Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis and Councilmember Eric Dinowitz (center) with members of the President’s Executive Cabinet at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
 
On October 1, Hostos Community College marked a historic and heartfelt occasion: the opening of its new Interfaith Room, a space dedicated to honoring the diversity of faith traditions, personal beliefs, and shared humanity that defines the Hostos family. The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew a standing-room-only crowd in room A-130.
 
Reflecting on the meaning of the new space and the values it represents, President De Filippis spoke passionately about religious freedom and mutual respect, noting: “One of the glories of the U.S. Constitution is our right to worship – or not to worship – as we see fit. Our individual beliefs are not threatened by the beliefs of others. They are augmented and informed by them. This is a nation of many religions, and no matter what others might say, there is room enough here for us all,” she said.
 

 Cocco De Filippis spoke about religious freedom and mutual respect
 
Taking place on the eve of Yom Kippur, the program, moderated by Executive Chief of Staff and Deputy to the President Diana Kreymer, blended solemn reflection with moments of humor and poetry. District 11 Councilmember Eric Dinowitz, chair of the New York City Council’s Higher Education Committee, joined the community with his characteristic blend of wit and sincerity.
 
“On New Year’s Eve, people are joyfully celebrating. On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – the Jewish New Year –, we reflect, apologize, and atone. It’s joy mixed with humility, just as life always is. That’s what I love about the Jewish tradition and what I love about Hostos: it embraces difference with humility and love.”
 

 Council member Dinowitz brought humorous and kindhearted words about the beauty of diversity of belief.
 
The Interfaith Room was blessed with poetry readings offered by College leaders Johanna Gomez, Dean of Student Life; Ivano Leoncavallo, Director of Communications; and Babette Audant, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness.
 
The ribbon was cut by Dr. Cocco De Filippis and Councilmember Dinowitz, joined by the President’s Executive Cabinet. The moment symbolized not just the unveiling of a new space, but the embodiment of Hostos’ mission to welcome all.
 

 (L-R) Dean Gomez, Director Leoncavallo, and AVP Audant.
 
Afterwards, attendees shared in refreshments that reflected the same commitment to inclusivity, with both halal and kosher options provided.
 
The Interfaith Room now stands as a sanctuary within the College, a place for reflection and fellowship; an enduring reminder that, at Hostos, faith and community go hand in hand.