It was standing room only at the “Annual Unity in Action Holiday Celebration and Award Ceremony,” on Sunday, December 21st, in honor of four extraordinary individuals who were recognized by The Bridge Multicultural and Advocacy Project (The Bridge MCP) for their remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to not only the communities they serve, but also society as a whole.
The ceremony, held at 1894 Flatbush Avenue, included a lavish dinner and was emceed by Annesa Ali, director of Special Projects at The Bridge MCP. It commenced with prayers by Bishop Ebony Kirkland from Church of the Living God, Honorable Judge Menachem “Mendy” Mirocznik and Hassan Bakiriddin who represented the Jewish and Muslim faiths, respectively. In her opening remarks, Ali stated, “Unity is very personal to me. It’s not just a word but how I live my life. Tonight, we’re not just ending the year; we’re celebrating connection, compassion and the people who showed up for us when we needed them the most, and that’s what The Bridge is all about.”
Mark Appel, founder of The Bridge MCP, welcomed the honorees and over 300 guests who braved the cold to be there. “Today is a strong message of celebration,” he told attendees. Appel expressed thanks to the Lord for keeping everyone throughout 2025 and prayed for the same in the coming year. “In a world which is so different, divided by differences, ethnicities, gender and other facets, at The Bridge MCP we see people as people. One people. One God,” he added. Before introducing the honorees, Appel also gave a report of the Foundation’s numerous achievements during the past year, which included the expansion of Bridge TV network.
Honorable Vijah Ramjattan, executive director of NYC Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, was recognized for his advocacy on antisemitism. “When I walked in the room this afternoon, what I saw was New York City in its glory. I saw every race, every faith, every culture. So, when people tell me that unity is not possible in New York City — just look at this room,” he told the gathering, glancing from side to side. The former counselor at Rikers Island jail spoke about a press conference his office held in Crown Heights recently, “to denounce the stabbing of a Jewish man who was stabbed just because he was Jewish.”
Ramjattan reiterated his mantra — “Hate has no place in New York City” — and referenced the musings of one of the rabbis at the press conference. “What does light look like during Hannukah? Where does the light come from?” the rabbi wanted to know. He found the answer to his question by looking at those who surrounded him. Seeing people of different colors, different communities, different faiths, the rabbi admitted, “Hate has no place in New York City” and acknowledged, “That is the light in Hannukah.”
Dr. Alix Desulme, mayor of North Miami, Florida, was also recognized for repudiating hate and bigotry and had received numerous accolades for his efforts — notably for holding an “Israel Solidarity Rally” in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Recently, at the “North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism,” the Haitian-born Desulme was awarded the Combat Antisemitism Movement’s (CAM) Mayors of Courage Award, an honor conferred on leaders who confront hatred and support Jewish communities.
Honorable Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, another honoree, praised Appel for his vision in creating a safe space “where we could all come together to fellowship and to fight.” The Brooklyn Democratic Party Leader, who has made significant accomplishments in healthcare, education, housing, economic development, criminal justice and election reform, stated, “We are here because we have a purpose” and reminded all that “no matter what race, nationality, origin, religion, color of your skin, gender, orientation, whatever or whoever you are, however you identify yourself, we are one. One people.”
A community advocate and civil rights litigator, Honorable Benjamin Pinczewski who often provided pro bono service to many in his community, was also acknowledged. A staunch supporter of human rights for marginalized persons in particular, Pinczewski shared the story of how he once stepped up to defend a young couple who was being harassed and disrespected by the waiter at a restaurant, because he believed they were gay. “I don’t tolerate anything like that. I have to speak up!” Pinczewski told the gathering. Unbeknownst to him at the time, the “altercation” was all an act and part of WABC’s TV show, What Would You Do?
During the ceremony, there was the traditional lighting of a menorah which was performed by community leader Dr. Sima Karetnaya, Lana GL and Desulme. There were also brief remarks by Councilwomen Farah Louis and Mercedes Narcisse, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Debbie Louis from the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor, and Alex and Bessie Kuravsky, parents of 11-month-old Binyomin Zachariah Kuravsky who was tragically killed by a malfunctioning steam radiator in their apartment.
The Kuravskys mentioned the anguish they experienced in losing their baby and in such a horrific manner and that they are now striving to turn their pain into purpose. They expressed their gratitude to Councilwoman Louis for her support and for pushing to get the Ben-Z Law, which the dad referred to as “a call for child safety,” passed. Ben-Z law mandates (among other things) biennial inspections of steam radiators in apartments housing children under the age of 6 and in building common areas.
The couple was comforted by Bichotte-Hermelyn who had also suffered the tragic loss of a baby through someone else’s negligence. Like the Kuravskys, she was propelled by pain to do something to prevent that tragedy from happening to others. Bichotte-Hermelyn’s efforts resulted in the passage of the Jonah Bichotte Cowan Law, which establishes parameters for treatment when an expectant mother presents at a hospital with concerns about being in preterm labor. As Appel put it, the grieving mother was able to turn her tragedy into a blessing for others.
While embracing the Kuravskys, the assemblymember applauded Appel, stating, “Mark brings all of us together when we are happy and when we are sad, when we are celebrating and when we are mourning.”
“The essential message that should resonate in our communities must be one of unity, regardless of our political or religious beliefs,” Appel asserted.
The ceremony also featured uplifting music which included Bob Marley’s “One Love” and culminated with a lively hora that several guests joined.
