Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island - COJO

10/21/2026

On Sunday, RCDA was honored to join COJO for their Annual Legislative Breakfast alongside our fellow elected officials and community partners! Many thanks to COJO for running this important education forum each year for our borough residents.

10/18/2026

With anti-Semitism on the rise in New York, I highlighted my work to deliver security funding & NYPD resources to our district as well as legislation to hold those who fund anti-Semitic activities accountable at today’s Council of Jewish Organizations forum at the JCC. Additionally, I am proud to have delivered the Education Freedom Tax Credit to support scholarships at yeshivas and other private K-12 schools

10/13/2026

On September 28, 2026, the Staten Island Community was blessed to experience the true joy and unity of Sukkot at the beautiful Simchas Bais Hashoeva hosted by Rabbi Yochanan Ivry and Congregation Toras Emes.

It was a distinct honor and privilege for me, in my capacity as President of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), to attend this uplifting evening alongside COJO Board Chairman Ben Nezhberg. The energy, warmth, and deep sense of achdus (unity) present in the Sukkah were a powerful testament to the vibrant spirit and dedication of our community.

Rabbi Ivry and Congregation Toras Emes continue to serve as a beacon of light, Torah, and leadership in Staten Island. Gathering together to celebrate during Zman Simchaseinu (the Season of our Rejoicing) reinforces the strong, enduring bonds that tie our community together.

We thank Rabbi Ivry and the entire Toras Emes family for their exceptional hospitality, their dedication to fostering Jewish pride, and their ongoing partnership with COJO. We look forward to continuing our shared work in serving and elevating the Staten Island community for many years to come.

10/13/2026

On September 28, 2026, the Staten Island Community was blessed to experience the true joy and unity of Sukkot at the beautiful Simchas Bais Hashoeva hosted by Rabbi Yochanan Ivry and Congregation Toras Emes.

It was a distinct honor and privilege for me, in my capacity as President of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO), to attend this uplifting evening alongside COJO Board Chairman Ben Nezhberg. The energy, warmth, and deep sense of achdus (unity) present in the Sukkah were a powerful testament to the vibrant spirit and dedication of our community.

Rabbi Ivry and Congregation Toras Emes continue to serve as a beacon of light, Torah, and leadership in Staten Island. Gathering together to celebrate during Zman Simchaseinu (the Season of our Rejoicing) reinforces the strong, enduring bonds that tie our community together.

We thank Rabbi Ivry and the entire Toras Emes family for their exceptional hospitality, their dedication to fostering Jewish pride, and their ongoing partnership with COJO. We look forward to continuing our shared work in serving and elevating the Staten Island community for many years to come.

10/11/2026

10/09/2026

New York City Council Hosts Annual Sukkot Celebration at City Hall, Honoring Community Leaders and Neighborhood First Responders

Speaker Julie Menin and Council Members Recognize Boro Park and Williamsburg Shomrim Alongside Hindy Poupko of UJA-Federation; Rabbi Chaim Moshe Butman Leads Traditional Observances

NEW YORK, NY — September 30, 2026, Speaker Julie Menin and members of the New York City Council gathered at City Hall on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, alongside civic leaders, community advocates, and clergy to host the Council’s Annual Sukkot Celebration.

The annual event, held during the intermediate days of the holiday (Chol HaMoed), highlighted unity, mutual respect, and neighborhood public service across the five boroughs. In keeping with the tradition of welcoming guests (Ushpizin), the Council presented official proclamations honoring outstanding organizations and leaders who have made lasting contributions to the city’s civic and cultural life.

This year’s honorees included:

• Hindy Poupko, Executive Vice President of UJA-Federation of New York, recognized for her transformative civic leadership, strategic advocacy, and tireless work strengthening social services and combating antisemitism across New York.

• Boro Park Shomrim, recognized for decades of dedicated volunteer safety patrols, search-and-rescue assistance, and vital partnership with the NYPD in South Brooklyn.

• Williamsburg Shomrim, honored for round-the-clock volunteer community watch, crisis intervention, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding North Brooklyn residents.

Rabbi Chaim Moshe Butman of the Lubavitch Youth Organization—continuing the City Hall tradition established by his late father, Rabbi Shmuel Menachem Mendel Butman, of blessed memory—officiated the ceremonial observances inside the City Hall Sukkah. Rabbi Butman led council members, dignitaries, and attendees in reciting the traditional blessings over the Lulav and Esrog (the Four Species), offering reflections on unity and peace.

“Sukkot reminds us of the strength found in shelter, community, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder,” said City Council Speaker Julie Menin. “Today, we honor individuals and volunteer organizations who embody that spirit through action every single day. From Boro Park and Williamsburg Shomrim protecting our neighborhoods, to Hindy Poupko’s visionary work at UJA, and Rabbi Chaim Moshe Butman carrying forward an inspiring family tradition of holiday warmth at City Hall, our city is safer, stronger, and more connected because of their dedicated service.”

The gathering concluded with a kosher reception outside the City Hall Sukkah, attended by elected officials, community leaders, and civic partners from across New York City.

10/09/2026

New York City Council Hosts Annual Sukkot Celebration at City Hall, Honoring Community Leaders and Neighborhood First Responders

Speaker Julie Menin and Council Members Recognize Boro Park and Williamsburg Shomrim Alongside Hindy Poupko of UJA-Federation; Rabbi Chaim Moshe Butman Leads Traditional Observances

NEW YORK, NY — September 30, 2026, Speaker Julie Menin and members of the New York City Council gathered at City Hall on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, alongside civic leaders, community advocates, and clergy to host the Council’s Annual Sukkot Celebration.

The annual event, held during the intermediate days of the holiday (Chol HaMoed), highlighted unity, mutual respect, and neighborhood public service across the five boroughs. In keeping with the tradition of welcoming guests (Ushpizin), the Council presented official proclamations honoring outstanding organizations and leaders who have made lasting contributions to the city’s civic and cultural life.

This year’s honorees included:

• Hindy Poupko, Executive Vice President of UJA-Federation of New York, recognized for her transformative civic leadership, strategic advocacy, and tireless work strengthening social services and combating antisemitism across New York.

• Boro Park Shomrim, recognized for decades of dedicated volunteer safety patrols, search-and-rescue assistance, and vital partnership with the NYPD in South Brooklyn.

• Williamsburg Shomrim, honored for round-the-clock volunteer community watch, crisis intervention, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding North Brooklyn residents.

Rabbi Chaim Moshe Butman of the Lubavitch Youth Organization—continuing the City Hall tradition established by his late father, Rabbi Shmuel Menachem Mendel Butman, of blessed memory—officiated the ceremonial observances inside the City Hall Sukkah. Rabbi Butman led council members, dignitaries, and attendees in reciting the traditional blessings over the Lulav and Esrog (the Four Species), offering reflections on unity and peace.

“Sukkot reminds us of the strength found in shelter, community, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder,” said City Council Speaker Julie Menin. “Today, we honor individuals and volunteer organizations who embody that spirit through action every single day. From Boro Park and Williamsburg Shomrim protecting our neighborhoods, to Hindy Poupko’s visionary work at UJA, and Rabbi Chaim Moshe Butman carrying forward an inspiring family tradition of holiday warmth at City Hall, our city is safer, stronger, and more connected because of their dedicated service.”

The gathering concluded with a kosher reception outside the City Hall Sukkah, attended by elected officials, community leaders, and civic partners from across New York City.