Community Corner

The National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) thanked Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez and NJ Assemblyman Gary Schaer (Passaic) after they publicly advocated for an increase in security funding in the wake of a wave of anti-Semitic attacks in New York and New Jersey, as well as around the country. The senators are advocating increasing the funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program from $90 million to $360 million, while Assemblyman Schaer called for an increase in New Jersey’s own Nonprofit Security Grant program from $1 million to $9 million.

Just over a year ago, on November 29, 2018, the Queens community was rocked by the devastating, ruthless, and unwarranted beating of David, an innocent Bukharian youth at 64^th Road and 108^th Street. His crime being simply that of his heritage – a member of our Jewish tribe. The gruesome pictures of its aftermath circulated all facets of media like wildfire, bringing the most hardened individuals to tears.

 Yes, you read that header correctly.

Hakerem Wine and Liquor is an extraordinarily popular frum-owned Kew Gardens Hills destination for a variety of alcoholic beverages that often grace our Shabbos tables and shul kiddushim. This past Sunday at 5:40 p.m., the scene inside this establishment, just off Jewel Avenue and Main Street, was one of shock and awe. A man donning a mask, leaving his features indiscernible, brazenly walked in, brandishing a firearm and demanding the cash from the register.

On the morning of Wednesday, January 1, there was a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the air as over 150 Emet students, alumni, staff, and their families gathered in Beth Gavriel in Forest Hills for a delicious breakfast. The occasion was a pre-celebration of the historic 13^th Siyum HaShas, where the group would later join over 90,000 fellow Jews at the MetLife Stadium to rejoice as one. As they boarded coach buses to head to New Jersey, there was a palpable sense of pride at being able to be a part of the amazing culmination of 7½ years of Daf Yomi study.

Congresswoman takes part in NYC march

On Sunday, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) took part in the “No Hate. No Fear.” Solidarity March, standing with the Jewish community against anti-Semitism and hate. The event began in lower Manhattan with participants marching over the Brooklyn Bridge to Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn.