“When I manage to help even one person, I feel like I hit the jackpot.”

Interview with New York City Council member Ari Kagan.

Why did you decide to become a member of the New York City Council?

I have been involved in journalism for many years. Worked for the Evening New York newspaper and on the radio. Since 2000, he hosted the program “In America” on the RTN television channel and did not even think about engaging in political activities. But in the process of work, I often had to cover pressing issues, and over time I began to notice that I was constantly talking about the same thing, and the issues were not being resolved. At the same time, I was actively involved in volunteer activities and participated in rallies. My friends and parents told me: “If you want to change something, go into politics.” In 2006 the Assembly Member for Brighton retired and I decided to try to stand as a candidate. I lost that time. Then he tried again in 2013 and failed again. But during the election race I realized that I could no longer go back. I want to help people. To many people, not just one or two. And this gave me the strength to overcome failures and move on. 

You recently switched to the Republican Party, but before that you were a Democrat. Has the attitude of your party colleagues changed after the transition?

I have friends among both Democrats and Republicans. They support me regardless of the direction of my political activity. When I ran as a Democrat, Republicans came to me and expressed their gratitude for my work. A group of Democrats from Marlborough House came to my fundraiser not long ago and made a significant amount of donations. They didn’t care which party I represented – they personally valued my work and contribution to the public life of the city. Helping people has no partisan overtones. Although, of course, there are fundamental differences between the parties, especially regarding security issues.

You are actively involved in volunteer activities. Do you instill in your children a desire to help people?

When Hurricane Sandy hit New York in 2012, a group of activists and I helped people - bringing food, clothing, and finding shelter. And at this time my eldest son Yakov came home from college for the holidays. I told him that his vacation was over and he needed to go with me and help the residents of the area with the evacuation. At first he was perplexed why he should help complete strangers, but one incident changed his attitude towards volunteering. My son and I went up to the 19th floor to an apartment where a disabled person lived - he could not move independently. We brought him food, drink, and a flashlight. And during the conversation it turned out that he used to live in Lvov, where my father once went on a business trip. In the last few days, my father did not have money to rent a house, and one of the engineers of the company with whom they collaborated invited him to live with him. It was this man who was now in front of us. This is how good things come back. 

Your family suffered greatly from the fascist occupiers. Are you currently dealing with the problem of anti-Semitism?

My father is the only one of all his relatives who survived the Holocaust. When the Holocaust memorial was opened here in Brooklyn, I noticed that there was no word “Belarus” on it. Thousands of Jews were shot in the Minsk Pit, and among them was my grandmother and her two children. Together with other like-minded people, we ensured that the name of the country Belarus be put on the memorial. In addition, I have previously and now actively participate in the fight against anti-Semitism. I think they are motivated by hatred. A lot of negative sentiment has appeared in recent years, also because criminals in New York feel impunity.  

Let's move on to modern problems. Now many refugees from Ukraine are coming to New York. What support does the New York City Council provide for them?

We provide comprehensive support measures to refugees. We help them with paperwork, receiving benefits, groceries, and try to find housing. We have a school, Ukrainian New Wave Heritage School, which we help. In addition, representatives of various faiths are also involved in working with refugees. I try to help everyone who lives or comes to South Brooklyn.

In the photo: Ari Kagan, Irina Proskurina

At one time you worked with many famous politicians. Which of them had the greatest influence on your political career?

Mark Treyger was my predecessor on the New York City Council. He did a lot of work to support the residents of the district and always served as an example for me. I also learned a lot in the office of Congressman Michael McMahon.

What social projects are you involved in after taking office as a member of the City Council?

I am actively involved in the fight against crime. Here I work in two directions: supporting the work of law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor’s office, as well as the development of youth leisure centers. I support many charitable projects. I pay a lot of attention to youth programs and schools.   

You are very active. Who supports you?

First of all, of course, my family supports me. Wife and kids. Without them I wouldn't be able to do what I do. I also have a circle of friends and like-minded people, which is growing larger every year. In addition, I have a close-knit team in the office. It includes people of various nationalities: Russian-speaking, Pakistani, African-American, Chinese, and so on. Every week we hold a briefing where we discuss all current affairs and make plans. And we will definitely organize meetings with the communities of South Brooklyn. My office helps many Jewish organizations and centers that provide comprehensive support to refugees from Ukraine.

Author: Irina Proskurina