More than 350 people gathered for the Queens County Brandeis Association’s annual Installation Gala at Temple Israel of Great Neck Wednesday, Nov. 15.
The Brandeis Association is an affinity bar association for Jewish legal professionals and counts many Judges and prominent attorneys in its membership. The large crowd was a true testament to Queens County and its support for the Queens Jewish community during a time where Jews across the world are being subjected to hate speech and a rise in antisemitism.
The theme of the night was centered around a saying in the Torah, “let there be light,” referring to the choosing of light, or good, over evil.
Brandeis honored the memories of its founder, Leonard Finz, who died earlier this year, and all the victims of the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7. The room was adorned by centerpieces bearing both American and Israeli flags, and the evening started with the singing of God Bless America and the Israeli national anthem, Hatikva, by the Honorable Stephanie Zaro.
There was a keynote speech from Hank Greenberg, who serves as a spokesperson for the Northeast chapter of UJA Federation. He recounted his personal experiences visiting Israel shortly after the terrorist attacks.
The Association also honored Justice Laurence Love, recently appointed to the Appellate Division for the Second Department, and one of only two Jewish Judges currently sitting in the Second Department out of 22 Judges. Justice Mogjan Lancman, the first Persian justice elected to the New York State Supreme Court, was honored for her many years as a leader within the Brandeis Association and her contributions to the association.
Additionally, the Honorable Gia Morris was installed as the association’s chair and Bradley Siegel was installed as president.
The Honorable Joseph A. Zayas, Chief Administrative Judge for the New York State Court system, installed the new officers —including the Honorable Gia Morris association’s chair and Bradley Siegel as president — and was given a special recognition award for always being an ally and friend to the association.
