Jewish Community Relations Council of New York Names Mark Treyger as New Chief Executive Officer

January 24, 2024

Jewish Community Relations Council of New York
Names Mark Treyger as New Chief Executive Officer

Media Contact:
Tzipporah Shapiro shapirotz@jcrcny.org

NEW YORK, NY – January 24, 2024 – Today, the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) announced the appointment of Mark Treyger as Chief Executive Officer. During this critical time for the Jewish community, Treyger will step up to lead New York’s most prominent Jewish community relations and advocacy organization and  continue the important work of building relationships to advance the Jewish community’s values, interests, and security and create a more interconnected New York for all.

In August 2023, a Search Committee comprised of JCRC-NY Board members and other important stakeholders was formed to research, review, and select their top candidate for the CEO role.  Following an expansive search, the Committee presented its recommendation to the JCRC-NY Executive Committee, which unanimously approved the appointment of Mark Treyger as JCRC-NY’s CEO, effective March 4, 2024.

A first-generation New Yorker, Treyger brings wide knowledge and experience to the role. He served as a Council Member for the 47th District of New York from 2014 to 2021 before Mayor Adams appointed him as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for NYC Public Schools in 2022. In 2016, Treyger was elected as the Democratic District Leader/State Committeeman in the 46th Assembly District, and selected to serve as the chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Education in 2018. Previously, Treyger spent eight years teaching at New Utrecht High School, taking an active  role in the United Federation of Teachers.

“I am thrilled to have the extraordinary opportunity to serve as the next CEO of JCRC-NY,” said Treyger. “As a grandson of Holocaust survivors and World War II veterans, a son of immigrants  from the former Soviet Union, a former public school teacher, and a former NYC Council Member and public servant, I am honored to work alongside incredible JCRC-NY colleagues and partners  to move forward the work of this revered organization. Together, we will be at the forefront of grassroots coalition-building to ensure that Jewish identity is embraced while advancing shared goals of a more safe, inclusive, and connected New York for all New Yorkers.”

“I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Mark as he assumes the role of CEO of the JCRC-NY,” said Ben Golub, President, JCRC-NY. “Mark’s proven track record of successfully  working with people of diverse backgrounds as a member of the City Council will be invaluable as the JCRC-NY reaches out across New York’s myriad of communities. Raised in Brooklyn from an  immigrant family, he is able to relate to the challenges being faced today by new New Yorkers. His passion, training, and experience as an educator will allow the JCRC-NY to better help address  many of the challenges in our schools.”

“UJA-Federation has long-partnered with JCRC-NY on advocacy and cross-community efforts that are vital to strengthening and safeguarding our city,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York. “Now, at a time of sharply rising antisemitism and hate across our schools and on our shared streets, the work of JCRC-NY is even more important. Mark’s dedication to  the values and mission of JCRC-NY has been evident throughout his career in public service, and we look forward to the vital contribution he will make to our community in this new role.”

“We are delighted to welcome Mark Treyger to JCRC-NY,” said Cheryl Fishbein, Chair of the Board, JCRC-NY. “He brings wonderful qualities to the position and is uniquely prepared to bring us to greater  heights. Mark will grow our community relations work to meet the challenges we face today and in the future.”

“Mark’s passion, experience, and depth of community and governmental  relationships across New York uniquely positions him to lead JCRC-NY at this critical time,” said Sanford Antignas, Vice President, JCRC-NY, and Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “He is the right leader at the right time to represent the New York Jewish Community as a convener, coalition builder, and advocate to face the challenges that the Jewish and broader community faces.”

“As a member of the NYC Council and subsequently as a senior leader in the NYC Dept. of Education, Mark Treyger has been a consistent and reliable advocate for the needs of the Jewish  community and the State of Israel,” said Noam Gilboord, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Community Relations Officer, JCRC-NY. “I look forward to working closely with him in his new role  as CEO and building bridges together to ensure that our community’s security, interests, and values are of the highest priorities among the political, faith-based, and community leadership of New York.”

