Sunday, May 26, marked a historic celebration in Cunningham Park, as more than 8,000 community members gathered for a grand Lag BaOmer event, honoring the hilulah of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. This extraordinary program was a vivid display of unity, joy, and Jewish pride.
The event featured a variety of attractions and activities that delighted attendees of all ages. Thrill-seekers enjoyed a selection of thrilling mechanical and inflatable rides, while others savored hot foods, cotton candy, popcorn, and a variety of other treats. Carnival booths offered Torah-themed and mitzvah-related games, adding an educational twist to the festivities and delighting the crowds.
The event was praised for its spirit of unity and community. Attendees marveled at the massive turnout and the seamless organization of the festivities. Boris Kaykov remarked, “This was a historic event.” Another participant echoed the sentiment, saying, “I have never seen so many Jewish people come together in joy and pride.”
A highlight of the evening was a special appearance by Sergeant Jeremy Sofiev, an IDF paratrooper and local resident of Jamaica Estates, who recently returned from service fighting against Hamas terrorists in Gaza. His presence added a touch of honor and patriotism to the celebration. Deputy Chief Richie Taylor, Commanding Officer of the Community Outreach Division of the NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau, instrumental in organizing the event, made a surprise appearance, delivering heartfelt greetings to the enthusiastic crowd.
The event reached a climactic moment with the lighting of a massive 10-foot bonfire, a traditional Lag BaOmer tradition symbolizing light, warmth, and the fire of Torah. The bonfire was lit by Rabbi Shmuel Kogan, Director of Ganeinu Academy, IDF Serg. Sofiev, Dep. Chief Taylor, Rabbi Asher Vaknin, as well as Jonathan Matatov and Avrohom Asher Kogan, both of whom played significant roles in bringing the event to fruition.
Adding to the evening’s entertainment, Master Illusionist Eric Wilzig captivated the audience with a spectacular magic show. Major prizes, including an iPad and a Meta VR headset, were awarded, further exciting participants.
This grand event was spearheaded by shluchim for the Bukharian community in Fresh Meadows and Jamaica Estates, Rabbi Shmuel and Shevy Kogan. The celebration was held in partnership with Ganeinu Academy, Chabad Ohr Avner, Young Israels of Hillcrest, Holliswood, and Jamaica Estates, UJA-Fed. of NY, QJCC, BJCC of JE, BJCC of Queens, House of Torah, Sefardic Center of Hollis Hills, and Emet Outreach.
Special thanks were extended to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Community Affairs Commissioner Fred Kreizman, and Jewish Liaison Moshe Davis, who were hands-on involved in smoothening the logistics, enabling the event to kick off; the NYPD; Chief Phil Sparacio and the entire NYC Parks Department; Shabsie Saphirstein and Avraham Pinkhasov and the entire team at Queens Shmira; and all the individuals and sponsors who contributed to the event’s success.
The Mega Lag BaOmer event was a tremendous success, bringing together more than 8,000 Queens residents of local Jewish communities. Organizers, including Jacob Hershkowitz, Rabbi Shmuel Kogan, Avrohom Asher Kogan, Johny Matatov, Ariel Shimunov, Simcha Sommer, Avrohom Yagudayev, as well as participants, are already looking forward to continuing this remarkable tradition in the years to come. A full recap can be found online: youtu.be/hxtohJ1yMGM.
