Guests enjoying the festivities and one another’s company at the Rosh Hashanah celebration.

Community Leaders, Elected Officials, Holocaust Survivors, and Older Adults Come Together for an Inspiring Celebration of Unity, Gratitude, and Renewal

Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection, renewal, gratitude, and hope—a time to celebrate the bonds that unite us and reaffirm our commitment to one another. This spirit of community and shared responsibility was beautifully reflected in a special celebration hosted by the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island (JCCGCI), in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY).

The festive gathering brought together Holocaust survivors, older adults, elected officials, and community leaders for a memorable celebration featuring meaningful holiday traditions, inspiring remarks, delicious food, and heartfelt expressions of unity and appreciation. More than simply welcoming the Jewish New Year, the event underscored the enduring importance of ensuring that older New Yorkers and Holocaust survivors feel valued, supported, and connected to the broader community.

Holocaust survivor shares a meaningful moment with former NYC Council Member Ari Kagan.

The program opened with welcoming remarks from former Council Member and current JCRC-NY Executive Director Mark Treyger, and JCCGCI Executive Director Rabbi Moshe Wiener, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to the distinguished guests and community members in attendance, sharing reflections on the significance of Rosh Hashanah and the importance of compassion, unity, and collective responsibility.

“Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection, but also a time for gratitude,” said Rabbi Wiener. “Today, surrounded by all of these incredible people, I feel grateful for a community that shows up for one another, and for the leaders who show up for that community in return.”

JCCGCI Executive Director Rabbi Moshe Wiener reflects on the meaning of Rosh Hashanah and the importance of community

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between public officials and community organizations in protecting and supporting vulnerable New Yorkers. “When we have leaders like Rabbi Wiener and Mark Treyger who are making sure folks feel protected, and doing it together as a city, it brings me hope,” he shared.

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams speaks about the importance of collaboration in strengthening and protecting New York City’s communities.

Additional remarks were delivered by JCRC-NY Board Chairman Bennett W. Golub, JCRC-NY representative Mayer Waxman, New York State Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, and New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse. Each reflected on the significance of the holiday and reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that older adults and Holocaust survivors have dedicated advocates in government and the community—leaders who listen to their concerns, recognize their needs, and work together to improve their quality of life.

One of the celebration’s most meaningful moments came when Mr. Golub sounded the shofar, filling the room with its stirring, timeless call to reflection, spiritual renewal, and hope for the year ahead.

An equally moving and unforgettable moment followed when one of JCCGCI’s beloved Holocaust survivor clients addressed the gathering. Her heartfelt remarks deeply touched those in attendance. As she concluded, she spontaneously began singing “God Bless America.” Within moments, guests rose to their feet and joined her in song, their voices filling the room in a powerful expression of gratitude, patriotism, solidarity, and hope.

The unscripted tribute was an especially poignant reminder of the extraordinary resilience of Holocaust survivors, whose lives bear witness not only to unimaginable suffering but also to remarkable courage, perseverance, and an enduring appreciation for freedom and human dignity.

A JCCGCI Holocaust survivor leads an emotional rendition of “God Bless America,” inspiring guests to rise and join in song.

Following the formal program, participants enjoyed a festive holiday meal, exchanging stories, strengthening friendships, and sharing the warmth and companionship that make community celebrations so meaningful. Guests departed with holiday treats and heartfelt wishes for a sweet, healthy, and fulfilling New Year.

JCCGCI and JCRC-NY extend their sincere appreciation to the many distinguished elected officials, government representatives, and community leaders whose participation helped make the celebration especially meaningful.

Among those attending were NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, Assembly candidate Joey Saban, Phylisa Wisdom and John Binderman of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, and representatives of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, State Senator Stephen Chan, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Assemblyman Lester Chang, and Council Member Kayla Santosuosso.

Also participating was Kalvis Mikelsteins, Executive Director of the Coney Island Business Improvement District.

Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny comes together with JCRC Chair of the Board Bennett W. Golub and community leaders in a shared commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers.

Special appreciation is extended to UJA-Federation of New York for its generous support in helping make this meaningful celebration possible, and to JCRC-NY for its valued partnership in co-hosting an event that brought together so many segments of the community.

The gathering exemplified the power of collaboration among community-based organizations, philanthropic partners, and public officials to enrich the lives of those they serve. Such partnerships enable JCCGCI not only to deliver essential services to Holocaust survivors and older adults, but also to provide opportunities for meaningful social engagement, celebration, dignity, and belonging.

As the Jewish New Year begins, JCCGCI reaffirms its enduring commitment to serving New Yorkers of every background with compassion, respect, and sensitivity, ensuring that those who have contributed so much to our communities continue to receive the care, appreciation, and recognition they so richly deserve.

Shanah Tovah U’Metukah—best wishes for a good, sweet, healthy, and peaceful New Year!

👉 Learn more about our upcoming events and how we keep the community strong at https://www.jccgci.org/

A Holocaust survivor client speaking with one of our featured guests

Council Member Mercedes Narcisse speaking to the room about Jewish life in New York City

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