 Borough President Vito Fossella gathered with members of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island - COJO and a host of elected officials to light the menorah at Borough Hall on Wednesday --- the fourth night of Hanukkah.
The evening began with students from the Jewish Foundation School of Staten Island reciting the Pledge Of Allegiance, as well as singing the Star Spangled-Banner and Hatikva, the national anthem of Israel. “Listening to these young people sing, not only the national anthem of the United States, but of Israel, reminds us of how wonderful our future is and how we come together as all faiths to celebrate,” said Borough President Fossella. “When times are tough and when things are down, we know we have our faith to pull us through. I wish you nothing but joy and happiness in the season ahead.” District Attorney Michael McMahon thanked the NYPD and the Hate Crimes Task Force for their vigilance in stemming the tide of anti-Semitic crimes. “It was the light of oil lamps that led the way for Jews who fought against evil thousands of years ago,” said District Attorney McMahon. “It’s the light we see in the faces of these wonderful students. It’s the light we see all around as we bring the year to a close. We join together in love -- and it is that love that will help us fight against hate.” Prior to the lighting of the menorah, Rabbi Abraham Biderman of Congregation Oorah said the message of the candles should be celebrated all year, not just during the eight days of Hanukkah. “Stop, pause, and contemplate the miracles around us every day,” he said. “Those candles are our souls. Take a few minutes to nourish your soul and feed your spirit every day.”  Borough President Vito Fossella questioned the government’s expected $600 million annual cost on the migrant crisis while basic needs for active military families are not met during a press conference on Dec. 15 at Fort Wadsworth
“The fundamental question is are we focusing on the people that matter the most, on the things that matter most and the priorities that matter most,” he said. “Or are we just throwing money into thin air on things that really don’t?” He said NYC recently submitted an invoice to the federal government for a billion dollars to care for those seeking asylum. "A billion dollars, yet our active military personnel are begging for food and diapers and wipes for their children,” he said. “Something’s not right with it.” Last month, Borough President Fossella and other local elected officials reported results of a financial analysis they requested from the Independent Budget Office (IBO) of New York City regarding the migrant crisis. They concluded that the city would spend about $600 million a year to shelter the 23,800 asylum seekers who have come to NYC. IBO estimated that a family of four who enters a shelter for a year and has two children enrolled in public school while receiving basic needs, and some health and legal services will cost $93,000 per year. “Where are our priorities?” he asked. “The amount of money the government is spending on the migrant crisis could assist all of these families who have trouble making ends meet.”  Borough President Vito Fossella questioned the government’s expected $600 million annual cost on the migrant crisis while basic needs for active military families are not met during a press conference at Fort Wadsworth on Dec. 15.
“The fundamental question is are we focusing on the people that matter the most, on the things that matter most and the priorities that matter most,” said Borough President Fossella. “Or are we just throwing money into thin air on things that really don’t?” He said NYC recently submitted an invoice to the federal government for a billion dollars to care for those seeking asylum. “A billion dollars, yet our active military personnel are begging for food and diapers and wipes for their children,” he said. “Something’s not right with it.” Last month, Borough President Fossella and other local elected officials reported results of a financial analysis they requested from the Independent Budget Office (IBO) of New York City regarding the migrant crisis. They concluded that the city would spend about $600 million a year to shelter the 23,800 asylum seekers who have come to NYC. IBO estimated that a family of four who enters a shelter for a year and has two children enrolled in public school while receiving basic needs, and some health and legal services will cost $93,000 per year. “Where are our priorities?” he asked. “The amount of money the government is spending on the migrant crisis could assist all of these families who have trouble making ends meet.”  Borough President Vito Fossella was joined by a special guest in lighting Borough Hall’s Christmas tree on Dec. 6. “Wait, don’t light the tree without me,” exclaimed Santa Claus as he arrived by police escort. Before Santa’s arrival, the evening featured Christmas carols, dance performances, and book giveaways. Hot chocolate and cookies were also served. Performers included Miss Staten Island Outstanding Teen Nadia Anwar, Miss Richmond County Madison Gattullo, and Miss Richmond County Outstanding Teen Diana Eilenberg. Lina Fiscardi sang "The Christmas Song" and "Oh Come All Ye Faithful." Also performing were the students from MCDC-Miss Cheryls Dance Company. We also announced our partnership with the Ollis Family and PS 56 for “Operation A Hero Needs A Hero.” The tree inside the lobby of Borough Hall is a Giving Tree where the public are invited to take a tag from the tree to help veteran families of Fort Wadsworth and Fort Hamilton this holiday season. Donations can be brought to Borough Hall and we ask you call 718-816-2230 when arriving. The switch to light the tree was pulled by Vito, along with Santa, the Ollis Family, Maria Ribaudo, and Frankie the FerryHawk. Following the tree lighting, the guests were invited into Borough Hall to take photos with Santa. Thank you to our sponsors: Starbucks, Staten Island Community Television, Staten Island FerryHawks, and Glen Mancuso: Allstate Insurance. |
