A significant, though understated, event took place at Battery Park to honor a pivotal moment in New York City’s history: the 369th anniversary of the arrival of the first Jewish community in what is now the United States. This gathering recognized the landing of 23 Sephardic Jews in New Amsterdam in September 1654, a milestone in America’s cultural heritage that remains underappreciated by many New Yorkers.
Howard Teich, founding chair of the Manhattan Jewish Historical Initiative (MJHI), is determined to change that. For Teich, this commemoration is about more than honoring the past—it’s about ensuring that New Yorkers recognize the deep and ongoing contributions of the Jewish community to the fabric of the city. The goal of the event is to raise awareness and highlight this significant history that has shaped not only New York but the entire nation.
The 1654 landing saw the first group of Jewish refugees, fleeing persecution in Portuguese-controlled Brazil, arrive in the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam. Despite their small numbers and initial challenges in securing the right to remain, these early Sephardic settlers established the first Jewish community in North America, laying the foundation for what would eventually become one of the most vibrant Jewish populations in the world. Over the centuries, waves of Jewish immigrants would follow, leaving a lasting mark on New York’s social, political, and cultural landscape.
The event was held at the Jewish Tercentenary Monument at Peter Minuit Plaza, erected in 1954 to honor the 300th anniversary of the arrival of the Sephardic Jews. The modest memorial, a flagpole with a commemorative plaque, sits quietly amid the bustling Battery Park. It bears the inscription: “To honor the memory of the twenty-three men, women, and children who landed in September 1654 and founded the first Jewish community in North America.”
New York’s Jewish legacy, however, stretches far beyond that quiet monument. The city has long been a place where Jewish artists, politicians, writers, and activists have shaped its identity. From poet Emma Lazarus, whose iconic words are immortalized on the Statue of Liberty, to beloved mayor Ed Koch, to famed writer and filmmaker Nora Ephron, Jewish New Yorkers have played an integral role in defining the city’s character.
While many are unaware of the origins of Jewish life in America, the city is working to raise awareness about this pivotal moment. This year, the New York City Council officially recognized the anniversary, adding its voice to the commemoration efforts. A resolution introduced by Council Member Gale Brewer in May—and supported by 22 council sponsors, including Jewish Caucus chairman Eric Dinowitz and members Lincoln Restler, Inna Vernikov, Julie Menin, and Lynn Schulman—acknowledges the 1654 arrival as a foundational moment for the Jewish community and the city. Non-Jewish council members were also among the resolution’s supporters, reflecting the wide appreciation for the Jewish community’s contributions to New York’s development.
On Tuesday, the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations approved the resolution, and it is set for a council-wide vote on Thursday, further cementing this historical moment in the city’s official narrative.
For Teich, the importance of this resolution and the event itself cannot be overstated. “The arrival of these 23 Jewish settlers was the beginning of a story that continues to this day,” he remarked. “New York is a city of immigrants, and the Jewish story is central to that identity.”
Teich’s Manhattan Jewish Historical Initiative has made it its mission to keep this legacy alive. By organizing events, educating the public, and promoting the history of Jewish New Yorkers, the MJHI ensures that the stories of figures like Emma Lazarus and Ed Koch are not forgotten. More importantly, the organization seeks to spotlight the lesser known but equally significant individuals who built the city’s first synagogues, schools, and cultural institutions.
As the city moves forward, events like this commemoration serve as a reminder of the diverse cultural influences that have shaped New York. The arrival of the Sephardic Jews in 1654 was just the beginning of an evolving Jewish narrative that continues to shape the city’s character today.
The organizers hope that the annual gathering will continue to grow in both size and significance in the coming years. They aim to ensure that every New Yorker recognizes the importance of this milestone. The narrative of the Jewish community in New York is intricately woven into the city’s own story, reflecting its resilience, dynamism, and continuous evolution.
For Teich, the anniversary of the 1654 landing is more than a historical marker—it’s a call to action. He believes it’s time to educate, celebrate, and elevate this vital chapter of New York’s story to the forefront of public consciousness. In a city where countless cultures have converged to shape its identity, the story of those first 23 Jewish settlers deserve to stand tall. After all, in a city that never sleeps, its diverse history must always remain alive and vibrant, shaping the future as much as it honors the past.
Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide
