Dear Friends,

Some of you have read the article that appeared in this past Sunday's New York Times Magazine. As you are aware, the article was inaccurate and contained blatant misstatements about our community and our religious traditions.

Clearly, many of the quotes, especially those of the anonymous guide, do not represent the view of our community. While our community certainly does not seek out press coverage, this is an important reminder that when a reporter is writing an unsolicited story about the community, it is critical that the reporter be given an accurate portrayal of our community with the participation of community leaders with media experience.

If you or anyone that you know is contacted by any member of the press/media regarding our community, please always refer that inquiry to Sam Sutton, President of the Sephardic Community Federation at (646) 452-5522 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Also, please personally inform Sam or any board members listed below about any media contact or inquiries.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to working together with you in the future as we continue to advocate on behalf of our wonderful community.

Sincerely,

The Executive Committee,

On behalf of the SCF Board of Directors

Sephardic Community Federation

'One Community -One Voice'


Board of Directors

Harry Adjmi*, Ezra S. Ashkenazi*, Aslan Bawabeh, Morris Jack Benun*, Jeff Beyda*, Bobby Cayre*, Michael Cayre*, Abe Chehebar*, Jo Jo Chehebar, Hymie Chera, Mark Chraime*, Betty Cohen*, Norma Cohen*, Haim Dabah*, Isaac Dabah*, Morris J. Dabah* Joe Douek*, Steve Feldman*, Hon. Harry Franco, Ike S. Franco*, Eli Gindi , Isaac S. Gindi, Raymond Gindi*, Eli Lee Greenberg, Esq.*, James Haber*, Michael Haddad, Saul Hazan, David Hidary, David Jemal*, Joseph Jerome*, Chuck Mamiye*, Ben-Gurion Matsas, Morris Missry, Charles Mizrahi, Sarina Roffe, Joe Sitt*, Alberto Sutton*, Dr. Edward J. Sutton, Jeff Sutton*, Ikey Sutton*, Isaac M. Sutton*, Sam A. Sutton*, David H. Tawil, Joey D. Tawil*, Ronald Tawil*, Saul M. Tawil
* denotes Trustee