June 11, 2026
From government and diplomacy to faith communities and the nonprofit sector, more than two hundred leaders from across New York came together at Park East Synagogue for AJC New York's 2026 Annual Reception—an evening that reflected the power of partnership in confronting one of the defining challenges facing Jewish New Yorkers today.
The evening featured keynote remarks from New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, a conversation with Council Members Eric Dinowitz and Inna Vernikov in their roles as co-chairs of the City Council Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, and a tribute to outgoing AJC New York President Robert Skolnick as he concluded three years of dedicated leadership.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin delivers keynote address at AJC New York’s Annual Reception.
Opening the program, Acting Director Brandon Pinsker welcomed AJC leaders, diplomats, elected officials, interfaith partners, Jewish communal leaders, and supporters, emphasizing that AJC's advocacy is not abstract—it directly affects the lives of Jewish New Yorkers. Referring to recent demonstrations outside Park East Synagogue, he noted that the threats facing the Jewish community are immediate and local. Pinsker also thanked Speaker Menin and Council Members Dinowitz and Vernikov for their partnership in advancing efforts to help ensure Jewish New Yorkers can enter their synagogues and other houses of worship free from harassment and intimidation.
Speaker Menin's keynote focused on the responsibility of leadership at a time of rising antisemitism. She highlighted her Five-Point Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism, launched at the outset of her speakership, which includes strengthening Holocaust education, enhancing security for schools and houses of worship, improving bias reporting, and expanding support for Jewish communities. She also spoke about establishing the bipartisan City Council Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, underscoring that protecting Jewish New Yorkers requires sustained leadership and strong partnerships across government and civil society.
Pinsker then moderated a conversation with Dinowitz and Vernikov on how antisemitism has evolved since October 7 and what meaningful action looks like at the city level. They discussed the impact of increasingly normalized antisemitic rhetoric, opportunities to strengthen public safety and coordination across city agencies, and New York City's unique role as a global city whose response can serve as a model for others. Throughout the conversation, the co-chairs demonstrated that combating antisemitism is not a partisan issue but a shared civic responsibility—one that depends on leaders working together across political differences.
Council Members Eric Dinowitz and Inna Vernikov in conversation with AJC New York Acting Director Brandon Pinsker (right) at the 2026 Annual Reception.
The evening also celebrated the leadership of Robert Skolnick, who concluded his tenure as President of AJC New York on July 1. During his three years as president, Skolnick helped guide the region through an extraordinarily challenging period while strengthening AJC New York's advocacy and expanding relationships across government, diplomacy, and civil society. In recognition of his service, Eva Wyner Rosen, Director of Jewish Affairs for Governor Kathy Hochul, presented Skolnick with a Special Citation honoring his contributions to New York's Jewish community and civic life.
As Cindy Scheinfeld assumed the presidency of AJC New York, she reflected on both the challenges and opportunities ahead. Acknowledging that rising antisemitism has changed the environment for Jewish New Yorkers, she reaffirmed AJC's commitment to showing up where it matters most—bringing people together, opening doors, strengthening relationships, and advocating for the Jewish community. She closed with an invitation to everyone in the room, encouraging both longtime supporters and first-time attendees to help shape AJC New York's next chapter and the future of Jewish life in New York.
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