Release #357-00

 

Contact:	Sunny Mindel / Lynn Rasic (212) 788-2958
	Carol Abrams (212) 863-5176 (HPD)

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today delivered remarks at the inaugural dinner for the Jewish Children's Museum, which will be named after Ari Halberstam, the teenager who died as a result of an attack on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1994. Located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the museum is scheduled to open in 2001 and is expected to attract approximately 200,000 visitors a year.

"The Jewish Children's Museum is the first institution of its kind in the world," Mayor Giuliani said. "This museum is dedicated to educating and enlightening children about the history and culture of the Jewish people. This inclusive vision will make it possible not only for Jewish children to come together to learn about their own heritage, but for young people of every background to explore a community whose faith and values play a critical role in shaping this city, this country, and the world."

Among the attendees were Governor George Pataki, United States Senators Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Charles Schumer, Executive Director of the Jewish Children's Museum Rabbi Yerachmiel Benjaminson, Director of Foundation and Government Services for the Museum Devorah Halberstam, and the mother of Ari Halberstam.

As an honorary member of the board of directors, the Mayor helped break ground for the museum on September 8, 1999.