News

The Israeli soldiers who discovered the tunnels under UNRWA as well as those who recently rescued two hostages shared something in common: footwear. Their brand-new, high-quality boots were donated by Boots for Israel, an initiative spearheaded by NSHA alumnus Yakir Wachstock. Founded shortly after October 7, Boots for Israel has already delivered 40,000 boots to Israel Defense Forces soldiers — and isn’t about to stop any time soon.

The Zohar tells us that Yom Kippur, the most spiritual day of the year, is really Yom Ha’K’Purim, which means “a day like Purim.” (Tikkunei Zohar 21: 57b)

Pink Day at MTA was a great day. A day of fundraising, fun swag, special snacks, and awareness for the extremely impactful organization, Sharsheret. The entire yeshivah felt the energy of the special day, and participated in raising money for Sharsheret, which is dedicated to helping families facing breast and ovarian cancer.

24 years, Dad,

Have gone past,

Since that ninth of Adar

When we saw you last.

You were the classic

Renaissance man

Not everyone

Could understand,

Starkly honest and stoic

But brave and heroic,

The heart of a lion

And the soul of a poet.

You fled the Shoah,

Landing in Peru,

Crossed Titicaca,

Climbed Machu Pichu,

Trekked the Amazon jungles

Like Indiana Jones,

Saw teeming piranha

Turn a beast into bones.

You found your way

In America

Found your angel,

Your calming breeze,

Our Emmalika.

Beginning all over

Was a difficult quest,

Our family struggled

But we were loved

No less;

We’d go for rides,

Watch planes take off

At JFK,

Or head for the ocean,

Your happy place.

Erudite in world history,

Spoke seven languages

Fluently,

Sought out the best

Like “El Exihente”

In a world enmeshed

With mediocrity.

Taught us to hate

Injustice and evil,

To love Israel

And the Jewish people;

You lived a life rich

With adventure and fun,

Travails and challenges

To overcome.

So glad you saw Avraham

And he got to see you;

I can see your eyes shine in him,

Icy blue.

With Emma in Shamayim

Forever in love,

May your neshamah

Have an aliyah,

Pesach Zev ben Dov.

By Sharon Marcus

On Sunday, February 25, the Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) will host its 83^rd Annual Scholarship Dinner at Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation. This prestigious occasion seeks to pay tribute to individuals whose steadfast commitment and remarkable contributions have left a profound impact on both the Yeshiva and the wider community. This year, YCQ proudly recognizes these remarkable honorees: Guests of Honor Zishy & Esther Rachel Barth, Distinguished Educator Rabbi Ophie Nat, and Parents of the Year Efrahem & Vered Basalel.

This upcoming Wednesday, February 28, the Queens Jewish Link, in partnership with its sister publication the Bukharian Jewish Link, will host an evening of networking, open to all.