Speaker of the New York City Council, Julie Menin, visited the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC), 770 and the Jewish Children’s Museum, hearing from community leaders about the evolving needs of the community and the increasing demand for services. Full Story, Photos
By COLlive reporter
Photos: Levik Crombie/COLlive
Speaker of the New York City Council, Julie Menin, visited the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC) to gain a firsthand understanding of the evolving needs of the community and the increasing demand for services on the ground.
She was joined by Council Member Crystal Hudson and Council Member Darlene Mealy, reflecting a strong commitment from City leadership to engage directly with and support community-based organizations.
The visit began with a comprehensive tour of CHJCC’s operations, offering an inside look at the wide range of services provided, including social services, benefits navigation, workforce development, senior services, and community advocacy. The delegation observed firsthand the growing volume and complexity of cases, and the vital role CHJCC plays as a central support system for the community.
Following the tour, a roundtable discussion was held with members of the CHJCC Board and leadership. The meeting was arranged by Rabbi Chanina Sperlin to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Also present was Rabbi Shimon Herz from the Shalom Center for Seniors.
During the discussion, Rabbi Mendel Marasow, CEO of CHJCC, presented a clear overview of the organization’s current status and the increasing demands facing its programs. He emphasized the need to recalibrate services, increase funding, and strengthen partnerships in order to effectively meet the growing needs of Crown Heights residents.
Speaker Menin noted that this visit was the first of many, emphasizing her commitment to being present and engaged within the Crown Heights community. She spoke about the importance of understanding the realities on the ground and working closely with local organizations to support residents—particularly as the community continues to expand both physically and demographically.
She also spoke passionately about the rise in antisemitism and the importance of standing together to confront it, calling for unity between community leadership and government.
Shmuly Rosenstein, Acting Chairman of CHJCC, added a meaningful reflection, noting that just as Queen Esther found herself in the right place at the right time to help her people, so too Speaker Menin is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact in this moment.
Rabbi Mendel Marasow concluded, “CHJCC stands at the center of a growing and dynamic community. As the needs around us continue to evolve, our ability to respond depends on strong partnerships, shared responsibility, and a commitment from all stakeholders to step forward. Together, we can ensure that no resident is left without support and that our community continues to grow stronger.”
The visit marked an important step in deepening the relationship between CHJCC and New York City leadership, with a shared commitment to building a stronger, more responsive network of support for the Crown Heights community. A special thank you to Shimmy from Albany Bakery for the delicious spread—it added a wonderful touch and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The Speaker then visited Chabad Headquarters – 770, where she was welcomed by Chabad PR liaison Rabbi Yaacov Behrman. She was accompanied by Council Member Darlene Mealy, her senior advisor Pesach Osina, Shomrim coordinators Rabbis Mendy and Gadi Hershkop, and community leaders Rabbi Chanina Sperlin and Devorah Halberstam.
During her visit, she entered the Rebbe’s room and toured the WLCC communications center with Rabbis Chaim Baruch Halberstam and Mendy Eisenbach, hearing directly from Rabbi Halberstam about its development. The visit concluded with a stop at the site of the ramming attack.
The Speaker then was welcomed by Devorah Halberstam, the Museum co-founder who serves as Honorary NYPD Commissioner of Community Safety and Chair of the Board of Commissioners to Combat Antisemitism, for a visit to the Jewish Children’s Museum. The two discussed the current climate of increasing antisemitism and the community concerns about safety in our Shuls, schools, and streets.
