NYC: Mayor Adams Honored With Maccabee Award at BPJCC Chanukah Reception

By M.C. Millman

The BPJCC’s Chanukah Reception held on Monday, December 30, the fifth day of Chanukah, honored New York City Mayor Eric Adams as the recipient of the Maccabee Award.

The Mayor, a self-described “modern-day Maccabee,” was presented with the Maccabee Award for his staunch support of the Jewish community in so many ways. The Maccabee Award was presented to Mayor Adams “for his long-standing friendship with the Jewish community, outspoken support of Israel, and ardent defense against anti-Semitism.”

Upon accepting his award, the Mayor shared his feeling of connection with the community, crediting his understanding of the community to being a person who makes sure to leave the sterilized environment of City Hall to go out to see what is happening on the streets every day.

“I know your needs because I’ve been among you throughout the time in learning your needs,” the Mayor said.  “That is why I can stand up and fight on your behalf. That is why I am a modern-day Maccabee!”

Mayor Adams lit the menorah together with Holocaust survivor David Einhorn, whose inspiring presence and the tattoo burned into his arm bear witness to his surviving the atrocities of Auschwitz.

Newly elected Assemblyman Kalman Yeger addressed attendees, as did Rabbi Yitzchok Frankfurter, editor-in-chief of Ami Magazine. Representatives from NYPD, Shomrim, Chaverim, ADL, Community Security Initiative, and JCRC–NY were also in attendance.

Avi Greenstein, BPJCC CEO emceed the event. Avi brought attention to the significance of the passing the day before of the oldest former United States president, Jimmy Carter, at the age of 100.

“One of the accomplishments of President Carter,” Greenstein shared, “was that on the fourth night of Chanukah, on December 17, 1979, he established the National Menorah in Washington. This was the first White House public menorah lighting. “

The National Menorah is still lit during Chanukah in Washington every year to this day, along with thousands of menorahs in public places across the United States.

“The first candle that I lit,” Greenstein quoted a part of Carter’s 1979 speech, “the shammes candle, has given its light now in this glass cage to all the other candles. It has not itself been diminished. It shows that when we give life and love to others, the life and love in our own hearts is not diminished. As a matter of fact, it grows the more we share it.”

Greenstein then shared his own words, “As we stand here today on Chanukah, here at the BPJCC, sharing words that echo from the past and kindle our hearts today. It inspires us. Those words encourage us to look to the future. They motivate us to continue to work as a people, to expand the light, love, and warmth of a bright future.

“Today, I want to pause – to share our appreciation to President Carter for the National Menorah. It was established back then on the 4th day of Chanukah  – the exact day of his passing 45 years later – on the 4th day of Chanukah.

Greenstein concluded his speech by attesting to how fitting it is that on the 5th day of Chanukah, “we are here, together with Mayor Adams, to continue to work together to bring light to our families, friends, and community.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivers remarks at the Boro Park Jewish Community Council’s (JCC) Chanukah holiday celebration and lights the menorah with 98-year-old Holocaust survivor David Einhorn. Brooklyn, New York, Monday, December 30, 2024. Photo credit: Benny… pic.twitter.com/mWqaub1uFD

— Benny Polatseck (@BPolatseck) December 30, 2024

Joined @bpjcc Chanukah event honoring Mayor Eric Adams @NYCMayor with well deserved Maccabe Award and menorah lighting alongside Holocaust survivor Mr. David Einhorn. Thank you Mayor for the powerful words supporting our community and against antisemitism. pic.twitter.com/GxdT52Byly

— Josh Mehlman (@JoshMehlman) December 31, 2024