Hundreds of Jewish community activists and elected officials gathered in Lower Manhattan for a Jewish Heritage Month celebration hosted by NYC Comptroller Mark Levine. Full Story, Photos, Video
By COLlive reporter
Hundreds of Jewish community leaders, elected officials, and activists gathered in Lower Manhattan for New York City’s annual Jewish Heritage Month celebration hosted by NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, together with the Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the UJA Federation of NY and the JCRC.
The event highlighted the contributions of Jewish New Yorkers to the city’s history, culture, philanthropy, education, healthcare, and civic life. Community leaders from across the five boroughs joined the celebration, which recognized individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on New York City.
Comptroller Levine, a proud Jew, opened his speech with remarks in Hebrew. He was also seen donning Tefillin with Crown Heights attendee Chanina Sperlin. Also in attendance from Crown Heights was Devorah Halberstam, Honorary NYPD Commissioner of Community Safety and Chair of the Board of Commissioners to Combat Antisemitism, Yaacov Behrman, Head of the Jewish Future Alliance, Shmuly Rosenstein, CHJCC Chairman, and Uri Fraenkel, Director of Special Projects at the Office of The Mayor.
During his speech, Levine acknowledged the challenges facing the Jewish community amid rising antisemitism.
“This is a very, very challenging moment for our community,” Levine said. “It feels like you cannot look at social media without seeing us being disparaged in the most hateful terms. We feel this in the real world too. It is not uncommon for people wearing identifiable Jewish garb to be yelled at or cursed at. This is happening, and worse.”
Levine noted the deep roots and enduring contributions of Jewish New Yorkers throughout the city’s history.
“New York would not be the city we are today if not for the Jewish community,” he said. “Beginning with the arrival of 23 Sephardic Jews who came here in 1654, we have been part of every era, every major event, and every major movement in this city. Jewish New Yorkers have not just been present — we have led. We have helped build this city in a way that cannot be erased.”
He pointed to the community’s longstanding commitment to public service, philanthropy, and partnerships across New York’s diverse population.
“If you look at the hospitals, libraries, schools, and nonprofits across this city, you see the impact of Jewish New Yorkers,” Levine said. “We have served not only the Jewish community, but every New Yorker. We have cherished our partnerships with the African American community, the Latino community, the Asian community, immigrants, and people of every faith. That is who we are as New Yorkers and as Jews.”
Concluding his remarks, Levine delivered a message of confidence and resilience.
“We are not leaving. We are not going away. We are not abandoning the city that we helped build,” he declared. “We have been here for 400 years, and we’re going to be here for 400 more.”
Comptroller Levine remarks:
