New Yorkers are tough but compassionate. Even with the many challenges that New York City faces, people from across the globe – of all faiths, ethnicities and walks of life – have been living and working in relative peace here, including the most diverse area on the planet, Queens. Now more than ever, it’s so important that peace-loving New Yorkers rise above the hate and see the humanity in each other.
Queens Economic Development Corporation’s (QEDC) Executive Director, Seth Bornstein – a proud New Yorker, who has seen the good, the bad and the ugly – strongly agrees.
Through his important role, Bornstein has enhanced the not-for-profit’s work as a stronger advocate for business and tourism growth in the borough. But one of his other passions is writing. The Brooklyn native – who enjoys adventures across Queens – has penned plays, short stories and essays. And because of his special connection to Israel, he was inspired to write his first novel, “Swimming to Jerusalem” (Luminare Press, 2023), which is a must-read.
The book review magazine Kirkus Reviews describes the book as “a great novel of New York in the Trump era…” and notes: “The dialogue is particularly sharp and laden with dark humor.”
QNS caught up with the author, who was eager to talk about his new endeavor.
What does Jerusalem mean to you?
“It’s a beautiful place in the Judean Hills – the brown landscape, the green foliage and gold, stone structures merge as in an impressionist painting. People claim the air is different. It appears to exude peace. Walking in the Old City one can’t help but feel the glory and the pain that gives Jerusalem its meaning.”
Talk about the meaning behind the title – from your perspective as an avid, competitive swimmer.
“I think we all aspire to be the best we can be, but we never actually get there. In the story, swimming is a metaphor of trying to reach a goal – but never actually achieving it. Just like it is…
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