Israel's Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellency Ambassador Ron Prosor, at his initial address to the JCRC NY. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York held its annual Board Meeting at the offices of Proskaur Rose. Officers and board members for the 2011-2012 term were formally elected during the evening event.

Highlighting the event were words from New York City Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio and Israel’s recently appointed Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellency Ron Prosor. Prosor was warmly welcomed in one of his first formal meetings with a Jewish community organization. Wily Norvell of DiBlasio’s office told the Algemeiner that the Public Advocate “was proud to join Israeli Ambassador Prosor at the Jewish Community Relations Council Board meeting. The Public Advocate spoke about the important role the JCRC plays in sustaining ties between New Yorkers and the Israeli people, and stressed his own commitment to supporting Israel.”

JCRC-NY “is the voice of and interactive network for the metropolitan New York’s Jewish community.”  The organization works to increase the strength of the New York Jewish community and acts as liaison between the community and officials of government and members of other ethnic and religious communities. It is the lead organization of the “Celebrate Israel” efforts, including the annual Celebrate Israel Parade.

The organization has been instrumental in seeking funds for enhanced security for New York non profits organizations.  Through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), grants totaling $19 million in the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) have been secured for non-profit organizations at high risk of a terrorist attack. 71 of the total 83 grant recipients were in New York City, and qualified for $4,995,121 in federal funding to support target-hardening activities.

JCRCNY Board member Sally Goodgold applauded the presence of several members of the diplomatic community at the 2011 annual meeting. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

New York City Public Advocate Bil DeBlasio enthusiasitcally praised the work of the JCRCNY at its 2011 Board Meeting. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Michael Miller, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, greeeted Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio following the latter's comments at the annual meeting. Photo: Maxine Dovere.