In a powerful display of unity, tradition, and song, Ohr Natan and the Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC) hosted the 34th Annual Salute to the Russian-Speaking Jewish Community Festival on Sunday, June 29. The event took place at Ohr Natan’s Briarwood shul, drawing a spirited crowd from Queens’ deeply rooted Bukharian and Russian-speaking Jewish communities.
The event was a tribute to generations who persevered through oppression and passed down their mesorah with love and pride.
With NYC Council Member Lynn Schulman in attendance, and support from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, the festival served as a meaningful recognition of the legacy carried by immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) who rebuilt their lives – and their Jewish observance – right here in Queens.
The stage welcomed over 20 performers, representing a variety of musical traditions from across the FSU. Legends like Boris Kataev, Valera Kaziev, Raj Malaev, Alex Malaev, Roshel Aminov, and Michael Brusilovsky performed with emotion and authenticity. Ethnic favorites such as Gavroche Yushuvaev, Edward Mullaev, Yehoshua Mullaev, Avner Shaakov, Chaim Zadok, and A. Radionov added powerful depth to the program with unique artistry and heartfelt presence.
The Shashmakom Ensemble, known for preserving the music of Central Asian Jewry, brought the room to life with haunting melodies and rhythmic flair. The Balalaika Players Ensemble and a dynamic Caucasian Dance Group transported the audience across decades and borders, while the crowd clapped along and smiled with familiarity.
One of the most stirring moments came when the Bukharian Boys Choir, dressed in dazzling black-and-gold embroidered jackets, took the stage. Their harmony and poise brought pride to all – especially the many grandparents and great-grandparents in the audience who saw in them the promise of a vibrant Jewish future.
The crowd was largely made up of elders – dressed with dignity and grace, many in traditional lace head coverings and elegant hats common in the Bukharian community – who grew up under Soviet regimes where Yiddishkeit was silenced. Now, surrounded by Torah, music, and community, they sat tall and proud, living the dreams of their ancestors.
“Today our children and grandchildren sing Jewish songs freely. That is a true miracle.” This powerful sentiment, spoken in Russian by an emotional participant, captured the very heart of the event.
In addition to the rich musical program, brief remarks from community leaders acknowledged the resilience and devotion of Russian-speaking Jewry in Queens. Among them was heartfelt gratitude extended by Rabbi Nahum Kaziev, Rav of Ohr Natan in Rego Park and publisher of the widely read Druzba publication, whose leadership continues to shape the spiritual and cultural identity of the community.
Special appreciation was also given to Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Executive Director of QJCC, for his tireless efforts in bringing this vision to life. The QJCC represents over 90 synagogues and Jewish institutions across Queens and plays a vital role in supporting seniors, immigrants, and communal engagement efforts throughout the borough.
The event was beautifully executed through the combined efforts of dedicated organizers, artists, and community leaders who believe deeply in the importance of cultural memory and communal pride. A true kiddush Hashem, the program highlighted what makes our Queens communities so exceptional: deep faith, cherished tradition, and a culture that refuses to fade.
