(Courtesy of JCRC-NY) The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) hosted a record-breaking 2021 virtual gala on June 24 that drew 400 attendees and set an all-time fundraising record of more than $2.7 million that will help ensure that JCRC-NY can continue its vital work uniting all New Yorkers, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.
The event paid special tribute to JCRC-NY’s Bridge Builder of 36 years, Michael S. Miller, as he steps aside as executive vice president and CEO and becomes CEO Emeritus. Errol Louis, political anchor of Spectrum News NY1, conducted a comprehensive and informative interview with Michael, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented the inaugural Rabbi Israel Miller and Rabbi Michael S. Miller Generation to Generation Award, named in honor of Michael and in memory of his father.
Ajay Banga, executive chair, Mastercard, received the Corporate Diversity Award from H.E. Ido Aharoni, former Consul General of Israel in New York; and Ari Ackerman, founder, Bunk1.com, and partner, Miami Marlins, received the Continuing Legacy Award from his wife Lauren and daughter Simona.
Michael Douglas, Academy Award-winning actor and producer and United Nations Messenger of Peace, presented a special award to Gustave K. Lipman and his family as they launched the inaugural Barbara and Ira A. Lipman Community Security Award in loving memory of their parents.
Acting Consul General of Israel in New York Israel Nitzan and UJA-Federation of New York President Amy A. B. Bressman were among the community leaders who delivered special greetings.
“It was bittersweet to pay tribute to our CEO, Michael Miller, as he steps aside after 36 years to become CEO Emeritus. We are so grateful to President Bill Clinton for delivering a personal message, and to Mayor Michael Bloomberg for presenting a special award to Michael, whose enduring legacy will forever be a bedrock of the JCRC-NY family. It was also most meaningful to witness the symbolic passing of the baton from Michael to our new CEO, Gideon Taylor, who will officially begin his tenure on July 1,” said JCRC-NY President Cheryl Fishbein.
The evening included a stirring new music video commissioned by JCRC-NY from a cappella groups Naturally 7 and The Maccabeats, which featured a powerful rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” with special permission from Paul Simon, and “Gesher Tzar Me’od, The Whole World Is a Narrow Bridge.”
Find more information on JCRC-NY, visit www.jcrcny.org. Follow JCRC-NY on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
