Jude Safi was 24 years old when he began working as a trader for Cantor Fitzgerald in May 2001, four months before the events of 9/11 took him away from his family and friends. Jude, a generous and kind young man with an outgoing and fun-loving personality, touched the lives of everyone he met with his quick smile and his sincerity.
Two years ago, neighbors of the Safi family began the process of getting 74th Street in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn – the street where Jude lived for his entire young life – renamed Jude Safi 9/11 Memorial Way. After a rapid approval by Community Board 10, the matter was put into the hands of Councilman Vincent Gentile, and on Sunday July 11, 74th Street’s new name was unveiled as the Safi family was joined by relatives and friends to commemorate the day.
Brief speeches were made by Councilman Gentile and State Senator Golden. Sal Ferrara, the principal at Xaverian High School, thanked those who donated money to the scholarship fund set up in Jude’s memory, enabling young boys to receive an education at Xaverian. John Abi, a family friend, spoke about his long friendship with the Safi family and Sami Merhi (Jude’s grandfather), and thanked everyone for their efforts towards seeing that Jude was memorialized with this street renaming and thanked those politicians who supported the family in July, not just in November, during the election.
After thanking John Abi Habib, Councilman Gentile, Senator Golden and Community Board 10 for their continued support, John Safi, Jude’s older brother, spoke about Jude’s legacy – how the people Jude touched during his brief time here honored his memory and all he stood for by keeping alive the love he so generously gave to everyone he knew.
After the emotional unveiling, the Safi family opened their home to those who attended the ceremony for refreshments, during which time those who knew Jude found themselves freely sharing their memories of him with each other.
If you would like to have a street renamed in honor of a loved one, contact your local Community Board for instructions on how to receive and fill out the appropriate application.
