JCRC-NY Honors House Democratic Leader Jeffries With Inaugural Shamash Award

BROOKLYN, NY (12/23/2024) (readMedia)-- On Friday, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) honored House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries as the inaugural recipient of the service-oriented Shamash Leadership Award. Named after the shamash - the tallest candle used to light the Hanukkah menorah - the new award recognizes trailblazers whose extraordinary advocacy illuminates the path forward for New York's Jewish community and all New Yorkers. Cosponsors UJA-Federation of NY, the Jewish Community Councils of Canarsie and Greater Coney Island, JASA, Kings Bay Y, Storefront Y, and PJ Library came together with other community leaders to help mark the occasion at the Sephardic Community Center in Gravesend. Congressman Jeffries expressed gratitude for the award, reflecting on his deep connection with JCRC-NY's mission to unite New Yorkers of all backgrounds.

View photos from the event here.

House Democratic Leader Jeffries, who represents Brooklyn's 8th district, has been a steadfast ally of the Jewish community in New York through his decade in office. In response to rising antisemitic attacks across the state, Leader Jeffries helped launch the Breaking Bread, Building Bonds initiative to better educate children of all backgrounds on Jewish identity and history, one of JCRC-NY's main goals. Following the October 7 tragedy in Israel, Congressman Jeffries also helped secure over $14 billion in aid to Israel to support the safe return of the remaining hostages, among numerous examples of his commitment to solidarity.

"It is an honor and a privilege to receive this award from leaders and an organization that I've had the opportunity to have a close relationship with since my early days in the New York State Assembly. The Jewish community has been such an incredibly important part of Brooklyn's journey, of New York City's journey and of America's journey. I look forward to standing closely with the Jewish community as we move forward and navigate what we know have been challenging times, particularly in light of the horrific attack that occurred on October 7 and the surge in antisemitism that we've seen ever since then," said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08).

JCRC-NY CEO Mark Treyger praised Leader Jeffries for his inclusive efforts and dedicated leadership.

"As we celebrate the Festival of Lights and its enduring meaning, JCRC-NY is proud to celebrate Hanukkah with the community at-large and honor such a distinguished leader with our inaugural Shamash Award," said Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC-NY. "House Leader Jeffries has stood by our side, serving as a beacon of light during challenging moments for our community and uplifting our identities and traditions. We can think of no better person to honor as our first recipient."

"We are thrilled to join JCRC-NY in recognizing House Leader Jeffries for his remarkable advocacy and dedication to the Jewish community. After Superstorm Sandy devastated families and homes in Gravesend, Sheepshead Bay, and greater Southern Brooklyn, he spearheaded recovery efforts, helping to quickly deliver critical aid as our neighborhoods focused on rebuilding. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his steadfast support proved invaluable once again. We commend Congressman Jeffries for his inclusive leadership and are delighted to celebrate this well-deserved honor," said Joseph D. Tawil, Chief Executive Officer of the Sephardic Community Center.

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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.