|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Mayor Eric Adams Hosts Pre-Hanukkah Festivities; Lizzy Savetsky Honored for Role in Battling Anti-Semitism
By: Fern Sidman
Hundreds of Jewish New Yorkers gathered in Gracie Mansion, Mayor Eric Adams’ official residence on Tuesday evening, for a vibrant pre-Hanukkah celebration that honored Jewish resilience, pride, and unity. A report on The Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) website indicated that the evening was marked by speeches, awards, and kosher delights, encapsulating the diverse and inclusive spirit of New York City.
Jessica Tisch, the Jewish commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD), delivered a poignant speech invoking the Hanukkah story of perseverance and triumph. Applauded by the attendees, Tisch lauded Mayor Adams as “a light in our community,” a comment made on the same day the mayor faced a setback in a federal corruption case. The JTA report highlighted the powerful symbolism of the commissioner’s words and the evening’s resonance with themes of illumination and hope central to Hanukkah.
40% of House Democrats have written a letter, urging Biden to withhold weapons from Israel. That doesn’t even include THE SQUAD, as the letter wasn’t extreme enough for them. These last weeks of Biden’s term could have longterm consequences. pic.twitter.com/pQMRcXtT67
— Lizzy Savetsky (@LizzySavetsky) December 15, 2024
The event spotlighted several Jewish figures who have contributed meaningfully to their communities. Lizzy Savetsky, a Manhattan-based Jewish social media influencer celebrated for her pro-Israel advocacy, received one of the evening’s honors. The JTA reported that alongside her, four Jewish college students were recognized for their courageous efforts in combating anti-Semitism and fostering Jewish pride on their campuses: Tali Dardashti (New York University), Danielle Babaev (Queens College), Maya Gavriel (Baruch College), and Noam Woldenberg (Columbia University, Their acknowledgment reflected the ongoing fight against antisemitism, particularly in academic spaces.
Lizzy Savetsky has emerged as a prominent social media influencer and activist, dedicated to combating anti-Semitism and advocating for Israel. Her journey from a Southern upbringing to becoming a vocal advocate for Jewish identity and Israeli support is both compelling and inspiring.
Savetsky’s activism gained widespread attention when she was announced as a cast member of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of New York City.” However, she withdrew from the show in November 2022, citing a surge of anti-Semitic attacks following the announcement. She stated that the volume and nature of these attacks led her to conclude that continuing on the show was not in the best interest of her and her family.
Went down to NYU where today, a group called Shut it Down NYU, made up of NYU students and faculty, blocked the Bobst Library entrance and chanted genocidal calls for over 3 hours.
It’s finals week and many students depend on the library as their only quiet place to study, but… pic.twitter.com/2fkKXnMTkF
— Lizzy Savetsky (@LizzySavetsky) December 12, 2024
Beyond this incident, Savetsky has been a steadfast advocate against anti-Semitism, using her platform to educate and raise awareness. She emphasizes the importance of Jewish pride and the need to confront and challenge anti-Semitic rhetoric and actions.
Savetsky’s commitment to Israel is evident through her proactive initiatives. She has organized and participated in events to raise awareness about Israeli issues and has been vocal in her support for the nation. Following the October 7th Hamas-led attacks on Israel, she walked through New York City in symbolic, blood-stained clothing to raise awareness of hostages taken captive by Hamas from Israel.
This morning in Melbourne, Adass Israel Synagogue was firebombed—the third synagogue targeted in the past few weeks amidst a terrifying rise in Jew hatred across Australia. Please listen and share. pic.twitter.com/jcEDfeEKn0
— Lizzy Savetsky (@LizzySavetsky) December 6, 2024
Lizzy is married to plastic surgeon Dr. Ira Savetsky, and together they have three children. Dr. Savetsky’s pro bono work treating victims of the October 7 attacks led to him receiving death threats, calling attention to the challenges they face due to their activism.
Lizzy Savetsky’s unwavering dedication to combating anti-Semitism and supporting Israel has solidified her role as a significant figure in contemporary Jewish advocacy. Through her social media presence and public actions, she continues to inspire and mobilize others to stand against hatred and support the Jewish community and Israel.
Gracie Mansion was abuzz on Tuesday evening with a plethora of distinguished guests, including actor and pro-Israel influencer Zach Sage Fox, UJA-Federation CEO Eric Goldstein, and Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis. According to the JTA report, Richie Taylor, the NYPD’s trailblazing Orthodox deputy chief, was also present, exemplifying the increasing representation of Jewish professionals in public service.
