City of New York Honors 50 Years of JCRC-NY Leadership with Street Co-Naming

NEW YORK, NY (10/19/2026) (readMedia)-- On Monday, prominent elected officials from all levels of government, along with civic and community leaders, joined JCRC-NY to celebrate the co-naming of the corner of East 47th Street and Second Avenue as Jewish Community Relations Council of New York Way. The co-naming was a meaningful recognition of the organization's 50th anniversary and longstanding leadership and service to the city and its Jewish community.

At the ceremony, JCRC-NY leadership shared greetings, followed by remarks from elected officials, including City Council Speaker Julie Menin, and an official street sign unveiling by Council Member Virginia Maloney, whose district includes the cross-street.

Jewish Community Relations Council of New York Way is located directly across from Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, which holds great significance to JCRC-NY. Throughout its 50-year history. JCRC-NY has brought the Jewish community and civic leaders together there, supporting rallies to free Soviet Jews; rallying in support of Israel when under attack by neighboring countries; holding vigils after October 7 and gatherings with the Hostage and Missing Families Forum; and most recently co-hosting a rally against global antisemitism during the U.N. General Assembly.

"For 50 years, JCRC-NY has strengthened Jewish New York by building bridges within our community and with neighbors of every background, guided by a fundamental belief that Jewish New Yorkers are safer and stronger when all New Yorkers feel safe, supported, and respected. Through education, civic engagement, and trusted partnerships from City Hall to Albany to Congress, we confront ignorance and hate while fostering understanding and cultivating the next generation of civic leaders. New York is home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, and generations of Jewish New Yorkers have helped shape the city we love, from business and labor to education, health care, arts, and culture. Our story is not defined solely by the hate we confront, but by the extraordinary contributions we make and the bridges we build," said Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC-NY. "This street co-naming honors that legacy and reaffirms our commitment to the next 50 years. We thank Speaker Julie Menin, Council Member Maloney, UJA-Federation of New York, and our many government and community partners for this historic recognition. Our name will now be permanently woven into the landscape of the city we love, just as Jewish New Yorkers have long been woven into its fabric."

"Today's street co-naming ceremony honoring the 50th Anniversary of JCRC-NY is a powerful tribute to a legacy of service, leadership, and unyielding dedication to our community. Names inscribed on our city's signposts are not merely markers of geography; they serve as lasting reminders of the individuals who helped build, protect, and unite our neighborhoods," said David Moore, President of JCRC-NY. Those of us who live in New York City have seen many street names that commemorate other NY institutions. Names like Lou Gehrig Plaza, Bella Abzug Way, Salvation Army Way, Sesame Street, Jimi Hendrix Way, and Tony Bennett Place. Now, joining those and so many more is Jewish Community Relations Council of NY Way. On behalf of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Speaker Julie Menin, Council Member Virginia Maloney, as well as the civic leaders, elected officials, and community members who made this commemoration possible. As New Yorkers pass this corner for generations to come, may they be inspired by the vision, values, and devotion to the public good JCRC-NY represents."

"JCRC-NY has been an essential partner throughout my career, advocating for New York's Jewish community, combating antisemitism, and helping secure hundreds of millions of dollars to protect our synagogues, JCCs, and other community institutions," said Senator Schumer. "Mazel tov on the dedication of JCRC of NY Way, a fitting tribute to an organization that has had a lasting impact on our city and on New York's vibrant, diverse and dynamic Jewish community."

"For half a century, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York has been a steadfast voice for Jewish New Yorkers, a powerful force against antisemitism, and an indispensable partner in strengthening our city," said New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. "At a time when Jewish New Yorkers are facing rising antisemitism, JCRC-NY's mission has never been more important. This street co-naming will mark five decades of extraordinary leadership and service, and I am proud to join Council Member Virginia Maloney in honoring JCRC-NY and ensuring its legacy is recognized for generations to come."

"I was proud to lead the effort to co-name East 47th Street and Second Avenue 'Jewish Community Relations Council of New York Way' in recognition of JCRC-NY's 50 years of service to our city," said Council Member Virginia Maloney. "For five decades, JCRC-NY has stood up for Jewish New Yorkers, fought antisemitism, strengthened ties between New York and Israel, and built coalitions across faiths, neighborhoods, and communities. Through its Community Security Initiative with UJA-Federation, it has helped synagogues, schools, and Jewish institutions strengthen security through training, threat monitoring, and assistance accessing security grants. And just steps from Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, where JCRC-NY has organized rallies, press conferences, and public advocacy for decades, this co-naming gives permanent recognition to an organization whose work has helped shape civic life in New York. I am proud to stand as an ally of New York's Jewish community and grateful to CEO Mark Treyger, President David Moore, Board Chair Bennett Golub, and the entire JCRC-NY board and staff for their leadership, courage, and service."

"For over half a century, JCRC has been a leader in ensuring Jews have an unmistakably permanent place in our communities," said City Comptroller Mark Levine. "This street co-naming is a reminder of that service, evoking the Jewish value of memory which dedicates us to teaching future generations how prior ones created the progress they enjoy. By weaving JCRC's legacy into the physical fabric of New York City, we send the message that our fight against antisemitism is also permanent."

"For half a century, JCRC has built relationships to advance the values, interests, and security of our Jewish communities," said New York Attorney General Letitia James. "Today, we commemorate that legacy for all to see. As Attorney General, I will always stand by New York's Jewish families to create a better, more humane, and equitable society. Congratulations to my friend Mark Treyger and the entire JCRC team on this honor."

"Co-naming this street for JCRC-NY honors an organization with generations of service to New Yorkers of every background. As Chair of the Jewish Caucus, I have watched JCRC-NY fight hate and support our schools with equal commitment. I am proud to support this Co-Naming to recognize the Menschen of Jewish New York," said Council Member Eric Dinowitz.