Next Wednesday, February 26, during the celebration of 13 years and 600 issues, the Queens Jewish Link is set to honor those who have significantly contributed to Jewish advocacy and the support of Israel. This year’s ceremony will celebrate the remarkable achievements of Dr. Joe Frager, who will receive the Jewish Leadership Award for his 40 years of dedicated activism. Joining him in recognition are Sid Rosenberg, who will be awarded the King David Award, and Dr. Paul Brody, honored with the Jewish Activism Award, celebrating this group’s contributions to Jewish causes and advocacy.
Dr. Joe Frager’s journey is one of unwavering dedication, starting from his early days with Ateret Cohanim 40 years ago. “The year 1985 was the beginning of the rebuilding of the Old City of Jerusalem,” Frager recounts, reflecting on the significance of his work. For those too young to remember, the Old City was not what it currently is: a vibrant hub of international travel that maintains the spirituality and sanctity of being the center of Judaism. Frager was instrumental in the project that has not only revitalized historic sites, but also symbolized the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.
Frager’s activism spans several administrations and has seen him at the forefront of some of the most critical moments in modern Israeli history. One of his proudest achievements was his involvement in the movement to move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a dream that became a reality under President Trump. “We saw President Trump move the Embassy in his first term. It took a lot of effort. No one ever thought it would happen,” he notes with a mix of pride and humility. He recounts pushing for the Embassy move well before it became a major political cause. “In 1992, I spoke to President [George H.W.] Bush. I asked to move the Embassy to Jerusalem.” It was another three years before Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act and another 25 before the embassy was finally moved. Frager’s history with this one issue shows the power of persistence and the need to never give up hope.
His advocacy did not stop at the Embassy relocation. Frager has been a vocal opponent of the Oslo Accords, which he describes as creating “one of the most difficult, challenging parts of my life and most activists’ lives.” His opposition was not merely vocal; he organized significant rallies, one of which directly influenced the decision not to surrender the Tomb of Rachel to the PLO. “September 13, 1993, is a day that will live in infamy in the minds of activists. We’re still fighting Oslo to this day,” he passionately stated.
Frager’s influence allowed him to become friendly with media and political figures, including those who have taken on massively important roles in the current Trump administration. These connections not only allowed him to leverage these relationships to advocate for Jewish interests, it shaped the perspectives of the leaders themselves. His trips with leaders like Pete Hegseth and Mike Huckabee have been instrumental in shaping their views on Israel and the Middle East.
Moreover, Frager’s activism includes cultural and community engagement, organizing concerts in Central Park following the Salute to Israel Parade, chaired by fellow recipient Dr. Paul Brody and his wife Drora, which have attracted thousands yearly. These events have not only fostered community spirit, but have also been platforms for political discourse, with figures like Donald Trump (before he got into politics), and other presidential candidates like Herman Cain and Scott Walker in attendance. “Ten thousand people every year,” Frager says, underscoring the impact of these gatherings.
His approach to activism is holistic, involving writing for influential publications like the Queens Jewish Link, where he is able to frame the narrative instead of allowing the narrative to be framed by the opposition. “Writing is so important,” he asserts, acknowledging the power of words in shaping policy and public opinion. This was especially important in the rollout of the Trump plan to relocate Palestinians in Gaza out of the warzone, when so many immediately refer to this common practice as “ethnic cleansing.”
Frager’s work continues to evolve with the current geopolitical landscape, advocating for annexation and security measures in Yehudah and Shomron, areas he believes are crucial for Israel’s future. “What we can do in Yehudah and Shomron is more than any other time under President Trump. Annexation is the beginning,” he envisions.
This year, at the Queens Jewish Link’s award ceremony, Dr. Joe Frager will stand alongside Sid Rosenberg, known for his media presence and advocacy, and Dr. Paul Brody, recognized for his activism, to receive honors that reflect decades of dedication. Frager’s award is not just for his past achievements but for his ongoing commitment to a future where the Jewish people thrive in safety and peace.
“I spent 40 years doing this. Forty years is like when the Jewish people were traveling the midbar. And now we’re seeing the promised land,” Frager reflects, encapsulating his journey as one that mirrors the biblical narrative of perseverance and hope. His story is one of action, influence, and an unyielding spirit, making him a true leader in Jewish advocacy, deserving of this recognition.
By Moshe Hill
