New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly recently visited members of New York’s Sephardic community at the Sephardic Community Federation annual board of directors meeting. He gave a top-level security briefing about the efforts undertaken by the NYPD to keep New York City safe and secure from terrorist attacks in the wake of the horrific events of September 11, 2001. At the event, Commissioner Kelly was presented with the Sephardic Community Federation’s Jacob Barsimon Award for his efforts on behalf of the Sephardic community. The SCF is the umbrella government relations and public policy organization of the Sephardic Jewish community.
The SCF’s annual event featuring Commissioner Kelly was hosted by Jeff and Rachel Sutton, who opened their home to the more than 100 Sephardic community leaders in attendance. The graciousness of the Suttons, who are prominent community leaders renowned for their hesed, enabled Commissioner Kelly and the other community leaders to enjoy a wonderful and informative evening.
SCF Trustee Jeff Sutton, who emceed the SCF’s annual event, welcomed the crowd by giving them an overview of what the organization does on a daily basis, and explained his steadfast support for SCF’s critical efforts on behalf of the Sephardic community.
The many community leaders in attendance then enjoyed a presentation by SCF Co-Chairman Ronald Tawil, who outlined the recent accomplishments of the Sephardic Community Federation and its stellar work on behalf of the community. Among the accomplishments highlighted were SCF’s successful efforts to secure millions of dollars worth of educational services for yeshivah students throughout New York City through the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
In addition, Tawil spoke about the historic trip for New York political leaders to the Nazi death camps, which was organized by the SCF. In May, State Senator Martin Dilan of Brooklyn, City Councilman Vincent Gentile, of Brooklyn, and Councilman Vincent Ignizio, of Staten Island, joined together with SCF Executive Vice President David Greenfield, Co-Chairman Ronald Tawil, SCF Trustee Michael Hidary and Louis Jerome, the chair of SCF’s voter registration initiative, on this once in a lifetime journey. The trip helped the elected officials to further develop their understanding of the deadly fate that befell millions of Jews during the Holocaust.
Tawil also discussed SCF’s efforts to increase civic and political involvement among members of our community. This year, SCF formed a new organization called SCF-Vote, and has embarked on a major effort to increase voter registration in the Sephardic community. Under the leadership of Chairman Louis Jerome, they have registered more than 2,500 new voters since January.
“The Sephardic Community Federation is involved in a multitude of issues and activities, all for the betterment of our community,” said Tawil. “We are extremely fortunate and very privileged to be able to spend every day working on behalf of our community—our yeshivot, our synagogues and our many wonderful social-service organizations.”
“SCF is deeply involved in the political fabric of New York for one reason—to help advance the needs of the community,” said SCF Executive Vice President David Greenfield. “Whether it is a school, community organization or an individual in need, the Sephardic Community Federation is always ready, willing and able to help whenever necessary. Our efforts on behalf of the community and our work on critical public policy issues affecting the entire Jewish community have helped the Sephardic community become one of the most vital and influential Jewish communities in New York today.”
SCF Co-Chairman Haim Dabah introduced Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and spoke about his stellar work to ensure that all New Yorkers are kept safe and secure. Dabah was then joined by Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, the spiritual leader of the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue, and the Chairman of the Jacob E. Safra Institute of Sephardic Studies at Yeshiva University. Rabbi Abadie and Chairman Dabah presented Commissioner Kelly with the Jacob Barsimon Award. Jacob Barsimon, a Sephardic Jew, was the first Jewish immigrant to settle in New York when he emigrated from the Dutch colony of Recife in Brazil in 1654. Previous winners of this prestigious award are UN Ambassador John Bolton and New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
Following the award presentation, Commissioner Kelly gave a 45-minute briefing during which he spoke about security in New York City and combating terrorism in the post-9/11 era. Upon the conclusion of his remarks, the Commissioner spent time getting to know the Sephardic community leaders at the event.
Commissioner Kelly also held a 30-minute private roundtable discussion in the Suttons’ kitchen with SCF Co-Chairmen Ronald Tawil and Haim Dabah, SCF President Sam Sutton, SCF Trustee Jeff Sutton and SCF Executive Vice President David Greenfield. During the discussion, Commissioner Kelly addressed a number of issues specifically related to the Sephardic community including the need to protect the community institutions. The Commissioner also spoke about his future plans, including the possibility of a Mayoral run.
“Commissioner Kelly’s candor about the security issues that New York City faces on a daily basis and his awareness and understanding of the issues facing the Jewish community were extremely impressive,” said SCF President Sam Sutton. “He is a devoted and talented public servant and a true friend to our community. We appreciate not only his service to our community, but his close friendship, as well.”
