At the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), we know that leadership is not just about titles or terms, it’s about showing up, lifting others, and making meaningful change in the lives of our communities. That’s exactly what Dr. Cheryl Fishbein has done over the past six years, as our President and then as Chair of the Board. And it’s what Dr. Bennett W. Golub, who now steps into the role of Chair, has already done so powerfully in his three years as President. Today, with deep gratitude and great excitement, we honor Cheryl’s extraordinary service and welcome Ben into this next chapter of leadership.
Cheryl’s impact on JCRC-NY can’t be captured in a single moment but she remembers many that left an imprint on her heart. From navigating the complexities of interfaith relations to reshaping our beloved Israel Day on Fifth Parade, she brought compassion, energy, and vision to every part of the work.
Reflecting on her time at the helm, Cheryl shared: “These six years have been a most wonderful, fabulous experience. I’ve loved working with our board, our staff, and our community. I learned so much about government, about coalition-building, and even about how to create a parade from scratch!” She also helped envision and build the Community Security Initiative (CSI) a program that’s grown into one of the most vital safety infrastructures protecting Jewish life across New York. “It’s bigger than all of us now,” she said. “And I feel deeply grateful to have played a small part in making it happen.”
For Cheryl, leadership was never just about boardrooms. She opened her Shabbat table to ministers, rabbis, city council members, and community partners, turning her home into a place of warmth, dialogue, and honest conversation.
“Over food, people get happy,” she laughed. “It was apolitical, off the record, just a chance to talk and be human. I learned so much through those nights. And those friendships, I’ll keep them going.” And then, there were the moments that moved the city. Cheryl recalled standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands on the Brooklyn Bridge, rallying against hate and racism. “It came together almost overnight. Jews, church leaders, elected officials all marching together. It was a moment that said: “we’re stronger together.”
Though her term as Chair has concluded, Cheryl remains woven into the fabric of JCRC-NY, and we know she’ll continue showing up with her signature warmth, wisdom, and fierce devotion to the Jewish people. As Cheryl passes the baton, we’re thrilled to welcome Ben into the role of Chair of the Board, a steady hand and a forward thinker who led JCRC-NY with clarity and courage through some of the most challenging years in recent memory.
When Ben began his presidency in 2021, none of us could have predicted the road ahead: the pandemic’s long shadow, a surge in antisemitism, campus polarization, and most heartbreakingly the trauma of October 7. But Ben met those challenges head-on, grounded in his deep belief in Jewish resilience and community power.
“In those early days after October 7, we were in shock,” Ben recalled. “But JCRC organized a massive rally within days. That moment when thousands stood together in grief and defiance showed that the Jewish community is not powerless.” Under Ben’s leadership, JCRC-NY restructured its lay and professional leadership, bringing on powerhouse CEO Mark Treyger, and refocused its mission for this complex moment. He helped deepen JCRC’s ties to New York’s mosaic of diverse communities, proudly marched at the head of three Israel Day Parades, and helped secure the first-ever Jewish identity curriculum in NYC public schools.
“I’m proud that the JCRC’s role in New York is now clearer and stronger,” he said. “We’re coordinating closely with other Jewish organizations and showing up for our students, our institutions, our partners, and for Israel.” As he steps into the Chair role, Ben is clear-eyed about what’s next: “There’s still so much to be done. Our work may grow even more challenging given the political changes ahead but I look forward to continuing to build with our incredible team. And I’m especially excited to work closely with David Moore, our new President. David brings so much heart and talent to this role, I know he’ll take JCRC-NY even higher.”
Both Cheryl and Ben have given so much of themselves to this organization, not just their time and expertise, but their hearts, their homes, and their hopes for a stronger, safer, more united Jewish community. We thank Cheryl for her years of extraordinary service, and we wish Ben strength and success as he begins this new chapter. With leaders like these, the JCRC-NY and Jewish life in New York will be well prepared for the great challenges ahead.