“New York is proud to be the home of more Jews than anywhere outside the State of Israel. I’ve worked closely with the Jewish Community Relations Council during my time in public service and  look forward to continuing those efforts with Mark Treyger in this new role. We’ll continue fighting side-by-side to end antisemitism and support Jewish communities across the State of New  York,” said New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.

“Mark Treyger is a dedicated public servant, crisis-tested leader and outstanding choice to serve as CEO of JCRC-NY. Mark has been one of the strongest voices fighting against antisemitism and  supporting the safety and security of Jewish communities in Brooklyn, New York State and around the country,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “I congratulate my good friend on his appointment and look forward to partnering with him and the JCRC as they continue their important work.”

“Mark Treyger is a great friend who I have been honored to work with and I applaud his appointment as CEO of JCRC-NY,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng. “He is an exceptional and talented leader  who has stood up against antisemitism as well as hate and bigotry directed toward other communities. He will do an outstanding job as head of JCRC-NY, and he’ll continue working tirelessly on  behalf of the Jewish community and building bridges with other communities throughout our region. I am proud to congratulate Mark, and I’m excited to work with him in his new role.”

“Mark Treyger is one of the finest public servants I know,” said U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres. “As colleagues in the NYC Council, Mark and I have long stood together on the frontlines of fighting  antisemitism and fighting for Israel’s right to not only exist but also defend itself as a Jewish State. Mark is a fearless fighter for the causes he believes in—Jewish communal life and New York are  foremost among them. JCRC-NY has been life-changing for elected officials like myself, and it will become even more so under the leadership of its new CEO. If I were asked to name a single  person I consider a brother in public service, it would be Mark Treyger, whose integrity and decency are second to none.”

“Throughout his entire career, Mark Treyger has been a dedicated public servant and has always prioritized the needs of our communities,” said New York State Attorney General Letitia James. “It is  more important than ever that we have strong and active Jewish organizations in New York, and no one is better suited to lead JCRC than Mark Treyger. I look forward to continuing our  longstanding partnership with JCRC, its new CEO, and all our Jewish communities for years to come.”

“Mark has been a friend for over a decade, but, more importantly, he’s been an incredible asset to this city and New Yorkers as a former educator, former city council member, and, most recently,  as senior education advisor to Chancellor Banks and the City Hall team,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Mark’s integrity, passion for service, and uncanny ability to bring people together  to solve common challenges are exactly what is needed in this moment. Congratulations to JCRC-NY for appointing a highly respected and trusted voice who will not only effectively represent the  interests of New York’s vibrant Jewish community, but is a proven coalition builder who will help advance our shared goals of a more safe, inclusive, and connected city for all New Yorkers.”

“I congratulate my former City Council colleague and dear friend Mark Treyger on his new role as CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams.  “Mark is an outstanding leader, dedicated public servant, and passionate advocate who has fought and delivered for all New Yorkers. His appointment to lead JCRC-NY comes at an important  time for our city, and I look forward to working closely with him to advance a safer, healthier, and more connected New York.”

“From his time as an educator to serving as City Council Education Chair to his leadership of our NYC Public Schools intergovernmental affairs team, Mark’s many years of service reflect his  commitment to our city and our children,” said David C. Banks, Chancellor of New York City Public Schools. “Mark has been at my side as a trusted education advisor and friend. He has listened  and responded to the needs of our school communities to build a more safe, inclusive, and supportive school system for students, staff, and families. I have tremendous respect for JCRC-NY and  look forward to continuing to work with Mark to advance shared goals of inclusivity and bridge building across our city.”

“I am thrilled that Mark Treyger is taking the lead at JCRC,” said New York City Council Member and Chair of the Jewish Caucus Eric Dinowitz. “Mark is the perfect choice to lead JCRC, especially during this particularly challenging time. I had the honor of serving with Mark in the NYC Council and the pleasure of collaborating with him during his time at NYC Public Schools, and I know  firsthand his unwavering commitment to our shared values and his collaborative ability to make positive change here in our city. I look forward to working with him toward a more interconnected  New York.”

