Mayor Adams Calls New York the “Tel Aviv of America”

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Itzik Roytman/COLlive

New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted his first Jewish Heritage reception, held annually at Gracie Mansion, on Tuesday, celebrating the Jewish community and their contribution to the city.

In attendance at the outdoor kosher event were some 800 guests, among them elected officials, community leaders and activists, who enjoyed entertainment by singer Shulem Lemmer.

Attending from Crown Heights were Chanina Sperlin and Eli Cohen of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, activist and Honorary NYPD Commissioner Devorah Halberstam, Rabbi Shea Hecht of NCFJE, and activist Avi Lesches.

NYPD Inspector Richie Taylor, an Orthodox Jewish member of the NYPD, received an award for his many years of service.

In his remarks, Mayor Adams called for public support of the NYPD.

“They place themselves in harm’s way. And that doesn’t mean we can’t scrutinize those who don’t deserve to have the nobility of public protection, but we should not blanket everyone who adorns that uniform and serves and protects us,” he said. “That’s the mission we must leave here with today. The mission is safety. If we are not safe, we will live in our city in disgrace.”

“The only place I want to live in is New York City. This is the greatest city on the globe. And you know that of the Jewish faith, we are the Tel Aviv of America. The largest Jewish population outside of Israel is right here in New York, right in New York,” Mayor Adams said.

“So we have a job to do. As we bring our city back, we’re not going to allow the naysayers to get in our way. We are laser focused on bringing New York back,” he said. “You chose me as your mayor. I received the largest support from this community so I’m not going to deny you. I’m not going to allow you to live in the betrayal we witness in this city. It’s time to bring our city to the level we know it deserves. Let’s do it together. I believe it. You believe it.”

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