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Statement of the JCRC-NY on the retirement of David Pollock
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.”
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Click here for a PDF with selected highlights of David’s tenure at the JCRC.
In Memoriam: Hon. Richard Ravitch, z”l
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
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
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Statement on Hostilities in Ukraine
We Are All Brooklyn Fellowship Against Hate Initiative Launched
New York City Mayor Eric Adams Urges Building Bridges & Fighting Hate in Address to JCRC-NY Assembly
NYC Mayor Eric Adams and JCRC-NY CEO Gideon Taylor
New York, January 31, 2022 – On Monday evening, New York City Mayor Eric L. Adams gave a Leadership Briefing to the JCRC-NY Assembly during the organization’s meeting to elect a new President and Chair.
Click HERE for all press coverage.
At the briefing, Mayor Adams noted, “I am not a new friend, I’m an old friend – I’m on familiar ground whenever I visit JCRC. It’s built in your culture to show respect to all human begins – to make the city a safe place to raise children and families.
On discussing responses to the rise in antisemitism in New York City, the Mayor said, “It breaks my heart – when I look and see the increase in antisemitism in this city and how much people don’t really appreciate the beauty of our diversity and as the Mayor, we want to put in place some real tangible short-term and long-term ways of how to come together as a City. No one understands this better than JCRC. In your interfaith and intercultural activities – you intentionally reach out and ensure that people come together and collaborate – I like to say cross-pollinate our cultures and ideas.”
While commenting on the increase in hate crimes, Mayor Adams said, “We also must be clear on those who participate in hate crimes. We are going to make sure every crime is investigated and as fast as possible, make an apprehension. It is crucial to send the message that hate has no place in our city.” The Mayor continued, “I want to hit reset with my police department. We’re going to build back support for our police. A safe city from gun violence, hate crimes, a safe city from antisemitism.
The Mayor also commented on the necessity to build and strengthen relationships between diverse communities, “Anytime you have a 14 year, 15 year old draw a swastika on a building, that’s a clear indicator that we have failed by not introducing them to the cultures and rich contributions that all of our brothers and sisters of different faiths have contributed to this City, particularly the Jewish community.”
Turning to the subject of school-based anti-hate education, the Mayor noted, “We also want to look into our schools. We have a captive audience, every day with young people. We must be more intentional of having them do class projects communicating together, working in groups and seeing how we can walk through our communities and point out different locales synagogues, dress, attire, what it is to go to a Baptist Church, the Mosque, or just simply learn different foods and flavors and sounds of a community; a classroom cannot only be in the sterilized environment of four walls.”
Finally, Mayor Adams called on JCRC-NY for assistance to achieve his goals for our City: “I need your help and partnership to do so.”
“JCRC-NY is honored to have hosted Mayor Eric Adams in these early days of his taking office. The Mayor has been a longtime friend to JCRC-NY and has been engaged with JCRC-NY throughout his years of service. Many of his priorities mirror those of our organization, most especially in regard to ensuring the safety and welfare of Jewish and non-Jewish New Yorkers and their institutions. It is so appropriate that on the same day that the Mayor addressed JCRC-NY, we launched a new Partners Against The Hate Fellowship, together with the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, dedicated to building bridges across the diversity divide in our City. We look forward to deepening our relationship with the Adams Administration and identifying new initiatives to improve the quality of life for all,” said Gideon Taylor, JCRC-NY Executive Vice President and CEO.
At the Assembly Dr. Bennett W. Golub and Dr. Cheryl Fishbein were elected as JCRC-NY President and Chair respectively. Click HERE for announcement.
The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) serves as the primary community relations agency for the Jewish community in the metropolitan New York area. JCRC-NY builds relationships to advance the values, interests, and security of the Jewish community and to create a more interconnected New York for all.
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JCRC-NY Elects Dr. Bennett W. Golub President and Dr. Cheryl Fishbein Chair
January 31, 2022 – Dr. Bennett W. Golub and Dr. Cheryl Fishbein were elected as President and Chair, respectively, of the Jewish Community Relations Council of NY (JCRC-NY).
