Over 750 guests attended YCQ’s annual dinner. It was a night of achdus, of “k’ish echad b’lev echad,” YCQ at its finest. The 83rd Anniversary Scholarship Dinner took place on Sunday, February 25, at Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation. Zishy and Esther Rachel Barth were the esteemed Guests of Honor, Efrahem and Vered Basalel were honored as Parents of the Year, and Rabbi Ophie Nat received the Distinguished Educator Award.
After a delicious buffet dinner, the program began with the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “HaTikvah,” followed by t’filos for Medinas Yisrael and the IDF, and the singing of “Acheinu.” Mr. Israel Glaser, the Chairman of the Board, then led attendees in T’hilim.
In his welcoming message, Dr. Joel Wein, YCQ’s President, acknowledged the extremely difficult time period that am Yisrael is currently experiencing. “You can destroy, but we will build. You can lie, mislead, and trick, but we will speak our truth, which is G-d’s truth, the Torah. And we will teach that Torah to our children,” he powerfully declared. “You can try to take away our Simchas Torah, but we will gather together to celebrate that Torah and the institutions that perpetuate it,” he added.
The audience was then directed to view a tribute to Efrahem and Vered Basalel, the Parents of the Year. Their presentation also included a befitting dedication in loving memory of Efrahem’s mother, Mrs. Fariha Besalel a”h, who unfortunately passed away just a few short weeks ago.
“What I love the most about YCQ is that when you walk in, you sense the warmth. What’s amazing about YCQ is that it’s able to teach each child, no matter what his or her strengths and weaknesses are, and turn them into super-stars,” Mrs. Basalel remarked.
Rabbi Ophie Nat, who has been inspiring and educating students at YCQ for 20 years, was then honored with the Distinguished Educator Award. Students, parents, and administrators described his ability to simultaneously connect with his talmidim while providing the knowledge and tools to become true b’nei Torah.
The program continued by recognizing the commitment of Zishy and Esther Rachel Barth, the distinguished Guests of Honor. The video celebrated their outstanding leadership, generosity, and unwavering dedication to YCQ.
Mrs. Malka Fishman, Executive Director, noted that Zishy truly works “yomam va’laila for YCQ.” Rabbi Mark Landsman, Principal, added how “he helps in any way to make our Yeshiva an even more wonderful and exceptional place.”
The final presentation showcased the remarkable achievements and milestones of the Yeshiva of Central Queens, underscoring its impact on its students and the broader community.
The magnificent evening concluded with a parade of desserts and the drawing of the grand raffle prize for one year’s free tuition, which was followed by a raffle organized by the Parent-Teacher Organization. They worked tirelessly to get sponsors and vendors to participate in their auction, which featured a variety of exciting prizes.
A tremendous amount of hakaras ha’tov must be given to everyone who made this evening the resounding success that it was.
