After a long day crisscrossing the five boroughs, mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa made a late-night stop at one of New York’s most sacred sites — the Ohel, the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory.
As Sliwa stepped out of his vehicle, observant Jews nearby were surprised and moved to see him — though for Sliwa, this was far from his first visit. Over decades of public service and activism, he has built enduring ties with Jewish communities across the city, even meeting the Rebbe in person and receiving his blessing during the turbulent Crown Heights era, when Sliwa and his Guardian Angels stood in defense of Jewish residents as police were ordered to stand down.
When asked how he was feeling, Sliwa smiled and replied, “I feel great. I just came from Steinway, Queens — Mamdani’s district — and now I’m here to visit the Rebbe. No one else does that.” His visit symbolized his bridge-building approach across faiths, neighborhoods, and generations.
Residents in Steinway greeted him with enthusiasm and appreciation. “We never see Mamdani here — thanks for coming to see us,” said one local, echoed by others calling Mamdani an “absentee Assemblymember who’d be an absentee Mayor.” Sliwa, they said, “shows up where and when it counts.”
At the Ohel, Rabbi Motti Seligson, media director at Chabad.org, welcomed Sliwa and shared stories of the Ohel’s history and spiritual significance. The two spoke about Sliwa’s longstanding bond with the Jewish community and his deep understanding of Jewish life in New York. Sliwa then sat quietly to write a personal prayer, which he brought to the Rebbe’s resting place.
Those close to him suggested his prayers were for his wife, his children, and for the future of New York City — and perhaps, for strength in these final days before the election.
“My relationship with the Lubavitcher Rebbe is deeply personal,” Sliwa said. “During the Crown Heights riots, after protecting the community, the Rebbe gave me two dollars for charity and a blessing — ‘Rebbe dollars.’ One of those blessings saved my life during a shooting. That kind of protection changes you.”
“Now, as we enter the toughest stretch of this campaign, I’m here at the Ohel to pray for strength, wisdom, and the blessing to finish this journey in a meaningful way.”
Inside the Ohel, before he made his way outside, Sliwa was approached by many inside who praised his efforts with smiles, handshakes, and posing for photos, showing their respect and support. As he made his way outside to the site, he lit a memorial candle, recited Psalms, and placed his handwritten prayer — torn in accordance with tradition — at the Rebbe’s gravesite. Visitors greeted him with warmth, words of encouragement, and heartfelt wishes for success.
About the Ohel
The Ohel, located in Cambria Heights, Queens, is the sacred resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, and his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Y. Schneersohn, of righteous memory. The term Ohel (“tent”) refers to the structure built over the resting place of a tzaddik, a righteous soul.
Tens of thousands visit the Ohel each year — Jews and non-Jews alike — seeking guidance, healing, and inspiration from the Rebbe’s enduring spiritual presence. Visitors write kvitlach (prayer notes) that are placed at the gravesite, light memorial candles, and take time for introspection and good deeds.
For generations, the Rebbe’s love, wisdom, and compassion have uplifted countless people. In his passing, that influence continues — as seen by the constant stream of visitors, among them leaders like Curtis Sliwa, who seek strength and connection at this holy place.