I met Daniel Harkavy in the WhatsApp chat for ABC executive board candidates in the 2025 UFT election. I was not aware that he was also a retiree. We were discussing the new proposed healthcare package the city presented for all public employees. He felt an obligation to find healthcare to address retirees who were under 65 and not yet eligible for Medicare. In that context he favored the city’s proposal. I was not even aware of this crisis because (although I retired at 55 on a disability pension) I was covered all my working life and into retirement on my husband’s healthcare coverage. He also worked for the city and he continued to work while I was retired. Daniel argued passionately that the under 65 retirees needed a better healthcare answer. I respected that and did not know his position probably grew out of his personal experience. I thanked him for his advocacy and explained that I could not, in good conscience, vote for something I was not allowed to read. I vote NO at the delegate assembly knowing that so many affected were working people under any retirement age. The kind of respectful dialogue I had with Daniel Harkavy is rare and is precisely what all UFT members need with each other. Often we need to agree to disagree while we work together. Daniel represents the best of this model. With deep respect, Gail Lindenberg
I voted no as well. I can't vote on anything I can't see. Pitfalls of the plan are starting to appear. However, I certainly hope it does more good than harm. It's important we learn to work together for the common good. Daniel understood that, and many simply do not.
I knew Daniel only slightly through the RTC Exec Bd and when he ran with ABC in the UFT election. He had a wry sense of humor and always approached problems in a rational and practical manner. A valued unionist who will be sorely missed.
Arthur, thank you for this beautiful tribute to Daniel Harkavy. I met him once at an RTC meeting checking folks in. He said he was glad to meet me and I him as well as we’d read each other’s comments here and there. He sounds like a good soul taken too early. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family and friends.
Thank you Arthur, for sharing Daniel's story. He was also a supporter of our organization and was thankful that our fight protected his Medicare. A true fighter to the end, and may his memory be a blessing. We were the fortunate ones to have had him in our lives.
I always sat up and took notice when it was Daniel writing. I never met him in person but knew that he could be counted on to speak with clarity and intelligence while standing up for all that is right. With sadness, profound condolences to his family and friends.
I am shocked and saddened to hear about Daniel Harkavy's passing. I've known him for a bunch of years now. He stood out from the crowd for me mainly because he was a person who listened, really listened, and who expressed himself. An independent and creative thinker. Someone who looked at the big picture, someone who cared. I will miss his presence and his voice. Thank you, Arthur, for sharing this very sad news. My heart goes out to his family and to all who knew him...
I only knew of Daniel as a great unionist and compassionate educator in our larger community. I am so sad to hear that he passed away - thank you for sharing.
Heartbroken- Danny RIP
Beautiful sentiment on his life. May he rest in peace
I met Daniel Harkavy in the WhatsApp chat for ABC executive board candidates in the 2025 UFT election. I was not aware that he was also a retiree. We were discussing the new proposed healthcare package the city presented for all public employees. He felt an obligation to find healthcare to address retirees who were under 65 and not yet eligible for Medicare. In that context he favored the city’s proposal. I was not even aware of this crisis because (although I retired at 55 on a disability pension) I was covered all my working life and into retirement on my husband’s healthcare coverage. He also worked for the city and he continued to work while I was retired. Daniel argued passionately that the under 65 retirees needed a better healthcare answer. I respected that and did not know his position probably grew out of his personal experience. I thanked him for his advocacy and explained that I could not, in good conscience, vote for something I was not allowed to read. I vote NO at the delegate assembly knowing that so many affected were working people under any retirement age. The kind of respectful dialogue I had with Daniel Harkavy is rare and is precisely what all UFT members need with each other. Often we need to agree to disagree while we work together. Daniel represents the best of this model. With deep respect, Gail Lindenberg
I voted no as well. I can't vote on anything I can't see. Pitfalls of the plan are starting to appear. However, I certainly hope it does more good than harm. It's important we learn to work together for the common good. Daniel understood that, and many simply do not.
I knew Daniel only slightly through the RTC Exec Bd and when he ran with ABC in the UFT election. He had a wry sense of humor and always approached problems in a rational and practical manner. A valued unionist who will be sorely missed.
And with this, there is dancing in heaven.
May his remembrance become a blessing
for all who knew him.
Arthur, thank you for this beautiful tribute to Daniel Harkavy. I met him once at an RTC meeting checking folks in. He said he was glad to meet me and I him as well as we’d read each other’s comments here and there. He sounds like a good soul taken too early. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family and friends.
Thank you Arthur, for sharing Daniel's story. He was also a supporter of our organization and was thankful that our fight protected his Medicare. A true fighter to the end, and may his memory be a blessing. We were the fortunate ones to have had him in our lives.
We were indeed.
I always sat up and took notice when it was Daniel writing. I never met him in person but knew that he could be counted on to speak with clarity and intelligence while standing up for all that is right. With sadness, profound condolences to his family and friends.
May his memory be for a blessing.
I am shocked and saddened to hear about Daniel Harkavy's passing. I've known him for a bunch of years now. He stood out from the crowd for me mainly because he was a person who listened, really listened, and who expressed himself. An independent and creative thinker. Someone who looked at the big picture, someone who cared. I will miss his presence and his voice. Thank you, Arthur, for sharing this very sad news. My heart goes out to his family and to all who knew him...
My sincere condolences for the passing of his passing.
I’m so sorry to hear this. He and his family are in my thoughts and have my deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.
I am sorry for your loss and sorry for the loss of a good man.
As am I. Thank you.
R.I.P.
I am saddened to hear this. He was a wonderful asset to the union and always fought the good fight.
I only knew of Daniel as a great unionist and compassionate educator in our larger community. I am so sad to hear that he passed away - thank you for sharing.
He was a champion of our rights as UFT retirees. This is very sad news. My condolences