JCRC's 4th Somos Reception, Hosted by Speaker Menin, Celebrates Bonds Between Jewish and Latino Communities

SAN JUAN, PR (11/06/2026) (readMedia)-- On Thursday, JCRC-NY hosted its Fourth Annual Kosher Reception at Somos to celebrate the enduring ties between Jewish and Latino communities in New York and honor the leaders who continue to strengthen them and the city we share. Speaker Menin served as a special host. JCRC-NY also presented a check for $5,000 to the JCC of Puerto Rico to help them continue their critical hurricane relief work.

JCRC-NY's reception is now part of the fabric of this conference. Over 400 conference attendees joined JCRC-NY at the celebration this year, including prominent elected officials from all levels of government, Jewish communal leaders, leaders of the Latin American community in New York, union leaders and other community partners. The reception embodies JCRC-NY's mission to build bridges across New York's diverse communities.

This year, JCRC-NY honored:

• Grace Bonilla, the first Latina President and CEO of United Way of New York City, former NYC Human Resources Administration administrator and executive director of the Taskforce on Racial Equity and Inclusion. Grace was honored for her decades of work fighting to dismantle systemic barriers to accessing social services and educational and economic opportunities for every family in every diverse community across the city.
• Miguelina Camilo, Chief of Staff, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin. Miguelina was honored for her ongoing work in the Council building bridges between city leaders to advance shared policy goals and ensure that city government is meeting the needs of all New Yorkers in every neighborhood.
• Ruben Diaz Jr., Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Montefiore Einstein and former Bronx Borough President. Ruben was honored for more than two decades of public service championing working families and investing in the Bronx through his leadership in public office and his current role at Montefiore Einstein, where he continues that commitment by advancing health equity and ensuring underserved communities have access to the resources and care they deserve.
• Lillian Rodriguez Lopez, Director of Government Relations, CC1 Companies and Chair of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. Lillian was honored for her decades of leadership advocating for Latino families and preserving Puerto Rican culture through her work with the Hispanic Federation and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade.
• Mabel Muniz-Sarduy, Director of Political External Affairs, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. Mabel was honored for her tireless work ensuring the city's educational infrastructure reflects the needs of a diverse student body, securing essential resources for NYC schools, supporting school leaders and fostering community solidarity that our children's future depends on.

"Our standing room only Somos reception brought together an extraordinary cross section of New York's leadership, from prominent Latino leaders and senior government officials to champions of organized labor, vital social service organizations, and working families, all united by a shared commitment to strengthening Jewish and Latino solidarity," said Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC NY. "Gathering in beautiful Puerto Rico, home to the Caribbean's largest Jewish community, was a powerful reminder that the bonds between our communities transcend geography and are rooted in generations of partnership, mutual respect, and standing shoulder to shoulder. At a time when too many forces seek to divide us, this evening demonstrated the extraordinary power of bringing people together. One of the most memorable moments came at the end of our program, when we all rose to dance the hora together in a beautiful expression of unity and solidarity. WEPA! That's how it's done! We are deeply grateful to our partners at UJA Federation of New York, our wonderful cohost Speaker Julie Menin, our great co-sponsor Spectrum, and our five distinguished honorees for their leadership in building bridges and strengthening the fabric of our wonderfully diverse city."

"As a lifelong New Yorker and the daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants, I have always believed that one of our city's greatest strengths is its diversity. But diversity alone doesn't make us stronger; It is our willingness to learn from one another, find common ground, and recognize our shared futures are interconnected This is why I value JCRC-NY's commitment to building bridges across communities, investing in the next generation of civic leaders, and strengthening the relationships that unite our city," said Grace C. Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. "At a time when New Yorkers face growing affordability challenges and economic uncertainty, collaboration is more important than ever. It is what drives my work at United Way of New York City, bringing people, organizations, and resources together to expand opportunity and build a stronger, more affordable city for all."

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition," said Miguelina Camilo, Chief of Staff, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin. "As a Latina, I am proud of my heritage and grateful for the opportunity to help build bridges, foster understanding, and strengthen our values of inclusion, community, and unity and that is all possible because of the ability to work with great partners like JCRC-NY. Gracias!"

"Under the stewardship of Mark Treyger, JCRC NY does extraordinary work on behalf of Jewish and non-Jewish communities throughout New York City and beyond. But perhaps its greatest contribution is its unwavering commitment to bringing people together, building bridges, fostering understanding, and spreading a message of love, unity, and mutual respect," said Ruben Diaz Jr., Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Montefiore Einstein and former Bronx Borough President. "At a time when our world needs more understanding and less division, JCRC NY continues to remind us that we are stronger when we stand together. I am proud, humbled, and grateful to be part of that mission and to share in this special evening at SOMOS."

"It is an honor to be recognized by the Jewish Community Relations Council at the Somos event in Puerto Rico. This occasion brings together the two places that have shaped who I am: Puerto Rico and New York City, where I was born and raised as a Puerto Rican woman. My experience and partnership with JCRC and New York's Jewish community has spanned decades of friendship and collaboration to strengthen communities," said Lillian Rodriguez Lopez, Director of Government Relations, CC1 Companies and Chair of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the JCRC-NY and UJA-Federation of New York at SOMOS this year, alongside these other dedicated Latino leaders," said Mabel Muniz-Sarduy, Director of External and Political Affairs for the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. "I share this honor with the extraordinary principals, assistant principals, and school leaders of CSA, who work tirelessly every day to serve New York City's students and families. Thank you again to the JCRC and UJA for your leadership, partnership, and commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive future for all."

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About JCRC-NY: 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.