Community Corner

An opportunity born from hatred yet sustained by heroism summarizes the kickstart and epic growth of the unique chesed initiative, Boots for Israel. In a string of random occurrences reminiscent of those of the approaching Purim holiday, Hamas’ surprise ambush on October 7, 2023, and fateful Jewish geography-like connections led to the phone call between BFI Founder Yakir Wachstock and IDF General Daniel Jacob. This became the first step of an impactful movement that shows no sign of slowing down as orders continue to flow in daily from IDF soldiers for BFI’s much-needed tactical boots.

Since assuming office, Assemblymember Sam Berger of Queens’ 27^th District has discussed important matters of his constituents. As a proud Orthodox Jew, Berger understands and is unfortunately all too aware of the rise in hate crimes occurring in our community and state.

A recent installment in Agudah’s three-part advocacy mission to Albany consisted of delegates from Queens and Long Island who traveled to meet with their legislators and discuss issues facing their communities.

Last week, the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates (YIJE) hosted four courageous women, Anila Ali, Farhena Khorshed, Soraya Deen, Zebunnesa Zeba Zubair, and moderator Tatiana Kotlyarenko, International expert on gender-based violence and human trafficking.

Chazaq recently completed what turned out to be a historic Charidy campaign for the organization. This year marked Chazaq’s largest campaign to date, surpassing its goal of $2.4 million with the support of over 4,000 generous donors – in only 36 hours!

An alleged retaliatory dismissal stood at the center of suit

The reinstatement of a Jewish student at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences was announced this past week by The Lawfare Project, a decade-old non-profit pro-bono Manhattan-based legal service that aims to protect the civil and human rights of the international Jewish community. Upon a recent dismissal from the school’s Physician Assistant program, the student alleged that her removal from the program was done in retaliation for reporting anti-Semitic comments routinely posted by one of her professors from within the classroom.