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During the COVID-19 epidemic, Jewish communities like the one I live in have been hit hard with victims of the coronavirus.
Now, as a congressional candidate, I have received many calls from the local press regarding the local neighborhoods.
There have been many of the frontlines early on, and continuing their efforts before, during and immediately after the Passover holiday. Their efforts are not restricted to Jews, and many, including those healthy, benefit from their efforts.
They deserve more than a thank you. They represent Jews at their best. They don’t seek public attention. They do their mitzvahs as a labor of love and are the ones always reaching out to help a friend or stranger.
Meet Michal Weinstein
Michal is no stranger to using her talents to fundraise and create memorable events. She created the famous lion logo recognized internationally and forever tied to remembering Ari Fuld. Her same personal frustrations brought her to design an logo for the corona and we recently spoke about it:
What made you decide to step up and take a leadership role in helping out those in need during the coronavirus situation?
When this broke out and the reality began to sink in that not only will we be stuck home for weeks, possibly months, but most of my business which caters to events will be on hold. I needed to put my energy, time, skills and anxieties into something and because I have a non profit (couture for a cause) and I have years of experience creating fundraisers at breakneck speed, I delved right in. I know what it feels like to be financially affected by tragedy and my heart bleeds for those who cannot buy food because they no longer have an income which is why I chose to focus my fundraising for The Leon Mayer Fund an organization that has been helping five towns families for 30 years. It started with an image I designed that I called KA RANA which means “call out” in Hebrew.
I had great success with another image I designed after the murder of Ari Fuld called “Lion of Zion” raising over 40K for his family and his cases, so I was hoping this image would become another fundraising vehicle. The positive responses from my instagram following led me to creating a line of products including T-shirts, sanitizers and bumper magnets. Soon after I connected with a jewelry company named “The Honest Jeweler” and we created a KARANA line with inspirational quotes such as “This too shall pass”. I am now selling good quality washable KARANA masks as well. Proceeds of course are going to help feed families through the Leon Mayer Fund. Another fundraiser I spearheaded to help buy masks to frontline healthcare workers was the Lawn Sign Initiative where I sold signs that say: “Thank you for being out there so we can be safe in here.” That was a big success as well. So I am keeping myself very busy during this quarantine and hopefully helping to make a difference.
Have you been concerned about your own health?
Extremely worried for me, my family and friends. I am a big news addict and spend a lot of time reading everything and making my own judgements as to what is true or false. I am also sharing news with my followers on instagram who appreciate my take.
Have you known anyone ill or who has died from COVID-19?
I have known too many people to count who have been afflicted and a handful of people, mostly older parents who have died. I also know of a young father in our community and my heart is breaking.
What is your background in 5 Towns?
I have been living in the 5 Towns practically my whole life. I own a party planning business on central Avenue called Events 360 that is now at a standstill. Thankfully as a graphic designer I can still do work from home on my computer.
What do you think about how the FT has been affected by the virus?
Sadly people did not take it seriously at the start which I believe is the reason we have one of the highest rates in Nassau. Purim did not help either. I do think most of us (save for a handful of crazies) are staying put and behaving. It has had a tremendous impact on us and is probably the first time in it’s history that everyone was home for Pesach.
Anything you want to add:
Stay optimistic. This too shall pass! Stop pointing fingers at who is to blame unless you are pointing at China. (That is ok). Stay home but at the same time stay educated. At some point this will need to end and it’s important to know the facts and not feel overly afraid because the media wants you to be. Most important KARA NA…turn to G-d.
What do you think about how the FT has been affected by the virus?
Sadly people did not take it seriously at the start which I believe is the reason we have one of the highest rates in Nassau. Purim did not help either. I do think most of us (save for a handful of crazies) are staying put and behaving. It has had a tremendous impact on us and is probably the first time in it’s history that everyone is home for Pesach.
Anything you want to add:
Stay optimistic. This too shall pass! Stop pointing fingers at who is to blame unless you are pointing at China. (That is ok). Stay home but at the same time stay educated. At some point this will need to end and it’s important to know the facts and not feel overly afraid because the media wants you to be. Most important KARA NA…turn to G-d.
Websites
@mlwdesignny (INSTAGRAM)
Cindy Grosz is the Republican and Conservative congressional candidates running in NY-04, including the communities of The Five Towns, Merrick-Bellmore, Long Beach, Oceanside and West Hempstead. She is a longtime activist for Jewish and Israeli causes and has been recognized by The National Council of Young Israel, Rachel’s Children Reclamation Foundation, the Queens GOP and others. She regularly volunteers with the Zionist Organization of America’s, the Republican Jewish Coalition and is a Jewish Advisor for the National Diversity Coalition for Trump. www.cindygrosz.com. [email protected] THE AUTHORCindy Grosz is the Republican Jewish Candidate for Congress from NY-4. She is an accomplished activist for pro-Israel and Jewish interests. She is a Contributor on The Jersey Joe Radio Show on WOR710AM, syndicated through iHeartRadio. Cindy Grosz is an Advisor on the National Diversity Coalition for Trump 2020. She can be reached at [email protected] TOPICS