The spirit of chesed and communal responsibility filled the Beit Eliyahu of Fresh Meadows social hall on Wednesday evening, February 25, as Chaverim of Queens and Great Neck hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. More than 100 volunteers and supporters gathered to recognize the individuals who quietly keep the borough moving, often arriving at the scene of everyday emergencies long before anyone else.
For nearly two decades, Chaverim volunteers have answered calls across Queens and neighboring communities, assisting residents who find themselves stranded with flat tires, locked out of their homes or vehicles, or dealing with other unexpected challenges. The work is rarely glamorous, but it is indispensable. At all hours of the day and night, volunteers step away from their families, workplaces, and personal commitments to ensure that help arrives quickly when neighbors are in need.
Founded in 2007 with the magnanimous assistance of Mr. Jack Friedman z”l’s family, Chaverim of Queens began as a modest grassroots initiative with only a small group of volunteers. Over time, that vision grew into a highly respected emergency assistance network that now serves thousands of residents throughout the borough each year.
Serving as emcee for the evening was Avigdor Cyperstein, co-founder of Chaverim, who addressed the audience on behalf of his father, Reb Aaron Cyperstein, president of the division, who was delayed in Albany.
Cyperstein reflected on the broader mission of the organization and the deeper meaning behind its work.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came with the presentation of the Champion of Justice Award to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. The award recognized her ongoing commitment to protecting Queens residents and her office’s partnership with community organizations dedicated to public safety.
Reading the inscription on the award, Cyperstein noted that Katz was being honored for “her unwavering commitment to justice and community service, and for her dedication to fairness, equality, and public safety that has made a lasting impact on Queens County.”
Taking the podium to warm applause, Katz expressed gratitude for the recognition and for the volunteers who serve the borough each day.
Katz addressed the rise of antisemitic incidents in the city and the importance of strong partnerships between law enforcement and community organizations.
“Seventy-seven percent of the hate crimes in Queens are antisemitism, and fifty-three percent of the hate crimes in New York City are antisemitism,” she noted. “When someone is attacked because of their religion—no matter which religion it is—my office steps in.”
At the same time, she emphasized that organizations like Chaverim play a crucial role in strengthening neighborhoods and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
“When people see that a community is watching out for each other, that matters,” Katz said. “Organizations like Chaverim bring people together and make neighborhoods stronger.”
Reflecting on the organization’s early years, Katz recalled the moment when the idea was first introduced.
“I remember when you started—you were maybe ten or fifteen people,” she said. “It’s unbelievable to see how much it has grown.”
Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized that the volunteers’ efforts represent far more than simple roadside assistance. Each call answered, each tire changed, and each neighbor helped reflect a culture of chesed that extends far beyond the moment itself.
“There’s no glory, no lights and sirens,” Cyperstein remarked. “But every time someone leaves their home or office to help another person, they’re demonstrating what true chesed looks like.”
Special recognition was also given to Josh “Shuie” Alter, Eli Kreindler, Eliyahu Love, and Moshe Vatch for their leadership and tireless coordination of Chaverim’s day-to-day operations. Behind the scenes, they help ensure that the organization’s growing network of volunteers remains organized, equipped, and ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
Today, Chaverim of Queens and Great Neck responds to an average of more than 20 service calls each day, covering neighborhoods throughout Queens and beyond.
The organization is also working toward expanding its infrastructure, including efforts to secure a garage in Kew Gardens Hills where equipment could be stored and accessed around the clock, which would significantly strengthen response capabilities.
The evening included recognition of several of the organization’s most active members. Among those honored were Nesanel Schechter (who was also noticed for responding to the most calls), Yaakov Sobel, and this writer, Shabsie Saphirstein, who each dispatched roughly 450 service calls over the past year. In addition to dispatching calls, the trio handled countless follow-up communications and provided informational guidance to volunteers and community members seeking assistance—an often unseen but essential part of ensuring that every situation is resolved efficiently and with care.
Mazal tov was extended to Rabbi Akiva Spingarn, Executive Director of Bnos Malka Academy, and Aviel Livian, Vice President of Originations at RJL Capital Advisors, who will help guide the organization in this new leadership role in Queens and Great Neck, respectively.
Guests at the appreciation dinner were treated to an elegant meal catered by M. Freund Events.
Nearly 20 years after its founding, Chaverim of Queens continues to embody the timeless Jewish value of helping others quietly and selflessly.
In a borough as large and diverse as Queens, that spirit of responsibility and kindness remains the foundation of strong communities, and Chaverim volunteers continue to ensure that when someone needs help, a friend is never far away.
Residents who require assistance can contact the Chaverim of Queens and Great Neck 24-hour hotline at 718-441-0505, where volunteers are available around the clock to provide help.
