More than 600 elected officials, government leaders, clergy and communal stakeholders gathered in Manhattan at the iconic Cipriani 42nd Street on Sunday morning to celebrate the extraordinary impact of Met Council, America’s largest Jewish charity serving the needy. Held ahead of New York City’s Salute to Israel Parade, the annual event brought together some of the most influential voices in public service and community leadership to recognize Met Council’s work supporting more than 350,000 New Yorkers through its network of food pantries, social services, senior programs and anti-poverty initiatives.

Gov. Hochul used the event to formally sign the “Buffer Zone” bill, aimed to protect houses of worship and religious with 50-foot security perimeters where protests are not allowed.

The prestigious gathering underscored both Met Council’s critical role as a leading provider of social services across New York and its unique ability to convene leaders from every level of government.