New York Congressional Delegation Addresses Jewish, Faith and Civic Leaders at JCRC-NY Congressional Breakfast

NEW YORK, NY (02/03/2026) (readMedia)-- On Sunday, members of the New York congressional delegation addressed more than 350 local and national Jewish, faith and civic leaders at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York's 2026 Congressional Breakfast, which also marked the launch of the organization's 50th anniversary. The breakfast was moved from its usual location to Park East Synagogue in response to vile antisemitic protests there a few months ago.

Speakers, including the House and Senate Democratic leaders, addressed recent attacks on immigrants and rising antisemitism and called for increased funding to protect vulnerable communities. Leader Jeffries made news by stating that he supports an increase in funding to $500 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

JCRC-NY CEO Mark Treyger addressed the audience at his second Congressional Breakfast since assuming leadership of the organization, highlighting JCRC-NY's work on Jewish identity education initiatives in K-12 schools and enforcement of Title VI protections in higher education.

"As we enter our next 50 years, JCRC-NY will continue to serve as a trusted civic partner: confronting antisemitism, strengthening Jewish life, and building bridges across communities," Treyger said. "That work succeeds only because of the partnership in this room - elected officials, community leaders, advocates and supporters who understand that the health of the Jewish community and the health of New York City are inseparable."

JCRC-NY President David Moore spoke for the first time in his new role, as well as Chair of the Board Ben Golub and Hindy Poupko, Senior Vice President of UJA-Federation of New York. Senator Gillibrand and the Consul General of Israel provided taped remarks.

The organization also unveiled a preview of its 50th anniversary exhibit, highlighting both historic and recent initiatives. An expanded version of the exhibit will be displayed beginning next week at the UJA-Federation of New York's seventh-floor art gallery.

The breakfast was sponsored by Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Uber and Kasirer.

View photos from the event here.

Elected officials in attendance included Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer; House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries; U.S. Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Laura Gillen, Daniel Goldman, George Latimer, Michael Lawler, Jerrold Nadler and Tom Suozzi; New York City Comptroller Mark Levine; Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal; Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark; Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz; Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez; City Council Speaker Julie Menin; and members of the New York State Senate, New York State Assembly, and NYC Council. The consuls general of Austria, Poland and Bulgaria, as well as the deputy consul general of Israel, also attended.

"For 50 Years, JCRC New York has helped ensure that the Jewish community has a respected, responsible voice in the civic life of our City and State, a voice that builds relationships, strengthens democracy, and shows up not only for ourselves, but for the broader New York community," said David Moore, President of JCRC-NY.

"We all must dedicate ourselves to ensuring that we promote and protect the safety and the security of the Jewish community, which has been under assault in ways that are completely and totally unacceptable. One of the many ways we can do it is certainly to secure increased support for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program," said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). "My promise to you is that I will stand with the Jewish community always and forever to make sure that we are addressing and crushing antisemitism to the ground, never to rise again."

"I have many jobs as the Democratic Leader of the United States Senate, and one of them is to fight for aid to Israel. I will continue to fight for it, and we have delivered more aid to our ally Israel under my leadership than ever before. I will always fight to give Israel what it needs to protect itself against the many enemies in that region," said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.

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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. Founded in 1976, JCRC-NY is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.