to see.” Despite the cancellation, many supporters expressed understanding given the circumstances.
The visit was to be the first of three Jewish events for Trump on the same day, including speeches on antisemitism and at the Israeli American Council conference. The Satmar community, while ideologically non-Zionist, has shown strong support for Trump, attributing it to his perceived affinity for Jewish issues rather than Zionism.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved figure, the unexpected turn of events serves as a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability, even in the midst of high-profile political campaigns.
