Midwood
Five stars to Midwood High School student Ahmed Khalifa for his heroism and exemplary leadership.
Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D–Borough Park) presented the teen with a citation and laptop for the heroism he displayed when he came to the aid of a Jewish woman on a Coney Island-bound Q train on Dec. 28.
Khalifa, who is Muslim, chased down Rayvon Jones, 31, after he allegedly smacked the woman and fled the train near Newkirk Avenue. The sleuthing student flagged down a member of the Shomrim, who aided him in the search for Jones, who was found onboard a nearby bus. Khalifa then called the police to notify them and aided them in apprehending Jones.
“In a time of such divisiveness, it’s refreshing to see a story like this resonate within our communities,” said Hikind. “It is my privilege to honor Ahmed Khalifa for his noble act and exemplary leadership.”
The humble hero said, “I’m not a hero, I’m just a guy. I think everyone should be doing this because we are all one people. I would help anyone out no matter who they are, I’m just happy people are learning that this is the right thing to do.”
In addition to the citation, the high-school senior was presented with a Hewlett-Packard laptop for when he goes off to college in the fall.
Joining the Assemblyman was Council member Mathieu Eugene as well as local community and religious leaders including Rabbi Moshe Shmiel Rottenberg, Imam Awad ElSayed, Baruch Moskowitz from Flatbush Shomrim, Jodie Millman from Midwood High School, Flatbush community leader Josh Mehlman, Community Board 12 representative Peter Rabenwurzel, District Leader David Schwartz, Community activist Chaskel Bennett, Community Liaison Chesky Klein, Yoely Rosenfeld, Pesach Greenberg, Yechiel Landau, Naftali Reiner, and Mr. and Mrs. Khalifa.
Now the teen has a Standing O to put on his mantel.
Midwood High School [2839 Bedford Ave. in Midwood, (718) 724–8500].
