Donald Trump Cancels Campaign Stop at Gottlieb’s Deli After Owner’s Sudden Death

White roses on a polished wooden casket outdoors.

Former President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Gottlieb’s Deli in Brooklyn was abruptly canceled following the unexpected death of its beloved owner, Shulem Yosef Gottlieb.

At a Glance

Shulem Yosef Gottlieb, 75, owner of Gottlieb’s Deli, passed away from a heart attack after battling pneumonia.
Gottlieb’s Deli, established in 1962 by a Holocaust survivor, is a cornerstone of the Hasidic community in Williamsburg.
Trump’s planned visit was highly anticipated by many in the Hasidic community, which showed strong support for him in the 2020 election.
The deli’s closure until September 25 for the mourning period reflects the strong family and religious values held by many conservative Americans.

A Community Icon Lost

The sudden passing of Shulem Yosef Gottlieb, owner of the iconic Gottlieb’s Deli in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Hasidic community. At 75 years old, Gottlieb succumbed to a heart attack after battling pneumonia, just hours before a scheduled visit by former President Donald Trump.

Gottlieb’s Deli, a staple of the community since 1962, was founded by Gottlieb’s father, Shlomo Zelka, a Holocaust survivor. The establishment quickly became known for its strict adherence to kosher dietary laws and its reputation for generosity, often providing meals to those in need.

Trump visit to Gottlieb's deli in Williamsburg likely canceled after owner's sudden death: sources https://t.co/a7hjVqccBX pic.twitter.com/OwGM2QFVRv

— 1010 WINS (@1010WINS) September 19, 2024

A Respected Figure Remembered

The loss of Shulem Yosef Gottlieb has been deeply felt by the community, with many praising his charitable nature and commitment to traditional values. Rabbi Abe Friedman, a friend of Gottlieb, expressed the community’s shock at the sudden turn of events.

“Everybody’s in shock. He was a good person, and he was an icon because of the iconic restaurant he ran for a very long time,” said Rabbi Abe Friedman, a friend of Gottlieb. “Going from welcoming Trump to a funeral is quite shocking.”

Gottlieb’s generosity was a hallmark of his character, as highlighted by Rabbi Moshe Indig, who shared stories of Gottlieb’s kindness towards those in need. This spirit of community support and charity exemplifies the traditional American values that many conservatives hold dear.

Impact on Trump’s Campaign

The cancellation of Trump’s visit to Gottlieb’s Deli underscores the challenges faced by political campaigns when unexpected events occur. The former president’s planned appearance was highly anticipated by many in the Hasidic community, which showed strong support for Trump in the 2020 election.

“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 said. “Every Friday before closing he’d take all the leftovers and pack them up and send them to families.”

The cancellation demonstrates Trump’s respect for local customs and mourning practices, as the community observes a seven-day shiva period. This sensitivity to cultural traditions is likely to resonate with conservative voters who value the preservation of heritage and community bonds.

Trump’s appearance at a NYC kosher deli was canceled after the business’s owner died, as reported by the New York Post.
Trump was scheduled to appear at a Gottlieb’s in Brooklyn before his speaking event in DC today about combating antisemitism. @Newsweek https://t.co/dqbOBxXO9N

— Monica Sager (@MonicaSager3) September 19, 2024

Looking Ahead

As the Hasidic community in Williamsburg mourns the loss of a beloved figure, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of small businesses and community leaders in preserving American traditions and values. The closure of Gottlieb’s Deli until September 25 for the mourning period reflects the strong family and religious values held by many conservative Americans.

While the campaign stop may have been canceled, the outpouring of support for the Gottlieb family and the recognition of Shulem Yosef Gottlieb’s contributions to his community serve as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of traditional values in urban America. As the 2024 election campaign continues, candidates would do well to recognize and honor these values that resonate deeply with conservative voters across the nation.