CEO of JCRC-NY 🗽🥯Former Senior NYC Ed advisor & Council Ed Chair, Educator 🍎, Lifelong learner 📚, Knicks+Bills, Brooklynite & Dad to my rescue dog Jessie 🐾
In September 2023, the president instructed eight federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education, to clarify in writing that Title VI of the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibited antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination in federally funded programs—which applies to colleges and school districts across the nation.
The time has come, particularly in this moment of skyrocketing reported cases of antisemitism and other forms of hate, for the federal government to strengthen this section of law by requiring and resourcing the hiring of Title VI coordinators in all publicly funded education institutions to protect the civil rights of students and staff + to create comprehensive programming, workshops, and training to educate stakeholders about their rights and how to report cases of discrimination.
This is similar to what was rightfully done with Title IX protections where there is a federal requirement for publicly funded institutions to hire Title IX coordinators to combat gender-based discrimination—in which my former colleague @HelenRosenthal & I worked hard in the Council and successfully pushed NYCPS to hire dedicated Title IX staff.
States and cities don’t have to wait for the federal government to act because they have the authority to create such dedicated staff positions now.
While New York laws go beyond Title VI protections, I believe we urgently need Title VI coordinators in New York colleges and schools that can collectively apply Title VI + State & local protections—in addition to facilitating proactive trainings for all stakeholders, including students, staff, families, and community partners.
The feedback that I’ve received in recent months validates this need as I’ve heard from numerous education stakeholders from across New York that are in need of training and awareness regarding these matters, particularly with hate on the rise.
Condemnations against hate are important, but we need bold and lasting solutions to truly meet the moment and move the needle forward to keep all students and staff safe.
Brad, I have never marched in the Israel Day on 5th parade because of which politicians attend.
I march in memory of my grandparents who survived the Holocaust, and for the countless loved ones who never had the chance because most of the world turned them away and looked away.
The overwhelming majority of New Yorkers who march do so with pride in their Jewish identity and our people’s ancient connection to Israel…not in support of any particular government or politician (including those not invited)
In a few days, Americans will proudly wave the flag on the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. We don’t do that as an endorsement of whoever holds office. We do it because we love our country and what it strives to be.
The lesson we should carry forward is never ask a people to surrender a part of their identity because you disagree with a government. For thousands of Jewish New Yorkers, including young students, the Israel Day Parade is a declaration that they belong, that they refuse to let fear define them, and that they can proudly walk the streets of New York wearing a kippah, carrying an Israeli flag, and embracing their heritage without apology. That is not a political act. It is an affirmation of dignity and the promise that every community deserves to live openly and without fear.
JCRC-NY CEO @MarkTreyger718 applauds the Supreme Court's decision to uphold birthright citizenship 🇺🇸 — a core tenet of the Constitution that has enabled generations of immigrants to call this country home.
"Our immigrant neighbors are part of our shared story. Yesterday's decision reaffirms a constitutional promise that has helped generations of families build lives of belonging and hope in America. As a community shaped by the journey from stranger to neighbor, we are guided by the Jewish value of hachnasat orchim-welcoming others with humanity and compassion. When every child is recognized with equal dignity from the very beginning, our democracy is stronger, our communities are stronger, and our future is stronger."
✨
🎉 In honor of JCRC-NY's 50 years of service to New York's Jewish community and the city at large, the New York City Council will be co-naming one of NYC's streets "Jewish Community Relations Council of NY Way"! 🗽
We are deeply honored to receive this distinction. Special thanks to @vmmaloney, who is cosponsoring this street co-naming! 🙏
#JCRCNY50 #JCRCNY #NYCCouncil #JewishCommunityNY #50YearsStrong #NYC
Victory for mobility on multiple fronts.
🎓 Social mobility: ✅ Expanding Fair Fares helps more college students and working New Yorkers stay in school, get to work, and pursue opportunity.
🚆 Economic mobility: ✅ Investing in public transit strengthens the backbone of our economy and keeps New York moving.
🏙️ Community mobility: ✅ More affordable transit means greater access to jobs, healthcare, childcare, and everyday essentials…making our city more connected and more equitable.
This is the work! 👏
Thank you @NYCMayor & @NYCCouncil for committing to continuing these impactful @NYCSchools programs for the coming year, benefiting thousands of students:
✅SEED Sensory Programs
✅Mental Health Continuum
✅Restorative Justice
✅Immigrant Family Outreach
✅Student Success Centers
Wiener told CNN he believed he had been singled out at the march because he is Jewish, saying protesters made references to him having “Israeli handlers.”
"It was only me who was targeted. So, was it antisemitic? Absolutely. And it’s really tragic.”
https://t.co/J9V734JQPO
Today I visited the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin. As antisemitism rises around the world, places like this remind us how quickly hatred can turn to violence—and how important it is to confront it before it’s too late. #StandAgainstAntisemitism
CityFHEPS works. It keeps New Yorkers housed for a fraction of what shelter costs. Funding it isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. Let’s pass a budget that includes CityFHEPS.
Thank you, Keith, and every leader who refuses to stay silent. Allyship is measured not by words spoken in comfort, but by the courage to speak when it matters most.
The circulation of one of history’s most notorious antisemitic propaganda pieces is not politics. It is the recycling of the same poison that helped dehumanize Jews in Nazi Germany before it helped pave the way for the murder of six million Jews and millions of other innocent victims.
When that kind of hatred is normalized, it never stops with one community. It corrodes truth, rewards scapegoating, and weakens the democratic values that protect every New Yorker, regardless of faith, race, or background. Democracy depends on the equal dignity of every person. Antisemitism attacks that foundation.
We are grateful to those who refuse to look away. May more leaders find the courage to reject hate, defend truth, and stand together in protecting both the Jewish community and the democratic values that belong to us all.
There is absolutely no place in the Democratic Party for leaders who circulate anti-semitic information.
And elected leaders — do much better than statements. Don’t support this.
https://t.co/KphwrGnwCg
As mayor, I can never accept hate directed at a member of our community. The language directed at Sen. Wiener yesterday was targeted, hateful, and antisemitic. In San Francisco, we welcome disagreement and respectful dialogue around issues many of us feel passionately about—but we cannot allow harassment and threats of violence.
If you’re out celebrating Pride this weekend, I want you to be able to do it safely. Let’s also look out for each other so we can all have a great weekend. We are at our best as a city when we celebrate each other, and I’m looking forward to doing that tomorrow.
Kudos Speaker @JulieMenin for having Rafael’s back from Day 1 and never giving up on him and our immigrant communities. This is what New York leadership is all about! 🗽
Henry Ford’s The International Jew was among the most notorious antisemitic conspiracy pamphlets of the 20th century. Adolf Hitler admired Ford, and that propaganda helped legitimize the hatred that culminated in the murder of six million Jews during the Holocaust, including members of my family.
Promoting this poison is not a lapse in judgment. It recycles the very lies that have fueled discrimination, violence, and deadly attacks against Jews for generations. Words like these have consequences. They create permission structures for hate and physical harm.
This should outrage far more than Jewish New Yorkers. It is an attack on every New Yorker, on our pluralistic democracy, and on our shared humanity.
Silence is not an option. Leaders from every community and every political persuasion must condemn this strongly, unequivocally, and NOW!
SCOOP—a new leader in the Brooklyn Democratic Party, elected in Tuesday's left-wing wave with help from DSA figures, promoted Henry Ford's infamous 'The International Jew' on social media, calling "the truth" and demanding it "better be the topic on the table"