David Greenfield, the Executive Vice President of the Brooklyn-based Sephardic Community Federation, was honored recently by the Public Advocate for the City of New York, Betsy Gotbaum. Greenfield was presented with a formal proclamation from the Public Advocate declaring him an “Extraordinary Citizen” for his continuing work on behalf of New Yorkers, specifically, his success as a driving force behind the $600 million tax credits for school-age children that provide perpetual tax relief to millions of parents throughout New York.
The award comes on the heels of several other awards that Greenfield has received for his work on behalf of the community and particularly for his achievement in promoting education issues in New York. He has received awards from Assemblyman Dov Hikind and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for his extensive work advocating on behalf of yeshivah parents.
He has been one of New York City’s most outspoken education activists for many years. He became aware of the financial challenges that parents of school-age children face, as well as the issues that are hindering the ability of children to receive the education that is appropriate for them, at an early stage of his career.
His strong commitment, reflected in his political activity, activism and leadership, has strengthened the ongoing struggle for increased government funding for not only yeshivahs but for yeshivah parents, as well. In proclaiming him an “Extraordinary Citizen,” Public Advocate Gotbaum recognized Greenfield as one of a select group of individuals, who have created a greater awareness and understanding about the needs of yeshivahs, students and their parents.
He is widely regarded as one of New York’s preeminent authorities on education policy, and is recognized as a leading advocate on behalf of school children. He was a founding board member of TEACH-NYS, a statewide education advocacy organization that has successfully secured tens of millions of dollars in new funding for yeshivahs, including historic funding for new computers. Greenfield is also an active member of the New York City Department of Education Non-Public School Standing Committee. The committee, which is comprised of leaders from the non-public school community, who are experts in the field of education, serves as the liaison between New York government and the non-public school community. As a member of the committee, he plays a critical role in addressing important issues affecting New York’s children who attend non-public schools and advocating on their behalf.
He recently launched his much-anticipated campaign to succeed Councilman Simcha Felder in New York’s 44th Council District, with Felder’s enthusiastic endorsement and the support of a diverse coalition of respected community leaders.
Greenfield has already made history by being the first candidate for New York City Council in 2009 to raise all of his campaign funds, thereby freeing him to continue his full-time work on behalf of the community.
