UJO Breaks Ground on First-Ever Owned Headquarters in Williamsburg

Top city and state officials gathered Wednesday afternoon for the groundbreaking of the United Jewish Organizations (UJO) of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn’s new headquarters at 498 Bedford Avenue, marking the first time the organization will own its own building since its founding in 1966. The ceremony included HPD Commissioner Ahmed Tigani, City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick, leaders from multiple city agencies, elected officials, community guests, and members of the project team. Before the ceremony, officials toured UJO’s current offices at 500 Bedford Avenue, the historic residence of the founding Grand Rebbe of Satmar, which has been carefully preserved exactly as it was during his time. The visit, coordinated by Yanky Iskowitz from Shomrim and other community leaders, offered officials a firsthand look at the neighborhood and highlighted the project’s significance in honoring the area’s heritage while expanding UJO’s capabilities. Once completed, the headquarters will allow UJO to broaden its services to the 75,000 residents of Williamsburg. The organization provides a wide range of support, including food assistance, health programs, housing aid, workforce development, senior services, advocacy, Holocaust survivor support, and community development initiatives. Officials described the groundbreaking as a major milestone, representing both a physical expansion and a continued commitment to the Williamsburg community after nearly six decades of service.