The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York is thrilled to welcome David L. Moore as our new President. David steps into this role with deep roots in Jewish communal life, a proven track record of leadership, and a passion for bringing people together across backgrounds, beliefs, and boroughs. His arrival comes at a pivotal time, not only for JCRC-NY, but for Jewish New Yorkers navigating a moment of heightened visibility, vulnerability, and opportunity. For David, this isn’t just a title. It’s a calling.

“It’s an honor to be stepping into this role at such a crucial time for our community,” he shared. “I’m especially looking forward to working with the wide range of community, political, and religious leaders who make this city so vibrant—while also proudly lifting up the role the Jewish community has always played in solving problems and making a difference for all New Yorkers.”

David brings with him decades of experience from his leadership at UJA-Federation, the Jewish Board, City Parks Foundation, and Central Synagogue. He’s also a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and educator and, yes, even a stand-up comic. His career has spanned business, philanthropy, and storytelling, but the common thread has always been connection.

At JCRC-NY, he’s eager to build on that foundation. He’s especially passionate about programs that reflect both our historic mission and our forward-looking vision – initiatives like our Center for Shared Society, new K–12 education efforts, CSI’s continued expansion, and nonpartisan “get out the vote” partnerships ahead of this critical November election.

“With our 50th anniversary coming up in 2026,” David said, “I’m excited to raise JCRC’s public profile, grow our signature events like Israel Day on Fifth (Israel Day Parade) and our annual gala, and strengthen our outreach to elected officials so they truly understand the contributions and the concerns of the Jewish community.”

Asked how he approaches challenges as a leader, David’s answer is as thoughtful as it is grounded: “It all starts with listening and learning. Even after years in leadership, I’m still learning every day, through conversation, collaboration, and staying rooted in my Jewish values: tikun olam, fairness, opportunity, and treating others with dignity.” Whether in a boardroom, on a stage, or in a synagogue pew, David leads with humility, curiosity, and joy. He believes in doing the work with people not just for them, and in helping others rise alongside him.

As David begins this new chapter, we also want to briefly acknowledge the dedicated leadership that brought us to this moment. Both Dr. Cheryl Fishbein and Dr. Bennett Golub have guided JCRC-NY through pivotal years, Cheryl as a deeply engaged and visionary Chair, and Ben as a steady, strategic President now stepping into the Chair role. Their contributions have helped lay a strong foundation for what’s next. With David at the helm, we’re excited to keep building toward deeper relationships, greater impact, and a Jewish community that continues to lead with purpose, empathy, and strength. Welcome, and thank you. We’re so excited for what’s ahead.

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.

November 6, 2024 – JCRC-NY congratulates former President Donald J. Trump on his election returning him to the presidency and Senator J.D. Vance on his election to the vice presidency. As with every presidential transition, this marks an important juncture for our nation to recommit to our shared values. Though our nation is divided at this moment, our work building bridges between communities remains ever more essential. JCRC-NY remains committed to working with all partners – across political, religious, and ethnic lines – to build a more secure and harmonious future for all Americans.

The challenges facing our nation and our community require unity, mutual understanding, and shared purpose. The American people must be respectful of our differences as we move toward healing our society in this post-election climate. We look forward to constructively engaging with all our elected officials on issues critical to our community, including strengthening security for religious institutions, advancing quality of life, and maintaining America’s unwavering support for Israel’s security.

10/31/24 – The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York strongly condemns the hateful and derogatory statements made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe during a recent political rally in New York City. Among these, the remarks aimed at the Puerto Rican community were particularly appalling. For many years, the Jewish community in New York has fostered a deep connection with the Puerto Rican community, working together to build a more inclusive and equitable society. To refer to Puerto Rico—a homeland for countless New Yorkers and American citizens—as “garbage” is not only disrespectful but also dehumanizing to those we consider our valued partners.

As we approach Election Day, JCRC-NY once again urges all public officials and candidates to refrain from inserting hateful and divisive rhetoric into our political discourse and communal conversations, including labeling political opponents Nazis.  In this climate of toxic polarity, our next President – together  with all Americans – must work to unite diverse communities and promote a culture of respect, understanding, and inclusion.