Rain didn’t deter the determined runners and walkers on Monday, May 25, Memorial Day, as they gathered at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates for the annual L’Chaim 5K Run & Walk for Israel. As always, the Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center served as the main sponsor. Boots for Israel – a chesed organization that has sent 52,000 pairs of new boots with personalized notes to Israeli soldiers – was also set up at the event.
Rabbi Dov Lerner, Rav of the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, welcomed everyone to the gathering.
Dror Rosenfeld, one of the event’s organizers, shared that now, more than ever, we need to show our support for our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael. This annual beginning-of-summer event, which everyone looks forward to participating in, was originally started by Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin Karen Hochberg to show support for Israel during the Intifada.
Assemblyman David Weprin noted how, when this event first began, there was a great deal of anti-Semitism; Israel was under siege and deeply needed our support. At the time, Rebbetzin Karen Hochberg insisted that we had to help Israel. Now, 25 years later, we find ourselves under siege again. Israel is at war, anti-Semitism is on the rise, and because Israel is the only democratic country in the Middle East defending itself against the terrorist organization Hamas, we must continue to demonstrate our unwavering support.
Linda Spiegel, Director of Public Affairs for Margaret Tietz, expressed her gratitude to be at the run representing the facility, which is always happy to give back to the community. She shared that Margaret Tietz features a full-time rabbi, Rabbi Zavel Pearlman, and stands as a proud supporter of Israel and the Jewish community. “We are honored to be a big sponsor this year of the L’Chaim 5K Run/Walk for Israel,” she stated.
Following the speeches, fitness trainer Jason Harris helped everyone in the audience warm up their muscles in preparation for the race.
Adam Orlow then took the microphone, praising the crowd by saying, “You are not fair-weather runners. You are real runners.” More than that, he noted, everyone had come out to show solidarity with Israel. He reviewed the basic rules for the race, which included a clockwise loop around Cunningham Park, and reassured participants that police officers and volunteers would be stationed on almost every corner.
Next, Tzvi Rosenfeld led a heartfelt rendition of HaTikvah, with everyone singing along, followed by David Yudell, who beautifully sang the National Anthem.
The first race of the day was dedicated to children ages 2 to 13, and every child who completed the short sprints received a medal.
Though a light rain drizzled, the main race officially commenced with the blowing of a shofar. The group of nearly 200 runners and walkers then took off. This writer was happy to join the ranks of the walkers. The 5K winds through a lovely, scenic route in Jamaica Estates, passing beautiful mansions and well-groomed gardens where the scent of roses and peonies fills the air. Police officers kindly stood at almost every corner as the participants passed by, and volunteers were positioned along the route to cheer everyone on. There was definitely a noticeably larger police presence this year.
The last leg of the race took participants through Cunningham Park. Due to the rainy morning, the usual park-goers were absent.
After a while, I noticed that there were not many walkers directly in front of or behind me. I am certainly not the fastest walker, but crossing the finish line – set up right in front of a public school – still brought an exhilarating feeling of achievement, especially with everyone standing around to cheer you on.
A computer chip attached to your racing number recorded your exact time, allowing participants to see who won both overall and within their specific age groups. A few professional runners joined the race this year as well.
Following the race, everyone filed into the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates to enjoy ice cream, fruit, and pizza, and to hear the announcement of the trophy winners.
The crowd was beautifully diverse, including participants pushing strollers as well as seasoned athletes. In fact, the oldest participant, competing in the 80-and-above category, finished with an impressive time and received a trophy. There were participants of all ages, stretching all the way up to 80 and beyond.
The main organizers of the race were Dror Rosenfeld, Adam Orlow, Evan Kanan, and Julia Bobrow. The event was made possible by multiple sponsors and vendors, and all participants received a free T-shirt.
The entire event was a beautiful showing of achdus. Next year, we hope to hold it in Yerushalayim with the Beis HaMikdash.
By Susie Garber
