Local

BIRTHS

David Adler, and Ricky Holder Adler, on the birth of a grandson, born to Jonathan and Risi Finkel of Israel

Shaya and Ariella Adler on the birth of a son. Mazal tov to the grandparents, AJ and Zahava Sabo, Yossi and Pnina Adler, and Benzion and Avigayil Turin.

In a significant move aimed at improving healthcare access and insurance coverage for the Queens Jewish community – and beyond, the Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC) has announced a promising partnership with Keep NY Covered, an initiative dedicated to helping New Yorkers secure the healthcare coverage they need as pandemic-era protections for coverage end. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are at risk of losing their insurance in light of the expiration of the Continuous Enrollment Condition authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This collaboration, designed to provide vital support for residents navigating the complexities of the healthcare system and recent changes in federal law, is thus a timely imperative to serve the community.

Rally For Freeing Hostages Held In Forest Hills

With the first signs of the approaching winter, a crowd gathered at McDonald Park in Forest Hills on Sunday, October 22, for a rally in support of freeing our hostages being held in Gaza. The more we speak out as Jews and as human beings, the more our voice will be heard by our political leaders. In a war that has political leaders, groups on college campuses, and self-proclaimed human rights activists condoning the brutal and barbaric murder of babies, children, and the elderly, condoning the annihilation of entire families – for spending the day at a park or music festival or in their own homes – we, not only as part of am Yisrael but those who believe in humanity, must speak out.

In response to the escalating war in Eretz Yisrael, Chazaq, a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to community enrichment, rapidly and effectively organized a series of 13 chizuk and T’hilim events throughout the tri-state area, and virtually, for Jews around the world to participate, as well.

The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in devastating consequences for the people, especially the innocent children caught in the crossfire. With thousands of children hospitalized and orphaned, there is a severe need for something to bring a glimmer of joy to their lives and distract them from the horrors they have witnessed. In response to this need, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with its members in the toy industry, their partners, and an amazing team in Israel to establish a distribution center and dedicated teams to bring toys to children in the areas under fire.

The serenity of Shabbos took on real significance for students in the Emet Leaders Fellowship. This past weekend, 30 college students from Queens College, St. John’s University, Baruch College, Adelphi University, and other schools left the intensity of their weekday lives for a spiritual Shabbos in Passaic, New Jersey. Celebrating Shabbos was a welcome opportunity to show unity as Jews, in light of the devastating events in Israel and the rise in anti-Semitism on campuses. “It was amazing to come together during such tragic times and keep Shabbos in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel,” said Milana Yagudayev, Queens College student.