Chazaq, Achiezer, Achim B’Yachad, College Students, And Lizzy Savetsky Cited At Grace Mansion Chanukah Soirйe

This past Tuesday evening, December 17, New York City’s Gracie Mansion glowed with the spirit of Chanukah as Mayor Eric Adams welcomed community leaders and honorees from across the city for a festive celebration. The elegant reception, catered by Mendy’s of Crown Heights, recognized the contributions of organizations like Chazaq, Achiezer, and Queens College, with heartfelt speeches and a powerful call to unity.

Guests enjoyed a motley of authentic Chanukah staples which came courtesy of the Mendy’s outpost at the Jewish Children’s Museum. The spread included latkes with applesauce, sufganiyot, beef lo mein, and chicken shawarma. An assortment of Israel wines was also offered.

Menashe Shapiro, Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Mayor, led with thanks to events sponsors the UJA Federation of New York, represented by CEO Eric Goldstein, and Hindy Poupko Galena, JCRC-NY, represented by CEO Mark Trieger, and the ADL, represented New York Regional Director Scott Richman. As the event concluded, I took a moment to absorb the kibud av Menashe showed to his revered father Rabbi Mordechai Shapiro, mara d’asra of Congregation B’nai Abraham of Kew Gardens Hills, as they approached the mansion door.

Mayor Eric Adams connected the holiday’s historical lessons to the present. “During 164 BCE, the Maccabees stood strong to reclaim what was rightfully theirs,” the mayor remarked. “We have to ask ourselves today—where are the Maccabees now? Who will stand up and fight for what is right?” He emphasized the Jewish community’s ongoing role in defending others. “Let this generation be the one where we don’t sit idly by. Hate has no place in our city, our country, or the world.”

“The Jewish attribute of HaKaras HaTov, giving thanks, is not just thanking somebody for what has been done, but we thank G-d for what is about to be done,” said Shapiro in a depiction of the NYPD, our protectors, the first responders who as often noted by the mayor “run towards danger, not away from it.”

The Mayor’s words resonated deeply as Police Comm’r Jessica Tisch, the first Jewish woman to hold the position, took the stage. “Chanukah is a story of resilience,” she said. “Chanukah is the story of Jews under attack, when our religion was outlawed and our traditions banned.” The Jewish people fought back and reclaimed their identity. Today, in the face of rising antisemitism, we must embody that same spirit of hope and strength. “The temple was shut, but our people were not defeated. Soon, the temple was liberated, rededicated, and then, as now, Am Yisrael Chai, the people of Israel live.”

The triumphs and travails of the past 14 months were not lost on attendees; however, the simple piece of masking tape bearing the number 437—the number of days since October 7—on the chest of Sorolle Idels, Chairperson of Queens Jewish Alliance, made a profound impact. Consul General Ofir Akunis, Consulate General of Israel in New York, spoke passionately about his nation’s enduring legacy of hope. The lights of the menorah symbolize more than joy—they are a reminder of resilience and truth. “Sadly, threats against Jewish people, places, and history are nothing new. But the lesson of Chanukah is eternal. Indeed, it is the same lesson of October 7,” adding, “Israel never asked for this fight. Israel desperately seeks peace. And my friends, because Chanukah is a holiday of lights and hope, I can say to you that, at this moment, we are closer than ever to bringing our hostages home. Israel will always defend itself with strength, unity, and results.”

Moshe Davis, Jewish Liaison for the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, introduced the evenings honorees, spotlighting their dedication to uplifting the community.

Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, CEO of Chazaq, was honored for his organization’s work in strengthening Jewish identity through education and outreach. He was joined by his wife, Leora, Chazaq Executive Board Member Shalom Zirkiev and his wife, Victoria, President of Chazaq’s Women’s Division and a legal committee member on Mayor Adams’ transition team. “We’re building a stronger community, one program at a time,” Victoria said. “It’s an honor to be part of such meaningful work.” Longtime supporters Yaakov Serle, co-publisher of this publication, and Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, mara d’asra of Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim, and Clergy Liaison to the 107 took pride in Chazaq’s accomplishments.

Rabbi Baruch Ber Bender of Achiezer was recognized for his tireless support of families in crisis. “Rabbi Bender is the person you call at any hour for guidance and help,” said Davis. “His dedication embodies the true spirit of chesed.”

Rabbi Bender humbly accepted the honor, emphasizing his team’s collective effort. “Achiezer is not about one person; it’s about a community coming together to support those in need.”

The celebration also highlighted young and proud Jewish collegiate leaders, including Danielle Babaev of Queens College’s Queens Hillel. This honor recognized the resilience of Jewish students on campus who continue to amplify their pride and stand firm in their identities despite facing antisemitism. Tali Dardashtian of NYU’s Jewish on Campus, Stand With Us fellow Maya Gavriel of Baruch’s Hillel, and Noam Waldenberg of Columbia’s Chabad on Campus rounded out the merits

“These students are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Davis. They show that even in their challenging and hostile environments, Jewish pride cannot be diminished.

Trailblazing social media activist Lizzy Savetsky was recognized for her ability to “empower Jewish people to take pride in their identity, stand strong in the face of adversity, and embrace Judaism in all its forms.” The guests of honor attended alongside prominent figures like members of the NYPD Shomrim Society, including Queens’ 1st Vice President Lt. Ben Gelber and 2nd Vice President Joshua Zucker, who both reinforce the city’s commitment to safety and inclusion, and viral video empire Fat Camp Films’ Zach Sage Fox, the comic passionate about his Judaism who ventured into Ramallah with truths from the West spreading pro-Jewish, pro-Israel thought as he has done with his million-plus followers. Welcome remarks were delivered by Queens’ very own Assemblymember David Weprin; his colleague Sam Berger was in attendance. NYC Council Member Gale A. Brewer also shared comraderies.

As the lights of the menorah flickered, Police Comm’r Tisch offered a final reminder: “In times of darkness, leadership matters. Tonight, we celebrate those who are lighting the way.”

By Shabsie Saphirstein