This week the Long Island Ducks and the Jewish Community Centers of Long Island proudly hosted Long Island Jewish Heritage Night at the Ducks game.
The game brought thousands of fans out to celebrate Jewish pride, community, and solidarity with Israel, as well as their hometown Ducks.
The evening began with a powerful video honoring the 50 hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas. The Ducks held 50 reserved seats, each adorned with a yellow ribbon, as a poignant tribute to those taken from their families. It is believed that 20 of the hostages are still alive, but all 50 are desperately waiting to be brought home. The message was clear: Bring Them Home Now message.
To begin the night Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr., MBA, JD threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and the national anthems set the tone for the night: Hatikva was performed by Ellie Dreyfus, a Stage 74 performer from the Suffolk Y JCC, and The Star-Spangled Banner was sung by Stage 74 performers Emma Campbell, Raegan Helfner, Avery Kormoski, Maya Sachs, Sophie Karp, Ariana Ramos, Olivia Caraballo, and Ruthie Gentile. Fans also enjoyed on-field games, exciting prizes, and an exhilarating post-game fireworks display that lit up the summer sky.
The Ducks gave the fans plenty to cheer about on a night that was for more than just cheers and baseball. Special guests included Detective Sergeant. Apryl Hargrove, head of the Suffolk County Police Department Hate Crimes Unit.
“Jewish Heritage Night was more than just a baseball game, it was a night of pride, unity, and resilience,” said Rick Lewis, CEO of the Mid Island Y JCC and Suffolk Y JCC. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who came out to stand together, to honor our heritage, and to show unwavering support for Israel, hostages still being held captive, and our Jewish community. A special thank you to the Long Island Ducks and their owner, Frank Boulton, for supporting Jewish pride and making Jewish Heritage Night possible.”
Long Island Jewish Heritage Night was presented by the Jewish Community Centers of Long Island, which includes the Mid Island Y JCC, Suffolk Y JCC, Sid Jacobson JCC, The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC, and the Barry & Florence Friedberg JCC.