Gotham Hall in Midtown Manhattan became a sanctuary of hope, faith, and unbreakable spirit on Sunday night as over 1,000 attendees gathered to celebrate Israel’s 77th Independence Day. Hosted by the Consulate General of Israel in New York under the leadership of Ambassador Ofir Akunis, the event unfolded as a powerful convergence of community solidarity, cultural pride, and unwavering hope.
Entering Gotham Hall felt like stepping into a piece of Israel itself—flags draped from elegant balconies, the hall awash in blue and white light, and the soft hum of Hebrew greetings mingling with familiar New York accents. Guests made their way around the circular space, greeted by a sophisticated buffet courtesy of Ram Caterers, where food became more than just sustenance—it was a symbol of celebration and togetherness.
A playful and thoughtful touch at the bar offered “Special Independence Day Cocktails,” each named after an iconic Israeli leader. David Ben-Gurion’s “The Pioneer” cocktail, Golda Meir’s “The Iron Lady” cocktail, and Theodor Herzl’s “The Visionary” cocktail reminded guests that Israel’s story is one of visionaries and pioneers who never gave up on a dream.
Faces in the Crowd
The evening brought together an eclectic mix of community leaders, political figures, and everyday New Yorkers who share a love for Israel. Among the distinguished guests were:
Zev Brenner and Cindy Grosz, radio personalities
Moshe Davis, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism
Danny Danon, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Rabbi Zvi Gluck, CEO of Amudim, and his wife
David Greenfield, CEO of Met Council, and his wife Deana
Shabbos Kestenbaum
Chagit Leviev, an honoree of the evening, and her husband
John Liu, New York State Senator
Rabbi Michael S. Miller, CEO Emeritus of JCRC-NY
Avi Peretz, musical superstar, and his wife
Mazi Pilip, Nassau Legislator
Israel Peskowitz of Chazaq
Francine Raupfogel
Menashe Shapiro, NYC Deputy Mayor
David Shipper, Chevra Hatzalah Chief Counsel
Richie Taylor, NYPD Deputy Chief
Kalman Yeger, Assembly Member
Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Executive Director of QJCC
Shalom and Victoria Zirkiev, Queens activists
Ambassador Ofir Akunis: A Bold Stand for Israel
Ambassador Ofir Akunis took the stage with confidence, addressing the audience with a message of pride and resilience. He began by expressing his gratitude to those gathered and emphasizing the importance of marking Israel’s 77th Independence Day in New York.
“The achievements of the State of Israel in our 77 years of independence are nothing short of miraculous… We’ve established the only democracy in the Middle East, rooted in values that have kept us united for 2,000 years. We are committed to bringing back all the hostages and defeating Hamas. From here, we say to our enemies: ‘You are failing; we are winning.’ We will never leave our land—nor our capital, Jerusalem.”
Akunis made a special mention of former President Donald Trump, crediting his unwavering support of Israel and recognizing his efforts in strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship. He acknowledged the collective hope for the release of Edan Alexander, an American citizen from New Jersey, which was successfully achieved the next day.
“Edan’s return is a reminder that we will not rest until every hostage is home. Israel never forgets its own. Our resolve is strong, and we will never waver in our mission.”
Messages from Israeli Leaders
The audience also heard from Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who joined virtually. President Herzog expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from New York’s Jewish community and called for continued unity against antisemitism:
“We must stand together as one people. The rise of antisemitism worldwide is a reminder that we must not falter in our solidarity.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu reinforced this message, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to securing the safe return of every hostage:
“Our strength lies not only in our military might but in our unyielding spirit and our commitment to one another. We will not rest until all our people are safely back with their families.”
Mayor Eric Adams: Unyielding Resolve
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the audience with a passion that was unmistakable. Reflecting on the calls to cancel the Israeli Independence Day parade last year, Adams was resolute:
“Not in this city. Not in the city where you have your values to this population outside of India. We will never surrender to hate, not in a city where you have the population outside of Israel. We will never surrender to hate.”
He also addressed the notion of false progress:
“When one stabs you in the back with a knife and pulls it out halfway and defines it as progress, I don’t accept that. Those who want to stab me behind my back can go to hell. That’s the only progress that I understand.”
Congressman Mike Lawler: Legislative and Moral Support
Congressman Mike Lawler delivered a speech marked by a fierce commitment to combating antisemitism:
“We must not tolerate any form of hate against the Jewish community, and I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of Jewish New Yorkers and all Americans.”
Lawler has taken concrete steps to support Israel and combat antisemitism through legislation. Recently, he co-introduced the bipartisan Stand with Israel Act, aiming to ensure that no U.S. funding supports international bodies that unjustly target Israel. He has also championed the Antisemitism Awareness Act, pushing for the Department of Education to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism to address hate on college campuses.
Agam Berger: The Bravery of Survival
“A Jew is an agent of hope. All of you—be agents of hope for our hostages. And light the way home for them.”
These words, spoken by Agam Berger, encapsulated the entire night. Recently freed from captivity, Agam stood alongside her mother, Meirav, sharing her story of survival. She spoke of her faith sustaining her through the darkest times:
“I refused to cook for my captors on Shabbat because lighting a fire is forbidden. I refused to eat non-kosher food. I marked Jewish holidays, even when I was isolated. My faith kept me alive.”
As Agam spoke, many in the audience wiped away tears, while others stood in silent solidarity. Her courage became a collective symbol of Jewish endurance.
“Even while in captivity and in utter darkness, you are strong.”
A Night of Unyielding Hope
As the night drew to a close, Gotham Hall stood as more than just a gathering place—it became a beacon of resilience, proving once again that the Jewish people, anchored in faith and community, will always rise above adversity. The message was clear: The Jewish people will not be broken. We are here. We are strong. We will never give up.
A Night of Hope and Strength: Celebrating Israel’s 77th Independence Day at Gotham Hall
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