Staten Island honors Israeli Consul General in historic visit

By Mutiu Olawuyi

Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis conducted a borough-wide visit to Staten Island on May 18, 2026, in what organizers described as a historic engagement aimed at strengthening cultural, civic, security, and community bonds between the State of Israel and Staten Island.

The day-long visit included meetings with first responders, borough officials, law enforcement leaders, Jewish communal organizations, and cultural institutions. It concluded with an evening leadership reception where Akunis was honored by local Jewish community leaders.

The visit began at FDNY Staten Island Headquarters, where Akunis was welcomed by Chief David Simms, FDNY Staten Island Borough Commander. The delegation toured the facility’s rescue equipment and specialized training areas, while also meeting active first responders and veterans who served during the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Akunis later visited Staten Island Borough Hall for an official tour and roundtable hosted by Borough President Vito Fossella. The discussion brought together borough leaders for talks on community security, public safety, and cooperation between Staten Island and Israel.

Participants included representatives of the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office, including Ashleigh Owens, Chief Assistant District Attorney, and senior NYPD officials led by Chief Terence Hurson, Executive Officer of Patrol Borough Staten Island.

The afternoon portion of the visit included a guided tour of Historic Richmond Town, New York City’s living-history village and museum complex, where the Consul General explored preserved buildings, trade shops, courthouses, and exhibits reflecting generations of American life on Staten Island.

Akunis also visited the Joan & Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center on Manor Road. Orit Lender, Executive Director and CEO of the JCC of Staten Island, led a tour of the facility, which serves as a major center for social services, youth programming, senior care, and Jewish community life across the borough.

The day ended with a dinner and dessert reception attended by Staten Island rabbis, communal leaders, and civic advocates. During the event, the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island and the JCC of Staten Island issued a joint proclamation officially recognizing May 18 as “The Hon. Ofir Akunis Day” in their records.

The proclamation also named Akunis an Honorary Member of the Staten Island Jewish Community. Presenters included COJO President Mendy Mirocznik, JCC CEO Orit Lender, COJO Board Chairman Ben Nezhberg, and COJO Security Chairman and Staten Island Shomrim Coordinator Ari Weiss.

“It was an absolute privilege to welcome Consul General Ofir Akunis to Staten Island to witness the extraordinary vitality, diversity, and patriotism of our borough,” said Mirocznik.

Mirocznik also praised Borough President Fossella as a “gracious host and steadfast friend” to both the local community and the State of Israel. He linked the gathering to the approaching Jewish holiday of Shavuot, describing the visit as a reflection of unity, harmony, and shared purpose.

Akunis thanked Staten Island leaders for what he called “exceptionally warm hospitality” and praised the borough’s civic and community institutions.
“Seeing firsthand the incredible dedication of your civic leaders, first responders, and community advocates has been truly inspiring,” Akunis said.

He added that the world needs “bold leadership” and “the courage to stand up unyieldingly for what is right,” saying the solidarity he experienced on Staten Island reinforced the importance of shared values between Israel and the United States.

Lender said the JCC was “overjoyed” to host the Consul General at its Bernikow building, which she described as the heart of Jewish life and community care on Staten Island.
“This visit underscores the vital role that local cultural, civic, and social institutions play in fostering international friendship,” she said.

Beyond ceremony, the visit highlighted how local communities can serve as bridges for international understanding. By engaging firefighters, law enforcement, elected officials, historical institutions, and community organizations, the Staten Island tour connected diplomacy with everyday civic life.

The visit concluded with renewed commitments to cultural exchange, community safety, and continued partnership between the Consulate General of Israel and Staten Island leaders.

Photo credit: Shimon Gifter