Community Corner

Photo credit: David Kirschner - West Hempstead Echo

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, a crowd of over 300 people gathered at West Hempstead’s Halls Pond in support of Israel and to stand against hate. The rally was a call of solidarity from the wider West Hempstead Community, not just the Jewish members, after a series of hate crimes in the community that left cars vandalized, a menorah destroyed, and people harassed on the streets.

The seventh night of Chanukah was a shining moment for Emet Outreach, when over 100 Emet Leaders Fellowship students and alumni gathered for a celebration at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. While Emet’s annual Chanukah parties are always a highlight, this event was especially meaningful, since the theme was in honor of Israel. There was a feeling of comfort and unity among the participants who were excited to share joy at a time of increased anti-Semitism on campus. “The party was beautiful, because we focused on making the students happy. We wanted to give them a night to celebrate and feel connected, after they have experienced so much hate on campus. It was all about them,” said Sara B., Emet Program Director. “It was amazing that even though it was finals week, everyone came and stayed late. This was probably the best party we’ve ever had.”

Despite pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the neighborhood earlier, Chabad of Rego Park joyously celebrated Chanukah outside on December 12.

This past week, Naftali and Beth Bennett dedicated a new ambucycle to United Hatzalah in honor of the first yahrzeit of Naftali’s father, Dr. Allen J. Bennett. The ceremony was held at United Hatzalah Headquarters in Yerushalayim. They were joined by Dr. Bennett’s other children – Chayale Saibil, Rabbis Yossi, Yaakov and Mordechai Bennett – as well as his sister and brother-in-law, Suri and Michael Kest, and many of his grandchildren.

Borough President Donovan Richards hosted his annual menorah lighting on Monday, December 11, with Queens’ Jewish community. Of the event, the Borough President said that every year, it is moving beyond words, and that the celebration of light and the resolve in the air had extra meaning this year. “To all our friends and neighbors who joined us tonight, thank you for being a part of the celebration.” Richards wished all who celebrate across Queens a happy, healthy, and safe Chanukah, adding, “You will forever have a friend here at Borough Hall. Chag samei’ach!” Richards also thanked the UJA-Federation of NY for their support and the gift of a new menorah.

On Motza’ei Shabbos, Parshas MiKeitz, more than 300 friends and talmidim of Yeshiva Madreigas HaAdam assembled to celebrate their 24^th Annual Dinner in the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. As always, the presentation and program were magnificent. A gala feast catered by Upper Crust, along with a marvelous sushi bar from our wonderful benefactor Kevin Cohnen, of Eden Wok of the Upper West Side, ensured that everyone had a wonderful and enjoyable malaveh malkah, which they enjoyed without delay, thanks to the tremendous courtesy that the Yeshiva of Central Queens showed in offering our guests the use of their parking lot.