New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. with honorees and co-sponsors at his Jewish Heritage celebration at City Hall on Wednesday, December 13, 2006. Pictured (back, l to r) are: Gayle M. Horwitz, Deputy Comptroller/Chief of Staff, Office of the Comptroller; Michael F. Miller, Executive Vice President & CEO, Jewish Community Relations Council; Zev J. Brenner, President/Executive Producer, Talkline Communications Network; Thompson; Sally Goodgold, Civic Leader; David Zweibel, Vice President for Government and Public Affairs, Agudath Israel of America; (front, l to r) Leonard Stahl, Presidium Member, Association of Orthodox Jewish Teachers of the New York City Public School System; Matthew J. Maryles, President, Jewish Community Relations Council; and, Rabbi Max N. Schreier, Avenue N Jewish Center. |
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Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. honored six leaders at his fifth annual Jewish Heritage celebration at City Hall. The event was co-sponsored with Agudath Israel of America and the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty.
“We are here to celebrate the wonderful diversity, the rich history, and the tremendous vitality of the Jewish community in New York,” Thompson said. “Our city has always enjoyed a special bond of friendship with Israel, and the connections grow stronger every year.”
“As we celebrate the history and the contributions of New York City’s Jewish community tonight, we also reaffirm our solidarity with Israel, and renew our commitment to strive for peace abroad and at home.”
Thompson presented the first award to civic leader Jack Rosen, a successful businessman who heads several real estate firms and chairman of the American Jewish Congress.
“Through a range of legislative, policy, and diplomatic efforts, the organization works to defend Jewish interests at home and abroad,” Thompson said. “Under his leadership, the organization has greatly expanded its programs and membership.
The second honoree was community leader Susan Stern, chairman of the board of the UJA Federation of New York, the internationally renowned philanthropic organization.
“Under her leadership, the group supports a network of more than 100 health, human-service, education and community agencies in New York, Israel and around the world,” Thompson noted. “Ms. Stern is a dedicated and talented civic leader.”
Rabbi Zev J. Brenner, media and community leader, was the third honoree. Brenner is president and executive producer of the Talkline Communications Network, which he founded in 1981.
“Based in New York, it has become America’s leading Jewish radio and television network. He is the host of Talking With Zev Brenner, the network’s flagship radio show and television program,” Thompson said. “In addition to his broadcasting career, Rabbi Brenner has given generously of his time to efforts to improve relations between the Jewish community and other ethnic groups.”
The fourth honoree was civic leader Sally Goodgold, a noted activist for civic and urban causes throughout New York City.
“Her work has had significant impact in matters as diverse as the ‘sunshine laws,’ West Side Highway repairs, and guidelines for the first bus shelters,” Thompson said, noting as well that in 1984, she became the first female president and chairperson of the City Club of New York, the oldest nonpartisan, voluntary civic organization in New York City.
“Ms. Goodgold has demonstrated outstanding commitment to civic causes. In recognition of her outstanding achievements on behalf of the people of New York, it is my pleasure to present this award to Sally Goodgold,” he said.
The fifth honoree was civic leader Matthew J. Maryles, president of the Jewish Community Relations Council, which works to protect and defend Jewish interests by bringing divergent voices into harmony. He also is co-chairman of the Association of Modern Orthodox Day Schools, secretary of the Gruss Life Monument Funds, and has served in a number of leadership positions at other organizations.
“Matthew Maryles as given generously of his time and support to numerous philanthropic and civic causes,” Thompson said.
Education leader Leonard Stahl was the sixth honoree. Stahl is a presidium member and president of the Association of Orthodox Jewish Teachers of the New York City Public Schools.
“Throughout his career, Mr. Stahl has worked to support teachers and educate young people, bringing vision, dedication, and expertise to the effort,” the Comptroller said.
Manhattan Day School Chorus, under the leadership of Rabbi Mordechai Besser, performed at the event.
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