 

ABOUT JCRC-NY

JCRC-NY, a UJA-Federation of NY agency, serves as the primary community relations agency for the Jewish community in the metropolitan New York area. As an active force in New York civic  and communal life, JCRC-NY operates as a central coordinating and resource body to: (1) Be a common table to create understanding and joint action amongst diverse groups within the Jewish  community; (2) Cultivate deeper relationships with the broader New York community to address critical issues and engender a shared society; (3) Ensure the security of the Jewish community in  the face of rising antisemitism; and (4) Foster knowledge about and appreciation for the Jewish community’s relationship with Israel, and to increase knowledge, exposure, and support for Israel  among diverse groups of New Yorkers.

# # #

(Click here to to view this as a .pdf file.)

Action Alert: Buyout at Morton Williams Supermarkets

November 22, 2023

JCRC-NY calls upon New Yorkers to support Morton Williams Supermarkets!

Recently the Jewish owned supermarket chain, Morton Williams, has been targeted with anti-Israel, antisemitic boycotts and destruction of property at the Columbia University location.

The chain, a community staple, has been named to the Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace BDS list, resulting in two Columbia students entering the store at 2941 Broadway, defacing Israeli products and verbally assaulting the store employees. Read more about the attack here.

Co-owner Avi Kaner stated “You have a right to your opinion. You don’t have a right to deface private property. These actions are blatantly antisemitic. They have to be called out.”

We urge you to join us in BUYING OUT the Israeli product section and doing all of your Thanksgiving shopping at Morton Williams Supermarkets! Show your appreciation for Morton Williams and their continued support for Israel and the Jewish community!

Morton Williams store locator

Morton Williams social media

Morton Williams online store

 

Shabbat Message from Interim CEO Noam Gilboord on Israel-Hamas War

November 17, 2023

I don’t want my home to be Ground Zero

I haven’t slept much since waking up on October 7th.  On that day, the greatest fears of the global Jewish community were realized as Hamas terrorized, slaughtered, raped, and kidnapped civilians in their communities. They indiscriminately butchered Jews, Muslims, and Christians, and so many others regardless of religion or nationality.  The vulnerability of the State of Israel had been exposed.  Who would stand with us in our moment of need?

Together with our partners at UJA-Federation, JCRC-NY got to work mobilizing support for Israel and the Jewish community.  We organized three major rallies for tens of thousands of New Yorkers, and Jews and non-Jews alike showed up and spoke out in support of Israel.  We solicited support from elected officials and diverse community leaders and received an outpouring of expressions of sympathy and calls for the immediate release of the hostages.  We coordinated meetings between these leaders and families of hostages, who shared their pain and pleaded for help bringing their loved ones home.  We liaised with law enforcement to make sure our communities and institutions were secure so that we could pray and convene in peace.  We spoke at press conferences in every borough and supported the elected officials who stood proudly and continue to stand firmly with Israel.  And earlier today, we returned from two concurrent solidarity missions to Israel in which 26 leading elected officials and faith leaders joined us to offer comfort to the survivors, the families of victims, and bear witness to the cruelty and evil inflicted by Hamas.

Back in New York, I remain troubled by public calls to “Globalize the Intifada,” “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” and “there is only one solution, Intifada revolution.”  Make no mistake, whatever verbal gymnastics some folks use to justify these slogans as calls for human rights, they cause fear within the Jewish community and violence against us.  It’s no surprise that in the wake of October 7th, anti-Jewish incidents have increased 214%.  It hurts to feel unwelcome in your own home.

Last Monday, at a rally that JCRC-NY produced with UJA-Federation, I stood on stage in front of a crowd of over 10,000 people sharing some of my deepest convictions – ones that are shared by Israelis across the political spectrum. “Hamas and its supporters do not seek peace. They actively call for more violence by any means necessary! Let me be clear: Murderers are not liberators. You do not kidnap innocents for human rights. And there is no such thing as beheading babies in the name of social justice!”

