Contact: | Sunny Mindel/Sid Dinsay |
(212) 788-2958 |
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC) and hundreds of New Yorkers in celebrating "Jewish Heritage NY 2001" (JHNY) at a reception at Gracie Mansion. Since 1976, the annual celebration has highlighted the civic and cultural contributions of Jewish New Yorkers.
This year's theme is "The Jewish Community: Sharing Our Values; Contributing to the Landscape of New York." The celebration coincides with Israel Independence Day, commemorating the 53rd anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. During the event, Mayor Giuliani proclaimed April 22nd through 29th, 2001 as Jewish Heritage Week in New York City.
"Jewish New Yorkers have made immeasurable contributions to the life of our City and our nation in every area of human endeavor -- from the arts to commerce, from literature to politics," the Mayor said. "For Jews in Israel and in New York City, today is a special day, a time for reflection, pride and celebration. In that spirit, it is my pleasure to present a proclamation to Howard Teich and Michael Miller proclaiming this week Jewish Heritage Week in New York City."
Joining the Mayor at the reception were Ambassador Alon Pinkus, Consul General of the State of Israel in New York; Howard Teich, Co-Chairman of JHNY 2001; Michael Miller, Executive Vice President of JCRC of New York; Actor/Writer Jerry Stiller; Comedian Stewart Stone; and Singer Julie Budd, who served as master of ceremonies.
The celebration was sponsored in part by Delta Airlines, the Kmart Corporation,
the Consolidated Edison Company, KeySpan Energy, the Bialkin Family Foundation,
The Museum of the City of New York, Verizon, the UJA Federation of New York,
NBC4, Edward Olan, Harry Wittlin, Michael Strauss Silversmith, and the Friars
Club Sunshine Committee.