The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) recently honored House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries with the first Shamash Leadership Award, highlighting his continuous support and allyship with New York’s Jewish community.
Community members gathered at the Sephardic Community Center in Gravesend on Dec. 20 to celebrate the occasion. The award is named after the shamash, the tallest candle used to light the Hanukkah menorah.
According to JCRC-NY — a community relations agency working to uplift the Jewish community and advance their values, interests, and security in the New York metro area — the inaugural award will recognize “trailblazers whose extraordinary advocacy illuminates the path forward for New York’s Jewish community and all New Yorkers.”
Jeffries, whose 8th Congressional District spans a diverse array of Brooklyn neighborhoods, expressed gratitude for the award, which he accepted via Zoom.
“It is an honor and a privilege to receive this award from leaders and an organization that I’ve had the opportunity to have a close relationship with since my early days in the New York State Assembly,” he said. “The Jewish community has been such an incredibly important part of Brooklyn’s journey, of New York City’s journey and of America’s journey.”
JCRC-NY honored Jeffries for his efforts to support the Jewish community, including securing $14 billion in aid to Israel in the wake of Oct. 7 to help ensure the safe return of hostages.
During the event, Joseph D. Tawil, chief executive officer of the Sephardic Community Center, praised the congressmember’s solidarity and leadership during other challenges faced by the South Brooklyn community — including the COVID-19 pandemic and Superstorm Sandy.
“He spearheaded recovery efforts, helping to quickly deliver critical aid as our neighborhoods focused on rebuilding. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his steadfast support proved invaluable once again,” Tawil said. “We commend Congressman Jeffries for his inclusive leadership and are delighted to celebrate this well-deserved honor.”
Following a 2019 stabbing at a rabbi’s house in Monsey, New York, Jeffries launched the Breaking Bread, Building Bonds initiative to educate children from all backgrounds about anti-Semitism. The program fostered connections by organizing more than 100 dinners where children gathered to share a meal and learn about each other’s cultures.
“As we celebrate the Festival of Lights and its enduring meaning, JCRC-NY is proud to celebrate Hanukkah with the community-at-large and honor such a distinguished leader with our inaugural Shamash Award,” said JCRC-NY CEO and former Council Member Mark Treyger. “House Leader Jeffries has stood by our side, serving as a beacon of light during challenging moments for our community and uplifting our identities and traditions. We can think of no better person to honor as our first recipient.”
