by Norma Schwartzberg
Summertime is here so is the JCRC GALA 2025, celebrating accomplished individuals within Jewish community in New York City. The gala took place at the popular event venue Ziegfeld Ballroom in midtown Manhattan. The program started with a delightful performance of the Cantor Mira Davis form the Park Avenue Synagogue, and Cantor David Berson, from Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun. Followed by an opening video greetings, reflections, and toast to Cheryl Fishbein, JCRC-NY Chair of the Board by JCRC-NY President Bennett W. Golub. Greetings videos followed by Consul General of Israel in New York, H. E. Ambassador Ofir Akunis. United States Senate Democratic Leader, Hon. Charles E. Schumer. United States Senator, Hon. Kisten Gillibrand. Governor, State of New York, Hon. Kathy Hochul. CEO, UJA-Federation of New York Eric S. Goldstein. Chief Executive Officer, JCRC-NY Mark Treyger, took the stage to give a warm welcome to all with opening remarks, and introduce the audience to the award ceremony.
Every year the JCRC has the pleasure of honoring those who stand up and step up, going out of their way to help people in need and giving back to the community. This year the honorees were:
Rabbi Angela W, Buchdahl
Senior Rabbi, Central Synagogue, being the first woman leading the Central Synagogue in New York City congregation certainly she made history and opened the doors for all female Rabbis who had ambition to become a congregation leader. She has been involved with the Central Synagogue since 2006 as a Senior Cantor. She was awarded with the Areyvut Award. For more information about Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl please click HERE
Senior Rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue
Elliot J. Cosgrove
was also awarded with the JCRC-NY Areyvut Award. He is an accomplished journalist and a leading voice for the Jewish Community. Author of "For Such Time as This: On Being Jewish Today", and a large volume of sermons just to mention a few examples of his dedicated work. The Jewish Theological Seminary's Cabinet has him as its Chancellor. He is a member of the Masorti's Board: The New Journal of Conservative Judaism. Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove has dedicated his life to serve and help the Jewish Community and to his family.
Many of us are familiar with the "Craigslist" website. We go there to find apartments, jobs, furniture, vacations, etc. The popular site has been a landmark for decades on the East Coast, and its founder
Craig Newmark
is an active philanthropist. He was awarded with the Barbara and Ira A. Lipman Community Security Award.
Louis J. Jerome
President Sephardic Community Center. His family owns JEMB Realty and oversees residential property, hospitality, and acquisitions across the country. As a leader of the SCC, which is located in Brooklyn, NY, he has been improving the programs and services the center has to offer. Mr. Jerome was awarded with the Blumberg Family Young Leadership Award.
Senior Rabbi of the Congregation
Kehilath Jeshurun
Chaim Steinmetz was awarded with the JCRC-NY Areyvut Award. His successful career of 30 years leading the congregation makes him one of the most accomplished rabbis in New York. Currently is a founder board member of the Moral Hearts Alliance. His impressive resume as a writer shows his previous cooperation to The Washington Post, The Daily News, The Globe and Mail, La Presse, Haaretz, and the Jerusalem Post. He currently writes for The Jewish Journal. His bestseller title "Despite Everything: A Chronicle of Jewish Resilience in the Aftermath of October 7th" released in October 2024, gave to readers a deep insightful look into the Jewish community and the war itself.
The Visionary Leader Award was presented to
Dr. Linda G. Mills
President of New York University which is one of the most prestigious universities globally speaking. Her outstanding contribution to the education field and her loyalty to NYU, make her to be recognized 100%. Dr. Mills is also the founder of NYU Center on Violence and Recovery Work and Social Welfare.
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New York elected officials attended the gala including
New York State Attorney
Letitia James
who gave a touching speech about hate and discrimination in the USA and abroad. She shared with the audience her own experience, as a woman of color, how hate and discrimination can be, she knows first hand. She expressed her sympathy to Jewish people regarding those sensitive issues that are unavoidable in this society. Also, she conveyed her support to JCRC-NY and to the Jewish Community with sincerity.
New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, New York State Assembly Members; David Wrepin, Tony Simone, Micah Lasher, Grace Lee, Brian Cunningham, and Alex Bores. Also New York Council Member Julie Menin attended the gala.
President -elect and Co-Chair, Development Committee, JCRC-NY, David L. Moore, gave thanks to all for attending, and invited them to enjoy the dessert buffet.
see images and videos below
New York State Attorney
Letitia James
Dr. Linda G. Mills
President of New York University
