Brooklyn Jewish Hall of Fame 2025
“BJHI was created to tell the extraordinary story of the Jewish community of Brooklyn, so the world would know’ said Howard Teich, BJHI Founder and Co-chair, “and the BJHI Brooklyn Jewish Hall of Fame will recognize the leading Brooklynites who have truly made a difference in the world, and there are many.”
“We wanted to be sure that the first class had a representative balance,” said Sarina Roffé, BJHI Co-chair. “So we have someone from the Russian community, the Syrian community, etc., as well as business leaders, social activists and entertainers.”
BJHI BROOKLYN JEWISH HALL OF FAME
CLASS OF 2025
Photo Gallery
Event Coverage
Video Clips:
Inductees
Henry Sapoznik
Emily Austin
Debra Schwartzben
Debra Lea is a leading Jewish media personality, political commentator, and humanitarian whose voice defines moral clarity and courage. Born and raised in New York City, she has quickly become one of the most influential young figures in national media, reaching millions across television, digital platforms, and international political circles. Within the Republican movement, Debra is a leading voice defending Israel and confronting rising antisemitism. She calls out the antisemitic fringe on the right with unapologetic clarity while offering principled guidance to mainstream conservative audiences. Three weeks after October 7th, she traveled to Kfar Aza to document the devastation firsthand and share the stories of survivors that much of the media ignored. Moved by what she witnessed, Debra co-founded 1,000 Strong, which has raised and distributed over $1 million in direct aid to widows and orphans in Israel following the events of October 7th. The organization delivered immediate support, helping families rebuild their lives with respect and dignity. Blending media influence, principled advocacy, and a deep commitment to the Jewish people, Debra Lea is one of the most powerful young Jewish voices in America—and a relentless champion for truth, community, and the future of Jewish life.
NYPD Deputy Chief Richard S. Taylor
Deputy Chief Richard S. Taylor joined the New York City Police Department in July 2005 and began his career on patrol in Brooklyn South’s 67 Precinct. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2010, Lieutenant in 2014, Captain in 2016, Deputy Inspector in 2020, Inspector in 2021 and Deputy Chief in 2024. He has served in over 10 Commands including the 1st Precinct, the 61st Precinct, the 63rd Precinct, the 67th Precinct, the 88th Precinct, Police Service Area-1 in Brooklyn South, Police Service Area-5 in East Harlem, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, Patrol Borough Manhattan South, the Community Affairs Bureau and the Office of the Chief of Community Affairs, a subunit of the Police Commissioner’s Office. He has also served as the Commanding Officer of the Manhattan South Investigations Unit and as the Adjutant to the Chief of Community Affairs at Police Headquarters. During Hurricane Sandy he was assigned to the New York City Office of Emergency Management to coordinate police response and resources with the Mayor’s Office and other city, state, military and federal agencies. Deputy Chief Taylor has been recognized and honored by the Mayor’s Office and the NYPD on numerous occasions including receiving a Proclamation of Excellence from Mayor Eric Adams and recipient of the September 2016, 61st Precinct ‘Cop of the Month Award’ for making a firearm arrest while solo. Before becoming a police officer, Deputy Chief Taylor was a New York State Emergency Medical Technical and responded to the World Trade Center on 9/11, arriving before the towers collapsed. Deputy Chief Taylor has been married to his wife Miri for over 20 years and they are proud parents to 5 daughters.
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Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative (BJHI, Inc) is a 501c3 organization incorporated in New York State and located at 3603 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, NY 11234