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by Shiryn Ghermezian
People wave Israeli flags following the release of hostages who were seized during the Oct. 7 attack by Palestinian terrorist group Hamas and held in the Gaza Strip, in Ofakim, Israel, Nov. 30, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko
In a fashionable show of support for Israel, New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov wore to a gala on Sunday night a custom blue and white gown featuring the Star of David that was designed by celebrity designer and Project Runway season six winner Irina Shabayeva.
Vernikov — a Ukrainian-born American who serves as the minority whip of the New York City Council, representing the 48th District — wore the gown bearing the Jewish star, and the flag of Israel, to an annual gala hosted by the New York Young Republican Club in Manhattan. She said the gown was designed in less than 24 hours by Shabayeva, who is of Georgian, Jewish, and Russian descent.
“So many Jewish New Yorkers & Jewish college students all over our country are afraid to display their Jewish identity, wear a kipa [sic], a Star of David, or express support for the great state of Israel. We cannot be afraid!” Vernikov wrote in an Instagram post that included a photo of her in the blue and white gown. “We cannot remain silent! Be Jewish, Be Loud, Be Proud! This is where we live and we will not be intimidated!”
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Shabayeva shared on X/Twitter a photo of her posing next to the gown while it hung on a mannequin. In the caption, she thanked Vernikov for her “bravery and leadership.”
Vernikov has been outspoken about the verbal and physical antisemitic attacks that American Jews have faced and has been steadfast in her support of Israel, calling it “our only true ally in the Middle East.”
