Celebrating Eastern European Cultural Heritage at the New York City Mayor's Residence

Mayor Eric Adams continues the tradition of his predecessors and hosted a meeting with Eastern Europeans at his Gracie Mansion on September 17.
A wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people who carry the Eastern European culture - a beautiful heritage, a rich tapestry woven from the resilience, faith and love for the traditions of the great country of the USA and the city of New York. In New York, one can observe and admire the magnificent diversity of culture, music, art, literature, and also create conditions for creative people. Through fruitful work, we challenge the obstacles and embrace the unique opportunities that America has given us and our children - a country where people from all over the world aspire.
When we talk about Jews who carry the wounds of the Holocaust in their souls, about Armenians who know firsthand what genocide is, about Ukrainians who are dying today, and also about people of good will who carefully and respectfully treat the American flag, demonstrating an unbreakable spirit in the face of loss and obstacles, we note that they have made an enormous contribution to the prosperity of America, and everyone sees it. Honor and praise to those who understand how important it is to continue to preserve, honor memory, culture and build bridges of friendship in order to move forward. It is necessary to educate and teach people how important it is to live in peace with each other, learning the art of other peoples.
That is why the meetings at the mayor's residence, the parades on Fifth Avenue, the Silk Road Festival, the Day of Georgian Culture and other events are so important. After all, we are moving forward. And, of course, it is very nice when people have the opportunity to see the mayor and his staff and even ask them questions.
Now about the celebration. The welcoming speeches were addressed by the Commissioner of International Affairs, a native of Ukraine Edward Mermelstein, as well as the Commissioner of Community Affairs Unit Fred Kreizman, NYS Assemblyman Mikhail Novakhov and NYS Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny. Special thanks to Anastasia Yaskova, Director of the Brooklyn Borough Office of the Mayor of NYC. For many years, she worked with Eric Adams when he was the President of Brooklyn. Now she heads the mayor's office in Brooklyn, which is not surprising, given her intelligence and talent. Huge thanks to Sookranie Dhanpat, an employee of the mayor's office, and others, as well as the security service.
In his speech about the present and future of the city, Mayor Eric Adams noted the significant contribution of immigrants from Eastern Europe to culture, economy, science and medicine. He emphasized that New York remains a home for immigrants, many of whom have achieved the American dream, while people preserve their culture, speaking their native language at home and cooking national dishes. The city does everything possible to protect the rights of immigrants, regardless of their status and knowledge of English - translators work in city services.
On this day, Mayor Adams presented certificates of honor to the executive director of the Brighton Business Association, Elena Makhnina; Richard Zawisny, a businessman who leads the Polish Casimir Pulaski Memorial Parade; and Bishop Parsamian of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church in America.
The event was supported by sponsors, and among the treats were black caviar from the Tsar Caviar company and other delicacies. The meeting was attended by natives of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and other post-Soviet countries who feel part of American society.
The program included an exhibition of paintings and sculptures, as well as songs in French from the repertoire of Edith Piaf performed by Honored Artist of Ukraine, Honorary Ambassador of the city of Kharkov to the USA Victoria Vennikova. Honored Artist of Ukraine Lyudmila Fesenko performed songs in English. Tamriko Davitashvili, a native of Georgia, also performed brilliantly. The atmosphere was complemented by the enchanting sound of the saxophone.
Among those invited was a representative of the Media Holding "R.Reklama" Israel Shmukler. Over 30 years of its existence, the newspaper "R.Reklama" has been able to show the uniqueness of our community. It was nice to see a large delegation of police officers who, risking their lives, protect us. Despite manifestations of anti-Semitism, the city is actively fighting this monstrous phenomenon, and many thanks to the police for protecting the city residents.
Marina Kovaleva was present, who for many years, together with her daughter Rina Kirzhner, organized unforgettable festivals, concerts and events, including at the mayor’s residence.
Also at the celebration were the famous businessman Mark Davidovich, doctor Mikhail Fulmes, director of the children's center My Way Alena Badalova, director of the RTVI US news service Georgy Tsekhiseli, host of the program "On Duty in New York" Mikhail Terentyev, UN Ambassador for Human Rights Dr. Sima Karetnaya, as well as singer and actress Alina Grosu, who is recommended to represent Ukrainian culture in the UN, Alexey Burago, a talented director of Theatre-86, who recently staged the play "The Master and Margarita" in English in New York, all tickets for which for the next month have already been sold out.
The event was attended by many talented people, businessmen and creative intellectuals – the pride of our community.
Marina Lagunova