JCRC-NY CEO and NYC Public Advocate Led UWS Hamantaschen Crawl Celebrating Purim and Community

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY (03/03/2026) (readMedia)-- Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) CEO Mark Treyger and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, joined by Council Member Gale Brewer, led a Purim hamantaschen crawl on the Upper West Side Tuesday morning. They visited three Jewish-owned local bakeries to sample the traditional Purim treat and discussed the story of Purim, showcasing the unifying power of food and the positive contributions of Jewish communities to the fabric of New York City. It also brought attention to and supported Jewish-owned small businesses, which are increasingly the target of antisemitic backlash.

The crawl began at By The Way Bakery, continued to Patis Bakery, and concluded at SIX 60 ONE - Kosher on Amsterdam, where the trio sampled a variety of hamantaschen. Hamantaschen are triangular filled pastries traditionally eaten during the Jewish holiday of Purim. Their three-cornered shape is said to represent the hat (or ears) of the Purim villain Haman, symbolizing the triumph of the Jewish people over the threat of annihilation as told in the Book of Esther.

"At a time when so much of the conversation about Jewish life centers on antisemitism and acts of hate, including those targeting Jewish-owned businesses, it's important to celebrate moments of joy, resilience, and pride," said Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC-NY. "Purim is a holiday about courage and community, and gathering around food is one of the most powerful ways we can bring people together. Thank you to Public Advocate Williams and Council Member Brewer for sharing this special day with JCRC."

"New York City isn't just a melting pot of cultures, it's a baking pan," said New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. "It was a pleasure to join JCRC and Jewish communities to celebrate Purim by meeting local business owners, hearing about their work, and sampling their delicious desserts. The only thing that brings people together better than conversation is cookies, and I want to encourage New Yorkers to try it for themselves. May we all find joy, community, and a little sugar wherever we can."

"It's particularly meaningful to come together to uplift our Jewish traditions and small businesses when Jewish communities in New York-including many of my constituents on the Upper West Side-are confronting real challenges," said Council Member Gale Brewer. "Hamantaschen are a sweet reminder of the courage and resilience of the Jewish people, and I'm thrilled we had the opportunity to share them in celebration of Purim and New York's Jewish communities. Thank you to JCRC-NY for bringing us together. And Team Raspberry all the way!"

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About JCRC-NY: JCRC-NY, a proud UJA-Federation of NY agency, serves as the primary community relations agency for the Jewish community in the metropolitan New York area. As an active force in New York civic and communal life, JCRC-NY operates as a central coordinating and resource body with a mission to build relationships to advance the values, interests, and security of the Jewish community and to create a more interconnected New York for all.