Like all forms of hate, anti-Jewish hate has consequences that extend beyond its immediate victims. Each incident, whether overt or subtle, contributes to an environment where people feel marginalized, unsafe, and excluded.  Beyond the visible scars, those feelings ripple through entire communities ultimately turning into another generational trauma that we will carry forward with us.

Yesterday, I met a woman from Netiv Ha’Asara, an Israeli town just outside of Gaza, who survived the Hamas attacks on October 7th and was evacuated from her home along with the other survivors to a hotel in Central Israel, away from the fighting.  She cried saying, “I don’t want my home to be Ground Zero.” While we live thousands of miles away in New York, I feel the exact same way. We cannot allow our streets to become centers of hate.  We cannot allow our communities to devolve into violence and intimidation.  JCRC-NY’s constant work to build bridges between communities and foster shared society is the antidote to this disease.

We have spoken loudly in support of Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas and bring the hostages home, and we will continue to do so.  We remain in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel and their right to live in safety and security.  We are thankful to all the elected officials and community leaders who have stood with us at this time.  Your support for the global Jewish community is deeply meaningful, and now it’s more important than ever.

Shabbat Shalom,

Noam Gilboord
Interim CEO, JCRC-NY

Noam Gilboord Appointed as Interim CEO

August 07, 2023

Statement of the JCRC-NY on the retirement of David Pollock

June 29, 2023

Click here for PDF, including highlights

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) announced the retirement of David M. Pollock, who served as Associate Executive Director, Director of Public Policy and Security and the founding Chair of the Community Security Initiative.

JCRC-NY’s CEO Emeritus, Rabbi Michael S. Miller, summarized David’s career, noting: “David Pollock has served as a professional at JCRC-NY for nearly its entire history and has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the organization. The scope of his contributions over the past 40+ years is virtually impossible to recount. Among his more well-known efforts over the decades was his one-man security operation in ensuring the security of New York’s Jewish community, its Torah scrolls and its several thousand institutions, which has directly led to the recent establishment of the Community Security Initiative (CSI). However, much less is known about David’s intense involvement as our government relations/public policy director, including his unparalleled oversight of the redistricting process, charter revision, legal issues, among many other esoteric matters impacting on Jewish communal life in New York. David is also a highly talented writer, whether for monographs, statements, legislative testimony, press releases and more, infrequently getting credit for his authorship.”

Rabbi Miller continued, “JCRC-NY was blessed to have had David Pollock, always on-call, as a steadfast senior member of its professional team. It was the New York Jewish community, in particular, as well as New Yorkers of all faiths and ethnicities, who benefitted from his outstanding service and self-sacrifice.”

Marking David’s retirement, JCRC-NY Chair, Cheryl Fishbein said, “I have had the honor and privilege to work with David as a JCRC lay leader for over 20 years. His wisdom and brilliance have contributed immeasurably to the success of this organization. He has become a dear friend and a fount of knowledge for me and my family. I know that I could reach out to him to gauge the level of safety for our Jewish community during challenging times and to help me understand the ins and outs of our most recent election. On a lighter note, David knows where one can find the best tasting shmura matzoh in NYC!”

JCRC President Bennett W. Golub said: “David has been one of the foundation stones of the JCRC and, by extension, it is not an exaggeration to say, of the entire New York Jewish community.  Working often in the background, his experience and expertise has been essential to many communal initiatives.  We are fortunate that David will continue work as an advisor to the Community Security Initiative, whose existence is in no small part due to David’s vision.  He will forever have a home and friends at the JCRC.”

David began his career at the JCRC in 1980 as a Columbia Social Work intern. As the school year ended, JCRC Executive Director, Malcolm Hoenlein, remarked, “We can’t let you leave.” Little did David know that those words connoted a “life sentence”.

At the JCRC-NY for the majority of his adult life, David deeply understands the Jewish communities of New York, their needs, and the issues important to them. He has been a visionary and planner and a doer, providing vital services to fill glaring gaps.

