News

Yachad’s annual New York Gala at The Sands in Atlantic Beach brought together hundreds of community members for an evening of connection, inspiration, and shared purpose. The room buzzed with excitement as guests gathered, united by Yachad’s mission and their shared commitment to advancing inclusion and belonging for individuals with disabilities through Yachad’s three pillars: education, employment, and relationships. Throughout the night, the enthusiasm was palpable, fueled by powerful stories of impact and a proud, dedicated community.

On April 29, at an exclusive Midtown rooftop location, Versa, a coalition of legal experts, federal officials, journalists, faith leaders, and digital activists gathered for the “Unite Against Extremism” summit, marking #EndJewHatred Day with a message that was anything but symbolic: The fight against antisemitism has entered a new phase—and demands action at every level of society.

The Jewish War Veterans from Post 652 in Merrick and from Post 717 in Oceanside attended and participated in the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony at the Holocaust Museum and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove. We heard from Holocaust survivor Bertha Strauss, who spoke about how her mother was taken by the Nazis. Her mother was able to send some letters describing conditions in the camps she was in. Ms. Strauss showed letters from her mother and pictures of her family. Ultimately, Ms. Strauss’ mother was brought to Auschwitz, where she was never heard from again. The Jewish War Veterans were asked to light a candle on behalf of the liberators of the concentration camps. In addition, Jennifer DeSena, Supervisor of the Town of North Hempstead, was asked to speak at the Memorial.

Professional purpose met spiritual growth when Emet’s jHealth and jBiz programs each hosted its own Shabbaton on two consecutive weekends. Held in Clifton, New Jersey, the jHealth Shabbaton brought together 30 students from Queens College, Adelphi University, and NYIT, along with a cross-campus cohort that meets at the Emet Center. The jBiz Shabbaton welcomed 15 Baruch College students to the Passaic home of Rabbi Reuven and Mrs. Devorah Kigel.

Participants from across diverse hashkafic backgrounds came together for chizuk, networking, and practical guidance rooted in a shared mission of chesed shel emes.

An extremely inspiring and meaningful career readiness workshop, sponsored by Project Lead, took place at the Bukharian Community Center in Fresh Meadows, with the active participation of over 100 young women from the Bukharian Jewish community. Presenters included Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the first female District Attorney of Queens County, who spoke about her trailblazing empowerment and justice initiatives.