As Jewish communities throughout the world celebrated the festive holiday of Sukkot with family and friends, the Sephardic community in Brooklyn had the opportunity to celebrate with a very special and important friend. Mayor Michael Bloomberg attended the Sephardic Community Federation’s (SCF) annual Sukkot leadership gathering. He joined over 100 Sephardic community leaders for this annual event, which was hosted in the Sukkah of renowned community leaders Mr. Jack and Mrs. Sari Avital.
The gala event was attended by many prestigious leaders, including Chief Rabbi Shaul Kassin of Shaare Zion, Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadi of the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue and Rabbi Abraham Hecht. In addition, SCF Co-Chairman Ronald Tawil, SCF President Sam Sutton and SCF Executive Vice President David G. Greenfield were all present. The event was emceed by Jack Avital’s close friend Mr. Sam Domb.
Other prominent elected officials were in attendance, including Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Councilman Domenic Recchia, Councilman Mike Nelson and Councilman Lew Fidler.
Chief Rabbi Shaul Kassin gave the Mayor a bracha that he should have hatzlacha in his work on behalf of the NYC.
During his introduction of Mayor Bloomberg, David G. Greenfield spoke about the Mayor’s innate ability to anticipate problems and to propose practical and effective solutions. Greenfield also praised the Mayor for his longstanding friendship with the Sephardic community.
“The Mayor has always been a great friend to not just the Sephardic community, but to the entire Jewish community,” said Greenfield. “He has demonstrated a willingness to listen to our concerns, as well as a readiness to address them.”
After being introduced by Greenfield, Mayor Bloomberg expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to spend time with the Sephardic community on Sukkot. He then spoke about the current state of NYC and discussed the challenges that the city will face in the months and years ahead. He spent over an hour speaking with Sephardic community leaders about issues of concern to the community.
“New York City has drastically improved and has been transformed into a place that people from all walks of life are once again proud to call home,” said SCF President Sam Sutton.
