Edited by: TJVNews.com

Mayor Eric Adams continued his “Faith in Your Borough” town hall tour on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, engaging with dozens of communal leaders and residents at the Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center of Staten Island. The successful event underscored the administration’s commitment to fostering strong relationships between city government and diverse faith communities, addressing local challenges, and promoting collaboration across New York City.

Mayor Adams was joined by key city agency leaders and commissioners, including Assistant Chief Melissa Eger (NYPD Borough Commander), Christopher Hancock (Sanitation Borough Commissioner), and James Oddo (Commissioner of the Department of Buildings). Representatives from the Department of Sanitation, the Department for the Aging, the Department of Social Services, and NYC Service also staffed information tables, offering direct access to resources for attendees.

The town hall, moderated by Pastor Gilford T. Monrose, Executive Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships, began with a moment of reflection. “Our office works tirelessly to ensure that all communities are heard, and we make sure that we put resources across the five boroughs to ensure all communities are visible and feel safe,” stated Pastor Monrose.

Mayor Adams encouraged an “unfiltered” dialogue, directly addressing concerns from the enthusiastic audience. Topics ranged from food insecurity to anxieties surrounding battery storage facilities in Staten Island neighborhoods.

On the critical issue of combatting antisemitism and hate crimes, Mayor Adams emphasized the vital role of education. “If we’re going to end hate, we can’t only police our way out of it, we have to also educate our way out of it,” he affirmed, highlighting the importance of the school system in combating ignorance. He shared personal experiences, including visits to concentration camps in Krakow, Poland, and multiple trips to Israel, as well as his solidarity with Israel in the face of attacks.

Mayor Adams reiterated his deep connection to Staten Island, proclaiming, “I have been on Staten Island more than any other mayor in the history of the city.” He cited significant investments, including the development of the North Shore, the transformation of a former toxic dump into a park, and support for local cultural institutions. “I like to call Staten Island God’s country,” he added, praising the borough’s working-class values, strong family and faith foundations, and commitment to public safety.

Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Council of Jewish Organizations, lauded the event: “Mayor Adams’ town hall was truly informative, and it helped bring community leaders and the various stakeholders together for a meaningful discussion which focused on resources available which will enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers. What truly made this town hall special is that it puts the concerns of the everyday New Yorker in front and foremost and it truly is a demonstration of democracy in action.”

The “Faith in Your Borough” initiative continues to serve as a vital platform for direct engagement, ensuring that the voices of New York City’s diverse communities are heard and addressed by city leadership, emphasized Mirocznik.