NEW YORK CITY-Gotham Construction Co.’s Joel and David Picket were honored yesterday at the UJA-Federation of New York’s Real Estate & Allied Trades Division luncheon at Cipriani 42^nd Street.

The pair received the Jack D. Weiler award at the event, which also served as a fundraiser for the UJA’s charitable programs. Over $16 million was raised at the event, a UJA spokesperson tells GlobeSt.com.

“Democracy is about values,” said Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York and the keynote speaker. “It’s about people’s understanding of those values and the ability to behave accordingly.” Aharoni also spoke about the need for educational reform in the Mideast, where in Egypt, for example, “thirty percent of Egyptians 15 and above aren’t able to read or write.”

John Ruskay, UJA-Federation of New York’s executive VP and CEO then spoke about the challenges of fundraising in the current economic climate. The group’s annual campaign closes June 30, he said, and supports numerous charitable programs, such as the group’s Building Repair fund.

Silverstein Properties president and CEO Larry Silverstein presented the Pickets with the award at the event, which was attended by more than 500 people.

Instant Insights /

Gotham&#146;s Pickets Honored at UJA Lunch, Over $16M Raised

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Gothams Pickets Honored at UJA Lunch, Over $16M Raised