On Sunday, February 2, the UJA-Federation of New York’s Manhattan headquarters hosted the 2025 Congressional Breakfast – a flagship event organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY). The gathering brought together local representatives, elected officials, community leaders, and key figures from the Jewish community for a morning of structured dialogue and policy discussion, all centered on shared communal priorities.
The day opened with a warm welcome from Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC-NY, who set the stage by outlining the event’s objectives and emphasizing the critical role of civic engagement in addressing the community’s challenges.
Shortly after, Ben Golub, President of JCRC-NY, took the podium to offer his greetings. His address highlighted the mission of JCRC-NY and the importance of building bridges between policymakers and community advocates. Josh Oboler, a Board member at JCRC-NY, introduced US Representative Ritchie Torres (15th District, NY). In his remarks, Representative Torres reaffirmed his commitment to addressing issues affecting both New Yorkers and the broader Jewish community. Following the introduction of Representative Torres, Ben Golub welcomed Eric S. Goldstein, CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York. Goldstein’s address focused on the challenges faced by the community and the ongoing support provided by key organizations. The program then featured an introduction by Cheryl Fishbein, Chair of the Board of JCRC-NY, of Tsach Saar, Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of Israel. Saar’s presence underscored the international dimension of the discussions, particularly regarding US-Israel security cooperation. Cheryl Fishbein introduced Alana Zeitchik, Executive Director of the Narrow Bridge Foundation. Zeitchik’s remarks offered insight into community support initiatives, placing special emphasis on mental health and trauma relief efforts during these challenging times. Mark Treyger returned to acknowledge the contributions of the organizers and sponsors, paving the way for a series of Congressional presentations.
Introduced by Judy Baum, a Board member of JCRC-NY, US Representative Laura Gillen (4th District, NY) addressed the audience on legislative priorities that included bolstering security and supporting Jewish institutions. Following the introduction by Kim Hartman, another Board member, US Representative Hakeem Jeffries (8th District, NY and House Democratic Leader) delivered remarks that highlighted bipartisan efforts to combat rising anti-Semitism and to reinforce security measures. Jonathan Greenspun introduced US Representative Mike Lawler (17th District, NY). Lawler focused on legislative actions necessary for advancing measures such as the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, aimed at protecting communities and educational institutions. After further acknowledgments by Mark Treyger, Brad Korn introduced US Representative Jerrold Nadler (12th District, NY). Nadler’s address centered on the historical challenges faced by the community and the ongoing need to preserve Holocaust education and address hate crimes.
Mark Treyger then introduced Harley Lippman, CEO of Genesis10, who shared his perspective on public-private partnerships and the importance of community resilience in addressing contemporary challenges. Craig Newmark took over the introduction before US Representative Dan Goldman (10th District, NY) took the stage. His remarks underscored the legislative and community responses needed to tackle the issues faced by New Yorkers. Jennifer Falk, a JCRC-NY Board member, introduced US Representative Adriano Espaillat (13th District, NY). Espaillat’s address emphasized the significance of cross-cultural collaboration and unity in confronting hate and division.
Introduced by Sandy Antignas, another Board member, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) provided her insights on legislative priorities. Her speech focused on protecting Holocaust survivors and ensuring robust measures to counter regional security threats.
Lauren Alexander Jupiter introduced US Representative Grace Meng (6th District, NY). Meng’s remarks highlighted the necessity of cooperation between local agencies and federal bodies to effectively safeguard community interests. Karen Spar Kasner introduced US Representative George Latimer (16th District, NY). His address focused on strengthening interfaith dialogue and fostering community cohesion as essential elements in countering division. The series of congressional presentations concluded with US Representative Yvette Clarke (9th District, NY), who reiterated the commitment of New York’s leaders to addressing rising anti-Semitism and ensuring community security. Her remarks provided a strong closing note to the official presentations.
Leaders from both sides of the aisle demonstrated a united commitment to addressing challenges such as anti-Semitism and securing US-Israel relations, underscoring the strength of bipartisan dialogue. With the inclusion of foreign diplomats like Deputy Consul General Tsach Saar, the discussions emphasized the global nature of the security challenges and the importance of international cooperation alongside local community efforts. Speakers highlighted key initiatives such as the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, comprehensive anti-hate measures in education, support for Holocaust survivors, and culturally appropriate human services, reinforcing the shared vision of a secure and inclusive community. The organizers gave a clear and effective platform for policy discussions, ensuring that the concerns of the Jewish community and broader New Yorkers were addressed in a comprehensive manner from opening remarks through a series of targeted presentations; the event reaffirmed the importance of civic engagement and inter-community partnerships. This JCRC-NY gathering at UJA headquarters stands as a testament to the power of collective action in building a stronger, more secure, and united New York for all of the Jewish community.
