BROOKLYN (VINnews) – New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez presented $1.16 million in city funding to the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn, supporting the Orthodox Jewish group’s work serving local families and expanding its headquarters.

For half a century, the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn has been a leading resource for Jewish New Yorkers — including in the development of housing and social services.

That’s why the Council is proud to announce a $1.1M investment for the organization’s tireless commitment to service.

Here’s to fifty more years of helping Jewish New Yorkers thrive!

— Speaker Julie Menin (@SpeakerMenin) October 10, 2026

The announcement took place Thursday during a meeting with community leaders, including UJO Executive Director Rabbi David Niederman. Council members Chi Ossé and Lincoln Restler also helped secure the funding through the city’s fiscal 2027 budget, according to the City Council.

Founded in 1966 by Holocaust survivors, UJO represents a community of about 70,000 people and works with more than 200 nonprofit organizations.

Menin praised the organization’s longstanding service and said the funding reflected the city’s appreciation for its work. She also welcomed UJO’s plans for a new headquarters, which is under construction.

Menin, the first Jewish speaker of the City Council, spoke about her family’s Holocaust history and the assistance her mother and grandmother received after settling in Manhattan’s former Hungarian Jewish neighborhood.

Her grandfather was murdered during the Holocaust because he was Jewish, she said, adding that the support her family received helped shape her commitment to serving the Jewish community.

Menin also highlighted her efforts to combat antisemitism, including a five-point plan aimed at protecting Jewish New Yorkers. She described antisemitism as a serious and unacceptable problem in the city.

Rabbi Niederman thanked Menin for the funding and her continued partnership with the organization. He said the support would help UJO maintain essential services for individuals and families.

Niederman also raised concerns about antisemitic attacks in Williamsburg and praised Menin for her work with the community over the years.

The speaker and the rabbi have collaborated on several local issues, including reducing fines affecting small businesses, keeping streets accessible during Jewish holidays and ensuring that census participation accurately reflects the community’s needs.

Niederman said the new funding would help UJO continue providing assistance to residents who depend on its programs.