Multi-Cultural Dinner Party Celebrates the Jewish Children’s Museum’s Third Anniversary

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — Over 500 guests comprised of community leaders, supporters and friends gathered last night at the Jewish Children’s Museum to celebrate its third anniversary with an international food walk-through and awards ceremony.

“Tonight’s theme reflects our mission of uniting various cultures. Through foods spanning the globe, we celebrate each other’s diversity in a fun and engaging way,” said Mendy Spalter, the Museum’s Director of Development.

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Last night, the Museum, known for its interactive exhibits, was engaging in a food-centered way. The kid-sized Super Market and kosher kitchen hosted European soups and salads; on the lower level guests enjoyed American favorites and an eclectic Mexican taco bar; dinner attendees journeyed through Asian and Italian buffets and an open bar on the fourth floor, where they also took a video sneak peak into plans for the future fourth floor exhibits which will feature “A Voyage Through Jewish History.”

For extra flavor, a six-man mariachi band made its way through all the Museum floors.

At the award ceremony’s commence, Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a longtime Museum supporter was one of the first to address the audience.

“This Museum took something horrible and evil and turned it into something of hope and brightness,” he said.

Through a video presentation, the newly elected Attorney General Michael Mukasey presented the Ari Halberstam Memorial award to Mr. Serge Hoyda.

“In Jewish tradition, we retell events to ensure we don’t forget their lessons,” said Mukasey. “When we confer this award, we remember the evil we face in the world, and the response of a mother to combat that evil.”

Mukasey also pointed to the award’s flame shape as a symbol of the Museum’s success in “dispelling darkness.”

Devorah Halberstam gave a heart wrenching account of her drive home from visiting her son’s grave this past Thursday, to mark the day of his passing. “I was deep in thought when I heard the news of the terrorist attack in Israel that killed eight Jewish students,” she said through her tears.

“The same terror struck my heart as it did 14 years ago when I heard the news of my son being shot on the Brooklyn Bridge. But 14 years ago, it was my son, not someone else’s.”

Halberstam then spoke about the ever pressing demand to combat the lack of awareness that breeds hatred. She thanked Museum supporters for “acting on justice and social responsibility.”

Executive Director Rabbi Yerachmiel Benjaminson spoke about the Museum being a “paradigm for other Museums,” and announced the beginning of plans for Jewish Children’s Museums in Brussels and Tampa, Fla.

The dinner was attended by community leaders and officials, including Senator Chuck Schumer, City Comptroller Billy Thompson Jr., State Senator Eric Adams, Council Member Latitia Jones, Police Commissioner Ray Kelley, Borough President Marty Markowitz, Congressman Anthony Weiner and members of the FBI and NYPD.

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Since opening in April of 2005, the Jewish Children’s Museum has welcomed over 500,000 visitors of every age, background and faith for a hands-on, interactive and educational experience with Jewish culture. Various multi-media enliven Jewish tradition in over 80 hands-on, interactive exhibits, which include a “Holes of Life” mini-golf course and live game show studio.

For more information on the Jewish Children’s Museum please call 718.467.0600 or visit us on the web at www.jcm.museum