A "thumbs up" for the work of the JCRC NY! Board member Sally Goodgold joined Veronica Kelly and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly in a "comment" on the JCRC dinner. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

More than 600 Jewish, communal and political leaders gathered at the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan for the annual dinner of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York April 6. The event, one of the most premier opportunities for leaders of New York’s diverse community to “break bread” together, is a celebration of the work of the JCRC.

The weight of the leadership power in the room was immense.  A well received welcoming speech by Mayor Michael Bloomberg recognized the positive impact of the JCRC NY in its efforts to better intergroup relations.

The Jewish Community Relations Council 2011 honorees included former NYC School’s Commissioner Joel Klein, recipient of the Educational Visionary Award, Corporate Leadership Award winner Anthony Watson, who accepted his award with a special callout to his wife, Desiree, and Jonathon Korngold, Community Philanthropist Award honoree.  Immediately following the presentation, the Mayor and Klein left the reception for what may have been a discussion of the Cathy Black resignation, announced the next day.

New York County District Attorney (Manhattan) Cyrus Vance Jr. was noted among the attendees at the 2011 Gala Dinner of the Jewish Community Relations Council. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Dr. David Marwell, Director of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City, and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly found something to smile about at the JCRC NY Annual Gala. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

Jewish Community Relations Council of New York President Alan S. Jaffe, Honorees Jonathon Korngold, Anthony Watson, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Joel Klein and JCRC Executive Vice President Michael Miller share a moment of humor following the Mayor's greetings to guests at the JCRC Annual Gala. Photo: Maxine Dovere.