Incoming Officials Party in Sukkah

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Shimi Kutner

Elected representatives and officials at all levels of the New York government participated in the annual Sukkos party hosted by Crown Heights activist Chanina Sperlin on Tuesday night.

Notably attending was Israel’s newly appointed Consul General to New York, Danny Dayan. In his remarks, Dayan said that celebrating Sukkos was an answer to the UNESCO vote that failed to recognize the Jewish connection to Har Habayis.

After the meeting in the Sukkah, Dayan, a resident of the Shomron, also joined the dancing on Kingston Avenue. CHJCC Executive Director Eli Cohen spoke of how the appointment of a Shomron representative to such an important post demonstrated that the Rebbe’s words about Shleimus Haaretz have begun to have greater effect.

All the officials who joined the Sperlin Sukkah gathering spoke of the great significance of this annual event in bringing together people from all religions and ethnicities, to celebrate the holiday.

The crowd was addressed by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; NY State Comptroller Tom Dinapoli; State Senator Jesse Hamilton; State Assembly Member Walter Mosley; NY City Public Advocate Letitia James; NY City Comptroller Scott Stringer; NY City Council Members Laurie Cumbo, Mathieu Eugene, and David Greenfield; and Executive Officer of the 71st Precinct Captain Wahl.

Also present was Deputy Consul General Amir Sagee, District Leaders Geoffrey Davis and Shirley Patterson and representatives of the Boro Park and Williamsburg Jewish communities.

In his first visit to Crown Heights, acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzales participated, continuing a tradition of his predecessor Ken Thompson who tragically passed away from an illness last week.

Gonzales promised to work to keep the Crown Heights community feeling safe while making sure that everyone is treated fairly by the justice system.