The Hanukkah celebration on December 17, 2024, at Gracie Mansion brought together hundreds of Jewish New Yorkers, community leaders, and city officials in a heartfelt gathering to honor Jewish heritage and resilience. Against the backdrop of immense challenges since October 7th, the evening served as both a commemoration of Jewish pride and a call to unity.
The tradition of a mayoral Hanukkah party dates to Michael Bloomberg’s administration, with roots tracing even further to the early 1990s during David Dinkins’ tenure. Back then, a menorah-lighting ceremony was held on the steps of City Hall, featuring a cantor, a rabbi, and various dignitaries and celebrities.
Menashe Shapiro, Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Mayor, warmly greeted the attendees at “the People’s House,” emphasizing Mayor Adams’ dedication to New York City’s cultural diversity. Shapiro acknowledged the evening’s sponsors, including the UJA Federation of New York, led by CEO Eric Goldstein and Hindy Poupko Galena; the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC) under its new CEO Mark Trieger; and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), represented by New York Regional Director Scott Richman.
To kick off the program, Shapiro invited Israel’s new consul general in New York, the Honorable Ofir Akunis, to the stage. Akunis expressed gratitude to Mayor Adams for hosting the event and for his unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community during a challenging year. Reflecting on Mayor Adams’ remarks from a prior event at Gracie Mansion, Akunis quoted the mayor: “Across America, antisemitic and anti-Israel protesters are a small minority. They make a lot of noise, but in truth, America stands with Israel.” Akunis concluded by wishing everyone a joyful Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the crowd, acknowledging the pain and adversity the Jewish community has faced. “Chanukah is the festival of lights, and in times of darkness, leadership matters,” she said. Tisch praised Mayor Eric Adams for his unwavering support of the Jewish community and his commitment to the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers. She introduced Mayor Adams as a “true friend of the Jewish community and a remarkable leader.”
Mayor Eric Adams delivered a powerful speech, drawing parallels between the Maccabees of 164 BCE and the need for courageous leadership today. “We must ask ourselves, where are the Maccabees today? Who’s willing to stand up and fight for what is right?” Adams noted the Jewish community’s history of standing alongside others in times of crisis, from civil rights marches to international humanitarian efforts. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging and confronting hate in all forms, pledging to fight antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. “Eric Leroy Adams is a modern Maccabee,” he declared, reaffirming his commitment to justice and unity.
Moshe Davis, the Jewish Liaison for the Community Affairs Unit, introduced the evening’s honorees, recognizing individuals and organizations for their remarkable contributions to New York City and the Jewish community:
Young Leaders: Tali Dardashti (NYU, Jewish on Campus), Danielle Babaev (Queens College, Queens Hillel), Maya Gavriel (Baruch, Hillel and Stand with Us Fellow), and Noam Waldenberg (Columbia, Chabad Campus) were honored for their Jewish pride and leadership on college campuses, where they have inspired their peers and stood firm in the face of challenges, fostering strength and resilience.
Lizzy Savetsky:A trailblazer in social media activism, Savetsky has empowered countless individuals in the Jewish community to embrace their identity and courageously stand against adversity, serving as a guiding light in promoting inclusivity and unity.
Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender: A visionary leader, Rabbi Bender was honored for his dedication to supporting families and individuals through his work with the Achiezer Community Resource Center, providing crisis management and assistance, and Achim B’Yachad, a division of Chai Lifeline that helps Hasidic families cope with illness or loss.
Achim B’Yachad: Celebrated for its compassionate work in offering emotional and practical support to children and families facing serious illness, this initiative exemplifies hope, resilience, and the profound power of community.
Chazaq: Under the leadership of Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, Chazaq has made a significant impact by strengthening Jewish identity, fostering education, and building a brighter future for the community through its commitment to outreach and development.
The evening was not just a celebration of Chanukah but also a tribute to the enduring values of the Jewish faith: hope, compassion, and unity. It highlighted the strength of a community that continues to thrive by supporting one another, standing together against hatred, and embracing its rich heritage. The honorees exemplified the spirit of resilience and the power of collective action, serving as an inspiration for all to continue the work of building a stronger, more united Jewish community. As the evening came to a close, it left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and pride in the shared journey of the Jewish people.
Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Guide
