In a remarkable display of unity and commitment, members of the Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion Girls High School recently participated in the March for Israel held in Washington, DC. The event brought together many of the YSZ girls, Mrs. Zerykier, menahelet; several faculty members; Rabbi Avraham Fridman, principal, YSZ Elementary; some of his eighth grade students; and members of the Bukharian community, collectively representing our community’s unwavering support for Israel.

One of the hallmarks of MTA is the Names, Not Numbers® course, which is taken as a Senior elective. Approximately two-thirds of the grade typically participate in this extremely meaningful program. Over the past several days, survivors have been coming to MTA to be interviewed by the talmidim who have been learning their stories prior to the in-person visit.

The Yeshiva of Central Queens Third Grade put on a spectacular performance at the annual Intergenerational Melaveh Malkah on Motza’ei Shabbos, November 11. Students beautifully sang Havdalah and Motza’ei Shabbos-themed songs, under the musical direction of Morah Tali Spector. The evening also featured a magic show by Yoel Hecht, a delicious dinner, and a wonderful opportunity for students, parents, grandparents, and teachers to connect with each other. Special thanks to the Third-Grade teachers, Mrs. Lucks, Ms. Laffer, Morah Etty, and Morah Salek, for all their efforts!

On Tuesday, November 14, the Central student body took a day away from the classroom to travel from Queens to Washington, DC, to join many tens of thousands of people in the March for Israel on the Washington Mall. The March was a unique opportunity to express fervent support and solidarity for Israel in a time of war, and to demand the release of hostages held by Hamas. It was also a chance for students to learn a real-time lesson in civic engagement and duty.

While our seventh and eighth graders attended the March for Israel in Washington, DC, our fifth and sixth graders had their own rally in HALB. Students and teachers came together, singing songs of unity and strength, and davening for safety for Israel, the Jewish people, and to bring the hostages home.