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NYC Council hosts Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton, rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall

Julie Menin, speaker of the council, and fellow Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz, Lynn Schulman and Harvey Epstein participated.

JNS Staff
City Council Oct. 7
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
(Oct. 7, 2026 / JNS)

Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein hosted Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall on Sept. 23.

The meeting was a partnership with UJA-Federation of New York.

Biton survived the Nova festival. Alkarnawi, who is an Israeli Bedouin, saved him and many others.

New York City Council hosts Oct. 7 survivor and his rescuer
City Council Oct. 7
1 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
2 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
3 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
4 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
5 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
6 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
7 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
8 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
9 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
10 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
11 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
12 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
13 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
14 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
15 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
16 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
City Council Oct. 7
17 of 17
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
New York City Council hosts Oct. 7 survivor and his rescuer
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City Council Oct. 7
City Council Oct. 7
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.
Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, and fellow council Jewish Caucus members Eric Dinowitz (chair), Lynn Schulman (vice chair) and Harvey Epstein host Oct. 7 survivor Shalev Biton and his rescuer Yunis Alkarnawi at City Hall for a meeting in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Sept. 23, 2026. Credit: New York City Council.

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