Jacob Zelinski, an American writer, has gone viral after sharing a story of kindness from a group of Scousers he met in New York. The 29-year-old, speaking to the ECHO from his home in the Big Apple, described how the encounter led to a lasting connection and a heartfelt gift.
A Chance Meeting in Manhattan
Zelinski was having a solo drink in Manhattan after work when he noticed a boisterous group at a nearby table. He said: "They were so boisterous, talking to the bartender, and to each other. They were laughing in a way that made me think, 'Damn what is so funny?' I haven't laughed like that in a long time. I think they noticed me noticing them so one of them just looked over and invited me into their conversation."
When he asked where they were from, they replied "Liverpool," a moment that held special significance. His late brother, Joey, had been a devoted Liverpool FC fan, and the family has since adopted the team as a way to honor his memory.
A Brother's Legacy
Joey died in a car accident in 2019 at age 23. Zelinski recalled his brother's dedication to the Reds, saying: "This boy missed exams, missed flights, couldn't remember to tie his shoes in the morning. But God forbid he would miss an 8am match."
After meeting the group, Zelinski stayed with them for a pub crawl around New York, sharing his brother's story. One member, Thomas Robinson, later asked for his address to send a gift. The package arrived this week, containing Liverpool memorabilia, including a shirt with Joey's name and birth year.
A Gesture of Gratitude
Zelinski said the gesture left him speechless: "It's this feeling of divinity of something so out of your control but so meaningful to your life. When someone does something so thoughtful and kind for you, you're pretty much brought to your knees in gratitude."
He added: "I've lived with my grief for longer. It's been almost eight years. It maybe would have made me cry five years ago, but it feels like my brother is with me in a moment like that. And it reminds me that he's with me, which I think is why it makes me laugh instead of cry."
The video of him opening the hamper has been viewed over 200,000 times on Instagram. Zelinski said the sense of belonging he feels from the city is special, encapsulating the meaning of "You'll Never Walk Alone." He said: "What's more emotionally profound than singing that song with your arms around your friends. It's so powerful. Life can be such a b***h. But life can also be something like this where I woke up yesterday to 500 new friends in the UK telling me I belong, which is really all anyone wants."
A Lasting Connection
This is not the first time Zelinski has experienced Liverpool's community spirit. After Joey's death, the family was invited to Fenway Park in 2019, where they met players and former manager Jurgen Klopp. Zelinski recalled: "I remember Klopp was last and he lingered with us for a moment to actually talk to us. He asked how he passed and how he was a fan. He thanked us for being there and gave us a hug."
Zelinski is now planning a visit to Merseyside to pay tribute to Joey, whose photo is on a memorial wall at Anfield. He said: "It's so special and it makes me feel like I need to get a flight to Liverpool. I don't have plans, but in the past few days it has become quite evident I should make plans."
