This past Sunday, December 22, elected officials and civic-minded community members came together for a Chanukah celebration that embodied joy, resilience, and unity. The annual gathering for Congress Member Grace Meng once again filled the penthouse at Union Care Plaza Center in Flushing, with the presence of owner District Leader Shimi Pelman. The venue was transformed into a breathtaking display of silver and blue, creating an atmosphere of celebration and reverence for the season. A delicious fleishig spread provided by Mechy’s Deli included jumbo latkes and, of course, donuts, to satisfy traditional holiday cravings.
The afternoon began with emcee Rabbi Daniel Pollack, Jewish Liaison to Congress Member Meng, who set the tone by emphasizing the spiritual and communal significance of Chanukah. “This is a time of miracles, reflection, and unity,” he said, and then addressed the ongoing concerns about the 100 hostages—including six Americans—held captive in Gaza for 441 days as of Sunday. “Our holiday cannot feel complete until they are brought home.”
“Though I’m the host,” explained Pelman, “this afternoon is really the result of Congress Member Meng’s tireless efforts,” he said, gesturing to the elected official sitting at the forefront of the beautifully decorated venue.
The highlight of the event was the presence of Ambassador Ofir Akunis, Consul General of Israel in NY. Akunis, who twice served as Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has a distinguished record of leadership. During his first term, he spearheaded significant reforms to expand technology access to underserved communities in Israel and signed 30 international agreements to strengthen cooperation with nations including the U.S., the UK, India, Japan, and Argentina. He also initiated Israel’s first-of-its-kind international conference in 2018 to mark Israel’s 70th Independence Day, attended by delegations from 30 countries.
Akunis also served as Israel’s Minister of Regional Cooperation from 2020 to 2021, where he played a pivotal role in the historic Abraham Accords and initiated groundbreaking delegations to foster collaboration with Arab states. His tenure has been marked by numerous initiatives aimed at bridging communities and advancing peace.
At the event, Akunis spoke passionately about the shared values and enduring alliance between the United States and Israel. “True friendship is standing together in the most difficult moments,” he remarked. Akunis added a compelling update on the hostage situation, sharing that U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan recently confirmed Israel’s readiness for a deal. “Jake Sullivan stated unequivocally, ‘Israel is ready. All we need is for Hamas to agree.’ This is the truth, and we are prepared to bring back our men, women, children, and Holocaust survivors who were kidnapped from their homes on October 7.” Akunis, who now lives locally with his wife Adi, also took a moment to honor the bravery of Israel’s lone soldiers stationed along eight frontiers, including his own children, Yonatan and Roni, who serve in the Israel Defense Forces. “We salute our soldiers, the new Maccabees, and hold hope for the return of our loved ones,” he said, his voice resonating with emotion. “America and Israel will always stand together,” he concluded.
“Bitludasam,” iterated Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, mara d’asra at Young Israel of Queens Valley and former Vaad Harabonim President, in his powerful message on combating rising anti-Semitism, particularly in academic spaces, quoting the Rambam, arguably the most prolific Sephardic rabbinic philosopher of the Middle Ages. “We celebrate our ability to thwart the attempts by the ancient Greek Empire to eradicate our unique religious and spiritual identity.” Putting the notion into a modern-day perspective, “The surge of anti-Semitism since October 7 is appalling,” he said, citing troubling examples, including Columbia University’s controversial appointment of Jordanian academic Professor Joseph Mossad, who publicly cheered the October 7 attacks and has since been retained to lead a class in Zionism despite a Jewish student body of more than 22%. “We need leaders like Congresswoman Meng to stand strong and speak the truth,” much like she did a decade ago, then a newcomer, when she stood up to President Obama against his Iran Deal.
Congresswoman Grace Meng’s speech was the emotional crescendo of the afternoon. She spoke with unwavering commitment to both her Jewish constituents and the broader community. “Chanukah tells the story of the Jewish people coming together to fight against oppression,” she said. As we face horrifying rising anti-Semitism and as Israel defends itself against terror, “know that you are not alone.” Meng highlighted her efforts in Congress to secure billions of dollars in funding for Israel’s defense and increased security for synagogues and schools, saluting her peers Representatives Lois Franco and Norma Torres, for their work on the State and Foreign Operations Committee, and the outspokenness of Representative Dan Goldman. “Anti-Semitism must be fought by all of us,” she declared, drawing applause.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine urged the Jewish community to embrace public expressions of their faith, particularly during these challenging times. “As we light our menorahs, let us remember those who cannot do so freely,” he said. Levine also called for stronger initiatives to protect Jewish communities and combat the pervasive rise of hate crimes.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz discussed the importance of justice and community safety, thanking Meng for securing $500,000 in funds for solving cold cases, bringing closure to families after some four decades of uncertainty. Katz also criticized the lack of outrage from women’s rights groups against the sexual violence perpetrated on October 7, urging continued advocacy for victims. “We must speak out every single day,” she said.
As the event concluded, attendees lit menorahs together. Rabbi Michael Miller, CEO Emeritus of the Jewish Community Relations Council of NY, encapsulated the afternoon’s sentiment. “Chanukah is not just about a single miracle but about the collective power of community—friends, alliances—to rise up against challenges,” he said. “Congresswoman Meng exemplifies what it means to be a steadfast ally. Her dedication is a modern-day miracle, and we are lucky to have her as our champion.”
The afternoon left attendees, including notable figures such as Meshulem Lisker, a Queens activist now based in Israel, and Israel Nitzan, the former Acting Consul General of Israel, with a renewed sense of hope and determination.
Assemblymembers Sam Berger, Larinda Hooks, Kalmen Yaeger, and David Weprin, and NYC Council Members Majority Leader Amanda Farías, Linda Lee, Jim Gennaro, Lynn Schulman, Julie Won, and (formerly) Karen Koslowitz, alongside State Senator Toby Stavisky, attended the event as well. Chanukah, as many remarked, is a celebration of light overcoming darkness—a message that resonates deeply in the face of current challenges. As Rabbi Marcus aptly put it, “We need leaders like Congress Member Meng to stand strong and speak the truth. She is a true friend of our community.”
By Shabsie Saphirstein