the NCFJE’s Annual Empowerment Breakfast

NYC Councilmen, State Assemblymen, Jewish community activists and lay leaders filled the Skyline Hotel Ballroom on Sunday, Sept. 10th, for the NCFJE Empowerment Breakfast.

The annual breakfast honors elected officials, public servants and business leaders who play a vital role in shaping the growth of New York City and its communities.

“These are the people who champion the causes that affect the Jewish community,” said Rabbi Shea Hecht, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “The nature of their work often keeps them behind the scenes, but they are the ones that keep this city going. Their hard work on our behalf really needs to be recognized. That’s the purpose of this event.”

Among those recognized were: Naomi Rivera and Karim Camara, both of the NY State Assembly; Judge William Thompson, Sr. of Ross and Hill Attorneys at Law; Dr. Lloyd Sederer, the Director of Community Mental Health Services; Steve Feuerstein , CEO of ArenaCrop Holdings; and Kevin Sheekey, Deputy Mayor for Government Affairs.

“There is just an incredible amount of good will that is generated at the breakfast,” said Rochel Shem Tov, who organized the event. “There are no appeals, no fundraising… it’s a nice ‘thank you’ for all of the people in city hall and in Albany and in the business world that enable us to help our communities.”

The Empowerment Breakfast highlights NCFJE’s 66 years of serving the educational, social, religious and humanitarian needs of all sectors of the Jewish community.