Local

The JCRC-NY held its annual Congressional breakfast this past Sunday, February 4, at UJA-Federation of New York’s Midtown East headquarters. Bennett W. Golub, President, delivered opening remarks; Cheryl Fishbein, Chair of the Board, presented an introduction for the Congressional presentations; and Noam Gilboord, Interim CEO, offered acknowledgements and closing remarks, while Honorable Mark Treyger, incoming CEO, kicked off with the program’s greetings to the 300+ guests. Israel’s war against Hamas, the future of US-Israel relations, and a surge in anti-Semitism dominated the mic, highlighted by Ronen and Orna Neutra’s remarks, as they yearn to hug their 22-year-old son Omer, held hostage by Hamas.

Great Neck community activist Dr. Paul Brody spent 14 continuous years advocating for the release of Jonathan Pollard, an American former intelligence analyst jailed for spying for Israel. The bulk of these efforts stemmed from Dr. Brody’s work as Chairperson of the Israel Day Concert in Central Park annually each June, where together with his wife Drora they made tremendous impact. Dr. Brody had a long-overdue sit-down with former inmate number 09185-016 who was incarcerated on November 21, 1985, and sentenced to life in prison on March 4, 1987.

The work of Boots For Israel, originated by the Young Israel of Holliswood lay leadership, is well known to our readers. This past Sunday, February 4, talmidim and talmidos from North Shore Hebrew Academy elementary and high school, and Yeshiva Har Torah, along with their families, united for Israel in a mega boot-packing event at Great Neck Synagogue. The program began with an inspirational Minchah that was the perfect segue into a huge chesed undertaking. Fresh pizza was the perfect treat for the young volunteers.

The Executive Board of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens (VHQ) organized a special recognition event this past Sunday afternoon, January 28, to acknowledge the unrelenting commitment of Congress Members Gregory Meeks and Grace Meng to the Jewish People and the State of Israel. Like their staff, the Congress Members have taken on abuse online, at their offices, and have even been followed home by unfriendly observers. Protestors have not been silent in placing immense pressure on those they disagree with, but these two officials have stood, unwavering, in their defense and advocacy of Jewish causes.

Religious Zionist Party MKs Simcha Dan Rothman and Ohad Tal speak with QJL on behalf of IHF

Last Monday evening, I was invited by Israel Heritage Foundation (IHF) for an intimate dinner with Ministers of the Knesset Simcha Dan Rothman and Ohad Tal, both members of the reigning Religious Zionist Party, the far-Right voice with which much of our readership is aligned. The duo arrived in the United States to share the realities of October 7 and everything that has transpired since. They desire Israel’s strong sovereignty in the Yehudah and Shomron regions, Area C.

‘All About Kindness’ and UJA-led program highlighted by participation
of five local schools

An impressive 1,233 volunteers turned out for Lyudmila Mierova’s Queens-based “All About Kindness” annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 15. Student volunteers created hundreds of touching care packages for hospital-bound patients at New Hyde Park’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center and produced memorable arts and crafts for local senior citizens and neighborhood Jewish families experiencing unexpected crises. The program, held in collaboration with UJA-Federation of New York, served the greater Queens Jewish community by exhibiting unification through our shared values.