Opinion: A tribute to a dedicated public servant and dear friend, Jonathan Brostoff
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When I first heard of Jonathan Brostoff's passing, the shock hit me like a wave. I sat in my car, unable to stop crying —tears not only for the immense personal loss but for the profound loss to society and, most of all, for his beloved family.
Brostoff took his own life, a heartbreaking reminder of the unseen battles so many face. Despite his advocacy for mental health, his laughter, and his constant support of others, he bore a pain that he must have felt was insurmountable. To think of the depth of his suffering is overwhelming, and it reminds us of the importance of being present for one another in ways we may not even realize are needed.
I met Brostoff in college. I immediately knew he was special.
I first met Jonathan in college and at Chabad, and I knew immediately he was someone rare. He had the remarkable ability to connect with anyone, no matter where they fell on the political or religious spectrum. I came from a more religiously conservative background, while he was more progressive. But that never created a divide between us; instead, it enriched our friendship, allowing for an exchange of ideas that broadened both our worlds. Jonathan believed that understanding others — even when they disagreed — was essential to building a stronger, more compassionate community.
Whenever we spoke, he'd ask me what lesson I had taken from the weekly Torah reading. He would then discuss and critique it, often bringing in his own insights or challenges as a way to engage me on a deeper level, eager to learn and exchange perspectives.
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Brostoff's life reflected this deeply held belief. A dedicated public servant, he began his career in Milwaukee, representing the 19th District in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2015 to 2022. In November 2022, he was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council, representing the 3rd District. But beyond titles and elections, Jonathan's commitment was always to the people. He carried his passion for public service wherever he went, grounding his work in empathy, integrity, and a vision for unity.
In our last conversation, Jonathan shared with me a vision close to his heart: he dreamed of creating unity within the Jewish community, bridging the gaps that had grown between Democrats and Republicans, the religious and secular. He was deeply saddened by the division he saw and wanted to build an organization that would bring people together, fostering respect and dialogue despite differences. This was Jonathan — a man who looked beyond labels and saw the shared humanity in everyone.
His work wasn't limited to his roles in government either. He was deeply involved in community service, volunteering at places like Pathfinders, a youth shelter, and at Maryland Avenue Montessori School. These commitments spoke to his unwavering desire to lift others up and to make Milwaukee a more supportive, inclusive place for everyone.
Tributes show the profound impact he had on so many lives
His dedication to causes was so deep that he once refused to cut his hair for over a year until a sign language bill was passed, a symbol of his commitment to advocating for others in tangible, meaningful ways.
I've been scrolling through the hundreds of comments on his Facebook page — from public officials to everyday people he touched personally and deeply. Each message reflects the profound impact he had on so many lives.
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Jonathan's passing leaves an unfillable void in our lives, in our community, and especially in his family. He was more than a leader; he was a devoted husband and father. He was deeply proud of his family, often speaking about them with love and admiration.
There are countless memories I'll hold dear, but some stand out. I remember how, after the October 7 massacre committed by Hamas, he texted me to say he found himself "uncontrollably crying randomly." It was Jonathan's way of expressing his empathy and sorrow, his sense of shared pain and injustice. And then there was the time he texted me "buckbuck," a word so random I couldn't even find it in Urban Dictionary. When I told him that, he laughed and said, "It's a Jonathan original!" I would do anything to have those moments back.
I will miss Jonathan's kindness, his laughter, his vision, and his unstoppable belief in the power of unity. His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched, the bridges he built, and his legacy of empathy. Jonathan taught us that love and respect transcend all boundaries, and it's in honoring this spirit that we can keep his dream alive. My heart is with his family, whose strength and resilience in this painful time inspire us all. May his memory be a blessing, and may his vision of unity and compassion live on.
Eli Federman has written at USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Reuters, and others. X:
