For more than two decades, Pesach Osina has been a familiar presence in Far Rockaway, connecting residents with essential services and supporting local organizations. Now, with the November 3 election approaching, the Orthodox Jewish father of six is the Democratic nominee seeking to succeed retiring Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato in New York’s 23rd Assembly District.
His interest in public service took shape far from the Rockaways. Born in Brooklyn, Osina spent part of his childhood in Bensonhurst before his family relocated to Chicago. His parents, Abe and Surie, emphasized helping others and taking responsibility for those in need. His father operated Sherwin Manor Nursing Center, which maintained a kosher kitchen for its predominantly Jewish residents.
Following a 1991 inspection, the nursing home sued Illinois health officials, alleging religious discrimination and unfair treatment of immigrant employees. Among the disputed issues was criticism of the absence of pork from its kosher menu. A federal appeals court allowed the lawsuit to proceed in 1994, and the dispute ended with a $250,000 offer of judgment in 1997, without a trial finding of discrimination. State officials denied antisemitic conduct.
Years later, speaking at his October 25 campaign gathering in Howard Beach, Osina recalled the lesson he drew from watching his father. “Early on in my life, my father taught me the importance of standing up for people that were treated unfairly,” he said. “I saw firsthand when his immigrant workers were targeted. He stood up for them.”
Osina settled in Far Rockaway in 1999, where he and his wife, Fraidy, raised their six children. He served on the board of the Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula, helping organize programs that included a holiday toy distribution.
His involvement brought him into contact with rabbanim, nonprofit organizations, and families throughout the neighborhood. At a November 2022 Rabbinical Alliance of America gathering, Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik recalled how his parents in Bayswater benefited from Osina’s assistance after Superstorm Sandy, when he helped ensure residents had generators, food, and other necessities. Calling him “a walking Kiddush Hashem,” Rabbi Mirocznik also recalled Osina’s work alongside Rabbi Moshe Brandsdorfer through the Jewish Community Council.
Osina’s work extended to emergency preparedness. Following September 11, he helped establish the Rockaway Community Emergency Response Team. In September 2011, he joined newly elected Assemblymember Phil Goldfeder’s staff as a community liaison, assisting residents with government services and neighborhood concerns.
When Superstorm Sandy devastated the Rockaways the following year, Osina worked with elected officials, local organizations, and volunteers to help families facing damaged homes, displacement, and a difficult recovery. Congressman Gregory Meeks recognized his efforts in the Congressional Record in December 2013.
Osina had also entered electoral politics, losing a February 2013 special City Council election to Donovan Richards. He later served as Queens Borough Director under City Comptroller Scott Stringer and returned to the ballot in 2021, finishing second to Selvena Brooks-Powers in another special Council election.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he participated in food distribution and other relief efforts before serving as a senior community liaison under City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Osina has credited Adams with teaching him the importance of working with people who hold different viewpoints. In 2024, he was appointed as the Council speaker’s Queens representative to the New York City Commission on Racial Equity.
His Assembly platform addresses affordability, transportation, public safety, and coastal protection. Osina supports QueensLink, protecting the Cross Bay Bridge resident rebate, stronger oversight of insurance and utility rates, expanded childcare tax relief, and improved flood protection. He has also proposed a Rockaway trauma center and community-based liaisons to help victims report hate incidents.
His Republican opponent, Thomas Sullivan, a retired Army Reserve colonel and financial professional, has emphasized tax restraint, public safety, and infrastructure. Both candidates support QueensLink and stronger flood protection, while differing on broader fiscal and government-reform policies. Osina defeated attorney Mike Scala in the June Democratic primary and received Pheffer Amato’s endorsement. Sullivan received the general-election endorsement of Citizens Union, which cited Osina’s opposition to open primaries and changes to the state’s special-election process.
Osina’s years of work with elected officials were evident Sunday, October 25, when community leaders, volunteers, and family members gathered at his campaign headquarters on Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach for a get-out-the-vote kickoff.
Pheffer Amato recalled knowing Osina for more than 20 years through the Harry S. Truman Democratic Club, where both had been involved alongside her mother, former Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer. “Government is about people, and you have to have heart,” she said, explaining her support for his candidacy.
Assemblymember David Weprin highlighted Osina’s familiarity with Albany and City Hall, while City Council Speaker Julie Menin emphasized his ability to unite diverse communities. Council Members Lynn Schulman, Chris Banks, and Ty Hankerson spoke about his mentorship, accessibility, and commitment to helping residents. Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family, while former Assemblymember Goldfeder was also present.
“Public service is not about a title,” Osina said. “It’s about taking responsibility, showing up, and helping people when they need you most.”
Pheffer Amato closed the program by urging volunteers to meet voters and cover polling locations. The speakers were supporters of Osina’s candidacy, but their recollections also described working relationships extending well beyond this election.
For this writer, the story is also personal. Pesach has been a close friend for many years, and we have worked together on behalf of local families and organizations. Still, serving in the State Assembly comes with broader responsibilities, including legislation, funding, and oversight. On November 3, voters in the 23rd Assembly District will decide who will take on that role.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
