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COMMUNITY OP-ED MAY 02, 2025 | The Indian Eye 12

Standing in solidarity with our

Dominican community after the tragedy

there that claimed many lives

Two weeks ago, when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed, at least 231 members of our

Dominican family lost their lives, and more than 150 more were injured in the accident

ERIC ADAMS

he Dominican community in
New York City is the largest
Tanywhere in the world out-
side of the Dominican Republic —
we are their home away from home.
Dominican New Yorkers contribute
to every facet of life across the five
boroughs, whether it’s running our
small businesses in the Bronx or
playing in our sports stadiums in
Manhattan and Queens. Domini-
cans are not just our neighbors and Last week, in a sign of solidarity, the NYC mayor mourned with the families in Santo Domingo (Agency photo)
our friends. They are our family.
So, when our family suffers a ited the site of the Jet Set nightclub personal assistance to do everything markable vitality of the Dominican
tragedy, it is our responsibility to be and left a wreath as a symbol of my possible to prevent something like people in spite of loss, their love for
there for our brothers and sisters in love for the people of the Domini- this from happening again. We owe life and unwavering spirit surfacing
their sorrow and in their grief. Two can Republic. And I spoke with the that to those we lost. above sadness — can also be found
weeks ago, when the roof of the Jet families and community members As a man of faith in a country here in New York City, a place
Set nightclub collapsed, at least 231 who were impacted, including the of faith, my final stop was to attend where almost 1 million Dominicans
members of our Dominican family loved ones of a retired NYPD de- mass with the archbishop, Monsi- call home.
lost their lives, and more than 150 tective who died, because their loss gnor Francisco Ozoria, at San Anto- Today, every New Yorker car-
more were injured in the accident. is our loss too. nio de Padua Church. Facing dark- ries part of the Dominican Repub-
Last week, in a sign of solidarity, I I also met with leaders of the ness in the aftermath of this tragedy, lic in their heart. Both of our people
mourned with their families in San- Dominican Republic — its presi- I prayed that the unity of our spirit understand tragedy, but we’re also
to Domingo not merely as the mayor dent, Luis Abinader, and the minis- can be the light that will turn our tough and we never give up. Psalm
of New York City, but as a brother ter of public works and communica- pain into purpose. Because together, 147 says: “He heals the broken-
who felt their pain. tions, Eduardo Estrella — because I we will overcome it. hearted and binds up their wounds.”
The night of the roof collapse wanted to offer our support and see The links between our two com- God bless those we have lost and
was a painful moment for so many how New York City can aid with the munities are never stronger than in God bless the survivors. Our hearts
within our city, and I knew I could country’s recovery efforts. the wake of catastrophe. It was true are broken but our hearts are also
not just show my support from a dis- The NYPD already has an in- in the past, from the destruction left with you.
tance. I was honored to meet with telligence outpost in the Domini- by Hurricane Fiona to the fatali-
the first responders who risked their can Republic that is helping in any ties of Flight 587, and it is true now. Eric Adams is the Mayor of
lives and rushed to the rescue. I vis- way they can. And I offered my own What I saw during my trip — the re- New York City, NY

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