I can hardly believe it: 13 incredible years! The Queens Jewish Link has been hard at work for 13 years strong, sharing stories of triumph, laughter, and inspiration from our ever-evolving Torah communities, the growth of their institutions, and the unwavering support of our elected officials. From the very first issue, it has been a journey of joy and a privilege to capture the unique experiences of our communities – week after week, issue after issue.
It’s not just about the words on the page; it’s about the people, the achievements, and the love that have shaped this endeavor. And now, here we are, celebrating our 600th issue – a true bar mitzvah moment!
As our annual networking event approaches this upcoming Wednesday evening in the beautiful main sanctuary and ballroom at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates, I am absolutely overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support and passion from all corners of our vibrant Jewish community. Rabbosai, sheish mei’os gilyonos itonim! That’s no small feat! First and foremost, I express my deepest gratitude to Hashem Yisbarach for giving us the strength and guidance to embark on this weekly mission and reach this milestone. We are exceedingly fortunate to have such an amazing team of columnists, advertisers, and, of course, our committed loyal readers like you who have been instrumental throughout.
Recognizing those who stand out for embodying our core Jewish values completes a meaningful celebration. The QJL is incredibly thrilled to bestow nationally-acclaimed WABC radio superstar Sid Rosenberg with the King David Award – his second one, mind you. Sid’s fervor for the Land of Israel and her people is unparalleled!
We are beyond proud to honor Dr. Paul Brody of Great Neck – raised in Kew Gardens Hills – with the Jewish Activism Award. From day one, Paul has zealously promoted the Queens Jewish Link, especially on Long Island. I’ve had the privilege of watching him and his esteemed wife Drora rise to prominence as leaders in advocating for the well-being of klal Yisrael. Their inspiring work extends beyond New York, reaching as far as Eretz Yisrael, where they continue to make a lasting impact.
The QJL would not be the same without the respected political commentary found in the Frontlines column by Rabbi Dr. Joseph Frager. His words have consistently elevated our discussions while outwardly showcasing some of the finest leadership tactics found in the Jewish arena. We present Dr. Frager, our columnist of 13 years, with the Jewish Leadership Award, as a token of our appreciation for making a profound impact with his unwavering commitment to defending our beloved values and standing firm against anti-Israel rhetoric without fear of reprisal.
We are inspired by our honorees – three remarkable individuals who have devoted their lives to fighting for peace and serenity for am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael.
Acharon acharon chaviv, I want to recognize the brilliant minds and heartbeats of our team. Without the wit and wisdom of my co-publisher and managing editor Naftali Szrolovits, I’d probably still be wondering how to get the inaugural issue off the ground. Where would we be without the practical counseling of our senior advisor Rabbi Yaniv Meirov of Chazaq fame? As a community visionary, Rabbi Meirov’s beacon of influence has shaped QJL endeavors since our launch.
Special mention goes to our Assistant to the Publishers Shabsie Saphirstein, our Chief Copy Editor Rabbi Yisroel Benedek, and our esteemed Rabbinic Advisor Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld. I congratulate our multifaceted distribution team led by Avi Conway and assisted by Gabe Solomon, covering every Jewish corner of Queens, Long Island, and beyond. I thank our array of educational institutions, organizational powerhouses, and elected officials who have provided our stellar writers with ample material, and of course, to our advertisers – many of whom have been by our side from the very beginning.
Looking back over the past 13 years, I’m reminded of all the incredible highlights. From the September 2017 establishment of our sister affiliate, the Bukharian Jewish Link, which has connected and uplifted the Queens Jewish Bukharian community, to our March 2013 collaboration with Rabbi Moshe Kinderlehrer creating the Jewish Link, addressing Jewish communities across Northern and Central New Jersey, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester in New York, and Connecticut – each historic milestone has been another sensational page chronicled. We are eagerly looking forward to celebrating the 200th edition of the BJL this spring, and with Hashem’s help, Moshe and his amazing team will hit 600 issues in just a few months.
With heartfelt thanks,
Yaakov Serle
Co-Publisher, Queens Jewish Link
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Next Week’s FREE Networking Event – Don’t Miss It!
As we celebrate 600 issues of the Queens Jewish Link, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening of networking, entertainment, and celebration! This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, featuring an incredible lineup of speakers and more than two dozen powerful businesses and professionals.
Event Highlights:
Ceremony Starts at 6:30 p.m.: We will kick off the evening with a ceremony featuring remarks from Hon. Dov Hikind, Founder of Americans Against Anti-Semitism, and his wife Shani Hikind, Executive VP of American Friends of Ateret Cohanim/Jerusalem Chai. You’ll also hear from Paul S. Glasser, VP of Institutional Advancement at Touro University, and a keynote address from Sid Rosenberg, one of our honored guests. A special guest and longtime QJL friend will also share a note of thanks. Don’t miss it!
Networking Session at 7:30 p.m.: At 7:30 p.m., the doors will open for a three-hour networking session featuring over two dozen businesses and professionals, including experts in elder care, real estate, finance, legal fields, and more! This is the perfect opportunity to make connections with some of the brightest minds in our community.
Entertainment and Food: The event will be kept lively throughout the evening by Yoel Magic, our entertainment sponsor, while Top Notch Sushi of KGH will provide delicious hors d’oeuvres before the ceremony. Enjoy light refreshments from SoySauce Glatt Kosher Chinese Takeout during the networking session.
Special Features: All attendees will have the chance to participate in a randomized raffle of Dunkin’ swag, generously provided by the kosher Dunkin’ in KGH. Plus, Magnet Queens will print photo magnets onsite to capture the memories of the evening!
FREE ADMISSION with RSVP:
The event is free to attend with an RSVP. Please make sure to secure your spot by visiting QueensJewishLink.com/expo. Last year, we had over 800 attendees. This year promises to be even more incredible, and we’d love for you to be a part of it!
Join us for a night filled with inspiration, networking, and celebration, as we reflect on our community’s successes and look forward to even greater achievements ahead.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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While words can never fully express our gratitude, we extend our deepest thanks for the generosity of all our networking event sponsors.
Event Refreshment Sponsors
Hakerem Wine and Liquor, SoySauce Glatt Kosher Chinese Takeout, and Top Notch Sushi
Yoel Magic – Our Entertainment Sponsor
Business and Professional Services Sponsors
Art Blazer Life Insurance, Private Driver Moshe Abramov, Advanced Dermatology, Amity Studio, Jonathan Dyckman, Hadassa Couture, Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Nouveau Furniture, Olam Realty Group, The Orlow Firm (Legal Services), PGS, Alan Sherman (Community Advisor), Thomas Sullivan Finance and Investments, US Asset Finders, and Shalom & Victoria Zirkiev
Educational Sponsors
Bnos Malka Academy & Berger Fink LLP, EdFund Consulting, Queens College, Touro University, and Yeshiva University
Media Sponsors
Ami Magazine, Five Towns Jewish Home, 5TJT (Five Towns Jewish Times), Jewish Link, Monsey Mevaser, Power Media, Prime Media, Stellar Printing, Zev Brenner’s Talkline Network, The Jewish Connection, The Jewish Press, The Jewish Star, and The Jewess Patriot, Cindy Grosz
Organizational and Community Sponsors
American Friends of Ateret Cohanim / Jerusalem Chai, Boots for Israel, Chazaq, Hillcrest Softball League, IHF (Israel Heritage Foundation), New York City Public School Alliance, Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, and ZOA (Zionist Organization of America)
