Press Release Archives #259-97 Jewish Heritage Week

Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 12, 1997

Release #259-97

Contact: Colleen Roche or Brenda Perez (212) 788-2958

MAYOR GIULIANI RECOGNIZES THE CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN NEW YORK CITY

Proclaims The Week Of May 11 Through 18 as Jewish Heritage Week

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today recognized the cultural contributions of American Jews as he proclaimed the week of May 11 through 18 Jewish Heritage Week in New York City at a special show in Bryant Park featuring the talents of Joan Rivers, Alan King and many other stars. Sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, the Jewish Heritage Week is commemorating its 20th anniversary this year, and also the 49th anniversary of Israel's Independence.

This year's theme, A Salute to Jewish Life in New York City, celebrates the diverse Jewish communities in New York City, and promotes New York City's status as the center of American Jewish culture.

"The Jewish people have shaped the values and the definition of New York and helped to make us the great City we have become," said Mayor Giuliani. "They have built great humanitarian, educational, cultural, medical and scientific institutions; produced renowned authors, inventors, actors, playwrights, designers and other creative and intellectual innovators; and participated in the daily life and business of every neighborhood in the City. Jewish food, humor and expressions are thought of as 'typically New York,' The Jewish Heritage is an ever-increasing and vital part of New York's heritage."

Almost ten thousand people attended the Bryant Park event, which featured the diverse talents of Joan Rivers, Alan King, Marvin Hamlisch, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, and a special performance of Alan Menken & Tim Rice's "KING DAVID."