As world leaders converged on New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly, the visit of Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan took on a uniquely local and deeply meaningful dimension, one that brought together two ancient peoples whose histories have long been shaped by resilience, faith, and shared values.
President Khachaturyan, in the United States from September 21 to 25 to participate in the 15th Concordia Annual Summit, used his time in New York not only to engage in high-level diplomacy but also to strengthen bonds on the ground. The Concordia Summit — a premier, nonpolitical gathering held alongside the U.N. General Assembly — convenes world leaders, business innovators, and civil society figures to develop solutions for some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, from security and climate change to economic opportunity and human rights.
In a gesture that resonated far beyond politics, President Khachaturyan marked Armenian Independence Day and Rosh HaShanah by meeting with members of the Bukharian Jewish community of Queens. The historic gathering celebrated centuries of shared perseverance and looked ahead to the possibilities of deeper friendship and collaboration. Facilitated by Joel Eisdorfer and his firm Handshake, the program included a visit to a local shul, where President Khachaturyan was joined by the Armenian ambassador to the United States and members of his diplomatic delegation. Together with rabbis, lay leaders, and community representatives, they engaged in meaningful conversations about cultural ties, mutual support in times of challenge, and the values that unite their peoples. The evening concluded with an intimate dinner, where discussions turned toward future cooperation in areas such as education, cultural preservation, and advocacy.
For the Bukharian Jewish community — many of whom trace their lineage to the historic crossroads of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East — the event. was a deeply symbolic affirmation of friendship between two peoples with parallel stories: both ancient nations scattered across the globe, both having endured persecution and exile, and both committed to preserving faith, tradition, and identity across generations. As Rosh HaShanah approached, the gathering served as a poignant reminder that, even amid global political debates, relationships built on respect and shared values endure. In a world often defined by division, such moments of bridge-building between nations and faiths are not only welcome — they are vital.
President Khachaturyan’s visit to Queens was part of a larger mission to redefine Armenia’s role on the international stage. From his keynote address at Concordia — highlighting innovation, peacebuilding, and strategic partnerships — to his meetings with world leaders and grassroots communities alike, the president emphasized Armenia’s commitment to being a bridge between East and West and a proactive voice for peace and cooperation.
For the Jewish community, the timing of this visit carries a message far deeper than politics. As we recently celebrated Rosh HaShanah, when each of us seeks to rebuild our personal connection with Hashem and with one another, the idea of nations reaching across divides to form bonds of understanding feels profoundly relevant. Just as we pray for shalom in our homes and within Klal Yisrael, we also yearn for a world that reflects those same values — a world where cooperation triumphs over conflict and mutual respect overcomes hatred.
Chazal teach, “HaKadosh Baruch Hu lo matza kli machzik berachah l’Yisrael ela ha’shalom” — “The Holy One, blessed be He, found no vessel that holds blessing for Klal Yisrael other than peace” (Uktzin 3:12). This historic moment in Queens is a living example of that teaching. It reminds us that teshuvah is not only about returning to the Almighty, but also about returning to one another — repairing relationships, strengthening trust, and building bridges that endure far beyond the headlines.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
