Blue cotton candy floated like clouds above the block. DJ Avraham’s music pulsed through the air. And a brightly feathered parrot hopped from shoulder to shoulder, posing for photos. For one brilliant afternoon, 68th Road, just off 112th Street in Forest Hills, became a festival ground alive with joy, generosity, and pride.
At the center of it all was Richard “Richie Rich” Nektalov — a man whose name sparkles in jewelry, but whose true brilliance shines in acts of kindness. With the Richie Rich Wish Foundation and the partnership of Beth Gavriel, AMI Athletics, Kaykov Media, Queens Shmira, and NYPD Community Affairs from the 112th Precinct, Richie placed 1,000 backpacks into the hands of children across the neighborhood.
“There’s no better investment than in our children’s future,” Richie remarked, watching kids clutch their bags with excitement. “Their smiles remind us what community is all about.”
Boys and girls shrieked with laughter as they tumbled through bounce houses, while parents enjoyed ice cream and conversation with neighbors. Avi, a proud student at Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion, couldn’t get over the parrot. “That bird was the best part,” he laughed. “Who knew you’d see that at a block party?” His father, Boris, a Forest Hills resident, looked down at Avi’s new backpack and spoke more seriously. “These backpacks are more than supplies — they’re peace of mind. It means our children can walk into yeshivah with pride and confidence.”
This wasn’t a small neighborhood gathering. Leaders streamed in, underscoring how deeply events like this resonate. Council Member Lynn Schulman joined in handing out supplies, calling the day “full of energy” and praising the Bukharian community for helping children step into the school year prepared. The Bukharian Action Council, represented by David Aronov, registered local families to vote on the spot. “By empowering families to engage civically, we ensure our community’s voice is heard,” Aronov said.
FDNY firefighters and Hatzolah of Queens & Great Neck volunteers opened their vehicles for children to explore, turning sirens, stretchers, and gear into hands-on lessons in safety and service, while Queens Shmira and NYPD officers from the 112th Precinct stood watch to ensure the community’s safety throughout the day. Then Mayor Eric Adams arrived, flanked by Deputy Chief Richie Taylor and officers from NYPD Community Affairs.
“This powerful neighborhood believes in family, faith, business, and public safety,” Adams told the crowd. “Your support for the NYPD and volunteer organizations keeps our city strong. I’m not a new friend, I’m an old friend — and I’ll always stand with you.”
Then he grew reflective, linking the day’s joy to a historic narrative of solidarity. “Half of those who went South during the civil rights era were Jews,” Adams said. “They stood up for what’s right, and some paid with their lives. Today, I’m paying back the community that paid the toll for mine. We are in this together — once they go after one group, in time they will go after another. That’s why we stand strong together.”
Immediately upon arrival, the Mayor sat privately with Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin Ora Nisanov and their daughter Aviva, offering words of strength. That meeting, fittingly, took place in the very home where Richie was raised, surrounded by the Nektalov family.
Josh Aryeh, founder of Smiles Through Cars, also joined the celebration. Though best known for dressing as Batman and surprising children with rides in exotic cars, at this event his presence and message lit up the block. Over the years, Josh’s initiative has touched more than 25,000 children worldwide through moments of kindness and encouragement. “Educating and supporting our youth is the best way to invest in a prosperous future,” Josh told families, echoing the theme that inspired Richie’s work.
Behind the fun stood the quiet force of partnership. Alongside Richie’s foundation, local institutions and businesses stepped forward: Castle Hill Drugs, EmanuEl H. & Co., Lifetime Funding, Sholom Day Care, One Stop Auto Group, Sam & Ko Salon, and Shalom Law Injury Lawyers. Special appreciation went to Rabbi Tomer and Rebbetzin Esther Zino of Beth Gavriel’s Netz Minyan, whose steady leadership helped ensure the event’s success. “This isn’t just about backpacks,” Rabbi Zino reflected. “It’s about showing our children that they are never alone, that their community is behind them.”
The entire event was dedicated in loving memory of Rachel Aliza bat Rabbi Shlomo and Ora Nisanov, a”h.
Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, CEO of Chazaq, summed it up: “Queens was at its best today — a community that comes together with joy, friendship, and purpose to uplift our children.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
Photo Credit: Magnet Queens
