By COLlive reporter
Photos, Video: Itzik Roytman/COLlive
Amid rising antisemitism across New York City, the Jewish Children’s Museum hosted an evening of unity and solidarity for friends and supporters on Wednesday. The event, which celebrated 19 years of the Museum’s ongoing work, highlighted the Museum’s critical role teaching respect and understanding to NYC’s children.
The gala evening brought together members of law enforcement, government officials and community leaders in a VIP-filled event paying tribute to the Museum’s contribution to New York City, combatting hate and antisemitism through education and awareness.
Speakers at the dinner praised Devorah Halberstam – co-founder of the Museum, and whose son, Ari Halberstam, the Museum is named for, for her commitment and dedication to educating the next generation about acceptance of people of all races, faiths and backgrounds.
“The only way to combat the raging antisemitism we see across New York City is through educating our children and the Jewish Children’s Museum has been at the forefront of this for two decades,” said Devorah Halberstam, the Museum’s co-founder and director of external affairs. “We’re going to redouble our efforts to familiarize New York City’s youth with Jewish life, history and culture, promoting a spirit of acceptance and understanding.”
Jannatul Ferdouse, a middle school student from P.S. 399, shared her experience at the Jewish Children’s Museum and the important work they do.
Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education David C. Banks, who leads the largest school system in the nation, delivered remarks about the partnership of the DOE with the Jewish Children’s Museum to combat antisemitism in public schools through education. He praised Devorah’s persistence and positive attitude to educating against hate.
“She understands clearly that the ultimate antidote to antisemitism is education,” Chancellor Banks said. “You have to raise the consciousness of the mind. I’m focused on discipline and safety and where we see issues of hate…we have to respond. but you cannot discipline your way to acceptance. You can only do that through love, education and raising the consciousness of the spirit of people. That’s what this museum represents… so kids can see the common humanity we have.”
Adrienne Adams, Speaker of the New York City Council who has been a strong supporter of the Jewish Children’s Museum since its founding, introduced guest of honor Amar’e Stoudemire, NBA all-star and proud Jew, who told of his lifelong dream of Tikun Olam.
Rabbi Yossi Spalter, one of the survivors of the Brooklyn Bridge shooting during which Ari Halberstam was murdered, received the Ari Halberstam Memorial Award.
In addition, the lineup of speakers and honorees included Rabbi Yerachmiel Benjaminson, Executive Director of the Museum, NYC Leadership Award Recipient Dermot F. Shea of Related Commercial Property Management, and Community Leadership Award Winners Nati Abikasis and Mendy Mere.
The annual gala, chaired by Joseph and Penina Popack, welcomes community leaders, elected officials, members of law enforcement, and Museum supporters for an evening in support of the museum which welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the year, teaching people of all ages, backgrounds and faiths about the Jewish culture and heritage.
In attendance were: Chief Andy Arias NYPD Chief Of Detectives Brooklyn South; Chief Charles Mcevoy NYPD Chief Borough Brooklyn South; Chief James Mccarthy NYPD Chief Borough Manhattan South; Chief Jeffrey Maddrey NYPD Chief Of Department; Chief John Chell NYPD Chief Of Patrol; Chief Joseph Kenny NYPD Chief Of Detectives; Chief Judith Harrison NYPD Chief Of Criminal Justice Bureau; Chief Michael Kemper NYPD Chief Of Transit; Chief Miguel Iglesias NYPD Chief Of Internal Affairs; Chief Raoul Stephenson NYPD Chief Borough Manhattan North; Chief Richard Taylor NYPD Chief Of Community Affairs; Chief William Glynn Jr. NYPD Deputy Chief Patrol Service Bureau; Commissioner Laurie Cumbo NYPD Commissioner Of Cultural Affairs; Commissioner Juanita Holmes NYPD Commissioner Of Probation; Commissioner Kaz Daughtry NYPD Commissioner Of Operations; Commissioner Mark Stewart NYPD Commissioner Of Community Affairs; Commissioner Tania Kinsella NYPD First Deputy Commissioner; Commissioner Chauncy Parker NYPD Commissioner Collaborative Policing; Commissioner Michael Gerber NYPD Commissioner Legal Dept; Dep. Inspector Gary Marcus NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force; Francine Spilke-Epstein & David Spilke Obm The Founders Award; Hon. Crystal Hudson NYC Council Member; Hon. Eric Gonzalez District Attorney Of Kings County; Hon. Fred Kreizman Commissioner Of Mayor’s Community Affairs; Hon. Inna Vernikov NYC Council Member; Hon. Kalman Yaeger NYC Council Member; Hon. Michael B. Mukasey Former U.S. Attorney General; Hon. Sheena Wright First Deputy Mayor For The City Of New York; Inspector Thomas Smith NYPD Co 71st Pct.; Mr. Joel Eisdorfer Senior Aide To Mayor E. Adams; Mr. Menashe Shapiro Deputy Chief Of Staff To The Mayor; Mr. Serge Hoyda JCM Board Member; Rabbi Joseph Potasnik FDNY Chaplain NY Board Of Rabbis; Hon. Tom Dinapoli Comptroller Of The State Of New York; FBI SAC Felix Rivera Esparra; Melissa Russo Master Of Ceremonies NBC Universal; Hon. Joseph Douek Commissioner NYC Planning; Rabbi Chanina Sperlin Crown Heights Jewish Community Council; Rabbi Simon Jacobson The Meaningful Life Center; Mr. Eli Slavin Liaison to Rep. Yvette Clarke; Mr. Pinny Hikind Liaison to Comptroller; Mr. Fabian Levy Deputy Mayor for Communications.
View this post on Instagram
