Trump Appearance Canceled After Unexpected Death of Deli Owner

A planned visit by former President Donald Trump to a Brooklyn deli was abruptly canceled following the unexpected death of its owner, leaving a community in mourning and highlighting the complex dynamics of Trump’s campaign in New York.

At a Glance

Sholem Yosef Gottlieb, 75, owner of Gottlieb’s Restaurant in Brooklyn, died hours before Trump’s scheduled visit.
The deli, a kosher institution since 1962, is highly regarded in the Hasidic community.
The restaurant will be closed until September 25 as the family observes the traditional mourning period.
The incident highlights Trump’s efforts to connect with various communities in New York.

Unexpected Loss Disrupts Campaign Stop

Former President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Gottlieb’s, a renowned kosher deli in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, was canceled this past week due to the sudden passing of its owner. Sholem Yosef Gottlieb, 75, died of a heart attack after being hospitalized with pneumonia, just hours before Trump was set to arrive at the family-owned establishment.

The deli, a neighborhood institution since 1962, has long been known for its authentic kosher cuisine and charitable endeavors.

Trump appearance at NYC kosher deli canceled at last minute after owner dies https://t.co/akhMekVyfX pic.twitter.com/10fi6DkI7J

— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) September 19, 2024

Community Reaction and Mourning

The cancellation of Trump’s visit and the loss of a respected community figure left many in the area stunned. Local residents and Trump supporters who had gathered in anticipation of the former president’s appearance were met with the news of Gottlieb’s passing.

“It’s upsetting, community was looking [forward] to seeing him over here,” Moses Weiser, a friend of the Gottlieb family, stated.

The deli, which adheres to strict Jewish dietary laws and is one of the few “Glatt kosher” establishments in the U.S., will remain closed until September 25 as the family observes shiva, the traditional seven-day Jewish mourning period.

Trump’s New York Campaign Strategy

The planned visit to Gottlieb’s was part of Trump’s broader campaign strategy in New York, a state where he faces significant challenges but continues to cultivate pockets of support. The Hasidic community, in particular, has been a focus of his outreach efforts.

“The vibe here yesterday was extremely holiday-like, it was very festive,” said Frieda Vizel. “The idea of Trump visiting this community was very monumental.”

This incident underscores the complexities of campaigning in diverse communities and the unpredictable nature of political events. The Trump campaign has not officially commented on the cancellation or any plans to reschedule.

More About Gottlieb and the Restaurant

Gottlieb’s Restaurant was opened in 1962 by Gottlieb’s father, a Holocaust survivor. One community leader, Rabbi Moshe Indig, said Gottlieb was a hard worker who did his best to help those in need.

“Let’s say someone came and told him their mother was sick, had to go to the hospital. He’d say, ‘How many portions do you need? Take it,'” Indig explained. “Every Friday before closing he’d take all the leftovers and pack them up and send them to families.” He went on to call Gottlieb’s passing a “great loss for the community.”