Jewish Community Relations Council of New York Hosts Annual 2025 Congressional Breakfast

NEW YORK, NY (02/03/2025) (readMedia)-- On Sunday, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York held its 2025 Congressional Breakfast, convening ten members of New York's Congressional Delegation with one United States Senator, seven foreign diplomats, and scores of community and political leaders for a critical discussion on the challenges facing Jewish New Yorkers. This annual gathering, hosted in partnership with UJA-Federation of New York and sponsors Craig Newmark Philanthropies and Harley Lippman, serves as a vital forum for engagement between policymakers, faith leaders, and community advocates.

Each year, JCRC-NY invites members of Congress, diplomats, and interfaith and ethnic leaders to strengthen relationships and explore collaborative solutions to key communal issues, including combating rising antisemitism, enhancing community security, and deepening interfaith partnerships.

This year's communal priorities highlighted a variety of long-term goals and issue areas for the organization:

• October 7th and its aftermath - Addressing the ongoing impact of the attack on Israel and its effect on Jewish communities worldwide.
• Addressing antisemitism and anti-Zionism in the New York metro area - Strengthening efforts to counter rising hate incidents and ensure the safety of Jewish New Yorkers.
• Ensuring Israel's continued survival - Advocating for strong U.S.-Israel relations and the security of the Jewish state.
• Supporting Jewish nonprofits and human service providers - Enhancing resources for vital community organizations that serve the Jewish and broader New York community.

View photos from the event here.

"The JCRC-NY's annual Congressional Breakfast exemplifies our ongoing commitment to fostering relationships that advance the security, vibrancy, and interconnectedness of the New York Jewish community. In today's world, where the values of mutual respect and dignity are challenged and hatred across our city is rising, uniting with our allies across all subsets of New Yorkers is crucial. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to connect with elected officials and local community leaders to strengthen these bonds and advance critical priorities for Jewish New Yorkers," said Bennett Golub, President of JCRC-NY.

"At JCRC-NY, we believe that building a stronger, safer, and more connected Jewish community starts with meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Our 2025 Congressional Breakfast was a vital opportunity to bring together elected officials, faith and ethnic leaders, and community partners to address the pressing challenges facing Jewish New Yorkers. We are grateful for the leaders who joined us and remain committed to ensuring a future where all are welcomed, supported, and protected," said Dr. Cheryl Fishbein, Board Chair of JCRC-NY.

"In these increasingly turbulent times, as New Yorkers of all backgrounds face threats to their fundamental freedoms, we remain resolute in our mission to serve Jewish New Yorkers and foster a society rooted in our shared humanity. This year, JCRC-NY's work is grounded in the Jewish value of hachnasat orchim, welcoming newcomers, which underscores the importance of collaboration and understanding across communities. We look forward to working directly with city, state, and federal leadership to cultivate a deeper understanding of Jewish identity, and strengthen community relationships," said Mark Treyger, CEO of JCRC-NY.

"At a time of immense challenge for the Jewish community, UJA deeply appreciates the bipartisan support of New York's Congressional delegation. From standing with us against antisemitism, to increasing funding for kosher food programs, to ensuring that Holocaust survivors live out their final years with dignity, we thank the delegation for working with us to support the most important priorities of our community," said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York.

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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.