JCRC-NY Honors New York Leaders for Strengthening Jewish–Latino Partnership at Annual Somos Reception

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (11/07/2025) (readMedia)-- At its annual Somos reception, JCRC-NY recognized several honorees for their continued dedication to New York's Jewish community and their longstanding partnership with the organization.

The 2025 Somos honorees were:

• Henry A. Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, who will be receiving the inaugural Mensch of the Year award
• Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Chancellor, New York City Public Schools
• Kenny Burgos, CEO, New York Apartment Association
• Marcos Crespo, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs, Montefiore Einstein
• Anthony Perez, former Bronx Borough Commissioner, New York City Department of Transportation and NYC Parks
• Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, Commissioner, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation

Each of the honorees is a valued friend of JCRC-NY, recognized for their partnership and support in advancing the organization's mission. Garrido, Burgos and Crespo have each traveled to Israel with JCRC-NY, where they deepened their understanding of the close ties between Israel and New York. During his tenure as Bronx Borough Commissioner at DOT, Perez was attentive to the needs of the borough's Jewish community, particularly when construction projects were scheduled around Jewish holidays. Rodriguez-Rosa has been a valued partner in ensuring the success of JCRC-NY's annual Israel Day on Fifth celebration. Chancellor Aviles-Ramos spearheaded Hidden Voices: Jewish Americans, the first-of-its-kind Jewish identity curricular resource for New York City Public Schools, developed in collaboration with JCRC-NY. She has also helped JCRC-NY implement a new Student to Student program, bringing Jewish students into high school classrooms to educate their peers about Judaism and the Jewish experience.

Garrido received the inaugural Mensch of the Year Award. The other honorees each received an Amistad (Friendship) Award.

In addition to the awards presentation, JCRC-NY unveiled a Jewish-Latino Heritage Gallery Wall, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about the deep-rooted connections between Jewish and Latino communities and the history of Jewish life across Latin America. For example, Puerto Rico is home to the largest Jewish community in the Caribbean and WWII veterans who helped liberate Jews from concentration camps and defeat the Nazi regime. Additionally, the Dominican Republic - where Mensch of the Year honoree Henry Garrido hails from - was one of the few nations to welcome Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, who went on to establish the community of Sosúa. Attendees explored these stories and many others highlighting Jewish–Latino connections at the Somos reception.

"Jewish and Latino communities share a rich history that spans Latin America and generations," said Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC-NY. "This year's honorees embody that legacy of friendship and shared values through their leadership, partnership with JCRC-NY, and commitment to strengthening the bonds between our communities in New York. The relationship between Jewish and Latino communities runs deep and should be celebrated and strengthened for generations to come."

"UJA proudly congratulates this year's honorees, whose friendship and shared values shine through their leadership. Their dedication to building bridges and uniting New York's diverse communities reflects the enduring bond between Jewish and Latino communities - a connection to celebrate today and cherish for generations ahead," said Daniel Rosenthal, Vice President, Government Relations, UJA-Federation of New York.

"This week, we celebrate the intricate tapestry of cultures that makes New York City so extraordinary," said NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. "For generations, Jewish and Latino New Yorkers have shaped this city with resilience, creativity, and compassion. At SOMOS we honor that legacy, and I'm proud to represent the NYCPS community as we continue to build bridges and nurture the leaders of tomorrow."

"No matter where we come from or what language we speak, parks are where we come together. At NYC Parks, we're committed to caring for our public spaces, making our city a more welcoming, resilient, and livable place for all," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "It's an honor to be recognized along such distinguished leaders, and I'm grateful to JCRC-NY for celebrating the critical importance of our public greenspaces in fostering connections between Jewish and Latino communities, and in creating a city where all walks of life are welcomed and embraced."

"I'm deeply honored to be recognized by JCRC-NY and to stand alongside such remarkable public servants," said Anthony Perez, former Borough Commissioner at NYC Department of Transportation and NYC Parks. "Throughout my years in city government, I've seen firsthand how Jewish and Latino communities have worked together to strengthen our neighborhoods - from building safer streets to creating vibrant public spaces that bring people together. This recognition is a reminder of the power of partnership, shared values, and the enduring connections that make New York the city we all love."

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JCRC-NY, a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York, 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.