JCRC Board 2024-2025
Subscribe to our mailing lists   

Posts classified under: Headlines

  Home Jewish Community Relations Council  /  Headlines

U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Honored with Inaugural Shamash Award

December 22, 2024

December 20, 2024 – We had the honor of recognizing U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries with JCRC-NY’s inaugural Shamash Award – a meaningful tribute to his unwavering leadership and dedication to the Jewish community and all New Yorkers.

During Hanukkah, the shamash candle serves a unique role – it lights all the other candles on the menorah, spreading its flame to create warmth and illumination for all. Leader Jeffries embodies the spirit of the shamash, consistently standing as a source of strength, guidance, and light for those he serves. His leadership has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change.

In response to rising antisemitic attacks across the state, Leader Jeffries helped launch the Breaking Bread, Building Bonds initiative to better educate children of all backgrounds on Jewish identity and history, one of JCRC-NY’s main goals. Following the October 7th tragedy in Israel, Leader Jeffries also helped secure over $14 billion in aid to Israel to support the safe return of the remaining hostages, among numerous examples of his commitment to solidarity.

We are deeply grateful to Leader Jeffries for sharing his inspiring words live from Washington, DC and to Frieda Menos, his Director of Constituent Services for accepting the award on his behalf.  We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sephardic Community Center in Brooklyn for graciously hosting this special event. We also thank our community partners along with our Chair of the Board Cheryl Fishbein, Vice President Sandy Antignas, and Board Members Jennifer Falk, Karen Spar Kasner, and David Moore who came out to support this meaningful celebration.

As we kindle the lights of Hanukkah, let us continue to honor those who dedicate themselves to brightening the world around them. Mazel tov to Leader Jeffries on this well-deserved recognition! 🕯️✨

#ShamashAward #Hanukkah #Leadership #Community

News Coverage:

Sponsors:

Charter Communications

Brown & Weinraub

Kasirer

Mercury

Ryback Development

Partners:

UJA-Federation of New York

Sephardic Community Center

JASA

Jewish Community Council of Canarsie

Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island

Kings Bay Y

PJ Library

Shorefront YM-YWHA of Brighton – Manhattan Beach, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Early Celebration of Hanukkah at Jewish Bakeries in Brooklyn

December 22, 2024

December 18, 2024 – 🎉🍩 Donut underestimate how sweet our day was in Brooklyn the week before Hanukkah! We teamed up with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso to explore the borough’s iconic Jewish bakeries and savor sufganiyot (jelly donuts) 🕎—and we even got to learn how to make them! 🍴👩‍🍳

Brooklyn’s vibrant Jewish community is a cornerstone of its rich culture, and we’re proud to highlight it not just during challenging times but in moments of joy too.

✨ Huge thanks to Strauss Bakery, Taam Eden Bakery, and Sesame Bakery for the warm welcome and a behind-the-scenes look at the donut magic!

Special shoutout to NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor and CSI Brooklyn Regional Director Adam Berish for joining us on this delicious journey. Extra gratitude to Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso for his support of the Jewish community and spending the day with us.

Wishing everyone a bright and beautiful Hanukkah 🕯️✨. Let’s keep lifting up Jewish life and small businesses every chance we get! #HappyHanukkah #SweetCelebrations #BrooklynPride

News Coverage:

BK Reader

BoroPark 24

Bridges-NY Fellowship Graduation

December 16, 2024

December 12, 2024 – We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the graduation of the 16 rising leaders from our Bridges-NY Fellowship! Over the past year, these talented individuals have worked hard to prepare for leadership roles in New York City’s diverse communities. The fellowship’s goal is to equip the next generation of change-makers with the skills, knowledge, and relationships needed to foster a more inclusive, shared society.

Throughout the year, our fellows built strong connections with one another, honed their leadership abilities, and gained invaluable insights from mentors and experts in various fields. Their passion, dedication, and inspiring stories have shown us all the power of collaboration and the impact that thoughtful, committed individuals can have on their communities.

We wish them all the best of luck on their continued journeys, and we’ll be here to support and cheer them on in any way we can! A special thank you to Gregg Bishop, Executive Director of the Social Justice Fund at the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation, for delivering a powerful keynote speech. We are also grateful to The Jewish Museum, for hosting this beautiful event, and to our proud partners UJA-Federation of New York and Bloomberg Philanthropies, whose support makes this fellowship possible. Together, we’re building a brighter future for New York City and beyond!
#BridgesNY #NextGenLeaders #CommunityImpact #FutureChangeMakers

For more information about Bridge-NY, please click HERE.

 

NYC Council Hosts an Early Celebration of Hanukkah

December 11, 2024

December 10, 2024 – The early celebration of Hanukkah hosted by the New York City Council and cosponsored by JCRC-NY was a truly inspiring and uplifting event. Hearing our city’s leaders reflect on Hanukkah’s timeless message of choosing light over darkness was a powerful reminder of resilience and hope, especially during difficult times. 🕎✨

At JCRC-NY, we are deeply committed to deepening understanding and celebrating Jewish identity in New York.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the NYC Council Jewish Caucus, in particular Council Member Eric Dinowitz, for hosting this meaningful celebration. Congratulations to Charlie Tebele and comedian Modi Rosenfeld for their well-deserved awards, and a special thank you to the talented students of the SAR Academy Choir for their beautiful performance.

Together, let us continue to spread light and hope in our communities. 💛 #Hanukkah #LightOverDarkness #NYCCommunity

In Memory of Omer Neutra, z”l

December 03, 2024

December 2, 2024 – Our hearts are shattered to learn that American Omer Neutra, z”l, was murdered on Oct 7, 2023. 120 days later, at our 2024 Congressional Breakfast, his parents spoke about their beloved son who deferred college to serve in the IDF. We demand Hamas return his body. May his memory be a blessing.

To view Orna and Ronen Neutra’s remarks from our Congressional Breakfast on February 4, 2024, click HERE. Time stamp: 15:18
______
Statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum:

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum bows its head in mourning for the loss of American-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra, of blessed memory. We stand in solidarity with the Neutra family and share in their profound grief.

Omer Neutra (21) was born and raised in the United States and chose to immigrate to Israel as a lone soldier, enlisting in the Armored Corps after completing a preparatory year with the Tzabar Garin program. Omer loved sports, playing soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and served as the captain of his school’s sports teams. Family and friends described him as a warm, optimistic, and caring individual who “lights up the room the moment he enters.”

Omer was abducted on October 7th along with his tank crew: Nimrod Cohen, Shaked Dahan (of blessed memory), and Oz Daniel (of blessed memory).

This morning, his family was informed of his death on October 7th. Omer is survived by his parents, Ronen and Orna, and his brother, Daniel. Omer’s body is still being held captive by Hamas.

1 2 3 4 5 … 44