Leiby Kletzky's Father Speaks Out About Son, Memorial Fund

NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- Leiby Kletzky's father Nachman is leading a shattered family and making sure his murdered son's legacy is to inspire the best in people.

Rabbi Nachman Kletzky appeared on WMCA radio Saturday night making his first public comments since his 8-year-old son's funeral. He expressed gratitude for the support his family has received since Leiby's killing.

"If you want to help Lieby to help also help others," he said.

The goal is to raise at least $1 million to help families in crisis, victims of violence and other hardships.

"A lot of people could use it for a lot of medical stuff," he explained on the radio.

Rabbi Kletzky is channeling grief over his son's abduction and murder into action on funds and new programs to keep kids safe, including government-sponsored I.D. cards for children, to have accurate identifying information on file for parents and law enforcement.

"It allows them to get a leg up on conducting a thorough investigation," said Senator Eric Brown.

There's also a citywide safe haven program to pre-approve, with background checks, trusted community members. Their businesses and homes would be marked with signs to let children know it's okay to go there if lost, followed or bullied.

"So they won't have to ask a stranger on the street," said resident Susan Hirschel of Borough Park.

As these measures move forward, people from all over the world are clicking on LeibyKletzkyMemorialFund.com and helping.

Rabbi Kletzky said any good deed done in Leiby's name is the very best way to honor his boy.

"Whoever knew him as a kid, he always had in mind everybody else, so I'm doing it just for him. And this is the right place to go," he said.

For more information about the memorial fund, click here. Rabbi Kletzky says his goal is to raise at least $1 million.

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