Community Corner

 You can take us out of Queens, but you can never take Queens out of us.

There was something about growing up in Queens that’s difficult to explain to someone who didn’t grow up there.

It wasn’t just the streets we walked, the pizza stores we frequented, or the places we spent our Saturday nights.

Over the past few weeks, Yachad participants and community partners have enjoyed a number of meaningful experiences that highlight the power of friendship, inclusion, and community involvement.

Kulanu Center for Special Services proudly celebrated the opening of its new Kulanu Center for Adult Services with a joyous Chanukat Habayit (Dedication of the Home) ceremony attended by community leaders, supporters, board members, staff, and friends.

Harry Arnstein survived a concentration camp and served in three armies: the British, Czechoslovak, and American. On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the 99-year-old Holocaust survivor and World War II veteran received an unexpected tribute in Roslyn, Long Island: more than 400 thank-you letters from schoolchildren in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Agudath Israel of America has announced the appointment of Rabbi Ephraim Gurell as Associate Director of New York Government Relations.

On the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, UJA-Federation of New York and the Museum of Jewish Heritage–A Living Memorial to the Holocaust unveiled Rooted: A Testament to Jewish Resilience, a major public art installation created from hostage tags and pins worn by people around the world. Rooted will be on view at the Museum of Jewish Heritage from October 7 through October 26, 2026, before moving to UJA-Federation’s offices.