Shabsie Saphirstein

A walk along Main Street in Kew Gardens Hills has become the right of passage for elected officials in the State and City of New York. This past Tuesday afternoon, June 21, Congress Member Tom Suozzi, a commonsense Democrat in the race for governor, visited the neighborhood. His tour began at the Met Council / Chazaq Lev Aharon Community Food Pantry, where Suozzi spoke to the neediest of our community to hear their concerns. “Everything I’ve done in my career has prepared me for the job of Governor of New York,” related Suozzi. “I have a heart for the people and the skills to do the job. While touring the pantry, Suozzi received a phone call informing him that The Jewish Press was formally endorsing his race for governor. I first met Rep. Suozzi at Assembly Member David Weprin’s kickoff event held in New York City earlier this year. It was then that he captivated an audience with his commonsense approach to leadership in New York State and announced his run for governor just days later.

Yom Yerushalayim was celebrated by Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai with a remarkable dinner at Terrace on the Park on Wednesday, June 1. Led by Rabbi Dr. Joseph Frager, Chairman of the Board, and his team of Daniel Luria, Executive Director and International Spokesman; Chaim Leibtag, Director; and Shani Hikind, Executive Vice President; Guests of Honor Josh Nass, Dr. Gene and Polina Berkovich, Michal Harris, and Amalie Heching all partook in accepting their honor for celebrating the heart of Israel and strengthening Jewish roots in Yerushalayim. The program featured remarks by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and New York City Council Member Inna Vernikov, as well as a tribute to Reb Zerach Epstein z”l, and Mel and Mildred Wadler, founders.

With graduation and summer plans in high drive, Shavuos might be in our rearview mirror. But for the almanos who were recipients of Misaskim’s generosity, the Yom Tov will remain a warm reminder of the caring in the Orthodox Jewish community.

Friday, June 3, marked the voting registration deadline for the June 28 Primary Election. Ahead of this deadline, a united voter registration drive was held at Yeshiva Kesser Torah in Kew Gardens Hills on a recent Wednesday afternoon. The shul, under the leadership of Rebbetzin Trani Rosenblatt and Rabbi Avraham Garber, graciously opened its doors to Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations for the Agudath Israel of America, and Rabbi Yaniv Meriov, CEO of the Chazaq Organization, to encourage the steady stream of congregants to have their voices heard on Election Day.

On Wednesday, May 25, in conjunction with World Trade Week, a pivotal forum and reception was held in the economic capital of New York City to unite manufacturers, importers, and exporters with government officials, consuls, and trade ministers from various regions.

As Shavuos concluded, the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills continued its tradition of presenting a critical discussion to the community. This year, the Dr. Simon Lopata Shavuos Forum delved into the changing demographics in Queens. A gathering of men and women spanning various ages and hashkafic backgrounds listened in as Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, CEO of Chazaq; Adam Suionov, Jewish liaison to Council Member James Gennaro; and Jennifer Martin of the Queens Civic Association each gave their assessment of Queens today. Each of the presenters is affiliated or has been a member of an array of other noteworthy credentials, making them knowledgeable of the neighborhoods we call home today.