New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senator Charles Schumer, former mayor Ed Koch and a host of other leading politicians and top Jewish leaders have issued warm messages of welcome to The Jerusalem Post New York Edition, which hits the city's streets Sunday.

Over 100,000 copies of the New York Edition are being distributed free inside the New York Post in selected neighborhoods of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Riverdale section of the Bronx.

Bloomberg described New York as "a city of readers who I think will welcome thoughtful journalism with open arms." In a note of "warm welcome" that appears in the first issue of the 48-page tabloid, the mayor said it was "encouraging to see a new voice trying to make sense of complex issues that are important to so many New Yorkers."

New York Senator Schumer called the new publication "a welcome addition to New York's vibrant and diverse newspaper community." The Jerusalem Post, he wrote, "has a staff of first-rate journalists who will add a unique perspective to issues here in New York and in the Middle East."

Assemblyman Dov Hikind said he was "a big fan and a long-time reader of The Jerusalem Post," and was "thrilled" by the weekly New York Edition. "New Yorkers will have access to the Post's informative articles and features, and you will enjoy a wider circulation in the metropolitan area - a win-win situation all around."

Helen Marshall, Queens Borough President, said she hoped that "it will quickly become a 'must read' and need to increase its press run rapidly."

City Council Member Dan Garodnick said he was "confident that your mission - to deliver a revealing look at the complexity and dynamism of Israeli issues and the Jewish community life, which we hold so dear - will be warmly embraced here on the East Side of Manhattan and across the boroughs."

"The Jerusalem Post, like the city in which it is centered, is unique and well worth reading," said Koch. "Welcome to New York City."

Among Jewish leaders, John Ruskay, Executive Vice President & CEO of the UJA-Federation of New York, said that the paper "adds a unique voice to our vibrant and uniquely diverse community, one that shares an abiding commitment with the people of Israel."

"Having ready access to information about politics, culture and life in our Jewish homeland can only strengthen our relationship," added Alan Solow, Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

Abraham Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, called the new paper "a must-read for the New York Jewish community and friends of Israel."

"Now New Yorkers, Jews and non-Jews alike, can tangibly hold a piece of Israel in their hands every Sunday," wrote Michael Miller, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.

"Readers can look forward to new ideas and perspectives in the editorial coverage," said Russell Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish National Fund.

And Yael Katsman, Director of Marketing and Communications for Nefesh B'Nefesh, said it welcomed "the opportunity to reach out to local New Yorkers and keep them informed of aliya-related events and developments."