In the wake of a recent act of violence that shook the Crown Heights community, Matt Abrams Gerber, Vice President of the Center for Shared Society at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), issued a powerful statement emphasizing unity, collaboration, and the need for continued bridge-building between Black and Jewish residents.

“I was honored to represent the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of New York yesterday to work with partners from Crown Heights and across the city to support Black and Jewish residents to address critical, and often divisive issues, and find opportunities for collaboration, bridge building and growth,” said Gerber.

He expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity shown by various faith, community, and city leaders who have come together to support healing efforts in Crown Heights. Gerber specifically acknowledged JCRC-NY colleagues Rabbi Bob Kaplan, Kim Murrell-Robinson, and Adam Berish, and praised Reverends Kevin McCall and Sharmaine Byrd “for calling for unity amidst the recent horrible act of violence.”

He also extended appreciation to Jewish community leaders, including Rabbi Eli Cohen, Arna Lipkind, and Maayan Zik of One Crown Heights, Rabbi Yaacov Behrman from Chabad Lubavitch, and Michael Cohen of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Additionally, Gerber recognized local leaders and advocates Richard Green, Dr. David Allen, Brian Saunders, and others; NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor and his team; Vijah Ramjattan from the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes; and Pastor Gil Monrose and Fayth Henderson from the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives for convening discussions on actionable steps forward.

“JCRC-NY has been working closely with the Crown Heights community for the past 30+ years to help bring peace, safety, and unity to all who live there,” Gerber noted. “We look forward to working alongside local and citywide leadership to do all we can to continue this legacy.”

The statement reflects a renewed commitment to healing and cooperation in one of New York City’s most historically complex neighborhoods, aiming to transform moments of pain into lasting progress.