We are still kvelling after the Hanukkah party we hosted on December 18th, bringing together supporters, partners, elected officials, and our newly-formed Young Leaders Network to celebrate community, resilience, and shared values.
We heard two beautiful songs from Broadway star Adam Kantor: Ochos Kandelikas and a mashup of Hallelujah/Oseh Shalom. We collectively held a moment of silence to honor the victims and survivors of the antisemitic terror attack in Sydney. Elected officials and our board members lit the candles with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, who spoke movingly about peace and justice here in New York and in Israel and Palestine. State Senator and Manhattan Borough President-elect Brad Hoylman-Sigal reflected on our shared work in Albany and the City. Eva Wyner Rosen, Governor Hochul’s Direct of Jewish Affairs, brought a Hanukkah proclamation and discussed NYJA’s growing influence and impact. Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani spoke about his commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring that NYC is a place where Jews are celebrated and cherished. He said that this was especially important in a painful week for our community.
As we head into 2026, we feel energized and deeply grateful. On behalf of our staff, board, and co-founders, we hope everyone had a meaningful Hanukkah.
