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Our friend Rivka (Rebecca) Mitnik tragically lost her father to cancer last week. In his memory, and in solidarity, love, and support for her family, we are raising funds to cover funeral costs and other expenses during this difficult time. Her father, Sergey, was born September 6, 1956 in Odessa, Ukraine SSR to Dora Bakman and Izya Zingerman.
Rivka has always been a part of the Coney Island FSU community, and as an adult sought out Jewish communities of her own. Connecting with hundreds through shared interest in Yiddish and progressive Jewish organizing. Rivka has been a longstanding member of the Housing Works Union organizing committee. She was a skilled and compassionate advocate for the many clients whose lives she touched during her time at Housing Works, before she and so many others were laid off this March due to COVID-19.
Her father was a longtime MTA employee and a union member himself. We still remember seeing him and Rivka's mother, Irina, and brother Eugene standing in support at the union rally at Borough Hall back in October. Rivka’s organizing gave Sergey tremendous naches.
He is remembered by his family and community as a mensch who walked through the world with love to give. He had a great sense of humor and loved swimming at the beach at Coney Island, where he lived for many years. He was an expressive dresser, which he passed on to his beloved daughter. Needless to say, he leaves an incalculable absence for Rivka, Irina, Eugene and their community.
The campaign aims to assist the family with the cost of the burial, headstone, and medical debt from cancer treatment as well as living expenses for the next few months. The cemetery plot was $4,000, along with other expenses for funeral services, hearse and burial. This time is crucial as Rivka searches for work during the pandemic and Sergey’s pension will take at least several months to process before the family can access it. As pandemic unemployment assistance ends, the family will need assistance from community and loved ones to get by. This campaign is being managed by a group of Rivka's friends and community. All funds raised will go directly to the family.
If you would prefer to donate to Rivka on PayPal or Venmo please do so at @RMitnik.
Rivka has always been a part of the Coney Island FSU community, and as an adult sought out Jewish communities of her own. Connecting with hundreds through shared interest in Yiddish and progressive Jewish organizing. Rivka has been a longstanding member of the Housing Works Union organizing committee. She was a skilled and compassionate advocate for the many clients whose lives she touched during her time at Housing Works, before she and so many others were laid off this March due to COVID-19.
Her father was a longtime MTA employee and a union member himself. We still remember seeing him and Rivka's mother, Irina, and brother Eugene standing in support at the union rally at Borough Hall back in October. Rivka’s organizing gave Sergey tremendous naches.
He is remembered by his family and community as a mensch who walked through the world with love to give. He had a great sense of humor and loved swimming at the beach at Coney Island, where he lived for many years. He was an expressive dresser, which he passed on to his beloved daughter. Needless to say, he leaves an incalculable absence for Rivka, Irina, Eugene and their community.
The campaign aims to assist the family with the cost of the burial, headstone, and medical debt from cancer treatment as well as living expenses for the next few months. The cemetery plot was $4,000, along with other expenses for funeral services, hearse and burial. This time is crucial as Rivka searches for work during the pandemic and Sergey’s pension will take at least several months to process before the family can access it. As pandemic unemployment assistance ends, the family will need assistance from community and loved ones to get by. This campaign is being managed by a group of Rivka's friends and community. All funds raised will go directly to the family.
If you would prefer to donate to Rivka on PayPal or Venmo please do so at @RMitnik.
Organizer and beneficiary
Rebecca Mitnik
Beneficiary