The City Of New York
Office of the Mayor
New York, NY 10007

Dear Fellow New Yorker:

The strength and self-sufficiency of the Sephardic community is an inspiration to all New Yorkers. Its rich and historic tradition is complemented by the vital contributions that members of the Sephardic community make to the life of our city everyday.

The first members of the Sephardic community came to New York City in 1654, after leaving Brazil. those 23 individuals made up the earliest immigrant population of what would eventually become the largest Jewish community in any city outside Israel itself.

New York's diversity is what makes us a the Capital of the World, and the Sephardic  community has been adding its energy to New York since the time our city was known as New Amsterdam.

So to the compilers and users of the Sephardic Yellow Pages and to the entire Sephardic community on the 100th Anniversary of the consolidation of the city of New York, it is my great pleasure to wish you all a peaceful and prosperous year in our common home.

Sincerely,

Rudolph W. Giuliani
Mayor

The Council
of
The City of New York

Dear Community Members:

I am pleased to welcome you to the Sephardic Yellow Pages. The Sephardic Community of New York grows and prospers, it is important to retain those cultural elements that connect us to our forefathers. These pages will help maintain a strong sense of Sephardic identity in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island and New Jersey.

During my 17 years as a New York City Councilman, I have worked hard to represent the Sephardic community and answer their constituent concerns. My door will always be open to answer your questions and provide the best service possible.

I am pleased to support the Sephardic Community and am honored to be their advocate at City Hall.

Sincerely yours,

Noach Dear

The Assembly
State of New York
Albany

Dear Mr. Ben-Hooren:

I congratulate you on the marvelous job you have done compiling the Sephardic Yellow Pages with its extensive list of services for the Jewish community that are available locally, nationally and internationally. It is clear that the book is not only geared to the Sephardic community but serves the entire Jewish community as well, and I also understand that you have instituted a hotline to field complaints about businesses in the area, whether or not you list them.

In the course of daily life, we, as members of the Jewish community are so often faced with special needs that cannot be ignored. Your project was ambitious, yet one look at the outcome makes it clear that many people will have an easier time meeting their needs as ordinary citizens and as Jews. I am also impressed by the fact that the book is now online, making it accessible to an even wider audience. Those who do not have access to the book whether they are local residents, Jews outside of New York, or travelers, can find synagogues, mikvahs, community centers, Jewish organizations and restaurants by simply login onto your website.

Your dedication to providing this invaluable service while constantly looking for ways to improve and expand it is noteworthy. I wish you success in your much needed, innovative and comprehensive endeavor.

Sincerely,

Dov Hikind
Member of Assembly

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