He’s in quite a difficult situation.
A notorious political firebrand running for Brooklyn City Council is under investigation by the city after he was caught on video offering to treat a New York City Fire Department inspector to “the best corned beef and pastrami sandwich in the world.”
Harold “Hessy” Tishler The attractive offer was submitted on April 17 after New York City Fire Department inspectors arrived at 960 East Third Street in Midwood to investigate a complaint about the suspected misuse of propane tanks.
The exchange was captured on a roughly three-minute video recorded by Hershey Goldberger, whose family owns the home and is currently embroiled in a bitter property line dispute with their neighbors, the Wampferters, over alleged illegal construction.
Mr. Tischler, who owns a business near Foster Avenue. Specializing in helping builders obtain city permits and avoid fines — Supporting Onefarters in their property battle.
Goldberger submitted the video to the city’s Department of Investigation to determine whether Tischler’s cash offer to Fire Safety Inspector Mateo Galloza constituted a bribe.
According to email exchanges reviewed by The Washington Post, the DOI requested additional information from Goldberger.
Tischler, He describes himself as a “facilitator” for Brooklyn’s Orthodox Jewish community. He said he supports OneFurters free of charge.
In the videotaped exchange, he told Garozza he hoped the dispute between Goldberger’s father-in-law, Abe Friedman, and OneFurters would be resolved soon.
When that happens, he said he’ll celebrate by treating himself to a meal at Essen New York Deli on Coney Island Avenue.
“It’s the best corned beef and pastrami sandwich on the planet,” enthuses Tischler.
“If you pay me, I’m there. Whatever. So it doesn’t matter to me,” said Ms. Garroza, who started the $52,070-a-year job in October.
“We’ll also have sodas,” Tischler said.
“That’s it!” Garoza shouts.
“It comes with pickles and cucumbers and a Coke, so it’s no problem,” Tischler added.
Essen’s corned beef and pastrami sandwiches are $24 each (plus tax), and sodas are $3.
Ultra-thin pastrami is something else.
According to city regulationsOffering someone lunch is “something of value” and could be considered a bribe.
If the DOI finds wrongdoing, it could turn the case over to local prosecutors, who could then refer the matter to the city’s conflict of interest committee.
Penalties could include a fine of up to $25,000 and Garroza could be suspended or fired.
The DOI said it was “aware of the matter but would not be commenting further.” An FDNY spokesman said the “incident is under investigation” but declined to comment further.
Ken Fisher, an attorney representing the Onefarters, said his clients had nothing to do with Tishler providing the meals.
Tischler plans to run as a Republican in the 44th Congressional District next year to replace term-limited Rep. Kalman Yeager.Number District representatives representing Borough Park, Midwood and other parts of southwest Brooklyn were infuriated when asked about the video by a Post reporter on Thursday.
He pulled out his smartphone and began recording an approximately eight-minute rant, repeatedly asking “Are you stupid?” and also asking if the reporter was “gay.”
He later threatened to broadcast footage of the clash on Facebook and YouTube and on a conservative radio show he hosts.
“You came here for a corned beef sandwich? You’re a freak!” Tishler cried, surrounded by retired police officers who used to guard One Ferter’s.
But Tischler struck a more solemn tone, calling reporters on Friday and apologizing for his comments.
He denied bribing Garroza, but over the years he regularly bought pizza and other food from local police officers and city employees to thank them for their service.
He also said he would welcome any investigation by the DOI.
Tischler, 60, pleaded guilty to inciting a riot after encouraging supporters to attack a Jewish Insider reporter during a protest against COVID-19 safety orders in Borough Park in October 2020.
In 2013, Tischler was convicted and sentenced to one year in prison. He was involved in a fraud scheme in which he promised jobs to immigrants at fake companies.
Goldberger said he was “really disappointed” to see Tischler’s exchange with the inspector.
A message left for Garroza through the fire department was not returned.
