Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Nydia Negron (212) 788-9364
During a ceremony, the Mayor and members of the Sol Goldman family cut the ribbon which symbolically marked the rebirth of a cultural landmark.
The Sol Goldman "Y" will be the home of a newly refurbished health, fitness and recreation facility as well as a cultural and performing arts center.
"All New Yorkers join me in thanking the UJA Federation, the Educational Alliance and the many private donors for keeping the Sol Goldman YM-YWHA a vital part of New York City's future," said Mayor Giuliani. "This is truly a triumph of community teamwork.
"As important as this "Y" is to the community, it almost closed down. But thanks to the fundraising efforts of the UJA Federation and the managerial skills of the Educational Alliance, the center survived and it is stronger and better than ever," the Mayor concluded.
There are only three "Y" Jewish community centers in New York City. The Sol Goldman Center is one of the largest, serving over 160,000 Jewish residents South of 59th street, river to river. The center was scheduled to be shut down in 1990 as part of the financial close-out of its parent agency, the Associated YM-YWHA's of New York.
Addressing the members of the "Y" who gathered for the celebration, the Mayor acknowledged the important role volunteerism played in the rebirth of the center. "It is their energy and hard work that makes this center truly great," he said.