Dr. Bennett W. Golub will assume the role of President of JCRC-NY on July 1st and will serve as President-elect until that date. Much like his predecessor, Ben has shown dedication to the Jewish community over the span of his career and has been involved with JCRC-NY for over a decade. His contributions to the organization have been vital to JCRC-NY’s success, leading him to become a recipient of the JCRC-NY Continuing Legacy Award in 2010. The following year, Ben was elected to the Board of Directors and currently serves as an Observer on our Executive Committee.
Professionally, Ben is the founder of BlackRock, Inc., a member of its Global Executive Committee and co-head of its Risk and Quantitative Analysis Group. He has served as BlackRock’s Chief Risk Officer since 2009. Since the company’s inception in 1988, Ben has organized and led BlackRock’s UJA-Federation campaign. He also serves on the Investment Committee of the Claims Conference and co-authored “Kaddishel – A Life Reborn” with his father, Aharon, z’l, which details Aharon’s experiences during the Holocaust and his subsequent immigration to British Mandate Palestine in 1946.
In his personal life, Ben has been married to Cindy Golub for almost 35 years and is the proud father of Alexandra, Phillip and Jill Golub and grandfather of Tara Golub.
JCRC-NY is extremely confident in the election of Dr. Bennet Golub as President of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.
Dr. Cheryl Fishbein is the current President of JCRC-NY and will assume the role of Chair on July 1st. Cheryl has a history of exemplary leadership to the Jewish community including serving as the Past Chair of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and has served on the Executive Council of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations. She is currently active in-UJA Federation New York, serves on its Presidents’ Advisory Board, and is past chair of the Caring Department, the Missions Committee and the Trauma Task Force. Additional Jewish nonprofits that have benefited from Cheryl’s board service include: the Jewish Agency for Israel, the JCC Association, the American Jewish Committee, Jewish Funders Network, JCC of Krakow, the Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst in Brooklyn, and many more.
Outside of Jewish communal life, Cheryl is a clinical psychologist and attorney with her own private practice, as well as a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother.
JCRC-NY builds relationships within the Jewish community and with New Yorkers of all backgrounds and faiths to advance the values, interests, and security of the Jewish community and to create a more interconnected New York for all.
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NY Jewish Community Rejects Amnesty UK’s Attempt to Delegitimize Israel
Community Security Statement on Situation in Texas
Statement to the Community on the Hostage Situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas
No one should ever be afraid to assemble in their place of worship. We stand with our brothers and sisters in the Texas Jewish community as this frightening situation continues to unfold, and we pray for a swift and safe resolution. We also thank NYPD, FBI, and law enforcement throughout the state for monitoring the situation and ensuring that our synagogues and communal institutions are protected. We are grateful to our many partners in the interfaith community and elected officials – including Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams – who have conveyed their thoughts and prayers.
The following are updates from our Community Security Initiative – a joint program of JCRC-NY and UJA-Federation of New York:
1/15/22: 11:18 PM: Texas Governor Abbott has announced all hostages are alive and safe! CSI has been in direct contact with NYPD, FBI, and the Department of Justice, and there is no reason to believe that there is any local threat to synagogues here in New York. Nevertheless, we expect a heavier NYPD presence at Jewish locations around the city overnight.
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1/15/22, 6:00 PM: Colleyville Police have said that one of the hostages was released unharmed. He did not require medical attention and will be reunited with his family as soon as possible. FBI Crisis Negotiators continue contact with the subject and investigators believe three hostages are still being held inside the synagogue.
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1/15/22, 5:40 PM: CSI was made aware early this afternoon of a dynamic hostage situation involving a synagogue in Colleyville, TX, that occurred during morning Shabbat services.
https://www.star-telegram.com/
It is our understanding that there are currently as many as four individuals being held by the hostage taker who is supposedly demanding the release of an al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist, Aafia Siddiqui, currently in prison in the U.S.
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/
CSI is closely monitoring the situation and is directly in contact with the NYPD and FBI. There is a New York area link to the situation that is currently under investigation; however, we have no reason to believe that there is any clear and present danger to the greater New York area. CSI will continue to update as the situation evolves.