Queens Jewry a partner in progress dedicated to building stronger communities through faith, collaboration, and innovation
NYS Governor Kathy Hochul stood at the center of the Queens Interfaith Breakfast held at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queens Borough Hall this past Wednesday, August 14. Kicking things off was a roundtable of Queens’ honorable religious and nonprofit leaders from every major faith and corner of the borough.
Beyond just giving us a place to worship or come together, these institutions fight food insecurity, provide affordable housing, and help their respective communities in a myriad of other ways. The Queens Jewish community was represented by a handful of tried-and-true keepers of our sacred values and traditions.
Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, mara d’asra of Kehilat Sephardim of Ahavat Achim and founder of one of America’s largest kosher food pantries, was amongst the prominent Jewish personages. Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Executive Director of Queens Jewish Community Council, is a trusted partner of both the Governor and the Borough President. Following the profound interfaith experience, Rabbi Waxman ensured the publication of this article as a testament to its success and in recognition of the noble principles, incredible resources, and practical services the event fostered, as the communities of Queens journey forward in unity.
Representing the Jewish communities of Queens amongst the 50 diverse faith leaders were Boruch Ber Bender, Founder of Far Rockaway’s Achiezer Community Resource Center; Sorolle Idels, Chairperson of Queens Jewish Alliance; Rabbi Yehiel M. Kalish, CEO of Chevra Hatzalah VAS; Michael Nussbaum, Former President of QJCC; District Leader Shimi Pelman, President of Tomchei Shabbos of Queens; Rabbi Baruch Rothman, Director of Institutional Advancement at Yeshiva Darchei Torah; and Jenna Citron Schwab, Executive Director of Queens College Hillel, who became a lifeline for Jewish collegiate students struggling with campus anti-Semitism in a post-October 7 world.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards hosted the ceremony alongside the New York State Office of Faith & Nonprofit Development Services, which stands as a beacon of support and resource to expand the state’s faith-based and nonprofit organizations with a mission dedicated to nurturing growth, equity, and connectivity. “Uplifting these communities will always be a hallmark of both our administrations, as is addressing our society’s mental health crisis,” shared Richards, who thanked the governor for providing $1 million to the borough’s five Community Boards to aid in the fight for mental health. State Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblymember Sam Berger, and New York City Council Members Lynn Schulman and Linda Lee were amongst the handful at the governor’s chat.
“With you, we brought together diverse faith leaders from across Queens to foster collaboration and discussion and understand the concerns impacting Queens County,” commented Cloe Andrade, Program Manager for the state. “In these critical times filled with division and strife, it is crucial to have these important discussions and share ideas among diverse faith leaders for sustainable solutions. The insights and perspectives shared will undoubtedly help us move forward stronger and more united than ever.” Fearlessly, QBP Richards repeatedly uses his office and bully pulpit to stand with the State of Israel and the Jewish people whenever the dark, ugly face of hatred dares to surge.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz brings justice for Queens residents every day. As a devoted and outspoken pro-Israel advocate, Katz’ presence was paramount. New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley, Internal Chair of the Interfaith Council, discussed collaborative ideas, and encouraged unity and stronger engagement as harmony’s antidote. Maury Litwack, Founder & CEO of the Orthodox Union’s TEACH Coalition, represents frum ideals on the consortium that empower houses of worship to fulfill their potential as pivotal centers for moral guidance and social support, while enhancing their ability to serve the most vulnerable.
The Office of Faith and Non-Profit provides essential information, facilitates access to state grants, and enhances organizational capacities. Coalition building is a key principle focused on one-on-one engagements, regional stakeholder meetings, and faith-based gatherings. Capacity building, another initiative pillar spearheaded by influential leaders like Reverend Dr. AR Bernard, centers on interfaith dialogue and interagency collaboration to offer comprehensive support services, including mental health directories. Grants and funding are made possible with a strategic and equitable allocation and distribution of funds and resources across various community groups to support their missions and projects. The Housing Initiative is a contingent seeking to leverage faith-based properties to increase housing opportunities. Lastly, Community Outreach and Guide Development aim for a local, regional, and statewide impact with developed guides on mental health, grant application processes, housing initiatives, and creating sensory-friendly spaces, tailored specifically for the faith community.
Our faith-based leaders are vital partners in identifying the best ways to serve our communities. By working closely together, we are better equipped to address the unique needs of borough residents, fostering inclusivity and justice in our initiatives.