David will continue to make his contributions to New York’s Jewish communities as a Senior Advisor to the Community Security Initiative. He noted, “I am both humbled and grateful that for over four decades, the JCRC-NY gave me an opportunity to serve the Jewish communities of New York, and all New Yorkers, while making a meaningful impact on those who were directly touched, and beyond.”

David’s varied contributions to JCRC initiatives spanned community building, government relations and policy, intergroup relations, meeting unmet needs, strategic planning, and of course, security. “Given the current level of threats faced by the Jewish community, it is fitting that the creation of the Community Security Initiative will prove to be the capstone of my JCRC-NY service.” David continued, “I am fortunate to be considered a trusted advisor to so many political, governmental, civic and community leaders. In that way, I could help make New York a better place for all. Throughout my career at the JCRC-NY, I’ve been blessed to work with, and be guided by, two of the world’s most talented Jewish professionals: Malcolm Hoenlein (1980-1985) and Michael S. Miller (1985-2020), a stellar cadre of JCRC Presidents and wonderful colleagues. Moreover, it has been an honor to work with JCRC’s leadership, featuring so many of the key leaders of New York City and New York State, from our founding President onward. Those who served as public policy chairs are stellar leaders. All taught me and demanded the best from me. I am deeply grateful to them for the experience of a lifetime.”

“Most especially, I want to thank Sharry and Tzvi,” David concluded, “they knew that they had to share me with the work that I loved, and they shared my commitment to the well-being of the Jewish community. Any of my accomplishments are due to their patience, forbearing and support.”

###

Click here for a PDF with selected highlights of David’s tenure at the JCRC.

In Memoriam: Hon. Richard Ravitch, z”l

June 26, 2023

We mourn the passing of Hon. Richard (Dick) Ravitch, z”l, our beloved and esteemed Founding President, former NYS Lt. Governor, and past MTA Chairman.

Dick was an inspirational leader who dedicated his life to public service and the City and State of New York. It was our privilege to present him with our Founders Award at our 2022 Virtual Winter Benefit and produce a tribute video highlighting his extraordinary life.

Dick brought the massive skillset gleaned from his roles in saving New York City from bankruptcy and rescuing the mass transit system and took on the seemingly impossible job of bringing together the diverse Jewish communities of New York. Over close to half a century, he was always available with sage counsel and friendship, and we will miss his wisdom and guidance.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Kathleen M. Doyle, children and grandchildren. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Speaker Adams’ First Address to the NY Jewish Community at JCRC-NY’s Annual Meeting

June 22, 2022

New York City, NY – On Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 New York City Council Speaker, Hon. Adrienne E. Adams gave the keynote address at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York’s (JCRC-NY) Annual Meeting. The JCRC-NY Annual Meeting is a forum for the organization’s Board of Directors and the representatives of its 50+ member organizations to cast their votes for the new Board of Directors for the upcoming year. Over the past year, JCRC-NY has hosted addresses to the Jewish community by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams.

Speaker Adams’ first public address to the New York Jewish Community is a welcome opportunity to speak with our leadership on a wide array of issues and concerns, including the rise in antisemitic incidents and gun violence in our communities.

Speaker Adams declared that “Antisemitic violence is the most prevalent form of hate in our city.”

“It is reprehensible, vile, and must come to an end because an attack on our Jewish community is an attack on all of us.” the Speaker continued. “It is only with your partnership and support that we can build the city that we know is within our grasp, one that is equitable, strong, and free from violence.”

“We deeply appreciate Speaker Adams’ support for the Jewish community and pledge to work with her to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said Gideon Taylor, JCRC-NY Executive Vice President and CEO.

“We are honored that Speaker Adams chose JCRC-NY to make her first address to the Jewish community,” said Cheryl Fishbein, JCRC-NY President. “JCRC-NY will continue to partner with Speaker Adams to effectively convey the concerns of our diverse Jewish community to the government of New York City.”

Click the link below to view Speaker Adams’ address:

YouTube

UJA_ProudPartner_lock-up_PMS (cropped) (150 dpi)