Community Corner

On April 29, at an exclusive Midtown rooftop location, Versa, a coalition of legal experts, federal officials, journalists, faith leaders, and digital activists gathered for the “Unite Against Extremism” summit, marking #EndJewHatred Day with a message that was anything but symbolic: The fight against antisemitism has entered a new phase—and demands action at every level of society.

Briarwood

Professional purpose met spiritual growth when Emet’s jHealth and jBiz programs each hosted its own Shabbaton on two consecutive weekends. Held in Clifton, New Jersey, the jHealth Shabbaton brought together 30 students from Queens College, Adelphi University, and NYIT, along with a cross-campus cohort that meets at the Emet Center. The jBiz Shabbaton welcomed 15 Baruch College students to the Passaic home of Rabbi Reuven and Mrs. Devorah Kigel.

It is one thing to see a need in the neighborhood, but it is another to step up and meet it. After this past winter’s snowstorms brought a record number of calls for help – from frozen locks to cars stuck in drifts – Chaverim of Queens & Great Neck knew it was time to expand its team. The response to its recent call for volunteers was immediate, leading to the successful onboarding of 15 new members this past week.

An extremely inspiring and meaningful career readiness workshop, sponsored by Project Lead, took place at the Bukharian Community Center in Fresh Meadows, with the active participation of over 100 young women from the Bukharian Jewish community. Presenters included Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the first female District Attorney of Queens County, who spoke about her trailblazing empowerment and justice initiatives.

Families from across Queens filled the streets of Rego Park on Tuesday afternoon as Chabad Youth of Queens, together with the Queens Jewish Community Council and Emu Health, hosted a Grand Lag BaOmer Carnival along 65th Avenue between 99th and 102nd Streets.