In his remarks Consul General Ofir Akunis took the opportunity to acknowledge Mayor Adams’ role in confronting the escalating scourge of anti-Semitism. “Mayor Adams, in your last speech that I heard here at Gracie Mansion, you stated an obvious truth. Listen to this, I quote. Mayor Adams said, “Across America, antisemitic and anti-Israel protesters are a small minority. They make a lot of noise, but in truth, America stands with Israel.” That’s right. Of course, Mayor Adams, you are correct,” Mr. Akunis declared.
Alan Dershowitz & Lizzy Savetsky are here with the tool every Jewish college and high school student needs NOW: a pamphlet filled with facts, debunking the 10 biggest LIES about ISRAEL.
“The Ten Big Anti-Israel Lies: And How to Refute Them with Truth” is now available on… pic.twitter.com/bmlVeaAyb6
— Lizzy Savetsky (@LizzySavetsky) November 25, 2024
Consul General Akunis continued by saying, “I call on everyone to raise your voices, just like Mayor Adams, and loudly defend the truth. Indeed, courage, optimism, and morality are the story of Chanukah. Some 2,000 years ago, Greek armies occupied and oppressed Israel. In response, Jewish communities rose up, exploited invaders, and renewed their traditional ways of life. Well, my friends, the lights of the menorah is the proof then and now, and for 2,000 years, this is what we have celebrated. Not just hope and joy, but something concrete, the defense and return of Jewish role in our holy land.
Sadly, threats against Jewish people, places, and history are nothing new. But the lesson of Chanukah is eternal. Indeed, it is the same lesson of October 7th, when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, massacred our people, took civilian hostages, and started, actually, they started a regional war. That’s what happened on October 7th. Israel never asked for this fight. Israel desperately seeks peace. And my friends, because Chanukah is a holiday of lights and hope, I can say to you that, at this moment, listen carefully, at this moment, we are closer than ever to a hostage deal.
Israel will always defend itself with strength, with unity, and with results. Thankfully, truth and justice, remember, always win, and the light always prevail the darkness. Chag Chanukah Sameach.”
Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Last year on this same day, I stood in this very spot outside of UN Women, screaming into this very megaphone, begging for them to speak up and take action for our Israeli women held hostage in Gaza…women… pic.twitter.com/VwuHkQuxlM
— Lizzy Savetsky (@LizzySavetsky) December 2, 2024
The festive evening featured a sumptuous menu of traditional and contemporary Jewish cuisine. Guests enjoyed latkes with applesauce, sufganiyot, beef lo mein, and chicken shawarma, all provided by the Mendy’s outpost at the Jewish Children’s Museum, according to the information provided in the JTA report. Israeli wines and an array of seltzers added to the celebratory atmosphere.
The JTA report traced the roots of New York City’s mayoral Hanukkah celebrations back to the administration of David Dinkins in the early 1990s. These events have since evolved into cherished annual traditions. Under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, for instance, Hanukkah parties were lavish affairs held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. Mayor Adams, in continuing this legacy, emphasized the enduring significance of Hanukkah as a time for unity and reflection.
In his remarks to the attendees, Mayor Adams recounted his visits to Krakow and Rome’s Jewish ghetto, invoking the importance of remembering history in the fight against hate. As the JTA report noted, Adams pledged to tackle antisemitism and all forms of hate in New York City, the home of the world’s largest Jewish population. His administration’s commitment to combating prejudice against diverse communities, from African Americans to Sikhs and Muslims, formed a cornerstone of his speech.
A deep dive into President Biden’s Black Friday purchase… pic.twitter.com/iytPOG2kF8
— Lizzy Savetsky (@LizzySavetsky) December 1, 2024
Mayor Adams said, “When you start to reflect and think about it, during 164 BCE, when this entire narrative came about in the start of Chanukah, you think about the Maccabees, who were strong enough to stand up and to fight for what is right and to reclaim what was deserving to be in the right hands. We have to ask ourselves, where are the Maccabees today? Where are they? Who’s willing to stand up and fight for what is right? And the symbol of the Maccabees is not only those of the Jewish faith, but it’s also those who the Jewish people have helped throughout the years.
If you were to do an analysis of your community and the history of your community, you will find that every place someone was being unfairly treated and persecuted, you saw Jewish organizations standing by, helping any way they can. Look at Haiti. When the hurricane hit Haiti, Israel was one of the first countries that went there to give assistance. If you look to the right and the left of Dr. King during the marches of the civil rights era, you saw young Jewish students who were there willing to stand up and fight for what was right.”
By honoring advocates, embracing Jewish traditions, and reaffirming a commitment to fighting hate, the event illuminated the enduring spirit of New York City’s Jewish community. As Mayor Adams aptly expressed, the city’s strength lies in its diversity and its collective resolve to combat hatred in all its forms.
