‘A Good Deed Is Better If It Goes Unrewarded’

It’s something that warms the heart – an unsolicited, unselfish act of compassion. This is exactly what 21-year-old Jack Abrakhimov did last month.
An employee of the Fast Break food store on Queens Boulevard, Abrakhimov, who also attends the Sophie Davis School, saw that one of the regular customers was not feeling well.
“I know these customers, even though I don’t know them by name,” Abrakhimov told The Queens Courier. “She looked short of breath and looked like she would faint.”
Taking action, he escorted the customer to the back of the store, gave her a seat, monitored her and even asked if she wanted an ambulance.
Another customer, N. Kelly, who observed what was happening, wrote in a letter to The Queens Courier, “When it seemed obvious that she should be home, he steadied her and walked her home on a cold December Sunday, wearing only a sweater. When he finally returned, he humbly returned to his job.”
Unaware of what kind of impact his act of kindness had, Abrakhimov, who volunteers by visiting Holocaust survivors once a week, said, “I enjoy helping others. It’s not about the reward, it’s just for personal gratification. A good deed is better if it goes unrewarded.”
When asked about his employee and friend, Fast Break manager Emon Islam said, “He’s a very considerate guy. He’s always there for people.”
For his actions, Abrakhimov has been named Employee of the Month for January.
“Jack assumed a responsibility without being asked to do it and he showed compassion to a stranger, inspiring the staff and customers like me who witnessed his good deed,” wrote Kelly. “[This kind of] compassion … can bond a community and a nation. It showed Jack at this highest moment.”