UJA-Federation of New York

As we begin Passover next week during a difficult time for our friends and family in Israel, we are reminded that the story of redemption carries extra meaning this year – and is one that we’re still living. Read more: ujafedny.org/news/tell-your…

“And when we gather for our seders next year, may we tell our children that the words ‘Next year in Jerusalem’ are more than a declaration of hope. May these words be made real – in an Israel that is more secure. In a region that knows greater peace for all.”

Today, at a rally at Park East synagogue with @UJAfedNY and @JCRCNY, we came together to mark the Council's passage of our legislative package. I'm proud that these bills will help protect access to houses of worship, strengthen safety planning, and uphold the right to protest peacefully.

There is absolutely no place in our city for violence, threats, or attempts to take someone’s life—ever. While we adamantly disagree with Nerdeen Kiswani’s inflammatory rhetoric and her organization’s tactics, we condemn in the strongest possible terms the reported plot against her. We are grateful to the NYPD, FBI, and our law enforcement partners for thwarting this attack. Their vigilance reminds us every day that New York is safest when we reject violence, uphold the rule of law for all, and give thanks for the best police department in the world—the NYPD.

Together, we’re sending a clear message: every New Yorker deserves to practice their faith safely and without fear.

Thank you @SpeakerMenin and @EricDinowitzNYC for your steadfast leadership in protecting the right of all New Yorkers to gather and worship free from intimidation.

"This legislation sends a clear message: Intimidation and obstruction of houses of worship will not be tolerated. And while this legislation is deeply meaningful for the Jewish community, make no mistake, this is in support of New Yorkers of all backgrounds." – Eric S. Goldstein.

“In crisis, the ability to respond quickly is critical. It’s very hard, but we are trying our hardest to do it,” said Itzik Shmuli, the head of @UJAfedNY's Israel Office. ejphil.com/4wegu

Thank you again to @SpeakerMenin for her leadership and advocacy to ensure New Yorkers of all faiths can worship without fear. Photos: Ari Temkin/UJA

A few months ago, @PESynagogue attendees were harassed by crowds chanting ‘globalize the intifada’ and calling to incite violence. Today, our CEO joined @SpeakerMenin, @JCRCNY, and @EricDinowitzNYC at Park East to celebrate @NYCCouncil’s passage of the buffer zone bills.

Yesterday, I had the honor of being invited to join @SpeakerMenin, and some of my @NYCCouncil colleagues at an Interfaith Model Seder to learn about and celebrate the traditions of the upcoming Jewish holiday of #Passover. The event was hosted by @JCRCNY and @UJAfedNY, and held at the TSION café to support the owner who received threats for operating an Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant. Thank you, Beejhy Barhany, for having us at your establishment. And thx to Rabbi Dimitri Elkhurst for leading the seder.

The seder this year carries special meaning for former hostages who will celebrate their modern-day story of redemption with loved ones. Yet many Israelis will likely be sitting in bomb shelters during the seder: our freedom from oppression is far from complete. (2/2)

We were honored to sponsor yesterday’s pre-Passover seder luncheon at the UN with Ambassador @DannyDanon and @IsraelinNewYork. (1/2)

“People felt targeted and harassed while going into their synagogues, their houses of worship,” said Daniel Rosenthal, @UJAFedNY vice president for government and external affairs. “And when that happens, clearly there needs to be a reaction.” ow.ly/FzQl50Yzhop

Congratulations again to the honorees, and thank you to everyone who joined us.

We also honored two remarkable honorees, Sandra C. Goldstein of @Kirkland_Ellis, recipient of the Judge Joseph M. Proskauer Award, and Adam L. Goodman of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, recipient of the James H. Fogelson Emerging Leadership Award.

“This is a very difficult phase of the war. People understand why we fight, but are also tired and fatigued. Bravery is not about shutting your eyes to obstacles and distress – it’s about recognizing it, and trying to overcome.” – @Nadav_Eyal, Israeli journalist and author.